The New Blog

Hi, family and friends!

I'm happy to announce that I've started a new blog! Brook Runs Happy is a blog dedicated solely to my running adventures with Brooklyn. I'll share our running stats, favorite gear, pointers for training a four-legged runner, and tips for Dallas runners.

Click here!

I'll continue this blog for sharing our family's journey, so don't forget to check back here, too!

Hard Labors

Hi, friends!

Yes, I'm alive and surviving year two of graduate school thus far! Labor Day weekend was much needed and appreciated, and Ty and I had a blast watching football, riding bikes, eating pizza, and best of all...going to his triathlon!

Back in the spring, we visited a new local triathlon store. They were running bunch of promotions and gave us each two free raffle tickets when we entered. Well, a week or so later, I received a call informing me that I had won a free race entry! I opted out of a race this early in the semester and gave my entry to Ty! That's right, he got to race free! (Best kind of race, if you ask me!)

The race took place on Labor Day, and for once it didn't start at 6AM! There were to kids' races before the adult tri, and those ended up delayed due to the cone-roadblock-bearing semi truck breaking down. It was nice to somewhat sleep in and enjoy the holiday, but we definitely payed the price with the heat.

The race was hosted by "Tri Now Endurance" and was located at the Oak Point Recreational Center in Plano (about 30 minutes northeast of Dallas). Ty and I were both impressed by the facilities and the company. They did their best to get back on schedule after the early morning cone mishap.

Friends from church had a son participating in the youth event, so we watched his race first. Because of the delays, we were there in time to see all the youth events. I'm not sure of the distances of "junior class" race (ages 6-10), but we were seriously impressed by the speed and transition efficiency of these little guys! The first boy into the transition area had the most incredible transition -- no joke, about 10 seconds. His shoes were already clipped into his bike and rubber banded to be upright. He put on his helmet and left, still dripping wet from the pool. Ty and I looked at each other and agreed his dad must be an IronMan. And then there were the adorable little girls with bunny helmets and confetti on their handle bars. So stinkin' cute!

Transition area! Can you find Ty?

Finally it was time for Ty's race to start! The swim was 300 meters indoors. All the athletes lined up around the pool based on the order of their estimated swim times. So the people who came out first didn't necessarily have the best overall times, they we're just the fastest swimmers.

Our friends watched Ty's swim, but I stayed central in the transition area, so I could catch the bulk of the action. After the swim, the had to run up this walkway and to the transition.

And here he comes -- smiling after the swim!

Transitioning to the bike (2nd from the left)

Ready to ride and headed to the mount line!

See the "mount" sign? You are automatically disqualified if you mount before reaching this sign.

And he's off!

During Ty's 15-mile ride, I chatted with our friends and gawked at all the nice bikes. It was so nice to have some company!

Proper dismount. Good form, good form.

By the time Ty headed out for the run, it was after 11AM, and the sun was mercilessly beating down. I walked to the car once during the race, and I felt like I had jumped in a pool. I knew Ty had to be incredibly tired from the heat.

Run time!

The race finished in an outdoor amphitheater about a half mile from the transition area. We all walked over in time to see Ty finish strong!

Sprint triathlon number three complete! Way to go, Ty!

It was a tough race for him, but he still had some great times! The swim was a personal victory for him, as he greatly improved his previous time and hit his goal for this race. He said the bike course was very hilly (yes, we do have hills in Dallas) and the run was on the open pavement and ridiculously hot! I checked the temperature when he finished, and it was 97 degrees before the heat index. Those are some seriously tough conditions, but he rocked his race anyway!

We picked up some Chipotle and then enjoyed a good nap. I'm not sure why, but I was wiped out, too! Being a spectator is hard work! Maybe it's like how a husband gains sympathy weight when his wife is pregnant? I experienced some intense sympathy post-race exhaustion. :) Or maybe it had something to do with the whole graduate student thing.

Our day ended with a much-needed trip to Sprouts! Athletes gotta fuel!

I love you, Ty, and I'm so very proud of you!!

The Other Marathon

No, this is not another post about my race. I'm referring to Grad School, Year Two.

We really lived it up this final week of summer! I am feeling so much more energized and recovered from my marathon, which allowed us to have a fun and active week.

Now the real marathon begins.

I had orientation on Friday, and it was far less stressful this year. In fact, it was just plain fun! The faculty bought us lunch and asked about our summers. We met the two incoming graduate students and reviewed the essentials. I can't say just how thankful I am! This time last year I was studying for entrance exams like a mad woman. Being immersed into the MM performance/ped program last year incurred an incredible amount of change in a short period of time. How grateful I am for returning students and a year of experience under my belt. I have much to learn, but the transition should be much smoother this time around. I couldn't be happier with my program and the opportunity to return for year two!

Enjoy some photos from our final week of summer.

A Hard Night's Day at the Granada Theatre -- first live show we've seen in Dallas, and a fun one at that!

Tuesday swim

Wednesday 10K with our local running store

Friday run in my new kicks!

Saturday ride -- 22 miles and new trails!

High-risk selfie :)

A friend from church snapped photos of everyone at lunch today, just because. I love this candid shot!

Super food salads, week three!

School at 8:45 this morning. I guess no one else wanted to make copies on their last weekend morning?!

The Aftermath: Marathon Recovery

We're home! I'd like to say I had a super productive week after all that vacationing, but that would be just plain false. I've needed a week to recover from vacation. My mother-in-love always takes an additional vacation day after a trip or big event before jumping back into her work routine. She's a smart lady. Apparently when you run a marathon at the end of your vacation, you need a full week off before regaining your energy.

I taught a handful of lessons last week, but mostly I focused on recovering: resting, stretching (I also love this essential oil blend for relieving post-run soreness!), and fueling my body with the best nutrition. And watching tons of Murder, She Wrote!

Recovery is, in fact, one of the most overlooked parts of "training" for a marathon. By no means is it unimportant! I remember watching my friend, Erin, recover from her first marathon, and it seemed like a full-time job! Recovery begins as soon as you cross the finish line, but at that moment it's hard to think of what your body needs. Did you know it takes about three weeks for the body to recover from the stress of a marathon? Some say even longer. With the start of a new school year right around the corner, I knew I needed to be as intentional as possible this side of fall semester.

New medals are up! October 2014-August 2015

I'm totally playing favorites with this one.

Bib number on my board!

Recovery smoothie for the win!
Coconut water, kale, spinach, RAW Meal, chia seeds, homemade ginger honey,
matcha powder, banana, blueberries, strawberries, and mango.

My homemade kombucha during the second ferment! Update: it's delicious!

Going crazy with mason jars! My adaptation of this tasty zoodle recipe!

Eat all the colors!

The best kind of recovery!

Monday and Tuesday were total rest days. I walked and practiced a little, but that was the extent of my physical activity. Not going to lie: I was sore and tired.

Mid-week, I transitioned to active recovery - easy and low-impact workouts.

Wednesday: 11-mile bike ride

Getting my Tri-Hubby ready for his September race! Next summer goal: 70.3?

Thursday: Rest (again)

(We were going to ride, but instead we made an impromptu trip to Green Grocer. Because sometimes DFW beer, Austin homemade ice cream, the best multi-colored popcorn in the whole metroplex, and our favorite British TV show sound a lot better. You'd pick dark chocolate, olive oil, and sea salt ice cream any day over melting in the 105-degree weather, too.)

Friday: 2-mile run, 1 mile-walk, 22-mile bike ride

First post-marathon run. The Weimaraner thought "recovery" and "laziness" were synonymous.

Saturday: Ab circuit and 800 meter swim

Sunday: 10.75-mile bike ride

I also managed to do my grocery shopping and food prep for the week. (I really didn't want to, and everyone was really in my way at the store. Grr.) BUT! I'm also really excited about this week's superfood salad! (Adaptation from this recipe.) I started with an apple cider vinaigrette dressing (coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, Citrus essential oil blend, lime juice, dijon mustard, ginger, raw honey, salt, and pepper), and then I layered the jar with cashew pieces, chia seeds, blueberries, quinoa, strawberries, kale, and spinach. I plan to top with fresh avocado slices each day!

And finally, the best way to celebrate recovery week...

Meet my Glycerin 13s.

Ready to Run Happy! Can't wait to see where this pair takes me!

Happy Monday, friends. Time to put my nose to the grindstone, er, fingers to the keys. Grad school, year two is about to commence!

Vacation, Part VI: Mt. Sneffels Marathon (Race Recap)

Well, friends.

I did it. I ran 26.2 miles at 7,800 feet after barely completing my training (thank you, nasty IT band) at 430 feet above sea level. To be honest, August 8th could have gone any way. My IT band could have flared up without notice at mile three or twenty-three, the altitude sickness could have hit hard, I could have woken up with food poisoning like that one time, or I could have ended up in the hospital like that other time. But I didn't. The cynic in me is still surprised by how smoothly the day went. I am entirely grateful for my first marathon experience. It was a dream fulfilled!

I am a marathoner!

Now are you ready for all the details? I warn you: they are the nerdy type that likely only interest runners and moms.

We picked up our packets the night before the race, and I was astonished by the tiny box with bib numbers labeled "Marathon." Only 85 people were registered for the marathon, while 700+ were signed up for the half marathon (along with Ty). This contributed to some pre-race anxiety, as I now envisioned running hilly dirt roads all alone for 26.2 miles.

Race ready! She was crushed she couldn't join the fun!

Race morning! A special thanks to our B&B host, Lysa, for the perfect race day breakfast! She made me gluten-free muffins and fresh fruit -- filling, but easy on the tummy!

It was fifty degrees at gun time, just chilly enough that I was cold at the start line. I wore an extra throw-away t-shirt over my tank and a pair of my dad's socks over my hands until I warmed up. I found a garbage can and ditched them around mile two, I think.

So about that course. The marathon began at 6:30AM in downtown Ridgway, and it was an out-and-back course between Ridgway and Ouray. The half marathon started at 7:30 in Ouray, so my parents had plenty of time to drop Ty at his start. The marathoners ran to Ouray (halfway point) and back to Ridgway, while the half marathoners ran from Ouray to Ridgway, essentially the second half of the marathon course.

Ridgway-Ouray-Ridgway

As I started, I remember feeling slightly short of breath, but not nearly as bad as I had anticipated. My left IT band was tight, but it loosened up the more I ran. At mile two, I remember flying down a hill thinking, "This is going to stink on the way back!" Little did I know just how true that was!

I ran miles 3-8 on the heels of an experienced marathoner. I said something like, "Thanks for letting me hang onto you," during the race, and she quickly responded, "As long as you're not in my age group! But I think I'm old enough to be your mother!" Age gap provided, we were now apparently friends.

There was a girl about my age barely in my sights, and another one a good distance ahead of her.

"See that girl? You're going to pass her before this race is over. And the girl in front of her. Believe me; I've been doing this a long time, and you've got the endurance."

Well I'm glad somebody thinks I'm at least going to finish! 

The first half of the race went remarkably well, considering the uphill climb. The first nine or so miles were quiet and fairly deserted, but once the half marathoners started coming the other way, the energy of the race really picked up. The half marathoners were friendly and encouraging! They knew we were in the double digits already, so many of them went out of their way to cheer us on!

"Looking good, marathoner!"

"Way to go, girl!"

"You're awesome, marathoner!"

Amazing how generic words spoken by strangers hold incredible value.

I saw Ty in the race crowd around mile 10 or 11, which was a huge pick-me-up. He looked great! I also knew my parents were waiting for me at the turnaround with Brooklyn.

I hit the halfway mark at 2:02. I was pleasantly surprised, given the altitude and hills, and I felt energized for the second half. I knew I could run it faster, given the fact that most of it was downhill. I saw my dad and Brooklyn in the distance, immediately noticed Dad's subtle correction of my form, and lowered my hands closer to my hips.

As I passed my dad and Brooklyn, Brooklyn's tail started going a mile a minute (wish I could move that fast!). When she realized she didn't get to join me, she started whining so pitifully! I heard her all the way to the turnaround at the Ouray Hot Springs Park. When I came back by after my loop, I stopped to give her some love.

7th Avenue in Ouray

In regards to nutrition, I took my gels at mile 7 and 14 and drank water on demand. I took Gatorade and water from the aid stations as needed, too. My legs still felt fresh, and I had a lot of energy. By the halfway point, I had passed the first girl my new friend had mentioned. By mile 15, I had caught up with the second girl, who told me she had started way too fast. I passed momentous miles 18 and 20 in her company without a second thought! I was feeling great! Maybe this "wall" everyone talked about wouldn't happen to me? We ran together until mile 21 or 22, and I really enjoyed her company.

My gorgeous course! Somewhere in those middle miles...

I remember I couldn't stomach another gel at mile 21, so I only ate about half of it. I regretfully left my latest running buddy behind and headed for the short out-and-back portion near the end of the course. This strange turn-around was apparently added so as to eliminate a tough hill in the previous course. Somewhere in this turnaround, I began to feel fatigued for the first time. What ensued, however, just about did me in.

Mile 24, I hated you.

Remember that hill I flew down at the start of the race? Yeah, well I had to climb crawl it on the return. My GPS stats later told me that mile 24 had an elevation gain of 39 feet, but I would have sworn to you it was at least 100 feet! It was of a steep, lethal nature -- the kind of hill that makes you breathless just walking. In fact, I did have to walk up the steepest part of the hill! When I reached the aid station at the top, I was unable to respond to a simple, "Water or Gatorade?" Everything was fuzzy, and I couldn't move or speak for a good ten seconds. I truly thought I was going to pass out if I took another step forward. I drank some fluids, grabbed a few MMs (don't ask -- I needed a quick sugar boost, and the thought of more gel was nauseating), and said, "Whose idea was it to put that hill here?!"

I never could keep my mouth shut. What a waste of air! The aid station volunteer smiled and replied, "We've heard that a lot today! But it's all downhill from here!"

I was surprised and disappointed by my sudden decline. I guess I wasn't better than "the wall" after all. It truly felt as though I'd had the wind knocked out of me! Looking back, I think I could have sustained, but I had nothing extra to give. And that hill required way too much "extra" at that point in the game. I think I did the smart thing in slowing myself down so I could finish strong.

I knew I was close, but I knew I wasn't going to break four hours when I saw another hill in front of me (I hit mile 25 at 3:52:00). So much for it all being downhill from here!

Another downside is that I ran alone for the final 5K. I had lost sight of the two runners ahead of me, and nobody was close behind. I passed half marathoners who were walking, but that wasn't exactly motivating.

When I reached the top of the hill at mile twenty-five, I could see the finish line. I resolved to finish strong and to finish well, and I pushed through the mental barrier that miles 23-24 had hoisted.

It really was all downhill from there, and I could see my dad in the distance. Nothing was going to stop me from reaching my family! Dad came toward me to cheer me on, and I remember him yelling, "Get your butt moving! Pick it up!" Coach Dad put a smile on my face, and I did pick up the pace!

As I turned the corner into the finish area, Ty and Brooklyn ran along side me at an even faster pace. Ty had already rocked his 13.1 miles (1:50:43!), but he ran again to help me finish! Amazing what community will do for you! Two miles ago I was spent, and here I felt energized anew! Thanks to my family, I finished strong and sprinted across the finish line. I always like to finish a race this way, no matter how ugly the previous miles have been.

Moments after finishing!

So proud of Tyler for finishing his first half marathon! You're amazing, honey! 

At this point, my new friend came over to congratulate me. To my surprise, she told me I should be an ultra runner, because I'm strong in endurance. She was the kind of lady you don't argue with, but I was thinking, "This was hard enough, thank you."

2nd place female, 20-29! 

Would I do it again?

Absolutely! I said that even while the pain and memory of Hell Hill (my designation) were fresh. I would like to try a flat, fast course next time. It can only get easier from here, right?

What did I learn?

I need others! While I was the one placing one foot in front of the other, I couldn't do it alone. Even this introvert needed the support, presence, and encouragement of family, volunteers, spectators, and fellow racers.

I needed more long run experience. Because of my IT band injury, I really only completed three long runs (over 14 miles), with an 18-miler being my longest. That 18-miler happened to be a fantastic training run, in which I never reached exhaustion and kept a great pace. Athletically, I felt more than prepared for the mileage, but I think it would have been helpful to have experienced the exhaustion a 20-mile run is bound to incur.

Running based on effort helped me pace myself. I wore my GPS watch, but I released any time goals and intentionally kept my eyes on the road instead of my "current pace" stats. This helped me focus on the long-range goal and allow myself to run slower on uphill climbs, when needed. This effort-based method alerted me when I almost pushed too hard at mile 23 and helped me recover for a good finish. I listened to my body, and I did the best I could on that given day.

How did I prepare for a race at high altitude?

I trained in the heat. I've read that heat is a good trade-off for altitude, as far as effort and pace go. Those 100+ degree runs paid off on my 55-degree race day.

I acclimated for a week before race day. I experienced differing levels of high altitude, from 5,000-11,000 feet all throughout that week, eventually racing at 7,000-7,800 feet. I completed my taper runs at altitude, but I didn't pay attention to pace, only effort.

I drank a ton of water. It's important to hydrate well a full week before racing at any altitude, but staying hydrated can speed altitude adjustment. I stayed away from alcohol (except for that one margarita Ty and I shared!), drank a single cup of coffee every day, and consciously drank about double my normal water intake.

I loaded up on my best immune boosters and detoxifiers: Vitamins and probiotics, Lemon (in my water), Thieves and Purification (topical) Essential Oils, Ningxia Red (thanks, Sara!), and fresh ginger. My green smoothie and juice bar tour of Colorado, as well as my hunt for local booch, was also strategically placed during race week.

We rested a lot. If I was tired, I relaxed. I didn't push to the point of exhaustion or extreme fatigue until race day! This is a no-brainer during taper week, but it's especially important when adjusting to high altitude.

Now for all those nerdy stats...

Total time: 4:02:33

Elevation gain: 1,128 feet

Starting altitude: 7,000 feet

Highest altitude: 7,800 feet

Temperature: ~55-75 degrees

Terrain: mostly dirt roads (some muddy) with a few paved areas
Average pace: 9:16/mi
Overall place: 14/59
Division (F 20-29): 2/6
Gender place: 4/29

Splits
Mile 1: 9:30 (elevation gain of 70', loss of 16')
Mile 2: 9:29 (elevation gain of 49')
Mile 3: 9:00 (elevation gain of 4' loss of 54')
Mile 4: 8:52 (elevation loss of 10')
Mile 5: 8:52 (elevation gain of 26')
Mile 6: 9:23 (elevation gain of 89')
Mile 7: 9:35 (elevation gain of 69')
Mile 8: 9:36 (elevation gain of 155')
Mile 9: 9:31 (elevation gain of 93', loss of 59')
Mile 10: 9:19 (elevation gain of 90')
Mile 11: 9:28 (elevation gain of 58')
Mile 12: 9:47 (elevation gain of 76')
Mile 13: 9:21 (elevation gain of 91', loss of 25')
Mile 14: 9:28 (elevation gain of 59', loss of 82')
Mile 15: 8:58 (elevation loss of 78')
Mile 16: 8:58 (elevation loss of 71')
Mile 17: 8:43 (elevation loss of 138' - fastest mile)
Mile 18: 9:15 (elevation gain of 116', loss of 74')
Mile 19: 8:55 (elevation loss of 150')
Mile 20: 8:57 (elevation loss of 132')
Mile 21: 8:59 (elevation loss of 60')
Mile 22: 9:12 (elevation loss of 48')
Mile 23: 9:33 (elevation loss of 8')
Mile 24: 10:09 (elevation gain of 39' - slowest mile)
Mile 25: 9:02 (elevation gain of 31', loss of 56')
Mile 26: 9:15 (elevation gain of 15', loss of 59')

Race Gear

Brooks Glycerins 12, Brooks Epiphany shorts, Brooks Run HVAC Happy Hat II, Nike Relay Tank Top, Amphipod Airflow MicroStretch Race belt, Amphipod Hydra-form Jett-Lite handheld water bottle, Honey Stinger energy gels (Fruit Smoothie & Acai Pomegranate)

Race Recovery

We spent the remainder of the day reliving the race, soaking in the hot tub, sleeping, watching movies, and eventually eating. (It took me hours to feel hungry.)

Post-race napping buddy

Dinner after a restful afternoon - celebrating our races on our last night in Ouray!

The next morning, we loaded the car at 5AM and hit the road back to Texas. A marathon one day, another marathon the next. Thankfully, this marathon involved a whole lot of resting for me! My hubby is the real marathoner, because he voluntarily drove the whole way!

Texas, here we come!

More on my recovery week to come! As for vacation...

...that's all, folks!

(Need to catch up on Parts I, II, III, IV, and V?)