7 Sisters 2015 Race Recap

Courtesy of http://7sisterstrailrace.com/

What do you do the day after running 3 laps of an obstacle course race located on the beach, covering approximately 12 miles?  Why you go "run" the 7 Sisters Trail Race of course! 

Billed as the "Hardest Up/Down Race" by Runners World Magazine on their America's Best Trail Races list.  With a cutoff time of 12:00 for the turnaround.  Whelp, make that 11:30!  Apparently I missed the posts on their Facebook page about the change in cutoff.  What was already going to be a challenge, I had been freaking out for days about now making the cutoff, and I just lost 30 minutes, was now something I seriously thought I would DNF.  

I arrived early with plenty of time to register, use the bathroom, and do what I really love to do: visit with people!  I knew quite a few people running, several who had come out just to spectate the start, and it was a fantastic way to spend the morning.  It wasn't long before we were lining up, I missed the group photo, and we were off.  It is a matter of yards before the trail takes a turn and we are going UP.  The ups and the downs are no joke.  

Up we go.  Photo courtesy of Heather Gannoe
www.relentlessforwardcommotion.com

It was hot.  I was sunburned from the day before.  I had a plan to drink every time my Runkeeper spoke to me which was every 15 minutes and every mile.  This worked well.  I would eat something every 1-2 times she spoke to me and ingest a salt tab every hour or so.  I never bonked.  I never stopped sweating.  Despite my legs feeling brutalized, I never actually felt bad.  

Top of the first section of the ascent after the cutoff.  I MADE THE CUTOFF!!!

I was really worried about making the cutoff.  Luckily for me, despite saying 11:30, they seemed to have adjusted the cutoff to be 2:30 hours from the time your wave started.  I made it, with mere minutes to spare.  I had just enough time to get some fruit, refill my pack, rinse my hands, and get back on the course.  I never got a photo of the view from the Summit House but it was beautiful.  The volunteer at the top told me if I hurried, I should catch a pair of females who were just ahead of me. That running together keeps you motivated.  So I moved, as fast as I could.  I finally caught up to them!

Heidi, Marie, and Cat.  What amazing people.  I had a great time with them.  Heidi was struggling, so I did what I do best.  I figured out where she was hurting, helped get her moving, rubbed out her butt, and got her to smile.  Marie was moving slowly as she had rolled her ankle, bad enough to slow her down but not so bad she didn't make the cutoff!  Cat was amazing. Turns out we have mutual friends. After staying with them for quite a while, I had to keep moving as my legs were wanting to tighten up.  I could hear them off and on and when I came in to the last aid station, signaling we had two miles to go, I was able to see them come in.  Heidi, despite her pain, was adamant that she was going to finish.  I had to hug her before moving on again.

The LAST tiny bit of downhill before rounding the corner to the finish!

Luckily they took off not much later and we were able to semi stay together the rest of the race. Coming down the last hill together and seeing the finish line. We all dug deep and gave everything we had left to give.  My friends cheering at the finish and willing to hug my sweaty nasty self was amazing.  Thank you all for the support.  I cannot wait for next year.

WE DID IT!

My official results! 429. Hannah Hawley, 33, VT 5:51:23 out of 434 finishers, 471 started.

Recovery #chocolatemilk with my 7 Sisters hat.  That pattern? That's the elevation!

Frigus 2015 Race Recap

For the second time in my life, I let Andy Weinberg talk me into doing a race that I was convinced was beyond my capabilities.

The Endurance Society's second event.  Frigus.  A winter race with the options of a 10k, 30k, or 60 snowshoe; 10k, 30k, 60k back-country ski; 5k sled run; and combined, 30k ski, 30k snowshow, 5k sled run.

I wanted to sign up for the 10k snowshoe.  I ended up signing up for the 30k snowshoe.

Taking place at Blueberry Hill Inn in Brandon, Vermont, with packet picket offered Friday evening in addition to Saturday morning.  While a room could be booked at the Inn, it was rather pricey.  They also offered space in the upper loft of the ski lodge where we could drop a sleeping pad and sleeping bag.  We had access to bathrooms and running water and a place to sleep that couldn't be closer if we tried to the start for $12.  Arriving early meant that time could be spent with other racers and the race directors.  I couldn't imagine starting the race any other way.

With packet pickup, we were provided with our bib, a t-shirt (reminded me of our NE Spahtens shirts in the male cut) that were unisex size but super soft.  We signed waivers, confirmed our distance and were given the option to change it, and were reminded of our start times.  They had the finishers medals on display, as well as the winners certificates, and the winners Endurance Society etched maple syrup bottles.

A great evening of visiting with friends, a decent nights sleep, and it was morning and the air was buzzing with the energy for the day.  The morning was spent visiting, hugging, feeling nervous about the race!  The temperatures were in the single digits when we started with the highs promised to be in the low twenties.

All the skiers were to start at 7:15, all the snowshoers were to start at 8:15, and the 5k sledders at 9:15.  Andy called out that all heats would be starting on time.  10 minute and 5 minute warnings were given, that a brief meeting was to be held before each heat started and they wouldn't be waiting if you weren't there.

Andy instructed everyone to get behind the start line for the skiers, a combination of 10k, 30k, 60k, and combined racers.  They were given there briefing and off they went.  An hour later, the snowshoers were given the same.  We had 2 miles of gradual up, 2 miles of steep up.  We would have one aid station at approximately the halfway point.

And we were off.

Neely Fortune, Mathieu Lo, and I decided to stay together, walk the course, have fun, push ourselves to finish.

The first section of the course was for all 3 distances.  At some point the 10k would turn off and we would continue on.  It was incredibly inspiring to watch Mark Webb crutch his way up the hill, taking on the 10k.  I was able to have a glass of wine with Amy Parulis and her father as they were doing a party lap 10k to celebrate his birthday.  I tackled Mathieu, my way of passing along Ilene's hello.  Got a hug from the fantastic Richard Ricciardi.

The course was beautiful.  Mountains, streams, lakes, snow.  We went uphill, downhill, flats, up and down.  We passed my next home, crossed some bridges, saw some skiers out for a jaunt, snowmobilers, and we were at the aid station.  Greg Tappin was there with a smile and my chocolate milk and gluten free pretzels for me!  While we were there, we were lapped by a 60k skier.  He was flying!

We were told we were approximately halfway.  On we went.  We would get passed by more 60k snowshoers, Drew lapped us on his way to a 2nd place finish, listened to music, and start to feel our bodies breaking down.  Hip flexors, knees, chafing.

It wasn't long before the finish line was in sight.  My own personal cheering section was waiting for me.  I hurt.  I wanted to cry. I did it!  I hugged Lisa Klinkenberg, looked at the ground, and laid down.  I was exhausted.  I was given my medal and mustered the energy to stand up and get inside where there was chili and warmth.

There was a fire outside to enjoy and racers still on course.  We enjoyed the fire, the sunset, and cheered racers as they came through.  Since the course didn't close until midnight, there was a bit of time left to wait.  Having been in the back of the pack too many times to count, whenever possible, I like to be there to greet finishers.

We took a trip up to the aid station in hopes of catching friends and cheering them on.  We missed Amanda and Billy, helped out Ryan with encouragement to keep going since if he finished he would be the 2nd place finisher for the combined, cheered on Shannon and Doug, visited with Jane and Ted, and heard from Eric that he hadn't passed Liza and Jordan.  Worried that they were headed back to base, we headed back ourselves.

The fire needed stoking, racers were finishing, and eventually we got word that Liza and Jordan were still on course and would be finishing close to midnight.  It was an amazing atmosphere.

Overall, The Endurance Society nailed it.  There seemed to be no issues at registration, they didn't run out of medals, race directors were visible and available.  No one got lost, the event started on time, everything that was promised was delivered.

My Official Results: 8:04:05 for the 30k Snowshoe
Next year: make my first lap faster than this year... and still go out to finish the 60k!!!

I cannot wait for Infinitus!

Stop Hiding Behind Your Comfort Zone

We have all heard the saying “Life beings at the end of your comfort zone.” by Neale Donald Walsh.

We all have places we feel comfortable and confident.  We know that we will succeed, even if it takes effort and all that we have, we know we will not fail.  That is our comfort zone.

It’s important to know where your comfort zone is.  To know what your boundaries are.  It is within those boundaries you can relax and reflect.  It should be where you can recharge and reevaluate.

Now comes the hard part.  Step outside of it.  It doesn’t have to be big.  It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing mentality.  Find something to push you.  That is where you grow and learn about yourself.  That is where you find yourself.   Don’t like meeting new people?  Introduce yourself to one new person, not a whole group.  Don’t think you can run a 10k?  Sign up and finish, however that happens.

Comfort zones are wonderful.  Reach for growth, step outside of it!

What it takes to be an inspiration.

Just what does it take to inspire someone?Not necessarily as much as you might think.  It will differ for each person.  You might not even realize that you are being an inspiration.  Everything that you do can be inspiring to the right person.

Did you share a recipe that was healthy?  Someone might have seen it and decide that looks good and takes a step to cook a meal at home instead of going out.  Guess what! You just inspired someone.

Did you post a photo of yourself at the gym?  Someone might have seen it and decided they were going to do something active.  Guess what! You just inspired someone.

Did you do something that pushed you outside of your comfort zone?  Did you shout it to the roof tops when you finished?  Someone probably saw it and probably decided to do something else to step outside of their comfort zone.  Guess what! You just inspired someone. 

I know that running a marathon or an ultra marathon is inspiring.  So is running a 5k when you couldn't run 30 seconds a year ago.   You know what else is inspiring?  Walking a 5k even when you are worried people might be looking at you. 

Anything you do that pushes you is inspiring. Remember that what you are doing could be inspiring someone, just as you are being inspired by others.

Resolutions and Goals

I am not a big New Year’s Resolutionist.  If I set them too quickly, without a lot of thought, they usually aren’t right for the long term and I give up.  If I spend too much time setting them, the year is too far into it and I give up.  Sometimes I set them too hard and challenging, so I give up.  Rarely do I set them too easy but when I do, they are over before I even get the satisfaction of working on them.  Sense a theme here?  I give up on them.

Goals should be in constant evolution as you grow and change.  When you realize there is something you want, figure out how to obtain it and go for it.  Don’t wait for the New Year to start your weight-loss journey, your sub 3:00 marathon, your quest for all the 4,000 footers in NH, the list goes on and on.

So what are you waiting for! Just because New Year’s Day has passed doesn't mean it is too late or too early to set those goals.  Goals are motivation!

Set your goal.

Set when you want to achieve your goal.

Write down the steps needed to achieve your goal, including mini goals.

Execute your plan.

NEVER GIVE UP!

* Cross posted from http://www.newenglandspahtens.com/resolutions-and-goals/

Butternut Squash Lasagna

One of the meals I have missed since going gluten free has been lasagna.  I haven't dared try to use a GF noodle to recreate the dish as I don't always like how the noodles are the next day.  I have found I tend to prefer them fresh and that doesn't translate well to lasagna.  It got me to thinking about the ways that people use different squashes to replace noodles in other dishes, zucchini, spaghetti squash, etc.  I have often enjoyed a butternut squash lasagna with a white bechamel sauce and thought that would work quite well as a replacement in lasagna.  So I set out to do just that!  It came out amazing and I cannot wait to make it again.

Butternut Squash Lasagna

1 Butternut Squash, peeled, seeded, and sliced approximately 1/4 of an inch thick
8 cups Simple Meat Sauce
8oz Shredded Cheese, Italian Blend works nicely
16oz Ricotta
16oz Chopped Frozen Spinach, defrosted and squeezed in a towel to drain excess liquid.
6 cloves of Garlic, mined
2 Eggs
2 TBS Garlic and Herb Seasoning
Salt and Pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  In a bowl, mix the ricotta, spinach, garlic, garlic and herb seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.  Finally mix in the two eggs.

In a large baking dish, 9 x 13, start by laying meat sauce and a single layer of butternut squash, a little overlap is okay.  Layer in half of the ricotta and spinach mixture and top with a third of the shredded cheese.  Repeat with more sauce, squash, the rest of the ricotta and spinach, and another third of the shredded cheese.  Top with the one more layer of squash, more meat sauce, and the rest of the shredded cheese.

Bake for 60 minutes until squash is cooked through and cheese is lightly browned and melty.  Allow to cool a bit before serving.

Simple Meat Sauce

I have been wanting to make a gluten free lasagna for a while, so today was the day.

But first, let me take a selfie!

Okay, just kidding, first I needed to make a meat sauce.  This made more than enough for the lasagna, left me with enough leftovers to make a serving or two of pasta, and enough to make meat sauce poached eggs for breakfast.

Simple Meat Sauce
1 Onion - diced
1 Pepper, any color - diced
2 TBS Butter
20oz Ground Turkey
14oz can Tomato Paste
32oz can Diced Tomatoes
32 oz can Crushed Tomatoes
2 TBS Garlic and Herb Seasoning
Salt and Pepper

Saute the onions and peppers in the butter.  Add the Garlic and Herb Seasoning, continuing to heat until fragrant.  Stir in the three cans of tomato product, seasoning with salt and pepper.  Bring to a simmer and cook for at least an hour.  Add more salt and pepper to taste.  The longer it cooks, better better it gets.  Enjoy!

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Yesterday my friend Lindsay had a Soup Night.  A lovely take on a potluck in which everyone brings a soup to share.  People taste the soups, eat the soups, and then divy up the leftovers into containers to take home!  It was genius and I now have several different types of soup in my freezer for last minute dinners and quick lunches.

As part of the festivities, there was a judging!  Everyone voted for their two favorite soups, and the winner went home with the golden ladle.  It was a close race, the second and third place soups were tied with 4 votes each, but my Cream of Mushroom Soup took home the Golden Ladle with 5 votes!

Cream of Mushroom Soup

10 cups Whole Milk
1 cup Heavy Cream
2 TBS Corn Starch
8-12 sprigs of Thyme, divided
4 TBS Butter
16 ounces White Mushrooms, 8 ounces whole, 8 ounces rough chopped
16 ounces Crimini Mushrooms, 8 ounces whole, 8 ounces rough chopped
1 Shallot, quartered
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Nip of Bourbon

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

On a baking sheet place the whole mushrooms, shallot, 4 sprigs of thyme, and drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Roast for 30-45 minutes, stirring once.  They should be golden in color when done.

In a dutch oven or stock pot, add the milk and remaining thyme (the more thyme the stronger the flavor).  Scald, then simmer lightly for 15 minutes.  Remove the thyme sprigs.

In a pan, melt the butter and add the rest of the mushrooms.  Saute until golden brown, seasoning with salt and pepper.  If the mushrooms give off a lot of liquid, drain into the milk.  Once golden brown, deglaze with the bourbon.

Add the roasted mushrooms and shallots to the milk, including the thyme sprigs.  Give a stir, then remove the thyme stems (this will allow the leaves to fall off into the soup).  Blend.  Stir the corn starch into the heavy cream and then whisk into the soup.

Stir the sauteed mushrooms into the soup, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

O2X Summit Challenge at Sugarbush Mount Ellen

I love pushing myself physically, and mentally. I also love trying new things, especially new events. When a new series was announced with the inaugural event only 45 minutes away from me at Sugarbush Mount Ellen, I put it on my calendar immediately.

Per their website: O2X is the most authentic challenge out there. Our Base-To-Peak footraces combine a series of demanding vertical ascents, natural obstacles, and a test of your mental fortitude. We design trails that are tough, fun, and beautiful. When you reach the summit, you'll be greeted with an amazing view, a sense of accomplishment, and and ice cold beer once you return to basecamp. Are you ready to Rise Higher?

There were so many things to like about this event before it started! There was onsite camping the night before where they advertised there would be a fireside chat, food vendors, music, and more, referred to as Basecamp. All registered participants received a thank you for registering note with a handwritten envelope and sticker. Major kudos! We received a training plan that people pay lots of money for, I can't wait to implement it after the Beast. The email communication was clear and concise, there wasn't too many and I was never left feeling like I didn't have the information I needed. My expectations were really high.

"Are you ready for the next evolution in trail running? Push your limits. Reach new levels of personal achievement. Rise Higher." ~ O2X.com

I arrived at Sugarbush Mount Ellen about 6:30 and were directed by smiling staff where to go to unload for camping and then where to park. I pulled in and found NE Spahten tent city rather quickly. After Jeremy and I unloaded the car, I went to set up the tent. No tent. Crap! Beth mentioned we could probably crash with Lisa and Don in their palace (enormous tent) or check with Heather and Geoff because she thought she heard them mention an extra tent. SCORE! Borrowed tent for the win. Thanks Heather and Geoff!

At Basecamp, we took a quick look around before walking over to register. It was quick and easy, Lizzy D was working the computer and checked me in quickly. A usable drawstring backpack, Juti Bar, meat stick, soft cotton t-shirt, and Lululemon shorts! I was psyched. I did notice that my shirt was a men's cut and within moments, they had me swapped out for a female version. Material was the same but the capped sleeves on women's shirts are far more comfortable for me.

Since it was on the chilly side, inside we went, where we were able to enjoy the all you can eat chili dinner. While I wish this was included with the cost of camping, I was psyched to find a gluten free chili, salad that was free of croutons, and corn chips. With a race to be run the next day, the meal also included Gatorade which was a great touch by the vendor. They were selling beer and hard cider. Often times there are no cider options and that means that a vendor or event misses out on my money.

One of the things that really set this event apart was the fireside chat. Everyone was gathered around a crackling fire, smiling and chatting, when the founders of O2X started to tell us about their why. It was inspiring, heartfelt, and genuine. They talked about how they wanted to work together and then decided what that would look like. An ingenious way to start something. They talked about how each of us who stepped up to give them a chance was considered a plank owner; A "plank owner" is an individual who was a member of the crew of a ship when that ship was placed in commission. In earlier years, this applied to a first commissioning; since then, it has often been applied to one who was part of a recommissioning crew as well. As the founders are Navy Seals themselves, it was a very humbling moment to be considered a plank owner along side them. A chat from an average Joe, Frank Fumich, who also happens to like to push himself to the extreme just to see if he can, had us all laughing. 

The energy and the atmosphere blew me away. It is not often that I feel the type of energy circulating around that emanated from O2X. It was a struggle to tear myself away from the group (and admittedly, I was one of the last to do so) to go to bed and get the needed rest before the race. It was cold, as fall in Vermont can be, but after snuggling down in our borrowed tent, I slept solidly till morning. 

It was certainly brisk in the morning but breakfast was served in the lodge with hot coffee, although I hear they couldn't make it fast enough to keep up with demand, and they ran out of cream when we went to get our cups. After making a trip to the car, someone had returned with cream. Hot coffee was much needed on the chilly morning. A brief moose sighting up on the ski slope topped off the nature vs man feeling to the event.

As each wave went up to start, they were led through a brief warm up. It felt really good to get the blood moving. A few minutes later and we were off. The course started up a slight incline before dropping down and looping back up through the festival area. 
This really allowed people to get grab a hold of the energy of the festival to carry with them up the course. 

The course took us up and over ski trails, dirt roads, up along side a stream, across the stream, scrambling over rocks, bouldering over rocks, bear crawling up super steep glades.
We scrambled over fallen logs, slippery moss, under fallen logs, over fallen brush.  This course was not a trail run, nor was it an obstacle course race.  It was the ultimate trail adventure.  Along the way we hit milestones that let us know how many feet of elevation we had climbed.  I loved that this was carried over from the concept that we would be climbing feet of elevation as opposed to focusing on how many miles were covered.  There were smiling volunteers at the many water stations, several photographers, and amazing music at the scrambles.  The score from Last of the Mohicans seemed to pump everyone up more than any rock or pop hit seems to do at most events.  It also fit the setting. 

As we climbed, it got colder and colder, the wind blowing harder and stronger.  I couldn't wait to reach the summit to put on the dry long sleeves I had in my pack.  Below freezing with wind was not fun.  

A volunteer was stationed at the top of the nastiest of the climbs cheering and encouraging and directing us up to the finish.  While there was not a lot of action at the summit, nor was there a view, the staff and volunteers were full of smiles, willing to indulge me in my heel click into the finish.  They were immediately wrapping emergency blankets around our shoulders and giving us our finishers medals which were actually canteens filled with water.  While I wish it had been filled with bourbon or whiskey to warm up with, I thought it was a great way to avoid trash and get some hydration into us.  I look forward to utilizing my canteen in the future.

It was a quick downhill to stretch out the legs before hoping a chairlift back to Basecamp.  Had it not been for the predictably unpredictable New England weather, the views would have been stunning.  At the bottom, there was a fire to warm up by, music, and a free beer for each racer.  They actually let me have a cider instead of beer which caused me to do a happy dance on site.  

I had arrived back at Basecamp just in time to hear them give out their Rise Higher award to one our own NE Spahtens, Jane Boudreau Coffey, for surviving and thriving through adversity.  Just another reason to love O2X, their Rise Higher award, to be awarded at each event.  Simply email them with your nomination!

In short. Find the closest event to you and sign up.  It is worth every penny!

24 Hours of Shale Hell

Well, I have had my first DNF, technically speaking.  If only in the manner that I couldn’t go continuously for 24 hours, nor could I finish my fourth lap.  Thank you 24 Hours of Shale Hell for that!

The start and finishing for each lap of the 24 Hours of Shale Hell (Hell) was the first Pick Your Poison and the finish was at the Tarzan Swing.  This was a bit different than their other events that either start in the center field or up at the barn and start with the Oxfords and Teeter Totters. As the Benson Bear Challenge #3 was currently taking place, we did register down in the center field.  We were able to park (free as always) next to the Tarzan Swing, set up tents, canopies, and whatnot; we had access to porta-johns, a grill; the medic was stationed here and a fire was started at dusk that was kept going all night.  This was also where your support crew was set up ($40 registration fee per crew member).

I opted to camp Friday night, the drone of the race track down the road lulled me to sleep without a coyote howl to be heard.  With a mornings worth of time to fill, I opted to help Jill stuff bags for the Benson Bear Challenge #3, registered a few of the Hell racers, and then was stationed out at the sandbag carry to direct 5k and 10k racers on the correct loop.  Was a beautiful day for a race and I was able to see Sandy and Michael on course.

It wasn’t long before I had to start getting ready for my event and made my way up to the tent.  Before too long had passed, Rob was pulling all ten of us racers together for a meeting.  The rules were simple:
- As many laps as you could manage safely in 24 hours.
- The Tyrolean Traverse would be closed from dark to sunrise.
- Penalties would be normal the first lap and scaled for each lap as follows:
Lap 1 – 30 Spiderman Push-ups (every obstacle, not 25 for most and 50 for 4)
Lap 2 – 15 Spiderman Push-ups
Lap 3 – 15 Spiderman Push-ups
Lap 4 – 20 Jumping Jacks
Lap 5 – 10 Inchworms
Lap 6 – No Penalties
Lap 7 – 5 Lunges
Lap 8 – 10 Flutter Kicks
Lap 9 – 10 Arm Circles
Lap 10 – Balance 15 seconds on left leg, repeat on right
Lap 11 – We shall see
- We were to help each other, if someone was down and hurt, if they were on course and weren’t being safe/smart, etc
- That we were to check in and out on a white board after every lap and let the medic know when we went back out on course.

 

 Rob suggested a first lap of sticking together with a 2:30 lap pace, especially for the people who had never been on course.  I know I spoke up immediately and said I knew the course and wouldn’t be able to keep that pace, I was fine alone.  I did start my lap with another female racer, Serena, a Shale Hill veteran and high school classmate!  I spent the second half of the lap with the other two female racers, both elite racers out of Canada, Jen and Sara.  I was able to give them some tips on several of the obstacles!  Can’t wait to see them again in September at the Killington Beast.  After my first lap, Sandy, Michael, and Adam decided that I wasn’t going to do any additional laps on my own, of which I am very grateful.  I had the pleasure of Michael's company on my second lap, someone whose racing and attitude inspire me.  My third lap, Adam accompanied me and other than my slip on the loom that resulted in a small panic attack, I never seemed to stop laughing.  The taco’s Sandy got me were the best food I ate all weekend, if you do a race at Shale Hill, volunteer, or are just in the general area, West Coast Taco (I think that's the name) is worth a stop, cash only!

 Over the course of my 3 full laps, I was able to scale the 8 foot wall, climb the HUGE slant wall, walk the top of the loom, and more.  All things I had either never done before or just learned the previous weekend at a NE Spahtens training day.  I will be honest, other than a few Spiderman Push-ups in my first lap, I didn’t do any penalties.  I wasn’t there to beat myself up with penalties, just to see how far I could go in 24 hours.
There were very few volunteers stationed on course but there were plenty around and mobil on course.  They were great at keeping the on-course fires burning, candles burning, and refilling the water stations when they were told they were empty.  There was a crew stationed at the Bucket Carry with a fire that definitely lifted my spirits.

The decision was made about 3:30 to close the course due to heavy fog that left runners with no visibility beyond the few inches in front of their noses.  Incredibly smart decision!  This was just after I got back from my decision to stop less than a quarter of the way into my fourth lap as my left hip flexor was not happy and I couldn’t lift my leg over even the smallest of obstacles.  The medic seconded my decision but also respected my decision to rest, see if stretching would help.  It didn’t.

Rob was called away as he finished his second penalty free lap due to a family emergency but was able to call in at the finish to congratulate us all.  What a race director!
OH! SWAG! There were prices for the top three females and top three males (top male finished with 8 laps, top female finished with 5), and every racer got a special Hell shirt, Hell medal, Shale Hill sticker, and a $10 gift certificate to The Wheel House in Benson.  Even the crews got a special Pit Crew shirt.
All in all, this event was small, intimate, and incredible.  My one and only suggestion would be to build the cost of one crew member into the registration fee as I could not imagine, personally, being able to do this race without someone there as support.
I cannot wait to see where I can go in a year!

Wild Rover Series - #3 Hynes Tavern 5-Miler 2014

Zero:Dark-Thirty

Zero:Dark-Thirty. The time of day everyone should be sleeping.  I got up this morning to go running with Michele. We are going again tomorrow morning. We are getting in between a mile and a mile and a half in 15-20 minutes.  If we keep it up, eventually we will get up to 2 miles in that time frame. That would make me very happy.
Cheers to tomorrow morning.

Ragnar Relay Cape Cod 2014

I am officially signed up for Ragnar Relay Cape Cod 2014 with some of the wonderful New England Spahtens.  The team is myself and 11 other ladies.

Each runner has three legs and the first runner starts in Hull, MA and 200 miles later we are ending in Provincetown, MA. I am currently runner 11 and will get to run along the canal.

Currently I am running at a 14:20 pace.  Our team average needs to be 11:00 or less.  I have a lot of work cut out for me to get my distance and speed up to where I want it to be.

Starting Monday, I will be running with Michele in the mornings.  My goal is to run 5 days a week with Michele.  I haven't worked out a plan of attack for increasing my distance and mileage but figure getting out and running is a better start than not at all.

Yoga and wine.

Tonight was yoga! It's been two weeks and I missed it. There is something about moving, stretching, and guiding the body with purposeful breath and conscious thought that is extremely rewarding. Followed by a glass of wine. Perfect evening!

What have I gotten myself into!

Its official. I am crazy! I have joined my fellow Spahtens in a chicked edition relay team for Ragnar Relay on Cape Cod. 200 miles with a team if 12! 

More details to follow once I truley absorb what this means.

Panic in the Dark 2013 - Race Recap

photo Panic in the Dark

This past Saturday, Stacey and I made our way to Lowell, MA for a 5k race unlike any other.  This race, Panic in the Dark, was a 5k obstacle race that had its own twist with zombies and scares.

photo courtesy of Vince Rhee & NE Spahtens

Running with the New England Spahtens meant we had the largest team and is always a great time!  Fred Smith of Smithfest Events sure knows how to put on an event.  As largest team, we had personalized shirts with the event logo on the front and our team logo on the back!  I am so excited to wear my t-shirt.  Major kudos.

Stacey and I knew we were going to be battle buddies and also signed on to run with Sandy and Amy who don't do well with the scares and had Kandice, James, and Jasmine running as protectors with us.  James was key for getting over a few of the walls. Thanks James!

The event started off with our wave being led out a hallway, provided with a headlamp if we didn't bring one, and led into a room for quick overview of the rules.  The film was interrupted with an emergency broadcast telling us that the zombie apocalypse was upon us.  Thumping on the doors was getting louder and zombies jumped out immediately after an guard member came out urging us to move out to the bus.  Through the hallways we went with more zombies before emerging outside and loading a bus that would hopefully take us to a safe zone.  I wasn't sure Sandy and Amy would make it out successfully and continue but they did! 

As we pulled into the safe zone, we were met by a swat team member who managed to maintain character even with our crazy group.  We were being dumped into the middle of a hoard and would need to be quick to escape with our lives.  Off the bus we went and we were racing down the road with gunfire and zombies abound.  

There was a great use of natural landscaping, some great scares with zombies and chainsaws.  While some zombies jumped out a bit too soon, many were able to get a scare from Sandy and Amy.  Our journey took us through a school bus with a zombie reaching down from the roof, a school with mouse traps and a zombie who knew Sandy's name.  She wasn't too happy about that and took off pulling Amy along with her death grip.  The spiked shoulder guy managed to sneak up on us after we passed him and sent Sandy and Amy running.  There was a bouncy house complete with zombie clowns. I think they were the most terrifying!  A super fun pumpkin carry, walls, Roller Derby zombies, and it was over.  I ran faster than I usually do and was definitely out of breath by the end.

I had a blast running with friends, enjoying the scares of friends, and being able to protect those who weren't sure they would even make it to the start line.  You ladies are amazing!

Matt Davis of Obstacle Racing Media

My trip would not have been possible without Matt Davis of Obstacle Racing Media and Paul Jones of New England Spahtens! A caption contest on the New England Spahtens Facebook page that was sponsored by Matt of ORM with the prize being an entry into Panic in the Dark.  I won. I was psyched and made sure to hunt Matt down before making the long trek home to thank him.  

Marco.... Polo....

That's how I am feeling with my motivation. I am Marco, my motivation is Polo.  It is there, just dancing out of reach.
I know I promised a race recap of Panic in the Dark. I will get to it. I am feeling completely drained.
Michele and I started running last week in the mornings.  It is time to get back to it but I'm not ready yet; hopefully soon.
Not a very inspiring post. Hopefully the inspiring me will be back tomorrow.
Kris at Healthy Livings a Bitch has a great post today about food and exercise and the love hate relationship and how it affects our daily lives.

I am glad all weekends aren't like this!

This weekend didn't stop.  It had some really great high points and some really low low points. 
A quick touch on the positive!
Jeremy worked Saturday morning and I got to sleep in.  There was a quick work lunch followed by some afternoon disc golf.  Met up with Stacey to head to Lowell, MA for Panic in the Dark.  Review to come tomorrow.
Sunday brought about a round at The Quarries Disc Golf Course in Barre, VT. Challenging course with several lost discs, a found disc, and the highest score I have had in a long time.  The rest of the day was spent relaxing on the couch. 
Eats were sporadic with the roast chicken for Sunday night dinner the highlight.  Can't wait to make a chicken stew with the left overs for dinner tomorrow night.
Hopefully I will get to NaNoWriMo tomorrow and get some words on the official count.

Challenge day 3! Kris at Healthy Livings a Bitch is also posting every day in November.

Review: Camelbak Quick Grip w/ Podium Bottle

There are times I go out for runs or hikes or even walks but I don't want to carry my backpack with bladder. I also don't want to have to deal with carrying a water bottle. While you do carry this water bottle, it has a nifty grip that allows you to strap it to your hand so that you are holding it but not.
Confusing? Take a look:

The Camelbak Quick Grip allows you to slide your hand in between it and the water bottle. You tighten the strap and you can let the water bottle hang.  I love not having to hold onto the bottle, therefor my hand doesn't cramp up.  It even has this nifty little pocket for stashing my keys and ID. 
For short trips I wish the bottle was a bit smaller but overall I love having it to use when I don't want a backpack but want to bring water with me.

Day 1: Challenge Accepted

Today is the First of November. I have set a challenge for myself to post daily for the entire month.  I also challenged Kris over at Healthy Livings a Bitch to post daily as well. Here we go!

I never have been a daily food photographer and I don't plan to start now. If I make or eat something that looks utterly fantastic and work photographing I will. 

I woke up to go running this morning and had a text waiting that due to the rain my buddy was canceling.  I wasn't feeling super hot and not looking forward to crawling out of bed so I was okay with the decision.  Let's just say that 5am and I haven't become friends yet.
The only to not getting up and going by myself is that I don't have the time today in my schedule to get the run later.  I am okay with that as well.  I will get in some activity tomorrow and then I am getting scared at Panic in the Dark.  As someone who used to be afraid of the dark, it will be quite the occasion! I could handle ORTC Shale Hill's Halloween Run, I can handle this.  Looking forward to it actually.  (I'll post a link to my race recap from Shale Hill once I have it finished.)

Today also starts NaNoWriMo and I am participating again this year.  My story is a zombie tale:
What happens when you sign up for a Zombie Run obstacle course race and it turns out they let loose real zombies? What happens when you find out that the government was behind the outbreak? For this team of survivors, the answers are never what they seem. 
As I write, no matter how the story is going, I plan to post.  Don't say I didn't warn you!