high adventure up on mt rogers

Yesterday I had an AMAZING time trail running in the mt. rogers' area with Beth and JJ!! I arrived at the Elk Garden parking lot at 7:30 AM. the whole mountain top of fogged in and it was a balmy 51F. ( on the 18th of july?!) and a steady wind that made it feel even colder! BRR! I rummaged around in my running bag and was lucky enough to find my melanaza long sleeve and a go-lite windshirt.. and last but not least-- at the bottom of my bag was(SCORE!) a pair of gloves from winter running that somehow didn't get stored away with my winter running gear. I didn't put on either sunblock or bug dope because I was so fixated on the weather.. I didn't even THINK about either!! Which is weird because that is usually the first thing I do in my little running prep ceremony before each run. :o)

beth and JJ came about 740 and they seemed equally shocked about the cold front. We discussed the possibility of being fogged in all day. All found it highly likely. But I was hoping (fingers crossed) that the sun would come out and burn off the clouds and us have a pretty day.

Then at 8am Joey and Christine showed up. Christine was going to hike and Joey ran with us! So off we went.. with JJ dawning his kilt it was a little surreal running across the foggy highlands through the woods with lush ferns, many, many creek crossings, and rocky trails (cue bagpipes!)

after running climbing about 2 hours we topped out at this cool orchard.. where I expected to see the wild ponies.

but alas!! no ponies:o( beth and JJ explained to me that we would see them probably in the next 2 miles or so of running not to be disappointed. haha I just had in mind that I would burst out of the woods and they would be in this orchard waiting to greet me:o)

pretty much the entire run-- I ran and babbled to JJ. Bless his heart for tolerating me!! JJ had been my neighbor for almost 4 years when I lived at the lake, but we had never really had a conversation ( or formally met for that matter) so it was SO wonderful to get to meet and run with him! Here is a great picture of him. I think I freaked him out at first because I was so snap-happy with the picture taking:o)

so we continued on.. it's so hard for me to even convey the panoramic splendor of this place. We were so fortunate that the sun came out and the clouds rose and you could see for miles and miles. There were HUGE rocks.. that just made you want to climb and play on them... all over the place.. it was as if God himself just tossed them up and and allowed them to land haphazardly across the landscape. :o)

so we crossed another ridge still looking for my little ponies:o) I have to add that we saw many people camping, backpacking, and hiking. It was really awesome to see so many on the trail. There are so many times running in damascus you don't see very many people.. maybe one or two.. but it seemed like we passed about 40 people during our 15.5 mile run. We came across 4 day hikers from greensboro, NC. They stopped us asking for directions. it was my first time at Mt. rogers.. but lucky for them.. beth , who is the town of abingdon's GIS technician was able to help them out:o) the hikers had this super nice doggy with them.

so about a quarter of a mile after the hikers beth and JJ spotted some ponies!! So we ran over to where they were. So not only did I get to pet a pony, They were grazing in this place with the best view!! This one pony in particular was SO sweet and nice.. she let us pet her and then she started following us!! I felt so terrible telling her to stop.. it was like she stood there at the trail looking at us with this big brown sad eyes that said "take me home with you." very sweet little soul.

From there we ran over some very technical and rocky sections of the AT.. to a more wooded/forest section of the AT that was equally breathtakingly beautiful! and then began our decent down the mountain for about 4 miles back to elk garden.

Several notes of interest. I really feel every time I go out running with beth and her crew, I learn so much. Not only about orientation or learning new areas to run in, but I also gained much needed experience and insight that was sorely lacking from my running : 1. which type of trail shoes to run in for different types of terrain. 2. how much fluid to carry with you on trail runs 3. how much food ( cliff shots/blocks) and how often to eat..

I wore my la sportivias that I wore the last time I ran in Damascus ( those worked well there) but a big NO! for the trail we did yesterday. definitely needed some heavier montrails or my asics's trail running shoes ( they are called "attacks?" I felt like I tenderfooted through alot of the run and was very tweeky with my ankles I needed a much more supportive shoes.. the la sportivas were great for dirt trails and mud.. not so much for rocks.

I ate every hour I ran.. I ended up eating a totall of 2 packs of cliff blocks and one pack of honey stinger blocks. and then I carried about 50 oz of water and a 20 oz handheld of accelerade. I didn't feel like I bonked at all. and drank all the accelerade and about 75% of the water.. so I hit it fairly close to what I needed.

I can't wait for my next adventure! I feel so acutely aware that every time I am able to go to the mountains and run that it is indeed a gift. I am so thankful that I was able to go run and see all the wonderful things I did yesterday! I can't wait to go back!

crazy 8's and preparing for CTR10k!!

 HI! I ran crazy 8's 8k last night and had the best time! The course was so crowded this year with over 1, 900 runners!! Not that I'm complaining! that just made for more exciting and fun run! It was very humid, but not unbearably hot ( maybe in the mid 70's?) Of course due to all the excitement I ran too fast the first and second mile-- I came through the 5k point at 22:37. ( which  I was happy about) but inevitably  I slowed down and ended up crossing the line in 38:27.  I finished #399. :o) 

My race that I RD, the Christopher Todd Richardson memorial 10k is a month away!! yikes!!:o)  I am so excited about this year's race! I have been working steadily on the shirts and awards the past couple of weeks. The over all awards are going to be mixing bowls made by the same potter with the same glaze ( teal green and brown) as last year. That way if you ran this year, and last year your pottery will match!! The mixing bowls are AWESOME I hope everyone likes them!! for the Age group awards I have decided to go with medals... but stop the presses!! it's not what you think!! not medals from a trophy shop!! NO!! I have met this AMAZING artist from Marion, VA named Jeanenne McKeena who works with precious metal clay and her work is AMAZING!!  I will post a picture of a necklace I have that she made me, to give you an idea what the age group medals will look like.. but  I don't want to really describe too much of what they'll be like..  They are VERY cool!!  trust me!! the precious medal clay AMAZES me!! you fire it in a kiln and it carbonizes!! 

Well, I hope everyone comes to the CTR 10k and brings all their friends!! We are going to have an awesome time!!

cheers yall!

I am posting a picture of me after the race.. and of the medals ( but remember out medals isn't a mtn scene it's something different but along the same idea/vibe):o)

varmint pictures and more adventures in trail running

 hey everyone! I haven't had a chance yet to post the pictures from the Varmint Half marathon on june 15th. While my time of 1:55 was very lack-luster, I feel I must explain that this is a truly brutal course that isn't really comparable with any other road marathon or half marathon I have ran. I did snag a sheep trophy for second in my age group!! yay! I had a wonderful time hanging out with friends new and old(beth , John ( from the third mile) and family ( my first cousin Rob Smith ran the Varmint this year) :o)

 This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to go out on the AT/ Iron Mtn trail with Beth for a 13 mile loop. It was such a fun day and ended much too soon!  I loved that section of trail because the majority of it is Very runnable but challenging! I think running in Damascus will be excellent preparation for Leadville trail 2010. :o) 

 I am getting all the loose ends tied up for this year's Christopher TOdd Richardson Memorial 10k.  I have the equipment reserved with SFTC. We are using the runscore system that we used last year to time the race, and I feel this is a really great way to go. 

 and I'm working on the T-shirts and the awards this week.  as soon as I finish the graphic for the shirt I will post it up here. :o)

We are going to the beach later this week. I will be sure to take plenty of pictures and post about my adventures down in SC!

AT/IMT run

 I ran 17 miles today with beth minnick and aliese harrison and had a BLAST!  We saw /encountered a bear about 2 miles in on the AT.. which was cool/scary/exciting!! I did a big horizontal leap over to where beth was.. Me jumping around and us saying "bear"  made it run away.. it kinda turned it's head and looked back then took off.. I think it thought we were weirdos.. and really I think most situations they are more scared of us. cool experience because you see signs of bear ( aka SCAT!) all over the place up there.. I just always assumed we were so loud clomping around running and talking, and that was the reason we never saw any. guess we surprised this one. 

 while we ran there were SO many pretty wildflowers and mushrooms and ferns.. I really wish I had taken the time to take some pictures of them. 

 I really enjoyed today! can't wait run with beth and aliese again! Here are some pictures! sorry this is so brief! but I have to go get a massage LOL!! going to be sore tomorrow I know!!

here are some pictures!

getting ready for the varmint half marathon and p90x day 90 pictures

 hey everyone! 

well in two days is the varmint half marathon! I am really looking forward to this race! The first time I ran this race was in 1996 when I had just graduated from high school. WOW!! how time has flown!! here 13 years later, I am running it for the fourth time, and  mother of two small children!!

The race director for the varmint, charity mcdaniel, is such a wonderful person! She has always been so nice to me. She was a track coach for an opposing high school in our county, but she was always so encouraging. She really was my example of what a female adult runner was supposed to be like:o) Charity has been so helpful to me! I am helping Crazy 8's give out entry forms the next couple weeks, and charity is not only letting me give out crazy 8 forms at her race, but also entry forms for the CTR 10k!! That is SUCH a big help!! I really appreciate her being so kind and supportive to me and my endeavors! 

 The course for the Varmint is in my opinion BRUTAL for a road race.. but very doable.  I really think you just have to keep plugging along.. charge up the hills and haul it on the down hill to be successful in this race.. and alot of it is mental because most of this race is run in solitude. I really feel prepared and very excited about my quest for a sheep trophy!!  I will post on sunday and give you guys a race report. 

 okay p90x pictures:  I am actually in my second cycle of p90x (day 12). I really am happy with the fitness I have acheived by utilizing this program, and I plan to keep on using it for awhile. I just really feel (especially in the winter time) this program will keep me on track.  I am already dreading the winter because I  have been LOVING using the jogging stroller!! I go out with the kids twice a day in it!!  so I feel this has been a great base/strength building program. It really has made me change my eating habits in the best ways imaginable and I really feel that HALF of the results hinges upon whether or not you are eating clean, unprocessed, whole foods and consuming about 120 g of protein daily. 

  

trail running with the iron mtn peeps and last week of p90x

 Hi guys! Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. Things have really been busy around here! Brock has worked pretty much every week day out of town ( and home on the weekends) since we have gotten back from the beach last month. 

Well, I am on my last week of p90X! I will take some pictures in a couple of days and post them to the blog. I don't know if you can see the results much from day 30.. but man, if there was only a visual on how I FEEL!!!  I swear I feel so much stronger and have more energy!!  The program really delivers what it promises. However, I can't emphasize enough the importance of the nutrition part of the program.. even if you don't do the recipes and follow the diet to a tee.. it's SO important to EAT CLEAN. and not eat processed foods.. fruits, veggies, then high protein, lean meats.. ( I eat alot of salmon and boneless, skinless chicken) and don't drink your caloric intake...( specialty coffees, soda and adult beverages) I am going to take a 2 week rest from it.. and just bike and run( but maintain the diet.. which isn't really even a big deal now.. it's just a lifestyle change and just the way I eat now.. then I am going to start over on my next 90 days. I am really excited about it.. because 90 days ago, i couldn't do ANYTHING.. and now it's about mastering the exercises and getting more reps when you max out. 

I got a couple of new toys a couple of week ago too. I upgraded to a garmin 405. I LOVE the wireless link up to my laptop, BUT not really loving the touch the betzel to control it stuff... it bothers me more than it helps me when I'm running. 

 Also got a double jogging stroller (BOB!) This was essential for me since brock works out of town so much, and jack is out of preschool for the summer.. so if I am going to get to run on all these pretty mornings, I have to take the kids!! but it's really awesome because THEY LOVE IT.. I think pushing 70lbs up all those hills really has made my upperbody and legs stronger too when I run. 

 Saturday I ran a 5k on state st in bristol. I ran a 22 min 5k.. which I thought SUCKED. but I got first in my age group ( which was cool because there was a field of 175 runners-- I consider that a pretty big race for our area) I am planning on running a 5k next sunday evening in kingsport called the AMAZINGRACE 5k.. and then in june 13th? I am running the varmint half marathon. 

Then on monday I was lucky enough to get to run some with the Iron Mtn trail runners club to backbone rock.  I had an AWESOME time!!  I really hope to do more runs with them this summer!! what a nice group of people! :o)  I will post some pictures from my run with this blog. 

lastly, the planning for the Christopher TOdd Richardson Memorial 10k is going well. I am contacting the volunteers from last year's race this week, and trying to line all that up.  I am SO thankful to have SO many good friends with big hearts.. who come out and help me with this race. The race wouldn't have gone SO well last year had it not been for the wonderful group of volunteers. I am SO excited about this year's race. ( august 15th for you guys who are wondering the date) all the information is on state of franklin track club's website: www.runtricities.org. 

 click on EVENTS and then scroll down to august 15th to get the info about the race. :o)

at NMB for a week!

 hey.. sorry to not have posted in so long!  I have been so busy the past month!

I am on day 68 of P90x! and still seeing very good results!! I will post some pictures in a couple days.  Also, I have been upping my mileage and running pretty much everyday.. and at least biking for an hour on my stationary bike on the days I haven't been able to get away. Which surprisingly have worked out well.  I really think that the p90x has supplemented my running because of all the stretching I do every work out, the yoga x dvd, and all the core work/upper body work outs. I had just never really focused on these areas before, and I really think they are making me definitely fitter and stronger ( hopefully faster!)

 I have received several more entries for CTR 10k! ( yay!) In the planning stages still for several things. I am leaning strongly to having medals for age group and the pottery platters for all my over all awards.. cost isn't really the issue.. they pretty much cost the same,but I was just wondering what the masses would more enjoy??? any thoughts???

The shirt is going to be awesome this year. It's going to be a technical fiber shirt still but with different graphics. 

so we are at North myrtle beach at my inlaw's house at barefoot landing. I am sure most of you saw on the new last week, that there was a forrest fire here at barefoot and many homes were destroyed. :o( My inlaw's house was spared from the inferno, but it has been really somber to run through what used to be some of the prettiest neighborhoods and see the charred remains of houses. :o( many demolition crews are working very hard to clear the debris and make them empty lots for the owner to begin rebuilding. 

other than that,  I have got to run every day :o) yay! and then spend quality time with brock and the boys we went to the beach today. The weather has been very nice. ( 85F and clear) the past several days. 

 here are several pictures i have taken so far this trip: ( sorry this blog is so choppy but I am kinda in a hurry typing this):o)

just received first entry for 2009 CTR 10k!!

  Hi!! just a quick update to tell you that this week I received the first pre-registration for this year's Christopher Todd Richardson Memorial 10k!!

Thanks martha!! She is so nice!! She attended last year as well! Her husband jerry also has volunteered! I appreciate their support so very much!!

 I need runners!! but also, I know a race going smoothly and well organized is impossible without volunteers!!! I had  such a WONDERFUL collective of people helping me last year! I can't wait until this year's race!!

Woo! 

it's p90x picture time! DAY 30

 hey there boys and girls. 

 I am blogging to post as promised my day 30 picture for p90x ( day 1 is a couple posts below)  and post a picture of my spin bike and tell you about the 5k I ran on saturday in Grundy, va. 

The race went well.  The weather was perfect.  2 gripes about the race I will get out in the open quick.. 1. no aid stations other than the finish. (?!) one half way point would of been nice.  I was fine because I usually go about 10 mi with no water.. but other people were DYING!!  they needed some gatorade!!

2. I am eating my own words with this one.. the course wasn't certified and I really feel it could of been short.  I used to think USATF certification wasn't that big of deal, but  now I kinda think otherwise and am glad that matt studholm really encouraged me to have Todd's race certified last year.   but the shirt was nice, the metals were top notch, the finish line had plenty of food, and gatorade and water.. everyone got a free squeeze bottle!

 I ran a 2o:55  and got first in my age group at the race. It would be a PR for me!  but I really wish had the course been certified because it doesn't really "count"...  anyways.. I was running right at 7 min pace or under the entire race and it felt awesome. I felt VERY strong the entire race.. and I really can't wait to run another 5k, because I really would like to get my time down some more.  5k's are so intense!! 

 I am continuing on training for the varmint half marathon in june! very excited about this race because I love it SO much!  this will be my 4th time running this race!

p90x is going well. it continues to be a challenge and kick my butt everyday.  I really am very pleased with my progress. even if no one else can tell, just the simple face I can do push ups and pull ups now.. and see the gains and progress I make every week.. make it all worth it.  This is a GREAT fitness product for someone who can't go to the gym or doesn't want to!!  I stay home with my 2 young children, so it works very well for me!

without further ado here's the pictures

 

just finished week 3!!

 I just completed week 3 of the p90x program. I now start my recovery week!! hoorah! When I get to day 30 I will post a picture. I see improvement/changes.. I really think by the time 90 days are complete it will be a big difference.  I have to add that I think that to make this program work, you have to follow the nutrition guide.. and then even my results may be different because I am running so much and doing many other things in addition to the program... 

 I have been using my training/spin bike TONS!! I am a spinning machine these days. I haven't posted a picture of that yet either as promised. I will get on that. 

Running: I have been averaging between 30 and 40 miles per week. I am going to Richlands to go run 10 miles today ( in the rain!) .  I can't wait. :o)

 and I am running a 5k this weekend in Grundy. The Appalachian School of Law 5k.  This makes the 3rd time I have ran this race. I am looking forward to it. It's a very small race, but I enjoy it. The awards are nice, they have a nice shirt and always have plenty of food at the finish. :o)

well, I will post a picture of my spin bike( promise) and give a race report about my 5k experience next blog..