Sunday, November 6, 2011

My Record: 270 Miles This Month (+ Tooth Extraction)

"In an ultra you should eat like a horse, drink like a fish, and run like a turtle." ~ Unknown

Monday, October 31st 2011: 7 miles @ 10:39 minutes per mile pace. This was my last run for October and completed the most miles I have ever run in one month: 270 miles! This has been a big confidence boost in helping me feel prepared for the ultra. I had to take a picture after the run to celebrate my new record:


Tuesday, November 1st 2011: 2 miles @ 9:10 minutes per mile pace in the morning. And then in the afternoon..... I got a tooth extraction. My big tooth on the bottom went to meet it's maker. Hanging out with the oral surgeon was not on my "To Do" list the week before the 100 miler. It was highly un-awesome.
TOOTH EXTRACTION

But I realized something when I went for the tooth extraction: I wasn't too worried. And I think it's because of running! I think running has taught me how to handle challenges by having the attitude that you just do what you have to do to get through hard times. Control what you can control and accept the rest. When the going gets tough, you just put on your big-boy pants, suck it up, and get it done. So good riddance you dumb tooth!

Wednesday, November 2nd 2011: Rest. Bring on the oatmeal, soup, and ice cream! (I realized that having a gaping hole in the back of your jaw is even less fun than it sounds.) Oral surgeon said I shouldn't run for a few days. How's that for a forced taper?

Thursday, November 3rd 2011: Rest.

Friday, November 4th 2011: Rest.

Saturday, November 5th 2011: 5 miles @ 12:26 minutes per mile pace. This is the first time Mel and I have run together for a while. It was really cold and even snowed on us for part of the run.


After about a half hour the snow stopped and the sky started to clear a little bit.


I must tell you - I am so thankful for Mel. She has been beyond supportive about this ultra. She has never said "I don't think this is a good idea." or "I'm not sure you can do it." She has never been doubtful or critical or questioning. She has only been 100% supportive and encouraging. That means a lot. I am so thankful for her.


I can not believe that my first 100 miler is less than ONE WEEK AWAY! I am so excited, I can't wait. I feel good, nothing is hurting, and I'm ready for the challenge. I'm ready for the sleep deprivation and the throwing up and the hallucinations and the belt buckle. Ah....the belt buckle. (For all 100 milers you don't get a medal at the finish line. You get a belt buckle!)

Stay tuned. In a few days I'll post some last minute preparations for the 100 as well as information on how you can watch the race live online. Let's get ready to rumble!

13 comments:

  1. Love that your wife is so supportive and encouraging!! :)

    Just a few more days...yay!!

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  2. You are very lucky to have such a supportive wife...and very smart to recognize and appreciate the fact.

    Wow, that's a lot of miles. I'm really excited for you and can't wait to hear about the race. You're definitely inspiring, in a dangerous, Hmmm, maybe... kind of way. Maybe in a few years, anyway. I have to get through grad school first, and I'm a little worried where regular training will fit into the work + family + school equation. Probably right after "- sleep".

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  3. that is a great little lesson.
    "I think running has taught me how to handle challenges by having the attitude that you just do what you have to do to get through hard times. Control what you can control and accept the rest. When the going gets tough, you just put on your big-boy pants, suck it up, and get it done. "

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  4. Can't believe your 100 miler is this week. I am so excited for you!!!! I will totally be stalking if I can. You are so ready and you are going to rock it.

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  5. 100 miles! Wow! I can't even fathom that! I love that you thanked your wife and you appreciate how supportive she is.

    Good luck getting that belt buckle!

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  6. Nice air, mel! Supportive spouses are totally what makes the runner's world go round.

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  7. We were in St. George this weekend for the Snow Canyon Half marathon but we didn't expect real snow. It was REALLY cold at the start of the race. I hope the weather cooperates for your race next week. You are going to do great. I look forward to reading all about it!
    P.S. There was 8 inches of snow waiting for us when we got home!

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  8. Hope your mouth is healing up nicely.

    Your wife is obvioulsy truly your partner. So great to have that support and love.

    Have a wonderful race.

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  9. 100 miles!! 100 miles!! That's amazing! I can't wait for the report AND the pics! I love it! It's good to have someone to support you!

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  10. It's GO TIME. Support at home is so important.

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  11. Awesome month - 270 miles is a ton! I'm not sure I've done 270 miles this year so far, haha

    Your ultra will go great!

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  12. You forgot one animal to include: JUMP LIKE A KANGAROO!

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