Birthday running thoughts

This picture is a “self portrait” taken on Thanksgiving-which was my 42nd birthday. I had just returned from a leisurely 12 mile solo trail run in Fairystone State Park in VA. (I even ran into a tree and got a little blood flowing!)

Thsi past year was a challenge. I was often frustrated as I couldn’t run much. I did my first stint as a race director. In my work, I have been challenged to stay positive amidst the politics of public education…I am appreciative of George and my family and the rest of my health. I think my body is healing and I am looking forward to my 2009 calendar.

Last night I sat at my computer staring at my wish list of races and places and felt daunted.

The feeling daunted came from all the choices about ultra and trail runs. A big part of me is soo very greedy: I want to go everywhere, run all the time and not miss out on anything. Yet that is not going to happen. Job, family, finances, body limitations and other responsibilities must balance my running life. Finding greater balance between ultrarunning and rest of life is a big priority for this next year in my life.

My goals for 2009, in additional to staying healthy is to do different sorts of races. And, because I have run very little technical terrain for the past 8 months, to concentrate on more mellow trail terrain for my ’09 races (no Massanutten rocks or Uwharrie roots) and building those muscles back over time. I also will volunteer more at events and find ways to train with friends and companions more often.

I want to run at least 1 Montrail Ultra Cup 08/09 race this year, 1 hundred miler, do my 1st 24 hour event and train for a fast 50k properly. These in addition to several other fine events…

This is what is currently on my “wish list” for ’09:

New Year’s Eve Freedom 6 Hour Run, 12/31/08-1/1/09, Morganton, NC
Frosty 50 km, 1/10, Winston-Salem, NC
Caumsett Park 50 km, 3/1, Long Island
American River 50 M, 4/4, Saramento, CA
24-Hour Adventure Trail Run, 5/2-3, Triangle, VA
Vermont 100, 7/18-19, West Winsor, VT
Tussey Moutainback 50M or Hinson Lake 24 (late Sept or early October).
New River Trail 50k 10/10 (race directing)
Mountain Masochist 50M, 11/7,Lynchburg, VA
JFK 50M, 11/21, Maryland

I am not sure about MMTR and JFK…I will have a few months to consider. As I get ready to post this it is sideways snowing out…yet looking at this race schedule, it makes it easier to head outside instead for a run instead of resorting to the gym!

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Life after New River Trail 50k 2008: compartment testing, running with friends, and preparing to aidstation" at Masochist

Photos:Runners in Grayson Highlands-courtesy of Beth Minnick,The needle: Step One of Compartment Testing... Mike Hall from Atayne Products (the cool shirt is his company's design!) and my future aid station partner at Masochist next weekend,

It's been 14 days since the 1st inagural New River Trail 50k. I am finally not exhausted and broadening my vision onto "other parts of life"...yet still working on sponsor and volunteer thank you's... Yesterday results and "the story" were posted on the website.

A few thoughts and hopefully I'll post more later....
I am super psyched about my Montrail Teammates Eric Grossman and Jamie Donaldson!
as they are performing at super elite levels in National and world events. Eric won the USATF National 50 mile championships and Jamie came in 4th at the 24-Hr World Championships.

As for me, I am still dealing with my calf issue. The compartment testing (see teaser photo above) knocks out compartment syndrome and my 2nd round of MRI makes it clear there is no obvious muscular damage or stress injury. SSSooo. I have an MRI/MRA (to look at my veins and "blood piping" )scheduled for Halloween and an EMG (nerve conduction test) the week after that...lots of travel to and fro UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville,VA

Instead of running Masochist, I 'll be working with Mike Hall at the Mid-way aid station on Hwy 60...

I am working on an article for Ultrarunning on Ultras and trash...I welcome ideas and perspectives...more on this later too!

I can run. A little. Up to 45 minutes or even an hour at a time as long as it is not on terrain. So tomorrow on Sat will be my 4th 5k in 6 weeks! I am no speedster-yet it is fun anyway: 9/15: 20:46 flat, 10/4: 20:47 not flat!, 10/18:very flat: 20:07...we'll see what tomorrow brings. At least this will help me remember how to pin on a race number!

I plan on registering for the New Year Eve Freedom Runs this weekend. 6, 12 and 24 hour options. Don't know as if I'll be able to do much-yet I'll sacrifice the 65.00 entry fee just to have an option!