Born To Run

This post was originally started on February 17th. It’s sad that I’m just getting to post it now.  Shows just how busy I’ve been, however with only 73 days until the event I’m going to work at posting more often. Today’s post (or rather last month’s post) is about a book one of my dear friends let me borrow called Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.

Last month when I was reading the book it came at the perfect time. I was just finishing up a rest week with minimal training. I was also getting to the point where I was questioning my ability to do the ultra marathon. Here is what I wrote that day as I was reading Born To Run…

“The timing is perfect. I’m at a point in my journey where I struggle a bit with burn out and doubt. I’m close to half way through the book and right now Coach Vigil is trying to discover the secret to running. He is currently at the Leadville 100 watching Ann Trason and the Tarahumara runners. What an amazing story! This book has me on a journey taking me from one story to another about people with a passion for running. The miles they cover in a week are outstanding. It would seem they don’t even need recovery time. They just keep on running. Rarely is there an agenda. I don’t think they even care about time. They just run. I think it’s beautiful. They must feel so free and that inspires me. As Vigil is learning – it is all about the love of running. Between having a low key training week and reading this book, I think I’m ready to tackle the last few months of training!”

So I did – I was geared up and ready to tackle the tough training that my coach had in store for me!  The trouble with high mileage and intense training is that it can lead to injury.  Thankfully, I caught it early and started getting treatment fast. We were worried that I was starting to develop a stress fracture, but we ruled that out yesterday with some x-rays. (again, thankfully!) I’ve not been able to keep my intense training up and that makes me a bit antsy. I’m ready to run. I’m ready to train hard and get prepared. Being forced to slow down or change up my tactics gives me a challenge. I guess I could just chuck it up to good mental training. I think it’s best to look at the silver lining and not dwell on the little speed bump along the way.  My coach says he isn’t worried and so I’m trying not to be as well.

I’m looking forward to finishing Born To Run this month and continuing to be inspired. I highly recommend this book to any runner – whether you are just starting out or if you are a seasoned marathoner. The book takes you on a wonderful journey or passion and the simplicity of running!

Tough Training Weekend

This weekend may have been one of the toughest so far during my training.

• No sleep Friday night (no naps on Friday either)
• 13.1 mile run Saturday morning
• Yay – sleep Saturday night and sleep in Sunday morning!
• 13.1 mile run Sunday after noon.

I’m exhausted!  It’s worth it in the end though. I know that weekends like this are a necessary evil in training for a race that will take me over a day to complete. I need to know what it is like to run fatigued. I need to learn to push through even when I don’t like doing it and when all I want to do is stop. Trainings such as these help to prepare me for the BIG event. However – I hope I don’t have to do it again!

Donate to support my cause and Follow me on Facebook

100 days to 100 miles!

Dearest friends,

One hundred.

What does that number mean to you?

To cancer patients it may mean:

• The number of miles away from home they must travel to receive critical treatment
• The number of pills taken every month or even each week to keep on fighting
• Just a fraction of the co-pays for countless doctor’s visits and not even the tip of the iceberg for the total cost of care

To me it’s:

• The number of days until I run that many miles.

You see, on May 19th and 20th I will travel from Key Largo, FL to Key West, FL

A one hundred mile journey on foot.

WHY?

Haven’t you ever been driven to do something that was bigger than yourself? Have you ever wanted a challenge to see just how far you could push yourself? That’s what I’m doing and the determination I have for training and completing this adventure is being paired with my passion to help others. I’m using this personal challenge as a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team In Training (TNT) program.

One Hundred Strong

My goal is to have one hundred individuals, families, groups, friends, and companies donate at least $100 to Team In Training.  Together we will be One Hundred Strong and will have raised $10,000 for LLS.

Team In Training & LLS

I’ve been a part of Team In Training since 2005 and each year my passion for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society grows. The work that LLS does to fund research to find better medicines to help treat patients and prolong their lives is astounding. At least 75% of every dollar raised for LLS goes straight to the mission of finding a cure for blood cancers and improving the quality of life patients and their families. Not only has the research funded by LLS lead to life changing drugs, like Gleevec, but LLS is able to support patients currently undergoing treatments financially, emotionally and mentally through programs like Co-pay Assistance and First Connection.

What difference does $100 make?

• $100 provides 4 patients and their loved ones with FREE booklets that contain up-to-date information on their disease and help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.
• $100 makes possible Family Support groups with a trained facilitator where comfort can be found and experiences can be shared among patients and family members.
• $100 helps supply laboratory researchers with supplies and materials critical to carrying out their search for cures.
• 5 $100 donations could provide patient aid to a person with leukemia or a related cancer for a year.
• 10 $100 donations makes possible one-on-one conversations with health care specialists who provide patients with information about their disease, treatment options, and helps them prepare questions for their health care team.
• 100 $100 donations just might be that last bit of funding researchers need to find that cure! If nothing else, TOGETHER we’ll help them get that much closer.

 Can’t Donate $100?

Every PENNY makes a difference. There is no donation too small or too large. Each and every penny raised adds up to getting us one step closer to the ultimate finish line of finding a cure.  Please consider contributing what you are able and forward this blog on to your family and friends.

One hundred.

What does that number mean to me?

At least 100 people coming together to raise $10,000 to find a cure!

Please join me in the fight and come with me on this amazing journey to making a difference.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Jodie Strong

Donations can be made online: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nc/eletri12/100strong  OR checks (made out to LLS) can be mailed to 10219 Cannarti Drive, Charlotte, NC 28273

CLICK THE LOGO ABOVE TO JOIN MY FACEBOOK GROUP!

Charlotte Ultra Run

Last Saturday, February 4th, I ran in the Charlotte Ultra Run 50K.  That’s 31 miles, folks…at one time. We ran on the Mallard Creek Greenway, starting at the Countryside Montessori School for a 10K out and back course. So, those of us doing the 50K ran the course 5 times.  Half of the course was gravel and it was quite rainy, so it quickly turned muddy in several areas.  The other half was asphalt and it was much easier to navigate!

I came in 43rd or 3rd from last depending on which way you start counting when looking at the results.   I finished in 7 hours, 13 minutes, and 29.1 seconds.  That is a 13:57 minutes per mile pace, which my coach says is right on pace for a sub 24 hour century.

I found the gravel to make things harder and my body started hurting earlier than usual and of course, I was pretty sore for a few days after. By Tuesday I was feeling much better and Wednesday I was back to training.Stay tuned for the next “crazy” training weekend!

Freedom Park Ultra Run

I rang in the new year running!  On New Year’s Eve we drove up to Morganton, NC for the Freedom Park New Year’s Ultra. They had a 24 hour, 12 hour, 6 hour, marathon and half marathon option. I chose the 12 hour event, which started at 8pm New Year’s Eve and ended at 8am New Year’s Day, naturally. What an experience!

My amazing husband, Dan, was there to support me and encourage me to keep moving forward. He braved the near freezing temperatures, ate cold pizza and barely slept. He was there to cheer me on, blow me a kiss, give me a thumbs up and of course be my go-getter. I would let him know if I needed a water re-fill or more fuel. He’d have chapstick and extra clothes ready when I needed them and always with a smile on his face. I’m blessed to have him there and of course to drive me home!

Enjoy the photos:  (click on one to pull up a slideshow)

My first official Ultra. I’m so excited!

Our home base! Inside I had extra clothes, food, and Dan had blankets and a sleeping bag. By morning it was frosted over!

The start and finish area had the aid tent, food & water, grill, campfire, and the timing mat. This is where Dan hung out most of the night!

Unlike most timing clocks at races, this on counted down. We started our run when the clock hit 12:00:00.

This is the aid tent. Inside there were heaters and some food, though most of the food was with the water outside the tent. Some runners went in to get warm and take short breaks. I didn’t go into the tent until about 5:30-6:00am. That doesn’t make me tough, I just didn’t know what I was doing!

Happy New Year! At midnight I was in the tent adding extra layers. Dan took this picture a couple of laps later. The smaller clock is for the marathoners that started at 10pm.

I’d say this picture was sometime around 2am. I think I’d finished about 25 laps by then and my legs were already getting tired.

Approaching the timing mat on my last full lap. I have 3-5 minutes on the clock, but I’m not going to stop early – keep moving till 12 hours are up!

Here I am crossing the mat for the 40th time and so happy that I made it 12 hours!

Race officials are getting ready to blow the horn to signal the end of the Freedom Park Ultra run.

Less than a minute to go and I’m walking as fast as I can to get as far around as possible!

Time’s Up! Everyone stops and waits for the officials to find you on the loop so you can get credit for every step. Mine added up to just shy of 40 miles, but then I had to walk back to the start/finish area – so I am claiming 40!

I won First Female Finisher! (psst – I was the only female in the 12 hour event, but don’t tell anyone).

The woman in the middle of the tent did over 140 laps in 24 hours! She amazed and inspired me! Of course, she won first place overall for the 24 hour event.

Taking a much deserved rest before heading home. Note: at this point, I couldn’t feel anything and had no idea my hat had slide so far back on my head. I look silly!

Other runners at the end of the race.

Me and the race director. He puts on a great event!

So, it’s official – I am an ultra marathon runner!  Looking forward to my next event, the Charlotte Ultra Run, on February 4th.

Training Update: that’s a lot of miles…

I know, I know, it’s been a long time since I’ve posted.  Here’s what I’ve been up to over the past few months:

• November – logged 118+ miles
• December – logged 195+ miles
• New Year’s Eve – completed the Freedom Park New Year’s Ultra 12 hour run (about 40 miles)!
• January – logged over 133 miles (so far, still a few days left).

What’s coming up:

• February 4th – Charlotte Ultra Run 50k
• March 18th – Georgia Marathon
• May 19th – KEYS100

110 days until the KEYS100…wow.  The time is going by so fast. May 19th will be here before I know it! Until then, I just keep running…

KEYS100 Race Update

Another month has come and gone. Soon 2011 will come to an end. Less than 6 months until race day.  My training is increasing, naturally, and I’m starting to do multiple runs a day. So far I’m really enjoying running twice a day. This Sunday I’ll do my first 3 a day work out. Three 5 milers. One before breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guess it gives me a better reason to eat, right?!  I’m looking forward to it!

Today I received a race update for the KEYS100. I enjoy getting these updates because it reminds me that yes, I’m doing this! Check out the update below. Take special note of John Pyle’s amazing journey that will begin in March. I admire people like this. It’s so impressive to be able to run across country and for such an amazing cause. With family in the military, I thank John Pyle for his efforts to help the Wounded Warriors Project!

KEYS100: JOHN PYLE’S AMAZING CHALLENGE

Have you heard what KEYS100 veteran John Pyle is doing this Spring? On March 1, John will leave San Francisco for a 3,178 mile run across the United States to Key West. Named the “Patriot Run Across America”, John will be carrying his signature 3’x5’ American flag along the way. His plan is to traverse a southern route, arriving in Key Largo for the start of the 2012 KEYS100 on May 19, where he will begin his last 100 miles. How amazing is that, folks? John Pyle has founded “The Patriot Trust, Inc.”, with the goal of raising $1 million in connection with his cross-country run. Proceeds will benefit the “Wounded Warriors Project”. For more information or to support his worthy cause, visit www.patriotrunacrossamerica.com. We are honored that John Pyle will conclude his epic adventure by racing with us in the Florida Keys. Fully supported aid stations. The evolving KEYS100 will feature fully stocked aid stations for all individual runners, whether or not aided by a personal support crew. This is the first year the race will provide full support, making it much easier to access food, drinks, ice and electrolyte replacement product when planning your race. Hammer Nutrition will be a featured sponsor in 2012. Coolers with ice and water will be placed at approximate 5-mile intervals between aid stations and will be secured and re-supplied as needed. Finish line update. We continue to work with Monroe County for a permit to move the race finish line one mile south of the current finish line at Smathers Beach to Higgs Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Plan is to place the finish line right on the sand, with lots of space to hang-out. It will also be the site of the post-race Awards Party on Sunday at noon. Updates to follow! Route reminder. Approximately 75% of the race is run on paved bike paths, service roads and pedestrian bridges, all part of the “Overseas Trail”. Each year, additional miles are added. The remainder is run on the road shoulder facing traffic. Seven Mile Bridge will again have a line of orange cones in place across its entire length to remind motorists we’re out there. Relay teams. Occassionally relay teams need to be reminded that, while this 100 mile event is the “Funnest race ever”, you still have to run out there. It just ain’t ALL party, folks. You only have 32 hours to finish!!

I am excited to hear that the aid stations are constantly being improved. It’s such a blessing to the runners when aid stations are well stocked. I know I’ll have a support crew of family and friends, but it’s nice to know that those who wont will still have great support. I also hope that my support crew will be very generous and cheer for & assist every runner they see. I must admit, I was relieved to read that the Seven Mile bridge would have orange cones. I was envisioning us running with only our reflective gear on trying to sprint across the bridge without getting run over. Frogger anyone?

I commented that sand at the finish line wasn’t very nice after 100 miles. My loving husband pointed out that it probably wont matter what the finish line is like – after a hundred miles everything is going to hurt anyway.  True, I’ll probably fall over even if it was perfectly level and smooth ground.

The note to the relay teams made me laugh. It sounds like everyone is out there to have a great time!  Can’t wait!   ….wait, yes I can – I still have a lot of training to do!