Columbia Triathlon - Another Rainy Race!

After many years of racing, I finally headed up to the northeast for the Columbia Triathlon (in Ellicot City, Maryland). Why did I go up to this race? Well, I did Eagleman 70.3 last year (run by same crew) and I really enjoyed this one; so, I figured I'd 'go shorter' and try their 'sister race' with the Columbia Triathlon which is put on in May. This race has actually run for 28 years. However, the venues are VERY different! Eagleman is in Cambridge, but you are looking at pancake flat and, at least in '08, HOT. This year in Columbia, it was cool and rainy (I am seeing a trend thus far...rain at every race!) and lots of hills! But, I do like hills and assuming I say upright on the bike, rain does not bother me too much either.

I had a wonderful homestay, the Schofields, who lived literally one mile from Centennial Park where the race took place. They were incredible; very accomodating, and to make matters more exciting, their 3 kids (ages 13, 15, and 17) were doing a relay competing with their dad! Unfortunately, dad came out on top. Well, unfortunately depending on how you look at it; fortunately for the longevity of (all of us) aging atheltes! He had a great race, doing a PR on the course...

I arrived Friday late morning and went straight to their house; relaxed, ate pizza, had a beer and enjoyed meeting their family that evening. Saturday was the typical, I rode towards the course but only a total of about 30 minutes, so not enough to really 'see' it; then got in the car and drove it later. I NEVER DO THIS. As in, I think this is the first time I have EVER driven a course. It was good, I guess, ...got kind of boring... but I figure you have to be on your toes anyway so whether you do or do not drive it, you better keep your eyes peeled on race day. There were a few winding turns and a few short hills that were good to be prepared for (ie: knowing when to go into a turn in the small ring), so I am glad I drove it. We had a meeting @ 4:00 then I came back, drank some wine, ate some spaghetti and awaited my 4 am alarm. I have never liked the night before a race, and I doubt I ever will. In all honesty, I despise it and wonder why I do this stuff! Every time the night before a big race; I have the same thoughts.

Sunday was rise and shine at 4 am for a 6:45 start time. I arrived to the site at about 5:30, to a slow steady drizzle. Good thing was it started to get light pretty early, bad thing was the rain ensued. We were told it was a non-wetsuit swim, so I was able to try out my new Zoot speedsuit which felt great. I meandered over to the swim start and we all crept into the 71-degree water at about 6:40, awaiting our 'deep water' start...promptly we were off at 6:45.

We were sent off with the men, which made for a bit of a washing machine swim, but after a couple of minutes I found my 'groove'. The sighting was very easy; clear morning and calm water. As usual, I felt stronger as I went but I had no idea where any women were in relation to me. Until I was about 2/3 of the way through, then I saw whomI believed to be Rebeccah Wassner behind/next to me. I was pulling her along! Which is fine, she was in a smart position... that is part of racing! But, I was stoked to realize that I was likely the leading woman at this point. Rebeccah is on fire right now, so I figured I could not be having a bad day thus far. Can we just call it after the swim? =)

We exited and it was she, her twin sister and myself all 1-2-3. I felt strong and ready to roll on the bike. This course is beautiful, but the day was rather rainy so I kept myself pretty focused on the roads. I was passed by both Rebeccah and her sister Laurel within a few miles and then got passed again. This all happened before the half-way point, but I just kept on hammering as much as I could. My mantra to keep motivated is "Keep them in sight". Please don't laugh at this; it's what I gotta do to work harder on the bike! Oh, the day I'll pass someone and they'll say that about me... anyhoo, back to the race. I did feel a bit 'flat', and while I like racing in cool conditions, it probably makes the muscles a bit tighter. In any case, no excuses; I felt good but not terribly strong. I am hoping that my body/legs are just adapting to a higher cycling volume than I am used to. After many rolling hills and beautiful farmland scenery, I neared the end of the bike (ya-hoo!) and was happy to still have been in 4th at this point; well, 1st or 2nd would have been better, but I had to make due.

This was the most exciting part of the race. I dismounted, ran into transition (down a steep grass hill) into the wet, grassy transition area. I made it down the hill alright, but then when I got to my transition rack, my foot slipped out from under me on a muddy spot and I went flying! I felt right on my bum and my bike went down too. I jumped back up, kind of laughed at myself (or maybe I said a few choice words? that is more likely) and threw the bike on the rack, getting my racing flats and getting out of there. As I started the run, I had to smile... this is racing! It was probably somewhat entertaining for the spectators, and I thought to myself, "quick recovery!" Kind of made me want to do an Xterra; mud is fun.

The run was really cool, we ran down a path alongside the lake and then up a big hill, back down it and then into neighborhoods. I will say, there was very little 'flat' on this run course! But I love these kinds of races; they become a race of strength and a mental challenge, since you can never really relax. It was windy and hilly and challenging. I felt great, and the longer I ran, the better I felt. I felt like my legs wanted to go faster than I was able to make them go; does that make sense? They kind of felt like wheels. Interesting. I was able to hold my position and when I saw the mile 5 marker, I really tried to push myself. I cannot recall too many races (no matter the distance) whereby I have been able to do this. Perhaps a good sign of my endurance right now? However, as always the finish was nice sight to see and it was great to see all of the spectators on the grassy knoll at the end.

Thanks to Rob Vigorito, race director and the 600 volunteers out there who made this event happen! Post-race, I don't recall ever having gotten much colder than I did here. The winds kicked up and the temps had to of dropped into the 50's! Crazy. I was told that I had finished 4th overall, about a minute out of 3rd. I really wanted to be Top 3 or even better here, but I knew that I put all I had into this race on the day and that is all we can ask of ourselves. Thanks again to my awesome homestay, the Schofields, for allowing me to be so comfortable for the race weekend and everyone else out there competing in the cool, rainy conditions. These are the days that make us mentally tough! Coming from Austin where most days 90-100, I cannot complain.

Next up is a trip back home to Indiana this weekend; Derick and I will enjoy chilling out at my parents cabin. I imagine the weekend will include a few trail runs, lake swims, and much too much wine (or is that possible?) seeing that my Uncle Del is coming. When he is around, it seems our wine glasses are never empty... ah well, life could be worse!
Thanks for reading!

Champions Triathlon Visits Austin

...well, it was the first one ever, but the title sounds good, yes? :)

Yesterday was the 'inaugural' Champions Triathlon here in Austin. It was out at Pace Bend Park, which is a park northwest (I think?) of Austin, about 45 min away. I will be entirely honest here, I did not really want to race. I am not sure if it was 'my legs feel crappy because of the half-marathon' or if it was 'I want to relax and 'nest' in our new house for a weekend', but whatever it was, it took me saying many times, 'suck it up and go race, there is a great prize purse on the line and put your ego aside'. And to be entirely honest, being the first race, I think I subliminally had pre-race jitters in that I was not sure I was 'ready' for a competitive race and I did not want 'to fail'. (Yet again, suck it up, sister.) I sure am glad I stuck it out, as it turned out to be a great day and an awesomely hard course (which I love!).

They had a 'pro start' at 11:00 am, which allowed Derick and I to sleep in a bit. We headed out to Pace Bend Park and arrived at about 9:00 on Sunday AM. The #1 cool thing about this was the park rangers. They were an absolute riot. The first one had on a bright yellow vest, to which he and Derick went back and forth referencing how nicely tailored it was to him. Few can match Derick's quick and dry wit; this guy was one step ahead of him. This had me laughing pretty good and, suddenly feeling more relaxed. The next ranger we came upon told us the direction to take ahead, telling us that we needed to say on the LEFT side of the road. To which Derick replied, "Just like Paris?" to which ranger replied, "Yes, and you may even see the Eifel Tower ahead too!" These guys were great!

Onward to the race. We arrived with plenty of time to spare, and I set up transition on the grassy knoll. I like grassy transition areas; make the race feel very laid back. I checked out this crazy 350-meter run from the swim to transition... wow! This made the race really a swim/run/bike/run, good for runners. I opted to put an extra pair of my Zoot Ultra TT shoes down there, just so I didn't nail any rocks and hurt a foot. Or knowing me, I'd trip over my large feet and faceplant.

We were off sharp at 11:03, right behind the professional men! This was a non-wetsuit swim, so I had on my Speedzoot which was great; chilly at first but then PERFECT! I hate getting hot in swims, and I also battle this 'clausterphobic-get-me-out-of-this-thing' feeling in wetsuits. Hailey Piersol (yes, sister to Aaron Piersol, Olympic swimmer) took off like lightening. I noticed Amy Marsh way to the left of me (and later told her, 'Amy where were you going?!) but luckily by the first turn buoy, I had caught Amy and she and I swam very well together until the finish. We came out together, threw on the shoes and were off on Run #1. A long, rocky dirt path. But the legs felt ...surprisingly good. Good deal. I got to transition, undressed (un-speedsuited) and was off on the bike course.

This was a 3-loop bike course on open roads (no traffic, or very little) and oh boy was it hilly! But, something about "3 loops" that makes it seem easier. I think in my head it is that you are never too far from home. :) Amy swiftly passed me right off the bat. I won't lie, that pissed me off. But, I just tried to hunker down and keep pushing. It actually took me until the end of the third lap to catch Hailey, but that was ok, I seemed to feel better on each lap. Finally off on to the run!

Yet again, I will reveal my insecurities. I was nervous for this because I have done a lot of run racing lately and the legs have felt rather trashed lately. But, I tried to ease into this. As I took off on the same dirt path that we ran on post-swim, and headed towards the woods, I told myself, "Aaah; this is just a run through the woods." (Self-talk does help!). I felt great out there! It was really cool because you could see fellow competitors running ahead and behind you on little out and backs. In all my years of racing, I have never done a run course like this for an on-road triathlon! Props to Leilani and all the crew @ Red Licorice Events for doing some different! I saw Derick, Brad, and Lisa (friends of ours) at about mile 3. I said to Derick, "That mile was a 6:10!" Then I saw him again, after having backed off, and said, "That was a 6:25! I am backing off..." He didn't like that. Ha! I am not sure if they were entirely accurate (I always assume yes!) but I just did not want to blow up. By mile 5, I began to feel like crap. Luckily I had a strong 2nd place position that was not in jeopardy by slowing down a bit, which I did, and finally could see the finish line. It was probably the best thing I saw all day long; and we grilled out and drank beers that night, too; yes, the finish line was more enticing. That says a lot.

All in all, a really great first time race put on by Champion System and Red Licorice Events. Thanks to all the hard work and the volunteers out there supporting us, as well as the fellow competitors who came out. Today was about swallowing your pride and your insecurities and just going out and putting yourself out there. My mom is so great; she said the other day, "Kelly, why are you so nervous about it? You are more fit than you realize. You will do great." I kind of needed to hear this. Sometimes, we think we have to be in tip-top shape to go and do a race (especially one that is more competitive). But really, any time we go out and challenge ourselves, it is a chance to get better, and a chance to learn something. I have learned over the (many) years of doing this stuff, it is usually when you least expect it that you perform the best. This was far from 'the best' to me, but it was a bit better than expected. So; my take home message is to not be afraid to get out there and simply give it what you've got, on the day, a good honest effort. After all; this is all we can do anyway, right? Enjoy the process and appreciate every moment. Thanks for reading!

St. Louis 1/2 Marathon - Take 2...

(Check out the video posted in the St. Louis Today newspaper! http://www.stltoday.com/
Down on the right hand side...)

This past weekend, I met my parents in St. Louis after a busy week of moving in to our new house! We moved all of last weekend (April 11/12), so I was pretty wiped out on Monday. Derick and I did it all on our own, which was not 'so' bad as we do not own that much stuff. But, anytime you spend a full day from 7 am until 10 pm moving furniture, organizing and loading/unloading boxes, it will wear you out. Needless to say, were were completely settled by Monday morning and I had unpacked most boxes by Monday night. To say I am a 'busy body' is an understatement...and I cannot stand disorganization. =)Derick's parents arrived on late Tuesday night, so we spent a few very relaxed days with them as they helped us 'tidy up' our house. They did all the things that we would have never gotten to, such as making the flower garden in the front look nice, fixing some light fixtures and painting small spots on the walls that needed it. Unfortunately, I had to leave on Friday night so I missed their last night here, but it was a cool and rainy evening in Austin, so they just stayed in and ate pizza; early night as they flew out at 6 am on Saturday.
A dark and wet race morning

Friday evening, I flew into St. Louis on a direct flight; just myself and my backpack. Gotta love running races. My parents and I had a great dinner (albeit late!) and I was actually up until almost midnight; but, we slept in on Saturday and after a short run and getting my packet, I even took a 45 min nap in the afternoon. The weather was expected to be cool and very wet for Sunday! But this does not bother me. I have learned that if you let adverse conditions get to you then you are at an immediate disadvantage to your competitors; so, I try to roll with it and remind myself that everyone has to deal with it. Though, I do feel bad for all of the great spectators and volunteers out there standing in the rain!

Sunday AM, I have to be honest, I did not feel great. Not 'bad', but definitely NO snap what-so-ever in the legs. I was not very well 'prepared' for this race, as I took a good 3-4 weeks of little running to recovery from the marathon and just kicked it up a bit these past 2 weeks. But I had been cycling a LOT for me and, well, running may help cycling but cycling is not going to make you a faster runner. However, I came here to try to win this race for the second year in a row, and make some money to help get me to more races! I kept this in mind when the gun went off... just be smooth and steady, view this as a strong 13-mile training run. Ice Bath post-race...so tough, but so good...

I was lucky to be able to run with the womens marathon winner for the first 10 miles (Megan Earney), and we had a very smooth 6:15 pace going. She split at the 10 mile mark and then I was on my own. I cannot say it ever hurt badly, because my legs just would not go into that 'hurt zone'. They didn't have the zip. But, from 10-13, I did hit some hills that were challenging. I could have really used a Gu, but I think I was just stubborn, and pushed on. I never looked back, but by mile 12, I had a good feeling that I had this race won. I actually did push the last mile to probably just over 6-minute pace, though the finish time was just over 1:23, which is honestly the slowest 1/2 marathon I have done in a few years! Yet, all things considered, I was pleased with it. A win is a win, and I knew that going into this, if there was a strong woman who showed up and could run well, she would deserve to win this race. I lucked out. With a time 3-minutes slower than last year, I still managed a win.
Pasta dinner at Lombardo's - Amazing food; I think I ate half of my moms lasagna...

Thanks to Zoot for sending me some great new training clothing! I tried out a new top on race day, and it was comfortable, bright and made me easy to spot (or so my parents said). Also thanks to Cecilia Llanos at 3 Cosas for her awesome massage work, which has helped keep me healthy these past few weeks, and to Hill Country Running, Advanced Rehab and Jack and Adams. Your support is much appreciated! And thanks to the race organization at Go! St. Louis for helping me come back to this excellent race this year.
Awards post-race (with Nancy Lieberman of Go! St. Louis)

Lesson learned today? It can be tough to go and race, give it all you've got and come away with a time that is 5 minutes off of a PR. But, I think I had to consider the situation... I have come off of marathon training, and the bottom line is my legs are still a bit trained for the longer distance. That is OK, as my goal is Ironman Canada in August. But, racing can show you what you need to work on, as this race did. I know I am due for some (moderate) 'speed work' to sharpen up my running. But the BIGGER picture is, I was very fortunate to be able to go out and compete in a huge field of runners (15,000!) and enjoy the day. I have nothing at all to be 'upset' about. Having my family there made it even better. Sometimes, our times that we post have to become irrelevant; it's moreso about enjoying the process and appreciating the moment. Thanks for reading!

Wake Up Call to Slow Things Down...

Just a few days ago, I got a good lesson in "slowing down". I feel like I am pretty good at this, but judging from what others tell me, I don't really stop too much. I am a crazy multi-tasker. I get up about 10 times during a 1-hour TV show. I have always been antsy, but I think that sometimes it carries over into my daily lifestyle and then my energy just crashes...

I have not been blogging frequently, really because since the marathon I have been recovering (well I only did that fully for about a week) and then training (mostly cycling and swimming)... and who wants to hear about workouts all the time? I know Derick doesn't ... he tells me! The topic can get quite boring. You do them and you either do them well, or you suck. If you suck too many days in a row, then you probably need to recover. I learned this lesson this past weekend. I was riding in insane wind with a bunch of GUYS from Jack and Adams. I knew from the start it would be tough, as we were flying the first hour. Then, good friend Brad Miller (Brad, James; I am not sure what is 'real' name is) was kind enough to turn back with me as they guys were going a crazy 120 miles. Not quite yet for me! Brad and I battled together in a persistent headwind for over an hour back into town. I had a nice run on Sunday (as I cheered on all the locals in the Cap 10K! Great results all around, Desiree got first, Amanda Lovato second and Derick 4th among the men!) but from then through Monday, it was all I could do to keep moving. Monday my eyelids felt like sandbags. I slept from 5-6 pm on Monday evening and was still asleep by 10:00. I am not really a napper, so this was a big sign I needed to back it off.

This can be the tough thing about coaching yourself. It can be hard to see from the outside in, and really make that 'call' and force yourself to take a good few days easy. But, I am trying. I actually had trouble sleeping last night (Tuesday) so; go figure, maybe all I needed was one day! But, in the big picture, I am realizing that trying to do school (I am taking 2 classes @ Austin Community College as pre-req's towards a Masters in Health Psychology), working with Source and training (a lot) will just not work. I don't like to half-ass things, I am a pretty driven and focused person and I like to do things well, or at least to the best of my ability. So, something has got to give. I am not ready to nix racing quite yet, I mean I am 31...don't women just keep getting better up to like 40 these days?! :) I will finish out this semester, maybe continue on with one class at a time just so my brain does not turn to mush. But, I am very excited about deciding to FINALLY give Ironman a shot this year (Canada in August!). I want to do well and I really do believe that I can do well, but the last thing I want to do is show up exhausted, or not even make it there because I have worn myself into the ground. So, I see it as a 'sign' that I got so tired and a wake up call to be sure I take care of myself these next few months. You all do the same!

On a side note, I am listening to Ben Harper as I study. I miss Ben Harper. I recently got an Ipod, and I need to convert all of my Windows Media Player music to my Ipod. All of my Ipod music came from Derick. He has no Ben. Anyone who knows how to do this, pass your knowledge on to me, please...

Happy April Fools Day and remember to slow down and smell the wildflowers. They're all over down here in Texas! Sorry, Colorado, but your wildflowers have nothing on the ones here in Texas...
Thanks for reading.

Albany Marathon - How it all went down...

...but best news, I didn't! I stayed vertical for the entire race this weekend. I did not 'really' think I'd fall, but with the track record I was going into the race with, it was a distinct possibility...

It was a fantastic weekend. I arrived into Birmingham, AL on Thursday evening and stayed with a very good friend of mine, Laura Reid (Svihlik). She was nice enough to drive me to Albany, GA on Friday (~4 hrs) where we were put up by the race directors in a great hotel, right by the race start. Even better, my parents made it too! They were en route to Florida on a road trip and happened to be staying only 45 min away in a hotel on Friday night. So, Saturday AM they drove over and we all hung out before the 7am race start.

This event (Snickers Albany Marathon) was so low key, which I LOVE. I jogged down towards the start to warmup at about 6:15 am and I saw them setting up the start. I don't think they even put the timing mat down until at least 6:30. But, they got it done! The weather was bizarre; 45-degrees and 98% humidity. The first 10 miles were literally run in a fog, and I was wet, despite the fact that the sun was not out, it was not hot and it was not raining. They sent us off promptly at 7:00 (or maybe 7:05), and it was me and a bunch of guys. I have never raced for $3000 and not seen one single woman around me. Granted, I was not complaining! I was there to win and to put up a best time, and the only one in control of this was me.I took off in a 6:15 pace for my first mile. My plan was 6:30's, no faster, for at least 15 miles, then see how I felt. I was so disciplined, as my second mile was 6:45 pace! However, I was somehow able to stabilize right around 6:25 to 6:35 on all of the miles. I know I had a few faster ones, but they felt so good and I felt so in control, I did not worry about it. I began to run with the coolest guy, a 50-year old man who was aiming to run a 2:50. We had the best energy going between us, as we both cruised through the 13.1 mile mark at just under 1:25. The fog began to lift and by about 2 hrs into the race, and I even put my sun glasses on. I was taking a PowerGel every 5-6 miles, and by mile 23 I took my 5th and final gel. The nutrition was spot-on, and my stomach was cooperating. Things were looking good!

I am learning despite the fact that this was only my second marathon that this rule "the race starts at mile 20" could not be more true. My interpretation is, *try* to get to mile 20 feeling good. I accomplished this, but between mile 20 and 22, it went from feeling smooth and controlled to feeling a bit labored, as my legs began to cramp up pretty badly. I still checked my paces, and I believe that mile 22 was about 6:45 and mile 23 was about 7:00. I could feel the body starting to fatigue quickly, but I knew that a low 2:50 was still within reach. This is where some self-talk kicked in... "Kelly, relax and keep on going. Do not worry about the mile paces, you have this race won if you don't fall down and collapse...you can do anything for 20 minutes..." It is incredible what this can do for you. I started to see more people cheering by mile 24, and this really helped, as I was into the straight up feeling crappy mode by this point. But it simply felt like my legs wanted to stop; physically, I felt good; I wanted to pick it up but the legs were not having it.

I finally got to mile 25 when I felt I could relax, knowing I was going to win it and also get a PR. They ran us through a train station at the end, which was very cool! We jogged down a side walk, through a tunnel and there was the light! Mile 26 marker! At this point, I saw the finish banner and boy was I a happy girl right about now. I looked at my watch and saw it approaching 2:52. The 'under 2:50 if you feel good today' goal became 'be a 2:52-something'. I was actually able to push the last 100 meters or so and was so happy! It was not the time I thought was within reach earlier on (even up to mile 18), however it was a win, a best time and it was every ounce of what was in me on the day.

If there is anyone out there who is contemplaing a marathon, I highly recommend it. There is something about it, something different from even a half-ironman triathlon. It's just all running, all legs, virtually all the same muscles working for 26 miles. There is so much strategy involved, and I think what I learned from my first to my second one was how important it is to have a PLAN. Last time it was 'run a 2:47ish'. To be entirely honest, that pace was so out of reach for me at that time...I was on a very hard course and I had not trained enough and FAST enough to really do that time. I went out and really just wanted to hold 6:25's or so for as long as I could. What a mistake it was! I crashed and burned by mile 18 and I am shocked I finished. This time, it was to go out steady and at or slower than my goal pace. Every time a mile was too fast, I backed it off to what 'felt' easy. I felt like I was in control for almost the entire thing (until my legs decided otherwise). Anyone 'can' do it, I fully believe, it is just about staying within yourself; know what that is and setting up your game plan ahead of time. This is something that only you know. You know better than your running buddies, your coach or your best friend what you are capable of doing. It's putting the 'what I want to do' next to the 'what I am capable of doing' and finding the happy medium.We always want to be a little bit faster, but I was on cloud 9 after this race. A large part was that there were so many important people there with me for me to enjoy this with. I feel like any success' that I have are 50% hard work and determination, and 50% from the amazing support system that I have. I never feel like I have to live up to anyones expectations except my own, and I am so grateful to my friends and family who help me to believe in doing what sometimes seems unattainable...I think this race was an example of the heart wanting what the brain knew was possible, but the mind was not admitting to. And what I did was put any doubts far to the back of my mind and let my body be in control the entire race, with my head keeping it in check. If this thing is a 'journey' to me, I cannot fathom what a full Ironman would be like. :)

Thanks for reading!

Marathon Goal: Stay Upright.

See picture above...that's me. Notice knee that is forward, see the blood? Look closely, you'll see it. This was back in 2005, during the Golden Leaf 1/2 marathon in Aspen, CO. I had run about 12.5 miles at this point on terribly technical trails (up and down ski slopes, through woods and down very steep descents) and with about a mile to go, ate shit and gauged up my knee. My sole goal of this race was not to fall, as I had 2 rods in my left arm from having broken it 4 months earlier. Luckily, when I fell, the rods stayed put.

I was out running today, a nice easy 45 minutes, just a day before I take off for marathon #2 in Georgia on Saturday. It was broad daylight, and I was cruising along feeling good listening to my orange Ipod. Suddenly some rock jumped off the trail right into my path and decided to get into my way, and yep, Kelly took a spill. Isn't it great? I mean, the knee has finally healed up from the BIG fall about 3 weeks ago. Luckily, I protected the left knee and fell on the outside part of my right ankle. So, sore ankle, but safe knee. I walked in the door and said to Derick, "ONE GUESS what I did!" Needless to say, he guessed it.

SERIOUSLY, what is so hard about staying upright for me? It really is humorous, kind of, until it seems to become a regular thing. I have a theory, though. I grew up swimming, and I was always a GREAT kicker! I think my PR for a 100 yard dolphin kick with a board was something like 1:06. Seriously. So my theory is this:

Swimming Background+Strong Kicker= Weak Ankles+Clumsy runner.
Good Runner+Running Background= Stiff Ankles= Stays vertical when running.

Who's with me here? Where are my fellow swimmers who trip over every little thing when running? I know you are out there. Derick, my husband, 'says' he rolls his ankle when running but I have never seen it. I trip so much that at this point, it is kind of embarrassing. But hey, I am willing to admit it, I am a Klutz. You would think a lot of time running and time spent on trails when living in Colorado may have helped my problem, strengthened my ankles. But now, I seem to just avoid the Greenbelt here in Austin for fear that something on it may jump up and throw me violently to the ground.

OK, enough of my rambling. It is what it is, and I am about to head out to Birmingham, AL tomorrow to then drive to Albany, GA to run 26 miles on smoothly paved roads. No obstacles, I hope. I do hear there are a lot of turns on this course, let's just hope that the curbs I am running around are friendly to me.

Thanks for reading and good luck to you all in staying upright! Especially all you crazies who do the Jack and Adams Leadville 100 training runs on Thursday nights from 7:30-9:00, on the Greenbelt. You are tougher than nails in my book. Dangerous, I tell you....dangerous...

Patience when you most need it....

Since having returned from the honeymoon, I have been a running-fool. I ran 80 minutes the day after we returned, 16 miles the following weekend, 18 miles the next weekend then (you guessed it) 20 miles. I was all set to do 23 miles this past Sunday, but I had to come to a screeching halt. It made for one damn moody Sunday with Kelly, just ask Derick.

I was doing 'The Bomb' run on Friday, Feb 6th. We had planned to do a route that started and ended on trail but was vastly on roads, in a local neighborhood; a great 7-8 mile hilly route. Then at the last minute, Gilbert and Bernard opted for the 10-miler (all on Town Lake Trail)... at 6 am, in the dark. Seeing that it was a small group and all pretty good runners, we followed suite. I felt a bit uncomfortable with it knowing my tendency to land on my face when running on trails in the DAYLIGHT but I figured, suck it up Kelly, it will be good for you.

We were about 5 miles into it, and while it was tough I was feeling good. My friends Desiree and Paul were just ahead of me and suddenly, 'SPLAT' goes Kelly on the pavement. We were in a very dark section and on a spot where pavement and trail met, unfortunately I fell on the pavement. When they looked back, I think I was flat out like a bug. I skinned both knees pretty bad and it shook me up, but I trekked on and finished the run, rather strong. Then, I stopped and EVERYTHING HURT. I went home, felt sorry for myself, and began to clean it all up and after a hot shower, ice my knees. And, life went on as usual for the next week (as I even ran 20 miles 2 days later).

This past Saturday, I tried to do a 40 min recovery run, as I was about to hit my biggest running volume of my LIFE in one week, 60 miles! I had a 23 mile run on tap for Sunday. Unfortunately about every step hurt on my left knee in the easy run and I knew that I had to stop. Good thing to remember: It is NEVER a good idea to run through pain that is not being self inflicted. I hope that makes sense. :)

I took 2 days off and ran 30 min on Tuesday, 42 min today. The pain is dull but still there, luckily I have amazing people here in Austin like Karen Smith (local runner, coach, acupuncturist, and great friend) who was willing to see me today. She needled and electricuted me (well, in a good way) and believes this is simply an inflamed tendon. The knee/kneecap area is still a bit swollen, so I'll heed her advice and take 4 days off running. I am going to get introduced tomorrow to this 'Elliptical' thing in the gym. I hope I don't shoot myself. I'll swim, as even cycling hurts it (making me thing even moreso it is a tendon). Unfortunately I'll have to nix the AT&T half marathon on Sunday, in all sense simply being smart. I really want to do this marathon on March 7th (Albany Marathon in GA) but we'll see how it goes, really sucks to have to take a week off in the midst of strong training...but hey, this is life, and we are not superhuman. I have dealt with worse and I have to listen to my healing body right now.

Anyone running the Austin Marathon on Sunday (or half) best of luck, enjoy a BEAUTIFUL day for running for me! Hopefully, I am just 3 weeks behind ya'll....

Thanks for reading; and send some healing vibes my way.