The state park near my house; I have hundreds of miles on these trails. Probably over a thousand evenI don't know for sure what it is....
....Maybe it's the crisp autumn air I ran in this morning. Maybe it's because my lame-o doctor called this morning and FINNNNAAAAALLLLY faxed my "negative biopsy results" to my insurance company. Maybe it's because I saw fresh snow on Mt. Evans today on my run. Maybe it's because it's Homecoming week at school and the kids' spirits are flying high (some a little TOO high). Maybe it's that damn belt buckle EMZ is going after. Maybe it's the upcoming marathons some of my clients are doing here soon (GO Tom, GO Chris!!). Maybe it's because I had ONE night where I got more than 5 hours of sleep and didn't feel like a total crazy zomboid all day long. Maybe it's because I ran 11 heel pain-free miles this morning on the trails at my favorite state park near my house (albeit slow. Whatever). Maybe it's because I finally hit a double digit run since my SF marathon in July. Maybe it's because I had a run where I could almost justify the ice bath I'm currently sitting in (oh how I've missed you, ice bath!).
But maybe.... it's because of a few back and forth emails with the one and only Kovas, who foolishly told me he'd help pace me if I decided to run a 50-miler next year?!?!?!
I think it's probably a combination of all; but when I made a comment on Kova's blog yesterday about how he could knock two birds out with one stone by running the Western States 100, we got to emailing about some ultras and I don't know....something ignited that spark in me again to go after that allusive 50-miler that's been looming amongst the cobwebs of my brain cavity for the past year.
When I ran today, I felt an extra spring in my step. A purpose behind the slow miles. A reason to really tackle the extra 10 lbs I need to lose. A direction behind the weight training. The core conditioning. The sacrifices.
I want that 50-miler. And I want it next year. I have other races on the horizon, including one more Boston (more on that in a later blog. Remind me!) but I just feel the time is right to step out of my comfort zone, where I've been lingering for WAY too long.
I feel good! I feel hope.
I don't know all the reasons why exactly, but I feel one step closer that things are turning around for me.
Thanks, Kovas. Thank sleep. Thanks Tom and Chris for being amazing clients - and friends!
BTW, Anyone who desires to be on the pit crew of my 50-miler next year, please email me or Kova...ok, email Kova not me - he's the logistics coordinator of this little adventure. Pit crew duties: make sure I don't stop. That's all. Oh, and listen to me complain how much it hurts....but don't let me stop. And in the end, it's going to be so so so sweet!
I'm headed up to the high country tomorrow morning to tackle some high altitude 14er climbing, some mt biking, perhaps....and a little head de-clogging therapy. While I'm there, I'll be sure to get in some trail running - after all, I got a 50-miler to train for!!I'll leave you with this little gem of a video from last year's Homecoming Pep Rally. It's the dance the teacher's put on (I tried to find this year's - it was a TOTAL blast!! but it's not posted on youtube. Yet). Can you find me? Hint: I'm NOT wearing red, my hair is blondish, and I'm NOT the tall chick.
Happy Weekend!
