running stories: November 2011

After the big summer of racing, things around here have settled down. It’s been really nice. I have found a level of contentment, not complete by any means, but a level of comfort that I have been seeking for a long time. I have no big races on the schedule and don’t plan on signing up for anything. It is such a relief and it’s exactly what I need right now.

I've been pushing myself for about 6 years non-stop with running marathons, doing triathlons, striving, striving, striving. The last couple of years (post-Ironman) I've definitely found a better balance, integrating yoga and worrying less about speed. But I still ran marathons and ultra-distance trail runs, and worked toward my limits. Right now, I’m over it. I don't want to race or push that hard for a while. I want to do yoga, go for easy runs, hike, walk, whatever. I’ll definitely stay active and try to keep a good base so when I get the itch to race again, I won’t have to dig myself out of a massive hole.

A lot of this is just a feeling, but there is a physical aspect too. I took a couple weeks off after the Portland Marathon, but it wasn't enough. Random aches and pains pop up every time I run. I struggled through that trail race and have felt slow and sore on the short runs I've done since. A month post-marathon my body is demanding some more rest and recovery, which is totally reasonable. I’m definitely improving but it’s taking a while.

I don't know, maybe this is just a phase. Maybe I'll get sick of yoga and 5 mile runs and sign up for a half marathon or something. I am open to that! We’re signed up for a few short trail races over the winter which will be fun no matter how slow I am, and I will definitely post race reports.

I do have a bunch of great photos that I never got around to posting, so here is a random collection! Working backwards-

Yesterday Zach ran the Silver Falls Half Marathon. We both ran this race last year, and I was signed up to run yesterday. But, like I said, it was just too much for me and I decided to DNS. Better than a DNF! I know I keep gushing about how great I think Zach is, but yesterday he seriously blew me away. He beat his time from last year by 8 minutes and finished in 1:32:51. On this:

That’s a 7:05 pace, on a challenging trail course. The field was much faster this year, he finished 26th overall with a much faster time versus 21st last year. It’s such a fun and beautiful race, I was sorry to miss it. I did go down there with him though to cheer and take pictures. I also went for a short run on the bike paths around the park while he was out running. I barely made it back in time to see him finish.

Start- 37 degrees and drizzling:

Mile 3:

My run:

Are you kidding me:

Post race chili by the fire:

Congrats Zach! You make me sick!

Another fun set of pictures- we went to Montana last month to visit our family. Everyone is doing really good and it was a very nice visit. The fall colors in Montana were so beautiful: