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Maybe you've noticed I've been a little MIA for the last few weeks.  Maybe not.  And that's ok.  But you're reading now...and I need YOUR help.  Please. 

I'm tired.

I'm not complaining.  I'm not whining.  I'm not even making excuses.

I'm just stating facts.

I'm tired.

I'm not injured.  I've not changed anything major in my life, except I went OFF Paleo.  It was just a winter fling anyways...

I'm barely getting through my workouts.  I could sleep standing up.  My legs never feel fresh.  And this isn't just today or this week...this is for the past two months.

So...  here's what I'm doing.  I'm eating balanced.  Still staying between 1600 and 1800 calories.  Trying to get 7 to 8 hours sleep (which never feels like enough - but I know I'm lucky to get that).  Don't tell me to eat more.  I still have a spare tire around my gut that tells me I'm not wasting away...

I'm not really a fan of energy drinks,  Dr. Pepper is about as hard core as I get...but I tried this:

Did nothing.

 I bought this:

and this:

which I haven't tried yet, but I probably will pick one for this afternoon.

I went to my local nutrition shop, Vitality, and bought some more Udo's Oil, which I've been out of for over a month... I put it in my protein shakes. 

They also hooked me up with a couple weeks worth of a Women's Only vitamin and this...

It helps your body produce HGH.  It is supposed to increase energy, increase lean body mass, increase recover & performance and promotes a more restful, deeper sleep.  Mirace drug?  Perhaps. 

So we'll see what helps.  Heaven knows I need all the help I can get right now. 

And that's where YOU come in. 

What do you take to give you extra energy? It doesn't have to be FDA approved since nothing in the health field is, but I don't want to have to go to a dark alley to purchase.

Magic beans will be considered if you can give me a convincing case.

**And I don't want any comments about races, running too much, body is just tired, take some time off, etc.  Those are not options at this point.  I'm all about making adjustments and moving forward.  Still two races left and I want to finish STRONG!!!

And sorry, I don't mean to be bossy, I just get a little fussy when I'm tired... ; )

Tears

The only way Utah knows how to cry... flakes of snow...  What a season Jimmer... we almost had em.

My condolences also go out to the Aztecs and Blue Devils...

U of A you have my utmost respect.  I plan to see you killin' it in the finals...

And now if you'll excuse me, I need to go put my bracket through the shredder...

Three Things Thursday...just checking in...

1.  Is my head above water?  I feel like I've been doggy paddling for weeks now... 

2. Can't wait for my long run on Saturday...hopefully in the sunshine!!!

3. Go get em Jimmer...  ( I mean really, is anything else really going on right now besides brackets?)

Portland/Seattle Travelogue - Part I

Man, I've been out of commission for a week!  Who knew a marathon/girl's trip could take so much out you...  I'm slowly feeling back to normal.  Slowly...

So get ready for a lot of pictures...There was other fun to be had while up in the great Pacific Northwest!  One of the main reasons I chose the Mountain Marathon was to go visit some friends that live in Oregon and Washington.  I went to Oregon first, flew in to Portland with a couple of friends, Jodi and Julie and we went to stay with our friend Lindsay!  Lindsay had our itinerary packed with everything we needed to see while there. 

First day there we hit up some downtown shopping at Nike and H&M where I almost blew my whole wad of cash in the first day of my trip... : )

Second day was sight-seeing...

We started our day in none other than Starbucks...

(me, Lindsay and Jodi - Julie is behind the camer..)

I think Jodi and I were asked 3 or 4 times if we're sisters... : )

 
We headed to Seaside first... but because of such blustery weather we decided to skip all the touristy shops and stop and have donuts and hot chocolate instead.  While there, the young lady working the counter gave us the insider's guide of places to stop while going up the coast!

Does that rock look familiar?  Goonies anyone?

(Julie, Jodi and me)

While here at Cannon Beach we hit up Mo's for the World's Best Clam Chowder.

Not sure about world's best but it was pretty dang good.  Funny thing about this place?  Every single thing had a price tag on it.  The balls hanging on the ceiling, the framed pics on the wall, buckets on the table...everything.  Kinda funny.

We ran out to this half burried shipwreck on the beach.  The wind blew so hard out there that we had to walk backwards back to the car as to not be blinded my gusts of sand.  I guess there was a reason why we were the only one's out there that day.

                       

We followed up the coast a little further and found these cute little yurts.  Have you ever seen or heard of a yurt?  Me neither.  They are cute little cabins with bunkbeds, stoves and heaters.  There were 10 together - perfect for a big family reunion!  There was also cycling/jogging paths all through this area.  Beautiful scenery, right on the Columbia River.

The cute townie from the donut shop gave us perfect directions to this little hidden waterfall.  If it hadn't been pouring rain we would've hiked closer.  Still it was so pretty.

Still going...we headed to Astoria and there is a bridge that is like a roller coaster.  As you circle up onto it, you quickly head straight down and as you're driving it looks like you're going straight down into the water...  Talk about queasy tummy...  It looks like we're driving off into the great beyond...

As it got closer to dinner we decided to stop in Longview to enjoy some of THE BEST PIZZA EVER!!!  If you are close to Longview... eat here!  It was so good. 

Before the night was over I made it to Big 5 with five minutes to spare before closing to pick up my Yaktraks.  So lucky.

We had such a fun day...full of rainy adventure.  Definitely a trip with friends that I'll never forget!!  Now to just convert those three girls from cycing to running... ; )

Next up the Seattle escapades...

Portland/Seattle Travelogue - Part II

The night before the race I was passed off to another set of friends.  These two are my BFF's from college...

Me, Tiffany and Andrea

I know, we look like trouble with a capital T, right.  Don't be fooled...we're harmless mommy bloggers these days...

First day we were "together" I was out on that mountain for half the day...  So Tiff and Andrea spent some quality time on their own.  Whatever.

After my race we headed back for a low key afternoon of catching up and talking about our college days at USU.  Andrea had an amazing recovery dinner planned...her husband grilled steaks, she made twice baked potatoes and salad.  So good.  We went out for dessert, came home and passed out.

Next morning we headed into Seattle to see the hot spots.  Three ladies out on the town...

We googled places to eat for brunch and decided on a little bakery and cafe named Macrina's.  Oh my gosh...it was amazing.  We were lucky enough to sit up at the bar and watch the chef prepare all the different dishes.  The chef asked how we knew each other and we said 'from college' and she said, 'oh you guys go to u-dub?'  Yep, that's right.  We still pass for college students.  No need for botox just yet...

French toast with cranberries and cream.  Mmmmmm.

Me and Tiff.  Such a cool pic.  Andrea is an amazing photographer...  if in the PNW check with me and I'll get you her info!!!  She's amazing!

After brunch we had to rush Tiff to the airport to head back to Colorado.  My flight wasn't til later that night so Andrea and I went back to Pike's Market. 

We walked up Post Alley to get to this...

Yes, this is a side of a huge building, covered with chewed gum.  Who knows how it started, but it is seriously almost a block long. 

Couldn't walk away without leaving my mark... hand sanitizer anyone?

Even though we had just had brunch, we sampled everything they handed us at the market.  Apples, plums, honey, nuts.  It was soooo good.  How I would love to have a farmer's market year round.  I bought some of those most delicious raspberries ever.  As well as some plums.  Seriously so good.

More than anything it was great to spend time with my girls.  We have all been through some pretty crazy times together and have survived.  We missed our fourth member, Brandi, it would have been so great to have her there!  I love these girls...  One of the best weekends ever.  Can't wait to do it all again...

10 = 20 and Other Random Facts...

The Mountain Marathon was #10 in my quest for twelve this year, but it is also my 20th marathon of all time!  So not only my hardest marathon to date but a pretty big milestone of marathons completed as well.  I'm still in a fog of what took place last weekend... : )

Really I was nervous for this one.  The vertigo did not let up all week but a supplement that my chiropractor gave me definitely helped.  I felt it off and on throughout the race but never felt nauseous.  I also think just the fact that I was never moving too fast helped me to not overheat and have the vertigo stay at bay. 

The facebook updates from the race directors about the trail conditions put a little fear in me as well.  But I knew I'd do it...and finish it...I just didn't know how the whole in between would go down...

They had a few of these barrels set up race morning to help keep us warm.  As a few us were gathered around, we chatted things of past races, training, crazy weather, etc.  And while we were talking, one guy asked me what I do to warm up before a race.  I begin to rattle off a couple pre-race stretches and he interrupts me and says, 'well the marathon is about to start in five minutes...'  Oops.  Thought I still had another hour, but whatever, I'm good to go...

Fill in your own caption with this pic and you'd be about right.  I asked another runner to take a pic of me at the top and he chose this moment to capture rather than me smiling and pretending I've got this thing under control... : )  And please note that I'm wearing my Surf City Marathon tee...  trying to bring the warm...

The course inclines were extremely tough and when we were in the dense part of the forest the snow really fooled us.  You'd think you could run across the trail of snow and then all the sudden you'd drop into a foot deep puddle of slush.  That'll wake you up.  And there was an aid station almost at the top point of elevation!  Some brave souls trekked up the mountain with coolers of water and Gu to be ready for us as we came by.  And it was so appreciated!  One of the reasons, beside the obvious ones, of why the long finish time is that I already knew I was going to be slow that day.  It was going to be tough.  So I choose to enjoy the day.  Not take it too seriously as far as clocking pace times.  Every time I came to an aid station I chatted it up.  Thanked the volunteers and enjoyed the snacks they had provided!

At the base aid station we had these lovely ladies from the Hello Cupcake Team, breast cancer survivors and supporters to provide us with all kinds of nutrition.  Red velvet cupcakes, gummies, cookies, chips, pretzels, water, nuun.  It was awesome, they were awesome and cheered like crazy for us.  So great.

Came back and took a picture at the finish line...Love small races!

This is one of the ladies from the Hello Cupcake Team... Rebecca, she is amazing!  She walked a 60 mile race in between chemo treatments!!!  And completed a couple half marathons as well.  So amazing and inspirational.  At the finish area we were able to share stories and become fast friends!  Love her hot pink bra!  I wish I got pictures with all the ladies because they were all extremely kind and super fun!

This cute thing is Rachel, the race director.  She and Craig put this whole crazy race together.  They are insane and put on a great event!  And dealt with all the last minute weather glitches (like re-routing the whole course day before race) beautifully!  If you're in the Washington area you should definitely check out other events they are running!  Next up 'The Backwards Mile'.  How fun does that sound?

One more side note... I could not have done the race without these.  Nike Trail Runners with Goretex.  My feet stayed dry.  DRY!  My running pants covered my ankles down over my shoes and I stepped in plenty of slushy, muddy, watery puddles.  Dry feet.  Also I couldn't have done it without my Yaks.  And while you all gave me great comments of being hardcore...I saw a guy up there running the race in Vibrams.  Crazy hardcore.  : )

Okay, one more side note of being hard-core just in case you were still on the fence about it.  Another marathoner posted about it and said because of the snow, this race was harder than Pike's Peak.  PIKE'S PEAK!!!!  Ok, I'm done telling you hard this race was.  Would I go back and do it again???  Without the snow...YES! : )

Next up...my travel log.  The race wasn't the only fun I had in the PNW last weekend...

Marathon #10 - Check - You Bet I Did It...

The Mountain Marathon.  Oh how to start this post...   How bout with the elevation chart...



This is the half marathon.  So, yes.  I did this twice.  By choice.  Really. 

Remember how I thought Napa was super crazy hard.  Yeah, not so much.  And now, while you're gazing at this crazy elevation chart...imagine this terrain covered in snow.  Yes.  Snow.  Okay, not the whole thing, just that first big bump on the chart.  8 miles of snow, 5 miles just wet, 8 miles of snow, 5 miles just wet. 

There was no way I would have been able to run this race without Yaktrax.  Even with them we were all sliding everywhere.  I'm sure you're probably looking at the chart thinking, 'well at least she could fly down on the backsides...'  No, I couldn't.  I had to keep from sliding down the mountain.

But... it was gorgeous!  We actually had a perfect weather day.  Just a little drizzle here and there and no down pour until the race was over. 

I'm sure you want to hear some of the stats, right?  First of all, 80 people were registered for the marathon.  Day before marathon this was the facebook update for the race:

ATTENTION: Due to massive amounts of snow on the course, we are rerouting the full marathon. MARATHONERS, you will be running the half course TWICE. Our course markers have just reported that the long section between Aid #4 and #5 is impassable...One of the guys marking the course this morning said that the first 8 miles were an 8 or 9 in difficulty... with Hard Rock 100 being a 10. Welcome to the jungle. First 8 miles have a LOT of snow....

Uh huh.  So how many do you think showed up race morning?  I counted around 50.  Out of that 50, I believe around 42 finished.  Out of that 42, 10 were women.  I was actually the last woman to finish, but not the last overall...

Couple more facts...  The man who won, usually a 2:20 marathoner, 3:59.  The woman winner, 5:01.  Me...6:27.  I know.  Crazy slow.  There was not much running going on up those inclines. This race was soooo hard.  I can't even tell you.  I'm just beyond proud that I finished and didn't give up.

Here we are less than one mile into the trail and it's time to put on the yaks...

Here's the impassible section...no climbing over, just had to scale up the mountain on hands, knees and feet...  No big whoop...

Once in a lifetime trail running experience, for sure...

Just follow the spray painted pink arrows... and fly down that snow trail...

One of the top points of th mountain...gorgeous view, still one more big incline after this!

And heck ya I earned that trucker's cap!!!  (I know I look a little crazy in this pic, but, hey, I just ran a 6:27 marathon...)

Definitely more recap to come with this one!!!!

Guerrilla Running

Well here we go...  If having a case of vertigo wasn't enough, let me give you a litte reminder of what the race director says about this race...

In case we haven't been clear (we think we've been clear, but just in case): this race is HARD! This is not a sales gimmick. You are almost certain to get your slowest time in either event (there will be no PR's here). Also, there will likely be "throw-your-bottle-on-the-ground-stomp-your-feet-and-curse-your-race-director" moments out there. Seriously.

So, yeah.  Hardest race of my 12...probably.  Snow at the top of the trail...probably.  Super gorgeous green...definitely.  Throwing up off the side of the mountain...probably.  Me falling off the side of the mountain...hopefully not.  No matter what, it's gonna be great!  We have before us a test.  A test to see what this ol' body can handle.  Mountain Marathon...here I come...



How can you not love a mountain called Rock Candy... : )

uno dos tres catorce

ummm... who get's vertigo?  yeah, maybe your grama.  or maybe your mom or dad.  how bout your 35 yr old friend?  yeah, that's right.  i have vertigo.  literally.  i have vertigo.  currently everything is spinning.  been to the doctor.  going to a specialist tomorrow afternoon.  how do you cure vertigo?  chinese medicine.  acupuncture.  supplements.  resting for a couple weeks.  not moving, lying down.  taking it easy.  hmmm.  i should get right on that.  seeing how i have to run my hardest marathon of the whole 12 series this saturday.  it should be no problem.  holy crappers.  i'm just hoping i don't fall off the mountain.  maybe i'll text bono and see if he has amy remedies...