Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Random Thoughts - LJC50K

As always...one post wasn't enough for my race. So here's a few...no a lot of random thoughts about the LJC50K. ;)

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Racing
*I forgot what poison oak looks like. They'd warned us that there would be some on the trail but I forgot to refresh my memory. I probably wouldn't have recognized it anyway. Luckily, I didn't land in any.

*There was a bunch of boy scouts out there on an overnight camp trip. I almost asked them for a lesson but didn't want to stop. I felt safer that they were out there though. In case anything happened.

*When I got to the top of the stick of the pink lollipop, there was a group of runners standing there debating which way they were supposed to go on the loop. I pulled out my map, checked, and then took off the way we were supposed to go. The others eventually followed me. Score one for me! :)

*I decided that it's a good thing that I'm a terrible judge of distance. When we were on the orange loop the first time and I could see runners at the top and they were tiny, tiny little ants…I was glad I didn't know how much farther I had to climb!

(This photo wasn't even taken from the top! Can you see the tiny, tiny runners behind me on the trail?)

*When I was out on the orange loop and feeling a little depressed because of the hamstring cramp, I got some very nice visitors. I ran/hiked with butterflies flitting around me for a lot of the climb. My very own trail guides. They made me smile.

*When I was on the last out-and-back, I kept looking at the ocean and wishing I could wade into it waist deep. But when I got back down to the car after I finished, I was moving so slowly, I didn't think I could make it across PCH without getting flattened like Wile E. Coyote.

*My Garmin data said 7:58 and 31.97 miles when I finished. I was really sad when I hit the top of the turn around and realized I’d be running more than 31 miles. Not fair. But that's okay. More miles for my buck.

Clothing
*I wore my NB WT110s again. I finally figured out how to tie them so the laces wouldn't loosen. They were good all day.

*I had a hot spot on the bottom of my left foot that I thought would get a blister but it didn't. No blisters at all. Woo!

*My Athleta skirt was like a utility vest. I had all kinds of stuff stashed in it. Like the map I mentioned above. Totally awesome and comfortable. I highly recommend it.

*Really loving my tech Ts from Run It Fast (@RunItFast). I wore the Jackson Jackass 50K shirt and it was soft and really comfortable. No chafing. Also highly recommend it. Hey, did you know you get a tech T when you become a member of the Run It Fast Running Club? Check it out here.

*My Moving Comfort Vixen bra rubbed me raw on my back though. :(

*There was a guy on the trail wearing a cool Arrogant Bastard Ale shirt. I said “Hey, you have a bastard on your shirt and I have a jackass on mine.” He said “I'm sensing an irreverent theme here with trail runners.” I thought “damn straight”. That's why I like them. ;)

Food/Drink
*The aid stations for the Coastal Trail Runs are awesome. They have everything from salt to sweet to sour. They have gummy bears, Swedish fish, M&Ms, and candy bars. They have cookies, pretzels, peanut butter pretzels, brownies, cinnamon buns, trail mix and animal crackers. They had bananas, oranges, watermelon, and cantaloupe. They had peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, boiled potatoes, and two soups. They had coke, sprite, Cliff stuff, cliff shots, and water.

*Except for when I finished, I had no problem eating anything and everything and I was very happy about that.

*Their volunteers were awesome too. Always helpful and making sure I had what I needed. They get an A+++

*I should have taken my 20oz bottle instead of my 10oz but I was expecting a marine layer all day. Next time…big bottle. One of the volunteers offered me his 20oz but I declined. I was good for all but the second orange loop. I ran out of water then and that probably contributed to the noodley legs.

Girl Stuff (fair warning...)
*There were lots of cute shorts and skirts there. I really liked the lulelemon shorts. I wish I could wear them. Alas, I need a little more coverage. Unless I wear them with tights. Hmmm...

*I started my period during the race. Luckily I was wearing a black skirt w/black shorts underneath so no one could tell. I'd actually worried about starting on Sunday but when I checked I thought I should be okay by a couple of days. But I guess not.

*So...the Old Goat 50 Mile is in one month and I'm usually very regular and that means I'll be dealing with it then too. Just flipping great. As if I won't have enough to worry about. Sheesh. I have to say Mother Nature is one cruel b!tch. Why I have to go thru this every month when I didn't/won't have kids is beyond me. I'd almost wish I could be late next month but with my luck it would mean I was pregnant.
***

Uh, sorry about that last one. :) So that's it. I can't think of anything else. Well, there was something but I can't remember what it was so you lucked out. Have a great Leap Day! Use your extra day wisely and run! Me? I plan to run commute.

2 comments:

  1. Hilarious random thoughts. Have you considered taking a birth control pill to change your period? If you aren't taking one now and started, it might change your next cycle. Or if you are taking one, skip the green (sugar) pills and maybe that will help. Keep in mind, these are crazy non- medical suggestions I've "heard through friends". Good luck though:) and awesome job!!!

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  2. Thanks for the tips Jennifer! Again with my luck...I think I'll just let what happens happen.

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