Random Thoughts from the Deep Side

Many have asked me where I get my inspiration to run extremely long distances. Inspiration comes from the heart – You just have to believe, and make it so. It’s more about removing the mental blocks then it is physical. You might be surprised what you discover within yourself!

Another Ultra-runner asked what is running while searching for meaning to what we do. My response was: Running is life – The highs and lows, periods of struggle, times of laughter, companionship, loneliness, pushing ones limit with nothing to prove, proven something with no limits, someone depending on your help, you depending on someone else, reflection, planning, measures and goals, pain, hurt, struggles, fulfillment, strength, accomplishment, self doubt, resurrection, faith, trust……. Running is life, but you get to experience it more often instead of just once. Don’t be afraid to live – embrace it with all the challenges and fulfillment it has to offer. Now you’re living!

Whether it’s running or some other passion in your life, don’t set limits on what you think, or others think, you can do.

There is nothing like a good long trail run in the forest to get grounded again. No phone, Email, TV or other reminders of how convenient our lives have become due to the advancement in technology, or the news reminding us how bad the economy and world is to distract us. We were made to run, challenge ourselves, recover, and redefine the horizon. It’s easy to get tied-up in the day-to-day grind of living and forget about what it feels like to simplify our lives and get back to the basics. Running reminds me of this. After running all day in the forest (30-40 mile and over 3K’ of elevation change) in all kinds of weather conditions, tired and challenged, sweaty and hungry, a hot shower and pepperoni pizza never felt or tasted so good.
A few thoughts from the deep side,

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Taper Time

Another good week with speedwork, long run, and everything in-between. Went back to FATS on an overcast day with a focus on nutrition. Figs, peanut butter filled pretzels, and Perpetuem sustained my energy level on a happy tummy after 36 miles. The last 6 miles I ran at a comfortable 8:30 min/mile pace on a roller coaster of a trail, and still had plenty in the tank. Unfortunately, I got a late start and darkness (didn’t bring light gear) ended my quality time with nature. Didn’t think I would be saying this, but I actually enjoyed my speedwork with 8X800 repeats at 3:00 min per clip. My 10 mile tempo run felt smooth under a star covered sky also. Amazing how you can struggle for 2-3 weeks and then it all comes together and you feel like your ready for anything.
Time to start throttling back and get my mind wrapped around RR. I hear it has been hotter then usual in TX, which would not be a surprise based on my past races. I have a habit of bringing the heat with me. Thanks everyone who posted a comment on my last entry. It’s comforting to be assured and reinforced by my Ultra-running friends.
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Keeping my Priorities and then Running

Another good week although my weekly total mileage was only in the 60s. I should be thankful for that with the demands at work (4x13hr days), helping my 11 year old daughter get ready for her speech, and going out of town to watch my son’s wrestling match. Renee did an incredible job giving her speech to a large crowd of parents and students at ACS’s open school night - My heart was busting with pride. Josh’s wrestling skills and strength keeps growing. Although he lost both matches, he battled against the two team captains, and with only 7 weeks of practice (ever). My 13 year old son gave these Jr wrestlers a run for their money. Give him a couple years of experience and he will be very difficult to beat. The two coaches have strengths in different area which balances the boys out. One focuses on character and doing the right thing, and the other is a state champion and knows what it takes to go all the way. I told Josh that by learning to be a good loser, he will be a respected and great winner. Like everything else in life, you set goals – work hard – battle the hurdles – develop patience and passion – and enjoy the journey.

Last Monday I had another good long trail run at FATS (Fork Area Trail System) in the Sumter National Forrest. It felt great to be running on these trails again with all the wildlife, forest, and cool blue sky. I startled a very large buck with a big rack on the Tower loop. It was amazing to see how effortless and graceful he ran along the ridge and out of sight. I had one other encounter with something I was not sure what it was. I only got a very quick glimpse from a distance before it disappeared over a ridge of trees. It was black, shaped like a dog but much larger. I used caution with the next couple of miles to make sure I was not the one being hunted. The trail was a nice refreshing break from the daily pounding of the pavement and the 3 mile dirt track near by.

Also got some more speedwork in with 8X800 meter and maintaining a 6 min mile pace for all 8 repeats. I’ve only recently (last 8 weeks) done speedwork to improve my turnover rate and can see why runners love to hate this workout. I only have one more week of speedwork, weight training, and one more long run before going into a two week taper. I’ve always done a 3 week taper, but want to try something different for Rocky. Hopefully the changes I’ve made with my nutritional plan, training, and cooler temps will pay dividends. The only questioning thought I have is did I get enough long runs in and weekly miles? My work schedule was very demanding and really challenged my training time, and left me feeling like I needed more weekly miles. It seems like no mater how hard we train, we always have some self doubt going into a taper until we toe the line. Then, everything comes together in a magical way. I look forward to the challenge and journey.
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A few more Pics I took at FATS:

A Great Week

What a great week for running. Lots of 10 mile runs, speed work of 800 meter repeats at 3:00 min each, and a 36 mile long run today. The best part of the long run was listing to comedian “Larry The Cable Guy” on my IPod and had to stop running towards the end because I was laughing so hard. Laura mentioned about putting some comedy on to mix things up and give me a laugh when I needed something different to listen to. I was laughing so hard and wondered if anybody could hear me on the 3 mile repeat dirt track. If so, they most likely thought I was crazy, but I didn’t care at the time.
Just a couple more hard weeks of training and the tapper begins for RR-100.
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