Tenderfooting

This weekend was BUSY!

Saturday (at 7am) I met Helen and Jessica in West Van, we carpooled to Squamish Adventure Center to run the first leg of the Tenderfoot Boogie 50 miler. The run was about 25km and we ended up at a Fish Hatchery. This leg starts off pretty flat for 10km and then ventures into some really cool trails with some steep climbs.  Near the end you hit a very steep ascent which is basically boulders (read not runnable), all in all a very scenic route.  We lucked out and even though weather man called for pouring rain, it was just another beautiful overcast spring day in Vancouver.  My friends; Glenn, Julie, Jessica ,Helen and Jacek (who I recently met during Dirty Duo training - he won the 50km Dirty Duo mens solo race) all came.  And I got to meet a whole bunch of new people.  Here is the crew pre-run -

**Warning**

The following picture was art directed by me.  Anyone who has played on my beach volleyball team knows the power of the ninja stance "operation distract the enemy and make them laugh". It's particularly effective during a tie breaker when the opposing team is serving.  Anyway I thought it would be funny for the group to pose - I didn't get full cooperation but my goal for this coming weekend is to get further buy in;)

Saturday night is a bit blurry we went out to celebrate a couple of birthdays and my good friend Smeigel handed in her last paper for this semester in her Masters program - only one more semester to go. Félicitations my special Smeigel!! She's almost done so I HAD to help her celebrate.

Highlight of the night:
Katie - "no guys I shouldn't take that shot I have to be up in 5 hours to run 25km"
Smeigel/Jana/Steph/Christie - "Seriously we are just trying to help your training, think about how good your next run will feel compared to tomorrows...your taking it"

Sunday up at 7am after going to bed at 4am... Head hurts, must drink water.  Feet hurt, why did I wear heels out dancing all night? Breakfast in the car...oh man this could be a rough day.

I organized a point to point run.  Part of the Knee Knacker course (hardest part I'm told); start at the base of Grouse Mountain run along Baden Powell trail to Lynn Headwaters, down Fisherman's to Bridle Path up the Seymour Grind, back onto BP trail until you hit Deep Cove.

I drank twice as much water on Sundays run compared to the day before same distance - can't imagine why.

We started as five (Glenn, Julie, Stephen, Jacek and me) and very quickly Stephen and Jacek were gone like rocket men.  I'm glad I got to introduce Stephen and Jacek because they are both really quick runners AND they are both running this years Leadville 100km race; I see myself as a running match maker for them.  Hopefully a bromance you evolve and they'll train together.  Neither has run a 100km race yet. After we finished our run we went to Honey's for coffee and the boys had doughnuts...I'm not a fan of any doughnuts; even the world famous ones from Honey's - sorry.  And I don't think my stomach would have let me eat one it was angry at me.

Sunday night I tried to go see Avatar but it was sold out again!  So I went to Shutter Island - I had no idea what it was about - OMG - so scary.  I could barely sleep last night.  But I definitely recommend seeing it - you can't predict the ending and that is something I try to do with every movie.

nite!

My bed time movie tonight

A little Boogie anyone?

Last night I did the BCMC up to the top of Grouse Mountain with my snowshoes on my back in hopes of getting in at least one more snowshoe run this season (we didn't really have a season).

Long story short I was ill prepared in the wardrobe department (why do I keep doing this lately?). I wore my Sugoi Jackie Knickers which left the lower half of my legs exposed ---I will give myself bonus points I remembered my sports bra this week!---  5 minutes into the run we had to turn around because the was snow flying up and hitting my legs which felt like little knifes stabbing the backs of my legs :(

It was not a waste; the climb up was good, the weather was fantastic and I ran into my friends Tom and Duncan at the top.  Both really smart athletes and excellent (experienced) runners.

We were discussing upcoming runs/races and I mentioned was I on the fence about running Diez Vistas 50km on April 10th.  It's on my list of races; I love the area but because of my injury early this year I've been thinking I should skip it, I just haven't built my mileage up enough.  I also found out about another race called the Tenderfoot Boogie which I've been considering doing instead it would give me about a month more to build up my mileage.

They totally agreed that the right thing to do for my body would be not rush or push myself into running Diez (there is alway next year).

"Wouldn't I rather have a great summer filled with running/hiking/sports?" - Heck Ya I would!

So the decision has been made - no Diez Vista for me this year.  Tenderfoot Boogie here I come and with a name like that, the race must be fun!  The first training clinic is Saturday just outside of Squamish.  I'm heading there with Helen and Jessica. I haven't run in that area a lot so I'm pretty excited to check out all the new trails.  

In other news I forgot to mention, I signed up for my first 5 Peaks race of the season - Golden Ears - I ran the Enduro 14km course last year in 1:15:24 - I love the 5 Peaks races; close to home, awesome trails, short but fricking killer courses, tons of up and down hills (I alway feel absolutely beat up after), fast, competitive, TON OF FUN and full of friends.  Here are some pictures from last years race at Buntzen Lake: (I couldn't find any of me so I picked some of my friends)

priceyruns in short shorts

matt

duncan coo - the lazy trail runner (not looking lazy at all)

Can't wait for my upcoming races!

Bouncy Bouncy

A little post race training update.

monday spin class I thought I would take it easy but my legs felt great so I gave'er.

tuesday I woke up still suffering from the time change, the plan called for an am workout but barely managed to make it to work on time.  In a hurry I packed my gym bag with the intention of knocking off a good zone 3 session on the treadmill after work. Little did I know I forgot to pack a key element for my workout.  Upon arriving at the gym after work I realized what I had left laying on my bed that morning and it's definitely a necessary element...A SPORT BRA  

Lucky my gym has a small boutique that sells Lululemon so I made a quick purchase - Lululemon Scoop Bra in black. I promised myself this would serve as a good reminder to double check my bag in the morning. 

Product note - after running in the scoop bra it proved to be very supportive but I didn't love it for running. I'll stick to the Flow Y Bra for running (pictured) and the Scoop Bra will definitely be worn for many upcoming beach volleyball games!

Workout note - run was TOUGH, my legs were fatigued from the minute I started my warmup but I managed to get through the whole thing.

wednesday BCMC up and ran down with my friend Matt and boy do I hate to admit this...guess what I forgot AGAIN!?!?!  

Yep, I had gone straight there after work and didn't notice until I was in the bathroom getting changed that I once again forgot a sports bra.  This time there was no Lululemon to help so I improvised and worn the tank I had on a work which had a very make shift build in bra...it was cotton...not great for athletics.  Pray I've learned my lesson.  On a plus side there is a benefit to not being "busty" I didn't really notice the lack of "official sports bra" until part way down the trail.  Good thing I can chalk this up to my blonde hair - right?

thursday zone 5 training (5 sets of 3 mins at zone 5 speed with 4 min recovery at low zone 1 speed) which went really well.  Legs felt like little springs and I cranked up my speed for the last two sets too.  (ok by cranked up I mean increased the speed from 8.4 to 8.6 but I'm still happy to see the improvement)

friday can you say TRAILS!! My goal to get three hours on the trails.  Mission Complete.  I ran 10km in the morning with my old boss Grant, headlamps and all.  It was a great way to start the day.  After work I head back to the trails for another run, 2 hours and 20 minutes long.  By the end of it my legs were feeling a bit sore.  Apres run I hit up the mall for some power shopping and I was overly success there too :( unfortunate for my bank account.

Now I'm icing and elevating as I type, I have ambitious plans for myself tomorrow:)

Nite!!

Love this!

"think like a doctor, train like a coach, and perform like an athlete!" - Jeff C Sugoi Brand Champion 

The Competition

Team Pricey Runs
Race Reports for Dirty Duo 2010 - Rider & Runner Perspectives

Dirty Duo Race Report

Saturday was my first race of 2010 - heres how it went down.

the friendly wager
Team Pricey Runs (Chris Price + Chris McGregor) vs. Bushwhacking Barbies (Paula + I)
25 km trail run + 30 km mountain bike (girls get 40 minute handicap)
losers buy dinner

race day
6:00am wake up, eat (oatmeal with apples and blueberries), pack and head to Jaycee House
7:30am arrive at Jaycee House check in, meet up with the other half of Bushwhacking Barbie's Paula and our competition Team Pricey Runs
8:00am start of race - GO!

As I began my run I noticed my heart rate was super high and I remembered why I love racing, it's exhilarating. I could see Pricey in front of me as we climbed the first slight up hill and reminded myself to race my own race. I managed to settled into a good pace as I approached Sea to Sky trail with Pricey out of sight I focused on the trail and getting in my zone.

The first 30 minutes of the race is a pretty steady climb I ran this section in silence, no talking just running through puddles in the pouring rain. I reached the gazebo aid station and continued onto Twin Bridges trail, it felt good to reach this flat section where I was able to get some lactic acid out of my legs. This is where I began running with my friend Glenn, brought back memories from last years Dirty Duo.  The middle section of both this years race and last years race (Fisherman's, Bridle Path, Hyannis Connector, Old Buck) we ran together.  I hadn't run with him in a while so we had a good chat which made the km's eased by.  When we reached Old Buck I popped on my ipod and set into a steady grind pace as we climbed the hardest part of this race. Thoughts of Pricey blazing up this hill motivated me to keep climbing.

When I reached the top of the Old Buck I hit the first signs of snow. It was cold and I was soaked to the bone.  After a bit more climbing I knew I was going to hit Ned's which is a really technical trail that I would be descending down. Thoughts of Team Pricey Runs began to drift out of my mind and I began to think of Paula waiting for me at the start/finish area. It was time to really turn it on and finish the back half of this course strong.

Ned's was insane it was covered in huge slushie/snowy puddles, the whole way down the trail.  You couldn't tell how deep they were or what lay in them and to tell you the truth...I really didn't care. My goal was to stick as close to Glenn as possible, pass as many people as possible and not think about my frozen legs/feet - more cold then they have ever been while running ever. To the mountain bikers - I don't know how you rode down this section, in these conditions. I started channeling my positive thoughts for Paula's ride. 

Next up Fisherman's trail to one of the last up hills of the race... Homestead.  Again I tried to focus my attention to my teammate (and making sure I didn't disappoint her) instead of thinking of the burn that has happening in my legs.  I power hiked most of this hill and once I reached the top I knew I was on the home stretch.  I had been running with people who were racing the 50km route and this is where the courses get different; they turn right I go left. It was the last time I saw other people on the race - I actually began to question if I'd gone the wrong way.

Back onto Baden-Powell trail and the last climb of the race (which hurt) and then right onto Diamond trail which wasn't even really a trail anymore it was more of a mud pit. Diamond trail was my last chance to give it everything I had left, I dig deep and just kept thinking about getting to my partner as quick as possible.

When I reached Jaycee House I was exited to hear the announcer say my name and that our team was in first place for the girls relay.  I tagged Paula who was patiently waiting on her wicked Pink Specialized Bike and she was off.

As Paula raced I had the opportunity to regroup my thoughts on my race - heres where I've netted out:

Overall fitness - felt good. The speed work I've been doing helped my confidence during the last 7ish km's of the race.  I just kept reminding myself that I run zone 3 for 40 minutes so I could finished the last 20 minutes of this race strong.

Leg/knee injury - felt good, even on the down hill I think the strength work I've been doing is helping to rebuild the muscle in this area

Race strategy - This is one of my favorite races because I know the trails in this area so well I know where to recover, were to push and where to hike/walk to conserve energy

Biggest opportunity for improvement - HILLS I will be hill training at least one a week moving forward

Back to the race - Paula rode amazingly to finished the race for our team and held our 1st place spot despite her bike breaking with about 5 km left - the back wheel had virtually stopped spinning (she was like Lance Armstrong when he finished Leadville 100miler with a flat - so proud of my partner).

Here is the epic pink bike in all its dirt and glory.

Barbies always race with pink nails!

This race reminded me why I love racing and goal setting but the number one reason I love to race is because I get to hang out and talk to other wicked racers. Time for some "shout outs"

Congrats to my friend Carolyn who won the women's 50km

Great job Helen (1 of my favorite running buddies and coolest mom ever!!)

Brad the human running and snowboarding machine

And of course two of my favorite training buddies "Team Pricey Runs"

In the end this is what it is all about, breaking through, achieving that sense of accomplishment from a complete effort, the utter exhaustion and feeling of satisfaction after finishing a hard race. And then cheering on other competitors, making new friends, being happy and healthy.

The times have not been posted yet so I'm not sure if we beat Team Pricey Runs (our time is within minutes of each other) but we all definitely had a great time so I'd say we all won something.

race outfit

Sugoi Black Jackie Knicker

Sugoi R+R Knee High Compression Sock

Lululemon Teal Cool Racerback

North Face Endurance Challenge Fusion Tee (flight series)

Sugoi Zap Jacket
Camel Backpack

fuel
Water
2 x Chocolate Accel Gels
1 x Kids Sharkies Package