Back to basics eating...

With racing season being in full gear, life in full swing and honestly going way too fast, I am a firm believer in questioning everything as of late which led to a discovery that in apart had changed the way  I treat my body.  Do not misconstrue what was just typed as that I will be backing down from training which couldn't be further from the truth, quite the opposite.  What I meant was the fuel that I will be putting in to my body has changed drastically.

I have not always had the healthiest relationship with food, so I am not one who has to have great taste and for years my meals consisted of protein shakes and bars throughout the day and one "whole food" meal at night for dinner. In doing this to myself, I started to encounter stomach issues, skin issues and energy issues.  So I started reading ingredients and evaluating what I was doing with the "nutrients" that I was ingesting.  Upon evaluating, I started to look at energy levels in my workouts and figuring out what would be conducive to  my lifestyle, cost, availability and convenience.  

Upon such discovery I decided to dive, head first into Paleo.  It is a concept of eating whole foods, non-processed food. Meats, vegetables and fruits, and seeds and nuts.   Basically a high fat, low carb diet, devoid of grains, sugar, dairy, gluten where foods are in their purest form.  

In this quest for a balance in my life, I have been trying a different vegetable weekly to not get bored but to also broaden my choices.  So far I have tried and might I add liked the following new foods:
Spaghetti squash
Butternut squash
Eggplant 
Beet Chips
Kale
Walnuts
Almond butter
Sunbutter


The internet is a huge help with finding recipes as not to get easily tired and new seasonings for meats and salads and veggies.

Some perks I have already noticed following:

• Once I detoxed off caffeine and sugar, I haven't had a craving for it.
• I gave up dairy, but the other day decided I was going to have a bit on a pizza and was doubled over with stomach craps, and bloated immediately.  Not worth eating cheese!
• I had my cycle, which before my nutrition evaluation was completely ridiculous and painful. When I had it this past month, no pain, no cramps, only knew it was on the way because I track it.  
• My race times have improved.
• Recovery time has diminished.
• and biggest perk...Abdominal muscles are showing.

Let me reiterate that following the Paleo plan is not easy nor is it cheap but it is definitely worth it. It takes a lot of planning, prep work and cooking.  Organization is a must.  

Most Mondays I spend cooking my food for the week.  It is well worth the time as I am never tempted to just raid the fridge because I have healthy options available. Planning is a must.  

Anybody who is reading this blog already knows my personality, I have no gray area, so I am extreme in every aspect of my life. So if you are interested in trying this way of eating don't beat yourself up if you slip, but you will definitely feel the difference if you do. 

Nik teases me and calls me granola but whatever, I feel better than I have in a long time.  I have started making my own chicken stock, growing herbs, planning our vegetable garden for next summer and our compost pile.  

I'm pretty excited to just be able to go outside and grab fresh vegetables.  It is definitely going to be an adventure. I am excited and looking forward to starting new thing, trying even more new foods.  We now shop the perimeter of the grocery store. 

Here are some of my favorite websites and blogs for doable Paleo recipes..

www.fastpaleo.com
www.paleodietlifestyle.com
www.paleomg.com
www.paleocavemandietrecipes.com

First the trail, then the road and the power of positive people...i heart running....

Another two races in one weekend, not the same day but equally as taxing having raced 16.2 miles total, one 10 mile Xterra trail and a 10k road race.    I know it doesn’t sound like much, however, when done close together but having downtime between, two days to be exact, soreness has time to creep in.  I prefer double racing the same day.  

Davidson, North Carolina had me salivating as we were driving to the race venue, the streets had people being active, runner, cyclists, bike lanes, side walks.  Oh if only we were so lucky here, there were other road races going on during the time that I was doing the trail. It is a beautiful place. I cannot wait to go back next year.  It reminded me of Cary, NC.

The trail course was beautiful as always it is, well what I can see usually looking down or else I will end up flat on my face, trippage, is inevitable.  This trail was different in that it was dryer than the previous trails that I have been on.  The other thing that stood out was that it was like being on a rollercoaster and jumping over thing in the path, made for an interesting event.  The venue was so quaint, it started in what looked like someone’s yard.  Set up crew was great.  

This race differed for me as well because, I was determined to run the whole thing.  It is really hard to start back once I stop on any kind of race, but trails especially, I haven’t figured out why yet, maybe just the break in concentration and focus.  Two weeks ago on a previous double race day, the first one of its kind for me, I had done a 10K where I had determined that I was running the whole thing, the end. I was able to and finished faster than I thought. So, 10 miles, I can do this.  I did.  

My trail experience is so limited, being very new to trail but loving the challenge all the same, improvements are being seen each time. If I am smiling after, it was a good race.  I was beaming.  

My first trail, which I am completely nuts insert disclaimer here, was a half marathon. Yes, what was I thinking, in July, the 8th to be exact and when temperatures are well over 100 degrees. I just counted, that was 8 weeks ago, holy crap. Well, Saturday’s was my fourth one, good gosh. 

Now I just really got excited, literally…adrenaline junky, who me? Haha! 
Following is the reason for my excitement: 

Date     Race                               Finish Time
July 8 -     Harbison Xterra SC 13.1       3:02
July 15     Xterra NC Whitewater  12K   1:45
August 18 6.2 mile Trail Challenge Whitewater 1:02
September 1 Xterra NC 10 miler Fisher Farm 2:05

I get obsessed by certain things and have to see the progress, poor Nik.
I just squealed, silly I know but, I love competition, against who, myself.  I want to improve me and I am.    My times aren’t anywhere near good and I have a really high expectation of myself, there is always room for improvement. 

Which brings me to my next race but a realization all the same. I went with my friend Lori and her daughter.  Katy was running her first 10k this morning.  I know how I felt when my daughter and niece ran with me, it is a special moment. I had agreed to sign up, the race was for the fallen soldiers charity, so a great cause for a holiday run.  

It was hot today, but it is September in South Carolina, could be 70 degrees, could be 110.  It was a hot run, no shade, and I admit I was sore, more sore than I had thought.  But whatever, this run was just for fun and to support Katy running her first race and a great way to spend a holiday morning. I also had had way to much fun at the Latin Festival yesterday so I was hungover running it as well, yes I admit it. I indulged way too much on Sunday.  Woke up at 3am to take ibuprofen for my pounding skull and electrolyte tablets to help me over the hump.  I know better but, needed to let my hair down a little bit, having not had a drink since May. Any way. I didn't die, lesson learned maybe. Moving on...

What made today even more special was that I got to see so many people I haven’t seen in so long. Everybody is so busy for whatever reason, I am, just with life and living it.  I ran into so many people, but oddly enough we just picked up where we left off.  Everyone seemed to be fairing well, as was evident by the smiles on their faces.  It truly was a good day.  Being surrounded by some of the most positive people I know, and have the privilege to know, makes life a lot more enjoyable.  Let me explain.  Athletes of all levels were there today.  Honestly, they cheer just as loudly for the last place as the first place. Why?  Because it took the last person as much if not more work to get to the start line as it did the first place person.  I am always encouraged by this group of people.  The power of positive people, changes lives… 

And I just found out I got 3rd in my Age Group (35-39) this morning. Katy, Lori’s daughter finished first in her age group.  

Living life to it's fullest everyday...having more smile lines than frown lines, and sparkling eyes...what a great life I have. 

A First Double Dip: Playing Duck Hunt, ditching the Garmin 305, relaxing for the end is in clear view, and pushing forward…

A Double Dip:


August 18, 2012




Racing two races in two different states in one day, insane, yes probably.   Just what the adrenaline junkie needed, oh yeah.  (Still on the endorphin high from yesterday.)

Well my first adventure was at the Charlotte Whitewater Center, the event:  10K Trail Challenge.  Race start time was 8:30, we drove up that morning leaving the house at 6:15.  The usual breakfast of eggs, sunbutter and a rice cake accompanied by a large glass of water.  

All things packed for race the night before including my camelbak.  Ever since the Xterra Half Marathon in July, where the water stop ran out of water, I do not do a trail race without my trusty pack, no matter the distance.  

The race starts, temperature is 66 degrees, pretty much perfect.  The sun is hidden behind the fog and clouds that are starting to burn off and the shade from the trees makes the temperature upon entering the trail even cooler.  As with any run, the body heats up quickly so no extra clothes needed.  Music blaring at the start was hair metal….oh yeah…going to be a great race.  

Having still only done a couple trail races, literally two, I always allow for extra time just because I have to have a goal, which was 1 hour 20 minutes.  (I didn’t realize how much my Garmin was limiting me, I just wear a watch now, it helps me relax and just enjoy what I am doing, at the moment.)  

The race was pretty uneventful, the scenery was beautiful as always, however, trail racing requires focus to be on the ground and not really looking around as fall are inevitable.  I could hear crickets all around me, frogs, and just the sounds that are so relaxing, they bring a smile to my face.  This race was different for me, I had decided I was not going to walk, I was going to push further than I had before. Convince the mind that the body is willing, and I did.  I ran the whole thing. My mantra was: relax and enjoy the moment, you are doing what you love, breathe, relax, repeat. 

 I also fell in love with my Brooks PureGrits.  Charlotte trails are slick red clay, even slicker due to the rain we have had lately.  Rooty, rocky, steep climbs, mostly single track with several jumps involved, my shoes made a huge difference, my footing was certain, and no foot pain today.  

Even more proud was I that I had finished the race in 1:02, 18 minutes faster than I had allowed myself. 

It was a great morning.  

Part Two

I had seen an add for the Springdale 5k advertised and I had always wanted to try it, so Friday afternoon I signed up. What the world was I thinking?  I was thinking that I am in marathon training and what better way to get my mileage in with other people so that I would push myself harder. Yes that is my thought process, and yes it worked.   

Last night 6:45pm, 90 degrees, no trees to block the brutal sun, grass on a horse track, no spring in my step and three water stops for a 5k, it was hot.  

I was surprised at the start, my friend Cindy was there and her husband, Kevin.  We walked over to the start and in true Pam fashion, I had not even bothered to look at any course map.  Oh well it is just for fun, it was flat, not my favorite, but it was on anything but asphalt so yahoo!

I saw a ton of folks I hadn’t seen in a while, got to chat a bit. We lined up and the race started, garminless I have no clue where I am, time wise, I was just running.  The first loop was done, water stop, sip water, pour over head. Next mile, done, sip water, pour overhead.  

Approaching the last mile, I am going to play Duck Hunt.  Coach G would say there’s your rabbit, chase it, catch it, pass it.  I played Duck Hunt instead.  The finish is in sight, plain view, push and pass.  Target in sight, aim, explode, pass, repeat…next.  I continued until I was crossing the line.  

As we were leaving the last race Nik asked me how I had liked double dipping, I said I loved it! It definitely will not be the last. We headed by Food Lion because I wanted peanut butter ice cream, and then we were couch bound! 

About an hour later I get a text from Cindy, saying that I had won first place age group for the Springdale 5k.  She had my trophy! I was elated.  She had won third place herself! 

Today as I looked at the standings from yesterday, I had finished 6th in my age group in the Charlotte 10k Trail Race and 1st place AG at the Springdale 5K cross country race.  Not too shabby, but was all for fun.

I am thankful everyday to have a supportive husband who always is with me at the races, waiting for me to finish, who carts me around from race to race.  Sometimes I think he is more proud than I am, in fact I know he is. 

The one thing I am certain about, I love running, I love the challenge,  I love the feeling of crossing finish lines, I love the discipline it takes to get to the start lines.  When training for runs, nothing can be substituted for running.  

Through running I have learned more about myself.  Running allows me freedom - mentally, spiritually and physically.  Finding my love for running, is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Having support system at home is priceless.  

Two races, two states in one day…what a great way to spend a Saturday.  

Xterra NC - 6 days after the first, No watch=no limitations!

July 14, 2012

Start of Xterra NC 

The days of road running may be closer to an end than I thought.  I quite possibly may have replaced it with trails. Much more serene, laid back and more mentally challenging than ever, I never thought in my old age that I would be drawn back to the days of my childhood of playing in the woods. I thought I had outgrown such things that I would refer to as simple.  It is so nice to feel like I am playing and due to the fact that everything I do is for such a long amount of time, playing is a wonderful thing. 


Well this trail race is number two in my whole four times on a true trail, why not make the fourth another race, another longish race.  Like my thought process? To me if I am not challenged, uncomfortable and out of my zone of comfort, I feel like I am wasting time. 


I digress for just a paragraph or two.  When I was young, I had my first child, I was seventeen.  Until a few years ago my life revolved around my children. The older they get, the more freedom I have to explore.  I get to go back and do the thing that I didn't get to do years ago. Now I am more daring, fearless, and throw caution to the wind. 


Trail running (and I am just a novice with a lot of grit) has taught me already that I am smarter than I thought. Who knew I would be able to run, while trail marker spotting, watching all around me and managing to not fall this time in completely foreign areas. Trail is one time that I am not worried about speed, just enjoying myself.  I set out and have in my mind what I would like to do but if it doesn't happen not the end of the world.  The first Xterra, I only missed my goal by 2 minutes, the second one (because I had no watch) I beat by 15 minutes. Let me just say that the trail at Harbison is technically more challenging than the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, however the red clay and the fact that it had rained all week in Charlotte made caution flags come up regularly during the race. 


I had the privilege to see a gray fox run across the trail and a wasp nest that stopped me dead in my tracks because I couldn't figure out if the tree had a fungus or if it was a nest, nest it was. Any run I do is a privilege, I do not take it for granted. 


We began the trek up to Charlotte's Whitewater Center. Having no clue that the destination was closer than we thought, near the airport, we left early to give us plenty of time. It was foggy and I was thinking great, rain and Nik and Irma would be outside waiting on me. We arrived. Small group as I had expected, all different ages, all extremely fit. I get my packet, pin on my number and wait. The set up group, Dirty Spokes, did a fantastic job. Start and finish ended at this covered area where bathrooms and changing rooms were attached. Eased my mind a bit, at least they would be sheltered if there was rain. The clouds start to burn off and the sun appears, start time is near.  My goal was two hours for this race but guess what I had forgotten, my watch, so I was just going to go.


Ready, set, GO! 


All of us loop into the woods, and then come to a screeching halt. Single track, no passing, should have staggered the race for those who are faster and want to place. Walking continued for a bit and then we were off.  Miles one and two, I am thinking that I have lost my mind completely, my muscles are tired.  I blow it off.  There are two distances in the race, the shorter distance is running with us and turns off at mile three. I can hear the crowd cheering and have to go the opposite direction, gah! We had been told at the start that if we chose to take the shorter route and were signed up for the longer distance that we would get a DNF (did not finish) and nope, not happening, unless I had to be hauled out and listen I would put up a good fight. 


I shook off mile three turn off and trudge along, where the trail is all red clay and boulders, roots too numerous to count and dips and ruts and drop offs that required jumping and did I mention that it had rained all week. Rain all week and red clay with steep descents equals slippery terrain. We had been also warned to "Embrace the Suck" of certain parts of the race which ended up not being less difficult than Harbison, maybe because I was prepared for the worst. The funniest part was the mile stretch called "The Toilet Bowl" which spiraled down and at the bottom was an old toilet. "Goat Hill" was supposed to be the most challenging part however, compared to "Spider woman" in Harbison, not so much.  


Along the way I met a lady, Nancy was her name, aged 57 years. (I am learning every time I do something that age is merely a number.) Along the route she and I discussed many things, her two full Ironman finishes within the last 3 years, her many half ironman finishes, two completions of marathons, her taking up stand up paddle boarding last year, about her husband who is an incredible athlete (seriously 3 time Kona qualifying under his belt) and their 34 year old son and grand children. She told me about vacationing in Guatemala and roasting marshmallows over the volcano coals. We both talked about how we wished we had done the shorter distance so we would feel like playing at the center after (we both said playing simultaneously).  She said turn around I need to see your hair, and then squealed, we both had braided ponytails, she said our meeting was meant to be. Throughout the course she told me I could pass, I told her nope, I'm just gonna ride in your back pocket and ride in her back pocket is what I did. Over and under and through the trail until we see the parking lot, the covered area and the finish! Yahoo! Yahoo except the finish ends up a gravel road, embrace the suck! 


Well, I finished, yet another one, and a third is already in sight. Mentally taxing, cruelly demanding on the body, more sweat than can be fathomed and memories that will last a lifetime. 


When I am on trail, I feel like a kid, so free and though there is a determination in my eye there is also a twinkle there, a spark and a swell of pride that is immeasurable.

My friend, Nancy and  me at the finishing

Oh the lure of the trail...

Xterra, Hunger Games, Grit Prevails, again...

Embarked on another new adventure yesterday, Xterra Trail Series Harbison Race, a challenging trail half-marathon, that is HILLY!!


Always searching for a new challenge, new territory to explore and as a fellow adrenaline junky said " you live the life of - Do something that makes you uncomfortable everyday - I think she summed me up pretty well.


When we sit still, we become stagnant and you know what stagnant does? Smells bad, grows algae and mold and attracts mosquitoes, hmmm? Chew on that for a bit, I choose not to just be, thanks.


Here is the elevation chart:

And I love hills. Well, got up, had breakfast, filled my camelbak (which would be a lifesaver), removed my first aid kit (dumb idea), added in my sports beans w/o caffeine, packed my post race beer, knee socks, braided hair and bandanna.  Ready to roll to Harbison Park!


Excitement is looming but to digress for just a sec to Saturday afternoon.  Nik and I went to HalfMoon Outfitters to pick up my packet because I was borderline losing my mind from having to rest, then decided to eat at Mellow Mushroom (yummo) and then head home.


As we are eating lunch I get a text from Lori that read, "picked up my packet, going to church tonight in case I die tomorrow, I'm good." May have been the best text I ever received.  My friend Lori is a devout Catholic, sometimes I call her to ask her to cut church on Sunday to run with me.  She does but usually will attend on Saturday instead of cutting church all together.  My two best friends are polar opposites and let me tell you there is never a dull moment. Here's Melinda, we are in Puerto Rico of course already drinking and she looks down the beach and sees something that looks like a baptism going on.  What does my friend do? In a bikini, beer in hand, has to go see what's going on. Those two girls mean the world to me. 


We are definitely a motley crew. So we are off at the start after having to walk 2 miles to the start, I mean seriously that is a long walk, (go ahead and laugh) and then once we get there, yeah only a two stall bathroom for all us women who are well hydrated meaning we all have to pee.  Well we started off by peeing in the woods before the race started because they were calling us all to line up for the official start and National Anthem. Follow red flags through the trail in the forest and we are off!!!


It was all our first trail race, I had signed up a while ago, then Melinda signed and then Lori and what an adventure we were about to have.  First thing I notice at the start of the race, trail races are small scale, I would assume because of safety issues and traffic on course, and everyone seemed nice. Trails are marked with red flags, like landscaping flags, miles are not marked every mile, thank god, and aid stations are fewer than road races.


The first few miles were just getting a feel for what was going on around me, meaning, narrow trail, rocks, roots, pinestraw, sand, red clay, trying to find footing while making sure I was paying attention to what was overhead, beside me and below me. Trail is much more than mindless running where I can just zone out and go through the motion of running. On trail, focus is key, so being aware of everything even remembering to drink was taxing on me.  (I forgot to mention that at 6 am yesterday the temperature was 80 degrees.)  I am running along and here comes Lori, she had fallen skinned up both knees. Poor thing was bleeding. Kept running, we met a guy who was talking Lori's ears off, I didn't talk much, I don't usually unless I need distraction. The landscape out there was so beautiful, untouched somewhat, downed trees that I must confess I wanted to walk across of dance like "Dirty Dancing" but I had to stay on task.  


Running on through narrow winding trails, getting to watch the sun come up during the beginning, not too much can be better, well damn that root jumped up and grabbed my foot and wham, I am falling not regaining footing, falling...slide, ouch. I regroup, look around, nobody was insight, scraped thigh, knee and elbow. I get up and start again.  Here comes Lori, I said I fell too! We both laughed. So we are running on and come upon these ruts where we have to kind of bounce from one leg to the other to get through this part.   Lori said that she was glad she had been playing Dance Dance Revolution because those dance moves were helping  her out. I said well I'm being a ninja on Ninja Warrior. We both laugh and trudge on. 


Curiosity was killing Lori about where we were and in my experience with trail, usually I don't want to know as on trail, distance is hard to judge. Well we get to a mile marker 3ish is what it said, I swear it was more like 6 but 3ish it is. Moving on, miles passed, water stops passed, people passed, we passed people, water stops without water were passed, direct sunshine was encountered. Dear lord it was hot and Lori and I start having delirious conversations.  I said I feel like I'm on a reality show, she said, the Hunger Games, and we are waiting on the storms and wild animals, because at the moment we are in baking sun. We laugh and keep  going.  I look at her and tell her if she never speaks to me again after this race I completely understand.


Then we are at mile 9, I think. The sweetest children in the world helped us, no I wasn't hallucinating, we were at a waterstop and these kids filled up my camelbak and were so attentive. We met a couple from Ireland there. I told Lori we just met a leprechaun, she said yep, our good luck. 

Dave and Me

Mile 11. Only two more to go and them .1ish.  There was a lot if "ish" out on trail, ish. :) Then there was 12 and 13. The course was wrapped around and looped and curved that when you were on one trail you would see the next, very deceiving as it appeared the end was nearer than it was in actuality. ("Is this real life?")  The cars, the finish and the gazebo were in plain view however the red flags did not lead me to it, they lead me parallel and cross ways beside. I had met up with a guy named Dave out there. I said to him that if I could I would cut straight across this and just go to the finish but I wouldn't be able to live with myself for cheating. 


Then the field we had started in, the finish clock is somewhere ahead of me, I scream, "Where the hell do we go?" And I am told to run straight for the clock, I proceed. I hear Nik, calling my name. I finished.  I finished my first (it will not be my last) Xterra Half-marathon.


Lori, Melinda and I finish within minutes of each other. We all hugged, got our shirts, laughed about experiences on the trail.


The Coldplay song "Fix You" was playing at the end. What a great Sunday, to spend with my best girls, three supportive husbands and children in tow.  Beer in the truck and Hudson's BBQ for lunch and  yes we went to lunch dirty, smelly and still drenched in sweat, and we wore our Xterra shirts to boot.

Lori, Me and Melinda

The greatest friendships are built on the road and even better ones on the trail. Another one down, everyone survived, grit prevailed, again.


By the way...they are both still speaking to me. :)


 Until next time...happy trails to you until we meet again!

COLDPLAY 

"Fix You"

When you try your best but you don't succeed

When you get what you want but not what you need

When you feel so tired but you can't sleep

Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face

When you lose something you can't replace

When you love someone but it goes to waste

Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below

When you're too in love to let it go

But if you never try you'll never know

Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face

When you lose something you cannot replace

Tears stream down your face

And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face

I promise you I will learn from my mistakes

Tears stream down your face

And I will try to fix you

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you...

Knee socks, a trail, and a camelpak…Oh MY! On-On!

Well, who would have thought I could find something else to entertain all my spare time, because I have so much. I did, and it is called trail running.  The lure of trail is something so new to me and so intriguing, almost difficult to put into words. 


Imagine this, no matter the temperature, time of day, due to shade and the ever so faithful camelpak, running is doable. Imagine having to be so focused in the moment, that thoughts can not veer, your mind cannot wander, the focus is straight ahead, the next marking, the tree root underfoot, snake or rock or downed tree, limb overhead, or drop off. Imagine it, being constantly in the moment, no cars sounds, no music, only nature.

Poetry in motion. I never thought I would be observant enough to run trail.  Here is a phrase that came out of my mouth during a recent trail run with my friend, "Stay behind me, I will keep us on trail." Weirdest thing because I, in the past, would have never dared take the lead. Pretty proud moment actually.

Embarking on a new adventure, always makes me giddy and if it be difficult, all the better.  It makes my poor husband nervous, but we bartered this time.  I will keep my phone in  my camelpak, which is so nifty it has pockets to keep stuff, and that I will check in throughout the race Sunday. I also keep it with me when I'm on trail, poor guy. I have been told by a dear friend that I am a lot to handle. Whatevs!

Oh this always happens, I blog about it and start daydreaming about being on the hill in Sesqui that I call the stairs. (Insert pout here.) I wish I was there right now instead of taking the afternoon off so I can go to the gm in the morning.

Then there is this group of the most delightful drinkers with a running problem that I have been so fortunate to encounter. They are the Hashers. Every other Saturday and on opposing Sundays and on Full Moons, a group of knee sock wearing, beer drinking folks, show up at the designated spot, at the determined time and trail run from one stop to the next. The Hounds chase a Hare through the trail that the hare has marked, watching for symbols, signs, toilet paper, and the most wonderful one, BN or Bcheck. It is all in good fun, which is what I want to do, have fun and wear knee socks.

Happy Trails!

On-On!

NFHN Pam :)

The Crusher Run, My Momma and a First Place AG Finish!

My Momma and Me - Pre Race

 
Titled the most challenging foot race of it's type in South Carolina, The Olympia Crusher Run, through the granite mine, down in and up and out, 3.8 miles, 375 feet below sea level. Yeah buddy!

To have been such a small event, the precursor to the Olympia festival, a few people, 190 participants, headed to the start line. I had no clue what I was in for except that I knew the ending was touted to be steep and the entire race on gravel and sand. Sounded pretty fantastic to me, why not?











At the start, fantastic hair metal was playing, the master of ceremonies was wearing a fake mustache and looked like a circus ringmaster, I was looking for his whip and lion. The group was eclectic, some familiar faces and being there without someone running with me, I actually socialized. Close your mouth, I know, shocker, but I did.


The start was flat, about .3 miles of it and the epic downhill battle began,  controlling not flying the hill but also watching knees and ankles on gravel, and fear of falling. Quad burnout could be detrimental, because the climb out, people there is no other way out. Down, down, down to the bottom and then back up, focus in front or I would be defeated at the mountainous terrain ahead. Just do the damn thing, is all I could do.

Well I finished, had no clue where I was time wise, I did hear Kick Start my Heart playing when I finished.  When Jeremy said stay for the awards. I stayed and guess what, I took first place in age group. I had fun, My Momma was there to cheer me on, my husband was ecstatic at home.

The Crusher Run was important to me and kind of a landmark race per say:
1) Nik didn't take me.
2) My Momma went with me to watch me race for the first time.
3) I had no goal except to have fun.
4) Hold on to your seat...I didn't wear my Garmin 305.
5) the distance was shorter than I usually run.

RESULTS: http://quarrycrusherrun.com/results2012.txt

http://www.thestate.com/2012/04/18/2239282/get-a-chance-to-run-in-columbias.html

Elevation

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