j-lyn's corner

A quick 5 to/from/at Dimple Dell. 8:19 AP. Kinda wanted to vomit, had lots of congestion, but was otherwise very bland.

Up Red Baldy via Red Pine. Was planning on traversing to White Baldy, but by the time we got up there my "little head cold" was feeling more and more like "the sinus infection from hell" and the rain clouds blew in.... I did not want to scramble a slow snowy ridge in rain with the sinus infection from hell. I ultimately let MVH make the call, but I showed enough hesitancy (or he was tired of my constant gabbing + snot rocketing) that we decided to bail.

It started to rain right when we got back to the TH. So glad it held off.

Went home and fell apart. I am apparently more sick than I let on. Sheesh.

No, I didn't actually run. I was just proud of myself for just laying on my desk at work all day instead of laying in the fetal position on my desk at work all day, which is what I wanted to do. Because I'm dying. Not really dying, that's offensive to everyone who IS dying, I'm just sick.

Anyways.

Here's the story of how I got a chocolate frosty:

Me: I need ice cream. No, I need chocolate. OH! Genius, chocolate ice cream. Please dear?

Ben: Is that your get better food?

Me: Yes. Just a Frosty. The Wendy's is less than a mile away.

Ben: I think they shut that one down.

Me: LIAR

Ben: I just went out. I'm not going out just to get you ice cream.

Me: You are a horrible awful tease. YOU SAID YOU WOULD. Marraige is all about communication. Why are you not communicating?

Ben: I'm not going out again.

Me: I'm sick. I'm PMS'ing, because I'm a girl, and techinically any day I'm not bleeding I'm PMSing. When I was pregnant you'd get me whatever I was craving. What, just because there's not a baby in me I'm worthless now to you?

Ben: You're still not getting a frosty.

(10 mins later, putting a handful of change on the counter).

Me: I'm so nice I counted out enough change for us both to have frostys. You're welcome.

Ben: We can't use that half dollar. I'm keeping it.

Me: Fine. There's a $10 in my wallet.

Ben: Where do you keep getting this cash from? Did you start taking a night job dancing?

Me:Wouldn't you like to know.

Ben: You're still not getting a frosty.

---me, glowering--

Ben: Fine. But you're staying up to watch TV with me.

Me: So you're bribing me to stay up late with my medicine. Whatever. I'll get the projector set-up.

Marraige is all about communication. We've got this down pat.

some people call me the space cowboy...

actually they don't. they call me Maurice! ha.

ANYWHO I ran on Pipeline today. After 48 hours of the other kind of runs and 3 days of the sinus infection from hell, I was going stir crazy. Dehydrated stir crazy. I had way too many unstable emotions and I needed to exhaust my hyperactive brain so I could feel normal.

So... off I went. Happily running along Pipeline, doing the first 9ish at a 8:30 pace. Then I felt nauseous, because I thought of the word barbecue. Then I walked for a half mile, had a coughing fit, decided I didn't like running anymore, and I should take a nap instead. So I laid down, snuggled my cushy little vest, and 10 mins later just as I had convinced the flies to vomit/ovulate/poo elsewhere and began to drift off.... someone comes and walks over me. Then another group of two. A bike. A family. They just never stop! So I got my lazy dizzy self back up and decided that, while running in this state was relatively stupid, so was I, so it was best to keep on running.

Mental note also made to make a little sign that says: half-crazed sick and sleep deprived ultra runner. DO NOT WAKE. I should keep it with me at all times.

I passed this girl who jumped like a frightened deer when my shadow passed under her feet. Which would have been better if I wasn't on the outside edge of a cliff. But then I thought, DUDE if I had been on the other side of her she would've totally fallen off the cliff. I practically saved her life! So when I passed her again later she gave me this look like, 'I totally owe you for saving the rest of my very long life.' and I was giving her that look of, 'I know, I know. Pay it forward.'

So the next 10 9.7 I ran a 9:40ish pace. Decided to back off and get 'er done. My iPod was on shuffle and so were my emotions. Sullen, depressed, angry, excited, dark... One song after another, just the mental exhaustion I needed.

At mile 18 the innards of my leg muscles remembered that they were  dehydrated and hadn't been fueled up, so they and siezed up on me with the worst cramps I've ever experienced. I took my bad cramps all the way back to the car (I was out of water and was covered in salt I had sweat out) and downed a full liter of water + electrolytes. Felt all better within 20 mins.

So, 11 days before a 62 mile race, I ran 20 miles, tried to take a nap, quit and unquit, and had the worst cramps of my life. Not sure that this was the "confidence buliding" experience I had hoped for, but, what the hell, at least my brain doesn't feel crazy anymore.

5 quick lunch break miles with my husband. He's started running a bit here and there, which is kinda weird. Ran on JRP, 8:05 pace.

Pretty much just hiked up to lake Blanche (ok, we did jog a few steps here and there) with Craig, Zac, and Marty. Fun little bunch, good convo. We looked at the lake and the nearby peaks, trying to make out the skyline against the stars. Because it was still dark- in case you didn't figure that out.

I forgot to pull out the soda that I promised everyone. Darn brain.

Ran down.... Marty is super speedy down so she and I took turns chasing each other. Never pushed, weren't in the mood to push down since the trail was wet and hlaf frozen and covered in slippery leaves. It was rather lovely coming down, I love the focus and fun involved in trails like that and in the dark it was peaceful to not have the distraction of all the beauty around.

Zac and I sprinted it in. Obviously he beat me. I am on the most pathetic sprinter that ever existed.

Met up with Neasts and ran LCC Creek trail. Discussed politics and injuries, agreeing the latter was more entertaining.

I think I PR'd from the TH to the "top," probably more because I hadn't had a good day on that trail, cuz it didn't feel like we were pushing.

ran a half mile or so later with the kids. they made me.

Ran around Eagle Mtn with Neasts and Becky A and Arianne. Pleasant morning in light rain.

They ran on the pavement and I much preferred the grass.

I came the realization that I am racing on Saturday, I can't block it out anymore, and I really need to corner the logistics now. Normally by now I've detailed out every bit of the race. This time.... Ah yes, I picked out the earrings I want to wear. I guess I should figure everything else out now too.

I think the reason I've been "dreading" this is because I'm letting that little voice of doubt into my head. Like the week before the Triple Crown FKT attempt, when everyone was running the "Quest for King's Marathon"... and I was seeing friends run it in 8 hours. I sat there thinking to myself, I am much less experienced, I've never run at elevation, I have no peak bagging experience, who's to say I can run that same peak PLUS two more in an hours more time?

I hung out with some kids I consider pretty fast on Antelope Island last Sat volunteering for the half marathon and the same doubts are creeping in. These guys are aiming to try to break 5 hrs for the 50k. That little voice of doubt comes back to me. Who's to say I can run the same speed as these fast guys for the first 50k and and not slow down too much during the 2nd 50k? I have little experience, I have no recent turnover experience... so who's to say I can? Who's to say that this all won't end in some horribly slow awful way? Maybe because this is my first race since Bryce I don't want to commit? Ha. Maybe it's just PTSD!

Ugh. I guess I'll just show up and see what happens? I think I'll turn my watch on and put it in my backpack so I won't get to know how I'm doing all day. I'll leave the phone, turn on the music very loudly (I hardly ever run with music).... and just see what happens. Does that count as a "race plan?"

On a side note, I think the nutrition plan is figured out. Skittles, bacon, and my magic power balls. Maybe I'll make a quesodilla and toss it in a drop bag for lunch.

I almost forgot the songs of the day. Oldies but goodies. (oldies for me, I'm still a baby)

In the Garage- Weezer

In the garage, I feel safe.
No one laughs about my ways.
In the garage where I belong.
No one hears me...

Hate on Me- Jill Scott (this song made me smile this morning.... not something I usually something listen to, but loving it today for various reasons)

10:06 finish time (hooray!) PR for me and a new CR. Full report below.

http://jennilyneaton.blogspot.com/2013/10/antelope-island-100k-race-report.html

Walked around outside with Ben.

See, if I really wanted miles, I'd count all the times I walked to the freezer for ice cream. OH and I even walked downstairs THREE times. Aw yeah, I'm a runner.

I hate recovery. Can I go running again yet? Oh wait, I can't straighten my own leg without ibuprofen, nevermind.

ran a little loop that took a stop halfway at the wasatch running center.

AP under 10, and I actually felt good while moving. Still very stiff and sore though.

Bought a map of the Wasatch mountains. Time to start making plans for next year...

Let the crazy ideas begin.

Woke up at 3:30am to make the long drive to N. Ogden to run Ben Lomond and Willard peaks. 19.5 miles, 4800 vert. It was worth the 3am price tag.

It was an incredible morning. Climbing legs felt surprisingly good (since Sat) and ran at least 95% of the way up. Made me feel a little good to hear they boys (who let me lead) coment they thought I'd be slower in my recovery. I thought so too.

Somehow I've changed from runner to peak bagger. Not just that I'm running more mountains... but with what my goals are. But those pics... see that ridge? We ran on it for miles. A mountain goat cut me off. Also saw another mountain goat and 3 moosies. Incredible. Pretty neat trail, with such long, runnable peaks and ridges.

Whilst I felt great going up I was wrecked coming down. My quads are still blown from all those fast miles on Sat. Also of note my hips, achilles, calves, and glutes are still tired. So, nothing major ;)

We stopped for more "catch breath" breaks coming down than up. I dug the mellow pace coming down.

My legs felts wrecked for a couple hours yesterday then felt fine. I think the buffalo meat I ate right after running helped. I didn't get my usual red meat post-race Sat, and there's nothing my body loves more than a bit of red meat after an ultra or a peak bagging excursion. (I only eat meat a few times a month, if that.)

It's amazing how quickly running can melt away an emotional storm. Less than a half mile with music blaring, a neon sunset bounding off the clouds near the Twin Aves and Lone Peak, and a hard pace... and everything was gone. Don't even remember why I was upset in the first place.

and since I was road running, I get to put my AP. 7:42. Felt comfortable. At some point, I need a pair of road shoes...

Grandeur Peak with Neasts, Mary, and B-Rad.

More of a powerhike up, which ended up being good- I could feel a blow-up lurking under my slightly uncomfortable legs. I think (dare I say it?) they're tired.

A fantastic sunrise. Which was only slighly fouled by meeting local legend Andy D and him realizing I've been cyberstalking him for the last year. How embarrassing. Oi. But hey, if you're a Wasatch Peak bagging bad@$$ you can bet I'm going to cyberstalk you. Do I need to feel embarassed about how I've read every Nolan's 14 report too? I may not be a running stat nerd but I am a cyberstalker...

Some warm-up/cool-down miles plus a 4 mile version of the Haunted Half 5k. My sister is celiac and had eaten contaminated food Thurs eve, and so we stopped for a bathroom 6 times (plus another couple more she couldn't make it to the bushes.... poor girl). Had to run to the store right after to get her a change of clothes before the kids did the 1/2 mile.

Laced up the new blue helios and (power hiked-ish) Mt Raymond with Jim. It was slow up which was enjoyable, then he twisted an ankle pretty harshly and went down coming down, so we took it easy coming out.  I had forgotten how good those shoes feel new. :)

Listened to a lot of James on the way to/from the canyon. 

"Looked in the mirror, I don't know who I am anymore 
The face is familiar 
But the eyes, the eyes give it all away 
They're all out to get you 
Once again they're all out to get you 
Here they come again"

I haven't told my family yet that I left the church (even though I was a fence sitter for years before the last year of inactivity) and the weekend with them was nice but uncomfortable. I don't fit in fantastically well with my sisters anyways, and this won't help. I've been able to play it off well enough until now, and have been procrastinating it for far too long. I don't know that I'm ready for the shunning and flak I know I will recieve for the rest of my life. I've been dreading this. (Yes, the shunning will happen, don't underestimate my family.)

I needed a peak today.

Went into my head planning for the white rim. You know how sometimes nothing exists beyond sunshine on your face and wind biting your eyes? I didn't even know where I was going to run til I had run to Dimple Dell and it was about time to turn around. I apparently crossed a few streets and made turns and didn't even notice...

I realized why I was scared/stuck on a few things regarding next weekend's trip. Hopefully I can use this as motivation. I'm also.... a little less intimidated. During the 100k I went to the whole "pain cave" thing and ran like hell. It wasn't like Bryce where I was injured and able to move. It makes me a little less afraid of the upcoming long night in the "pain cave," and less afraid of my reaction to it.

Wire with ScottW @ lunch time. Fresh slipperly powder covered a friendly quartzite rock that I harshly rolled my ankle over. I am rewarded with a swollen, purple ankle. Luckily the pain is localized (as is the swelling).

9 days til 100 miles. Here's to lots of PT, anit-inflammatory foods, and no more running til then.