The Adventure Begins!

Well, it is official- I have decided to do the Umstead 100 miler, I have started the training, and NOW I have made my intent public!  After my first official week of training, I sat down to start my diary of the experience, and Kris suggested I create a blog.  After I laughed for a few moments and said "who is going to read this said blog?", I decided to go for it.  Thus, here begins my attempt of documenting and sharing my first 100 miler (or first ultra marathon for that matter) experience!  My great friend and neighbor, Kelli, assured me that she would be my best "follower" while my longest friend Cari made some sort of snoring noise into the phone! 

Many people have asked why I want to run a 100 miler- and after the questions I typically get a serious look and some form of the following  question: "Is it because Kris hasn't done one yet?"  I typically laugh and respond, that while that may be a plus, it has absolutely nothing to do with my decision-and that in all honesty, there is no way that such a motivator could push me through the training or the race itself.  With that  being said, I am very grateful that my husband understands my desire and is supportive of my decision to complete such a feat.  There are multiple reasons for me to do such a "race", but the biggest motivator is the challenge that it presents....and my ability to overcome this challenge.  My daily mantra when the alarm clock goes off is something like this, "You CHOSE to do this, so put on your big girl running shorts and let's go!"  I am determined to enjoy this experience from start to finish :)  Thus far, I am having a great time.

The idea to complete a 100 mile race came after Kristen (KO) and I volunteered for a few hours at the Umstead 100 mile race last Spring.  We originally discussed adding this goal to our 2012 list, but I just couldn't seem to let go the idea of completing one.  Kris and I went to Leadville for the 100 mile mountain bike race, and I talked to many people about the 100 mile run race that occurs here every year.  Something inside me wanted to do this!  (and my first thought was to head back to Leadville in 2011 for the 100 mile race...I quickly decided that this may be a little crazy :).  I even watched an inspiring video of the Leadville race, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsiocTDBZso) and sent the link to my running friends to see who wanted in....only 1 responded with seriousness (Steph- although it is only fair to say that her response was that she would do it because she "didn't want to be on the couch potato team"  But hey, I'll take that as an I am in!). 

So, after committing to the distance, and talking to Kris, I decided to move forward.  I decided that I would seek the assistance of a coach, because I have NO idea how to transition from the marathon to the 100 mile distance....thus began my research on ultra coaches.  After many hours of reading, I decided to contact Coach Ian Torrence, who is currently working with Greg McMillan.  He agreed to work with me (although I am not sure he knew exactly what he was getting into...and what a "newbie" I really am)!  Either way, I am super excited to be working with him and appreciate his patience with all my rookie questions. 

Coach Ian suggested I start training in November after completing the Chicago Marathon....so I completed my last few weeks of Chicago training, ran the marathon, recovered and started training the last week in October.  Of course, we attended one AWESOME Halloween party at the Dranttel's before training commenced!  The after-party will be held at the Clinard's in April :)  An adult Spring Party????

Weeks 1 and 2 have been great....I have slowly increased my mileage again...and am even completing the entire cool down as suggested! I do not heart the cool down! 

I am enjoying the training and new goal.  I am excited to see how my body (and mind) responds to this new challenge....I am sure to have many a fun runs with various friends that accompany me for portions of my training runs....and Steph and I are sure to enjoy our forced family fun runs when we can catch up for some miles on Saturday mornings.  I am already thankful for my fellow running friends that are happy to join me for part or all of a run!  And for those that have volunteered to be pacers on race weekend.

  The Girls after the 2010 Chicago Marathon (Steph, Val, KO)