TRAILS!

During my 10 days off with respiratory crud, the trails dried out enough to make them runnable, just in time for my Spring Break. Over the weekend we did some hiking in the Rattlesnake and some shopping at REI. Buddy and I then spent the next two days enjoying warm temps and sunshine on TRAILS!!! This is all it took to get me out of the "road running" mindset. Instead of thinking about a marathon, I've been thinking about Elkhorn and getting even with what I call the nauseous miles 5-15.



To my surprise, this is what we woke up to this morning...

Oh well, we went with it and hiked for an hour in the snow. Buddy loved it after being so hot the last few days. He's still got his winter coat that is gradually adhering itself to everything in our house. We've got some longer runs planned for this week to try out some new stuff.

Spring Fever

Along with sore throat, swollen glands and body aches. No running since last Thursday except for the brief walk/run Buddy and I tried today. Starting to feel better except for the achy joints.

I've not registered for the marathon yet due to a potential work conflict. The race is on Saturday of Labor Day weekend and registration is the day before. I'd have to take a least part of Friday off to make it work, BUT my request for personal leave the day before a long weekend might not be granted. Any ideas for an alternative marathon in September in Montana, Idaho or Washington?

Taking the Plunge

Into marathon training! I'm an undisciplined runner by choice, but a return to road running as I recovered from injuries has led to a curiosity of what my body and mind might be capable of doing. As much as I love trail running, it's going to take a very gradual return to hills so not to re-stress my Achilles. With that, I've decided to tackle the roads and take on the Pocatello Marathon this fall. In between, I've picked out the Lewis and Clark half marathon and a few other shorter road races for some fun speed training.

Note the word fun next to speed training. I've never been a fan of it. But, this week I tried my training plan's first speed workout and it was indeed fun. One mile warm-up, followed by 6 quarter mile repeats with 2 minute walks in between, and a one mile cool down. Each quarter mile repeat was supposed to be between 2:00 and 2:15. The first one was a bit fast (1:50), but I hit 2:00 directly for the next five. It might have been easier to go to a track. All I've got right now are trail shoes, so instead I ran a flat trail that had areas of ice, snow and mud.

Today was supposed to be the first long run since Snowjoke, but I left work yesterday with a horrible sore throat, headache, and chills. I'm putting it off until tomorrow in hopes that I feel better. If not, I'll wait a week. It's asthma season and history has proven that any cold can easily turn into bronchitis or pneumonia. I'd like to avoid a long illness and more drugs. Bummer in timing because I'm sooo excited to get this training started!!!

ECG and Cardiologist Visit

On a walk with Buddy Monday morning, I blacked out. The ground was soft and no damage was done except that Buddy could not figure out why his walk was interrupted. This had happened before, many times during the past 12 years in fact, along with other strange symptoms like sweating profusely, feeling cold and clammy, getting short of breath, fatigue, flutter in my chest. I'd also experienced the blackness closing in feeling almost weekly for awhile without actually fainting. Yes, I've been to the doctor many times and all had suggested asthma issues, low blood sugar, not enough calories, etc.

For the first time ever, my nurse practioner ordered an ECG, or EKG, depending on your language choice. During the quick and painless procedure, I could tell immediately that something wasn't right. It seemed that panic kind of took hold of everyone - I was told that my ECG was "very abnormal" and that I needed to see a cardiologist immediately. Additional tests were also ordered, and I had to endure the lab techs asking if this was a "stat" procedure. I guess they thought I was having a heart attack at that moment. Although I asked several questions, I couldn't get any answers except "wait for the cardiologist." (Insert rather embarassingly large breakdown by me at the very thought that I might not be able to run).

Here's the kicker: my cardiologist informed me that I have the heart of an athlete, very healthy. WooHoo! However, along with this efficient heart, I've got low blood pressure. I have an abnormal reflex, called Neurocardiogenic Syncope or Vasovagal Syncope. It results in a big drop in blood pressure leading to a decrease in blood flow (and thus oxygen) to the brain. This happens in some people when they are exposed to triggers such as blood, injury, needles in the arm, etc. In others, it just happens, possibly due to genetics. And, when it happens a lot, a person can become very fatigued.

Treatment? I chose to learn to deal with it naturally, rather than taking risky medications. Running is good for me, along with drinking a whole lot of water -as in more than 3 liters a day. The other recommendation is to add some salty snacks, (again woohoo since I'm always craving salty things) and to add electrolytes to my water. I do need to lay off the caffeine, which is a bummer, so I'll be switching to decaf coffee. Managing stress at my job would also be helpful, or at least sitting down once in awhile to let my body self regulate. There are a few other things to learn and be worked out, but after the events of the past 48 hours, I am relieved. It is also nice to finally know and understand what's been going on with me for so long. I look forward to many more years of running!

Yak Trax Customer Service

There's nothing better than good customer service. Today, I enjoyed a surprise visit from our friendly UPS man carrying a box filled with brand new pairs of Yak Trax and lots of Hotties toe and hand warmers (favorites of mine)! Along with it, a nice note from Whitney apologizing for the early demise of my last pair of Yak Trax and explaining the changes made to the new ones to make them stronger. Yes, it's true, who doesn't like free stuff? But, it's especially fun to get free stuff when it's something you really need and like. As I've said before, my first pair lasted over two years, a ridiculously long time considering our winters. It's a bummer the second and third pair did not, but I'm excited to give them another try. Maybe this package will bring a little snow love my way?

Also, my official time for Snow Joke was 2:15 something. I must have had the autopause on or something since my Garmin said 2:11. Oh well, it was still a fun time and now I'll have new goals!

I was pretty sore the day after, so took a couple days off to just walk and hike. I walk/ran yesterday, then Rebecca and I took the dogs for a 4 miler today. Felt pretty good. Hope all of you are surviving this insane full moon cycle. For me, it's just made me think the mental health/moon connection is true.

Snow Joke

On Saturday, Rebecca, Eby and I drove up to Seeley Lake for the annual Snow Joke Half Marathon. This is one of the area races that allows dogs. Buddy would have loved the chaos, but 13.1 miles would have been too much for him.

The course is 13.1 miles of paved roads around the lake. I've heard that in the past, the roads have been snow packed and icy. Due to the recent warm temperatures though, the roads were mostly clear. The forecast had called for rain, but the day brought dry conditions and temps in the upper 30's. Upon arrival, we were surprised to see a line of people out into the parking lot waiting to register. The start of the race was delayed almost 30 minutes to accomodate the volume of people who showed up. It was nice to use that time to meet and greet friends from both Kalispell and Helena. Below you can see Eby and Bug readying themselves for the race.


As I've mentioned before, I don't race much. I've done two half marathons in my lifetime, one as part of a weekend excursion with friends while living in DC (2005 Virginia Beach Rock n' Roll Half in 2:25:09) and Bozeman's Lewis and Clark Half, but I can't remember which year or my time. I didn't really know what to expect for this one, since I've only been running with consistency since November, and since my long runs have been quite slow. My primary goal was to beat the known 2:25. My other goal was to run the entire thing with zero walk breaks.

Once we set off, I let Rebecca and Eby go, assuming Eby would want to catch up to other dogs. I settled into a groove, choosing to run by feel rather than by my watch. When I glanced at my Garmin at the halfway point I was shocked to be averaging a 9:50 pace. For the most part, I felt great. The course is beautiful, and I was once again grateful to be just running without injury or pain. I took a GU every 4 miles and drank often from my bottle of Tri-Berry Nuun.

At mile 11, I started to feel some mild cramping in my right shin. I hadn't brought extra electrolytes because of the Nuun, but I think I could have used some. Instead I took the much avoided walk break to take my last GU and chug down the rest of the Nuun, hoping to avoid a major cramp crash. With two miles to go, I just tried to keep a pace that didn't lead to further cramping. On the home stretch, I lost a few seconds trying to untie my extra top around my waist that held my race number. Not sure what my official finishing time will be, but according to my Garmin it was 2:11. Someday, I'd like to do better, but after the last year of pain, I AM SO HAPPY!!!!!
Eby ran the whole thing with Rebecca and they finished right ahead of me.

Snow Joke is my kind of no frills race. Registration was 10 bucks and you could visit with other people in a warm gym while waiting for the start. There were a couple of aid stations serving Heed and water. A really nice course not too far from home. I'd definitely run it again.

Also, Martin, if you are reading this - thank you for introducing me to the joys of running uphill. The course description had mentioned a few hills and one was supposed to be "big." While running, I couldn't remember where they were supposed to be. Around mile 10, there was a sign that said "Pain ahead" so I assumed that's where the big one would be, but it never appeared. I guess I'm getting so used to running up, these felt like a breeze!!!!!

Yak Trax

By the way, I miss my Yak Trax. I forgot to mention the forgettable run on Saturday. It was snowy and icy, so I used the Stabilicers for traction. Ugh. These would be great for hiking on snow packed or icy trails, but for running - at least for me - they stink. There are cleats on the ball of the foot and heel, but nothing in between, so it feels weird. Mostly, they are just heavy, clunky and inflexible.

After warming up for 1 mile, we picked up the pace so that Rebecca could do her 4 mile "Race for Haiti." While she and Eby took off, I was struggling to get my feet to be flexible enough to move. It was annoying, and eventually painful. I finally took the cleats off for the last mile regardless of ice. Freedom.

Despite going through two pairs of Yak Trax this winter, I'm going to have to buy another pair for the Snowjoke half marathon next week.