A Legend in My Own Mind

Articles have been written highlighting the differences between trail runners and road runners, and I don't want to contribute to that in any way...however, how do you think the vast majority of roadies would have handled this scene 15 minutes before their race was suppose to start?

Yes, this is indeed a line for registration

Now imagine the race director casually informing the runners that the race would start at 7:30, rather than 7 to give everyone a chance to start together?

I'm just saying...it could happen

Well, here is actually what did happen Saturday when I ran the summer edition of the Rosaryville 50K: nothing!  The trail runners after hearing of the delayed start, all casually either walked to their car to sit and relax, took off for the bushes for one last nature call, or milled around, happily talking with other runners.  It was so cool.

 

This race had many different options, ranging from a 10K to the full 50K, and it also allowed runners to drop down to a lesser distance at any time through the race, since it was a loop course.  So long as you told the volunteers you changed your distance, it was all good.  I think the RD said there were 130 registered for the 50K, and about 93 finished, so most did what they came to do, although there was some shuffling around.  That is always a risk when you pass close to the finish multiple times.  But for the folks that toughed out the full 50k, it was a beautiful day for a run.  The temps took a tumble in the days leading up to the race, but the humidity was still high enough to make everyone look like they ran through the sprinkler (hmm, that actually would have been nice!)

I never doubted or questioned that I would finish the 50, just kept plugging away.  By the third time around the 10 mile loop, I still hadn't figured out the weird trail decorations that have become so popular lately.  This is one such decoration:

This is an old picture, and now the baby head has been dressed as a jack-o-lantern and Santa is keeping it company.  You can make out a little in the picture below, but remember, I had already run something like 25 miles, so my camera skills are pretty pathetic:

Anyway, it never ceases to amaze me and also to entertain me with what is to be found on the trail.  I feel like I need to start carrying random things in my pack to leave at places like this, in case it is a geo-caching site or something!
I did put my speed training to good use and ran a smart race - I would always like to go faster, but I spent most of the 31 miles running rather than doing a lot of walking.  Considering I am not a good hot weather runner, and this race was dead smack in the middle of July, I am happy with the results.  Pretty certain I will never see my name and "first in age group" again (even if I was the only one in my age group! HA!) Still counts, right?

Oh, the Irony

Tapering has never been my strong suit, and today is particularly tough - after weeks and weeks of obnoxiously high temps, crazy ass storms, and humidity, today is clear, breezy, and actually cool enough to open the windows.  And I can't run.

You sissy, you don't want to run in that??

Well, I could run, but since I am doing a 50K on Sunday, I thought it best not to go out this morning.  Because if I went out this morning, say, for a little 3 miler, the siren song of the breeze would trick me into running way longer, say, 15 miles.  And that isn't what I need to be doing.  How do I know this?  Well, I have already taken a 13 mile bike ride today (because apparently biking doesn't count when you are tapering, of course) and tonight I plan to meet for the second of 6 pub challenge runs (which also doesn't count because it is at night, short, and how serious can you be when you are finishing at a pub).  I don't think I fully understand this tapering thing.

But it gets me every time.  I guess it is not that important since I am not a real contender or anything, but I still like to go into running 31 miles with pretty fresh legs.  I have promised myself that tomorrow I won't do A THING!  Friday might be a short shake out run and Saturdays always suck with way too much to do anyway, so I can hold off then. 
This will be my first ultra since Umstead.  I don't count AOR, since 1) my total was only 20 miles and 2) we actually did get to sleep for a couple hours, and 3) we were civilized and used port-o-pots.

this  is actually one of my worst fears

I am looking forward to another play day on the trail.  The cut off is 9 hours and this is a pretty flat run, so I could probably set up a picnic lunch complete with checkered tablecloth and still make the finish on time.  But all these summer runs trying to get my times down has given me the incentive to actually try and go fast, so that is the plan.  The weather looks like it is going to cooperate, and word has it that the trails are in great shape.  Whatever the outcome, it is good to be back in the woods!

Status Report

So far, I am doing pretty well on my summer goals.  I managed to get my personal e-mail down to 17 before it crept up again and is hovering at 33.  That is a manageable number that I can deal with.  The work e-mail, well, lets just say that will take a lot more time and a lot more discipline.  WHY do I get so much mail???

I have unsubscribed from about every professional posting site and still, it barely made a dent.  Oh well, I still have until August 15th before I consider it a miserable fail.
And as for the running goal, I am pretty pumped that I did a crazy hard  6 mile hill run on Sunday without walking one single time!  That might not be so impressive for you elites, but my asthma has been a bear since May, and there were even a few times I was worried I would die right there on the road.

Luckily, my doc has no trouble prescribing multiple drugs that work wonders.  And while I really hate taking medication, I hate dying more, so I am okay with it.

And on the subject of drugs, we only have two more challenge runs to complete the Elementary School Challenge, so my running group has decided to jump the gun and start another challenge tonight that involves starting and finishing our runs at local pubs.  And while I don't drink, these challenges are so good for me, because I really am a solitary person who could easily go days without seeing another soul.  And don't even get me started on phone calls. 

I guess that is why I love the trail so much.  But I know I have to make more of an effort, so these challenge runs force me to get out and be social.  Its a struggle, but I do it!  And hopefully, the more I step outside of my comfort zone, the more I will  be able to feel "normal" and actually start a conversation.  Oh great, another goal for the summer!

me at every party I have ever attended