Ultra Hard

After Columbus full I felt like my running year ended on a blah note. I didn’t have the race I was hoping for even though I had a great cycle and saw some significant improvements in speed. So I immediately started looking for other races that would maybe full fill my need for one more PR. This time I was going for distance.

The race offered different distances and in the past I had toyed with the 50 miler. This year I decided to look at Columbus as a long run in prep for this race. I decided on the 50k because I believed that was a doable distance for me. Just over 30 miles it would make me an ultra marathoner. One loop was half way so I signed up for two loops. I figured at most it would take 7 hours if I had a bad day. The race started at 8am and I drove from home to be there 30 minutes early.

I got my bib and pack on and waited with 5 other runners who were attempting the 50k that day. Three men and three women. Two went out very fast and four of us hung on to each other through more than half the first loop. The first aid station was at the “Iron Furnace” and we all stopped to take pictures.

At this point I got the vibe that we all just wanted to finish. No one in my group was out for time. So we all hung together for as long as possible. What I didn’t expect was the amount of climbing, technical terrain and level of difficulty I had gotten myself into. The race, for one loop, almost 18 miles, had roughly 2500 feet of elevation. Nobody was aware of that. We all talked about it while we were out there. The leaf coverage was so thick you couldn’t see what you were stepping on so it was like stepping into the dark hoping you didn’t land in a hole. I tripped and twisted my ankle so many times I started praying I wouldn’t break it. 

We all agreed this wasn’t really a running trail but more hiking and climbing. Even the downhills were so steep and leaf covered you’d slip and slide your way down.  There were times I actually held onto a tree to keep from slipping and potentially sliding off the edge of an embankment. Sometimes the trail was so indistinguishable that you’d have to stop and look closely at the leaves to see if they looked like someone had just passed through there. As you could imagine, we got lost. We had to backtrack and climb up and out of where we were to keep going. 

They kept getting ahead of me leaving me on my own and I started to think how unsafe this was being out there alone with no cell service almost falling off a cliff. Even at times when I stumbled (which was often) I prayed I wouldn’t break my wrist or arm and have to walk alone back to the start. I did some math and realized that with all the climbing and hiking I wasn’t going to finish the first loop in three hours but more like 4 ish. Since we started at 8, that meant I’d be out there close to dark and with no one and no headlamp. I decided then not to take on a second loop.   

It was a beautiful location, and if I’d had a buddy or more daylight, I may have stuck it out to finish but in all honesty, it looked like barring anymore problems (I got lost on my own once too) I was looking at a 8-9 hour trek. 

 

With my husband at home waiting on me I just didn’t see a reason to try and gamble this one going my way. I was afraid out there alone and terrified I’d get hurt and no one would even go by me to help.

In conclusion, it was an amazingly difficult course for anyone who truly wants to challenge their trail running ability, but I would caution you to bring a headlamp and a friend. Speaking of that....

I met Katie (second from left) at a trail women’s only weekend “Brokebabes Trail Weekend”.  She is the mastermind behind these super cool ultras and races that cost next to nothing but are so much fun!! I was so happy to see her and a couple other ladies I met that weekend three years ago. We laughed, hugged, shared a beer and they told me about some other 50ks that may be more in my wheelhouse. Katie made the best vegan chili and every racer got a huge mug to put it in plus fresh grilled cheese she herself made for you while you waited. Will I go back? Maybe once I get a couple 50ks under my belt and some solid trail experience. It was tough out there but good. Pushing my body like that felt great and I’m looking forward to next year and what’s to come.

Round About

One of my favorite pastimes is to tell funny stories about things I have experienced. Life has a way of giving you only as much as you can handle, and a couple "zingers" just so you keep your sense of humor and don't start taking yourself too seriously. Three summers ago I bought a Groupon for a boxing class. At the time everyone I knew was doing that. Taking a hybrid cardio/boxing class was a fun way to get a great workout without feeling like you were actually working out. In this particular case I was mistaken. I showed up to a warehouse with nothing but a couple rings and some training equipment, and a bunch of dudes hungry to challenge themselves. Yes. All guys there except me. I even went to buy the gloves and asked for a larger size (heavier) because this girl wasn't wearing any PINK to boxing. Then when the boxing COACH yelled at us to take a mile run wearing them I thought I might die. I think I may have a little that day. The guys were making fun of me clearly because they knew I wasn't supposed to be there. Every mistake I made was fodder for their amusement. That just pushed me to work even harder to be taken seriously. I wasn't going to give up. Nobody was going to make me quit. I was going to finish it. I did too and when I left that same coach who had fun at my expense gave me his number in case I wanted to come back and train. I haven't had that opportunity yet but I will someday. My gloves and wraps are still right where I can see them. Waiting for the next round.

Go and see this movie. <3

Queens Never Die Either

Inflated

The thing about the summer that is, without question, my favorite, are all the festivals. I like mine small and I am willing to drive. Jazz, Ice Cream, Popcorn as well as fashion, there is something for everyone. It makes it hard to say "I have nothing to do". The balloon festival has become the latest in my list of obsessions. I love balloons sometimes more than flowers. Being able to stand beneath one of such monstrous proportions was like a dream becoming reality. More than likely because the idea that one can soar so high and ever so softly yet with such force seems almost a fantastic physical improbability. Until you've done it. I hope someday I will.

At the Coshocton festival we were able to walk around them and get up close.

Check the weather in your location the day of the event. Any weather issues will inevitably terminate the balloon lift off.

Both shows were able to inflate and light the balloons for a fun effect but did not take off due to inclement weather.

Coshocton was attached to the cutest little array of games and rides and all your favorite festival treats. Even doughnuts!!

We took these over to the stadium to watch the show.

You can find a show near you at the  Balloon Federation of America web page.

Wedded Bliss

{Details}

Every time I get invited to someone's wedding I think I'll feel jaded and apathetic toward the ceremony because my marriage was unsuccessful. That is never ever the case. I tear up like a little school girl and I am honored by the invitation. That someone would think enough of our friendship to want me to be there for one of the most important days of their life gives me a feeling that is beyond measure. I am deeply touched. Being asked to be a bridesmaid is another thing entirely. I am always so transfixed on my own life that I don't think I even grasped that I could impact another person in such a way, that they not only wanted me there, but wanted me standing next to them. I don't think it hit me until we walked down the isle the magnitude of that days events. Seeing my good friend marry the man she loves not only made me swell up with pride knowing and loving them both but renewed my faith in a love that can last a lifetime.

Spring Fling

There is something so special about celebrating during the warmer months. In the harshest nights of Winter, I don't have any want to get dressed up and go outside. The fear of travel difficulties, as well as assembling the appropriate attire for a night out, just seems way too much work. When the sun begins to stay out longer, and feels so much warmer, I just want to have people over. I want to cook more and be outside as much as possible, spending time getting fit or hanging out with family and friends. A brunch can be so very simple to throw together. I literally went to the store the night before and grabbed some muffins, sweet rolls and bagels. Uncorked a bottle of bubbly and some OJ. Rinsed off some gorgeous fresh berries and a great time was had by all.

Girls Night In

Every other year it seems I have the day to myself on my birthday. This year I wanted to throw a party for my friends as sort of a "thank you" for being there for me every day. For the women who make me laugh and listen to all my LENGTHY stories, who help and support me at work, who get me to let go and have fun even when it feels like nothing in life is funny anymore, who keep me feeling like every day is a new adventure and not an insurmountable task. They have done so many wonderful things for me. The weekend itself was more than I could have asked for. Being able to spend time with the people I care for most is a gift that has no inherent value. It is priceless.

{Diet Coke tower from friends at work}

{Great beer}

{Gifted}

{Best cupcakes from Schuler's}

{Homemade carrot cake}

{Relaxing morning the day after}

Salade au che'ore

Goat cheese is my favorite. I love it on pizza and crackers and in anything. This recipe was so simple and effortless for me that I think anyone can pull it together in next to no time. When you're a busy person like I am those extra minutes count. This is also a great date night idea if you decide to get together last minute and have to run to the store with little to no time to pick up the essentials.

Choose your favorite mixture of greens. I used an organic mix that was prepackaged. Toss this lightly with a vinaigrette of your choice. Set aside.

You can find these special cheeses in the deli area of your local store. This is a soft goat cheese which I think works best for this recipe.

These smaller bread slices come pre-sliced and also located in the deli area. There are different kinds so just choose the one you like best. Place on a baking sheet one inch apart and bake at 350 just until the bottoms are brown and then turn over each one and spread on some cheese. Place back in the oven and let the cheese get all bubbly. Perfection. Great summer or spring recipe. 

Freedom of Expression

A couple of summers ago I was really embarrassed to find out rather late that Columbus has its own College of Art and Design. The reason I ran across its campus was because I was taking a trip to the Art Museum downtown on a Sunday afternoon with my family. Everyone seems to be fairly gifted in that department here except me, but my appreciation of it is substantial. I love going even on my own just to be close to all that beauty and expression. It often times takes me out of my own life for a moment to imagine what the artist must have been feeling or thinking when they created their masterpiece. Everything from modern to classic, painting to sculpture, photography to interactive is here for the entire family. The best part is on Sunday's it's FREE.

Wild Lights

{Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wild Lights}

Growing up I don't ever remember going to zoo lights. As an adult I have gone in almost every state I have ever lived. It has to be one of my favorite things to do during the holidays, and I have decided that even if someday I have to go alone, I will keep going every year. There is just something about the twinkle of those hundreds of thousands of pretty lights, cascading over every branch, running along every inch of every surface, abounding with color over every part of the park that makes it feel like you are transported to another realm. There is a light and music show in the center of the Zoo surrounding the lake every few minutes, and it is different every year, which makes it fun and exciting even if you are an avid zoo visitor during this season. If you get there at the right time you can watch Santa himself donning scuba gear to feed the fish in the Aquarium. It's as if it were possible to visit Saint Nicholas, that this is what the North Pole would look like in all our childhood fantasies. 

Jingle all the way.

2012

2013

From the air. Photo was gifted by the pilot.

The Boss.

"How You Like Them Apples"

{Lynd Fruit Farm}

One of my favorite Robin Williams movies of all time, and the one he was awarded an Oscar for his performance, is the movie "Good Will Hunting". One of the funniest scenes was when Will gets the girl's number and then precedes to rub it in the frat boy's face on his way home. I wish I had that cocky level of self esteem. But I digress. More to the point of this post is that apple picking is a new found favorite in our family. I only recently took up the idea having seen someone on social media post pictures of going themselves, and I was simply astonished that I had never thought of doing that before. I am positive that there is a place near to you that will be you're very own Garden of Eden where the apples are the greatest gift of fall, just about anywhere you live. Happy hunting.

Here's the movie clip in case you have never seen it.