tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89268065614084284972024-03-13T07:36:09.271-04:00Annette Bednosky's blogANNETTE BEDNOSKY'S BLOG:
This blog is about my observations,hopes,and experiences as an ultrarunner. Because ultrarunning overlaps with the rest of life, I also discuss work, school, my family and other assorted hobbies and essential elements of life!annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-62184292934813238942015-06-17T13:59:00.002-04:002015-06-18T07:02:41.414-04:00Mount Jefferson Challenge and New River Marathon<div class="MsoNormal">
Mount Jefferson Challenge, June 13, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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With this being just a 6.6 mile event, I do not have much to
reflect on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I so, however want to at
least document this experience and hopefully encourage others to line up at the
start next June. Also, I have neglected to post about last month’s New River
Marathon, so I’ll be including some thoughts and memories from that one too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The two events are both organized by race director, Ken
Sevensky owner of Blue Ridge Endurance LLC. He is also the founder and director
of Blue Ridge Relay and several other endurance events. See his <a href="http://www.newrivermarathon.com/">website</a> for
more information.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mount Jefferson Challenge, nicknamed MoJe starts in the
parking lot at Ashe Civic Center. It goes 3.3 miles up the mountain to the end
of the top parking lot, and 3.3 miles back to the bottom. The finish line is a
seam in the concrete and it is the same as the starting line. On Friday, about
30 people participated.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little group readying for the ascent.</td></tr>
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Friday was a lovely day for the 6:30pm event: clear, breezy
81 degrees at run start and probably 10 degrees cooler on the mountain. I
started out slowly and stayed slowish…appreciating the fragrance of the flowers
and grasses and bird song en route to the turn around. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slogging past Park Headquarters<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHgWh6YVc_s/VYGtLq6Z7GI/AAAAAAAACNc/0a0hGAMp6IY/s1600/10857840_835810059838581_8255506879822637895_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHgWh6YVc_s/VYGtLq6Z7GI/AAAAAAAACNc/0a0hGAMp6IY/s400/10857840_835810059838581_8255506879822637895_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure if this is up or down?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMFxOU2vnRE/VYGtPBevXDI/AAAAAAAACNk/ip2ZxgxRNx0/s1600/11267356_835810433171877_6502929540117348546_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMFxOU2vnRE/VYGtPBevXDI/AAAAAAAACNk/ip2ZxgxRNx0/s400/11267356_835810433171877_6502929540117348546_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming up on the pavement seam finish line...</td></tr>
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The way down was much
faster than the way up! I finished in 51:17, good for a $25.00 gift card to
Boondocks and a new female course record. I didn’t stick around long, but got
a jump-start on weekend chores by being home and working in the gardens by
7:50pm.</div>
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I hope next year’s challenge will bring more competition. This
really is the perfect time of year for this run.<o:p></o:p></div>
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New River Marathon (Just a short blurb) May 2, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these race shirts...the only ones I don't give away:)</td></tr>
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Last month I ran this exceptionally fine run. Race Director Ken
Sevensky, appropriately used the word “charming” to describe the new course.
The morning vibrated of The New River, yellow wild flowers, a suspension
bridge, dirt roads and a couple steep hills on an otherwise pretty mellow, fun
course.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool clouds near Todd, NC race morning</td></tr>
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Just weeks before the event, the start/finish venue had to
be changed and the new start/finish area is now right smack in the middle of
the tiny hamlet of Todd, NC. Runners were asked to plan ahead and allow plenty
of time to get to the race as some of the parking would be half mile away.
Despite this, our start time was postponed by around 25 minutes. This was the
only thing, in my opinion, that wasn’t perfect about the race course or the
execution of the event.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Aid stations and helpful volunteers were placed at good
intervals. Gel, and salty snacks appeared in all the right places. I carried a
tube of Clif Shot Blocks, yet forgot about them and didn’t use as the race
provided plenty of fuel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few miles left to go...</td></tr>
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Towards the end of the marathon route, the half marathon
course shared pavement with us and it was fun to cheer and be cheered on by the
other runners. I met runners from all over the southeast, 3 ladies from Texas,
and many local runners.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winner Katherine Price and her son</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8NmdFyEyr8/VYKgkSl16tI/AAAAAAAACOY/KMYIi1aNxQQ/s1600/IMG_1950%2B%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8NmdFyEyr8/VYKgkSl16tI/AAAAAAAACOY/KMYIi1aNxQQ/s400/IMG_1950%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the way from Texas to visit the New River!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G25W5-590EY/VYKgkq6SNRI/AAAAAAAACOg/WobIvIYv4mg/s1600/IMG_1951%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G25W5-590EY/VYKgkq6SNRI/AAAAAAAACOg/WobIvIYv4mg/s400/IMG_1951%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remi Wingo. She's so cool-we go way back with Outward Bound</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l79Z9hU_rN4/VYKgi-PMOYI/AAAAAAAACN8/dUzSiSRPRHM/s1600/IMG_1944%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l79Z9hU_rN4/VYKgi-PMOYI/AAAAAAAACN8/dUzSiSRPRHM/s400/IMG_1944%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott and Sarah from Charlottesville, VA</td></tr>
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I wound up finishing up in 3:23:34, 9<sup>th</sup> overall
and 2<sup>nd</sup> woman. I had a fun and smart run and took away a homemade
wooden bowl and a free 1-night stay to a local bed and breakfast: <a href="http://www.meadowsweetgardens.com/">MeadowsweetGardens Inn.</a></div>
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Next up? I’d better get some nice training runs in to get
ready for the <a href="http://www.hopeformarrow.org/gmminfo.htm">2015 Grandfather Mountain Marathon</a> on July 11.<o:p></o:p></div>
annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-57925159176318277272015-04-25T23:14:00.000-04:002015-04-25T23:14:55.320-04:00Blue Ridge Marathon: One of the BEaST: 4/18/2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVXTxM2Jbp4/VTt9xoIqcnI/AAAAAAAACKI/XZXxLK7BvNo/s1600/race_976_photo_16430915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVXTxM2Jbp4/VTt9xoIqcnI/AAAAAAAACKI/XZXxLK7BvNo/s1600/race_976_photo_16430915.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing up a great morning</td></tr>
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With the exceptions of the 3 World Championships I’ve
participated in, <a href="http://blueridgemarathon.com/">Blue Ridge Marathon</a> is probably the highest profile and most
delightful road race I’ve experienced. The race announces that it’s “America’s
toughest road marathon”…with over 7,400’ of elevation gain/loss. (Start/finish
are in the same place). That on it’s own is cool, yet the Roanoke City,
communities, police,volunteers and Park Service, made things go almost over the
top. I felt like a rock star all day (except when I didn’t-and that was only
for moments).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clIwJUd1qsI/VTt9k4BHuSI/AAAAAAAACJs/_wDgiSMAuDM/s1600/race_976_photo_16433130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clIwJUd1qsI/VTt9k4BHuSI/AAAAAAAACJs/_wDgiSMAuDM/s1600/race_976_photo_16433130.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start/Finish</td></tr>
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> I arrived in Roanoke about 6pm at my palace for the night:
<a href="http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-roanoke-virginia-VA248">Rodeway Inn.</a> This older, but clean motel was perfect for me (mircrowave,
fridge, coffeemaker, desk, table, etc)
with Sheets and Wendy’s being practically across the parking lot, and
the race start/finish just under a mile away, fully accessible by sidewalk.
Friday evening, using a little hydration pack, I jogged to packet pickup in
downtown. Very efficient and I walked back appreciating the open air café’s and
art and pedestrian streets in the downtown of this outdoor friendly city.</div>
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With the event starting at 7:35 am, it was nice to sleep in
until 5:30 and still have plenty of time to pack up the motel room, make a
bagel, pour a mug of hot chocolate and walk downtown. Three events started at
the same time:10k, ½ marathon, and our race. Runners were asked to “self-seed”
according to our anticipated minutes per mile: Corral A=8:00 min and faster,
B=8:01-8:45, C=8:46-9:30, etc.all the way through Corral F. I choose Corral B,
and after the national anthem was sung by a member of Roanoke Opera, we were
off.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMZH96oKegY/VTvMvykFnJI/AAAAAAAACLA/waKp1JTpw2o/s1600/cc83b7b8-c784-44fb-b3b2-2f3e890e6546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMZH96oKegY/VTvMvykFnJI/AAAAAAAACLA/waKp1JTpw2o/s1600/cc83b7b8-c784-44fb-b3b2-2f3e890e6546.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working our way "up" for the first many miles...</td></tr>
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> I don’t remember many details about the first 10 miles. At
first there were lots of people together on the roads as the different races
all shared the same course for several miles. It wasn’t crowded. I remember
running up, up, up and down, down, down. You could hear the cheers and screams
of the different aid station volunteers sometimes from ½ mile away. I have run
several events that either cross or utilize the Blue Ridge Parkway as part of
their courses. BRM is the first that I’ve experienced that runners actually got
the right of way. This element added to the “rock star” quality of the event.
There was even a trumpet player on the parkway having his own personal
endurance event. He played the “charge” melody for hours on end. The sound made
me smile both approaching and returning from the steep Roanoke Mountain. I
thought about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/david.horton.37853?fref=ts">David Horton</a> on this mountain, if he designed road courses, he
would have definitely included this portion (but he probably would have put it
at mile 21).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPJVhD_GIFk/VTt9wBO1eKI/AAAAAAAACJ8/A1fx92_h1pQ/s1600/race_976_photo_16429600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPJVhD_GIFk/VTt9wBO1eKI/AAAAAAAACJ8/A1fx92_h1pQ/s1600/race_976_photo_16429600.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this was taken running up Roanoke Mountain...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LmgM3GvIsgQ/VTvMu2Rb91I/AAAAAAAACKs/p6w0H3-tXw0/s1600/434fa9b8-3e8b-4db8-9e48-f11003a35272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LmgM3GvIsgQ/VTvMu2Rb91I/AAAAAAAACKs/p6w0H3-tXw0/s1600/434fa9b8-3e8b-4db8-9e48-f11003a35272.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got this photo off a photo sharing site from day of race...top of Roanoke Mountain...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_6Odz5I_4-Y/VTvMvGB8h3I/AAAAAAAACKw/886vHDXMG8Y/s1600/2979d6ad-4349-4248-bf0e-dd76fc7af5cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_6Odz5I_4-Y/VTvMvGB8h3I/AAAAAAAACKw/886vHDXMG8Y/s1600/2979d6ad-4349-4248-bf0e-dd76fc7af5cc.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming off the 2nd climb of the marathon. Lovin' the grass and blooms!</td></tr>
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Aid stations stocked with GU Brew and water were no more
than 2 miles apart and every few aid stations there was gels, pretzels, fruit
etc. My favorite aid stations were in the Peakwood Community...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-815eClBd460/VTvMwPB88QI/AAAAAAAACLI/QPMv-iljsRE/s1600/da1e6c46-8671-4c26-91bd-7e788cc1f8d3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-815eClBd460/VTvMwPB88QI/AAAAAAAACLI/QPMv-iljsRE/s1600/da1e6c46-8671-4c26-91bd-7e788cc1f8d3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great support and fun in this community</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqZxydDKsX0/VTxSNVXQzYI/AAAAAAAACLc/sp9CBQRuyj0/s1600/race_976_photo_16421273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqZxydDKsX0/VTxSNVXQzYI/AAAAAAAACLc/sp9CBQRuyj0/s1600/race_976_photo_16421273.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing my best to "Do the Locomotion" as the speakers were <br />screaming out while entering Peakwood</td></tr>
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This was a turn-around
for an out ‘n back and it was fun to nod and wave at other runners. There were
cheering spectators, music, little shot glasses of champagne, pound cake on a
platter and an overall celebratory energy. It was about at this point that the
marathoners running around my pace started to mingle with some of the half
marathoners.</div>
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Time passed quickly and I definitely took advantage of
liquids and other fuel at each aid station for miles 12ish-24ish. I probably
should have been fueling better starting around mile 8…but, when I return
again, I’ll know better…Next time, I’ll anticipate the champagne and slow long
enough make a quick toast<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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The race ended for me, feeling strong, well-fueled and
honestly, glad to be done running for the day. Shortly after finishing, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brie-Jackson/1527203237525427?fref=ts">BrieJackson</a>, an amazingly vibrant woman I met in January at Sandman Extreme ½
marathon and who recommended the event shared congratulations Thank you Brie
for letting me know about this event…and congratulations to her too for her 3<sup>rd</sup>
place finish in the 10km!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_tE3ox_msg/VTt9175_1SI/AAAAAAAACKU/qm__lmb1vlY/s1600/race_976_photo_16430948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_tE3ox_msg/VTt9175_1SI/AAAAAAAACKU/qm__lmb1vlY/s1600/race_976_photo_16430948.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Psyched to feel good crossing the line!</td></tr>
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After crossing the finish line I enjoyed 16 ounces of water
and a Fresca within 30 minutes. Within the hour I enjoyed 2 little slices of
cheese pizza and a yummy local IPA all included with the race registration.
After socializing for an hour or so, I walked back to my car. Every time I
touched my legs a cloud like baby powder would form…yet it was the salt from
all that 75 degree-ish sweating!</div>
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I certainly consider this run to be among my favorites-the
icing on the cake was the perfect spring day and multitudes of dogwood and
cherry blossoms all over trees and bright bulbs throughout neighborhoods. I
look forward to returning to Roanoke for both running and non-running fun.</div>
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Upon my arrival home, before dropping into bed, I tuned into
the race website to learn I finished “America’s toughest road marathon” 23<sup>rd</sup>
overall, 5<sup>th</sup> woman and 1<sup>st</sup> masters with a time of
3:41:58. (Average pace of 8:28 per mile-so the self-seeding was spot on.Yay)!
The free photos came out on Thursday, hence it’s taken a week to get this post
up.</div>
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Next? A run starting 25 minutes from where I live: <a href="http://www.newrivermarathon.com/">New RiverMarathon </a>on May 2, 2015.</div>
annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-8534293531929809592015-03-30T21:35:00.000-04:002015-03-31T07:08:23.989-04:00A cold start to 2015 Virginia Creeper Trail Marathon 3/29/2015 <div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUX8zu3w3gU/VRp9oRGZgPI/AAAAAAAACIY/ob5dxSLHjvI/s1600/10841933_901407979921588_8697614787528252206_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUX8zu3w3gU/VRp9oRGZgPI/AAAAAAAACIY/ob5dxSLHjvI/s1600/10841933_901407979921588_8697614787528252206_o.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of run.Women's winner in blue singlet: 2048, me securing my 2nd hat, far right.</td></tr>
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All race photos courtesy of Brendan McSheehy.<br />
<br /></div>
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Yesterday’s start to the <a href="http://www.runtricities.org/creepermarathon/">VA Creeper Marathon</a> was the coldest
I can remember feeling during a run in a very, very long time. I think I’ve
become a bit of a softie-last time I remember feeling so uncomfortable was
during <a href="http://annettebednosky.blogspot.com/2010/01/bandera-100k-2010-excellence-rocks-fun.html">Bandera 100km</a> in January of 2010.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
To make things more fun before the start of the run, I got to see long-time "ultra buddy" Bryon Backer and Kevin Townsend. These fine men have been part of my entire journey of the world of ultrarunning since 2003.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have run Virginia Creeper Marathon 4 or 5 times prior, so I should have
done better at being prepared. The course is run from a central location with
several out ‘n backs all coming through a central location where runners can
easily access a bag to drop clothing or collect clothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I choose to be a Patagonia groupie and wore
the new <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-strider-pro-shorts-3-inch?p=24655-0-NVYB">Strider Pro Shorts</a>, <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-all-weather-zip-neck-hoody?p=24207-0">All-Weather Zip Hoodie</a> with the hood up, a beanie
and <a href="http://www.backcountry.com/columbia-apogee-arch-mitten-womens">Columbia’s Omni-Heat mittens</a>, and sunglasses. I kept my Nano Air Jacket on
for the first short out ‘n back, then like a silly person, threw it off as I
passed my bag at mile two.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DTRq-Ko7xU/VRp-FzfTMDI/AAAAAAAACJI/M7ZjtiaTuVg/s1600/10575297_901409766588076_4738789571336407074_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DTRq-Ko7xU/VRp-FzfTMDI/AAAAAAAACJI/M7ZjtiaTuVg/s1600/10575297_901409766588076_4738789571336407074_o.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two miles in. Not loving it. Frank in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the first 11 miles, all I could think about was running
out of the shade and into the sun and trying not to trip due to having a hard
time seeing with my eyes streaming cold weather tears. From roughly miles
9.5-11.5 I considered not continuing as the shivering and teeth chattering
wouldn’t stop. I think it was the fig bars, wafer cookies and Gatorade at the
mile 11ish aid stop that saved me. I took every chance after that to consume
calories. Heavily fueling combining with the warmth of the sun brought me back
to life and the run was fun from mile 18 until the end.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NkVdA3hy5mY/VRp966Vs3nI/AAAAAAAACI4/3tTWHrs_q30/s1600/10658514_901412923254427_6388439398611179456_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NkVdA3hy5mY/VRp966Vs3nI/AAAAAAAACI4/3tTWHrs_q30/s1600/10658514_901412923254427_6388439398611179456_o.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warmth = Good Attitude</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a little more than a mile to go, I spotted Jessica the
third place girl in the distance, I knew she was slowing as I could see her gap
with the other lady leaders changing at the last Abingdon turn around. I saw
Byron too and I knew that if I caught and passed them he would give me a
good-natured hard time. I had a strong last mile and caught them both,
finishing 12<sup>th</sup> overall, and third woman. Kevin finished very soon afterwards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
This was not a fast year for the women, yet look at these speedy men's times: Jeff Powers 2:39:48, Eddie Posey: 2:52:07 and Sam Allen rounding out sub-three: 2:58:49. Jeff wore singlet, shorts, gloves, hat and ice on his beard. He was a thrill to watch. I wonder what he thought about yesterday morning?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gp8HHG5oIPk/VRp9wjj3jrI/AAAAAAAACIo/5w6-Y0N3HVU/s1600/11096467_901412186587834_2515205498993742688_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gp8HHG5oIPk/VRp9wjj3jrI/AAAAAAAACIo/5w6-Y0N3HVU/s1600/11096467_901412186587834_2515205498993742688_o.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff cruising. He collected bigger icicles through his run.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you to Frank Kibler, race director and all the volunteers
helping us out to a very chilly early morning. Thank you too to whoever made
those yummy white chocolate chip cookies at the finish line. Happiness in dough.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a USATF certified marathon course so I know I ran
26.2 miles, yet I wonder why my fit bit shows that during that 3:34:02 that I
traveled just 21.5 miles? I wonder how the device converts miles to steps or
vice versa? I forgot to turn the Soleus on. Oh well, my eyes were streaming so
much I am sure I couldn’t have read the watch, yet it is nice to have
documentation to reflect back on…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I arrived home early afternoon after emptying my car of
dirty shoes and clothes, I did some sun worshiping on our front deck. Such a
delight to finally be warm again!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2oAlDiG-8w/VRp_3-V_oYI/AAAAAAAACJU/PT9QOMEuEv8/s1600/IMG_1893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2oAlDiG-8w/VRp_3-V_oYI/AAAAAAAACJU/PT9QOMEuEv8/s1600/IMG_1893.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhhhh...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
In closing with this post, I want to share a favorite picture taken the night before this run: Georgio and kittio love:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTJS8BvCFME/VRn5SqorXAI/AAAAAAAACII/Dg3gA0HCJMY/s1600/IMG_1885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTJS8BvCFME/VRn5SqorXAI/AAAAAAAACII/Dg3gA0HCJMY/s1600/IMG_1885.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loves of my life!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-52491731058755960972015-03-24T22:33:00.000-04:002015-03-24T22:33:12.698-04:00Charlotte Rockin' Relay Marathon 3/22/2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ21FiSOD14/VRIO115GBvI/AAAAAAAACGQ/c0gXJ0D9QUU/s1600/IMG_1863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ21FiSOD14/VRIO115GBvI/AAAAAAAACGQ/c0gXJ0D9QUU/s1600/IMG_1863.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun with some super cool relay ladies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This
will be a short post with a couple cool pictures. <a href="http://triviumracing.com/event/charlotte-marathon-relay-2015/">Rockin' Relay Marathon, Charlotte.</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was a glutton this weekend. A glutton in the sense, I did more intense physical
activity than I was ready for, and I loved if, not every bit, then most of it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Saturday,
trainer Andrea I worked together doing a challenging workout doing suspension
training. This is one of the few sessions we do that I feel like shouting
“help” near the end of the last set. Saturday was a full-body workout, yet a
concentration on the glutes. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfJ_u23f81E/VRIT_C--YfI/AAAAAAAACGo/Z27gq5TpjdM/s1600/IMG_1142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfJ_u23f81E/VRIT_C--YfI/AAAAAAAACGo/Z27gq5TpjdM/s1600/IMG_1142.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo was taken in a little over a year ago while doing "suspension training"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
afternoon, I enjoyed the mid-60’s sunshine and ran 11 miles around town,
seeking out vacant lots and briar fields looking for daffodils to <strike>“poach”</strike> , I mean pick(I
don’t really poach- I have learned that old home places, now very
overgrown with bush and brambles and apparently untended produce very early
season daffodils). I did return to one location that afternoon and plucked
several flowers and earned bruised and scratched legs. Totally worth it. I have coined a new word: "daffodiling". <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOxYjzNFRBE/VRIbO7TH3II/AAAAAAAACG4/RP7PHVN3x8M/s1600/IMG_1860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOxYjzNFRBE/VRIbO7TH3II/AAAAAAAACG4/RP7PHVN3x8M/s1600/IMG_1860.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daffodiling results on display on our dining room table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday,
I left home at 5:55am to Reedy Creek Park, just several miles north of
Charlotte, NC. I have run in that location many years ago, when Jeff McConnell
directed “Are We Having Fun Yet 50k?” on the more technical single-track trails
of the park and neighboring reserves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rockin’
Relay was not technical or single track. It was all dirt and gravel and had a
good share of ups and downs during it’s 1.3 mile loop. Easy for the first few
miles and for me, becoming more fierce on tired legs as I continued to
concluded 20 loops to complete the marathon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mentally
I was in a better place than last week. I had fun! It was fun to see the
dynamics of other teams, watch folks fishing and especially be introduced to
the disc golf culture that was prolific that day at the park. I also really
enjoyed a group of 12 fun African American women who divided their group into 3
teams of four. All teams were dressed alike with differences being the color of
their top hats and bowties to announce their team. All wore tutu’s grand
smiles. My day was made as a couple team members agreed to have a photo with me
after I finished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
second highlight of the day was during laps 8-10 when 31-year old<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(at least I think that’s the age he shared-forgive
me Rick if I am wrong) Richard, one of the owners of <a href="http://triviumracing.com/">Trivium Racing</a>, graciously
shared a few loops with me. He is a life-filled person, a runner and triathete who shared some personal experiences and who has tons of passion for endurance sports. He is a great listener and a
joy to be a trail partner. (Also, I must say, although we solo runners were in
the minority, all the Trivium team went out of their way to be sure we all had
what we needed). <b>Thank you <u>soo</u> much.</b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4-IRfMXR7I/VRIO4aqmNFI/AAAAAAAACGY/IzQRZBiS5rs/s1600/IMG_1869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4-IRfMXR7I/VRIO4aqmNFI/AAAAAAAACGY/IzQRZBiS5rs/s1600/IMG_1869.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard ("Rick) taking a break from his busy day to have a photo with me after finishing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This
was a more challenging course than last week’s <a href="http://triviumracing.com/event/northern-trails-marathon-10-mile/">Northern Trails Marathon</a>.I
finished almost 5 minutes later in 4:09:31</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
wore my Soleus for both and came up with this similar data for 2 different
courses. (I know GPS units are not all that accurate in certain settings, thus, I am not trying to look too deeply at all this, yet it will be interesting to compare to this coming weekend...)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 168.45pt;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Northern
Trails<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 165.85pt;" valign="top" width="166"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rockin’
Relay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 144.5pt;" valign="top" width="145"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Elevation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 168.45pt;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">633’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 165.85pt;" valign="top" width="166"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">741’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 144.5pt;" valign="top" width="145"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Moving
time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 168.45pt;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4:02:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 165.85pt;" valign="top" width="166"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4:04:54<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pace
per mile<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 168.45pt;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">9:40<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 165.85pt;" valign="top" width="166"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">9:18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 144.5pt;" valign="top" width="145"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Measured
mileage<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 168.45pt;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">25.0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 165.85pt;" valign="top" width="166"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">26.3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Chip
time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 168.45pt;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4:05:20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4:09:31<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yesterday
I learned I am off the wait list <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and on
the “Who’s Coming?”for the <a href="http://www.runtricities.org/creepermarathon/">Virginia Creeper Marathon</a> this coming Sunday. This
is one of my favorite local runs, just about as low-key as they get. Our weather calls for light snow Saturday night and Sunday morning, I plan to attend if I can safely drive there leaving at 5:30am Sunday morning...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I am running more, yet not what I call TRAINING, (yet). It's awesome to run stress-free, yet I must admit, I am kinda getting the hankering to work hard again. I don't want running to turn back into a responsibility, yet I do love the physical and mental (and emotional) limit seeking of personal improvement and reaching goals. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
As we all are, I am a "work in progress" and as I move back towards ultras, want more than anything to find a balance between running, work and family that is way more balanced that it was before I was injured. I am willing to move slowly as I have gladly digested, that I am more than my running. Three years ago, I couldn't separate other parts of myself and life from running. I am doing better in that way now (Yay!) yet, I think it's getting to be time to trust myself and my experiences and see how ultrarunning can once again be a PART of a healthy and good life...</div>
annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-80924129091271423872015-03-17T00:34:00.000-04:002015-03-17T00:34:55.101-04:00Cinderella, Leftover Mac and Cheese, and a Dagobah encounter = supercool marathon weekend<br />
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Mid-week last week, I learned about a new trail marathon
being run for the first time just north of Greensboro, NC. Feeling the need for
a little change of scenery and a kick-in-the-butt to get in a good long run, I
registered for the <a href="http://triviumracing.com/event/northern-trails-marathon-10-mile/">Northern Trails Marathon.</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y1BSeX9va50/VQeqvIGdJDI/AAAAAAAACFc/qTZO3nJu1kw/s1600/NorthernTrails2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y1BSeX9va50/VQeqvIGdJDI/AAAAAAAACFc/qTZO3nJu1kw/s1600/NorthernTrails2.jpg" height="264" width="320" /></a></div>
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I thought I’d take advantage of being off the mountain and
see a movie, do some shopping at Trader Joes and find a cheap motel and spend
the night. As it turns out, because of March Madness Basketball going on in
Greensboro, there is was no such thing as a cheap room to be found. I did
,however, get a good State Employee’s Rate at <a href="http://www.wingatehotels.com/hotels/north-carolina/high-point/wingate-by-wyndham-highpoint/hotel-overview">Wingate by Wyndamn</a> in High Point.
My favorite thing about this place is it is about ¼ mile away from the
Bicentennial Greenway, and a perfect place to slide in an hour long easy run on
a warm, rainy, Saturday afternoon. They even have a fireplace!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGEA-X6EODE/VQenBVk7zwI/AAAAAAAACEo/4JpdOROEr7w/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGEA-X6EODE/VQenBVk7zwI/AAAAAAAACEo/4JpdOROEr7w/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gas fireplace was so nice after a rainy run:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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Disney’s newest film, Cinderella opened last week and I went
to see a late matinee after my run. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJxn3bD76Uw/VQenaEvDSjI/AAAAAAAACEw/ZwMmxA7212E/s1600/ella-prince-big-cinderella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJxn3bD76Uw/VQenaEvDSjI/AAAAAAAACEw/ZwMmxA7212E/s1600/ella-prince-big-cinderella.jpg" height="400" width="250" /></a></div>
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I had a good time laughing and crying my
way through it. I really enjoyed the film and anticipated the theatre being
filled with just little girls, yet I was wrong. Men, women, girls and boys of
all ages filled the seats. Makes
me want to revisit Joseph Campbell’s writings, specifically, The Power of Myth.
It’s been too many years since I’ve pondered mythology and Carl Jung….</div>
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Back at the motel, I ate leftover kale salad and mac and
cheese from last night’s dinner. Gotta truly love microwaves<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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Since the run didn’t start until 9am, it was spectacular to
sleep in until almost 7am on Sunday morning. A real treat for race day.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The marathon had a sister race, a 10-mile that would start
right after us. All-in-all there looked to be around 150 runners. This was a
lollipop course: out for 5 miles-a 16ish mile loop and then back over the same
first 5 miles. We ran in mud and over top of wet bridges. It was all urban
single track and quite pretty from what I could tell. Because I am out of
practice with slick trail running, I needed to keep pretty focused on footing
the whole time. I am glad I was in the <i>out for a run, </i>rather than <i>racing </i>mindset.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The course was extremely well-marked and had 5 aid stations
offering just what would be needed to make it through. I have been a lazy runner
lately and have not been running with a pack or water bottles, so I was glad
that when I set out with nothing but a pack of <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/clif-shot/shot-bloks">ClifShot Blocks</a> in my pocket,
that all was well.</div>
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For the first 10-12ish miles, I would say I was in quite a
funk. I wasn’t enjoying the footing or the many “whoop-de-dooos” and tight turns that are usually more
indicative to mountain biking then trail running. I prefer more elevation gain/loss and less choppy trails,
yet this was urban trail running, so what’s up with the poor attitude? My brain
kept trying to find excuses to cut things short and leave. Nothing was wrong,
yet I was just unsettled, and out of practice.</div>
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I am not sure when or why things got better? I remember when
seeing the 15 miles sign that I was feeling strong and happy to be there. Soon after the course also went through
a big patch of bamboo that had a huge tree with vines hanging from it. I
thought I should be seeing Yoda sitting in it…</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ceDRC-v-_w/VQeoJLQgICI/AAAAAAAACE4/uMuQ49M6YGQ/s1600/Yoda-on-Dagobah-image-credit-StarWars.com_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ceDRC-v-_w/VQeoJLQgICI/AAAAAAAACE4/uMuQ49M6YGQ/s1600/Yoda-on-Dagobah-image-credit-StarWars.com_.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Though I was wearing both a <a href="http://www.wingatehotels.com/hotels/north-carolina/high-point/wingate-by-wyndham-highpoint/hotel-overview">Fitbit </a>and a <a href="http://www.soleusrunning.com/collections/gps-watches/products/gps-fit">Soleus</a> GPS, I never
looked at either while on the course. I saw only four runners the whole day and
by the time I got very close to the finish line, I had no idea how long I’d
been out there-I figured it must be almost 5 hours. That is why I was so very
confused to see 4:05:?? on the clock. It took one of the race directors
congratulating me on being 3<sup>rd</sup> and saying I ran well in just over 4
hours. It’s amazing how your perception can create invalid outcomes…</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was very surprised; I guess my head really created a new
reality yesterday morning. I also spent a good part of the last 9 miles trying
to remember the name of Yoda’s planet. I finally had to look it up last night:
<b>Dagobah</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While driving down the mountain Saturday afternoon, I
listened to some <a href="http://wfdd.org/programs/ted-radio-hour">Ted Talks on NPR.</a> One talk was on non-verbal communication and
how <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/jamesclear/Posts/body-language-power-poses.jpg">Power Posing </a>can affect your attitude and raise confidence and courage.
Studies have shown an elevation of testosterone and lessening of cortisol after
standing in a Power Pose for 2 minutes. While running I thought about what I’d
heard and look forward to learning more about this topic. In the meantime, I
power posed in front of the finish line for just a couple seconds after
changing out of my running clothes.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqqnBsuqATo/VQepz19o1zI/AAAAAAAACFE/Ldn1YCD2b6U/s1600/IMG_1850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqqnBsuqATo/VQepz19o1zI/AAAAAAAACFE/Ldn1YCD2b6U/s1600/IMG_1850.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonder Woman/ Superman Pose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0gEcn84518/VQeqE799YEI/AAAAAAAACFU/DSSHRAT1POA/s1600/IMG_1852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0gEcn84518/VQeqE799YEI/AAAAAAAACFU/DSSHRAT1POA/s1600/IMG_1852.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other pose...I don't remember name?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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All-in-all, a great spring morning, I even saw a butterfly
(or a very pretty moth). The trees have the first buds of spring and frogs
chirped for miles along the boggy lake shores. I saw deer tracks, a big pile of
bright iridescent feathers,
possibly coming from some sort of duck?</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I pulled in the driveway yesterday, I immediately did a
tour of the yard to see what flower creatures had emerged since yesterday? Awesomeness. I am so very psyched that
spring is starting. I know we’ll have wintery days and spring days on and off
for the next month, yet this pretty weather just makes everything better.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6t6YqOhJdQE/VQercINxZ8I/AAAAAAAACFo/kyuQO5muxV4/s1600/IMG_1855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6t6YqOhJdQE/VQercINxZ8I/AAAAAAAACFo/kyuQO5muxV4/s1600/IMG_1855.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happiness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z3DfJ7S6Jw/VQernejdU1I/AAAAAAAACFw/ZNZDPd6IAqc/s1600/IMG_1859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z3DfJ7S6Jw/VQernejdU1I/AAAAAAAACFw/ZNZDPd6IAqc/s1600/IMG_1859.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More happiness!<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> I must admit, I was super tired coming home, yet not too tired to finish up grocery shopping and visiting the quality floral section of our local Ingles. They have 30 stems of daffodils for 5.00. What a happy purchase!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Cgm6oKj-g8/VQesmteHBZI/AAAAAAAACF4/lgkHS_frtbk/s1600/IMG_1860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Cgm6oKj-g8/VQesmteHBZI/AAAAAAAACF4/lgkHS_frtbk/s1600/IMG_1860.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happiness from the grocery store...in 2 more weeks, from our yard. Yay!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Next up? For sure the <a href="http://blueridgemarathon.com/">Blue Ridge Marathon </a>on 4/18/2015…There may be some practice events before? .....and I
think some further study about power posing, non-verbal communication and the
like. As an undergraduate student at SUNY Fredonia, I was a Human Communications
major and a minor in Musical Theatre. I loved my classes in Non-Verbal
Communication, Public Speaking and Intercultural Communications, etc. That Ted
talk triggered some forgotten intrigue. Time for another exploring adventure of
the spirit!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgUsZDGWOgQ/VQetUBAduLI/AAAAAAAACGA/cnKvAjtuz7E/s1600/IMG_1861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgUsZDGWOgQ/VQetUBAduLI/AAAAAAAACGA/cnKvAjtuz7E/s1600/IMG_1861.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An almost-spring sunset looking off our deck around 7:40 this evening....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-53674057150116842982015-01-18T16:14:00.002-05:002015-01-20T11:31:41.994-05:00 Sandman Extreme Half Marathon, 1/17/2015, Wytheville, VA<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uHb16sHSdgU/VLwarGseXkI/AAAAAAAACDg/Pii_0xpRWj0/s1600/IMG_1736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uHb16sHSdgU/VLwarGseXkI/AAAAAAAACDg/Pii_0xpRWj0/s1600/IMG_1736.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qPmmd2j-Oes/VL2z01u9PkI/AAAAAAAACD0/oGOKZE6XhmQ/s1600/54bd3632785af.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qPmmd2j-Oes/VL2z01u9PkI/AAAAAAAACD0/oGOKZE6XhmQ/s1600/54bd3632785af.image.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting...I am to the left, purple shirt, grey earband and sunglasses.<br />
Yippee! (Photo by Jerry Scott, Wytheville Enterprise)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a fun way to spend a Saturday morning! Wytheville, VA is a
little over 60 miles from my home, but curvy mountain roads make travel take
between 1:20-1:40, depending on who you get behind on the roads.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wytheexcellence.org/About_Sandman.php">Wythe County Schools Fund for Excellence </a>put on the 6<sup>th</sup>
running of the half marathon and 9 miler, with all proceeds going to benefit
the organization's projects for students. The run started at 9am and was a loop
with an out ‘n back in the middle where we ran up a dirt road up and back to
reconnect with the loop. We gained around 1000’ in a little under 2 miles. It
was quite chilly with a starting temperature in the high 20’s, yet it warmed up
considerably and we ended with bright sunshine, no wind and temperatures in the
40’s.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nn55HChbWrQ/VLwZXv4lXNI/AAAAAAAACCg/yfQUeZ8UUrw/s1600/2015%2BRoute%2BMap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nn55HChbWrQ/VLwZXv4lXNI/AAAAAAAACCg/yfQUeZ8UUrw/s1600/2015%2BRoute%2BMap.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">course map: dog leg is up Sand Mtn, loop is the 9 mile version</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> I stumbled across this event when browsing running calendars
this past Wednesday while on an unexpected snowday from work. Sounded like a
fun adventure. I expected it to be so because I knew it would be chilly, the
climbing would make for “slow” times and since this was a local fund raiser,
people would be out there solely for the love of running and spending time with
good people. I was not disappointed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This time of year, even with a half marathon we runners seem
to always struggle with the perfect clothing choice. I laughed to myself as I
heard people around me wondering ear warmers or hat? Jacket or vest? I was
wondering the same thing and ultimately settled on: road shoes, low socks,
capri’s, long bra tank, lightweight <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-capilene-2-baselayer-lightweight-zip-neck?p=44910-0">Patagonia LS zipT</a>, <a href="http://reviews.columbia.com/4546/CU9761/columbia-eolous-ear-band-reviews/reviews.htm?sort=rating&dir=asc">Columbia Omni-Heat Earband,</a> mittens and
handwarmers. I figured if I got hot, I could always gypsy tie my shirt around
my waist-which is exactly what happened around mile 10. Though I wasn’t
planning on tracking my pace during the run, I did wear my Soleus Fit, in order
to review data after the run.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ns6dDssr_7E/VLwarI-n3RI/AAAAAAAACDc/cl_m8EFlBPM/s1600/IMG_1737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ns6dDssr_7E/VLwarI-n3RI/AAAAAAAACDc/cl_m8EFlBPM/s1600/IMG_1737.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This combo of <a href="http://us.topshop.com/en/tsus/product/sheepskin-mittens-3501921?geoip=noredirect&cmpid=ppc_pla_US_ip&istCompanyId=da794a11-99cb-4206-8e52-61037452aeeb&istItemId=ililrqmpm&istBid=tztx">suede and sheep fleece mittens</a><br />
and hand-warmers saved the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The running field was relatively small. Though it had 100
person cap, I’d be surprised if there were more than 60 folks out there. This
is a really neat event and when word gets out, I expect they’ll need to up
their race cap. I met many runners from the Wytheville area, several from
Roanoke, VA and a man from the Front Royal, VA area looking to run a half
marathon every month for this year. I didn’t realize half marathons were so
hard to come by in January?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My experience of running was joyful: perfect attire and warm
hands, no body pains or cold weather wheezing. I just ran with happiness and started to feel more in my
element as we switched to dirt road and started our climb up Sand Mountain.
Ahead of me, I could only see a man and a woman. There were others too far
ahead to see. The woman caught my eye as she was willowy tall with an extremely
graceful running form. We went back and forth a couple times and later after
finishing, I learned she is a bit of a local celebrity-<a href="http://www.wsls.com/story/24147118/brie-jackson">Brie Jackson </a>and she is
a reported with a Roanoke based TV station. I enjoyed a brief conversation in
the recreation center as we waited for awards.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOJvLHCWhrU/VLwaCGJjZ4I/AAAAAAAACC8/oJvoPZUgt4g/s1600/IMG_1719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOJvLHCWhrU/VLwaCGJjZ4I/AAAAAAAACC8/oJvoPZUgt4g/s1600/IMG_1719.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brie and I shortly after finishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w0T4QAvkrpw/VLwaOqa_ewI/AAAAAAAACDE/5tsHrUAS4eg/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w0T4QAvkrpw/VLwaOqa_ewI/AAAAAAAACDE/5tsHrUAS4eg/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brie and her Roanoke peeps at awards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because the run up the mountain was out and back it was
super fun to cheer for and be cheered on by other runners. I was thrilled to
see an ‘ole buddy, Nick Whitehead flying down the mountain in 3<sup>rd</sup>
place. Nick and I have shared many trail miles together, not during recent
years, yet we have had shared adventures and I certainly consider him a kindred
spirit. Great to see him fast and healthy!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZViGKBqLHE0/VLwZ9komp6I/AAAAAAAACCs/6RxcHzvStKs/s1600/IMG_1718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZViGKBqLHE0/VLwZ9komp6I/AAAAAAAACCs/6RxcHzvStKs/s1600/IMG_1718.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick and I after finishing...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There was nothing flat about this course. No chance of
getting bored. Plenty of water, sports drink, signs and human’s pointing the
correct way. Local law enforcement even gave runners the right of way during
the couple intersections on the route. There was an itty bit steep hill at
around mile 11 that was attention-getting, but fine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Soleus says I finished in 1:43:22 with a 7:49 average
pace. Slowest mile was mile 4 at 9:01 with 285’ gain chugging up the mountain,
fastest mile 7, loosing 242’ 6:30.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was 9th overall. Results <a href="http://www.wytheexcellence.org/media/2015%20Sandman%20Finish.pdf">here.</a> The
photographer/writer from <a href="http://www.swvatoday.com/news/wytheville/">Wytheville Enterprise</a> missed me crossing the finish
line, so a few minutes after finishing, he asked me to go back out and finish
again. I expect it will look real, yet anyone who knows me might question as I
had already removed my mittens... I was flattered and happy to do it.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ak-oPnenUnc/VLwZtm13VuI/AAAAAAAACCk/GOVhPlbYnz0/s1600/IMG_1721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ak-oPnenUnc/VLwZtm13VuI/AAAAAAAACCk/GOVhPlbYnz0/s1600/IMG_1721.jpg" height="400" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off my cool sand hourglass which I think will be a hit<br />
with students as they can play w/ it in my office while we talk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> The 8<sup>th</sup> graders of the local Junior Honor Society
hooked us up with hot chocolate and snacks after the run.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I highly recommend this event for folks looking for a
challenging, yet very “runnable” winter mountain half marathon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
To make the day even better, when I arrived home and walked
through the door early afternoon, this is what greeted me:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTaHW8wWiB8/VLwadV9WN7I/AAAAAAAACDM/zvsFCxEzH0s/s1600/IMG_1733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTaHW8wWiB8/VLwadV9WN7I/AAAAAAAACDM/zvsFCxEzH0s/s1600/IMG_1733.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgio and kittio. Life is good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To make a day even better, I am happy to say that Alison and Jason Bryant, both very accomplished ultra/trail/road runners and seasoned race directors will be taking over New River Trail 50k. Yay! I don't know details or dates yet, and I think they are considering adding some alternate distances too. Stay tuned and I will share as I know things...annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-70589687810451183872015-01-10T21:16:00.001-05:002015-01-12T06:49:53.060-05:00Reflections on Reinventing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WfBm_KTNuE/VK8aRm8ixdI/AAAAAAAAB9I/3CJe_otyksQ/s1600/IMG_1045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WfBm_KTNuE/VK8aRm8ixdI/AAAAAAAAB9I/3CJe_otyksQ/s1600/IMG_1045.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little 2014 Halloween experiment in reinvention...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLN_WDMBckY/VK8aajkivCI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/QnvAdIKWPHU/s1600/IMG_1046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLN_WDMBckY/VK8aajkivCI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/QnvAdIKWPHU/s1600/IMG_1046.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look...If only changing oneself was as easy as dressing in a cat costume....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I haven’t posted on this blog in just about forever. It’s
been a confusing, whirlwind couple of years and I have been too unsettled for much
writing or reflection. Now I am coming into a different head space and look
forward to debriefing myself by writing. I don’t know if I will write just to
write or to share. Obviously, if you are reading this, I have found a reason to
share!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really want to reflect on 2014, yet since I haven’t posted
since 2012, will share brief summaries of those years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PART
I: Troubles…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012: Since World 100k in the spring of 2012, I knew my body
wasn’t “right”. Hip, butt, calf and back pain made it discouragingly painful to
move, even running across the road to beat a traffic light was difficult.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mwJOVyi6ljw/VK8a0WUtiQI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/lpwslbCCMqk/s1600/finish%2B2012%2B100k%2BItaly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mwJOVyi6ljw/VK8a0WUtiQI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/lpwslbCCMqk/s1600/finish%2B2012%2B100k%2BItaly.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling rough while finishing up World 100km, May 2012, Serego, Italy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After 3 different doctors, 2 MRI’s, nerve conduction study,
experimenting with different food plans, I still found myself with no apparent
injury or condition. In September of 2012 I stopped running and instead found
the elliptical which did not promote pain. The elliptical is pretty
unsatisfying and that combined with not being able to sleep, or a couple times,
not being able to go to work because of pain, I sunk into quite the “funk”.
Hurting and not knowing why gives a person a serious case of feeling out of
control and powerlessness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Add to that gaining several pounds (not that I got “heavy”,
yet most all females can relate that your body changing into something you’re
not found of can be really distracting to all of life… you dare not share your
loathing and frustration out loud knowing that even close friends might not
“get it” and discount your concern).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dym6-Pk06mcfLcgK6Nos5wBApAlQn3jgI_AtVmRN100AqXHv0sutJo74rtuMQGWm1OrhIrKLvkWqe49C1Pwig' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
In November of 2012, I returned to Brian Beatty, a physical
therapist working at <a href="http://balancedpt.com/">Proaxis PT</a> in Carrboro, NC. I have traveled there to work with him
on and off over the last 7-8 years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian could tell that parts of my body (rib
cage, hips and arms were “locked” and I couldn’t get in neutral). This meant
that the muscles responsible for firing when I moved were not getting the
messages to work, and my lower back and other muscles took over to compensate.
Those muscles were angry being asked to do jobs they weren’t designed to do
(ie: lower back propelling running when the glutes should be driving the
action)<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div>
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Because Carrboro is so far from where I live-give or take
3.5 hours, I went weeks between visits, often using my phone to video exercises
and postures for “homework”. I settled into such a funk that I wouldn’t even do
my homework. Pathetic. My spine was starting to curve, visible through my tank
top and I was being lame. Something needed to change. I was swimming in
frustration and self-pity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Going to our little local gym to use the elliptical, I met
Andrea Cook a personal trainer, and asked to see if she would be willing to
work with me-to kinda “babysit” me while I did my exercises. She agreed. We had
two such sessions before I realized I could motivate myself to do my PT if I
used personal training as a reward. Plus, I figured, since I wasn’t running, I,
at 47 years old, really had to learn to weight train in order to protect my bones
since I wasn’t able to do weight-bearing activities. To make a lonnng story
short, in December of 2012 I was motivating myself to do PT and started to work
with Andrea to stay healthy. I figured since I couldn’t run, the money I would
have spent on travel and entry fees would go to personal training.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_YYka4mPag/VK7eFZt-H_I/AAAAAAAAB70/xM2dhRUS_zs/s1600/IMG_1153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_YYka4mPag/VK7eFZt-H_I/AAAAAAAAB70/xM2dhRUS_zs/s1600/IMG_1153.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bicep curls with TRX suspension</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWgzTkdweMA/VK7eHFv8VrI/AAAAAAAAB78/7gvS_5N18is/s1600/IMG_1140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWgzTkdweMA/VK7eHFv8VrI/AAAAAAAAB78/7gvS_5N18is/s1600/IMG_1140.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TRX we call "running girl"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In late December 2012, I was in the gym when a local
physical therapist and towards a friend was also working out. She knew I was
dealing with challenges. Apparently she’d been watching me move over a couple
weeks time without me knowing and one day announced that she believed she could
help me. My first appointment with Tracy-Lynn Schuster was in January 2013.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tracey-Lynn graduated from Elon University and has her
doctorate. She is currently the director of the rehab clinic at Ashe Memorial
Hospital. (.75 miles from where we live). She studied <a href="http://www.posturalrestoration.com/">Postural Restoration</a> under Ron Huruska who is based in Lincoln, Nebraska.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That winter, I continued to elliptical, work out with Andrea
and see Tracey-Lynn (TL) at least once a week. My PT involved such things as
blowing up balloons, standing on a plank, breathing and doing other things that
I thought were kinda “whoo-whoo”-ie: magical or really out there. Yet I trusted
TL and made great progress in becoming unlocked and having less pain when doing
normal movements. I still could not get to neutral. When TL exhausted her
expertise, she felt certain if I could go to Lincoln, NE to the <a href="http://www.privisioncenter.com/">PRI VisionClinic</a> to meet with her mentor, Ron, I could be helped.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At this point, running again was not on my radar, growing
into middle age and beyond and being able to be active without pain, was my
goal. The clinic was unable to accept insurance due to it’s interdiscinary
approach. The initial 2- hour assessment would be $1400.00 and of course there
was the cost of getting from here to there. I used flyer miles to pay for my
flight and happily I had just enough from my racing “kitty” (money won or
provided by sponsors for travel) that I’d saved up over the years to pay for
motel for 2 nights, car for 24 hours, and the appointment. I ate PB &J for
2 days in a row…well okay, throw in a bottle of wine and some motel comp coffee<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ron (Huraska) and Dr. Heidi are the heads of the Postural
Restoration Vision Clinic. I had 2 hours with these two amazing folks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My appointment in mid-April consisted of laying on a table
and all kinds of range of motion (ROM) being assessed. After that I was given a
contraption to wear on my head that allowed different eyeglass prescription to
cover my eyes. With each prescription change, I was asked to walk down a hall
to see if could be in neutral. NO. No. no…It took several combinations with
muscle testing to reach a place that was magic. At one point, with this weird
helmet type appliance on my head and covering my eyes, I obligingly walked down
the hall looked out the window to the rain (as I had done at least half a dozen
times already that afternoon)…and BAM!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I looked out the window to the rain and the green leaves and
felt a part of life! I was not a spectator! I almost cried at the vividness of
what I felt and saw. I felt like I’d move to a different dimension and was
experiencing the world in a whole new way. I really was. As I turned from the
window at the end of the hall, I was asked to walk forward toward Ron. He
instructed me to stand on one foot, do squats, swing my arms, all things I did
with difficulty or not at all, until we found this prescription that I need. At
this point all my thoughts of “woo-woo” or silliness left me and I become
believer of PRI vision.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I learned somehow I’d developed a nervous system condition
that didn’t allow nerves to communicate with muscles properly. After so long,
disfunction became the norm and I would have to work to retrain my nervous
system to respond appropriately. In the following month, using PRI’s
prescription, I purchased a pair of training glasses from an eye doctor that
mimicked the experience I had at the end of the hall at the PRI Vision
Institute. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It was all crazy, and is still so fascinating to me. For
whatever reason I was seeing in weird ways and therefore the eyes were sending
messages to the brain, which in turn informed my muscles to do certain things,
many of which were harmful. Using these glasses and doing specific exercises
every day and seeing TL at least every 2 weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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TL assured me if I was patient, a full recovery was
possible. Since I am not patient by nature, in late spring of 2013, I knew I
was missing my running buddies and although improving, felt lost and
purpose-less. I knew I needed to surround myself with happy energy and do more
things to distract me from running and to remind myself that I have identity
besides that of an ultrarunner. (A humbling, ego-catching realization). I
didn’t know how to identify myself without being “the runner”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Summer of 2013 I auditioned and was invited to be a part of
the community theatre production of “Annie”. I was in the chorus and played
multiple parts and LOVED it. I continued to work out with Andrea and do PT with
Tracey-Lynn.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAEAqiogP6c/VK8t3Yb6LLI/AAAAAAAAB9o/fFOu00w-N2o/s1600/IMG_1016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAEAqiogP6c/VK8t3Yb6LLI/AAAAAAAAB9o/fFOu00w-N2o/s1600/IMG_1016.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in the dressing room: Daddy Warbuck's maids..6/2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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Fast forward November 2013. Days before my 47<sup>th</sup>
birthday I was cleared to run! Yay!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, since then, I have been carefully back to running. I will
not run under emotional stress or when I cannot be mindful. I must be able to
be in-touch with my bio-mechanics. At first this was a real energy grabber, but
now 13 months after being cleared to run, I have a much better sense of my
body, feelings and positioning. If I am stressed or rushed, I loose it all. It
is for this reason, I love to run, yet at this point, am unwilling to train for
something-no matter how awesome and cool-training, rather than just running
comes with it’s own set of stressful expectations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another big part of my recovery has come from wearing the
proper shoes. For so many years (8) Montrail was a great sponsor. Over the
years the trend had gone from beefy shoes to more minimalistic. I happily
adapted to the lighter shoes as they were comfy, lighter and generally just
great to run both slick trails and roads in. As I went through my PRI assessment, I learned through kinesio testing that as a light runner I need a
heavier shoe to keep me grounded. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Every year PRI puts out a <a href="http://www.posturalrestoration.com/resources/dyn/files/1150480z24aa392c/_fn/HRUSKA+CLINIC+RECOMMENDED+SHOE+LIST+FOR+2013-2014.pdf">list of shoes</a> they believe to be
best for their clients and patients. Although I love <a href="https://www.montrail.com/">Montrail</a>, the shoes are not
suited for my body when running. I look forward to using them –and do use them
on day hikes and fast packs. Tracey-Lynn tested me after I ordered every shoe
off their recommended list (free shipping and return of course). I am now
wearing <a href="http://www.rogansshoes.com/saucony-progrid-guide-6-running-shoes-womens">Saucony Pro-Grid Omni 6 </a>for everything but roads and a Brooks trail
model for dirt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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During my time off from running, I briefly considered
training for a figure competition and spent a day at a workshop in Atlanta
learning about posing, walking in 5” heels, etc. I learned enough to keep
bodybuilding/figure contest on my bucket list, yet it is not something I will
pursue anytime soon.<o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2WnMWyg214/VK8vPiyiZ5I/AAAAAAAAB9w/3fAfA5-xIww/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2WnMWyg214/VK8vPiyiZ5I/AAAAAAAAB9w/3fAfA5-xIww/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls practicing posing in Coach Herb's workshop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29j_k8O07BQ/VK8vT4MBvZI/AAAAAAAAB94/efTuPPxaZHg/s1600/IMG_1271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29j_k8O07BQ/VK8vT4MBvZI/AAAAAAAAB94/efTuPPxaZHg/s1600/IMG_1271.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving instruction for how to hold arms & hips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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Another awesome thing that came out of not running is the new
girlfriends I have made at the gym. Ranging in age for 28 to 59 several us get
together almost every month for a girls night out. Although our professions,
personal lives and hobbies are quite different, we all celebrate taking care of
ourselves and appreciating being able to let down our hair with trusting female
companions. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvbQGlu293U/VK8zAxkAtQI/AAAAAAAAB-M/iW-o64yCxkA/s1600/IMG_1396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvbQGlu293U/VK8zAxkAtQI/AAAAAAAAB-M/iW-o64yCxkA/s1600/IMG_1396.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mona, Andrea, Kyoko, Lindsey and I celebrating November b'days and gutter guards!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXNhyY4NSRY/VK7ee7jyA9I/AAAAAAAAB8E/liK92lenL6U/s1600/IMG_1332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXNhyY4NSRY/VK7ee7jyA9I/AAAAAAAAB8E/liK92lenL6U/s1600/IMG_1332.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first gathering in April: CC from bottom L: Tracey-Lynn,<br />
Annette, Andrea, Catherine, Jenny, Lindsey and Kyoko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PART
II: Returning to “racing”.</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What follows is just a resume of the running and cool
experiences of events I experienced in 2014. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">May 2014:</b> <a href="http://www.newrivermarathon.com/?page_id=1449">NewRiver Half Marathon.</a> My first event in 18 months. Ran 10 miles easy and kicked
it up for the last 3+. Perfect conditions. Joyful. I even got a cool prize of a
wooden tree sculpture and a 25.00 gift certificate to Stick Boy Bakery in
Boone, NC. 436 Finishers.1:44:40, 35<sup>th</sup> overall, 5<sup>th</sup> woman.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">June 2014:</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.grandfather.com/events/the-critter-crawl/">Critter Crawl 5km </a>(up Grandfather Mountain) . 70 finishers. Forth overall, 1<sup>st</sup>
woman: 25:56. I was excited, especially because I was working on my endurance and worked the elliptical for 90 minutes, did a PT session and ran an easy 11.5 miles road the afternoon before the event. I wasn't at all stressed, and had plenty of time to drive, register and warm up. Too bad life as a school counselor couldn't all feel like summer:)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eEfuSf9iaTA/VK8zjzWUpqI/AAAAAAAAB-c/b7_wHj6lIUQ/s1600/annette%2Bon%2Bmountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eEfuSf9iaTA/VK8zjzWUpqI/AAAAAAAAB-c/b7_wHj6lIUQ/s1600/annette%2Bon%2Bmountain.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the top of Grandfather parking lot. Trying<br />
to maintain form and breathe at the same time...Photo by Skip Sickler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="http://www.easterndivideultra.com/">Eastern Divide 50k</a>. George won a raffle in February and we
were awarded a 3-night cabin stay in Pembroke VA. He also won a guided
fishing trip. Just so happens that the race was on Sunday (the day of our
checkout and 20 minutes from our cabin). This course was fun with lots of single track uphill for the first several miles before settling into a combination of dirt roads, grassy fields and single track through miles and miles of ferns. It was so green, I thought we must be in Middle Earth.<span id="goog_1875097762"></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3q6fxx9BOcw/VK8zXaJ2RXI/AAAAAAAAB-U/yp2NlBNhOgs/s1600/easterndivide50k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3q6fxx9BOcw/VK8zXaJ2RXI/AAAAAAAAB-U/yp2NlBNhOgs/s1600/easterndivide50k.jpg" height="320" width="297" /></a></div>
</div>
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I ran the 50k, falling at mile 8 (kinda bloody), just
because I was daydreaming about PB &J. To make a long story short, I wound
up in 2<sup>nd</sup> place and later getting 5 or 6 stitches in my knee at an
urgent care center in Blacksburg, VA: 65 finishers. I think there were 29 women: 4:54:52. I most definitely want to run this again: a great variety of tough single track, muddy dirt road, smooth trails, very scenic and excellent support. (Not to mention the yummy veggie (or meat) burgers and microbrews at the finish). Yay! I was sooo very thrilled to still be considered and "ultrarunner", even if a bloody,clumsy one. Too make things even more special, my former amazing coach, Howard Nippert and his wife Karen (they live in the area) met me at the finish and we got to jump up and down together for a few seconds! (Howard is the person who helped me learn to race 100km's. Check out his coaching site at: <a href="http://www.howardnippert.com/">http://www.howardnippert.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">July 2014:</b> The
Bear 5 miler (uphill): 751 finishers. 73<sup>rd</sup> overall and 9<sup>th</sup> female:
43:56… and Grandfather Mountain Marathon. 291 finishers. 11<sup>th</sup> overall, 1<sup>st</sup>
woman: 3:28:35 (one of the slowest first place female times in a long time…)
Both these races are part of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. The Bear
is Thursday at 7 pm, 5 miles up hill, the marathon started, around 6 am at
Appalachian State University Track and wound it’s way up to the track at McRae
meadows, the central location for the Highland Games.<o:p></o:p><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKVd_m4N5l0/VK838F0KcfI/AAAAAAAAB-4/fBRIaDzofeQ/s1600/Grandfather2014%2Bpodium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKVd_m4N5l0/VK838F0KcfI/AAAAAAAAB-4/fBRIaDzofeQ/s1600/Grandfather2014%2Bpodium.jpg" height="320" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the crowd and the bagpipes after GFMM<br />
Photo by Skip Sickler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj-7JCXBC_8/VK83bWdubXI/AAAAAAAAB-w/QT_6Xnqt6D0/s1600/Grandfather2014%2Bjumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj-7JCXBC_8/VK83bWdubXI/AAAAAAAAB-w/QT_6Xnqt6D0/s1600/Grandfather2014%2Bjumping.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sooo happy to be running again!, GFMM, 2014<br />
Photo by Skip Sickler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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I also spent a week in New York with Mom. We had some wonderful days together in the Long Island sunshine. The following photo was taken at a cafe on Shelter Island where we treated ourselves to a ferry ride and lunch.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B94wgCg4atE/VK85LX4O7AI/AAAAAAAAB_E/XDYn2CaVd8Q/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B94wgCg4atE/VK85LX4O7AI/AAAAAAAAB_E/XDYn2CaVd8Q/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom is the best!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My sister-in-law
Michele Bednosky happened to be visiting family at the same time, so we met and ran Koziarz
5k in Westhampton Beach, NY. It was fun to be up north again where everyone had
no trouble pronouncing “Bednosky”. 490 finishers. I eeked in at
21:40, 49<sup>th</sup> overall and 1<sup>st</sup> in the 40-49 age group. The prize was a gift certificate to an Italian bakery. Michele and I feasted and bought lots of goodies home to share.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-743kR5nHn3g/VK83Ft_eIPI/AAAAAAAAB-o/jHSISzLRBA0/s1600/IMG_1450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-743kR5nHn3g/VK83Ft_eIPI/AAAAAAAAB-o/jHSISzLRBA0/s1600/IMG_1450.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annette and Michele post 5k</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">August 2014: </b>Gardening and celebrating Mom Santucci's birthday in Wilmington, NC. George's bro from CA and our nephew Titus came east to celebrate:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1FBrZ3O-1mU/VLCksWvUOFI/AAAAAAAACAY/e3fl2QFVkBo/s1600/IMG_1397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1FBrZ3O-1mU/VLCksWvUOFI/AAAAAAAACAY/e3fl2QFVkBo/s1600/IMG_1397.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">parsnips, beets and colorful carrots in growbags...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEbS_BssvlY/VLCknvjZ4uI/AAAAAAAACAQ/EP3IKTjU2H4/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEbS_BssvlY/VLCknvjZ4uI/AAAAAAAACAQ/EP3IKTjU2H4/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday girl Mom Santucci and Pops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XU-G2msE13A/VLCkvf19HzI/AAAAAAAACAg/Hj1-tr6lvCg/s1600/IMG_1482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XU-G2msE13A/VLCkvf19HzI/AAAAAAAACAg/Hj1-tr6lvCg/s1600/IMG_1482.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgio and I celebrating his parents at the same dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
and starting back to work going into my 14<sup>th</sup> year as a high school
counselor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">September 2014:</b>
Bays Mountain Trail Races. This was especially fun as last year I was invited
to be a guest speaker and run. Because I couldn’t run, I still gave a
presentation and volunteered for the day. It was gratifying to run a year later<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>
Bays Mountain 15 mile: Overall 9<sup>th</sup>, gender place 1 (2:12)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2ZRSYjIbSw/VK85e0KS20I/AAAAAAAAB_M/SdKN5tBP3M8/s1600/10374498_10152456678900949_830823988438961320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2ZRSYjIbSw/VK85e0KS20I/AAAAAAAAB_M/SdKN5tBP3M8/s1600/10374498_10152456678900949_830823988438961320_n.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">October 2014:</b> New
River Trail 50K. Since it’s inception in 2008 I was the race director. Life,
job stress, growing demands of social media caused me to transfer the race to
Courtney Wait and NCNR (now New River Cons Conservancy ince I didn’t RD, I got to
run. Yay! Good enough for 2<sup>nd</sup> place. (7<sup>th</sup> overall, 2<sup>nd</sup>
woman: 4:24:02). I won a prize of a free 2-night cabin stay at a Virginia State
Park. Totally great!<o:p></o:p><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIutpfLHe1U/VK864B0J2QI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/bhdNjYdfLuo/s1600/DSCN1543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIutpfLHe1U/VK864B0J2QI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/bhdNjYdfLuo/s1600/DSCN1543.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting set up the day before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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Just a note. There is no race director or plans for a 2015
New River Trail 50k. It is up for grabs. If anyone is interested, please
contact me at <a href="mailto:annettebednosky@gmail.com">annettebednosky@gmail.com</a>
as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also in October I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tried</i>
to run fast. Our cross-country team at Ashe County High School sponsored a flat
5km called<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out Run Hunger. The first
place guy was speedy-he finished in just over 16 minutes. All the rest of us
seemed to take our time. Still, I was happy as a clam to win a gift certificate
to Coyote Kitchen (my favorite restaurant) for my 21:38, 2<sup>nd</sup>
overall, 1<sup>st</sup> woman.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />November 2014</b><br />
Early November, George and I played hooky from an afternoon of chores to walk from Massie Gap to Rhododendren Gap in Grayson Highlands. Chilly,yet no wind and spectacular!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk2LyLGDjj8/VLCsdq_3MUI/AAAAAAAACBM/_vvMHLCLI04/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk2LyLGDjj8/VLCsdq_3MUI/AAAAAAAACBM/_vvMHLCLI04/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKe0iOCaLlE/VLCsbH1L2VI/AAAAAAAACBE/g5bn0aTc__4/s1600/IMG_1358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKe0iOCaLlE/VLCsbH1L2VI/AAAAAAAACBE/g5bn0aTc__4/s1600/IMG_1358.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcRqs-Q42Uo/VLCsNp3skpI/AAAAAAAACA8/ZTZI9pvYqik/s1600/IMG_1346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcRqs-Q42Uo/VLCsNp3skpI/AAAAAAAACA8/ZTZI9pvYqik/s1600/IMG_1346.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you believe we live only 35 minutes driving from the trailhead? So lucky are we!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Two days after Thanksgiving, (which was also my 48th b'day) I ran Derby 50k to celebrate being alive and able to run:). Yes from 8 years ago with a 4:01 CR...and if that wasn't enough, I ran an extra 9 miles to equal 40 in order to celebrate my 40th (Yay for me back then:)...Not what I was up to this day!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gb2oYEtuWhk/VLCpo-OwcsI/AAAAAAAACAw/RPgfP66TtlI/s1600/IMG_7396-S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gb2oYEtuWhk/VLCpo-OwcsI/AAAAAAAACAw/RPgfP66TtlI/s1600/IMG_7396-S.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20ish degrees 3 miles or so into the 1st of 4 laps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JRes9MhmxdU/VLAh1VsGSSI/AAAAAAAACAA/R4ubw-B7hlQ/s1600/IMG_5941-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JRes9MhmxdU/VLAh1VsGSSI/AAAAAAAACAA/R4ubw-B7hlQ/s1600/IMG_5941-M.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warmer, in the 40's just starting 4th and last lap<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">December 2014:</b><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"> Time with family. George and I drove to Long Island and joined Ron and Michele who had flown in from Florida to spend Christmas with mom. George and I spent the Saturday after Christmas walking 9-10 miles all over Manhattan. Someday I want to run around Manhattan Island. In researching the possibilities I found an organized 50k… yet I think I’d rather do it alone or with a couple buddies.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNUbmI26Z4Y/VLCwUgxHidI/AAAAAAAACBY/knhGnJDNhAE/s1600/IMG_1558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNUbmI26Z4Y/VLCwUgxHidI/AAAAAAAACBY/knhGnJDNhAE/s1600/IMG_1558.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Four Bednosky's and a Santucci on Christmas Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHrBe8AW2qc/VLEq6fPMdaI/AAAAAAAACBo/IbfgiXCD8TY/s1600/IMG_1630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHrBe8AW2qc/VLEq6fPMdaI/AAAAAAAACBo/IbfgiXCD8TY/s1600/IMG_1630.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0f16DIk5vwg/VLErCb3Y0TI/AAAAAAAACBw/-W6ioWa9OdM/s1600/IMG_1632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0f16DIk5vwg/VLErCb3Y0TI/AAAAAAAACBw/-W6ioWa9OdM/s1600/IMG_1632.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rE0ko6uxjDI/VLEtQ6GcwWI/AAAAAAAACB8/B5h1pwK3M00/s1600/IMG_1694-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rE0ko6uxjDI/VLEtQ6GcwWI/AAAAAAAACB8/B5h1pwK3M00/s1600/IMG_1694-1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos: This one-Time Square the Saturday after Christmas, above, looking north<br />
from Battery Park and the New World Trade Center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For New Years,
January 3, 2015</b> I participated in Salem Lake Frosty 50km: 9<sup>th</sup>
overall, 2<sup>nd</sup> woman: 4:31:50…a very far cry from my PR on the course
of 3:54???. Can’t quite remember…Yet I was very pleased to participate and run
mellow with negative splits…<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJiSivzH74E/VLHcnAPcNAI/AAAAAAAACCM/oSTvFAG8dQk/s1600/2015_1RH1449-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJiSivzH74E/VLHcnAPcNAI/AAAAAAAACCM/oSTvFAG8dQk/s1600/2015_1RH1449-L.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early miles of Frosty Fifty 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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What’s next??? I have no idea. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am very much trying to stay mindful when I run, realize
what I will have to give up should I decide to train for long ultras again… I
love running and being outdoors. My job is incredibly stressful (as is most
everyone’s) so I have to limit my intense training at this point. I see myself as
Annette, a person who loves to be active, a wife, daughter, mom to a 15-year
old kitty, professional school counselor, adventurer and so many other things.
I continue to dive into and explore myself without the primary identity as “ultra
runner”.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I do know, a dream I have to celebrate turning 50, Is to travel to Scotland the summer before and run John Muir Way and West Highlands Way. If I save enough money, I could run 15-25 miles a day, depending on terrain and have my duffle transported and stay at guesthouses. Dreams are fun and researching when half asleep drinking coffee in the am are perfect times for fantasizing:)</div>
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It’s an exciting, yet often confusing journey. Please let me
know if you can relate?<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you have stuck with me reading this litany of thoughts, I
thank you. <o:p></o:p></div>
annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-82458148347097364132012-08-26T11:27:00.001-04:002012-08-27T21:45:49.861-04:00Coming Back to Life & Attitude Adjustment<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-I2xOLXVUY/UDo51qbdPwI/AAAAAAAAB34/kh-deGq4Q9Y/s1600/lake+norman+smaller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-I2xOLXVUY/UDo51qbdPwI/AAAAAAAAB34/kh-deGq4Q9Y/s640/lake+norman+smaller.JPG" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annette doing something new! Photo taken at Lake Norman Tri 8/25.</td></tr>
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--></style> It’s been months since posting to this blog…I am still
happily (most of the time) living, working and playing on this planet, yet life
and training have taken some turns that are taking time to figure out.
Fortunately I still have George, Mama Grey and we have our house and jobs. </div>
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<br /></div>
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What I don’t have right now is the ability to run much and
am not sure why! I have been dealing with some kind of issue since February and
it was easy to put off dealing with it until after World’s in April. In May,
when I spent many miles with Diane, is when the “issue” took over. I am not
sure what it is-involves whole lower right side. Sometimes is it is difficult
to walk, sleep or sit. 2 MRI’s and PT sessions have been inconclusive and I am
scheduled for a nerve conduction study on 9/5. I have taken weeks off from land
running-yet no relief. So now I am running just a little bit, cycling and
swimming and using the good ‘ole elliptical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until a few weeks ago I was admittedly feeling lost and
sorry for myself…hence the lack of posting.</div>
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<br /></div>
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At the end of July, I got sick of self-pity and decided to
concentrate on improving my swimming. After a year and a half of swimming, I am
quite strong with the breaststroke, yet as of August 1<sup>st</sup>, still
couldn’t swim 50 meters freestyle. This meant time to take a lesson and
practice lots. In summary, I participated in a <a href="http://www.totalimmersion.net/">Total Immersion Swim Clinic</a> in
Charlotte, an <a href="http://www.ashevillemasters.com/w/more.cfm?artid=3669&amp;pagetitle=Home">open water Master’s workshop</a> on Lake Biltmore and a <a href="http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/lakenorman/healthyliving/health/aquatics/ows.aspx">supported practice swim </a>in Lake Norman, NC.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I loved being in Lake Norman-water was warm and I parallel
lake swimming to trail running and swimming pool swimming to road running. At
some point when I gain some good swim skills I look forward to doing some
distances in open water…just as I look forward to one day getting back on the
trails! (Biltmore Lake was quite cold-and therefore much more of a challenge).</div>
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<br /></div>
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On August 19<sup>th</sup>, I participated in my 1<sup>st</sup>
triathlon and on August 25<sup>th</sup>, did my 2<sup>nd</sup>. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGG1K3JbswQ/UDo6bnqSs3I/AAAAAAAAB4Q/R0KcMZ5iegM/s1600/rr+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGG1K3JbswQ/UDo6bnqSs3I/AAAAAAAAB4Q/R0KcMZ5iegM/s400/rr+shirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the t-shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.endurancemag.com/winston-salem-home">Ramblin’ Rose</a>, a women’s only event was in Winston-Salem on
8/19 involved a 225 meter swim, 8 mile bike and 2 mile run. I knew I could eek
out the short run and bike, yet set my sights on swimming the 9-pool lengths
freestyle w/o reverting to breastroke or something else. We were placed in
order of projected swim time (1-10-with 10 being <i>really fast</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and 1 being </span><i>beginner</i><span style="font-style: normal;">). I figured it would take me 7 minutes used their
chart to choose 4.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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On 8/19, early in the morning it was in the mid-70’s and
alternated between pouring rain and drizzling the entire time. After setting up
stuff in the transition area-I had an idea of what to expect thanks to the
pre-race clinic they held the previous day at packet pickup, I paced around and
got more and more intimidated by the swim as I watched others warming up in the
pool</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I don’t want this to be an endless post, I’ll simply
say I met great folks while waiting turns to go in the pool and found the whole
fast-paced experience to be exhilarating and a real celebration as women and
men celebrated the women in their lives as they participated. Children yelling
for Moms, moms yelling for children. Ages ranged from 9-79.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I met my goal of sticking with freestyle and with great
relief loved the freedom of the bike and run. Though uncomfortable, 2 miles
wasn’t long enough to further exacerbate my biomechanical “issue”. Out of just
under 400 women, I wound up 240<sup>th</sup> in the swim, 4<sup>th</sup> on the
bike and 2<sup>nd</sup> on the run, ranking me 4<sup>th</sup> overall and 1<sup>st</sup>
masters. Full results <a href="http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_results&id=3082">here</a>. You’d have thought I’d just won some sort of great race from the way I
proudly stood on the podium to accept the cool medal! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UYLYbesFZkk/UDo6MKqMqvI/AAAAAAAAB4I/OQ9zuU8vTvI/s1600/rr+bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UYLYbesFZkk/UDo6MKqMqvI/AAAAAAAAB4I/OQ9zuU8vTvI/s400/rr+bib.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool medal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been a long time since I have really appreciated an
award. In ultrarunning, I certainly don’t run for prizes and don’t really think
about awards, I just love the experiences. Yet for whatever reason, I was so
very pleased to have a “thing” to help remember this experience. This makes me
think of what it must be like for 1<sup>st</sup> time ultrarunners and helps me
understand as an RD why people want finisher awards. It is likely too late to
create finisher awards for the upcoming <a href="http://www.ncnr.org/nrt50k.html">New River Trail 50k</a> on October 13,
2012, yet is something to consider for 2013.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NeSvIgvgGE/UDo6mnluzXI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/WHavLyjJ_Tc/s1600/ln+transition+area.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NeSvIgvgGE/UDo6mnluzXI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/WHavLyjJ_Tc/s400/ln+transition+area.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Norman's Transition area</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOEQxJfS8qA/UDo61FQwKFI/AAAAAAAAB4g/9WRJ8v7ahaE/s1600/bike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOEQxJfS8qA/UDo61FQwKFI/AAAAAAAAB4g/9WRJ8v7ahaE/s400/bike.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike and shoes ready to go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Yesterday’s triathlon was quite different from Ramblin’
Rose. The<a href="http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/lakenorman/socialresp/events/tri.aspx"> Lake Norman Triathlon</a> had 675 registered with 563 finishers, 198
finishers being women. The swim was 750 meters around buoys, 17-mile bike and
5k run. Unlike RR, most folks doing this event were not beginners. My category
was Novice Masters and was given a silver swim cap and placed in the 11<sup>th</sup>
out of 12 swim waves.</div>
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<br /></div>
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To summarize this event: Made it through the swim, reverting
to breaststroke after only a few minutes. Bike was fine until I crashed! In
triathlon there is a no draft rule, meaning bikes must be at least 3 bike
lengths apart. I was happy for this rule as the guy I was behind, -later I
learned his name to be Lee- lost control of his bike and began to yardsale on
the road right in front of me. 3 choices! Veer into traffic, crash into him or
crash into the ditch. I chose the ditch and wound up heaped up in a blackberry
patch. My right calf went into crazy spasms as it was wrenched the wrong way
from the clip less pedals. I think I screamed after I hit the ground. Lee was
okay, despite some road rash, I yelled at him to keep on going as I untangled
myself from my heap. </div>
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<br /></div>
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After the calf had its hissy fit, I assessed the bike and
picked up some pieces. Neither wheel would turn at first and the derailleur was
bent. After some bending and pleading out loud with the handlebars, the wheels
did spin, brakes worked and I had at least the use of a few gears. I certainly
wasn’t 100% and neither was the bike, yet relieved to be able to continue. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The run was fine-felt wobbly making the transition to
run…yet after ½ mile, despite my calf and other issues I had a satisfying 20:43 finish.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEGHdi2b1wA/UDo6CwJwj8I/AAAAAAAAB4A/KcjcLOk-GfI/s1600/lake+norman+bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEGHdi2b1wA/UDo6CwJwj8I/AAAAAAAAB4A/KcjcLOk-GfI/s400/lake+norman+bib.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New swim cap and medal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My results from this event: 43<sup>rd</sup> out of 198 women
and 262nd overall. Of the women my ranking was 149<sup>th</sup> in the swim, 66<sup>th</sup>
bike and 3<sup>rd</sup> run! Full results <a href="http://setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=2002#overall-results-text">here</a>. I happily accepted a 1<sup>st</sup> place medal
and some pink socks for the Novice category. I have much to learn about saving
time in transitions and certainly can only improve with swimming.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I am quite sore today, from yesterday's crash and only hope the bruises are superficial! </div>
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<br /></div>
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As summer winds down, I hope to soon have some answers about
the leg/hip issue and too keep working in the pool and getting back on the bike
as soon as it can be fixed. New River Trail 50km is coming up in about 6 weeks
and that will consume much energy as the time draws nearer. </div>
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<br /></div>
annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-26030024515884573162012-05-30T20:52:00.000-04:002012-05-30T20:52:07.864-04:00Memorial Day Weekend: Moving with Diane on the MST!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Lez4oN1zz4/T8a-Qs2EtgI/AAAAAAAAB3s/XekhMAUyzdY/s1600/At7I86pCIAAk6t7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Lez4oN1zz4/T8a-Qs2EtgI/AAAAAAAAB3s/XekhMAUyzdY/s400/At7I86pCIAAk6t7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere around mile 45 of a 65ish mile day! Let's eat!</td></tr>
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</style>As I have so recently posted, I have taken every opportunity
“guide run” with <a href="http://greatoutdoorprovision.com/e-mstrun/e-about/about-diane/">Diane Van Deren</a> as she makes her way from the western boundary
of NC to the dunes of Kitty Hawk on the almost 1000 mile long <a href="http://greatoutdoorprovision.com/e-mstrun/e-about/about-mst/">Mountains to SeaTrail</a>. (A true trail in the west and parts of the Greensboro area), yet most
other sections are still in development and follow established Department of
Transportation bike routes on mostly rural roads.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Diane started on May 10<sup>th</sup> and is on a quest to
better the current 24 day trail record-perhaps by almost 48 hours? Time will
tell as she at this writing (Wednesday at 8pm EST ) has around 80 miles in
front of her and a storm to deal with.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Because of Diane’s brain surgery years ago, she had relief
from awful seizures, yet the removal of part of brain left her directionally
and sometimes detailed challenged. To assist with these challenges, she has had
a companion runner(s) for most of the whole cross-state trek. I am happy to say
that I have traveled with Diane for most of the last 3 weekends. See previous
posts for details of the first two.</div>
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I joined Diane this past weekend on Saturday afternoon.
After driving to Raleigh, awesome Amy picked me up and drove me to somewhere north and east of Raleigh where I met up with Diane in a church parking lot. We ran /walked/trotted and
scampered about 37 miles together (Diane did 50 that day) and crashed in a
church parking lot (me in a tent) Diane in back of the traveling aid station
(awesome box truck) and crew in car and hammock. We had full support and
kindness from the local pastor. After 2.7 hours of sleep, we rose at 2:35 am to
prepare for a 3 am start. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Diane is dealing with the heat and humidity of eastern NC,
so an alpine start, seemed the most sensible…especially with still tender feet
from her earlier blisters, several foot cooling/icing breaks would be needed as
we traversed the hot pavement of the roads. I think we did around 65 miles on
Sunday…What was sooo crazy-we hardly saw anyone outside-only lots of dogs
barking and running around –a few after us-very scary. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Next time I run in the
eastern part of this state, I will carry pepper spray! The cats we saw were
smarter: lounged over porch railing or plopped in tree branches. As far as wildlife?
Lots of dead snakes on the road and some pretty crazy driving Sunday night from
likely holiday partiers! In fact, this traffic and the encouragement of local
law enforcement made up quite 3.7 miles short on Sunday (to stay alive) and add
those miles to the generous ones mapped out on Monday! Good call!</div>
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All of us slept for almost 2.5 hours in a Hampton Inn. We
got to shower and charge our electronics and drink coffee and eat oatmeal
before being back out on the road from where we stepped off it less than 5
hours before. Diane and I were solo during the wee, dark hours. We stalked the
roads, checking map and constantly being checked on every 4 miles by the
awesome mobile aid station. In the earliest hours we wandered and weaved on the
road-falling asleep to be sure. We moved forward, wobbling. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I thought, “How lame am I after only a couple days of
mileage and lack of sleep? And Diane has been living a similar lifestyle for
how long?” Yet concentrating on perceived lameness does nothing to invoke
success, so the funky singing started (both of us at fault) and we made our way
through the welcomed first light of day to Chuck and Sarah and breakfast and COFFEE at around 14 miles in.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A99uFFxccGY/T8a-MqmdsnI/AAAAAAAAB3k/Q5SNmljANI8/s1600/At-ebuHCEAA3r8c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A99uFFxccGY/T8a-MqmdsnI/AAAAAAAAB3k/Q5SNmljANI8/s400/At-ebuHCEAA3r8c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dark reflective start leading to a great day for Diane! (Me on the right am wearing my new cool MH skort...wish you could see it!)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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Well…talked about hitting a funk and waiting an hour to see
what happens! <u><b>Wow! </b></u>This morning was the reminder of precious patience! I don’t
know if it was the syrup from Diane’s pancakes or the 3 packets of sugar in my
coffee or just awesome connection to attitude, yet we went nuts in a great way
after breakfast! </div>
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We mostly power
hiked with some real running thrown in to be sure. We used my Garmin for pace
guidance (accurate on flattish non-tree covered terrain) and she rocked! It is
such a difficult balance to figure out what pace will lead to success and not
breakdown. At this point pushing too hard could have awful consequences, we
just had to trust her perceived effort. We got into a great groove and made
some good miles. </div>
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I had to leave Diane at mile 28 that day-I felt sad to be
rightfully “left out” of her remaining miles, yet so proud and pleased to call
her a “trail kindred spirit”.
Leaving Diane in great company of her crew and other fantastic peeps as
pacers, I jumped into Amy’s car as she drove me back to Raleigh so I could
reunite with my Echo and creep the 3.5+ hours back home to be ready for work the
next day. Truth be told, I was exhausted both emotionally and physically and
had to stop for 2 naps on my way home. </div>
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My own running goals have been on hold due to the privilege
of these past weekends and to some
weird bio mechanical issues I’ve been dealing with. I have seen a local PT 2x in
the last month, yet as wonderful a human the PT is, she is not a good fit for
me. I have an appointment with
awesome Greg at Mountain Physical Therapy in "far away" Asheville on 6/13. I know he’ll give me good
direction. I am grateful my issues didn’t get in the way of being a companion
(except for having to switch packs) to Diane and her mission. </div>
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I will say there has been some fun bantering as a North Face
Runner drinks out of Montrail water bottles and a Montrail runner sleeps in a
North Face Tent. I love it! Despite the lack of photo documentation-this
mission is about supporting the greater good and what Diane is doing is more
than certainly that! Go! Diane, Go! Thank you to The North Face and Great
Provisions for Supporting Diane’s expedition and also to Montrail/ Mountain
Hardwear for encouraging my participation on her grand adventure!</div>
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<br /></div>
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To learn more about Diane’s race to the finish and her
adventures check out these sites: <a href="http://greatoutdoorprovision.com/mst-blog/">http://greatoutdoorprovision.com/mst-blog/</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8926806561408428497#%21/mstendurancerun">https://twitter.com/#!/mstendurancerun</a></div>
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Don't wait too long to follow her: She'll be done in the next day or a little more! Go Diane! North Carolina is Cheering for you! </div>
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<br /></div>annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-62478124026498697022012-05-21T23:26:00.001-04:002012-05-22T07:29:03.250-04:00Sharing Miles With Diane During her MST Endurance Run across North Carolina<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bdqcmy9lE1E/T7r0qqvZe-I/AAAAAAAAB2c/VuNQgdXA90Y/s1600/DSCN1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bdqcmy9lE1E/T7r0qqvZe-I/AAAAAAAAB2c/VuNQgdXA90Y/s400/DSCN1391.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grinnin' in the rain: early on day 4: on route to Mitchell...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Diane Van Deren is running 1000 miles in 21 days. As a
“local”, I have been privileged with being one of her “guide runners” and
companions during several segments of her Western North Carolina traverse of
the <a href="http://greatoutdoorprovision.com/mst-endurance-run/">Mountains to the Sea Trail.</a></div>
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Because I have this responsibility Monday – Friday called a
JOB, I have only been able to assist these last two weekends. Diane has
run/trekked over 400 miles since May 10, 2012. Happy me has shared a little over
100 miles with her over the course of 4 very different days.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Because work and gardening and my enthusiasm for Diane’s
quest is all at a peak, there is little time for blog writing (yet believe me,
if there was, I’d have plenty to share as usual)! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bad_eXTemAE/T7r5adAH-wI/AAAAAAAAB20/GpEoLwr49VA/s1600/DVDRestStop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bad_eXTemAE/T7r5adAH-wI/AAAAAAAAB20/GpEoLwr49VA/s400/DVDRestStop.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diane and I at Sleepy Gap on her day 3 of the ADVENTURE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our first day together, 5/12 we traveled from the Pisgah Inn
to the Folk Art Center (31ish miles).
A sunny day to start with, fog and drizzle moved in late afternoon,
making the smells of generous amounts of lighter fluid and banjo music seeping
up to the trail from a low lying cabin that much for poetic!</div>
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On 5/13, Diane and crew had hoped for 48 miles, going up and
over Mt Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. The day was slow
going for she and I: socked in
fog, drizzle and pouring rain at 45 degrees, wind (yes, even with fog),
sparsely marked trail and a multitude of slippery wet rocks and predictions of
an overnight temperature of 36 degrees caused Diane’s support staff to make the
decision to call her off the trail 9 miles from the summit of Mt. Mitchell,
giving us 25 or 26 miles for that day. A great decision I thought as I knew
Diane had slept for less than 11 hours in the past 3 nights with 170ish miles
of rugged traveling to boot.</div>
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I wasn’t sure I’d see her again, as my “trail guide” commitment
expired that Sunday night. Yet I did make it clear to Diane and her team, if
they would have me, I’d assist with trail companioning, laundry, and logistics,
whatever…</div>
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<br /></div>
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I was surprised (kind of) by my sudden enthusiasm for being
a part of this expedition. Yes, I love that Diane is supporting our longest,
most awesome trail in North Carolina and that she and <a href="http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/our-story/">The North Face</a> and <a href="http://greatoutdoorprovision.com/main/">GreatOutdoor Provision Company</a> are drawing lots of attention and likely $$ support
for the trail. I love it that Diane is a 52-year-old tough, funny, genuine
athlete who is high profile and will draw people to her. I expected to respect
her athleticism (which I do), yet I didn’t expect to like her so much! It’s
just that I didn’t think of her as a person, rather only as an ultra runner
until our emails and phone conversations a week prior to the start of her
expedition.</div>
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As I quickly discovered, Diane is a person of influence and she made me laugh, think, consider and this of this story I'd first heard years ago rewritten in the North Carolina Outward Bound School Readings Book. I couldn't remember the exact wording, yet after a little internet digging found this story whose message partially explains my experience of being with DVD:</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Elizabeth Mauske told a story about an unusual and sweet friendship
between her mother and an old native Indian woman from Central America.
The Indian woman would visit their home often. With each visit, she
would give her mother some partridge eggs and berries as a gift. The
lovely colorful clothing and coin necklaces the woman wore fascinated
Elizabeth. She noticed her copper bracelets as they softly jingled on
her arm.</i></span></div>
<h2 style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>The Indian woman only spoke Araucanian and her mother only
spoke Spanish. Their conversation was minimal, but they would sit at the
table, drinking tea and eating cake together with a smile and a laugh.
They seemed to enjoy one another's company.</i></span></h2>
<h2 style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-weight: normal;">Elizabeth noticed each
time the Indian woman would rise to leave that she would say the exact same words. With great curiosity, Elizabeth and her sisters memorized
the phrase and quickly found someone who could translate Araucanian for
them. When she found out what the Indian woman had said, she was greatly
touched and said it was "the nicest compliment ever uttered." The
Indian woman would rise from the table with a smile and say: "I shall
come again, for I like myself when I'm near you."</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-weight: normal;"> </i></span></h2>
<h2 style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-weight: normal;">Article Source: http://</i></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-weight: normal;">Ezi</i>neArticles.com/757261</span></h2>
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I like myself when I am near her. Wow! Thank you Diane for your vigor, enthusiasm for life and genuine humanness!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I was thrilled when Amy Hamm, one of Diane’s superheroish
support crew emailed me and invited me to join Friday after work (the 15 mile
portion closest to my home) and Sunday’s miles (a guide runner lost to a last
minute work trip to Europe, I happily agreed to jump back in). </div>
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<br /></div>
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On Friday evening, I joined Diane, Jill and Glenn, as they
were 26 miles into their day. We went 15 together, finishing at 10:45pm. Those
3 were so giddy and tired and goofy, (very earned after an over 40 mile day on
this trail) I was relieved Amy or Joel would drive them back to their hotel. I
simply jumped into my Echo and was home eating soup in 30 minutes! This evening
was a great reminder of how close to work and home the MST is! I really like to
drive up there after work (10-15 minutes depending on which part), run 1
hour-ish along the trail, then jump on the Blue Ridge Parkway and be back to my
car in 45 minutes more.<br />
<br />
A BRIEF COMMENT ON SATURDAY'S EXPERIENCE before hitting the MST again on Sunday: <br />
<br />
Saturday was spent running to and back, running
event/cheering/taking photos at a local 5k fitness celebration, gardening,
cleaning house, working on “school stuff” for a few hours. The following few photos document this day:<br />
<br />
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUJi8Oo2hF8/T7ruu9OwmcI/AAAAAAAAB10/h38NcRIuxRo/s1600/DSCN1476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUJi8Oo2hF8/T7ruu9OwmcI/AAAAAAAAB10/h38NcRIuxRo/s200/DSCN1476.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our local celebration of fitness!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvMKu6dFpOo/T7sBDz-dQvI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/qWu-EzvIQSM/s1600/DSCN1421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvMKu6dFpOo/T7sBDz-dQvI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/qWu-EzvIQSM/s320/DSCN1421.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eventual allover winner, Dan McAuley warming up pre-5km</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o4i7Z29-LOY/T7sB-7nlo7I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/iCLhI7I67K0/s1600/DSCN1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o4i7Z29-LOY/T7sB-7nlo7I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/iCLhI7I67K0/s320/DSCN1464.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying post-race yummies...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GB-W5jHW3jo/T7r_tNmYh9I/AAAAAAAAB3I/46BPdNdCl24/s1600/DSCN1424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GB-W5jHW3jo/T7r_tNmYh9I/AAAAAAAAB3I/46BPdNdCl24/s320/DSCN1424.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and women's champion...( her name is on the tip of my tongue, yet I can't remember-yikes...oldness setting in for me?</td></tr>
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I was off to bed by
11pm to rise again to be on the road at 4am in order to meet Diane’s Team at
5:30am just outside the gates of Stone Mountain State Park.</div>
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This was a planned 40-mile day, her first day of MST
“route”, rather than trail. After some conversation and reflection, Diane
decided to cut it back to 30 miles. We called it a DNH day (a “do no harm day”:
her feet were beat up, not getting worse, yet need time off feet and to begin
to heal from the rigors of the mountains. With “feet”, covering 50 miles a day
on non-technical stuff, especially with the assistance of a great support staff
would be reasonable. Yet, to get “there” healing will be necessary. With
pleasure I companioned Diane, Todd and Abram 30 miles along rural roads in
Yadkin and Surry County, NC. I can rightly say we had fun together tromping
along telling stories, singing, counting church signs (there must have been 100
on this day’s route)!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5waPt3YGAw/T7rvv7OF8gI/AAAAAAAAB18/RR9YWq-DN04/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5waPt3YGAw/T7rvv7OF8gI/AAAAAAAAB18/RR9YWq-DN04/s400/IMG_0436.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">D and A toasting the chill of some awesomeness from an on-route Dairy Queen. Yum!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTSupB32crQ/T7rzM7eW_pI/AAAAAAAAB2U/48f-VsYM2Ew/s1600/IMG_0444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTSupB32crQ/T7rzM7eW_pI/AAAAAAAAB2U/48f-VsYM2Ew/s400/IMG_0444.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 45 degrees and rain for many days in the mountains, no wonder DQ was awesome!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diane's 1st MST side walk...easier on blistered feet than muddy boulders!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kTf2FwgGY40/T7r6FDrAOiI/AAAAAAAAB28/Az1wwIBVbWs/s1600/MST-Sunday-crew-714x535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kTf2FwgGY40/T7r6FDrAOiI/AAAAAAAAB28/Az1wwIBVbWs/s400/MST-Sunday-crew-714x535.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abram, me, Di, Kate and Todd on Sunday morning</td></tr>
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I left Team Diane last night around 6pm to make my way back
up to the mountains to get ready for my workweek. </div>
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I have tweaked my schedule a bit and will offer my assistance
for the whole of next weekend if needed when Team Diane will be in the
Raleigh/east of Raleigh area. </div>
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My dorsal fin is surprisingly very content to be hibernating
as I pursue this quest of support for Diane’s run. It’s a great mental break
for me and I hope a helpful to Diane and her Team. Go Diane! North Carolina is
cheering for you!</div>
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Next up for me? Possibly some more "trail guiding" sometime during this coming Memorial Day Weekend? Otherwise I plan to register for Black Mountain Monster 24. I had really hoped to travel to MN for FANS 24 the same weekend, yet the pocketbook reality set in and I am "state bound" for the next bit.</div>
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<br /></div>annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-2777087088399122762012-05-11T10:15:00.000-04:002012-05-11T10:15:07.213-04:00Anticipating Diane<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R5U8M4zfP08/T60eiZb-rWI/AAAAAAAAB1E/aK1z9W1Z6Do/s1600/black+mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R5U8M4zfP08/T60eiZb-rWI/AAAAAAAAB1E/aK1z9W1Z6Do/s400/black+mountains.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MST train terrain in Western North Carolina</td></tr>
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Yesterday, morning, predawn, Diane Van Deren, 52 years old and North Face Athlete from Colorado started her 1000 mile journey on North Carolina's very own Mountains to the Sea Trail. She is attempting a record on the course.<br />
<br />
Please visit <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/05/09/2055850/woman-to-run-1000-mile-nc-mountains.html">http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/05/09/2055850/woman-to-run-1000-mile-nc-mountains.html </a><br />
to read parts of Diane's story and what prompted her to take on this quest.<br />
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Live updates will be posted <a href="http://greatoutdoorprovision.com/mst-endurance-run/">here. </a><br /><br />
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I am "anticipating Diane" as I will be joining her sometime today after work...not sure when or where-all depends on her progress. She and I will be running together likely up and over Mount Mitchell, east along Woods Mountain and through Linville Gorge: some 80-90 miles in 2 days. She is moving faster than anticipated, so I won't know my segments until later today.Yesterday my running buddy Dennis Norris did somewhere around 100 miles with her, and today, Doug Blackford is staged to be her trail companion.<br />
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Because Diane had a part of her brain removed several years ago to intervene against horrible seizures, her direction-finding and short term memory is affected. That is why Diane will be running with "guide runners" like myself for the mountain portion and other portions of her adventure.<br />
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I am really looking forward to meeting this kindred-spirit and joining her adventure for a couple of days!annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-92207487087291351152012-04-29T21:35:00.001-04:002012-04-30T16:55:51.776-04:00Photo Review leading up to and post WC 100km, Italy 2012In my last post earlier this week, I threatened that my next post would be a detailed description of the WC 100km in Seregno, Italy. With further consideration, I will leave it to our <a href="http://amysproston.blogspot.com/2012/04/gold-waitdid-that-really-just-happen.html">World Champion</a> and <a href="http://theturtlepath.blogspot.com/2012/04/2012-100km-world-championships.html">Team Leaders</a> to write play-by-plays, and I will instead elect to continue to appreciate my participation in the event and celebrate the strength of Team USA Men and Women without further commentary of my own experience. If you have not read the blurb I posted last week, please go <a href="http://here./">here.</a><a href="http://annettebednosky.blogspot.com/2012/04/excited-for-usadespite-personal.html">http://annettebednosky.blogspot.com/2012/04/excited-for-usadespite-personal.html</a><br />
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Instead, I will share a smattering of photos gleaned from pre- race, parade, awards ceremony and travel day after the race. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Mountainia-a Catholic retreat center 1000' above Lake Como. This is where Team USA and a handful of other teams stayed. 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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uc5zQFzQBqI/T52_LVpYODI/AAAAAAAAB0M/MvXUFMclPt0/s1600/food.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uc5zQFzQBqI/T52_LVpYODI/AAAAAAAAB0M/MvXUFMclPt0/s320/food.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Though amazingly beautiful when it wasn't snowing or raining, it took at
least 2 hours to get from our accommodations to race activities in
Seregno. Bunk beds and dorm living is what no one expected, yet the
proprietors were patient and kind and did their best to roll with
difficult situations. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-QdnKK8deY/T53GgNsCueI/AAAAAAAAB0s/8iuq63C_AVE/s1600/DSCN1091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-QdnKK8deY/T53GgNsCueI/AAAAAAAAB0s/8iuq63C_AVE/s320/DSCN1091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">Pictured above is Amy Sproston, Sean Meissner and myself all of Team Montrail, loving the sun!</td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3PjwMx7kbE/T50__l9_2cI/AAAAAAAABx4/Dfn3Pt1r_y8/s1600/race+poster.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3PjwMx7kbE/T50__l9_2cI/AAAAAAAABx4/Dfn3Pt1r_y8/s400/race+poster.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These race posters were seen all over the city!<br />
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On Saturday evening, there was an athlete's parade in Seregno. Unfortunately due to transportation snafu's many delegations, including USA didn't have a full showing of runners during the parade, or in our case, until much later. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Italy and Team USA while awaiting parade</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John, front Left, survived his snafu ed 6 hour bus ride to join us at the end of the parade. Wow! We were relieved to see him!</td></tr>
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...I have no photos to share from the race, though some cool ones can be viewed at this website: http://www.stampaeventi.it/index.php?idr=1482<br />
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The following photos are of the awards ceremony and post race activities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjHwAios1W8/T51CeSy9LpI/AAAAAAAAByQ/dAzTLVHS2pk/s1600/tough+girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjHwAios1W8/T51CeSy9LpI/AAAAAAAAByQ/dAzTLVHS2pk/s400/tough+girls.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy (World Champion!) and Meghan, 2 of our awesome tough girls. (Lin Gentling, team manager in back with Pam, another of our awesome fasties!).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meghan, celebrating another World record run!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1otmhYBHn6E/T50vH3nRaXI/AAAAAAAABvo/owX05VPA7dc/s1600/DSCN1295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1otmhYBHn6E/T50vH3nRaXI/AAAAAAAABvo/owX05VPA7dc/s400/DSCN1295.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team USA (center) celebrating GOLD! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1rxe6msNq4/T509aWDrKxI/AAAAAAAABxg/77jQbVcohLE/s1600/our+men.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1rxe6msNq4/T509aWDrKxI/AAAAAAAABxg/77jQbVcohLE/s400/our+men.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team USA men, celebrating silver and 4 top 10 finishes!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mlAqyj0I4o/T50v_alyp6I/AAAAAAAABvw/M_urON7bh8o/s1600/DSCN1329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mlAqyj0I4o/T50v_alyp6I/AAAAAAAABvw/M_urON7bh8o/s400/DSCN1329.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federica, Giuseppe worked like dogs around the clock assisting Team USA and other teams. They were volunteers and were so patient and fun and kind, you'd think they made the "BIG BUCKS!" Grazie! </td></tr>
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The medal ceremony was a fun and celebratory event! USA showed is colors strongly! When the ceremony was over, we endured a 3 hour transport back to our accommodations...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea88cmDsqyQ/T50-SytiSKI/AAAAAAAABxo/09mhKkyYfIs/s1600/pam+and+mac+on+route+to+sun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea88cmDsqyQ/T50-SytiSKI/AAAAAAAABxo/09mhKkyYfIs/s400/pam+and+mac+on+route+to+sun.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next morning, dressed for warmer climates, Pam and Mac were looking forward to getting off the mountain!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-snW9izzPu2k/T504aYluCjI/AAAAAAAABww/VDZTW7qwNPI/s1600/leaving+in+snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-snW9izzPu2k/T504aYluCjI/AAAAAAAABww/VDZTW7qwNPI/s400/leaving+in+snow.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow was pouring down as we departed our lodging...We kept our fingers crossed roads would stay clear so we could get to the train station!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I must say that despite the challenges with transportation, food and lodging, the race itself was superbly organized! No complaints at all there...and, truth be told, I expect my high-strung personality made the challenges harder to bear than my teammates who were able to access the more flexible parts of themselves. Still, after feeling "out of control" with our personal space, food, and schedule, I know we were all eager to leave "The Mountain".</div>
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While teammates departed for extended travel or a handful to go straight home, George and I headed to Milan. While in theory we could have made it home Tuesday, it would have meant crawling in at 12am the night before showing up for work, and we both knew that would not be conducive to being productive. Instead we elected to stay at the Milan airport for 2 nights, take it easy and explore Milan for a day and arrive in the States at a more reasonable hour of 3:30pm in Charlotte.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YolhznYglPI/T50yFzVB3yI/AAAAAAAABwA/RQuu6vAzzvk/s1600/a+%2526+g+on+train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YolhznYglPI/T50yFzVB3yI/AAAAAAAABwA/RQuu6vAzzvk/s400/a+%2526+g+on+train.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">George and I on the train from our hotel at MXP heading into Milan on Tuesday morning. </td></tr>
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The weather for Tuesday was forecasted to be RAIN...so we wore out long rain coats and expected to be freezing and soaked the whole day. Boy, were we joyously surprised!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1jKYbETpqM/T51BDPimhaI/AAAAAAAAByA/DILdFhZrccM/s1600/roof+of+duomo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1jKYbETpqM/T51BDPimhaI/AAAAAAAAByA/DILdFhZrccM/s320/roof+of+duomo.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from a roof of the Duomo</td></tr>
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Upon arriving in the City, Tuesday am, we bought tickets and walked 250 steps up to the roof of the Duomo. (Admittedly, I walked slowly)...What a sight! This huge cathedral seemed like a medieval space station!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFIfyUDOFp0/T502ZmdsVKI/AAAAAAAABwg/-N1PDCVNIf8/s1600/george+on+roof5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFIfyUDOFp0/T502ZmdsVKI/AAAAAAAABwg/-N1PDCVNIf8/s320/george+on+roof5.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Georgio overlooking the city....</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-REGnSc-oC4Y/T503e6uYuzI/AAAAAAAABwo/RTWxrWJmXNk/s1600/italian+flag+from+roof.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-REGnSc-oC4Y/T503e6uYuzI/AAAAAAAABwo/RTWxrWJmXNk/s320/italian+flag+from+roof.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italian flag seen through the opening...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZTJhlW6t3o/T500pAYbEnI/AAAAAAAABwQ/p7FiQ3yjjrM/s1600/duomo+inside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZTJhlW6t3o/T500pAYbEnI/AAAAAAAABwQ/p7FiQ3yjjrM/s320/duomo+inside.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick look inside...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We walked for hours on Tuesday enthusiastically exploring and seeing things from all new perspectives. This city, like much of Italy, I expect is a contract of ancient and modern...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0vNo5DVPxI/T53NnVCqtbI/AAAAAAAAB04/fpNNX9k30Qo/s1600/IMG_0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0vNo5DVPxI/T53NnVCqtbI/AAAAAAAAB04/fpNNX9k30Qo/s320/IMG_0366.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTLSBLc9Z4o/T51EBmlAWiI/AAAAAAAAByg/h2N5I7mbZnw/s1600/white+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTLSBLc9Z4o/T51EBmlAWiI/AAAAAAAAByg/h2N5I7mbZnw/s320/white+bear.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX-5RKu7Av4/T501fiDgd-I/AAAAAAAABwY/7jMSIyRW1m0/s1600/g+and+a+white+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX-5RKu7Av4/T501fiDgd-I/AAAAAAAABwY/7jMSIyRW1m0/s400/g+and+a+white+bear.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are on the sidewalk enjoying aperitifs</td></tr>
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We flew Luftansa from Milan to Munich and then onto Charlotte. Flight was as pleasant as 14 hours+ air travel can be! We got warm hand towels before our meals and free champagne on the flight. I drank only enough mellow me....At this point I'd started to get a cold and was taking some funky German cold medicine to control the symptoms...so I did sleep and stay mellow during the duration of much of that 2nd long 10 hour flight...(though I think I still walked 1/2 mile up and down the aisles!)<br />
<br />
After a night of sleep I returned to work and tried to get on a good schedule but the evil cold symptoms got in the way and I am still dealing with trying to decompress my sinus pressure and drainage...<br />
<br />
Yesterday, despite the sinus pressure and snot, (and maybe because the effort released the pressure, I ran a local 5km...and guess what ? No porta-pottie stops! It was a PR : 19:59! Yay! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_aDhwQRjrc/T5061ATmxSI/AAAAAAAABxI/tcC56hjzIwM/s1600/R%252CA+and+D+after+race.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_aDhwQRjrc/T5061ATmxSI/AAAAAAAABxI/tcC56hjzIwM/s400/R%252CA+and+D+after+race.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running buddies and I post 5km...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGtGWWBW4mw/T50zFnh95jI/AAAAAAAABwI/mC_GVqk3iLI/s1600/boone+area+runners.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGtGWWBW4mw/T50zFnh95jI/AAAAAAAABwI/mC_GVqk3iLI/s400/boone+area+runners.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several members of our local running club ran...here we are showing off our bright shoes and shoe laces (I wore Montrail's Rogue Flys for this flat, fast course.</td></tr>
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I have lots of really cool photos from Italy, yet can't seem to figure out how to configure them to best upload to a blog....So we are stuck with these for now!<br />
<br />
I look forward to fully getting my legs back from the gimpy 100km last weekend ...<br />
Next up?<br />
May 11th (pm)-13th(pm), I am psyched to be accompanying Diane Van Duran of North Face from Pisgah Inn to roughly Woodlawn as she makes her way through the Western Mountains during her 1000+ mile Mountains to the Sea Trail Quest... If things keep to schedule, we'll traverse roughly 90 miles of some technical and sweet single track during these days.<br />
<br />
After this? FANS 24-Hour in Minnesota, if I can manage a day off of work!<br />
<span id="goog_818720980"></span><span id="goog_818720981"></span>annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-74247613742664822922012-04-23T18:38:00.000-04:002012-04-23T18:38:34.746-04:00Excited for USA...Despite Personal Dissapointment...Quick Report WC 100km 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-guZE3I3E0_U/T5XZD47mEDI/AAAAAAAABpQ/4_VE7SRbRBw/s1600/DSCN1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-guZE3I3E0_U/T5XZD47mEDI/AAAAAAAABpQ/4_VE7SRbRBw/s400/DSCN1248.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This less-than flattering photo reveals the angst I was experiencing with still 25km left to go. Some days one must resort to "PLAN ZZ"!</td></tr>
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Finally, back to being “online” after days living on a
rainy, snowy mountain in Northern Italy w/o phone or internet service, I will
share a brief report with more to follow.</div>
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<b>First of all congratulations to 2012 WC 100km
Championship, USA’s Amy Sproston!</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> I am so
very pleased for her and proud to be her teammate! Yay! She ran a great race!
I’ll provide a link in a moment to see (read) the details! </span></div>
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Equal congrats to teammates Meghan Arbogast (bettered her
own world record for 50+ age group yesterday) and Pam Smith whose combined
times scored the USA women a GOLD medal! Yay!!!! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0XkxwdVLWw/T5XIhKwOrrI/AAAAAAAABo4/JNhCOFiVU0I/s1600/DSCN1295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0XkxwdVLWw/T5XIhKwOrrI/AAAAAAAABo4/JNhCOFiVU0I/s400/DSCN1295.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team USA with Amy (white, top left)</td></tr>
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The men’s team also performed fantasticly and earned a
silver medal. Yay USA men!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp1G3a_jRjw/T5XIZyla7OI/AAAAAAAABow/YIfbg0kLJCQ/s1600/DSCN1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp1G3a_jRjw/T5XIZyla7OI/AAAAAAAABow/YIfbg0kLJCQ/s400/DSCN1335.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new friends were stylin' from the outside!</td></tr>
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As for me, my plan “A” to run 7:50-7:54:58 went bust. My
intestines started giving me grief around 25km and I believe I spent at least ½
hour inside various Italian portapotties and more time ducking in the bushes
and being afraid to drink/eat too much, not wanting to invoke “the port-a-port
urge”. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite taking 2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>immodium halfway through the run, I knew that as I continued to work as
hard as I could, today would not be the day, I would contribute to a US Team
medal. I felt very relieved Carolyn Smith and the eventual top girls were doing
great.</div>
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The plan went to plan “B”, wishing for 8:40 –the qualifying
time for the 100km team for 2013.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Not to be. The stress of this helped invoke some external
rotator/hamstring issues and between the GI issues and bio-mechanical stresses
I hobbled along. I can’t remember wanting so much to ever withdraw from a race:
ie: QUIT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterall, at this point
I had nothing to contribute to Team USA.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet I am a pig-head and since I was not endanger of hurting
myself or anyone else and even with a list of 100 reasons to stop, there was no
good reason to do so before I was done. Everyone gets uncomfortable during
these events.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After some attitude adjustment I knew<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there was NO WAY I was going to quit a
World Championship because I felt bad and demoralized. So I went to plan “ZZ”:
Just finish with integrity!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
walked, ran/ jogged when I could, visited port-a-potties and finished taking 2
hours longer than planed. True, moments I felt awful-bent over bloated belly
cramps, and other times I felt the genuine support of the Italian people as
they cheered me<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the “back runner”
me during my last lap. (I think I came in 11<sup>th</sup> from last)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At first as I continued on in my Team USA uniform and
thought about placing in back of the pack, I was afraid of disgracing my
country with such a bad finish-I though a DNF and claiming illness a cleaner
image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet as I continued on, I
knew for me, I was out of the RACE, yet not out of the RUN. I experienced all
sorts of emotions and confusion and discomfort and pain and ultimately was
thrilled to have finished despite having to resort to Plan “ZZ”. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Again I reiterate my pride for my teammates, all of them and
gratitude for the support and encouragement I received from USA runners,
volunteers and staff as I struggled with my demons yesterday. These folks
worked longer hours then they would have if I’d run well and I so appreciate their
support to see me through. </div>
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<br /></div>
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A more well-rounded race/Italy “story” , with great photos, to
follow after next weekend.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNZLy7K6VsA/T5XIRs6m8lI/AAAAAAAABoo/aaEYGsphSrI/s1600/DSCN1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNZLy7K6VsA/T5XIRs6m8lI/AAAAAAAABoo/aaEYGsphSrI/s400/DSCN1311.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgio (George) my husband and Team USA volunteer and I post awards ceremony.</td></tr>
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http://<a href="http://www.irunfar.com/">www.irunfar.com</a>/ and http://<a href="http://www.iau-ultramarathon.org/">www.iau-ultramarathon.org</a>/ have complete results. </div>
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</div>annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-356759543510086382012-04-01T16:48:00.002-04:002012-04-01T16:57:06.077-04:00Seriously, not ...real, yes!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVCkks9brGg/T3i7w7TqkOI/AAAAAAAABnw/AmObIKw6zgU/s1600/IMG_0304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVCkks9brGg/T3i7w7TqkOI/AAAAAAAABnw/AmObIKw6zgU/s400/IMG_0304.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All ages participated in this mornings fine adventure!</td></tr>
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After weeks of intense mental and some long miles training (including 27.5 miles on pavement yesterday) readying for WC 100km on 4/22, this morning I got the awesomest break and stress reliever<br />
!<br />
I am proud to say I participated in the 1st ever: Jimmy Smith Park 5km in Boone, NC on April Fools Day! Many folks thought this was just a joke with humorous banter via Facebook for the last 4 weeks. Runners showed up doubting it's existence= yet we thrived!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_b4y5wksswk/T3i8kB7IG-I/AAAAAAAABoI/gVIJg_SZa3U/s1600/IMG_0315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_b4y5wksswk/T3i8kB7IG-I/AAAAAAAABoI/gVIJg_SZa3U/s320/IMG_0315.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy Smith Park and honoree is real...he's done GREAT things!</td></tr>
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The event started out as a kinda joke, yet artistic director/race director Sean Dunlap, seized the interest and created a real fund raiser for a Math Scholarship Fund!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJt71FNqG9w/T3i8vBSidwI/AAAAAAAABoQ/roEWb5U_snU/s1600/IMG_0310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJt71FNqG9w/T3i8vBSidwI/AAAAAAAABoQ/roEWb5U_snU/s400/IMG_0310.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome model/volunteer sporting the 2012 brand shirt!</td></tr>
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Ray's Weather donated funds to supply 31 synthetic shirts for the 1st 31 folks to register for this free adventure. No entry fee, yet donations very welcome!<br />
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Jimmy Smith Park is a itty bitty park with a few rocks, plaque, benches and not enough room for a trash can. The paved loop sidewalk equals .1 mile, so Sean calculated 31 laps would equal 3.1 miles! Makes sense!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKGIMm6u8hA/T3jA2KF2FdI/AAAAAAAABog/s7Bk2gyJJvc/s1600/IMG_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKGIMm6u8hA/T3jA2KF2FdI/AAAAAAAABog/s7Bk2gyJJvc/s400/IMG_0313.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each runner received a little baggy of poker chips! Coolnes</td></tr>
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The race was complete with chip timing! Each runner received 6 poker chips. After 5 laps we would throw our chips into the bin and then when we had no more chips, we knew all we had was one "victory lap" to prance through!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgADkK4LuWM/T3i9S6CH-AI/AAAAAAAABoY/Xz-lPswHpa4/s1600/IMG_0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgADkK4LuWM/T3i9S6CH-AI/AAAAAAAABoY/Xz-lPswHpa4/s400/IMG_0294.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken yesterday in serious mode, post 27.5, trying to figure out best shorts to wear for WC 100km on 4/22!</td></tr>
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Yesterday during my 27.5 mile run, I practiced wearing a version of Team USA Uniform and took the run seriously.<br />
<br />
Today I decided to go "180" and have total fun: I wore a 2 piece swimsuit, winter hat with ear flaps and with a magic marker asked RD Sean to write JSP 50k;) across my middle!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOzHyJrieQY/T3i7_sthqhI/AAAAAAAABn4/AifdHDcKLnQ/s1600/IMG_0305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOzHyJrieQY/T3i7_sthqhI/AAAAAAAABn4/AifdHDcKLnQ/s400/IMG_0305.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne (and myself), the eventual speedy champion, flashing down the route!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_vISiO4w8o/T3i8SxCVavI/AAAAAAAABoA/NCR3qiJk480/s1600/IMG_0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_vISiO4w8o/T3i8SxCVavI/AAAAAAAABoA/NCR3qiJk480/s400/IMG_0312.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post run, with my magic marker showing!</td></tr>
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I have no idea of my time or of how many laps I actually ran, yet had a blast! This fed my soul for fun in a beautiful way!<br />
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Today: Attire: 2 piece <a href="http://www.waterpro-swim.com/swimwear/product_info.php?cPath=7&products_id=285">WaterPro Swimsuit</a>, <a href="http://www.drymaxsocks.com/hotrunning.php">DryMax socks,</a> <a href="http://www.montrail.com/Women%27s-Rogue-Fly%E2%84%A2/GL2143,default,pd.html">Montrail Rogue Flys,</a> <a href="http://www.moeben.com/">Moeben armw</a>armers, Patagonia glove liners, hat found for $5 at TJMaxx , Sharpie magic marker!<br />
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(I did change clothes and go out for a very easy 5 miles post this fine adventure-yet this is the kinda thing that helps fuel my soul!) Thank you Sean and kindred spirit friends!<br />
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<br />annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-37356520988261121242012-03-25T18:15:00.001-04:002012-03-25T18:16:38.391-04:00A training sandwich and the Virginia Creeper Marathon 3/25/2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYqyhNWnJsM/T2-TV7XutRI/AAAAAAAABnA/qukvlGHVk2g/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYqyhNWnJsM/T2-TV7XutRI/AAAAAAAABnA/qukvlGHVk2g/s400/DSC_0079.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy, wet training on the VA Creeper Trail!</td></tr>
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Last month, after Black Mountain Marathon, I posted I wouldn't run in an event again for training purposes-because, like it or not, my dorsal fin emerges and I push more than I should for a training effort. This results in the need for major backing off for a few days to recover and seriously gets in the way of a girl's training schedule!<br />
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Yet last week after a mentally draining 4:20, 31 mile run alone in 42 degree rain, I swore I would do what it takes to stay positive and not dread hours of plodding along alone in uncomfortable weather.<br />
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Midweek, looking at this weekend's weather forecast, I knew that unless I rallied, my 5 hour run would be done in 45 degree rain and alone. I certainly don't mind alone-yet when it is raining and chilly, my hands don't function well and I can easily get calorie deficient. Rain also gets in the way of even my usual moderate use of ipod...and well-back and forth on the only flat paved road we have within a 40 minute drive can become a chore... My own company is great...yet for only so long!<br />
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Soooo....Today I drove to Abingdon, VA and started running at 6:45am-ran an hour, pinned on a bib, ran the VA Creeper Trail Marathon in 3: 27 and change, and finished my 5 hour run off with a 4 mile jog. Yes, it was rainy and chilly those last 4 slower miles...yet the spirit of the event and familar and new faces on the out 'n backs kept my spirits wayyy up!<br />
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No, I was not out there to race-mentally especially, as I won't go "there" until 4/22 and effort-wise, I ran easy the 1st "uphill" part of the course and let the slight changes in terrain dictate from there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMoXBW92yhg/T2-TI4x7V6I/AAAAAAAABmw/WTevl4UsaFM/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMoXBW92yhg/T2-TI4x7V6I/AAAAAAAABmw/WTevl4UsaFM/s400/DSC_0076.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got "meet" and wave at sooo many great folks during the out 'n backs...including this fellow who is a 50 state 26.2 finisher!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8ZoyK4Nkes/T2-Tc2-0aRI/AAAAAAAABnI/k1BmUa-DJ4Y/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8ZoyK4Nkes/T2-Tc2-0aRI/AAAAAAAABnI/k1BmUa-DJ4Y/s320/DSC_0095.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally love this shirt!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8D8Jl00F96g/T2-Th-zqXSI/AAAAAAAABnQ/UqlnfNcGA-o/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="351" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8D8Jl00F96g/T2-Th-zqXSI/AAAAAAAABnQ/UqlnfNcGA-o/s400/DSC_0096.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could be totally wrong, yet I wonder if the cyclist is the Dad of the young girl in blue? She was steady all day, yet I think the youngest person out there! You go girl!</td></tr>
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The weather was misty and rainy and I think there were several "no shows" to the day...I started out very easy until the 1st turn around in Abingdon. After this turn, the course was ever-so-slight, downhill. Around mile 8, I caught up with Cat (or Kat?) who lives in Nashville and was running not her 1st marathon, but 1st VA Creeper Marathon. We shared about a mile together before I moved ahead. I enjoyed the limited interaction I had with this young woman and got to cheer her mom, Karen on too!<br />
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The rest of the run was wet and beautiful during the earliest of Spring days on in a valley of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sS1V6qbruI/T2-TsnirCUI/AAAAAAAABnY/ov6VQs-p_oQ/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sS1V6qbruI/T2-TsnirCUI/AAAAAAAABnY/ov6VQs-p_oQ/s400/DSC_0197.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early spring in the cow fields</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zij5QVd9rA/T2-T1v0FOvI/AAAAAAAABng/cIcvngy0y6U/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zij5QVd9rA/T2-T1v0FOvI/AAAAAAAABng/cIcvngy0y6U/s400/DSC_0201.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After one of the long tressels was destroyed in a tornado last year, the town of Abingdon built a steepish path connecting the east and west parts of the trail...A good change of pace for the amazing almost flatness of the trail!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3n3C43W3e8/T2-W_PJQ6KI/AAAAAAAABno/f44P8iBzqko/s1600/IMG_0292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3n3C43W3e8/T2-W_PJQ6KI/AAAAAAAABno/f44P8iBzqko/s400/IMG_0292.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First place, especially when staying true to my "bigger picture plan" was a treat!</td></tr>
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This event is AWESOME. Not high-profile, costs just $10, is a BQ event and is done with great quality and attention to details: Gatorade mixed perfectly and water each 3 miles, later miles offer, in addition, fruit and cookies...fig bars rock! Thank you to race director Frank and all your amazing volunteers. I hope by now they are finally dry and warm!<br />
For complete results see: <a href="http://www.runtricities.org/RaceResults/results_recent.html">http://www.runtricities.org/RaceResults/results_recent.html</a><br />
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Next up for me: Continued work on <a href="http://www.ncnr.org/nrt50k.html">New River Trail 50k</a> -registration opened 3/23 AND we are now committed to it being a certified 50km course offering runners marathon time splits!<br />
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Mainly I am focused on being a good professional school counselor, trying to be balanced in my personal relationships (thank you George with your patience with my 9:30 pm bedtime and 4:30am alarm! and continued training for WC 100km, Seregano, Italy on 4/22. No dorsal fin appearances until then!annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-62499202461350324982012-03-18T20:54:00.000-04:002012-03-18T20:54:54.074-04:00Registration opens 3/23 for 5th Running of New River Trail 50k!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xObQMUBPhhM/T2Zuzj9pPyI/AAAAAAAABmA/9YdL27cV1h8/s1600/finishline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xObQMUBPhhM/T2Zuzj9pPyI/AAAAAAAABmA/9YdL27cV1h8/s400/finishline.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start / Finish Area, Fries, VA</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kTueHF9Mqg/T2ZvDY8cblI/AAAAAAAABmI/GB4vgJ9cX64/s1600/frontrunners.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kTueHF9Mqg/T2ZvDY8cblI/AAAAAAAABmI/GB4vgJ9cX64/s320/frontrunners.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moments after race start in 2010: Yes, it is FLAT!</td></tr>
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Registration will open for the 5th running of New River Trail 50k on Friday March 23rd through <a href="http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=16446">UltraSignUp</a>. As in years past the race is based on a "green" preference. We use goods and services as much as possible from within a 100 mile radius of the event and support companies with demonstrated responsibility in being "planet conscious".<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mu28aPPuBY/T2Z8XSjbzAI/AAAAAAAABmQ/4P78FY2lC-8/s1600/IMG_0289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mu28aPPuBY/T2Z8XSjbzAI/AAAAAAAABmQ/4P78FY2lC-8/s200/IMG_0289.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
This year there are 2 incentives for registering early. The 1st 15 to sign up will be entered into a drawing to receive a Mountain Hardwear daypack: <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Enterprise%E2%84%A2/OU5007,default,pd.html">2011 Enterprise. </a><br />
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The day pack has a 17" laptop sleeeve. Specs can be found on the above Enterprise link. <br />
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I'll contact the "winner" by email and send this off. Look for more surprise incentives to follow! (Don't worry, if you are in the running for the pack, you'll still be in the running for other cool gear too!)<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_L871SpZQgE/T2Z8mbx0jRI/AAAAAAAABmY/adB3dP9u8m0/s1600/IMG_0288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_L871SpZQgE/T2Z8mbx0jRI/AAAAAAAABmY/adB3dP9u8m0/s200/IMG_0288.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
The first 80 folks to register will have a chance to choose a <a href="http://www.ncnr.org/nrt50k/tumblers.jpg">pottery tumbler </a>or <a href="http://www.ncnr.org/nrt50k/Nathan%20QD%20plus.jpg">Nathan Handheld water bottle.</a> After 80 runners are signed up,
no more pottery will be offered.<br />
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Our fees had to go up this year. After staying the same for 4 years, everything now costs more. Base registration increased from $40.00 to $45.00 and Patagonia shirts also went up- (at cost for shirt, shipping and printing are 26.50 each). Runners are offered a choice of shirt or no shirt.<br />
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We now have a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/400588926636612/">Facebook event page.</a><br />
I also invite folks to use the forum on UltraSignUp to discuss race experiences and questions. Of course, as always, feel free to email or call me.<br />
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If anyone reading this has $800-$1000 dollars burning a hole in their pocket and want to help get this course certified as a marathon and 50km....please let me know asap! (It would be tax deductible as a contribution to National Committee for the New River)... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3EXQOQIuRUo/T2aDLdHhK_I/AAAAAAAABmo/7GCxAuQrmPI/s1600/IMG_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3EXQOQIuRUo/T2aDLdHhK_I/AAAAAAAABmo/7GCxAuQrmPI/s400/IMG_0273.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to finish up with this photo: George and I were on the top of Calloway Peak of Grandfather Mtn. last weekend</td></tr>
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<br />annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-61268005538649284402012-03-05T10:04:00.001-05:002012-03-07T20:55:33.543-05:00Caumsett Park, NY: 2012 USATF National 50km Road Championships, March 4, 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XaZIsDgh5yY/T1TTUhvoPSI/AAAAAAAABlo/2ZjtAI_ck3M/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XaZIsDgh5yY/T1TTUhvoPSI/AAAAAAAABlo/2ZjtAI_ck3M/s320/photo+3.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women in black: Tracy, Jessica, myself and champ Shanna Ailes Istini post race when the sun came out!</td></tr>
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Some races are mostly fun with some work; some are work with some fun. For me, yesterday’s race was more about work. <br />
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The Caumsett State Park course is a relatively flat/mildly rolling course of 5km, done 10x. This event is really 2 races in one: <a href="http://www.newyorkultrarunning.org/Caumsett_state_park_50k2012.htm">Caumsett Park 50km</a> and <a href="http://www.usatf.org/events/2012/USA50kmChampionships/">USATF 50 km Championship Race,</a> with the USATF event requiring those competing in the National Championships to be US citizens and members of USATF and follow slightly stricter rules. For this reason, finishers placing in the CP race and Championship race are recognized differently.<br />
<br />
Entering race site on Sunday morning, as is often the case, no matter what state I run an ultra in, was a glimpse of many familiar faces (for whom I knew names: Roy Pirrung, Byron Lane, Michael Wardian, Todd Braje, and more)-and many more who were familiar-faced kindred spirits!<br />
<br />
The run started at 8:30 am mild wind, 42ish degrees, cloudy. I enjoyed the first few loops running some with Tracy Meder, 32 from Ohio, and then I became a lone runner. For 4 loops I felt pretty good and was enjoying myself…yet after only 20km, I grew uncomfortable: hammies and glutes were not happy and I realized I’d tied my new road shoes too tight, making the bottom of my feet sore. Not much to be done, except slow a bit and suck it up! Loosening and re-tying the shoes wasn’t an option as my hands would barely function to handle an already opened Clif blocks package (Raynoids as always)! <br />
<br />
By the end of lap 3 I was in fourth place among women and from what I could tell third of the USATF race. That is the way it would stay…though for several loops there was another woman running very consistently just 1-2 minutes back.<br />
<br />
Before the run, I’d met a former 50M USA record holder from Washington State. His first name is Bill and he was coaching a handful of runners from the NW. He stationed himself halfway through the loop and offered me some much-appreciated encouragement each time. Thank you Bill!<br />
<br />
I kept track of loops by associating each with something I could remember:<br />
Lap 1 (c’mon that’s easy), Lap 2= twin (honoring Cher), Lap 3= me and 2 siblings, Lap 4= "4 score and 7 years", and so it went! <br />
<br />
It was fun to cheer for Michael Wardian and some of the other fast guys as they lapped me 2x. In turn it was great to be cheered on by other runners as I lapped past them. During the last few loops I had some lapses in confidence as I slowed and felt sore (likely from all the downhill at Black Mountain Marathon a week ago)? I wanted an attitude adjustment, so took advantage of the new USATF rule, as informed by Roy that morning, of being allowed to wear ear buds and listen to music so long as the music player wasn’t a communication device. My little ipod shuffle served me well. <br />
<br />
Not having a clue as to my fitness for this sort of race, I figured splits for a 3:45 last night. Those splits got tossed after loop 4 and I held on to hope to go for sub 3:50. I tossed my Garmin aside after that loop, and still had my watch, though had not turned on the chronometer-so I didn’t know if my time of day was in synch with race time or not. <br />
<br />
With 1 loop left to go, I gulped Gatorade from my little disposable bottle and ran as hard as by stubborn hammies and glutes would allow. (23:13 would be the fastest of the last 5 loops for me). I think I made pitiful grunting noises more than once trudging through this last loop. The last mile I was breathing hard and when the finish line came into sight all I could see was 3:48:and change…crossing the line I headed away from people gasping and crying with effort and relief. It took me a little while to collect myself enough to join others. <br />
<br />
As mentioned earlier, this race was work. I am pleased with third place in the Nat’l Champ race and happy to have had the tenacity to get sub 3:50…yet I am humbled and glad to have this as a measure of myself as I continue training for WC 100 on 4/22. <br />
<br />
Things I must put into place from this point forward:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F8CYJhUfOwY/T1gRDXZuUgI/AAAAAAAABl4/CixdCGxHi-o/s1600/6815827822_d05fe6cb3c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F8CYJhUfOwY/T1gRDXZuUgI/AAAAAAAABl4/CixdCGxHi-o/s400/6815827822_d05fe6cb3c_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awsome race director S Polansky, Tracey, Shanna, Roy Pirrung and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Long training runs okay-long races, even if run with perceived "non-racing" approach= not okay</li>
<li>Schedule regular bodywork sessions. I have been saving money not having this done; yet clearly I need this intervention.</li>
<li>After hammies and glutes calm down, start back with AIS several times a week.</li>
<li>Ask a friend to film me running and share with Howard. I have been wondering if my biomechanics are changing?</li>
<li>Get back in the habit of regularly taking vitamins and supplements, which should help my overall health, and running recovery.</li>
<li> </li>
</ul>
Wrapping up the USATF race: I was # 16, finished 16 overall, third female, first Master’s, fastest split: 21:47 (1), slowest 23:50 (9).<br />
<br />
I must emphasize that in the overall race, I placed fourth, Jessica Kennedy 28, from NJ finished second female, yet since she is not USATF did not place in that race. She was second overall in the non-Championship race at 3:39:38. She seems like a tough young woman-an avid ultra runner who will be coming to Umstead State Park for the 100 mile in April. Perhaps if I am there pacing, I’ll get to cheer her on!<br />
The steady woman who I referred to earlier was Kathryn Martin, 60 from LI who set 4 new American age group records. Congratulations Kathryn!<br />
<br />
Full results for all races <a href="http://www.pigmantri.com/jmsracing/results12/caumsett12.html">here. </a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGQdxqwX8lc/T1TTYf7pncI/AAAAAAAABlw/pDeXb34Smbc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGQdxqwX8lc/T1TTYf7pncI/AAAAAAAABlw/pDeXb34Smbc/s320/photo+1.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toostie, photo taken last night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I type up these notes, I am at my Mom’s dining room table with her cat Tootsie behind my head on her perch. Moms at church, the cat Tootsie is watching birds at the feeders. Mom lives on Eastern Long Island and as much as I came up for the race, I came up to spend time with Mom. Flying in Friday morning to Islip has given us quality time together. We’ve shared meals and talks and walks and Saturday evening Mass together, a few chores and just quality time. I have really missed her at hate to think of leaving to fly home this afternoon…but since people don’t earn paychecks visiting people they love, I must be back to work tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Clothing and race nutrition:<br />
Saucony Mirage Road shoes, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sugoi-Womens-Knee-High-Compression/dp/B004LXYAR6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1330958229&sr=8-6">Sugoi compression socks</a>, <a href="http://www.nucapmedical.com/calf-arch-spider.html">Spider Tech tape</a> protecting R calf, Mountain Hardwear Pacer Advance Shorts (2011 version), <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Women%27s-Way2Cool%E2%84%A2-Tank/OL4548,default,pd.html">MH Way Too Cool Tank</a>, MH arm warmers, <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Women%27s-Momentum-Running-Glove/OL4701,default,pd.html">MH Momentum gloves</a>, MH running beanie, 2010 version, Tribal Silencer glasses (due to wind). Fluid and calories-approximately 16 ounces Gatorade, 8 ounces water, Clif Gel, 5 Clifshot Blocks. <br />
<br />
Next up: Follow plan <a href="http://www.howardnippert.com/">Howard </a>gives me for training and stick to self-reminders outlined above!annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-32514014933907351692012-02-28T21:14:00.000-05:002012-02-28T21:14:06.687-05:00"Be True": Black Mountain Marathon 2/25/2012 <style>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FopLvNw4-B0/T0w8YP7uzvI/AAAAAAAABkg/3Ebn8DlArv0/s1600/IMG_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FopLvNw4-B0/T0w8YP7uzvI/AAAAAAAABkg/3Ebn8DlArv0/s400/IMG_0226.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top 3 women: fastest from R to L!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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“To Thy Own Self Be True” was my intent and mantra for the
duration of the 2012 Black Mountain Marathon in Black Mountain, NC on
2/25/2012. </div>
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I’d run this event in the past and it’s big sister version
The Mt Mitchell Challenge (same day, same course plus more to equal 40ish miles
to the top of the highest point east of the Mississippi) several times, this
day I was testing out my ability to run strong, yet not RACE. Racing, this
year, thus far is defined for me is either for the last 5 miles of an event, or
as a Team USA member for the whole of World Championship 100km (WC100km) to be run in Seregano,
Italy on 4/22.</div>
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Though I have recently been blessed with a couple strong
running buddies (as mentioned in previous posts), most of my runs in
preparation for a long road run are done alone and on pavement). Ten days ago I
looked at my schedule and did not want to run another 3:30 alone on a cold
windy morning in Ashe County, NC going back and forth on a flat -ish smooth
road. I stepped out on a limb and took Jay Curwin, race director for the Black
Mountain Marathon and Mt Mitchell Challenge at his word, <br />
"past champions are
always welcome.”</div>
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Psych! </div>
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I told Jay, I wasn’t up to racing the 26.2 miles,
yet was really up for a strong training run on trail before concentrating
solely on pavement in prep of April’s run. I would not sandbag-I intended to
run the flats strong, “plod” the ups and cautiously “let ‘er rip” on the downs. Yet I did not intend to lay all on the line on 2/25....</div>
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In my mind I predicted running with or near the leaders
during the flattish 3+ mile run to Montreat and falling back and getting passed
as pavement got steep and transitioned to uphill dirt for many miles as we
gained the toll road. I also
guessed, that unless bad stuff happened, I would not be passed by male or female
during the descent and flat return.</div>
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Mostly, the predictions came true! I met Keelin Schneider
and Karen Ostergaard, both strong petite women and 34 years old and we shared
most of the first 3+ miles easily together. Once hitting the steeps, I held
back and youth bounded forward…I would later see them both on the top of the
course as they turned back and I finished my “out” portion of the out ‘n back. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I greatly enjoyed running on dirt, rocks, mud and ice up,
up, and up…getting warm-then when moving into the shadows with wind gusts,
feeling chilled. Up, slowly, “to thy own self be true”, not racing…steady.
Chilly, cold, is that sweat?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Chilly, windy, frozen water bottles can’t use my hands to
open gel packets or even retrieve Clif blocks from previously opened packs…a
little tang and a couple graham crackers. Not my race plan. (Yet not unexpected
because I have<a href="http://www.raynauds.org/"> Raynaud's Syndrome</a> and have to wear hand warmers and double
gloves (which I did-yet isn’t always enough!)</div>
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Then the Blue Ridge Parkway turnaround… and I rejoiced and bounding the down
hills-navigating rocks and ice and people as they were ascending for the
Marathon or the 40-mile Challenge. So fun it was to cheer everyone on and
receive encouragement in return…(Though truth be told, there were moments I was
100% focused on icy, rocky terrain and had no idea of what was happening around
me!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then with 8ish miles left to go I smashed myself into a
rock. Dugh! (OUCH!)I was not paying attention, rather considering the new Greenway
Route that would present itself in several miles. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Dork! </div>
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Annette, Dork!: you know
better than to daydream on technical –especially fast fun technical stuff like
the descent of the Toll Road!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9_iLA_G2FFo/T02HhU1ImjI/AAAAAAAABlY/3-pah_TN82E/s1600/IMG_0228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9_iLA_G2FFo/T02HhU1ImjI/AAAAAAAABlY/3-pah_TN82E/s400/IMG_0228.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knee damage, photo taken post race. (No bruises, only a flesh wound!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Limp and whine out load I did as I slowed for a few moments
assessing my blood, yet lack of leg damage. Okay? What was up? Maybe because I
was having a hard time fueling to plan I got dorky? So I slowed just a bit to
pay attention! Two men passed me. I passed one back…</div>
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I stressed for a moment , even though I knew I wasn’t
racing…</div>
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Okay, I thought, as the weather warmed and the course
descended, “I’ll drink up and eat M&M’s at Sourwood Gap, remove my jacket
and hopefully with help of volunteers –since my hands were unable still to
move, tie it around my waist and continue forward…Only 5ish miles left! </div>
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Then suddenly it was warm and I was in a Montrail uniform
tank top, sleeves, hat stuffed in the top, mittens shoved into my unusable (due
to freeze) waist belt, bounding forward with an intent to go sub 4:00. No one
to race except the clock and I was thrilled to have finished 26.2 with 3:55:59 in 3<sup>rd</sup>
place female (1<sup>st</sup> “old girl” ) and 18<sup>th</sup> overall out of
168! Full results for the MMC and BMM <a href="http://here./">here.</a><a href="http://www.blackmountainmarathon.com/">http://www.blackmountainmarathon.com/</a></div>
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After my rattling fall, my mantra simplified to “BE TRUE”,
as I was getting tired and tired of ideals and would abbreviate what worked! I
did behave truly: The dorsal fin nipped at me, yet did not emerge! Yay Annette!
The focus now is on 4/22/2012 in Italy.<br />
<br />
I had a few high points to this day, that had little to do with my run. I got cheer Rory Bosio from CA in as she ran a serious sub 6 hour for a clean win on the Mount Mitchell Challenge (MMC). She and I first met in 2010 when we were both in top 10 at Western States 100. She is a stellar runner and seems like a great woman-wish I'd been fortunate enough to spend more time with her!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bA5DMHdWDR0/T02HE1gTYgI/AAAAAAAABlA/z0MowsxSvmw/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bA5DMHdWDR0/T02HE1gTYgI/AAAAAAAABlA/z0MowsxSvmw/s400/IMG_0234.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speedy Roryo and I after her amazing finish!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kBR6ghNoqY/T02HPtBzO4I/AAAAAAAABlI/LtpUZUPhSqE/s1600/IMG_0238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kBR6ghNoqY/T02HPtBzO4I/AAAAAAAABlI/LtpUZUPhSqE/s400/IMG_0238.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott and I reside in the same town...yet he is soon to move to Asheville for a cooler job!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was equally happy to celebrate the men's MMC 2012 champion Scott Williams. He and I reside in the same town and in gatherings, much to the dismay of our common company, frequently get lost in "running talk". Congrats Scott for your win and for recently signing with La Sportiva!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-az5sb1Rt-E4/T02HXYbzGnI/AAAAAAAABlQ/1IL-TZKhUQ0/s1600/IMG_0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-az5sb1Rt-E4/T02HXYbzGnI/AAAAAAAABlQ/1IL-TZKhUQ0/s400/IMG_0227.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diane and I taking a break eating and hydrating post run!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also really enjoyed spending time with Diane Wilson who was less than 5 minutes behind me for a 4th place finish. Diane is 49 years old and seems to be a tough, avid athlete who rides horses, runs and swims. I wish I lived near Asheville as it'd be great to train with her if she were willing!</div>
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Over 48 hours later, I am still a bit sore, having done a
little running, biking, elliptical, swimming and pool running… Sometimes I
think the timing of the driving taxes me as much as the running! I hope to be
back on running moderately on land and in the pool tomorrow. </div>
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This coming weekend I am headed to NY to visit my awesome
mom Mary Lou Bednosky and to run <a href="http://www.newyorkultrarunning.org/Caumsett_state_park_50k2012.htm">Camsett Park 50km</a> on Sunday in Lloyd Harbor,
NY! I know with my recent training I am not at my prime to run a PR…yet I will
say I am wanting a 3:45 or less. Not out of the question-I am border-lined
trained for that pace….yet will depend on race day conditions and my own mental
space on race day!<br />
Clothing and gear: <a href="http://www.montrail.com/Men%27s-Rogue-Racer%E2%84%A2/GM2124,default,pd.html">Montrail Rogue Racers</a>, DryMax l<a href="http://www.drymaxsocks.com/lite_trail_running.php">ightweight crew trail socks</a>, <a href="http://www.zensah.com/compression-leg-sleeves.html">Zensah calf sleeves</a>, Patagonia Capri tights, Mountain Hardwear <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Women%27s-Malina%E2%84%A2-Tank/OL3939,default,pd.html">Malina Tank</a>, <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Women%27s-Effusion%E2%84%A2-Power-Jacket/OL4201,default,pd.html">Mountain Hardwear Effusion Power Jacke</a>t,<br />
<a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Women%27s-Momentum-Running-Glove/OL4701,default,pd.html">MH Momentum Running Glove</a>, homemade overmitts, chemical handwarmers, MH running sleeves and running beanie, Amber Silencer Native<a href="http://www.nativeyewear.com/eyewear/sunglasses/list"> Sunglasses</a> (to head off crying eyes due to wind!), <a href="http://www.nathansports.com/our-products/hydrationnutrition/raceelite-series/elite-1">Nathan water bottle pack</a>, I carried Clif fuel (blocks and gels-yet my hands were non-functional and I couldn't access the zipper pocket!</div>annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-51673696265705627032012-02-14T17:38:00.001-05:002012-02-15T18:02:34.972-05:00St. Valentine's Day Massacre Marathon training run 2/12/2012...(a wonderful modified weekend!)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gM1IPVmh3dg/TznLPvvLPNI/AAAAAAAABkQ/nN8bDP18QfY/s1600/today.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gM1IPVmh3dg/TznLPvvLPNI/AAAAAAAABkQ/nN8bDP18QfY/s400/today.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No...he's not trying to beat runners, just celebrating success. See <a href="http://www.onthemarksports.com/events/massacremarathon/index.html">website</a> for full disclosure!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I posted last week, I expected this past weekend to be highlighted by 2 days of running in Greensboro, NC. (Only 90ish miles away...yet way less steep and at least 13 degrees warmer on average)...not to mention the diversity of food and culture appropriate for a Valentine's celebration!<br />
<br />
Yet plans change...I participated too enthusiastically in a yoga session that too quickly followed a nice tempo workout 12 hours before and "tweaked" my hamstring on Thursday. Gads! Not again! Yet alas, I knew I was not injured, yet had to be cautious with my activities during the next few days so Friday was an elliptical and swim day and, instead of the fun, muddy Groundhog Gallop on Saturday, I spent an hour pool running and 15 minutes doing a core workout. Not quite a 1/2 marathon...yet the goal for the weekend, as far as training, was to healthily run the low-key marathon on Sunday as a smart training run.<br />
<br />
Folks ask what the difference is between a training marathon and a racing marathon? I'll give this example:<br />
<br />
<i>This past weekend (training) Friday night I slept 6.5 hours. Saturday George and I went out to a 4 course Italian meal to celebrate Valentine's Day (yes, I was conservative with my food choices, yet not boring)! We split a bottle of Chianti. We had a great time at "Happy Together", a performance at Triad Stage in Greensboro. It was cabaret style, so we drank a bit more wine and wound up back at the hotel discussing the sad death of Whitney Houston until 11:30pm. Slept 7 hours and ate hotel continental breakfast and drank several cups of sub-perfection coffee. Didn't warm up at marathon, just started out slow!</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Running seriously (marathon or ultra): Limit myself to 2 glasses of wine prior to 9pm. Eat meal prior to 8pm. Usually very boring meal with no unknowns (usually healthy (ish). Make sure I have opportunity for 8.5 hours sleep. Eat boring "superstitious" breakfast I bring with me (no secret: whole wheat bread, almond butter, homemade apple butter sandwich and part of a banana Drink as 2 cups or less of the best coffee I can find or brew in my room! Make sure I have time for at least 30 minutes of varied warm up!</i><br />
<br />
On Sunday, I arrived at race venue (George would fly to FL later that day and had our other vehicle) with just enough time to park the Echo, grab my race number, pit stop, lay out my tiny aid station and pull on my capri tights (I was on the fence with shorts or capris...yet the strong wind made the call: capris).<br />
<br />
The gun could not boom soon enough as 3 of the 4 solo race participants danced for warmth around each other as the 130 runners from 130 relay teams began their bout! The air<br />
horn went off and folks flew! Dale, Dennis, Jack and I (the "soloists") ran conservatively and I got to meet all of them within the first couple laps. I understand there were many other solo runners registered that did not start (perhaps to to the 24 degree start with wind chill in the single digits and gusts far higher influenced those that did not feel that this event would contribute to their "overall plan" or mere pleasure (for me, the former).<br />
<br />
For solo runners this was 16 laps on pavement-the first lap being 2.2ish miles and each consecutive lap 1.6 to equal a certified 26.2 marathon. I think this is the 5th time I have run the event. Eight or nine years ago, I would have sworn the life of my dear kitty that I would NEVER run tiny loops on pavement when instead I could be running glorious, muddy, icy, hilly, remote brilliant trails instead.<br />
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<i style="color: blue;">(Those of you who really know me, know I prefer mud-slogging, mountain running, trail adventures to road stuff, <u><b>unless </b></u>it is to prepare for something as awesomely cool as running as a TEAM USA member in the 2012 100km World Championships in Italy on April 22 this year! A few weeks ago the 2012 Team was announced and I am thrilled to say I accepted the offer....So that mean more road and perhaps loopy running than I would otherwise choose though mid May 2012.)</i><br />
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As a solo runner out for a training run...I loved the low-key vibe of the solo runners AND spectating on the joy of the faster teams and diversity of fitness and abundance of exuberance in some of the slower teams. I ran and watched and celebrated all that I encountered. When at lap 10 my mood and energy faltered, I spent a couple minutes at my chair and plastic box that served as my aid station to unwrap a gel, fasten an ipod shuffle to my waist and drink some water. Frozen hands made this (and most other tasks) take a very long time!<br />
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George, having finished his errands around Greensboro Farmers Market, appeared to me about this time as his was crossing our route while walking on a hiking trail. I slowed a bit and he jogged with me for a couple minutes-yet he was dressed for easy hiking and was on the verge of overheating after a few minutes. I was soo thrilled he was there!<br />
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George and I have been struggling with the whether or not we should pay for him to go to Italy as a Team supporter, or just save or bucks as we needed to do this past September and he did not travel with us to Netherlands. (Most of my expenses are thankfully reimbursed with USATF and International Association of Ultra Running). I'll know the reality of my calf and hamstring in the next 10 days... and I think if all is good with my body, then we'll figure out how George can attend too. He is such a great motivator and supporter of me in these crazy things, even when we exchange no words I know he is supportive of my endeavors and he is willing to do what it takes race day to support USA athletes (please save time for him to enjoy local cuisine and beverages along the way!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vF1ZT0Bap-Y/TznMIcnwLOI/AAAAAAAABkY/xBjdhfPn52Y/s1600/IMG_0215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vF1ZT0Bap-Y/TznMIcnwLOI/AAAAAAAABkY/xBjdhfPn52Y/s400/IMG_0215.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome George and I post-warmth and pre-nourishment.</td></tr>
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We lunched at <a href="http://www.pieworks.com/">PieWorks</a>...a regional chain that George and I ate ate 2 years ago after I won a 25.00 off the year before. As native New Yorkers we did not expect or order pizza, yet ate well off their non-pizza menu and enjoyed a couple drafts before he headed to the airport and I to my car to jaunt the 2.5 hours up to 18 degrees and 30mph winds!<br />
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This weekend -and leading into it, has given me perspective. If I want to run well, I will need to back of a bit from the p90x training...the isn't to say don't do it-yet save my 100% for running and participate in certain parts of p90x (yoga and kickboxing) with a less aggressive approach. In the big picture, I think what we are doing in that program will enhance my agility, strength and flexibility-yet I want it to complement running and certainly not replace it!<br />
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I wound up running 3:19:45 in the marathon and placing 42 of 134 individuals and teams.<br />
What I wore: (top to bottom: Mountain Hardwear beanie, Native sunglasses, Buff (for 1st half), <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Women%27s-Malina%E2%84%A2-Tank/OL3939,default,pd.html">Mtn Hardwear Malina tank</a>, <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Women%27s-Ghost-Whisperer%E2%84%A2-Anorak/OL4556,default,pd.html">Mtn Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Anorak</a> (This is perhaps one of the coolest pieces of clothing I proudly own...see t<a href="http://annettebednosky.blogspot.com/2011/11/brief-update-and-ghost-whisperer-anorak.html">his post</a> for more photos and information.), Team USA capris, <a href="http://www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=22003&color=31220">Sugoi compression socks</a> (love DryMax yet need the seemlessness of socks with my current calf/hamstring condition).<br />
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For shoes, I went road shoe shopping as every road shoe I have has seen better days and Montrail isn't quite what I need for 100% road pounding. My Saturday shopping trip had me walking out of Fleet Feet Sports in Winston-Salem with a men's 9 <a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/Brooks-Pure-Connect/110108,default,pd.html">Brooks Connect. </a>I know nothing about the shoe except it was light and without any breaking in, felt fine during the 26.2 mile run and 2 mile warm down...I will still seek out a road shoe for higher mileage and look forward to sampling the next heavier Brooks road shoe: <a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/Brooks-PureCadence/1101101D085.080,default,pd.html?src=pgooaw_pla&mr:trackingCode=8F2CE710-8CC2-E011-AC9E-001B2163195C&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&gclid=CNK9_u_Bnq4CFRKR7QodIkdsIw">Pure Cadence</a>, yet will surely give Montrail's new <a href="http://www.montrail.com/Men%27s-Rogue-Fly%E2%84%A2/GM2143,default,pd.html">Rouge Fly</a> a try (though it is designed more with terrain in mind, than road), I am chomping at the bit to give them a "go!"<br />
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Congrats to all the teams and individuals on Sunday! And especially to the freezing cold volunteers and race director. Full results <a href="http://here./">here.</a><a href="http://www.onthemarksports.com/results/2012/2012_02_12_oa_summary.htm">http://www.onthemarksports.com/results/2012/2012_02_12_oa_summary.htm</a><br />
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Check out this link to Greensboro's News Record Running Shorts: <a href="http://www.news-record.com/blog/2012/02/15/entry/annette_bednoskys_training_run_at_the_massacre_marathon">Eddie Wooten's Blog</a> for a little Annette Bednosky feature on this race! <br />
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<br />annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-90528206621562066232012-02-07T18:32:00.000-05:002012-02-07T18:32:05.905-05:00Annette on BRO TV: This is My Wilderness<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pApKTSUPuu0/TzGz8lF0efI/AAAAAAAABkI/-EnTTZ8Wcag/s1600/safe_image.php.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pApKTSUPuu0/TzGz8lF0efI/AAAAAAAABkI/-EnTTZ8Wcag/s400/safe_image.php.png" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little interview post 23 mile cold run (it warmed up by the time this was filmed!)</td></tr>
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OK, so I am <strike>sort of</strike> self-promoting here. Back on a COLD December Sunday morning I did some filming with a fine film maker and journalist from Blue Ridge Outdoors. Today I received a link to the preview of March's story: <a href="http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/photos-and-video/bro-tv/bro-tv-runner-annette-bednosky/">http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/photos-and-video/bro-tv/bro-tv-runner-annette-bednosky/</a><br />
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The story features several Southern Appalachian ultrarunners who love to run in the backcountry/wilderness. The whole thing will be out in March. Kindred spirits in running: Dan Lehmann, David Horton and Francesa Conte will be featured. I can't wait to see and hear their perspectives!annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-18611104499199055192012-02-05T17:59:00.000-05:002012-02-05T17:59:40.740-05:00Day 15 of P 90 X<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTI7NiizAj8/Ty8F1drJUpI/AAAAAAAABj4/7EeHwCSnwTs/s1600/019_dreya_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTI7NiizAj8/Ty8F1drJUpI/AAAAAAAABj4/7EeHwCSnwTs/s400/019_dreya_lg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tough P90X girl, Dreya</td></tr>
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OK. For many years I have known that core work, stretching and other kinds of cross-training, done regularly and with quality, would help with running.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M7KfyH93JW0/Ty8Evhj0B8I/AAAAAAAABjo/iCGT-6FyVis/s1600/IMG_0211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M7KfyH93JW0/Ty8Evhj0B8I/AAAAAAAABjo/iCGT-6FyVis/s400/IMG_0211.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me attempting a P90X pose post run this morning</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7hrbuJ-Tbg/Ty8FcrirBJI/AAAAAAAABjw/77yiN8sg5As/s1600/IMG_0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7hrbuJ-Tbg/Ty8FcrirBJI/AAAAAAAABjw/77yiN8sg5As/s400/IMG_0212.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In another P90X pose...kinda, yet lovin' the 50 degrees post run weather on Feb 5th!</td></tr>
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Yet, except for the times I am hurt and have assigned PT (physical therapy) exercises assigned, I am rotten and inconsistent with follow through. That is why back in November, when Stacey, a staff member (and strong tough girl) at Little's Health and Fitness was putting the word out about doing a round of P90X starting on January 9, 2012, my attention was caught.<br />
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<a href="http://www.beachbody.com/p90x">P90X</a> stands for Power 90 days Extreme. It is a DVD program which is based on 6 days of work and a day off. (We are modifying the program to do it M-F from 6am-7am each day). It works all the muscles of the body (or, least many of them) and includes plyometrics, stretching, yoga, core work and some cardio. Much of this is all new to me, yet all stuff I have seen and have known would help strengthen me as a runner. Adding these 5 hours a week to a training plan for WC 100km on 4/22 is a challenge, yet I am committed, even if I must modify some of the harder P90 days due to the days prescribed running efforts.<br />
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Fifteen days in, I am sore in a different spot almost every day! I have taken to making myself Spiruteen shakes post workout in the AM and adding glutamine and some other amino acids on the hard effort days (like Plyometrics). One of my major goals with this program is to be able to do the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBupIfQEoNA">Dreya Rolls</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iDzF1lCWrU">Plank to Chaturanga Run </a>as put forth in Core Synergistics. I am pitiful at this point!<br />
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Our class is pretty cool...made up of 10-14 folks who come regularly and have different strengths and experiences. The cool thing about this program is we can all work together at our own level and by mere presence support each other...yet no one slows each other down 'cause we are uncoordinated or not strong or feeling wimpy one day! <br />
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Running is going okay right now, still being careful of the sore calf and I usually don't hurt when I run, am quite sore for 12 hours afterwards and than am okay. I had am MRI done 3 weeks ago, yet the doc order the ankle instead of the calf and therefore not an indicator of what is going on. So-at this point, I am still being cautious and appreciating long swims, elliptical and running 4x a week. Today was an 18miler-4 miles solo and than 14 with my running buddies Jackie and Jonathan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq7Jf7F2ptA/Ty8GIJFpnLI/AAAAAAAABkA/XclK2xxhnyE/s1600/IMG_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq7Jf7F2ptA/Ty8GIJFpnLI/AAAAAAAABkA/XclK2xxhnyE/s400/IMG_0214.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bro and Sis J & J rock! Jo ran a sub 1:30 1/2 Marathon last month and Ja a sub 3:22 for her 1st full marathon! My running buddies rock!</td></tr>
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I appreciate my little 6am group (I usually get to the gym @ 4:45 on a non-running day to get in an elliptical workout before class), yet on running days, when possible I run outside after work. On these days I show up at 5:50 with pillow lines on my face and my classmates declare my car auto drove me there! I think there may be some truth to that! <br />
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I have not taken (yet) any before photos or measurements to see how I progress through these 3 months, yet I am tempted to do so-to see how 5 hours of cross training a week can help me be stronger and enhance my running....(Now I need to find a way to un-appreciate red wine, snickers bars and tootsie pops!)<br />
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If anyone cares to comment, I would love to hear your experience w/ this P90X program-or what cross training exercises have given you best "bang for the buck"!<br />
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Next weekend I plan to run the <a href="http://www.onthemarksports.com/events/groundhog/index.html">Ground Hog Gallop 1/2 Trail Marathon</a> and <a href="http://www.onthemarksports.com/events/massacremarathon/index.html">St Valentines Day Massacre Marathon</a> on Sunday. Both as training efforts = no watch! George is coming too, and although he won't be racing, we plan a fun and cultural early Valentines Celebration in Greensboro, NC for Saturday Night: Staying at <a href="https://wwwc.druryhotels.com/Reservations.aspx?adults=1&arrival=2%2f10%2f2012&departure=2%2f12%2f2012&state=NC&city=Greensboro%2c+NC">Drury</a> Inn and and going to a <a href="http://triadstage.org/upstage/entertainment/#anchor8">Cabaret Performance </a>Saturday night! <br />
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<br />annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-70785031758155207132012-01-29T17:56:00.001-05:002012-01-29T18:31:27.678-05:00Geeking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qwcDYG0xi8M/TyXCUnjfPLI/AAAAAAAABig/shVwL1FNaPw/s1600/IMG_0177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qwcDYG0xi8M/TyXCUnjfPLI/AAAAAAAABig/shVwL1FNaPw/s400/IMG_0177.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressed for my 15 mile mixed-surface run this morning: windy and 28 degrees...</td></tr>
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Yesterday while swimming length after length mindlessly (kinda like running mile loop after mile loop during an houred event), I understood the obvious. I am a geek.<br />
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This coming into geekhood is not a BFO (blinding flash of the obvious), yet rather a slow unveiling of the truth. Most runners, I expect, are like myself and are delighfuly unaware until something makes you think about it. I thought about it after seeing myself in the mirror just before getting into the pool. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cjYbk8yuy0M/TyW-pryEDAI/AAAAAAAABhA/wOyNzxDMkOw/s1600/IMG_0194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cjYbk8yuy0M/TyW-pryEDAI/AAAAAAAABhA/wOyNzxDMkOw/s400/IMG_0194.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressed in a typical swim outfit...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2d71ELBLTvs/TyW-oUQQd3I/AAAAAAAABg4/9E04Cg-HnPw/s1600/IMG_0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2d71ELBLTvs/TyW-oUQQd3I/AAAAAAAABg4/9E04Cg-HnPw/s400/IMG_0186.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me post run this morning...looking freakishly like the above photo!</td></tr>
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Skull caps, eye protection, sports bras are all a way of life for me...and I expect for most other geeky runners. Compression socks that mock the knee highs I wore as a middle school Catholic school girl and capri tights and arm wear that make me look like cross between a wanna be football player and a cyclist! Not to mention the hydration pack and layers that are wrapped around me flapping in the wind making me into a traveling yardsale during a 2 hour run when the temperature changes 12 degrees! Geeking is, I think, reality.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srGnFrKo-1A/TyXFiUAXy2I/AAAAAAAABio/tBmpRZkpVUA/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srGnFrKo-1A/TyXFiUAXy2I/AAAAAAAABio/tBmpRZkpVUA/s400/images.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a photo of "optimal clothing" for cold weather running...very styin'...yet I balk</td></tr>
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I am a geek because I would sweat to a puddle and my hands would freeze in less than 10 minutes if I wore the girl's outfit. During a hilly loop training run in the winter, I seek to minimize my sweat...and therefore an unable to create such an outfit! Always I wear gloves and overmitts and often with handwarmers in between!<br />
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As I consider geekiness, I look around my "office" (the little spare bedroom in our house I have claimed as my space...This is what I see (no "doctoring" to the space to set up for pictures has been done!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QH0F6qHbdmc/TyW-0n1rJWI/AAAAAAAABhI/FWWMAo50PaI/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QH0F6qHbdmc/TyW-0n1rJWI/AAAAAAAABhI/FWWMAo50PaI/s320/IMG_0195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothing drying, headlamp, reflective vest, foam roller, stretch rope, hydration gear...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65J7eIse65A/TyW_INl2bDI/AAAAAAAABhQ/oGS_EF2gvO4/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65J7eIse65A/TyW_INl2bDI/AAAAAAAABhQ/oGS_EF2gvO4/s400/IMG_0196.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My desk, 40 minutes post run today...no doctoring to photos, really!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GapKg-SVXns/TyW_ygeqzJI/AAAAAAAABhg/7FH1HviI3WY/s1600/IMG_0198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GapKg-SVXns/TyW_ygeqzJI/AAAAAAAABhg/7FH1HviI3WY/s400/IMG_0198.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need I say more?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Awzpqm3exo/TyXAl49UChI/AAAAAAAABhw/Fv5mYWDsiok/s1600/IMG_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Awzpqm3exo/TyXAl49UChI/AAAAAAAABhw/Fv5mYWDsiok/s400/IMG_0200.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawers full of nutrition and sports medicine gear...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-qUMwxC0xY/TyXAYdHqvrI/AAAAAAAABho/SVqo3Lq8pUg/s1600/IMG_0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-qUMwxC0xY/TyXAYdHqvrI/AAAAAAAABho/SVqo3Lq8pUg/s400/IMG_0199.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A draw full of handwarmers...thanks to a very generous Christmas stocking!</td></tr>
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The above is what I've contained in my "private space" at home...So I stalked around the house for a few minutes this afternoon taking a couple photos with my iphone:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RhsJjxmptAA/TyXBLfRCi-I/AAAAAAAABiI/h62Oh4g5Hbs/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RhsJjxmptAA/TyXBLfRCi-I/AAAAAAAABiI/h62Oh4g5Hbs/s400/IMG_0203.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No the scratching post is not for my 2005 WS 100 Cougar...yet Mama Grey shares floor space with the sculpture!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDxCUh9eYe8/TyXBZVmVsNI/AAAAAAAABiQ/sDHlinClRtA/s1600/IMG_0206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDxCUh9eYe8/TyXBZVmVsNI/AAAAAAAABiQ/sDHlinClRtA/s400/IMG_0206.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pottery awards sitting on the wine rack in the dining room...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6lWBA3KYNQ/TyXBkmNK0FI/AAAAAAAABiY/OA9N8reOClk/s1600/IMG_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6lWBA3KYNQ/TyXBkmNK0FI/AAAAAAAABiY/OA9N8reOClk/s400/IMG_0210.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magazines on the bathroom shelf.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Running, racing, training, swimming, wearing synthetics is a way of life for me. Many days I go to work clad in 50% running clothes, topped off with a conservative jacket and shoes that help me masquerade as being professional. Running or working out is never "if", but "when or where".<br />
<br />
4:40am is a time of day I know well, and 10pm is a late night.<br />
<br />
The only time I watch TV, (and even then it's the Home and Garden Network) is when I am on the treadmill or elliptical at the gym.<br />
I think I love being a geek!<br />
As almost 1 full month of 2012 has passed, I am ever-grateful with being able to run and be active and to sweat and learn and explore!<br />
I wonder how many other folks are happy to practice "geeking"-and what is most geeky? (For me t the compression socks/sleeves totally get the points!)<br />
<br />
Geeking attire for this morning's run: Mtn Hardwear Beanie, Native sunglasses, <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Women%27s-Malina%E2%84%A2-Tank/OL3939,default,pd.html">Mtn Hardwear Malina tank </a>, Team USA Nike Capris, <a href="http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/22004.htm?color=10890">Sugoi Compression socks</a>, <a href="http://montrail.com/Men%27s-Rogue-Racer%E2%84%A2/GM2124,default,pd.html">Montrail Rogue Racer</a>, <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Women%27s-Momentum%E2%84%A2-Running-Glove/OL3532,default,pd.html">Mtn Hardwear Momentum Glove</a>, homemade overmitts, <a href="http://www.thegearcaster.com/the_gearcaster/2011/08/featherweight-pocket-size-jackets.html">Mtn Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Anorak</a>,<a href="http://www.nathansports.com/our-products/hydrationnutrition/raceelite-series/elite-1"> Nathan Elite 1 Waist Pack.</a> <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=4th+generation+shuffle&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=9002898529229230045&sa=X&ei=qNYlT6XxIOXm0gHO1PD-CA&ved=0CDwQ8wIwAQ">4th generation shuffle</a> and 2 hours of tunes!<br />
<br />
Next up for me: A training weekend in Greensboro 2/11& 2/12-<a href="http://www.onthemarksports.com/events/groundhog/index.html">Groundhog Gallop Half Trail Marathon</a> and <a href="http://www.onthemarksports.com/events/massacremarathon/index.html">St. Valentines Day Massacre Marathon</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-84649878861482215502012-01-01T17:48:00.000-05:002012-01-01T17:48:18.207-05:00Happy 2012!<div class="MsoNormal">
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</style> Yesterday I had the great privilege of running the 1<sup>st</sup>
12 hours of <a href="http://www.my-bmrc.org/#%21new-year%27s-ultra">Freedom Park 24 Hour Ultra</a> in Morganton, NC. Though I started out
with the intention of running the full 24 hours with a goal of at least 135
miles, my current reality did not meet my expectations and by hour 6 I was
feeling kind of pukey.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Yet, during my loops of less-than-feeling good or confident,
I got to interact and watch Anne Lundblad and Sabrina Moran set their souls on
the line and run fantastically! As I learned this morning, Anne ran 140+ (YAY
Anne!) Sabrina was moving along effortlessly when I observed her when I left
the event 13.5 hours into it...I am not sure of Sabrina’s finishing mileage,
yet I expect it was in the mid to high 130’s… as Anne was the overall winner.
Congratulations wonderful tough girls! I expect Anne has earned her a place on
<a href="http://www.usatf.org/events/2012/World24-HourRunChampionships/entry/selectionProcedures.asp">Team USA</a> to run in Poland in September. If she didn’t PR this morning,
Sabrina’s previous high 130’s time makes her a great contender too!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Also during the loops I got to watch my running buddies from Ashe County at work on the Half Marathon. Joey and Jonathon will be running the 1/2 in <a href="http://charlestonmarathon.com/">Charleston</a> in 2 weeks and Jackie, the full. They came down get in a good training effort and I think to cheer me on too! Thanks running buddies, it was great to see you out there and running with effortless glee! Can't wait to be around you all in Charleston! </div>
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<br /></div>
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As for me, ups and downs are expected on any event and I was
committed until at least 12 hours in. At hour 6ish the dizziness I’d been
experiencing on and off the last 2 weeks due to a prolonged sinus infection was
showing itself, and although I didn’t feel bad, I felt a bit out of body and
out of sorts. Both Anne and Sabrina and others reminded me that ups and downs
were to be expected as they inquired about my 13-minute walking break at 5:50.
I certainly appreciated the reminder and after eating and drinking and taking
some electrolytes (it was 60 degrees-certainly warm by 12/31 norms), I grabbed
by little ipod and tried for a focused attitude adjustment. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The isolation and distraction helped, yet I felt my soreness
in legs and body increasing as I checked off each loop. By hour 10, I had no
idea of my pace or mileage yet kept up the positive attitude (mostly) and
visualized what I’d practiced: running strong<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(or “strong” for the circumstances) watching a sun set from
the run and a sunrise. Lap by lap, positive, inspired…and mathematically,
seeking reality. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jonathan Savage, an automatic 2012 team member based on his
National Championship 2011 performance- high 140’s in 24-Hour, graced me with
miles of chat time. He helped me process my dilemma. Yesterday I felt I had 2
things on the line: run well enough (as Anne did) to be a high contender for
Poland (at least 135), or back off and drop out to not burden my body with a
disappointing finish that could set by my training for World 100km in April. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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If I was feeling great and moving well toward my goal, I was
willing to take the risk with partially compromising my 100km training…yet this
was a hard call. Intellectually, as Jonathon pointed out, it was a no brainier,
quit before I did damage and required too much recovery. One can recover from
battered egos. On the other hand, a 24- hour event is unpredictable and one
doesn’t know what will present itself: good or bad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the end I bowed out conservatively. 74ish miles in 12
hours…and other mile of cool down. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I celebrate Freedom Park Ultras and half and full marathons.
David and Rhonda do a GREAT job attending to runners wishes and needs and the
venue is superb. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for me, I have swollen legs, a tired body and ambition as
I roll into what will be the 2<sup>nd</sup> semester of the 2011/2012 school
year tomorrow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My immediate my running ambitions will be set on WC 100km
4/22/2012. I will register for FANS in Minnesota for my last go at 24-Hour team
2012 and not have any other “important”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>race on the table after that, so I don’t have to worry about the impact
of working too hard and risking other goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe FANS is the 1<sup>st</sup> weekend of June. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This last 36 hours has been a humbling, yet “toe the line”
gut-centering quest for priorities. I believe I’ve chosen the right path, yet
do not want “bailing” to be part of my regular practice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyone, reading this, I’d love to hear your own personal
perspectives of your process for DNFing or finishing despite the risks to your
future running/racing plans/ health…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy training, smart choices and Happy 2012! AND<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a hearty congrats to all who ran and
worked towards their goals in the at least four 24-Hour events around the
country last night!</div>annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-19217573055669134482011-12-22T13:57:00.000-05:002011-12-22T13:57:35.435-05:00Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2011! Just thought I'd share our holiday letter-and the photos we used in our greeting postcard. I'll be posting some 2011 running wrap up/welcome 2012 after Christmas...But for now-Merry Christmas!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MR4r7BuIDYk/TvN4jAR4c2I/AAAAAAAABfU/YpnW2Cqq-I4/s1600/-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MR4r7BuIDYk/TvN4jAR4c2I/AAAAAAAABfU/YpnW2Cqq-I4/s400/-8.jpg" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George and I post Turkey Trot 4 Miler in November</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKGUIdyT9oE/TvN557Sr8wI/AAAAAAAABgA/mtvcmexqgzk/s1600/-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKGUIdyT9oE/TvN557Sr8wI/AAAAAAAABgA/mtvcmexqgzk/s400/-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George on the New River in August 2011.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhrVink3OuU/TvN6MZpChpI/AAAAAAAABgM/4EL6B4AO6BA/s1600/IMG4601-L-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhrVink3OuU/TvN6MZpChpI/AAAAAAAABgM/4EL6B4AO6BA/s400/IMG4601-L-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annette and teammate Pam Smith at World 100km Championships-September 2011</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3AomHWLwG5c/TvN8wbo9ogI/AAAAAAAABgk/b9tKVcRTChk/s1600/intube1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3AomHWLwG5c/TvN8wbo9ogI/AAAAAAAABgk/b9tKVcRTChk/s400/intube1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama Grey at play</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";">Dear
Friends, Family, and Kindred Spirits,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";">If you
are reading this we’ve all survived another year filled with joy, challenge,
celebration and anticipation of weekends and days doing what we love to do!
Don’t get me wrong-we both really like what we do for work (most of the time
anyway), yet days to play hard, or just hang out, don’t come often enough.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";">George
continues to work hard for the New River. He’s been traveling more than ever
this year-zipping around the 3-state watershed and spent a week in Milwaukee at
a conference. Again this past summer he headed up the New River Expedition,
paddling from the headwaters in NC to the end in WV. The event raises awareness
of human impact, offers communities lots of opportunities to help clean the
river, raises money for NCNR, and is meant to be tons of FUN!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";">George
has further developed his whitewater skills and kayaks and canoes whenever he
gets a chance. He is also teaching himself to fly fish. I think as long as
George gets to hang out by a river, he will be a happy man! Don’t get me wrong,
he still hikes, occasionally runs & bikes, and can sit on the couch for a
ball game like a champ, yet it is on the water is where he comes alive!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";">Annette
continues her work as a school counselor, with all the budget cuts and getting
added responsibilities she is working at least 8 more hours a week than this
time last year, just to survive at work. She is, thankfully, still able to
manage quality time for running and training.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";">Running
highlights for Annette this year were setting a course record at North Face’s
Bear Mountain 50Miler in NY in May, running a 3:01:30 marathon at the World
Master’s Marathon Championships in July in CA, and representing the United
States with Team USA at the 100km World Championships in Winschoten,
Netherlands in September, where she came in 6<sup>th</sup> (7:54:59) and helped
USA win a silver medal. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";">We
spent a week together in Rocky Mountain Nat’l Park in July and camped, hiked,
postholed and skid down snowfields at 11,000+ feet. Big mountains are fun!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";">Mama
Grey is as fabulous and crazy as ever! We can’t believe we’re about to spend
our 5<sup>th</sup> Christmas together!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";">Although
we both still enjoy winemaking, gardening and canning-work life has gotten in
the way a little more this year, so we have less to “brag” about in that
department…(Though if any of you are around come July of 2012, the cranberry
semi-sweet wine should be in it’s prime!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";">Happy
Holidays and Happy 2012!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";">Love,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Annette and George </span></i></span></div>annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926806561408428497.post-52555138829694018762011-11-27T21:04:00.002-05:002011-11-28T06:58:40.834-05:00Wilmington Road Runners Turkey Trot: Carolina Beach State Park, 11/26/2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyvVN7U7Miw/TtLmeHgBObI/AAAAAAAABeE/rBRioD_3YOk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyvVN7U7Miw/TtLmeHgBObI/AAAAAAAABeE/rBRioD_3YOk/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cloudy sunrise poking through taken from our ocean balcony just before 7 am this morning!</td></tr>
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George’s brother Chris and our sister in law Nikki and their
awesome daughter Skylar recently moved from NY to Carolina Beach, NC.
Since George and Chris’ parents
were going to celebrate Thanksgiving with the newly relocated Santucci’s ,
George and I took the opportunity to visit Carolina Beach for the 1<sup>st</sup>
time together (George is a return visitor, me a newbie).</div>
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Since this is to be a brief post, I won’t ramble as usual!(For real!)</div>
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My personal goal, besides lots of beach walking, quality
time with family and trying not to over indulge with food and drink, was to run
the age I turned today over the course of the weekend, and to have it be
stress-free (not having to forfeit sleep or sneak in runs here and there). It
turned out great!</div>
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We stayed ½ mile from Chris and Nikki’s at <a href="http://www.goldensandscarolinabeach.com/">Golden Sands Motel</a>…we were on the 6<sup>th</sup>
floor w/ a balcony and great view of the ocean. (Ocean sounds were great too,
when the balcony door was opened!). </div>
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We arrived at Carolina Beach around 1pm on Thanksgiving.
Dinner was to start around 3pm so George went beach walking as I started my
move towards a strategic 45 in 4 days with limited scheduling…I won’t prolong
the details, yet will say I enjoyed running on flat, next to colorful houses
and intermittently hearing the sea, depending on wind strength and direction. </div>
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Friday was a mix of running, hanging with Skylar, Nikki and
Charlene before eating fresh fish caught by George that evening for supper. </div>
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Saturday was a treat: We learned of a trail run put on by
the Wilmington Road Runners on Saturday, their version of an island Turkey
Trot. Both George and I entered. What a great time! Very curvy and filled with
pine straw and areas of deep sand, I was both in and out of my element at the same time!</div>
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I started out conservatively, waiting for my hamstring to
scream, only it didn’t. It simply whined. So I keep increasing my effort and
loving it! I wound up 19 seconds behind 29 year old race favorite and local
superstar Melanie Lenk for a 2<sup>nd</sup> place open women’s finish and 1<sup>st</sup>
masters. It felt great to work hard again! Full results here: <a href="http://www.wilmingtonroadrunners.org/raceresults/2011/Turk11ovr.txt">http://www.wilmingtonroadrunners.org/raceresults/2011/Turk11ovr.txt</a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fnP6IJB2GvM/TtLmgEh4w0I/AAAAAAAABeM/aj43ya1MBdY/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fnP6IJB2GvM/TtLmgEh4w0I/AAAAAAAABeM/aj43ya1MBdY/s400/photo%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fast guy Glen, George and I happy to represent the mountains on a coastal run!</td></tr>
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George did great! He does not run regularly, yet has the
strength and metabolism to toe the line for single digit trail runs and do
wonderfully even if not in running shape. This is what he did on Saturday. Go
Georgio, go!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5k3ne5SZRA/TtLmiW05_VI/AAAAAAAABeU/WqcHdTydHXY/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5k3ne5SZRA/TtLmiW05_VI/AAAAAAAABeU/WqcHdTydHXY/s400/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George in the final 50 feet to go! (What happened to your right lower leg?</td></tr>
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The coolest thing, I think, about this run was that Glen
Bailey, 17, who I know and who attends Ashe County High School, where I work,
also ran and achieved 2<sup>nd</sup> place for the guys! Glen was All-State Cross Country this
year. I really value the photo above of the tiny contingent that so well
represented the Northern Mountains (Glen especially)!</div>
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George and I left Carolina Beach 7:30 am today and stopped
at Olmsted State Park on I-40 for some leg moving on the route home. I was
happy to run in a tank and shorts, quite possibly for the last time in weeks as
winter weather encroaches on the Appalachian Mountains!</div>
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Next up for me? Many months ago I registered for the <a href="http://www.crookedroadrunning.com/#/24-hour-event/4552535835">CrookedRoad 24 Hour.</a> Despite my recent time off from running, I am considering
starting the event and see what unfolds. I hope to use my smarts to not over
due it…and with it being just sub a 1 mile loop, will not put anyone in harms
way if I need to quit! I will make a decision within 48 hours…</div>
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I wish to thank all of you sincerely who sent happy 45th B'day wishes to me today! You all make me feel really special and looking forward to sharing time on mixed surfaces running with folks! </div>annette bednoskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12396508241800373855noreply@blogger.com4