Tag: ultrarunning

FAFO or GTFO (or something)

Let’s dig into some race recaps and what is to come.

Froggy Hollow 5 & 9

I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race.

Ok enough of Stephen King or Lorrie Moore (pick your favorite) mimicry! I had a stellar race – kept a steady pace over the 5 hours, never really experienced a low. The key: my thoughts were mostly turned off. I focused on getting through the aid station loop in under a minute.

Hashawha Hills 50K

I was not well in the lead-up to the race. Hi, sinus troubles. Before starting, I knew I’d probably DNF. I talked with my partner about it making sense to even start. The outcome still stung. Dropping out brought up feelings for me about not wanting to be weak. I could endure years of endometriosis pain, I couldn’t stay on the trail a little longer? I moped for about 24 hours, then moved on with my life. 

However! The race course was gorgeous farmland and tucked away woods off 97. I’m excited for a chance to try it again in the future, during a race, or for a random run.

What’s Next?

I am running a Backyard?! Of course I’ve felt a rollercoaster of emotions going into my first. How do you even feel like you’ve prepared? What mileage even makes sense? Am I strong / stupid enough? We’re all going into the unknown – so is anyone really prepared? No. It’s organized chaos, and in my positive moments, I lean into the curiosity. Running friends and strangers on the internet have all been generous in giving advice.

My goals are to focus on my own race & pace while enjoying the camaraderie of running with the same group on the hour, every hour. Plus, we run through TANK ALLEY. Should I be Tank Girl? Furiosa?

I am Furiosa. Which is appropriate, because the race is fundraising for Girls on the Run. If you’re inclined, please donate here. Safety for women & girls of all identities continues to hold them back from running, movement.

Speaking of rage – it is endometriosis awareness month. I have been symptom free since my hysterectomy / oophorectomy / excision almost four years ago, but I will continue to scream this important information that I am quoting from the experts at Indigo Physiotherapy: “Today, excision surgery of the endometrial tissue is considered the gold standard for treatment. In addition to excision surgery, there are a variety of treatment options that you can explore that range from hormonal treatment to pelvic floor therapy.”

There is no definitive cure for endometriosis. The lesions often exist outside the uterus (mine did!), so a hysterectomy is not a cure. I chose to have mine removed because of the monthly blood loss, chronic back pain, disinterest (perhaps hostility even?) towards a pregnancy of my own. I live in a liminal space of “not cured”, but symptom free. 

I’m thinking about all of this now, because while racing an ultra, I am a “no brains, just vibes” gal. Not quite meditation, I protect my energy. Nothing will stop a run like hyperventilating due to emotions. I’m so grateful I can continue to FAFO in athletics, & afraid of losing the ability again.

Books I’m thinking about / recently read:

·  Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj

·  The Quarry by Joellen Carter

Stay sweaty and glittery. Black Lives Matter.

I’m glad I dream

And I say then I’m glad I dream
the fire is still alive

Those are the last two lines to Louise Glück’s latest collection, Winter Recipes from the Collective. I finished the collection, then reread it, while in Maine. Glück has written about mortality her entire career, but this one felt more like a true knowledge of the sunset to come.

It’s been a summer full of travel, writing, and running. It will still be sweltering in Baltimore through October, so this is not an end of summer post. I’ll let you decide what kind of post it is.

I spent over a week in Estonia in July, mostly in the capital, Tallinn, visiting friends. Travel tip: most cities allow you to purchase a cultural card that gets you heavy discounts to different museums, restaurants, and cultural centers. I purchased a 3-day Tallinn Card and maximized how many places I visited on the days my friends were working full-time hours. In addition to bike-riding along the Bay of Tallinn coast and exploring Lahemaa National Park, I went to over 15 museums. At the last one, the museum staff asked if I was a blogger. Just someone interested in history, I said.

Near the end of the trip, I set out on a long run. I told my friends I’d go around 14 miles. We’d explored part of the Tallinn City Trail on bikes the day before. I ran through the pines feeling the weight of history. Now a bustling recreation center, part of the land was once a mass KGB grave. In the United States, our land has seen horrors as well, like mass genocide of indigenous people, the horrors of slavery, and our current incarceration policies. I thought of Appalachian folklore and the urges to listen to the forest. Conifers or concrete, the land speaks to us if we listen.

August was also full of fire – and because I cannot slow down – something about inertia and forward motion, right Vonnegut? – I have been thinking about what is next for running. After racing a 50k of my own, crewing Eastern States 100, (including driving back to the campground at 4am) – I’m asking myself if I want to go longer. Sometimes I’m thinking about to signing up for a 50-miler, but really I don’t know. Firebird Trail Race was lovely to run outside of Portland, ME, in late August to cap off the New England trip. It was only 13 miles, so we could still stand and enjoy Odiorne Beach and Mystic Pizza after.

What if I continue my commitment to exploration and went with all new races?  I ran somewhere new at least once a month this summer. Why wouldn’t I continue to explore?

Books I’m thinking about / recently read:

  • Three Pianos by Andrew McMahon
  • Winter Recipes from the Collective by Louise Glück
  • Golden Ax by Rio Cortez

Stay sweaty and glittery. Black Lives Matter.