4.5 miles and Stairs, 1034 Glorious Stairs!

The Bisbee 1000, The Great Stair Climb

This was a much-anticipated race and I seriously could not wait! A friend had sent me the link for the race many months ago. I checked it out and was determined to go. The promo video for it made it seem just like The Secret Stairs in my little town but with more! MORE miles, MORE hills, MORE… you guessed it, STAIRS! OMG! Heaven! I do love me some stairs!

I really have no idea why. Stairs burn the legs… the quads, the calves, the glutes. Stairs take your breath away… you’re gasping for air when you reach the top of an extended stair case or when you’ve climbed a set over and over again. I choose stairs over escalators. I choose stairs over elevators. Whenever I see a set I think, “hmm, how could I turn those into a workout? So many possibilities!”

It wasn’t a cheap race for me. There was the entry fee, the t-shirt fee (that wasn’t included :(), the hotel costs (2 nights in lovely Naco, Arizona), gas, rental car fee, food and drink, and a couple of souvenirs. The most expensive race I’d ever run… but it was worth it!

The 8 hour car drive with my hubby was quite enjoyable. I had packed snacks and not even healthy ones at that! We munched and chit chatted our way over the mountains, through the desert and right into the little town of Bisbee, Arizona. Made it just in time to pick up our bibs. The time flew by. Of course, I wasn’t driving and I was doing most of the talking so I was having a great time! My hubby kept us on course, smiled, laughed, nodded his head, and chimed in when given the chance. 😉 It was a great drive!

The “lodge” where we stayed was clean, had all the amenities we needed… tv, bed, bathroom and coffee pot. It even had a mini fridge, microwave and blow dryer! Who could ask for anything more? The restaurant that was next door and the closest thing for miles was, well, uhm, yeah. We ordered a meal there but didn’t eat there nor did we actually eat the meal WE ordered. Somehow we got another lady’s breaded mushrooms, two patties of I don’t know what, and a carne asada burrito. The waitress was foul-mouthed, in a hurry, and I don’t think customer service is part of her job description. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure friendly was not her middle name. My husband who can usually crack the meanest person couldn’t even get her to grimace. Not with his compliments of the 14 inch long nails, the rather quiet vacuum cleaner, or the well stocked but completely unkept kitchen area situated just behind me. She didn’t like his flattery or his jokes. She was a pretty tough cookie. And, then when he had to go back to try to get OUR meal, she didn’t find him charming AT ALL! 😉 Needless to say, I didn’t get my enchiladas and the lady who didn’t get her mushrooms? Well, since Mike didn’t know where she was staying, she didn’t get those either. The girl with the apron couldn’t care less about the lady and her shrooms. Oh well.

The morning of the race we got up, dressed and headed for the town of Bisbee. In the daylight it was very charming and we saw this big hole in the ground, like the size of a crater! A serious hole! We decided to check it out on our way back. We parked on the outskirts of town and walked to the starting line. Lots of people meandering their way towards the lady with the bull horn. People donned in all sorts of running apparel. Even some in costumes (there was a Halloween contest going on as well). Everyone was friendly and excited. We chatted with a couple of different people. Most it was their first time and they were just as anxious as I. My husband wasn’t anxious. He was, shall we say, just along for the fun. The last time he had run was the 5K we did in July. So, he was not feeling prepared or excited or anxious. I think he may actually have been dreading it! But, he was there… all smiles, friendly, and cracking jokes with anyone who was near. I’m pretty sure he just wanted the race to start so it could be over.

Then it was time to get in our corrals. Whoo hoo! This is the part I love and dread at the same time. Here is where you see who you are up against. Reality? I’m truly only running against myself but the competitor in me always checks out who’s standing around me. I basically am looking for people about my age. Hmm, am I faster than her? did he train more than me? But once you move up to the starting line and they let you go, all of that is forgotten and I run my race.

I did meet a women whose name is Molly. She was a tiny little thing and looked fit as a fiddle. This was the first stair race for both of us. And, she was about 5 months post chemo. It wasn’t her first race since her treatment but probably the most challenging race. I was inspired. The trials in my life have been nothing compared to hers and if she’s fit and fierce than I have no excuse. Seriously.

Then a group of fire fighters dressed in all their gear headed to the front and they let them have a head start. I couldn’t imagine wearing all that “stuff” AND run in boots. Who does that? Apparently THEM! Again, if they can do it? There is no reason for me to have doubts.

We finally make it to the starting line, they drop the banner and off we go! Running through the streets of this old mining town. They aren’t smooth and they are winding. And, they are AWESOME! We reach the first staircase and the adrenaline is practically jumping off my body! The stairs go up in between two buildings, just like the Secret Stairs in La Mesa. I’m sure I’ve got the biggest grin on my face. I am absolutely loving it!

If you want to walk up the stairs you stay to the right, if you want to run or go faster than those on the right you move to the left. I start on the right and quickly realize that I wanna run! I move to the left and up those babies I go! Whoo hoo! I’ve never been so grateful for all those Tuesday runs in La Mesa!

Staircases two and three are just as fun, and the same thing, I start on the right and quickly find myself on the left. We are now also running through the hilly neighborhoods. People are on the streets, on their porches, in their driveways cheering us on! It was amazing! When I hit staircase number 4 I was so happy and all the little people in my head were having a big cheerfest! “We are so doing this again next year! Yeah! This is FUN! OMG! Where has this race been all my life! Whoo hoo!” Seriously, I was so excited.

My leg had been hurting from my last challenge and I was a bit concerned about being able to run this race. But, I was so excited, if my leg hurt I didn’t even noticed. I think it was caught up in all of the excitement and the adrenaline and endorphins were at maximum levels. No pain at all!

After staircase number 5 it was a run up a hill and then another hill and out along the outskirts of town. Beautiful. The path was a little sketchy as the pavement was broken up but I didn’t care, it was awesome!

My goal was to run the 4.5 mile race in under an hour. I didn’t know how my leg would hold up and I didn’t know the route. But I figured that would be pretty respectable. And although Sheila was chattering at me every mile I didn’t hear a word she said. There were always people cheering or clapping! Plus the voices in my head were singing! So, I really had no idea about my time.

I powered up each and every staircase, even 6, 7, 8 and 9! I was winded, but my legs weren’t tired. They were enjoying those stairs! Even the hills were fun!

When I hit the last staircase and I knew I was headed to the finish line I tried to push even harder, go even faster, I really wanted to RACE to the finish! And, after you came up those last stairs, it was downhill to the end. It was simply awesome!

I crossed the finished line at the clock time of 52 minutes something but final chip time said 50:10. (16th in my age group!) I was STOKED! I was grinning ear from ear! I hugged my medal! I loved the after race snacks! It was like heaven! Do you think heaven will have stairs? Oooo… now that’s sort of an oxymoron for people, huh?

Anyway, I gathered all the goodies and waited for my hubby to finish. I watched as runners crossed the finish line, happy as can be. Some looked completely worn out, some looked like they had just run 4.5 miles and climbed 1034 stairs, but all finally turned that “I think I may die” face into a smile. And, even when my husband came down that hill you could tell he had felt every one of those miles and every single step, but when he crossed the finish line, even he smiled a little. 🙂

My words cannot describe how awesome that race was. I loved everything about it. The winding roads, the broken pavement, the uneven stairs, the overgrown pathways, and even the cars driving along beside you! I wanted to sign up right then and there and do it again next year! I was gonna book my room and tell all my Team RockStar friends to join me. It was THAT cool!

After the race my husband was feeling it. His legs were sore and he was tired. A couple of years ago – now this is his version – he says I forced him to walk a 5K that took us on a local freeway and up a few hills and he pulled a hamstring. It took literally months for his leg to heal and it hasn’t been quite right since. Now, this is my version – a couple of years ago he told me about a 5K that some of the teachers at the elementary school were doing and thought it would be fun to join them. So we did. I wasn’t a runner then, I didn’t do hills, so I didn’t PUSH. HE did. And because he did, he pulled his hammy. I had nothing to do with it! But every time he gets signed up for a race, the pain in his leg becomes my fault. 🙂 Whatever!

Anyway, we spent the rest of the day taking in the sites, enjoying the little shops and the atmosphere. Remember that big hole? Come to find out, it was part of the copper mine that Bisbee was built around. We didn’t get a chance to go into the mine because we missed the last tour plus the sign said it was 47 degrees down in the mine! I was wearing my running skirt! I would have frozen to death underground!

We stopped and got dinner at a little mexican food place, took it back to the lodge and watched tv before going to bed. It was a great weekend get away! It really was. I’m very thankful to my friend who shared the link with me. It is now on my Top Ten List of the Greatest Things I’ve Ever Done!

The ride home was uneventful but fun as well. I got to drive part of the way and my lead foot didn’t get us into any problems. I was a very good driver. 🙂

Anyway, I wanted to share my Bisbee adventure. It was very memorable and great fun. Sadly, I won’t be doing it again. The price went up and because of all the other expenses that go along with it, it’ll just have to remain a wonderful memory.

If you ever get the chance to do the Great Stair Climb in Bisbee, Arizona I’d recommend it at least once. A great time, a great course, many great memories!

Better have your parka ready…

I think Hell may be freezing over!  🙂

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Yep, I’m taking a break!  Yep, no running.  NO running.  Yep, no walking.  Not even walking.  Yep, no working out.  Not even my upper body!  I know, I know!   What has happened!?  Oh no!  What in the world?  Is it cuz of the government shut down?  There’s an October challenge!  There’s a race on Saturday!  Martha, grab your coat!  HELL is freezing over!!!! 

Relax.  Hell is NOT freezing over.  Pigs aren’t flying.  And, the cows haven’t come home. 

In September I ran every day.  EVERY day.  No big deal.  Many runners do it.  Many runners have done it for weeks, months, years AND decades.  In September I increased my mileage every day, only by a mile, but still it was an increase.  Again, no big deal.  Ultra runners probably think increasing mileage slightly is normal.  Elite runners probably think running 100+ miles a week is simply part of being “elite”.   Please note… I’m not an ultra runner nor am I an elite runner.  I’m simply average.  😉  But!!!  And, here comes the purpose of the dreaded rest…  The last two days of the running challenge I pushed too hard, masked the pain and thrashed my right leg.  Then, cuz this is what Rhonda does, I did not rest.  I started the October stair challenge and just kept right on going.  Sure it hurt!  Sure my quad throbbed in pain, sure my knee groaned with every step, sure my mind was battling the “rest” demons!   Sure!  But, I pressed on.  Oh, yes, I’d take a day off and headed to the weight machines or maybe I’d walk rather than run.  Or maybe I’d do the stair mill rather than “real” stairs.  All because of the race on Saturday.  I’m so looking forward to this race!  I really cannot wait!

I can usually tell if I’m hurt or if I’m injured.  😉  If I’m hurt, I just run, walk, or workout through it.  If I’m injured, I have to go to battle with the little people living inside my head to get the okay to rest.  And not just rest but GENUINELY REST.  Like not even get on my feet!  And, this my friend is a BATTLE.  There’s about one sane person living inside my head.  She’s the voice of reason and she RARELY gets listened to.  Usually the crazy one, the one who is obsessed with not settling, not giving in, not quitting, not looking like a slacker, her!  She usually wins the argument and the rest of us minions simply follow along.  Yes, we belly ache.  Yes, we moan and complain.  Yes, we hobble in the mornings.  Yes, we know exactly how much ice is needed for an ice bath or the ice bag.  Yes, we know how much Ibuprofen we should take.  But when the sane person finally SHOUTS loud enough then us minions turn to her voice and follow her.   We get on board with resting, taking a break, easing up, enjoying others’ successes.  And the body in which we congregate gets a break and we heal.  Sometimes crazy girl snaps us out of la la land (as she calls it) and back into bootcamp before we are fully recovered but sometimes sane girl puts her foot down, crosses her arms, sets her shoulders and commands “SIT DOWN!”

So, that’s where we are at tonight.  Sane girl couldn’t take it any more, got on the bull horn and simply yelled “IF YOU WANT TO RUN THE STAIR RACE ON SATURDAY THEN YOU NEED TO STOP NOW!!!!  IF YOU WANT TO BE A SPECTATOR ON SATURDAY KEEP ON GOING!!!!”  And THAT got crazy girl’s attention.  What?  Spectator?  “Oh HECK NO!”  So, now she’s being all nice to the rest of us… “Here, take it easy.  Play on your phone.  No need to run with Team RockStar, just wait for them at the car.  Try another game of Candy Crush.  No need to keep up with the October challenge, we will catch up next week when we get back.  Here sit on the couch.  No need to go to the gym, we don’t want sore arms or cranky abs.  Here is the remote.  No, rest, my pretties, rest.” 

Which really means we are gonna get our butts kicked when the race is over!  

 

Day 30, and just like that I was done!

Its taken me a while to sit down to write the recap of the last day of the challenge. Before I dwell on the why, I want to finally get it down.

It was a remarkable day. I didn’t really have a plan per se. I knew I would finish whatever miles I had at the high school track after the Cheetah’s cross country practice but that was really the only thing I had set in stone.

I didn’t know how my legs would feel in the morning. Day 29 had been such a success but SOOOO many miles. And, whenever I have a couple of good days there’s always a bad one waiting for me.

So, when I got up… I stretched. I tested my legs… And, it looked like I’d able to run in an hour or so. That was good. I had a little breakfast, took a pain killer, got dressed, yanked the hair back, brushed the teeth, laced up my shoes, put Sheila on my arm and headed out the door.

I wasn’t sure how far I wanted to go. I was hoping for at least 5, maybe 7 miles. The more I could do in the morning, the less I’d have to do in the evening. I chose one of my new favorite routes, a little hill in the beginning and fairly flat until the final leg back home.

I walked about the first third of a mile. I really had to warm up the right leg. Had it had its way, I wouldn’t have ran, but that wasn’t up for discussion. It had to come along whether it wanted to or not AND it had to participate and be joyful about it. And, for the most part it was.

When I turned the first corner to head up the hill I started running and I didn’t stop until the final hill home. A lot of things went through my mind… this was the last day, I was actually going to accomplish this gnarly goal, would my leg survive, what was I gonna do next, all sorts of things!

When I hit mile 5 I was feeling good so I kept going and ran by a different high school and then decided to lengthen the route. I bypassed some stop lights but the ones I did hit I didn’t let get to me. My average pace was pretty slow because I had started out walking and then each light added to the time. I ran by my church and through its parking lot. I ran by my gym and then headed for home. The pain killer enabled me to run almost 11 miles in that first run. At the time I thought that was awesome! (Later, and for another post, I found that was a huge mistake!)

I got home and my hubby asked “well? how far did you go?” When I told him 10.72 miles he smiled! The kind of smile that says “you got this! you are so going to crush this!” And, even though I was tired and my legs were sore, I smiled inwardly. He knows me. He gets me. 🙂

The next two runs were on the treadmill. They were painful and quiet. I didn’t even watch Netflix. I simply ran. I turned the mill on, put it on a speed that I could handle and just ran. In those two runs I knocked out another 10 miles. My legs were tired. I was tired. But it was almost over. Almost.

I went to the high school cross country practice. These kids have really grown on me. They know about my challenge and they always ask “Coach, how many miles did you run today? How’s your leg?” Today was no different. They are very excited for me and maybe even a little impressed. They can’t really complain too much when I answer “20 miles” and then they find out they must run 5 or 6. And, I’m going with them. Anyway…

Today’s run was one of the best ones for us all. We decided to do a 5 mile route and I knew I needed to hang with them. My leg was sore and I’d popped another pain killer but I was going to do all 5 with them… come heck or high water! I started out in the back of the pack, and slowly moved my way to the middle. Now it drives them crazy when I pass them. They’re runners now you know. 🙂 And, then I pulled in front of the girls and I actually surged a bit. Not sure why, legs felt good, so I went. The Coach on the Bike called out to the girls “go with her! go with her!” And something inside me made me go faster. I lengthened my stride, calmed my breathing and ran. I was looking to catch the boys in front of me. All the while, Coach on the Bike is encouraging the girls to pick it up, “don’t let her get too far out! you gotta go! pick it up!” It was almost like we were in a race! It was pretty awesome! Finally I heard one of the girls coming up behind me. I could hear her footfalls and her heavy, heavy breathing. I knew that if I surged again she wasn’t in any condition (based on what I was hearing) to take me but this run wasn’t about winning it was a teaching moment. I called back to her “relax! take deep breaths! you’re running too heavy, lighten your steps! relax! stay calm! persist… don’t push!” And, I could tell she was listening. Her footsteps quieted, her breathing became deeper, quieter and she began running more efficiently. And, slowly, she came up on me, ran next to me and then went in front of me. Strong. As she ran beside me I encouraged her, “you got this. slow your breathing down, don’t run so heavy, pick up your feet, lengthen your stride. run efficiently.” and finally, “go!” And with that she took the lead. I called out to her “nice job! stay relaxed! run easy! Go!” I don’t know why but I got the biggest grin on my face as I watched her pull away. It was crazy! It was something I won’t ever forget. Every run isn’t perfect but every run is worth it.

I tried to maintain my pace. I still had another girl behind me and I needed her to push herself. She needed to be able to beat Coach. And if I slowed down then she wouldn’t have done it on her own. I needed her to push. I could hear Coach on the Bike talking to her “watch that ponytail! Go get her! Move up! You got this!” And then I could hear her footsteps. Not too heavy, her breathing wasn’t too shallow. She was methodically moving up and catching me. I tried to surge just a little but my energy was pretty spent. And, finally she was beside me. I encouraged her just like I did the other runner but I told her “run steady, don’t fall back, focus forward, run relaxed, you got this.” And slowly she passed me and pulled away. I probably could have stayed with her for awhile but for some reason I let her go. I had tears stinging my eyes. My cross country girls were finally “getting it”. And, this run… this run, on day 30, was phenonmenal.

I ended up walking just a bit and then picked it up to meet them back at the school. What a great run! Seriously. A great run!

And, then I headed to the Cheetah’s practice. I had just under 5 miles left to run. 5 miles. That number never sounded so easy but sounded so long at the same time. Once practice was over, the high school marching band came out onto the field. I wonder what these kids think of the old lady who runs around and around and around and around the track while they practice. I wasn’t running fast, I picked a speed that I knew I could maintain for 20 laps, and I willed my legs to go. I listened to the band go through their movements. Apparently they have some book that’s got 44 pages in it that they keep track of their “dots” or spots where they are supposed to be on the field at any given moment. Some of the kids don’t move fast enough or take long enough steps to get to their next “dot” and they are always getting in trouble for it. The guy in the booth always threatens them. 🙂 They must have some big competition coming up cuz he was telling them what the judges would be looking for and if they weren’t on their “dot” the judge would know! And, this particular movement they were practicing required them to move slowly so they had to have PERFECT form so they should take advantage of this practice to get it RIGHT! Meanwhile, I’m sure they were distracted by the lady who keeps running and running and running. Will she ever stop? 🙂

When Sheila told me I had hit mile 4 you would think that I would have sped up! Get this over with! RUN Rhonda RUN! But, I didn’t. I maintained and I told myself… 4 more laps. 4 more laps. This is it. 4 more laps. I was looking for my hubby and my kids. I thought they’d be there. But, no it was just me and the marching band under the lights.

3 more… once again, I was accomplishing some CRAZY challenge that I forced myself into. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

2 more… you can do this. its almost done. you stuck it out. you never gave up. you kept going. no matter what.

1 more… and the tears welled up. I can’t believe its almost over. I’m doing it. I’m finishing. I’m strong. And, oh so slightly crazy! And the tears fell. Slowly, softly they rolled down my cheeks for the final 100 meters. Just me and the band. “Get on your dots!”

I crossed my imaginary finished line and came to a stop. I looked around. No crowds, no cheers, no one. I picked up my jacket and water that I had left on the side of the track and walked out the gate. I knew I’d probably run here again but it wouldn’t be the same. It wouldn’t be surreal like it was just now. As I walked to my car I saw the headlights. I wiped my tears and smiled. He stopped the car right in front of me, jumped out, a dozen roses in his hands, “You did it! You did it!” He hugged me and twirled me around! “You did it!” He apologized for being late and missing me cross the finish line (he knows me) and asked if I would take a victory lap with him. My legs were sore and tired but I couldn’t resist one more lap. Especially with the guy who is my everything. My biggest fan, my cheerleader, my coach, my trainer, my best friend, Mine. So we walk back up to the track, snap a picture and start walking. I know the band really had to think something was up cuz now I was carrying a dozen white roses and had a papparazzi following me around the track! It was crazy!

30 days. 465 miles. I ran 465 in September. A mile for every day of the month. Nothing more nothing less. All because I set a goal and someone said I couldn’t. Someone said I shouldn’t. And, someone said I wouldn’t. They don’t know me. I could, I should and I most definitely would. 🙂 And, then I did. 🙂

Day 29 (again) in video…

I forgot that I had taken a video before and after the 4 runs on the 29th. Before posting the recap of the last day I wanted to share these first.

Day 29… began with dread but finished with smiles!

26… So we’ve finally hit marathon distance!

Wow, can’t believe it’s finally here! Marathon mileage!!! Whoo hoo! Yeah, that’s enough of that. 😉

Since I tortured my mill yesterday I’d thought I’d hit the streets today. Great idea, just pushed too hard on the first run.

I chose another new route that I had just recently discovered. I was going to do at least 6 or 7 miles, well that was the plan anyway. My right knee and right quad have been acting up. Apparently they think they’ve run enough this month and want a break. Unfortunately I can’t run with just one leg so I gotta drag the right one with me. I’m sure I look like something is wrong with me when I’m running. Most would think I have a sore leg, reality is I’m just crazy and I don’t have a stop button. Anyway…

The first run was actually going pretty well until I started hitting multiple stoplights in a row and top that off with a long steep hill. That’s pretty much a leg-stopper there. I got to 8.57 miles and my right leg convinced my left leg that we were done running. And just like that I was limping along through the Von’s parking lot and then up most of the Avocado hill. If you saw me walking, just know that my mind was running, my legs just weren’t cooperating!

I ran with the high school or at least tried too! My legs were heavy but we ran a 5 miler!

I missed the beginning of the Cheetah’s workout so I did the cool down with them.

And I was trying to avoid the mill. It was sort of still light out when I got home so I did my quick 3 mile route.

But I ended up on the mill. He wasn’t too mad. 😉 But by this time my feet were so sore that I changed shoes 3 times and socks twice!

Oh well, day 26… Done.

Day 23… can she make it?

As I said before if there are one or two good days be prepared for a gnarly day ahead. And, although not feet-stopping, day 23 proved to be a challenge.

I started on the treadmill. I think that poor thing might quit on me.

Did a little work and headed back to the treadmill. When my legs are sore I tend to rehab on the mill.

And then it was time to hit the mean streets! Headed to XC practice with the high school.

They are definitely improving. And, well, I’m slowly crashing and burning. 🙂 Walked pretty much the last mile. The head coach gave his bike to one of our runners who is dealing with shin splints. I felt like the coach wasn’t quite up for a run. LOL!

And then to the Cheetah’s practice. This is where it all fell apart!

I just needed to go a few miles, about 4. But my legs just wouldn’t go. Everything from my hips down is sore. My quads, hammies, knees, calves, ankles, top of my right foot, middle toe on my left foot. My legs are thrashed! Seriously hating me!

It gets dark after the Cheetah’s run. See the lights at the track?

I started walking and after a bit I could run the straights. Then I could run a straight and a curve. Longest four miles ever!

No matter how bad it was, the day was done and the 23 miles were ran. Only a week left.

Day 18, planned and darn near perfect

Game plan: 3 runs, 6 miles each. 1 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon and 1 and night. No brainer, right?

First run, ready to go!

6 miles and still smiling!

A few hours later…

Back to the mill.

A little rougher, but another 5 miles done.

And now to the high school…

And then to the Cheetahs…

Around and around…

18 miles, split up into 4 runs. But I’m still smiling!

Day 18 was actually one of the easiest days I’ve had. Legs are sore. Most likely just overworked. Imagine that? Started taking something called Arnica Montana. Its good for bruising and swelling. Whether its true or I just think its true, it keeps me on my feet.

Nonetheless… day 18, another successful day!

Day 17, did I get ahead of myself?

I’m a planner, or a strategizer, or maybe just a dreamer. I’ve been thinking about this challenge for months. Seriously. In the beginning it was just an idea. I tossed it around in my head. I was looking for something. Something I could sink my teeth into. Ironically, at the time this challenge was merely a thought I was barely running. I was coming off an injury from another challenge and pressing through to run some races that I had already signed up for. You know, once you pay, you run. Regardless. But, I knew I needed something. Something big.

And then the idea took on a life of its own. It became real to me. And, I knew it was a bit out there and I didn’t want to leave anyone out. So I figured out ways that other people could do a version of the challenge.

And then I started telling more and more people. Yes, got some flack. Yes, got some eye rolls. Yes, got some “you’re crazy”. But I could visualize myself doing it. I could see me run the roads, run the tracks, run on the mills. I knew I would get up early to run, stay up late to run, adjust my schedule to run. And I waited. I waited for September. Every month I participated in some sort of challenge. All geared to set me up for success. All geared to make my core stronger, my legs sound, and my mind ready. I knew this would be a challenge that would test me. Physically, mentally and by the grace of God, emotionally.

I know there are other runners out there that could do this challenge and not even think twice. I know there are runners who could run circles around me, faster and longer. And I know there are runners out there who wouldn’t even give it a try; not any of the levels. But, none of them are me.

So, day 17. Day 17. I was already thinking about day 18 and day 20. I’m dreading day 20 actually. Not because I don’t think I can run 20 miles, but because I need to get all 20 in before 11 am. But, that’s a whole other post.

I had planned out day 18. 3 runs, 6 miles each. One in the morning, one around lunch and then one with either the high school or the Cheetahs. I got ahead of myself. I didn’t properly plan for day 17.

Day 17… I got another late start but it wasn’t too hot and I figured I’d hit the road. I plotted out a course that was originally about 7 miles long. I knew I was running with Team RockStar later that night and I figured I’d probably have to finish on the mill. I was feeling good the first mile or two. Not my best pace but better than the latest runs. I’m getting slower, which sucks, but rather than beat myself up about it, I simply go at a pace that I think I can go for a long time. On a gimpy leg? That’s slow. Anyway, somewhere during that run I decided to do a bigger loop so that I could maybe hit 10 miles. I hit mile 5 and out of nowhere my legs just shut down. I was coming up a hill and I literally slowed to a walk. If I’m close to the crest (and I’m still running) I try not to walk, I try to pull myself up the final incline but not today. And, gradually the mile times got slower and slower. And, finally I was walking up all the hills.

My legs were sore. My ankles were aching. But the pain wasn’t the same as before. I’ve run through the whole “muscle being pulled from the bone” pain. I have that weird ability to just overcome. It happened when I did my 1000 miles challenge and well, I guess, no I know, prayers work.

Anyway, I was beat after those 10 miles. Seriously beat.

I didn’t run with the XC team. I stayed back with two of the runners and we did some drills and core work. I was saving my legs. I really wanted to run the stairs and hills with Team RockStar.

The second run was all that it was meant to be. Its a challenging 4 mile run loaded with hills and stairs and it didn’t disappoint. Coming down the hills was brutal on my ankles. I had to walk down some of the hills cuz the pounding was just too much. But I really enjoyed that run.



And, then I finished the day with a run on the mill. Watched some Netflix and put day 17 in the books. It was weird. I should have planned it better. I shouldn’t have forced that first 10 miles. About 8 miles is my max right now. Anything over that, and I’m toast. But, I was so ready for day 18 that I let day 17 get the best of me.



I know better. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you run 465 miles in September? One day at a time.

16 candles… Oh, I mean, 16 miles.

I have found that if I run a few hours AFTER I wake up then my legs have had a chance to wake up, warm up and rise to the occassion. So, on this day, I waited til just before 9 to start my run. I had breakfast; I had done some work from my computer; I felt ready to run!

My legs felt surprisingly good. The treadmill runs the day before really helped. My goal was to do at least 8 miles, more if I could, but at least 8. So, I plotted a new route and headed out!

As I was running I thought about all I have been through this past week or so. Emotionally, I was a wreck. Physically, I was beat. But, when I reached out and asked for a little support… things began to change. My right ankle was working again, although my left ankle was giving me some trouble, it wasn’t anything like I had experienced. I really thought, “I may actually enjoy this challenge after all!”

I added an extra loop to the run and tried to avoid stop lights. They kill my momentum. But that last gnarly hill? Yeah, it got me. Plus, my legs started getting super sore so I did walk a bit at the end, but over all it was a good morning run.

The picture shows my fatigue (LOL). But, the run was over, I was home and I was over half way done for the day.

That afternoon we took my older son to the doctor. He still wasn’t acting quite right from the concussion. We were told that what he was experiencing was still pretty normal and not to get too alarmed yet. Its just weird when your kid doesn’t act like your kid. Scary, but we are following doctor’s orders and praying for a full recovery.

I then headed to the Cheetah practice. They ran a VO2 workout so I started my last 6+ miles when they were done. Around, and around, and around, and around the track I went. First the football team finished their practice and then the band began their practice. I’m sure they were wondering who the crazy lady was running circles around them, literally. My legs started giving out in the last few miles, so I would walk one curve and run a 300, walk a curve, run a 300. And finally, mercifully, Sheila told me I hit my mark.

Smiling, ready to go!

The track I ran around under the lights.

And just like that, day 16 in the books!

When you set a goal realize that there will be challenges, obstacles and maybe even plan changers. But, don’t give up. Find a way, make a way, ask for help, ask for guidance. Just don’t give up. If its a goal that is really important to you, for whatever reason, don’t give up. Dig deep. Adjust your mindset. Put a little ice on it.

And, don’t give up.

14 miles, thought it was going to be an all day adventure!

I’m still a day behind in my posts, but I will catch up… eventually!

Yesterday was the 14th. I needed to get 14 miles in but Friday was a rough day. Physically and emotionally I felt beat up! In the afternoon I went to the high school cross country meet. The kids did great. They’ve made a lot of progress and I think we are ready to get down to some serious training. Next week should be fun. 🙂 Then, my older son had a football game. During the second quarter he was on the kick off team and ran down the field, delivered a mighty hit and then “rung his bell”. He popped up right away but walked over to the sideline. His coach tried to talking to him and immediately sent him to the trainer. From the stands I couldn’t really tell what was going on. It looked like he had spoken with the coach and then wandered over to the trainer, shared something with her and then went and sat down on the bench. So unlike him. The trainer was still talking to him and then he took off his helmet. Bad sign. But, I still couldn’t tell what, if anything, was wrong. Then the team doctor came over and started really talking to him. When he did the “follow my finger” routine, I knew something was up. A few minutes later another coach from the team came over to the stands and I knew they were looking for Mike or I. Mike went down on the field. Spoke with the doctor, the trainer and Cody. After a few minutes he looked up at me and gave me the “we’re leaving” sign. I knew something must have happened. Sure enough, I get down to the gate where my husband was walking him out, and the kid was delirious. Yes, he has a concussion. The next few hours were a bit anxiety ridden but he’s gonna be okay. Just real scary for a while. He’s still not quite 100% but he remembers almost everything and he’s really chatty. Right now you can ask him about anything and he will tell you ALL about it! 🙂 He’s normally very reserved and quiet. So, to have him talk, literally non-stop, well, its quite overwhelming! But, that’s a whole other post. He’s gonna be fine…

Anyway, the Cheetah XC team was going to meet at Lake Murray for a run Saturday morning. I love this run, nice and easy, beautiful scenery, rolling inclines. And, you can make it either a 6 mile run or a 7 mile run depending on where you start. So, my game plan was to get there early, about an hour, and do the run once and then do the run again when every one got there. Don’t you just hate when game plans don’t go according to the plan? UGH!

So, I get there. My ankle is a wreck. Hurts just to walk but I know if I can get it warmed up, I may be able to run a bit. But, after Friday’s run I was willing to walk ALL 14 if I had to. I knew I needed to give the ankle a break.

Its foggy, a bit chilly, basically perfect running weather. I’m even wearing a sweatshirt! A Nebraska one at that. Go HUSKERS! Anyway, I start walking. Its sore, the pain is searing, and when Sheila tells me it took 16+ minutes to go the first mile I knew I was in trouble! I’d be “running” for HOURS to get the 14 in. I didn’t have time for a 4 hour run! Seriously! This was NOT going to work. The second mile clocked at about 15 something. Still not good enough. I picked up the pace, and the third mile was a bit faster. By then, thankfully, my ankle was warmed up and I started jogging a bit. Before the Cheetah team got there I had logged 4 miles. Took me almost an hour, but 4 miles were done.

Once the team was there I headed out and around the lake. This is a 3 mile run out to the bull’s eye and 3 miles back. I was actually able to run most of those 6 miles. I even ran two of them in under 10 minutes a piece. There was still hope! But, and isn’t there always a but?, Sheila’s power was almost gone, so before I could finish the last 4 miles I needed to “charge” her. I was gonna go two more miles out and then turn around and come back. It was taking too long to charge Sheila and it was getting hotter by the minute. The Cheetahs had left. So, I decided to call it a “run” and head for home. I’d finish the last four at home.

Believe it or not, my ankle wasn’t too terribly bad. Don’t get me wrong, it was sore as heck, and I thought I probably wouldn’t even be able to walk. But, prayer is a very powerful thing! During the walk/run I listened to my ankle. I changed up my foot fall to ease the pain and I had a few miles that were seriously pain free. My leg, far from healed, was at least willing to go the distance.

I got home. Had some breakfast. And, headed to the mill. I “charged” Sheila and turned on Netflix. I’m in Season 2 of the West Wing. 🙂 I ran the remaining 4 miles.

Day 14… 2 runs… 14 miles… I got this…

The Lake run…

And, the mill run…

Thanks for the prayers… they are working and helping. Seriously. Wouldn’t have made it through days 14 OR 15 without them. And that’s another post…