Happy Puppies!!

The story of psycho bambi will come tomorrow when I download pics, but I had to share the pictures of Flyer's last play time with Emma and Cooper. I wish I could run through the water with half of the speed of Flyer! Oh that's right, I don't spend my ENTIRE day recovering from my workout, eating, and sleeping...ahhh to have the life of my dogs.

(enlarge the photos for full effect!)

By the way, Daisy was at the park with them but prefers to do her own thing. I think she was swimming with the minnows.

mer

I'll Let the Pictures Speak

It has been way too long since I have updated my blog. There is just too much for me to say to tell the stories of where I have been and what I have been up to, so I have decided to let pictures tell the story...

Since February, I have: run a relay from Gonzales, Texas to San Jacinto, Texas with an awesome team of women; spent 4 days hiking in the Smokey's with a mix from cool to snow and wonderful times with Paul; had a fantastic 17hours at the C2M 100K; spent the month of April re-couping my body (thanks Paul and my friends for the support when I was sick!!); had a great day at Miwok 100k; and was back in the Smokey's to recover. I have gotten to spend great time with friends on the trail and road, make new friends on the trail and road, great time on both with Paul and the puppies; and finally an amazing trip for Mother's Day with both of my parents.

I am so grateful for all of my travels, successful work (which has been keeping me VERY busy), and loving family and friends. Thanks for your patience when I have been too busy to keep up daily, and for your on-going love and support!!

This is me, this is what I have been up to, and now I am set to be up-to-date!

mer

Why?

People often ask, "why do you coach?" or "why do you pace?" I am very fortunate to have a wonderful group of women that I have been coaching for the past two years, and have made the decision to work on my own with two other coaches to train this group in the way I think can be best done; more on that to come. I have also had the great fortune over the past two years to be on the 3:50 Pace Team at the marathon...there is NO better way to run a hometown marathon!! It is a sacrifice of time and effort, BUT to get these emails...the question should be, "why don't you?" Here is a sampling of the joy I got over the past week:

I wanted to thank you for all your help and guidance through the whole training process. This really turned out to be one of the best things I've ever done and I have really found something that I love doing.

I am so glad that I had both of you that believed in me even when I may have doubted myself. I appreciate all the gut checks you gave me when I was training more than I should have limiting my cross training to make sure I would get in all the miles and the extra calories. The things that I will not forget are: The track and hill workouts that I was consistently be told that I can do better and faster, as well as long run days hoping not to get lost or seeing Meredith at the top of a hill telling us we are almost there. I achieved two huge goals this year and I could not have done it without either one of you. The most surprising goal was the life style change for myself and my family, which had a great impact to my overall success. I am now even considering myself an athlete again and now trying to determine my next goals. I cannot thank both of you enough for pushing me to be better and finding that thing inside of me that wants to be better.

I wanted to drop a quick note to say howAWESOME Bob and Merideth (3:50 pacers) were at the AT&Tmarathon this past weekend. It was my first marathon, and Iwent in with 4:00 as my goal and 3:50 as my stretch. Iended up hitting 3:49, and I'm sure that I wouldn't havedone it without the encouragement, advice, and motivationalspeaking :-) of the pacers during the race. You reallyadded to my first marathon experience, and I wanted to givea quick note to say THANK YOU!!!

The ATT Astin was my first marathon and I joined the 3:50 pace group lead by a very cheerful and bubbly woman and a tall man by the name of Bob (i think).Her name was Meredith and through web searches I think her last name was Terranova. She is an Ultra runner - I never knew there was such a thing.Anyway she was absolutely terrific and kept the (eventual) small group going hard all the way. In the last few tenths of a mile she said "go!" and I never saw her again to thank her for her help.Does anyone know her and if so please pass my heart felt thanks to her for her support, encouragement, jokes, spirit - all without which I could have never completed. The course was harder than I was lead to beleive.

I emailed Sophie Saturday morning, or maybe even Friday night, in a moment of panic...my group dynamic was not ending on the positive note I was hoping for and the thought of being a positive beacon for runners for 26.2 miles felt daunting. I didn't know if I could put it all together. Then, Sunday morning we were blessed with the most beautiful of days and I was given the gift of the greatest group of runners. The crowd support was lifting, and I felt it all come into place. It turned into the incredible day I always hope for!

Best personal moment, well there were two 1) mile 22.5 friends had set up an ultra aid station and I ran ahead of my group to stop for hugs and a coke (Paul grabbed a beer when he came by leading the 3-hour group), and 2) toward the end of the race I had a small group who had stuck with me ALL morning. I told them that we would ease off just a bit in the last mile because there was one last climb. I told them that when we got to the climb their only job was to stick to me like glue and I would pull them up. When we got to the top, I slowed for a second and told them to GO, and sent them downhill to the finish...I then wrangled in the stragglers who were willing to let me wrangle them in to the sub-3:50 finish!

Sunday afternoon I was given an incredible reminder. One of my friends told me to be transparent, and all would work out on my other situation. I was and had a wonderful conversation and closure with no bad thoughts or feelings!

mer

What a week of great gifts, reminders, and unbelievable memories!!

The "Fun" Run

Saturday was Rocky Raccoon 50 and 100 miler. I am training for C2M 100K, and didn't want to do my longest run on my own, so I thought the 50 would be a good way to log my miles, spend time with friends, and cheer on the "big" race. It was a great weekend!

Paul was planning to pace our friend, Pete, so he was there for the long haul. He hadn't been out to Huntsville for a race for a few years. I think he has been best enjoying my ultra career from the house in Austin...he gets the weekend on his own, and I go play in the woods. That and the last time he crewed for me in Huntsville, I might have left my pleasant manners at home?? I was excited for him to see how much I enjoy the 50 mile distance, during a race, and just having him out there was fun!!

I told Paul that my plan for the race was to go 2:40-2:45 a loop and just take it easy....always the famous last words. Then once I finished I would be helping out at the Lodge Aid Station and wait for friends to come through, and then wait for Paul and Pete to finish. I had spoken, via email, with a friend, Larry, who had asked to me to pace him. I told him that I didn't know what I would feel like post-race, but if I felt good I would definitely try to go with him.

On Saturday morning, Paul was sweet enough to drive Pete to the start and then come back to the room and pick me up. This way Pete and I weren't competing to get ready, and I could rest until they left. It worked out perfectly, AND Paul came back for me with McDonalds meal #1...he had hot cakes and a hashbrown.

We got to the start and I set up my transition area near the turnaround. It just makes my life easier to have my things set and ready for each loop. I headed toward the start line and chatted with my original trail running partners from Houston. I used to run with them and two other guys every Thursday afternoon on the mountain bike trails. I fondly remember our 4:30 starts in the middle of August, 7-10 miles, and NEVER a water bottle...I guess we were tough then?? Anyway, it was good to see Carol and Jeff!

7AM, and off we went. The weather was perfect...40s and warming with the sun coming up! I headed out behind the first pack of guys. Noone was particularly chatty so I put my headphone, I only wear one on the trails, on and off I went. Because of the light rain, the trails were so soft, and everything felt sooo good! Before I knew it, and quicker then planned, I came to the Dam Aid Station. The gang from the North Texas Trailrunners were manning the aid station, and were in great spirits. I said my hellos and off I went. As I hit the out to Far Side, I saw Jorge the 100-mile leader coming back...he was flying as usual. Before I got to the Far Side Aid Station, I got to see all my friends running the 100 heading back; they had an hour head start. Granted it was the beginning of their race, they all looked great and happy! At Far Side, it was a quick hello to Diana, Robert, and Mike...I love having friends at the aid station!! Back I headed, so that I could cheer on all behind me. I will mention this more than once, but heck the way back from Far Side sure seems shorter than the way out??? Back to the Dam Road, and a quick refill and good morning to Letha and Mark. I headed toward AS 174, and got to catch up to and chat with George and Barbara and others. I was LOVING this! The 100-milers were much more excited to chat with me, so I took it in as I could get it. A quick swing around 174, I only stopped there on the 3rd loop, and back to start/finish.

I guess I haven't mentioned that my pace was out of control, and even with a few walk breaks, I could reel it back in...something I knew I would pay for later. Oh well, I was enjoying it for now. I headed into the start/finish and didn't see Paul anywhere. I went over to my little area refilled my bottle and was getting my food together when he comes running up. I told him that I was too fast on the 1st loop, but I felt good. He headed out with me and my Mountain Dew...not quite the Mountain Lightening of Virginia but it would have to do. As I was heading out, the girl behind me, Jackie, was coming in. She and I always finish close, and I know she is strong so I told Paul that she would probably catch me.

On to the 2nd loop. I still felt good, and had my favorite lemon-poppy fuel with me....YUM! I would have to say that the highlight of the race for me was during the 2nd loop. Matt, a friend from North Texas, caught up to me and we ran together from Far Side in. We had fantastic conversations! Once we got to the Dam AS, he got in front of me and I had a bit of a low patch. I could see him in the woods right in front of me but couldn't quite catch him. I figured I would just follow his ease and hope for the best. He stopped for water at 174 and finally I had caught up...I think I got a little in front of him because when he caught me he hadn't realized that I had been behind him and was startled to see me. Back to start/finish area we went.

At start/finish I was thrilled to see Paul and his friend, Rob, from his Army days and his family. They had driven over to spend the day with Paul, and see me for like a minute...it was awesome to have the cheering section!! The kids looked at me like I was CRAZY! To my sadness, Pete was also with them. His day had ended early due to injury....such is the beast of these races, not everyday can be great. I re-loaded my fuel and off I went.

I was feeling good, but definitely feeling all of my training and lack of taper in my legs. And, let's be honest, I was feeling the effects of the pace of my first loop...no excuse can erase the fatigue I created there. After the Interpretive Center, about 1 mile into the loop, We hook up with a trail that takes us to the jeep road. This is the same EXACT trail I have run on for many years now. It is the exact same direction in EVERY race, and somehow at an intersection I took a wrong turn. I veered to the right at some point, and the only way I know I went wrong is because eventually I ended up in a parking lot. Are you kidding me??? I turned around to re-trace my steps and saw Matt far off in the distance...now back in front of me. I had to wait for someone to approach to find my way back to the trail, and noticed somewhere between 7-10 minutes gone...arghhh. Now I had to get back in my rhythmn and pull it back together mentally, so annoying. Off I headed to finish up this race... I saw Matt on the out and back, and he was totally confused on how I was behind him. I explained quickly as we passed. He was moving toward his goal for the day, a sub-8 hour race. I am so thrilled for him!

I made the turn around at Far Side, and on the way back I saw Jeff catching up to me. He looked great and so I knew it was just a matter of time. He caught me right as we were heading back to the Dam. He told me that he was having a dream day, and felt great, but he said that we could hang out and catch up. I told him that I was just going to keep running at my not so fast pace as this point, and that he needed to go for the strong finish. He didn't want to leave me, but I wouldn't let him stay...this is a race and I would see him at the finish!

I went through the Dam AS with my stomach a little yucky. Nothing specific, but drinking water was making feel sick, and every time I would pick up the pace I feel my stomach turn... so I needed a plan for these last 7 miles. I made a deal with myself that if I walked the incline to keep my heart rate down, I had to run everything else. Funny thing about that is that there is VERY little incline. So off I went, not feeling great but getting closer and closer to the finish. Fortunately, right before I got to the 2nd long bridge on the way to 174 I kicked a stumped so hard with my toe that my stomach settled. Literally, contact, unbelievable pain, settled stomach. My toe hurt like hell. I probably was about 45 min from the finish at that point. I thought, "screw it...I'm getting to the finish sooner rather than later." and I picked up the pace. I got to 174 AS and gave my waist pack to this couple from Austin who were cheering for their friend doing his first 50. I was kind of hoping Paul would be there and would run me in, but I probably should have mentioned that to him??

I was thrilled to be heading into the finish, but tried to reserve my excitement as I knew everyone around me was going to be out there much longer. I finished well, and felt ok. I had a good laugh at the finish telling the story of my toe jam fixing my stomach, and was happy that my purple toe matched the painful description.

As I was sitting around recovering, I asked Paul what he wanted to do. I knew he had come to pace, so I didn't want him to leave disappointed....he has a history of me not getting to the spot where he needs to pace me. I encouraged him to see if Jorge needed a pacer for his final loop. Although it would be slow to Paul, it would the fastest possible match for him. He found Maria, Jorge's wife, and he prepared to go out for a 20 mile jog in the woods. She encouraged him to get infront of Jorge and push him. He was off of record pace, but she thought at least he could have a strong finish. It was a great experience for Paul. They had nice conversation, and Paul noticed, "What I took from running with Jorge is how quiet his feet are out there, even on the last loop. Very smooth, very even, nothing unnecessary." I am glad he got to have such a great experience. After some pics and good-byes, we headed back to Austin...

On the drive back, I MUST mention McDonalds stop #2, as Pete was kind enough to GIVE me his #10 chicken nugget. I still feel very honored!!

As always, things happen for a reason...and the decision to head back to Austin was a good one as my parents had left a message that my Great Aunt had passed away on Saturday, after a very long struggle with painful illnesses.

There is an unbelievable irony to it all, Matt and I were talking about this on the trail, while we are utilizing the most of what our bodies can do others are struggling to move. Here we were running all day, and someone I know was dying. Matt and I spoke about reflection, and how these precious moments on the trail give us this amazing gift. He said that without reflection he couldn't do his job. I am thrilled to sit back and have a chance to reflect on a wonderful day, time with friends, support from Paul, and a chance to do what I love.

Time for quick recovery, so that I can pace at the marathon in less than two weeks!!

mer

They Like It!

New Bed for Pups...major success :)

So Much...

Keeping up on this front has just not been a priority. I would like it to be, but it just hasn't been...

Since I last wrote:

• I went to Bandera, ran the 50K, raced Clea for the end of the 100K, and drove back late that night. Clea was amazing and we had the best time out there. We stopped, turned off our lights and looked at the stars. We so enjoyed our time together, and she is sooo tough!
• I signed up for Miwok in May!
• Paul returned from his trip from Chile. He had a wonderful time and I loved hearing about his trip. I am happy to have him home!
• We went to Houston last weekend so that Paul could pace the Olympic Trial hopefuls at the Houston Marathon. We had a nice dinner with my family, I got to see Catherine, and we brought home some of our favorite pizza!! (Sorry Mike, I forgot to take a picture of it)
• I have been working non-stop, which is a great thing, but not doing the best job of managing my time. I will need to work on that.
• I want to create a website, but am not doing a great job of getting all of my info together for Erin who has so kindly said that she would help me. The website would be a HUGE help to my daily email responses...all questions could be answered there, but it is just not getting to the top of my priority list. Someone please kick my ass in gear on this.
• I am working through running with the dogs and making it good training time as well. They need the runs, and if I run fast enough chasing them...it is good use of the time. They are the best training partners EVER!
• I am working on balancing work time with social time. I need to set hours so that I can make an end to my day, and be better about making the time to be a good friend. There is a balance there, and I am working on it. Just because I am busy doesn't mean I can't make time to return friend emails.
• We celebrated my father-in-law's 60th b-day, early. We had a wonderful dinner at Main Street Grill in Round Rock, I highly recommend it, and made it a really wonderful fun evening. I think even though we won't go to Jersey to celebrate the real birthday, we did a great job here!
• I practiced pacing for the ATT Marathon. Yes, this is something I needed to do. I don't run 8:46/pace everyday. I actually was fairly close to nailing it today...that is after I had a restroom stop and got to stretch my legs with some quick miles to catch back up to them :)
• My group had their last long run before the marathon. Rogue was kind enough to let them join in, which was HUGE so that they weren't on their own out there. They did great, and I am very proud and feel good that they are ready to go on raceday.
• I caught up with a good friend today on the phone! I need to stay in touch more often. (see above) We talked about one thing I love about the springtime, at least the past two years, is my pilgrimage to the canyons on the WS trail. I am not signed up for Way Too Cool this year. Just because I am not signed up for WS, I may not pass up the chance to share the trail with my friends there!! I will be keeping my eyes peeled for cheap flight to Sacremento in late May.
• I guess that's all I've got for right now...caught up and hopefully won't have this kind of laundry list the next time I write.

I am very thankful for my patient husband and friends as I get settled into what I am hoping is well time managed pattern...keep your fingers crossed for me!

mer

Just a side note:

I LOVED seeing everyone during or after the run today, and even my brief moment with the 3-hour group...VERY brief! So much fun to see so many people I know have such a great morning!! I am thrilled I had a chance to chat with so many people; love the post run social. AND, glad I wasn't a buzz-kill to anyone's post-run meal....I'll try not to monitor cheese, grease, or junk intake! Did I mention that I had whipped sweet potatoes as my post-run meal, yum!! (again, Mike, sorry no pic)

I miss my husband. He has been in Chile since Friday, and will be there until Sunday. This is the longest we have been apart since we were married. I know many people who have husbands who travel for work, and so I am very lucky to have him around most of the time. Thank goodness for calling cards, as he has called me at least one a day everyday since he has been gone...he misses me too :(

I am very thankful for my friends who have made a special effort to make sure I am not totally alone this week:

- runs at the Greenbelt (with a special guest joining in!!)

- lots of errand running

- lots of doggie time (mine are still recovering from yesterday's adventure)

- chatting with me on the phone

- and a yummy meal

I am so looking forward to having an awesome travel adventure with the girls this weekend!! It will ease the pain of heading to Bandera for the first time in 4 years minus Paul. This is normally the one race I know he enjoys. I'll be thinking of my wonderful husband as I am running!!

mer