WINTER OR/ HOLIDAY LAKE 2013 RACE REPORT

 I had an amazing trip to Salt Lake City for OR!! ( THANK YOU MTN SPORTS for letting me go! ) it seriously was a wonderful experience.  I learned so much! met so many cool people in the industry. It was invaluable I feel to meet with reps, and sitting in on meetings with Steve ( my boss ) and the reps.  I can earnestly say I LOVE LOVE LOVE working for Mountain Sports so much. It truly is a special store owned by the nicest family. Please support them and BUY LOCAL!!! Your local independent dealer gives you costumer service, one on one interaction you will never receive with an online purchase or from a big chain/ big box store. :) 

 It truly was so wonderful. Brock got to go as well, and I know he really enjoyed walking around the convention center while I had appointments, and we went skiing together one day. Brock and Steve went to a utah jazz game etc. so I know he had a great time as well. 

mtn demo at solitude 

Solitude ski resort

View down big cottonwood canyon ( from solitude ski resort) Wasatch 100 2014?? I think so. 

 I couldn't find my helmet so I used one of brock's. and wore a knit hat with it.  does it make my cranium look extra large??

                                            North Face lounge thingy at OR

 more ski pics from solitude

 COOL KUHL truck outside the salt palace

 My boss and one of my favorite people: steve cheers. He hates having his picture taken and wasn't too thrilled with me snapping this one -- can you tell?

 The CEO of GO pro had one of his Porsche's at their booth. We thought it was pretty cool. 

. Salomon is outfitting me for the 2013 racing season in exchange for some ambassadorship responsibilities.  I had just received my gear and was SO excited to get to try out some of the new clothes and shoes for this race! I wore the XR missions a couple of runs the week before the race and decided to go with those. I'm a HUGE fan of the SLAB series, I wore them during Umstead 100-- very cushy-- just wear long socks:) Salomon is coming to Mountain Sports Ltd to have a couple demo days this year. Very excited to lead some fun trail runs in the area and let runners see all the new shoes Salomon has in their line up. I am really interested in the Fellraiser and the Mantra models. I haven't gotten my hands on them, but hope to soon and do some shoe reviews.  I'm really extremely grateful to Salomon for just giving me the opportunity to wear their things and promote for them, and i'm really motivated to train and race hard this upcoming season:) 

 Really excited about demoing cool products for Salomon like these gloves for example-- cool, huh??

 it snowed a couple times the past couple weeks. Here is a shot my friend Ginger Stewart took on the VA creeper trail. I do most of my speed work on the creeper. It's a rail to trail-- very flat and runnable  hybrid trail that is 34 miles long one way. and just a great place to run hard  on a soft surface and not worry about foot placement too much. 

 The weekend before holiday Lake 50k the IMTR's  ran 17 mile route we call "orange dot" it has alot of big climbs and is just a very fun route that utilizes the AT, Tn side of the Iron Mtn trails. It was cold and snowy that morning and I had to capture Tim Lamie with his uber beard he is growing for the winter. very impressive.  Very fun day on the trails and post run, we all ate at Blue Blaze Cafe ( in the location of the pizzeria formerly known as "quincy's" ) yall check it out if you are ever in Damascus. 

 My australian shepherd, maverick loves to run and play. We have been having fun in the snow the past couple weeks. 

 i also was excited that I had gotten some GU products to use for my 50k-- and for training and racing the next 6 months or so. Super elated to be on the Gu ultra team they call the "Gu crew".  Once I get the dates for my clinics on sports nutrition, I will post them here and on my FB.  THANK YOU GU ENERGY LABS!! 

 I was very happy about using GU brew instead of Nuun in my hydration bottle.  I've used Nuun for years-- most of the time just eating tablets because dissolving them in water was such a muted flavor-- and I found it a little hard to drink with exception of doubling up tablets in my bottle, but was intrigued by the different flavors GU brew has-- they are tablets too-- so was happy to try those out.  Let me tell you the flavors are SOO much better. Peach Tea is my favorite!!  Blueberry- pomegranate is another favorite. 

 Gu brew was also what was out on the course for holiday lake so that made it very easy for my fueling at the aidstations brock couldn't get to-- knowing I was using the same products and that would probably be more agreeable with my tummy.  I'm super excited to experiment with all the Gu products and find a good combination  for my racing nutrition plans especially for my 100 milers for this year. 

HOLIDAY LAKE 50k Race Report: 

 wow. that didn't go the way I had planned!!  How many times in life have things happened that throw you off course and try to detour you from your goal? it happens all the time. That is why it's so important to stay flexible, focused on the finish line and not get discouraged-- even when things don't go your way or you don't achieve desired results.

 My goals for Holiday lake were pretty simple. LONG RUN for OD 100. I'm just now starting to train seriously after hell gate 100k/ break during the holidays. So I didn't taper for this race or really make it a  big deal. I idealistically wanted to run about 5:20, what I ran the previous year. but knew going into this race I was much more leg tired than what I was last year. I feel my base is great. but as far as leg speed and cadence.. I haven't really done any speed work since before Grindstone, so I knew that was out the window. So I came to this race with the mindset to do my best, but enjoy the day and just get time on my feet. ( boy did I jinx myself- self fulfilling prophecy there!!) 

 I was thrilled that Brock and the kids were coming to crew for me. The kids hadn't been to a race in a while and really are excited about me racing and helping ( they love to hand me things-- and run, play and have fun while waiting for me at Aid stations) So that was another plus in holiday lake race weekend that we were all together as a family. We had a great meal at Wasabi in Lynchburg Friday night, took the kids swimming at our hotel before retiring for the evening because we had to get up so early (4:30 am!!)

We got to the  start RIGHT in time. I had the chance to go to the ladies bunk house and say hi to ALL my ladies!! ( prissy and martha, diane etc) and tell them good luck and before i knew it we were lining up and were off. 

 starting off I was running about 9 min pace and felt slow really kinda stayed in the same gear all day.  Wish I had more exciting things to write about!! it just is what it is. off day. 

 going through the first AS.  HIDEE Bill Potts and Clark Zealand!! 

 going around the bunk house at the turn around.  Amy Albu is in front of me in the hot pink skirt. 

 
 My son Jack switching bottles for me at the half way point.

 Harry landers, myself and Laura Duffy about mile 21

 It was SO great to see so many IMTR's and my friends having good days and running strong. YEP, it really kinda made me have crazy thoughts during my race like: 1. I should of tapered. 2. I need speed work  and other things lamenting for feeling slow and having a ho- hum run... some runs are just like that-- but it makes you appreciate the special runs when races go well-- AND I don't want to be peaking now anyways!! I want to be peaked june 1st. it's okay where I am:) I had to remind myself of my goals for this year and what Im out there for. 

 BUT I was on pace to finish 5:25-30.. and I was happy with that.. I kept harry landers in my sights. and knew I was going to be okay. I counted on the turn around and knew I was 13th woman at mile 29. -- been doing a stellar job of falling back in the field through out the race. 

Well coming out of the last Aid station for SOME STUPID REASON. I didn't turn left down the road..  I ran straight into the woods?! and ran and ran and found myself on lake side trail. crossed a bridge and realized I was on the wrong side of the lake!!  I looked across the lake and could see runners running at what I call "2 miles to go" at the picnic area. HEAD SMACK!! 

 I was frustrated at my stoopid blunder at first. upset that I would now finish WAY behind where I was supposed to because I now had to run ALL the way back practically to the last AS.  but I quickly mentally shifted gears and actually had MORE FUN running the bonus miles and then once I got on the right trail, the last 3 miles. My feet didn't hurt. I felt fine. I wasn't tired. I felt I could go run another 50k. lol like I was just getting warmed up. maybe I was just getting warmed up and that was the problem.  I finished in 5:58.  I will say this is the first ultra in a LONG LONG time ( maybe ever?!)  I finished with skinny fingers!!! that  is exciting. I ate GU/ GU roctane and drank GU brew only in my bottle this race. no S caps. it was a cool day 25 at the start and 45 at the finish.  HMMM.  interesting!!! 

  I once was lost but now am found!!  Finishing with some extra miles on my feet, no worse for wear and just happy to be there with boys.  I love these little guys more than anyone else on the planet. My kids are my everything. After the race they both told me they were so proud of me for not quitting even if things weren't going my way. It's amazing they are 5 and 8-- and they GET it that early.  I really want  more than anything them to learn to set and achieve goals for themselves, but also I want them to know the importance of good sportsmanship and being apart of community and the JOY it adds to your life.  The Ultrarunning community adds a tremendous amount of joy to mine. You guys are like family to me, and the races a big family reunion and celebration of what we do!! :)

 ALL the charlottesville crew gave me the stupid award!! lots of hugs and laughs at the finish line. 

I'm here with Harry landers, bob clouston ( picture courtesy of Sophie Speidel) 

So week after holiday lake, I'm super accepting of how it went down. If I run it again, I will be WAY more aware of coming out of that Aid station. and not be dead heading around and get myself lost.
I really just rested that sunday, I feel pretty unfazed by my 37 mile long run. Life is random. Many times things dont work out the way you'd like them to, it's important to be flexible, re-group and revise things and THEN go back after it.

I'm happy to think about Terrapin MTN 50k and getting ready for that. It's more my cup of tea and I fairly sure I wont get lost on this course. I skipped it last year, so I'm excited to get back there. I'm going on the road the next couple weekends for some group long runs. in C-ville and Roanoke. :) YAY!!! and then have terrapin march 23rd. and maybe a trip to the barkley the week after. ( to watch/help crew)  April will be a very big month too!!  so I will be  taking tons of pics of my advenures in march and do a couple blog posts-- back to my resolution to blog more this year!!

 This is a cool panorama of my parent's farm in richlands, va. This is the view from their front porch overlooking their property. I never get tired of it.  and just wanted to share.  CHEERS YALL!!! 

looking to 2013 epic adventures with tons of training and racing thrown in for good measure

When I think about the upcoming year I'm so filled with optimism, hope and excitement for all the adventures that lay ahead. 

 My 2013 race calendar is shaping up. I'm excited to focus on my goals, and spend my time in between training and adventuring : playing with my kids supporting them in their extra curricular activities: cubscouts and they are going to play soccer for the city of bristol's league, family camping/hiking/being outside for tons of time, swimming,  biking,  yoga, reading good books, eating good food, making jewelry, knitting-- and just try to be an even better mother, wife, daughter, neighbor, friend, person...   it's an on going process, each year I learn more, become wiser through life experience.

 Embrace what/those who are truly important and dear to me-- let go of the people who are critical, toxic, try to bring me down,  and really just take away from my general  happiness and well being. That has been a tough lesson this past year. When people lash out or as I like to say "hate on you" -- 99% of the time it has little to do with you.  I'm the type of person who tries to love everyone, so it's hard/ really hurts when you encounter that rejection. but just the realization-- that I don't place my self worth and value based upon the opinion of others--   just as Thoreau says " KNOW THYSELF"  Ultra running has given me that.  Jenny REALLY knows who she is in a clear and concise way.  As long as I love and accept myself-- it's really all that matters-- the rest all falls into place, and  everyone else can just play catch up:P 

 The longer I am in this sport, the more I realize I run much better if I have balance. Yes, I have a VERY VERY busy, VERY FULL hyperactive life. but the fullness of it and flurry of activity really makes me so happy. When I feel like I'm living life to the fullest and accomplishing  my goals-- is when I'm happiest and fulfilled.  balancing my family, friends, running and now, my job at mtn supports: It  seems when I'm  busy like this and not so one dimensional-- I run WAY WAY better. That was the theme for 2012. definitely going to apply the same method for 2013. Train smarter not harder. My work ethic, motivation and drive is just fine:) but my tendency is to over train-- and get hurt or tired ( both!) Eric Grossman really helps reign me in when it comes to running too much:) thank you, eric for saving me from myself. :) 

OKAY couple of cool things going on: 1. I got picked up by GU!! I'm extremely honored, humbled and excited to  represent GU, promote, and use their products to fuel my training and racing! As a GU athlete, I'm going to hold a couple free clinics/fun runs where we run first and then I give a small lecture on sports nutrition and fueling during endurance events. ( and of course promote GU) 

 My good friends at Fleet Feet Sports in Kingsport is going to let me  hold one there at the store. ANNND My wonderful place of employment, Mountain Sports LTD is hosting several clinics. THANK YOU STEVE AND BOB. Also several more trail running events are in the works through Mountain Sports. Heads up yall!  Details to follow.  but hopefully, group runs, Demo days ( where you can try out shoes and gear on some local trails) Mountain Sports is a wonderful ( and VERY SPECIAL)  locally owned independent store located on commonwealth Ave in bristol, Va. and it's a joy to work there-- where else can while at work:  play with outdoor gear, listen to Sam bush, and EVERYONE is happy and nice-- one of the most positive vibes in this store. :) Super Excited they are jumping in with both feet to be apart of the local trail and ultra running community. 

 and another thing I'm excited about: I'm going to OR!!! ( thank you steve!! :)  can't wait to go to meet with reps and check out all the lastest gear!! I am so enjoying learning about the retail side of the outdoor industry. :) 

 another resolution: I really am going to try to blog more regularly for 2013:)  hope ALL my friends has  a wonderful 2013 and many many epic adventures out side. :) 

Lastly: here is a little picto blog I have thrown together to give you a glimpse of what i've been up to lately. :) 

  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  Our family rang in the new year with many good friends at South Holston Lake. Jj and bonnie Jessee hosted a fabulous bonfire party:) the kids had a blast!!

                 the next weekend I ran at Mt rogers with Joey, dennett and beth. Mt Rogers has always been a tough place for me to run, the rocky terrain, and for some reason I really feel the elevation change of going from 1,800 to 5,500ish ft. -- no matter how much I've suffered up there on that mtn, I always drive back home renewed, refreshed, revitalized in my zeal and love for what I do.

                               I entered another 100!! woo hoo! June 1st baby!! it's ON!!!  OD, OD OD is my mantra for the next six months, yall.

            Cool pic of DD and I hiking up a cliff at mt rogers

              AT snow run in Damascus on Jan 18th. incredible views and very fun running in the deep fluffy snow

                          ICE up at mt rogers. This was taken on a hike to the summit with my best friend from high school angie Tague was visiting from spokane, WA and came to go adventuring with me at Mt Rogers

          Kids and I build a very distinguished snow man...  they were very proud of him

                             Beth minnink and I at mt Rogers enjoying a 2 mile section of ankle deep muck:)

 and lastly here is a link to a cool Video of us in some high winds on Mt rogers on a rock cliff that was really slippery, wet and lil scary!!

Hellgate 100k Race Report-- a month later

        A month ago, I ran my second hellgate 100k. Upon reflection, I'm sitting here wondering how I can adequately express why  it's taken me a month to write my thoughts, impressions and experiences  about the race. Just being genuine: Ive had alot going on in my life. Good, Bad, Ugly and Beautiful. 2012 was full of extreme highs (   fantastic summer and fall with the boys-- full of adventure,  CTR 10k was so successful, Umstead 100!! Grindstone 100, !!!) and extreme lows --  that were beyond my control. 

 timing for all this was terrible. Having ran the course last last year. Knowing what I was up against-- all the vertical climbing, sleep deprivation, and technical terrain.  and I've ran 2, 100 miler races. 100 milers are a new distance for me and I felt a little insecure about my recovery from Grindstone.

But I refused to focus on that. I decided to focus on 1. I'm a good person who although isn't perfect-- I strive to do the right thing and treat people the way I would like to be treated. I can only give account for myself and my actions 2. I knew in my heart my intentions, my thoughts and my motivations for my running is for personal growth. When I reflect back on all the experiences of the past 3 years! running in the mountains has given me so much JOY and UltraRunning has made me physically, mentally and emotionally a strong, tenacious, independent, capable strong willed and unbreakable  gal. :)

 no matter how I felt, or I knew I could eat drink and keep moving forward until I got to the finish line. 

 I truly feel choosing your attitude and focusing on the good is KEY in these longer events. Also, surrounding yourself with positive people is key. And another thing I'm blessed with: people who love me. The encouragement from my running friends, my coach, my yoga friends, my parents to complete Hellgate 2013 really solidified my desire to toe the start line. My brother Brian and my sister in law Tammy who crewed me at Grindstone, committed to crew me at hellgate.  I felt that was half the battle, I knew if I had someone there at the Aidstations, it would hold me accountable. 

The Friday after Thanksgiving, I road tripped to cville to spend time with what has quickly became my "extended family" in Charlottesville, The Spiedels:) 

 I ran up hawksbill with Sophie, VHTRC, and the Lundblads. This was my little litmus test to see if I truly would decide to start hell gate. This run went pretty well. It was a beautiful, warm, crisp late fall day, and I truly enjoyed spending time with  positive people: sis, marc, anne, and all my other awesome ultrarunning friends. 

 This picture is so awesome that  sis/Sophie had it printed and framed and gave it to me for christmas!! :)

 I had alot of craziness the week of hellgate. of course! but I went onward and laid out my gear, replaced the batteries in my trusty petzl myo, gathered my gels, handhelds, and printed out crew directions and maps. 

 I drove to camp bethel friday evening after taking my kids to my parents house in richlands.  I really just enjoyed the windshield time, listened to music, and mentally prepared myself for the task that would be soon at hand. 

 I met brian and tammy we transferred everything to my car, and then I went to the racers meeting feeling pretty relaxed and happy

                                               sophie was relaxed and happy too.:) ready to go celebrate being alive by running in the mtns all night and all morning, into the afternoon.


 I went back to the car and took a 2 hr nap, and then got my clothes on and sophie and I rode to the start with my brother and sister in law.
  I got a chance to climb into the Grossman VW van for a couple of min to spend time with Eric ( my coach) Beth Minnick ( one of my oldest and dearest running friends I have) and Jj Jessee ( who was my super crew and pacer last year at HG 2011) and micah Mc Faddin, a yougun  in the ultraworld and one to lookout for--

 I started the race feeling fast but comfy and hung right with marc griffin. I was mere feet behind 1st and 2nd place ladies and was happy to be there in 3rd.  but them in my sights. I started to feel optimistic and hopeful-- I was feeling strong-  after the first Aidstation and starting the climb up to petits gap, I passed Holly Bugin, and stalked Kristen  ( the eventual Hellgate woman's champ) and Chris Scott:P

 I actually bounced ahead a couple times, and had a blast getting to know the both of them going up camping gap, but on the promiseland section, Kristen pressed on and I felt like I was working too hard. but felt MUCH stronger on this section than I did the previous year. I knew I was going to PR and do fairly well in comparison to HG 2011. Sophie ( man I was so happy to see her) caught me at the falls there at AS1 for promise land 50k before the FS road climb to headforemost mtn... and I caught her up to speed about my race and that kristen was the only other girl ahead and she let me know where all the other ladies she passed was, because she started slow and moved through the field ( classic sophie race strategy!)

after headforemost mtn AS, sophie dropped me on the AS I could not hang with her and feel comfortable. and I was content listening to music and was at the breakfast AS before I knew it and it was still dark. and another fast girl who ran well at JFK breezed by.. okay I'm in 4th. I'm kinda bummed about falling back in the field but really happy with my time?? so rationalize.. I should just enjoy this experience and be happy! it's hell gate!!! how many people can say they get to run hell gate??! and be happy!
 I knew the sun would come up on my climb to the next AS so tried to eat well and take care of everything I could think of-- I took an S! cap and tried to drink all I could. The sun coming up showed a crystal clear day, and it was getting warmer and warmer. I was so happy to get rid of my headlamp and my crew is the BEST. Brian and Tammy are PERFECT. They are quick, efficient, encouraging but most importantly- they keep me moving!!  it was at this AS that Kathleen cusick passes me and I'm in 5th.  I tried to pass her back ( I LOVE kathleen, but hey! it's a race! ) but then she drops me on a downhill. I have got to work on downhill running lol

the section where it's the devils trail and leading to bearwallow was a low point in the race for me. I was sad, grouchy and feeling sorry for myself and mulling over my heartache and trials in life. When My friends/CATS Christain and Marc griffin  catches me. I proceed to spew my toxicity-- saying I hated rocks and this is TERRIBLE.. and C looks back and me and with his lovely German accent says "perhaps you should eat a gel?" my eyes grow wide! realizing I hadn't eaten in almost 2 hrs. and that is why I'm being such a meanie pants!! I immediately thank him and tell him-- Christain, I'm hurting-- do not let me drop at bear wallow gap.  I just felt SOOO tired. I wasn't sleepy. I was just exhausted. I felt like I could just collapse at the side of the trail and go to sleep.

I get to bear wallow and my crew has a hot dog-- out of cheeseburgers ( dang it!) grab it, tell my crew I'm hurting but will finish and proceed to walk away. My buddy, Bob Clouston walks with me across the parking lot and up the hill to the single track.. talking me up telling me I will go back to feeling UP. It's encouragement I needed.
I start to feel better, I start to ENJOY the journey.. YEAH BABY! :P

 I see blanks blankenship about mile 48 and here I am:)  and he takes these awesome action shots of me!! THANK YOU BLANKS!!!!

 so yeah, I look strong there. 1. hot dogs are so unhealthy and nasty-- but that was just the ticket tons of sodium, sugar, sulfites, carbs and just tons of other grossness. 2. Bob Clouston talking me up, the CATs being so kind to me, Tammy grey cheering for me, Sophie's husband Rusty telling me I'm doing well, my brother Brian and Tammy  being so wonderful each AS--
my eyes welled up with tears of joy thinking of ALL the people who were pulling for me, encouraging me, praying for me, not to win-- not to place, just to finish and have a safe and enjoyable journey.
 as you can see, the sun was shining bright and as I was treated to panoramic splendor along this section. I couldn't help but feel so humbled and just extremely thankful for all the wonderful people in my life who love me, thankful for being blessed with the opportunity to run Hellgate. ( and all these races)  and The journey getting to this point...  Each time I go run in the mtns, I feel I learn more and more about myself. I'm fortified with more confidence in myself what I'm capable of.
Of course! I made up alot of time on this section, I was having fun and my feet felt great! I looked down and in hot pink marking paint were the words "GO JENNY GO" :) my friend Donna Elder...  THANK YOU FOR THAT!!  I get to Bobletts gap full of energy and very happy I am feeling well. knowing I have 15 miles to the finish.


I start my fun downhill running towards my infamous turn I missed the year before in the "forever section"  I get to my turn:) and along the way sputter sputter, die.. I got super hot and just awful feeling.. and I lost another place to a very sweet girl who was just HAULIN-- i just didn't have the wheels to stay up with her.. no down jacket for me..  I'm now 6th woman.. but I know I can run a low 15 hrs if I just keep pushing.  the forever section about did me in. it was the longest 11 miles of my life..

but once I got to day creek, I drank some soda, ate a GU and my brother walked up the hill with me a bit and he looked at me and said "I just wanted you to know how proud I am of you. for you to come out here under the circumstances, and do as well as you are doing-- you are the toughest of us all: you are stronger than me and todd both."  The mention of our late brother- made me emotional for a second but  just renewed my focus and zeal to knock out the last 6 miles. I hugged brian and told him how much I loved and appreciated him and how much it meant to me just to have him out there with me.

At that point I look and there is Marc Griffin for the 3rd time! caught me again. I said " lets march up this hill, marc!" and I just got behind him and paced off him up the hill. we made it in 37 min. 10 min faster than last year.  and continued on to the finish. I was very happy to spend that last 10k with marc. We talked about life. He was anticipating the birth of his second child.  I always brag to him, if I'm around him during a race, I know I ran well.
Finishing was so bittersweet. I was so elated to finish 15:15 and 6th woman. an hour faster than last year. But this was the first race I felt completely tapped out emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually. I sat there at the finish with my head in my hands and bawled my eyes out.
  My friends and family were kind enough to give me some space and let me do that. It was like they knew I needed it.

Hellgate!!! what a vexing, special, wonderful race. Life: what a journey.

I can't say thank you enough to Dr. David Horton for all that he does for our sport, and for putting on such fantastic events. I can't say thank you enough to all the volunteers who was up all night long working aid stations cheering, being happy and encouraging  thus making hellgate one of the most organized and positive events I've ran.

I can't say thank you enough to my many friends and family you guys know who you are for all your  love, support and encouragement. It means so much to me-- I hung in there and worked through my tough patches because of you guys-- I knew you had faith in me and my ability and I should as well.

Lastly, yes, life is hard sometimes for us all, but its one beautiful journey. Change is inevitable, nothing ever stays the same and that is the wonderful, wonderful thing about life and ultrarunning both. Things could be AWFUL for a bit,  but if you stay focused, keep moving forward, stay positive, focus on the GOOD.. things will change.  and when things are AWESOME--   ENJOY IT!! stay grateful.. stay humble.. help others you see who are in their tough patches. ( offer them an s! cap, gel or tums-- if running) ( offer an ear to hear  and  a shoulder to lean on-- in life)

 me a month later?? I'm good.  doing better. still moving forward each day. still being grateful.  very excited about 2013 racing season and just the year ahead and all the adventure it holds! ( and that is what my next blog post is about!)

recovery and other adventures

 hey! some of my friends wanted to see the WCYB interview I did the day after Grindstone 100.  I managed to get a sound bite they used during the sports segment but not the interview.

here is the link


and also HERE is the link to the interview from the Bristol Hearld Courier post Grindstone.

I am so humbled and appreciative to my hometown, friends and family. Everyone has been SO extremely nice to me and supportive of me.  I'm so blessed to be born and raised in southwest VA. I love running and training in the mountains here, and feel such a deep connection.

 post Grindstone. I've had a great recovery.   I had no blisters from grindstone, so that really made recovery much more comfortable experience than from umstead. really my only issue was muscle soreness and sore knees ( from the rocks! and not much time on my feet before Grindstone)

I ran haunted half marathon 3 weeks after grindstone in 1:39 and really my legs felt a little heavy and stale, i just cruised and never pushed. so I was happy with being able to lock into 7:30 pace and keeping it there for 13.1.

                                    I wore newtons, yet defied gravity.

              I've been golfing and enjoying the fall weather:)

           I went to kid birthday parties and took EVERY opportunity to rawk my Grindstone finishers buckle.

 Now I'm sitting here contemplating what is next for me: some FA runs with VHTRC. Maybe some racing before the new year, enjoying the holidays with family and my boys. DAVE MATTHEWS in C-ville dec 14th- 15th:).  Christmas present to myself.

I threw my name in the hat for Western States 100. If I get in= dream come true. Race of a lifetime. it's up there with r2r2r and hardrock and several other running bucketlist goals I have. In the event I don't get in: I'll run OD 100 this summer:) and enter WS again next year:)

another NEW adventure: I got a job!!!  I'm so excited about it because I have always said I wanted a job I loved so much it would never feel like work. I also would go on and on about how much I love to be outside and run, and too bad I can't somehow manage to find some parallel to have some sort of job that was connected to running or ultrarunning.  I'm a hard worker.  If you guys ONLY knew how much work and effort I put into my training ( well, my coach knows!! he is always trying to get me to run less lol)  but I know I would put the same amount of zeal and enthusiasm in any job I had. Well, it seems the universe, God, etc has opened this window of opportunity for me. My job  is with Mtn Sports in Bristol, Va.-- out of the blue after a 17 mile run on the AT on tuesday, Steve Cheers called and offered me a job:) I have NEVER had this happen to me EVER. Where I wasn't really looking or applying-- someone just think of me ask me for my help:) AW!! warm fuzzies!!  My job description is to meet with the reps, mark the catalogs and help select merch ( namely woman's clothes and gear) for them to buy for the upcoming seasons. I'm starting after thanksgiving meeting with the exofficio/horny toad rep to see samples for fall 2013, and then meeting with the patagonia rep the following week. OKAY!! while this is a small, small jobby job. I am SOOO excited to just have this opportunity. I feel so deeply connected with the outdoor industry because of my lifestyle, and really feel this is going to be such a cool learning experience. ( and hopefully open the door to more, bigger, opportunities to work with in the outdoor industry in the future) OR!! yes, jenny wants to go to OR in SLC!

  . Life is constantly influx and I see that there are peaks and valleys for us all.  Life is variant degrees of suffering.  I am SO extremely thankful for my experiences the past 3 years in ultrarunning. Being an ultrarunner has prepared me amply for the many challenges and adversity we face in life.  The formula is so simple- BE FLEXIBLE, WORK THROUGH YOUR TOUGH PATCHES, AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD. I get so much satisfaction to be able to reflect back and see how much I've grown and evolved as a person and a runner. I've worked hard, learned so many important lessons ( most of the time by suffering immensely during runs and races) but just growing tougher, leaner, ( not meaner really, but okay meaner) from those experiences-- gosh I wouldn't trade for all the money in the world.. they've given me this lovely patina of WHO jenny is.

  I'm  extremely thankful to be apart of several really wonderful communities in the running world. I love my road running, trail running and ultra running communities.  I know I say that all the time, but You guys are THE BEST. You all inspire me daily to stay focused on my dreams and to follow my heart, and most of all to run strong. love yall.

grindstone 100- my first mtn 100/ my first ultra W!

Well,  I was going to write a part 2 pre-grindstone.. but it just never came to fruition.  I was in a weird place where i felt I couldn't write.  I can see crystal clear now that things happen for a reason. I'll do a small pre grindstone recap :
My achilles/cheat mtn dNF- BUMMER:( , then I ran blue ridge relay with the CATS ( which was fun!) but then got sick for 3 weeks-- where I coughed and coughed. 2 rounds of antibiotics, round of predinsone, still coughing.. I still ran but my breathing was terrible and I coughed ALOT and I felt SOO tired.  I felt like I was wishing in one hand and you know what in the other when I would even talk about grindstone with my Sophie ( my stellar pacer!) and Eric ( my coach).  GRINDSTONE. it was weighing on me like an albatross around my neck.   and I desperately didn't want to feel that way. I LOVE ultrarunning. I'm so passionate about my training and love what I do. I do this for FUN!!!
 Then both my sweet boys caught strep the monday before the race.  I got them on antibiotics and they were feeling MUCH better by wednesday thank goodness. But then, I woke up in the middle of the night with my throat killing me.  I was really beginning to think it wasn't even meant for me to run. I was crushed. I had worked so hard.
I had kept saying all week if it was meant for me to run grindstone it would all work out.  I know this sounds crazy but Thursday, the day I was supposed to leave for grindstone; I took my kids to school, went immediately to the dr for a throat culture. It came back negative. YES.  I was prescribed  allergy meds stating that is why i was coughing- it  not bronchitis or pneumonia.  I had felt so terrible! suffered for weeks! allergies?! really? really.  gargled salt water for my throat. I took claritin and some nasonex and WOW.  I felt so much better. SO I decided YES I was going to run grindstone BUT FIRST I was going to go play 9 holes of golf. Should I have been resting? probably. but I would of probably just worried about loading the car with all my gear and stressing about the race itself. So playing golf on such a pretty, sunny fall day what just what I needed.  I didn't even think about the race.

I loaded the car, and drove my boys to my parents house. I was a little emotional leaving the house as I hugged and kissed my boys and  my parents bye.  I felt like I had been through so much the past couple months. I really couldn't wait to run my race, I  had worked so hard all summer for-- BUT I knew grindstone was going to hurt-- on a good day it would hurt. I knew I was a little undertrained from the past couple weeks forced taper. I hadn't ran in the mtns very much at all since august.  and nothing over 10 miles.  I knew I didn't need to be chiseled  to a peak for a race like this, but i knew I had to be STRONG. So I spent the next 2 hours driving to Roanoke, va "getting my mind right" and coming to terms with the epic journey that lay ahead.

I woke up friday, and by golly,  no sore throat! the dr was right! allergies!! yay claritin!  After brock and I had a big breakfast at cracker barrel, we drove the rest of the way to the boy scout camp at Swoope, Va. We set quickly set up our tent, and went to the mandatory race meeting.

 I  weighed in and got my race packet and I have to say the swag is pretty sweet!! Grindstone hoody, grindstone patagonia r1 hat, and 101.85 sticker, and a great assortment of gels, cliff blocks and cliff bar. :) wow! I feel so special. swag PLUS:  camping, the aid during the race, pre and post race food, finisher's buckle and patagonia finisher's shirt; makes this race the best value EVER. I feel so spoiled!!  It was so wonderful to see all my friends at the campground pre race. I took a nap for about an hour, then proceeded to get all my gear together and give last minute instructions to my SUPER CREW of Brock, my big brother Brian and my sister in law Tammy, who is a nurse practitioner. ( how can you go wrong with a NP on your crew?!)




I then got with my pacers Rob Colenso and Sophie Speidel and went over what I felt my race strategy would be.. before I knew it I was lining up, wishing all my friends good luck on their journey and we were off!!

I carried a full ultraspire pack with all my goodies ( S!caps, gels, tums, nuun) and a hand held of perpetuem.  I tried my best to go slow the first mile. It was so hard to hold back because I hadn't really RAN RAN in awhile. ( from where I was sick) I was just trying to go out very very easy. I found myself running with Megan S. we chatted and got to know each other the next 2 hours or so. Megan is a bright, articulate, sweet soul and a very strong, fleetly runner and we worked very well together. The first mile of the race megan and I were passed by Joann so we knew going into the first mile we were second and third.  At Elliott's Knob, we began a big monster climb, and I LOVE climbing. so I cranked up my ipod and began to hike alone and just get into my zone.  I knew it was still extremely early in the race but I wanted to go by perceived effort and I knew climbing is one of my strengths and wanted to maximize that in this race as much as I could.  I got my punch and ran partially down the knob an onto the single track.. I felt warmed up from the climb and was running really fluidly and happily down the trail.  I really had to focus to reign myself in, telling myself I had a LONG LONG time to be out and just keep my pace so insanely easy feeling.  I could start working after mile 50.

 I'm unsure at the mileage but know I came through the second aidstation in second place and David Horton was there and said, "jenny nichols are you going out too hard?!" and I said "nope, I'm running slow as I can." and then went up another big climb YAY!. I love climbs. I passed 2 men, and then realized I came upon the first place women, Joann. She told me she was having trouble with the climbs.  I asked if she wanted to work together a bit, that I really didn't want the lead because it was just so early  in the race. She never answered me, so I just passed her and hiked on up the hill.. continued running my pace based on perceived effort. I got to the AS at mile 22 and that was when everyone knew I was first woman. I got my handheld of perp from my crew went to the AS, got some coke. Told Quatro not to tell sophie I was in first ( because sophie and I had talked many times about me hanging back and then coming from behind the last 50 to finish strong) but by looking at my watch it looked like I was right on pace to run 12:30- 13hr first 50.. I was right on the pace i was supposed to.. I just felt everyone was going out REALLY slow or either it was the night running that had everyone slow.  ( I love night running)

So I continued on.. just running alone and listening to my tunes. If I came upon a guy I would hike behind them for a bit, but then always feel antsy and go on.. I was relishing the solitude, running in the dark. It felt SO GOOD to just be out in the mountains running at night. the wind had nip in it on the ridges and I just felt SO ALIVE.  I had a really stressful summer: some family drama that really hurt me deeply, an injury, illness, angst /frustration /fear in missing training.. I just kept my head down and tried to  keep plugging along the past couple months. Trying to stay focused on my goals, keep my intentions pure, my heart open, rise above the negativity and toxicity that I felt was trying to hinder me from my goals.  I knew things would get better if I just kept moving forward ( you see, ultrarunning has taught me that-- there are so many parallels between living life and running ultras) So I pretty much had the attitude of THANK YOU GOD just for letting me just have this experience. Letting me be here in this moment, running in the mtns feeling strong, capable and just GOOD about myself.  I knew it was still early in the race but I was gracious just to run 30 miles strong and happy.

Every AS I saw Horty ( bless his heart! he does have a heart, you know!) he would say "dont hurt yourself, girl" at AS 30-something.. TWOT lot 1.  It was a zoo. I got a little overwhelmed. I had to weigh myself ( 128 was 129 at the racers meeting- go me!)  switch packs, get another hand held of perp. but while it was cool to see so many of my friends I was a little geeked out of my head and I couldnt think straight. I had went over to the table to grab some coke and food and I had like 4 people it felt on top of me asking loudly "how do you feel? are you eating? are you drinking? tummy problems?" "UUUUH.. good, yes, yes, and no!" I just felt tad social anxiety/nervous and overwhelmed by that AS big time.  so I was REALLY happy to get back in the woods and start climbing ( thanx Q for the sammich!) on the wild oak trail! whoop!

and OMG was that a climb. 8 miles later I show up at Jb's and hilary's  AS a little spent... asking--" UH where's reddish knob and the T crossing??"  They told me it was 5 miles down the road and I can make up time on the road..  so off I went noshing on some yummy zucchini muffins and running on the gravel/muddy road. I made it to Frank G's Aidstation and  he met me with a cup of chicken noodle soup. He filled my handheld while i walked up to the punch and ran back down.  I have to say kuddos to frank for very efficiently running an AS that had people coming at them from 3 different directions!
 I ran on the pavement SOO excited I was close to my crew and picking up Rob to pace me.

At the 50 mi mark, it was great to see my crew, rick and tammy grey, Guy Love killin it, marc griffin, etc. I was happy to pick up rob, and hike back up to reddish.. the sun was rising and the trees were SOO pretty in the orange morning light. I made the joke, who needs drugs?! go run 50 miles and then go look at trees!! lol the fall foliage was magnificently beautiful on the course.  We were moving great, feeling great, and I was still having a blast. We start to see the other women racers as we hiked up the mtn. megan 2nd ( we encouraged each other and she looked strong) then was Z. carlson, joann, and linda barton all together ( smiles and encouragement from every single one! everyone was looking good at mile 50) . WHOA. what a race. I wondered if that was stressful all those gal conglomerated together like that. I was thankful I didn't have to worry with it and they just had to chase me, and I just had to keep pushing to extend/hold my lead.

so back through reddish AS, and on to JB's I kept trying to run all flats and downhills and hike the ups.Rob was great company and we became fast friends. At Jb's AS I ate a breakfast burrito. It was great seeing other runners on my return back. I really liked that part. very holiday lake ish!
 so remember that 8 mi climb that had me a little tired earlier at mile 40? well mile 60ish here I am having to going down hill. it's here i first starting having little issues with my knees hurting and me being unable to run the downhills the way I want.. I was breaking. it was really like 2010 MMTR coming back to haunt me. I was a little self conscious, rob could see how bad I was sucking at running the downhill.  and I knew I had a LONG way to get to the finish line.  I started trying to even jog some ups to make up for my slow downhill running.

the miles rob paced went by lightening fast.. so fast we got to the twot lot in 3hrs 30 min and rob thought it was take 4 hrs.. my crew wasn't even there yet! doh! no worries sophie was there and tammy grey called brock and here they all came running:) I got a new pack, weighed myself again ( 128-yes that has to mean I'm doing SOMETHING right) ate a doughnut and started down the road with sophie.
I was glad to be back on the trail with my buddy. but I also KNEW WHY I had sophie to pace me to the finish.  I knew I would be hurting, I knew I would want to let up, I knew I would be stupid...  I knew sophie would be my "autocorrect" and not let me screw up. I didn't need anyone to empathize with my pain, I needed someone to tell me to suck it up and keep pushing.  I needeed someone to keep prodding and prodding and get all they could out of me until I got to the finish knowing I gave it my all.. SOPHIE SPEIDEL is that person.  Sophie had ran grindstone twice, she is the toughest lady I know. I feel so extremely blessed to have her for a friend. We have so much commonality. ( obviously) She has such a good heart, and has gone out of her way to help me so many times with my running, advice on motherhood/ balance, life in general. I have always felt so at ease and comfortable with her, I can truly be myself and not have a filter and that is rare to find many people like that. Where you can lay it all out there, say whatever is on your mind and they still accept you.  So yes, I feel I hit the friendship jackpot when I  became friends with her.
So I guess if you are going to be  going in a dark place, it's good to be there with some one you trust. (  exact same reason why I had beth minnick pace me at umstead)
 So sophie and I ran and hiked with purpose and intention on the big climbs.. she saw immediately my dilemma with my sore knees, but we just tried to work through it and around it. She constantly encouraged me and told me how well I was moving.

I ate a pork barbecue sandwich at mile 72.. onward we pushed.

 I iced my knees and quads at mile 87.  that last half marathon really took FOREVER.  There were melt downs, whining, kicking rocks followed by obscenity. ( oh, how far was I from that place where I was so thankful to be out in the mtns 50 miles earlier-- it was more "please God, when is it going to end?!")  I was embarrassed, I felt weak, frustrated my body wasn't performing the way I wanted it to. but no matter what I was doing.. Sophie was constant and consistent in telling me I was doing great, I just had to keep moving.. and always pointing out the positive. Her patience and tolerance REALLY is what got me to the finish.  I was descending Elliott's knob in the daylight. not many grindstone finishers got to do that!

she made me run ( I could barely) so she could take a picture.  mile 94 ish?

Men started catching me and passing me. and it upset me.
  I went through the last AS,  I felt like a failure because I wasn't running strong.  but guess what? we kept on and on.. sophie telling me megan was going to catch me if I didn't run some and pick up my pace.  she kept encouraging me to jog, ( dispite my moaning and groaning and being a pain in the butt)  until holy crap we REALLY were at the shower house at the camp. 1.5 miles to go.  I was SO thankful knowing I was *almost* there and that not only had I ran my first mtn 100 but I also won.
Crossing the finish line I was so happy:) happy it was over lol, happy I had a good race.. happy my brother and sister in law ( this was the first time I've had family other than brock at an ultra) where there to share in the experience.

kissing the pole just for mark guzzi



totem pole LUV


brock and I at the finish

finish line with my STELLAR PACERS: Rob and Sophie

        me and the toughest dude I know: Jon Basham!

 my brother Brian and I at the finish-- so special to have him at my race!!!

I changed clothes and then collapsed in my tent and slept hard 3 hrs. then got up and took a shower and cheered on the finishers with sophie and rob. it was so great to see all my friends complete their journey.

 The winning part was special because I have never won an ultra.  so yes, winning was cool. It was also special because it's one of Clark's races.. I think it was just full circle. Terrapin 2009 was my first LUS ultra I raced, MMTR 2011 was the first ultra I ever won an award ( I got a down jacket for being 10th), and now-- big, bad, scary Grindstone, one of the toughest 100's east of the rockies, I won.  and actually aside from the last 13 miles of misery-- I LOVED the course. and the entire race just had the best vibe and was so FUN.   FUN, people!! grindstone is FUN. maybe I shouldn't broadcast that, the secret will get out.

That being said, I don't think I'm some superstar.  I know the women's field wasn't deep-- my 27 hours while a solid women's grindstone  time isn't the fastest.. not like sandi's 22 hrs, for example.   I know I'm not an elite... I'm just a stay at home mom who likes to run in the mtns. but  I think jeremy ramsey said it best when he said "you just have to beat whomever shows up."  it's true.


 I wont lie.. getting award and standing beside of Kwik Karl was pretty freaking cool:P all my little mommy friends   watched the documentary  human red bull express a couple weeks before Grindstone( they called me while it was on and asked "is THIS what you do?") uh, no-- no even close.  okay, sophie would want me to say this..  Karl's interview post RRR in sept with IRUNFAR was extremely inspiring.She suggested I watch it.  I would tell myself ( when I would worry about my fitness) "I don't have to run fast, just run all day." it's a great mantra. :)
  I'm just thankful I had the  positive experience I did, grateful for my crew and pacers, and it was wonderful to see all my hard work achieve the results I desired. Because I do work very hard when it comes to my training.  and I know from this experience Im going to grow. I'm going to gain fitness, even more mental tenacity, and I gained much needed experience for racing mtn 100's.  so I know I will get better. I like 100s. I'm good at them, and I can eat ANYTHING I think while running them. That part is so fun, not having to be picky about my fuel.  I also feel having run the course now, i can hopefully improve my time. ( I love running courses you are familiar with)

I know this post is crazy long.. but I just want to express my thanks again to Clark for putting on such a wonderful event.  Thanks to all the volunteers!!
Rob, sophie THANK you for all your help-- RAWK STAR PACERS!! brian, tammy and brock-- SUPER CREW!! THANK YOU!!!

 

journey to grindstone starting line-- part 1

 hey guys! it's been awhile since my last post. Well, this summer was uh. interesting, bizarre, lots of extreme highs and lows, peaks and valleys.  and I'm happy it's fall and the summer is in my rear view mirror.

 I guess I'll pick up post highlands sky. Recovery went well, and my training resumed. I had a GREAT summer with my boys swimming, camping, having all sorts of little adventures and "field trips".  They got to hike a couple miles on the AT during tour de VA and that was such a big deal. We went to the beach 3 times this summer. Which was SO great to spend so much time with brock and the kids and have the family time we don't usually get.   while on vacation, decided to run a 5k for funsies , and  I was able to run a 21:15 5k at the brindley beach lighthouse 5k and was 4th overall female, which for me, that is a GREAT 5k time. I hadn't ran that fast since college.

 yay for running 5k's fast. fast =fun. 

 The kids with Rick and Rebecca during day 2 of the tour de va.  

CTR 10k went AMAZINGLY well.  over a hundred participants!!!! THANK YOU so much to ALL my friends in the running, trail running, and ultrarunning communities who came out ( yes, even while mumford and sons was in town) and supported my brother's scholarship but running, volunteering, donating.  I am always SO extremely humbled by how many kind people help me with Todd's race. Special thanks to all the race's sponsors. The race would not benefit the scholarship if it wasn't for the generosity of sponsors buying the shirts, awards, food etc. So all the money from the entry fees 100% goes directly to the scholarship. Thank you and big shout out to State of Franklin Track Club, Donna Bays, Matt and Maria Studholm for ALL their help with the run score system, timing, and course measurement, posting results etc...  You guys are amazing and I'm so blessed to have you for friends. xoxo

The recipient for this year, Eric Weaver, is a freshman at WVU and just such a bright, good person and has such an exciting future ahead of him. The race and the scholarship are such an important part of my life's journey. I can say that 5 years ago,  Both are something I never fathomed I would do: be a founding member of a  501c ( lil more complicated than is seems to set those up and do everything accordingly)  or be a race director, but life has this odd way of presenting things to you...  I had no choice but to accept what happened to my brother. Losing him easily was the most difficult thing I have had to go though. I did learn however, I had a choice in how I chose to deal with his death.  Even now, every day it's a choice.  I choose to celebrate the good memories and times I had with Todd, and to honor his memory by helping others. that, in turn, is healing for me. Love you, Toddy.

CTR scholarship recipient Eric Weaver. 

marlin yoder and his family came to the CTR 10k!!!

okay so after CTR 10k, the next day was when I went to OBX.  ran the 5k, got some good road running in, ate some yummy food, and really focused on spending time with brock and the kids.  Brock had been having some of troubles at work--really honestly and just being real. He's had a tough time.  It's was REALLY stressful this summer. With me trying to organize the race ( yeah, I do that pretty much solo and have a difficult time facilitating until I get my volunteers on race day-- no one ( unless you are a race director yourself) can understand just how much work goes into putting on a WELL ORGANIZED race. ) it's hard. With brock being so upset about his job,  taking care of my kids, my training ( had cheat mtn 50, blue ridge relay and a little 100 called GRINDSTONE on the horizon) ... wow.  Jenny was a little overwhelmed but I decided to just take it one day at a time, head down, get the job done and do it well. I ran, I ran hard.
 I ran too hard.  when cheat mtn came-- my achilles was feeling tweaky, I ran anyway.. it began to HURT-- I ran for 24 miles and decided I was stupid for running hurt and if I didn't stop, I'd have a long recovery and wouldn't make it to grindstone. yep, part of my pride was wounded-- first DNF in an ultra distance..  im a loser.  then I rationalized.  WHO was I doing all this for anyway? WHY am I doing this? WHY do I feel compelled to run ultras?  for other people's perceptions? NO, I DO THIS FOR ME.

so here I was when I was in peak period for training for grindstone and I wound up hurt.  taking time off...  BUT in the END I feel it was a good thing..