Monday, December 28, 2015

5 Miles

I finally woke up early enough to drag myself down to the treadmill.  I am definitely suffering from a combination of laziness and 24 hours of darkness boredom! But I made it down there and even ran the whole distance I had planned, which was only 5 miles.  The first 4 miles felt awful but the last mile was great!  So I guess from now on I should try to make it to 4 miles at least, then maybe I will get the second wind that I need to actually have some speed.

I signed up for the Los Angeles Marathon in February and am in the process of registering for the Havana, Cuba Marathon in November.  It's 15 below zero here so I am really looking forward to those two that promise to be warmer and of course the one in Maui next month.

I was having some foot pain that felt like plantar fasciitis, and that has cleared up due to my inactivity for the last week.  So maybe it was just as well that I was lazy over the Christmas holiday.

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Short Run

I only got a couple of hours of sleep today so had a tough time even dragging myself down to the treadmill. I planned to run farther but after struggling for 3 miles I decided to call it a day.  I'm having a very low motivation day.  Less than 2 weeks left up here, then maybe I can run or ski outdoors instead of the very boring treadmill.  I really miss the outdoors when I]m up here at work in the winter.

Friday, December 18, 2015

4 Miles Today

I finally woke up early enough to get in my run for the day.  Still only 4 miles, but much better than zero!

My list of upcoming races is getting longer and longer. Now in addition to the New Jersey Marathon with Team In Training, there is the Maui Oceanfront Marathon in January, Rome, Italy in April, and Ottawa plus two Mainly Marathons full series events in May. So far, that is 16 on the 2016 calendar.

My right foot has been giving me some pain the last week or two.  But it didn't seem to cause problems while I was running today.  So it's probably nothing to be of great concern.

There is a really cute little pink Christmas tree just outside of the exercise room.  It is very festive in a very cute sort of way.

Merry Christmas


Sunday, December 13, 2015

Another Short Run

I just ran 3 miles again today on the treadmill.  I had trouble sleeping so ended up sleeping too late.  But I decided to run instead of eating dinner.  I hope I'm not starving a few hours from now.  But I really need to start training or at least getting in a few miles while I'm up here in Deadhorse.  I don't want to be so out of shape that I can't make it to the finish line at the Maui Oceanfront Marathon next month. I'm doing the early start so even if I end up walking the whole way, I shouldn't have any trouble.  But I'm hoping I can gather up a little more motivation before the end of this month!

Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon is over and done, which leaves me without a Team In Training event in my future. So I just registered for the Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon with Team In Training. It was kind of difficult to sign up for it because once I entered my zip code in their signup page, I was routed to runs connected with the Washington/Alaska Team.  Of course they are not planning to run this one.  So I cheated and put in my brother's New Jersey zip code and was able to sign right up through the Team In Training Flex program.  The race is May 1st and I will likely sign up for the Mainly Marathons Independence Series later in that week. The following week I am doing the Mainly Marathons New England Series followed by the Ottawa Canada Marathon at the end of the month.  I will have plenty of time to visit my family on the east coast on the days when I am not actually running.  I missed seeing everyone in October when I was in Washington DC because all of my cousins seemed to be out of town when I was available to visit.  I hope it wasn't something I said!

So, as I've asked before, please make a donation to my new fundraising page:


Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Another Short One

I only managed another 3 miles today.  I had to make a run to the store and do a few other things.  I'm not doing the best job of waking up in time to get in a very long run.  I hope I can gather up some motivation.

I did just sign up for the Maui Oceanfront Marathon again.  I'm going to Hawaii to join my sister and nieces for a week, then after hanging around with them I will fly over to Maui and run that beautiful run again.  It was one of my favorites.  I usually don't like to repeat races that often, but it was just so conveniently convenient!

It's still well below 20 below zero outside and the prospect of Hawaii is really inviting!

Merry Christmas
This little tree was here at work when I arrived.  How cute is that!  I added a bunch more little paper cranes for something to do tonight.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

3 Miles

Only another 3 mile run today on the treadmill.  It has been difficult to get a good sleep these first few days up here.  I seem to have so much other stuff to do also, just trying to get organized and take care of things that I neglected the last couple of months while I was traveling. My legs and feet seem really sore from the treadmill.  Since I ran 10 marathons on my two month break, maybe I just need a break from running for a while.

It's really cold out there today and will probably get even colder.  The wind chill is down in the -50's as I write this.


Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Back In Deadhorse

I'm backup in Deadhorse and since it is well below zero outside, of course I am resigned to the treadmill.  It felt pretty foreign at first, but at least I'm glad it is there. My feet are still a little sore from the last few marathons. I'm hoping I can gather up enough ambition to train sufficiently to run a real race next month.

And here we have the reason for running indoors, in addition to the darkness and snow on the ground.

As I looked out the window of the plane heading north from Anchorage I said farewell to the setting sun because I won't see the sun again until New Year's Day.  It is down for the entire month of December up here in Deadhorse.

Last view of the sun

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Queenstown Marathon

Another marathon, another country completed.  And what a beautiful marathon it was!  The forecast was for rain but we got very lucky and it was just cloudy, a few drops of rain and a bit of wind.  The temperature was actually quite perfect for running. I was quite slow as usual but finished well before the time limit.  The entire trip in New Zealand was amazing and it is a very beautiful and also peaceful country. I loved being there, far away from all of the political strife going on here in the US.
The medal was lovely.

Shiny Marathon Medal
The scenery was incredible along the entire course.

Along the river

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Twin Peaks Trail

A wintry hike on Twin Peaks Trail with beautiful views of Eklutna Lake.  Some snow on the trail and grippers on the shoes badly needed.  An absolutely gorgeous hike!

Eklutna Lake and Bold Peak

Eklutna Lake

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Campbell Creek

A beautiful hike with Diane and Sombra along the Campbell Creek Trail in Anchorage. Some snow on the trail but not enough for skis yet. A lovely day to be outdoors in the cool air.

Happy Halloween!

Campbell Creek

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Marine Corps Marathon

And finally after months of fundraising and sporadic training (I'm sorry to say) I am finally here in Washington DC to run the Marine Corps Marathon with Team In Training.  It was a fantastic race.  I felt quite pressured though for several reasons.  Of course I was a little worried that the last 8 races might have taken their toll on me, plus this race did have a time limit.  More than the overall time limit there was an additional time limit of beating the bridge at mile 20 by the 5 hour point.  But we all got quite delayed at the start because of some problem with security that kept all 30,000 runners huddled in a big pile about half a mile from the start line.  When I finally got through that mess it was about 20 minutes after the start.  So I pushed myself with everything I had and was able to get past that bridge in time.  I ran the entire race with no walking except for a couple of hills and to drink at the aid stations.  I was quite tired at the end.  But so happy that I finished.  I was seriously worried that I would not make it.

We ran past all of the famous DC monuments, the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, etc. Many active marines were there to give us our medals and pass out water and Gatorade along the way. It was really a grand experience.

The inspiration dinner with the team was fun and I enjoyed having the coaches run along with me at times.  Now I need to find my next Team In Training event.  I haven't decided on one yet.  But I do have a run in New Zealand in November, and one in Haiti for January.  I also signed up for another 7 states 7 days with Mainly Marathons for May and Ottawa for May 29th.  I'm sure I will be throwing in a few more before May.

The Medal
White House
Washington Monument
The Team

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Appalachian Series Day 7 Alabama

They truly saved the best for last.  This was a beautiful course all along a lake. Since it was the last one and such a lovely course, I decided to just take my time.  I linked up with a gal named Mary and we talked and walked almost the entire course. We took pictures of birds and enjoyed the view as we discussed practically our entire lives!  Now we are new Facebook friends and I'm sure we will meet again somewhere along the marathon course.  I got to go back to the same hotel where I stayed last night and catch up on my sleep before starting my long drive back to Washington DC where I will be running the Marine Corps Marathon a week from today.

Guntersville, Alabama
Now I have completed all 7 states and attached all of my little state medals along with my finisher of all 7 medal and the 2015 medal to the bottom.  This has to be the longest marathon medal ever.  It hangs almost to my ankles when I put it around my neck.  I love it!

7 Marathons 7 States 7 Days

Friday, October 16, 2015

Appalachian Series Day 6 Georgia

And now we ran in Georgia.  Today's run was in Dalton Georgia through a lovely wooded park.  I actually was able to pick up my pace a little today. Since there is no time limit to these races, it's often tempting to simply slow down to a walk.  I did walk for a while with Ila.  But apparently she was tougher than me today because she finally left me in the dust.  I can tell it is starting to wear on me a bit, but what else could I expect.  I am surprised that I am actually able to do it at all really.  I'll be off to Alabama after the race and do my final run for the week tomorrow.

Dalton, Georgia

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Appalachian Series Day 5 South Carolina

And on to South Carolina.  Today we ran in Seneca, South Carolina.  This place wasn't quite as scenic, but was just a loop round a sports complex.  The weather was nice, but it wasn't quite as pleasant scenery wise.  It really does help to have a beautiful creek running along beside you.  But at least it was a nice place to run.  I never found any great view so just took a picture of the little state medal that they gave us.  For each state we receive a small metal in the shape of the state and each one attaches to the previous on, making a string of the 7 states all hanging from the big medal.  It's very cute.

South Carolina

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Appalachian Series Day 4 North Carolina

Morganton, North Carolina today.  Once again along a river.  I love running along waterways because they always have a cooling breeze and lots of birds and colorful natural surroundings.  I;ll take a marathon in a beautiful scenic park versus a big city run any day.  It's kind of like a fast 26.2 mile walk in the park with a bunch of new friends!

Catawba River Greenway Park

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Appalachian Series Day 3 Tennessee

Today's race was in Tennessee at Steele Creek Park, Bristol.  What a beautiful place.  We ran along the creek and the fall colors were amazing.  I ran along part of the way with Ila.  It's really fun seeing the same people every day as we form friendships along the course.  I am happy to see that I really don't feel any more tired today than yesterday.  I guess your body just gets used to the idea that each morning, off to another marathon.  Again I checked out of my hotel and will head to North Carolina for the night.

Bristol Tennessee

Monday, October 12, 2015

Appalachian Series Day 2 Virginia

Another day another marathon and yes, the same course as yesterday.  And it was just as pleasant as yesterday.  I did notice I was a bit slower.  I expect that will be the case most of the days because running back to back marathons doesn't allow much time for recovery.  I checked out of my hotel this morning and after the race jumped in the car and moved on to the next state.

The weather was a little nicer today and a little warmer too.

Bluefield Park

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Appalachian Series Day 1 West Virginia

And now I start my 7 marathons 7 days 7 states with West Virginia with Mainly Marathons.
Today we ran loops at the Bluefield Park.  It was really fun and a beautiful place with the beginnings of fall colors.  I had several friends there and although it was a marathon, in many ways it was more of a marathon party that I knew would last for a whole week.  I think I gained weight on the course because the food at the turning point was so plentiful and tasty. I get to stay at the same hotel tonight because tomorrow's race is in exactly the same place.  The course started in West Virginia and ended in Virginia, so it can be counted as either state.  So how easy is that - simply run it two days in a row and get two states!

Bluefield

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Jersey Marathon

A beautiful marathon on the Island of Jersey in the English Channel between England and France. We also had our Marathon Globetrotters meeting the night before.

I was definitely a little out of shape for this one.  The weather in Deadhorse all of September had not been conducive to running outdoors and I found that I had low ambition for use of the treadmill.  I knew my lack of training would have an adverse effect on my performance in Jersey, and it did.  But it was still a great race and a beautiful course.  I finished last along with Kevin Brosi, with the two sweepers close behind us on their bicycles.  But in many ways, that made the run even more enjoyable.  I didn't wear myself out to the point of total exhaustion and enjoyed my conversations along the way with Kevin and the sweepers, and of course the camaraderie of the other Globetrotters.

At the finish line

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

5 Miles

I ran 5 miles on the treadmill today.  I kept my mind busy watching the news and Jeopardy.  I can't believe winter has arrived already making running outdoors pretty much impossible around here.  It is now below 20 degrees.  I have to plug in the car and it's September!  What a drag that is.

Less than a week and I'll be off to Jersey for the marathon.  I signed up for the Haiti Marathon then got some scary information from Facebook friends who ran it last year. But life is always an adventure so I'll probably go in spite of what they said.

Considering one of my favorite quotes, I feel compelled to go anyway!

"In order to live free and happily you must sacrifice boredom. It is not always an easy sacrifice." - Richard Bach

Saturday, September 19, 2015

3 Miles

Just another short 3 mile run on the treadmill today.  I really miss the outdoors but it is not runable out there. Too snowy, rocky, windy, and too many trucks not to mention the fact that there are still bears running around out there.  This is not normal September weather up here in Deadhorse.  I can usually run outdoors most of the month.  But it's not quite possible with snow on the ground because it gets too dangerous on the loose snow-covered rocks.  Maybe my next real long run will have to be the Jersey Marathon a couple of days after I get off work.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Snowing Outside

I woke up and looked out the window at the blowing snow and knew right away, it would be a day for the treadmill.  I woke up too late to have time for a very long run, but did squeeze in a 3 mile treadmill run.  I felt pretty sluggish at first but the last mile felt great.  If it had not been so late, I would have run longer.  It's hard to balance between getting enough sleep, having time to eat, and being able to get to work on time every night.  I rarely can get in a good long training run during my months up here at work. I always worry about it but it is really out of my control. I guess I will make up for it with 9 marathons next month.

3 Miles - View Out My Window!

Monday, September 14, 2015

Indoors Today

I woke up quite late so just did a 3 mile run on the treadmill.  There is so much standing water outside right now that it would be quite difficult to get a reasonable workout, dodging puddles, rocks, mud, and trucks. At least on the treadmill I do get some exercise.  I' really missing the great outdoors though.  I now when I come back here in December it will be completely impossible to run outdoors. So I will try to get some more outdoor time before I fly out of here.

Friday, September 11, 2015

4 Treadmill Miles

Today was about the same as yesterday so the weather forced me to run indoors.  It was snowing and blowing again.  I ran 4 miles and this time I only had one small problem with the new shoes.  I loosened the ties on the left foot and that issue went away.  It feels like the side of that shoe is a little stiff and it seems to dig into my ankle.  But just making it a little looser took care of it.  I really want to use these shoes next month for the many marathons I have planned.  So I need to break them in whether it is outdoors or on the treadmill.

I felt really good today while running, so I guess I'm adjusting to the treadmill again.  I do hope the weather of the last few days doesn't mean that winter is here to stay.  Usually I can run must days in September, but this week it has been impossible.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Treadmill

I won't be doing any outdoor running or walking or anything today.  It is snowing and blowing over 40 mph.  So I dragged myself downstairs to the treadmill.  This was my first time on the treadmill with my newest shoes and it seemed to be pretty painful.  Strange little pains in my feet and ankles.  I didn't have any problems with them when running outside so I'm not sure where that was coming from.  I just ran 3 miles.  If this weather continues I guess I will be doing a lot of my runs indoors on the treadmill.

Sunday, September 6, 2015

5 Muddy Miles & Bear Detour

It was quite cool today, about 35 but no wind at all.  The fog was gone so I took to the outdoors.  They had graded the parking area so I had to trudge through standing water and lots of mud to eventually get to the road.  It was tough going even on the road around the lake because the shoulder was also very muddy. It was challenging at times, getting over to the extreme edge of the road in the mud when big trucks and heavy equipment came by. 

I was about 2 miles into my run when a truck stopped and a man told me that there was a grizzly bear on the road along the north side of the lake, where I was headed.  So when I got to the junction of the road around the lake and the road heading to the east gate, I went to the right past Peak Services, then turned back and retraced my steps along the east side of the lake and back to the hotel.  It was a slow and muddy run but at least I didn't have to meet face to face with the bear!


Colleen Lake

Friday, September 4, 2015

Treadmill Run

The windsock was sticking straight out, with a 35 knot wind. The fog wasn't very inviting either.  So after much procrastination I went down to the treadmill and at least got in a 3 mile run.  They have a big fan in the exercise room now, which was really nice.  At least I didn't feel like I was running in a sauna like it has always been in the past.  I didn't feel overwhelmed with ambition, but at least I did something.  I'm still adjusting to being back here at work.  I hope I can get more outdoors runs this month. I love running around the lake up here.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Around the Lake

It was a pretty nice day, not even the usual howling wind, and 50 degrees.  Quite muddy in some areas but otherwise the road around Colleen Lake was quite pleasant.  I got up too early and could tell I didn't get enough sleep, but still had a relatively good 5 mile run.  I'm still feeling a bit sluggish while adjusting to night shift.  But a not so great run is definitely better than no run at all.  I'm glad I got out there today.

Colleen Lake

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Back in Deadhorse

I'm now back up in Deadhorse for the month of September.  I was lucky enough to be able to run outdoors today.  At first I thought it would not be possible because it is a muddy mess out there, especially around the hotel.  But I drove down the road about 20 miles and in spite of dealing with road construction, pilot cars and flaggers, I was able to go park by Caren Pond and Franklin Bluffs.  I didn't have a lot of time so just kept my run to 3 miles.  I'm still adjusting to night shift so was not feeling too ambitious either.  But I did get in a good 3 mile run.

The weather down there was a lot nicer than in Deadhorse itself too.  I found some sunshine.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

7 Continents Completed

It's finally official.  I now have both my medal and my official certificate stating that I have run a marathon on each of the 7 continents. 

The Medal
The Certificate

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Edmonton Marathon

I drove to Edmonton Alberta for this race.  Nearly 4000 miles round trip.  I love the beautiful drive along the Alaska Highway, even though it was a really long haul. 

Beautiful scenery as usual.
Alaska Highway
The race was very pleasant.  Again I was lucky to have the perfect weather.  There was potential for hot weather or for rain, but it was just perfect.  Balmy with a nice breeze but still nice and sunny.  This one gives me my 5th Canadian Province too.

I really like the medal.
Edmonton Marathon Medal

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Big Wild Life Marathon

Back in Alaska For the Big Wild Life Marathon in Anchorage.

I felt pretty good during this run in spite of the fact that it rained the entire time.  At least it wasn't too hot.  I was a bit faster than usual.  Although it turned out that the race was about one mile short so they adjust everyone's times based on their average speed through the rest of the race.  There is a big controversy over it because of their mistake.  Some people were depending on it to complete their 50 states and the 50 States Marathon has so far refused to count it as a certified race.  Marathon Maniacs and even Boston are counting it. So people are still asking the 50 States club to reconsider.  In my case I have many Alaska races so it isn't causing a problem for me.  But I feel bad for those who spent a lot of money to come all the way to Alaska who now feel they have to spend a lot of money again if they want to be considered certified finishers.

The medal was really nice.

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Amazing Maasai Marathon

A fabulous trip and an amazing race.  This race in Kenya completed my 7 Continents. Before the race itself we did many small safari rides to various game preserves in Kenya.  I saw so many wonderful animals.  It was almost as good as my other safari in Tanzania in the Serengeti.  We also went to numerous orphaned animals sanctuaries.  I got to feed giraffes, elephants, and monkeys.  Went for a ride on a 150 year old tortoise, and got to pet an adorable young cheetah.  We saw many endangered black rhinos, and ran with giraffes and zebras near one of our hotels. A highlight of the trip was visiting one of the girls schools and getting to meet some of the girls.  Most girls don't have the opportunity to go to high school in Kenya.  But some are fortunate and were selected to attend this particular school instead of getting married at the age of only 13.  How sad that most girls have to get married while still children and have to chance of an education.  The Amazing Maasai Marathon was a fundraiser to fund education for girls.  Kenya has a long way to go to fully correct this terrible problem.

The race itself was really fun because the little children would run along with me, usually grabbing my hand as they ran.  The course was kind of tough with lots of hills and very dusty dirt roads and trails.  Again we were lucky because there was a good breeze and the temperature was not too hot.

I felt good even at the high altitude, likely due to the time spent at much higher altitude in New Mexico and Colorado the week before.  I was still just under 7 hours, which is way too long.  I need to get busy training to increase my speed.

Here are just a few of the folks I met along the way!

Kenyan Runners
 
Giraffes

Elephants

Leopard

Zebra

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Eagle Nest Marathon

Today was day two of the Mainly Marathons Mexico State Park Series this weekend.  Of course I was still quite tired from yesterday's race, but after the first mile or so, I loosened up and felt fine. Since this race is higher altitude, 8200 feel I seemed to feel the altitude more. I was quite a bit slower too.  I even ended up being the last person to finish, but even though they gave me the caboose award, technically I was not the slowest runner.  I found out later that several of the slower runners and walkers got to start 3 hours before me.  It was a bit lonely out there my last couple of loops.

We didn't run around the lake on this one.  Instead we ran along the campground road back and forth to Eagle Nest Lake.  Once again the temperature was perfect.  Just cool enough with the right amount of breeze. 

Eagle Nest Lake

 
The Medals were very cute for these two races.

New Mexico Race Medals

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Sugarite Marathon

This is number one of my back to back marathons in the Mainly Marathons New Mexico State Parks Series. I chose to do these two because both are at high altitude.  Sugarite is at 7500 feet and tomorrow's race, Eagle Nest is at 8200 feet.  I will be running the Amazing Maasai Marathon in two weeks in Kenya and that one is at 6000 feet.  So I decided to do these two in addition to spending a week in Colorado to acclimatize to high altitude.

Today's run was really fun, many loops back and forth along beautiful Maloya Lake.
Maloya Lake
I definitely felt the altitude but with no time limit, I just ran it and enjoyed the lovely day.

This race actually started in Colorado so it counts as Colorado for the 50 States Marathon Club even though most of the race was actually in New Mexico.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

King Salmon Marathon

I loved this marathons.  The King Salmon Marathon in Cordova, Alaska.
First I drove to Whittier, through the tunnel, parked my car then took the ferry to Cordova. I stayed in the Prince William Hotel which was across the street from the place where we picked up our race packets.  Instead of walking to the start line, we walked to the finish line where we hopped onto a bus that drove everyone 27 miles out the Copper River Highway to the start line.  Then we simply ran back to town along the road.  It turned out to be a perfect day even though the forecast had been for rain.  No rain at all, just perfect temperatures and lots of sunshine, and just the right amount of breeze to keep everyone cool. 

The scenery along the route was spectacular. 
Cordova Marathon View
As usual I was pretty slow and one of the last runners to finish.  But I made it and enjoyed every minute of it.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Missoula Marathon

Had a great time in Montana running the Missoula Marathon and also paying a quick visit to Glacier National Park.  Of course I was pretty slow on the marathon as usual but no problem finishing before the time limit.

The medal is huge!
Missoula Marathon Medal
I loved the drive through Glacier National Park too.  What a spectacular place!
Glacier National Park

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Fun Runs

We had another fun run today.  This one was over by Peak Light Duty Shop.  I ran the morning one twice right after work.  Then went back to my room and slept for the day.  I ran the evening one twice also. So my total mileage for today was 12.25 miles. Plus another 4 T-shirts!  It was very chilly this morning because it was very windy.  I wore a long sleeve shirt and a light jacket under my windbreaker.  I was pretty glad that I did that even though by the end of the second trip I was starting to get a little warm.  It was warmer in the afternoon so I left out the little jacket, and never did get too warm because the wind was much stronger.  But once again the plus side was NO MOSQUITOES!  Normally I'm not crazy about wind, but up here in the Arctic in summer, wind is my best friend.

This run had a couple of really cute mascots.  Big fuzzy bumblebees.

That's because Peak's logo is the bumblebee and the motto "WORK ALERT, SAFETY PAYS"

WORK ALERT, SAFETY PAYS

Friday, June 26, 2015

Pump Station 1 Fun Run

The second Prudhoe Bay Fun Run this season.  I ran it twice since it is only a 5k and I wanted to get in at least 5 miles today. It was perfect conditions too, nice temperature in the high 50's with a nice wind of about 15 knots that did a great job of blowing all mosquitoes well out of everyone's way.

We started right at mile zero of the pipeline.

Mile 0 Alyeska Pipeline
We ran along the pipeline access road and back.  What a nice place to run!  It's too bad I don't have a badge to get onto the oil fields so I can run up and down there everyday.  Of course, even if I had a badge, I'm sure I would get arrested for making that my daily practice.  But it would sure beat running out on the roads dodging the trucks.  I had to catch a ride with a friend who works inside the gate so I could at least get a chance to participate in the fun run. They gave out really nice T-shirts and I picked up two since I ran the course twice.

I look like I'm really flying in this picture below, but most of the other people who were actually running rather than just walking along, were flying by me like I was standing still. I never seem to be breaking any speed records, but I do notice that I run considerably faster on these fun runs than I do on my own when I am just running around the lake. 
Me, moving along!
We have another run on Sunday and I'll try to run in both the morning and evening runs since it is on the non-secured side of the gate.  I can actually drive there myself. These runs are great training for the 17 marathons I am planning for the rest of the year. 

But most important - Marine Corps Marathon.  My current Team In Training event.
I need help with my fundraising.  Any donations will be greatly appreciated.  The most important finish line is the one the marks the end of cancer!

Click below to donate
http://www.race4cancer.org/

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Beautiful Run Around Colleen Lake

I took a couple of days off because my calves were hurting more than I thought they should. But today was perfect, about 55 degrees with a good strong mosquito removing cooling wind. I really enjoyed my 5 mile run around Colleen Lake.  I love that run because I can keep looking slightly to my left and only see the lake and not the big trucks and industrial buildings on the other side of the road.  Just the geese and blue water.  It looks like almost all of the ice is finally gone.  A few 70 - 80 degree days took care of that pretty quickly. I even saw a few little flowers.  Finally some color other than brown around here.

Dwarf Fireweed

Colleen Lake
I've been reading Eat & Run by Scott Jurek. What an amazing book and amazing runner.  I can only dream of running a 100 mile race, yet he wins them over and over.  He does it on a vegan diet too.  I'm working towards that.  Not quite there yet, and may never be there completely.  But as he found, I have also found that I feel better when eating only a plant based diet.  There is something so heavy about eating meet and dairy products.  I discovered that my cereal tastes just as good with soy milk as with cow's milk.  Imagine that! I kind of hate to cook so my big worry is that I won't be conscientious enough to make sure I get enough nutrition if I go 100% vegan.  But when I stop and ponder what humans do to animals in order to feed themselves, I feel guilt every time I bite into something that was once part of a living breathing or even swimming being.  The worst part is when I think about how cruelly most of our farm animals are treated.  Maybe on some tiny farm in the Midwest, the animals raised by one family do have fairly happy lives.  But I have seen the huge feed lots while driving through California.  There is no way the poor animals are anything but miserable and suffering while huddled together in outrageously crowded and filthy conditions.  If we an get our nutrition from plant life that doesn't have an sophisticated nervous system able to suffer and feel pain, it just seems like a much better way to live and eat.  I know it has been proven to be healthier too. I'm going to keep striving to improve my diet.  I know it will help my running too.  I'm often a lazy runner and almost always a lazy eater!