Fulfulling a Dream....Delayed, hopefully not Denied

I am sitting on an airplane on a Sunday morning.  Was all set to make a trip to Chicago for a work conference, and decided to come in a day or two early so I could visit with family and friends.  As part of the trip, I am (hopefully not "was") going to visit Jeff and Jule Gudeman - they are going to be my first stop upon landing at O'Hare.  It would be the first time I would see them since late December when our two families came together for a breakfast at a local Cracker Barrel.
Unfortunatley, after boarding the plane and getting situatted, the pilot announced bad weather is just beginning to move across O'Hare airport, and is shutting down all incoming and outgoing flights.  This weather system is extending into Iowa, and going to cause a 1 1/2 hour delay at a minimum.  In FAA speak, I take that to mean at least 4 - 5 hours, 'cause we all know we never get the full story during the brief announcements made to keep us apprised of "the situation".

While I find this weather to be completely unacceptable, I know I cannot control it.  I was really looking forward to getting to the Gudeman residence about midday.   I figured about that time, I would need to use the bathroom.  And if you are a faithful reader of the 113 For Emmah blog, you know I have unfinished "business" to take care of at the house.  A personal goal to relieve myself of.....

And if you have no clue what this is about - read the previous post describing my dream.

So, I hope I am only delayed, and not denied this golden opportunity.  I guess there could always be other days, but when you look forward to something badly, you want to make it happen when the time arrives.

This analogy serves well for the run.  Last week I injured by Achilles tendon during a training run with Lynn.  Have no idea how it happened, but by the end of the day, I couldn't walk and was in pain.  Over the past week, that pain has subsided some, but I have not been able to run more than a few feet.  You can imagine how frustrating this can be for someone who is SO READY to do this run, and absolutely is prepared to go out and train for it on a regular basis. The run is only 8 weeks away, and we are committed to go, but I am incredibly concerned about whether my achilles will heal - especially when there is no good way to treat it other than rest.  And no clue as to whether the injury will flare up again on another training run, or during the race.   So just like visiting Jeff and Julie....I hope I am only delayed, and not denied this golden opportunity. I guess there could always be other years to do the run, but when you look forward to something badly, you want to make it happen when the time arrives.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers and wish for a speedy recovery.  In 10 years of running, I've never had something like this happen, especially during an easy training run, and I know I have many people counting on Lynn and I do this, and I don't want to let anyone down.  Especially Lynn.  And Jeff and Julie.

And Emmah.

KEIYH

PS - they just announced we are reboarding.  Can it really be true?  Not counting on it by the way the pilot just said "we may just sit on the runway".  No confidence.

I Have a Real Problem

Now by this time, you already know that.  In fact, I have many more problems than I could possibly go into during my weekly updates.  But I believe this one deserves to be brought to your attention.  I am concerned about being at an unfair disadvantage during the TransRockies Run!  "How", you ask?  Are you thinking that Lynn and I didn't have a snowball chance in hell to do well, and maybe finish in the money?  You know, $75,000 in prize money could go a long way in making us super-running-studs!

But, the news I got today is ridiculous!  The organizers of the run have announced an "Extended Transportation Plan" for all participants for an extra $250.  I was thinking that this plan was to help participants (you know, athletes like Lynn and I) get to/from the Denver airport and the race location.  But nnnnoooooooo.....

The "extended transportation plan" allows competitors (not athletes, like Lynn and I), to stay at hotels in the local cities after each stage of the 6 stage race, by providing the transportation to and from the hotel each day.  Something is seriously wrong here.  Doesn't that tip the balance of power in favor of those with the extra $250?  Nice, long, hot extended showers each night (instead of the 5 minutes campers will be limited to).  Soaking in ice baths to help the sore muscles heal faster (instead of sucking on ice cubes at night for the campers).  Sleeping on a nice Super 8 motel mattress with at least 2 fluffy pillows (instead of roughing it on a 1 1/2" thick pad, while in a sleeping bag, and a plastic sack stuffed with smelly clothes serving as a pillow). It just doesn't seem fair.

Now don't get me wrong - I like having the odds tipped against us.  This is a motivational tool.  Bulletin board material for the locker room.  It will inspire us to run stronger, farther, and faster than ever before.  We are going to need to so we can let the air out of the tires of the transportation vans....

Guess you can tell we don't have $250 to spare.  Gonna love the tenting experience!

KEIYH

Dancing With Stars Called!

They finally responded to my many calls and applications to appear on their show!  Unfortunately, the had bad news to share.   After watching my latest submission tape, from this weeks Zumba class, they have politely declined my offer to participate in the next season of the show.  Apparently, my Latin dancing is not up to par - too many left feet, and lots of elbows. In the "I think they are being a bit critical" category, I was advised that when sashaying your hips, the rest of your body should not move like jello.   A bit harsh, don't you think?

Now in the "things are looking up" category, my ballroom dance career may be able to overcome any latin deficiencies, and land me on the Afghan version of "Dancing With the D-listers".  I sure hope I get paired up with my favorite star, Kathy Griffin.  We'd rock that dance floor.....gotta make Julianne Hough jealous somehow....

So, in all seriousness (if that is possible when talking about my dance moves), I went to Zumba again last night, as part of my cross-training regimen.  This week, Jonathan was the instructor.  He proceeded to have moves that made me blush, but thankfully I was hidden in the back of room where nobody could see how bad I was....until Jonathan decided that we would spend half our time doing ballerina turns, so suddenly I was at the front of the class.  Mean trick dude.  It got even worse when I turned the wrong way and the class was facing me...while I was facing them.

By my count, there were two men in the Zumba class - Jonathan and me.  And twenty women of all ages.  I would honestly tell you it could be easy on the eyes, except I spend so much time trying to look past their feet to see which way Jonathan is moving....so I can follow with the same move three seconds later.  My wife knows I am fond of saying "nothing beats a good group dance number", which is why I am a Dancing With The Stars fan.  So when 21 people in the class are looking ahead at the front mirror, all moving in unison, it is a beautiful sight.  The problem occurs when you throw the 22nd person into the mix, and he is looking confused, it looks like a bad high-school cheerleading routine.  

So, I sincerely apologize to my Zumba classmates.  Please be patient with me.  If we can change the beat count from 120 steps a minute to about 30, we are going to be something damn special!

Judges:  3 - 4 - 2.  I am worse that Steve Wozniak....

This weekend's training schedule doesn't include any dancing.  Friday: 12 miles. Saturday: 14 miles. Sunday: 16 miles.  Pray for clouds....

KEIYH

Which Way to the Gondola?

It seems that the closer we come to August 22 - 27, the more interested people have become in learning more about the TransRockies run, and exactly what type of training we are doing to prepare for it.  The first reaction of most people who hear "113 miles and Colorado" in the same sentence are something along "wow, that's ambitious", and then a muttering under the breath "you crazy SOB!"

I heard that.

At this point, people then ask the next logical questions - "How are you training for altitude?", and "How are you training for hills?".  Both very good questions.  According to the run website, the altitude for most of the run will be between 8,000 - 12,000 feet.  Ooooohhhh.  Aaaahhhhhhh.  Altitude of Charlotte, NC = 649 ft.  Uh-oh.   So, the short answer to the first question is - we are not training for altitude.  How can we?  Maybe run with a sock stuffed in our mouth???  (Peanut gallery - no comments please).   Sure, we can go up to the "High Country" of NC - and maybe get to 3,200 feet in Boone, NC.  Don't think that will give the same effect.   In the end, there isn't a good training program for those competitors (yes - that sounds so much better than participants...who knows, we might win when everyone else drops out from too much altitude training!) like us.  We will just have to deal with it when we get there.  Good news is, we are arriving 4 days prior to the run, so we can acclimate as best possible.  But, everyone has had an experience in the mountains, and is providing their input on how we should best prepare.  Yet, nobody wants to be our Sherpa.....

Just so you all know what the course really looks like, the photo above is of the elevation changes through the 6 stages.  Don't think I haven't notice that Day 2 seems like quite the anomaly.  Thankfully, it is ONLY 10 miles long that day.  What is that anyway, like a 27% incline???? (click on photo to open up larger version)

Now for the hills question.  See earlier paragraphs.  Not much elevation change in Charlotte.  Hills in Boone are a two hour drive away.  Solution (at least for me) is an inclined treadmill.  Yes, it is boring. Yes, it is hard.  Yes, I am a crazy SOB for suggesting this run.  But, heck - you only live once.

Just wait until you see us run DOWN the mountains.... that won't take as much skill, right???

If only we could get the other competitors on OUR playing turf.  Flat roads.....we'd show them how running is really done!

KEIYH

A Reunion....of Sorts

Today was the first time Lynn and I trained together in approximately 2 months.  Guess that's what happens when two busy people try to fit in a ultra run in the middle of everything they have going on in life.  Today we went 10 miles at 7:00 am - dang it was hot and humid at the start - probably 75 degrees and warming!  But it gave us a chance to catch up on life, and to begin to discuss what we are really going to face in Colorado in a mere 78 days (yes - that darn countdown timer on the blog started at nearly 200 days and has whittled down to just about 2 1/2 months).  Where has the time gone?

Well, Lynn has spent her time running the Boston Marathon, travelling for work, enjoying a beach house, and living La Vida Loca - did you know she is single?  I have been living the life of Parenthood - ballgames, selling a house, work, and countless family activities.  In between, we find times to run during the week that are convenient for us, and hope that our weekend schedules match up.

It was interesting to discuss our training so far (no - we don't talk during the week - only periodically text or email each other to confirm running plans for the weekend.  What would we talk about on the runs then???).  Lynn is a cross-training machine:  spinning class one day, yoga another, working with a personal training on Wednesdays, and then doing runs probably 3 - 4 days/week.  Her overall mileage is low, but her overall fitness is high.  I, on the other hand, have primarily been running 5 - 6 days/week, and have much higher mileage, but limited core strength.  Don't like doing all the other work that goes with training for this, because I think I need to be good on endurance.  So what is the right answer?   We decided somewhere in between what we are each doing. 

So Lynn will probably drop the spinning class to get another day running in.  I am trying to stick fairly religious with the training schedule I posted the other day, and do some light cross training and yoga (albeit on the Wii Fit....does that really count?  It keeps scoring me on each activity - and not too high I might add!).  Apparently I am not as flexible as I should be, or steady at time, and a little voice says "you seem shaky."  Hey Wii Fit - I have 78 days....back off!!!

Of course, our running styles and paces are quite different as well.  I am pretty "steady as she goes" in terms of pace, and can't carry a conversation if running too fast.  Lynn is a little like my softball throwing, X+5: trying to keep the same pace as me, but always five feet ahead of me!   We are learning that pace won't matter much in Colorado, but endurance will.  You've heard the saying, "this isn't a sprint, it is a marathon"?  Well, "this isn't a marathon, it is about 6 over 6 days".  And in the current hot and humid weather in Charlotte, NC, it is going to be a long 78 days working to build up our mileage and fitness.  Keeping the big picture in mind.

Baby steps....

KEIYH

Aggressive Training

Many people have asked me, and I am sure the same can be said of Lynn, "what type of training are you doing for your run."  Well, simple answer - a lot of running.  In order to be able to run the 113 miles, we need to have a strong foundation, which means lots of hills, lots of crossing training, and lots of back-to-back-to-back days of logging miles.  And even then, our busiest week will get us to only about 70+ miles. 

Of course, we know we aren't in this experience to win the cash prizes they have for the winning teams.  If for some chance we do, I have a pretty good feeling some of the race officials will be tracking us down to see if we pulled a "Rosie Ruiz" (woman who took a short-cut across the Boston Marathon years ago to "win" the race, and was later exposed as a fraud).

The attached picture is the recommended training plan from the Transrockies Run website.  We are just about at the first of June, where we are hitting the point of needing to put in more miles in one week than we have ever done before.  Charting new territory, breaking new ground, and getting one step closer each day to a memorable experience.  Wish us well!

KEIYH

Let's Get Ready to Rumble!!!!

You want a piece of me????

This past Sunday morning I participated in the Uwharrie Rumble - a 13.1 mile run through the Uwharrie National Forest in Mount Gilead, NC.  I thought it would be a fine test for me, to see how I run some single track trails, with some small hills thrown in.  Result - a lot harder than I would have thought!

Now you should know, I am working on running longer distances on back-to-back days on the weekends, in order to build up leg strength and prepare for the realities of the TransRockies run.  So on Saturday, I did a 10 miler in the morning before spending a day in the sun at the ballparks for my kids games.  Then it was mid 70s and humid for the Sunday race.  Probably not ideal for a great run, but I fortunately went in with no lofty expectations - this was just a training run - and if I finished in 2:30, I was going to be happy.

Mount Gilead is about an hour outside of Charlotte, and the Uwharrie Rumble started in a small clearing in the midde of the National Forest.  It was no surprise this was going to be a small event.  They didn't have room for many cars. The 8k race went off at 8:00 am with about 50 people, and the 1/2 marathon followed at 8:30 with about 80 people.  If you measured races by the total Porta-Potties available for participants, this was a 3-seater!   And there were no lines!!!

Since people get spread out pretty quickly based on abilities, I started near the back of the pack so I wouldn't slow anyone down, and after a few miles found myself tucked in behind 2 - 3 other runners keeping a steady 9 1/2 minute/mile pace.  Couldn't go too fast behind people while watching for tree roots and rocks and other obstacles.  Gotta tell you, nothing beats trail running! It is certainly better than running the open roads, because the concentration is much more intense, and your legs and feet are constantly going in different directions.  Only drawback?  You have to keep your eyes glues to the runners legs and feet in front of you.  Fortunately for me, that was a female runner!  :)

We crossed 5 miles in a respectable 47:47, and continued that pace for the next 1 1/2 miles.  At that moment, I came to realize what Lynn and I are up against in Colorado.  My legs were feeling strong, but the trail decided to slope upward for the next mile or so.  I lost the pack I was with, and had to walk much of the uphill.  It was a defeating feeling, but I wasn't alone as the few other runners around started doing the same thing.  So for the next 2 miles, it was on/off running, and I recognized I was much more drained than I thought.

I crossed the 8 1/2 mile mark around 1:27, which was where the race started.  This happened to be a water/food station where we could refuel before going out for the remaining 5 miles.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't consider stopping there and calling it a day.  But I have come to learn that I need that heart, desire, and willpower to push on, and push aside the mental mind games I find myself dealing with.  Colorado is going to be worse, and 10 times as many miles as this. 

I pushed ahead and ran on/off for the next 2 - 3 miles.  I kept remembering what my ultramarathoner friend Lisa told me a few months ago.  "It is ok to walk.  You have to look at the bigger picture." This wasn't a time trial.  It was nothing more than a training run, and I was now primarily by myself out there, having to deal with my own thoughts.  I continued on and got a second wind around 11 miles and picked up the pace for the remaining 2 miles.  That renewed energy really helped me to know that even when you feel tired, you can regain strength by doing some power walking up hills.  Just keep moving forward.

And I did.  Finished in 2:19:34 by chip time.  Better than expected even though I felt disappointed during the run.  Came in 52/80, and 8/10 in my age/gender group.   More long training runs to come, more busy weeks ahead, more days with greater heat and humidity await.  At the end of the path, there will be some beautiful scenery awaiting us in Buena Vista, Colorado when we arrive and we'll realize these days were all worth it, and we'd celebrate our journey.

But on Sunday, I decided to celebrate the only way I knew how.  With a cup full of Oreos and Chips Ahoy, and a Diet Coke!  I'm watching my weight, you know.

KEIYH