"I just need a cookie on a string in front of me and then I couldprobably run ultra-marathons."

That was the subject-line of an email I received from a close college friend, but we'll get to that in a moment.

I've been dutifully cranking up my miles; you'd think I'm running in the double-digits based on the amount I'm sweating these days, but it's just the humidity. 

Mm, sweat! The sure sign of a good run!

Am I the only one who thinks the more she sweats, the more accomplished/cleansed she feels?

This was what the sky looked like - without any editing or effects - before my run. I've never seen clouds like that!

After my run last night, I tried Vega Sport's recovery accelerator drink in Tropical. I really loved the flavor, and I'm definitely less sore this morning than I expected to be based on how I felt post-run. This is probably something I'll try again.

Alright, onto the real topic of today's post. My friend Caryn has just recently gotten into running. She has a certain way with words; after receiving this email from her, I just knew I had to share it with the blogging world. Her questions are in black, and my responses are in purple:

In response to [this blog post]: THINGS I WISH I KNEW NOW, BUT I AM SURE THEY WILL EVENTUALLY COME TO ME IF I JUST KEEP RUNNING Yep. Rule #1 - keep at it, don't give up; it'll all come to you in time.

1. When will I figure out the breathing rhythm? You could actually research HOW to breathe while you run, but counting breaths confuses me. I recommend that when you start to feel your shoulders getting stiff, or if you're hyperventilating and feel winded, take a DEEP, SLOW breath and let it out SLOWLY. Breathe like that until you feel better. Fast steps =/= fast breathing.

2. I am clearly not stretching enough beforehand, but when will everything stop hurting as soon as my running shoes touch the pavement? I am fully aware of the location of the following muscles/tendons: Achilles tendons, vastus medialis, and tibilais anterior. I know their names, because I made Alex teach them to me so that I may swear at them properly when they start to hurt. I am always polite to the body parts I insult. Don't stretch before. Stretching before is 90s gym coach theory and it's just plain wrong. Your muscles are getting accustomed to movement, so some pain is normal. Stretch AFTER a run, to keep yourself loose, and avoid sitting on your ass for hours after a run; move around a normal amount. Take rest days during which you stretch or do some yoga. Don't add too much distance too quickly. (Add about 5 minutes to your workout at a time, and don't add more than 10 minutes to your workout in less than a week's time. Go for time, not distance, when you're just starting out.)

3. Why are hills assholes? One cannot run down a hill comfortably in shoes or uphill without wheezing and straining. Assholes. They're assholes because they love you and want you to be strong. For now, walk hills. As your breathing gets easier, you'll be able to run them without a problem. Some tips: when you run UP, use your arms like you're pulling a rope. When running DOWN, lean forward into the angle of the hill, don't try to lean back.

4. Parking lots are flat, but also exceedingly boring. I must figure out a way to make them entertaining. Why the hell are you running in parking lots?! No wonder running is so painful. Talk about boring. Go park at a library or other public building that has some nice sidewalks and run there. Use google maps to figure out your route before you go.

5. Dogs under the age of five judge you on your pace. Dogs are assholes.

6. Running with your firefighter boyfriend is not a good way to determine a decent pace. Especially when he is 6'4" and you are 5'7". (ok, fine 5'6.5") An "easy" run should be at a pace that you can talk during. A "hard" run means you can only get a few words out and you're annoyed to be talking. Also, consider doing intervals. Run for a minute, walk for a minute, etc, for 30 minutes total. That way you're not expecting your body to just know how to run out of the blue. Intervals are freaking life savers.

7. Letting said boyfriend tell you that he will match your pace and believing him, because honestly, he is going to look like an injured gazelle, still graceful, yet obviously stinted by something, that something being you, and you will most likely end up feeling like a stubby-legged warthog, trying to escape a pride of lions; out of breath, sweaty, smelly, and suddenly aware that you could be dying at any second. (See above breathing rhythm issues, thus feeling of dying.) One day you'll be able to run with him. I like running with Matt because our paces are similar even if our strides aren't. I take two steps for his every one. Give it time; you'll get there. For now, maybe don't run with him because it's discouraging. Maybe he could bike or skateboard while you run, and he can go out ahead and come back a bit, etc.

8. Why can I walk correctly at a 20-inch step, and then when I start running,  cannot expand past what feels like a choppy jog, a fully reduced stride? Again, I shall refer to this as a warthog run. Proper form means you shouldn't be LEAPING. You want your steps to be small but quick. If you're listening to a metronome (go download an app pronto), a "normal" runner runs at 160 BPM. An efficient runner runs at 180. Small steps, fast cadence.

9. Dirty rap songs are motivating in a disturbing way. While I do not agree with how you treat your bitches and hoes (hos?), your deep bass and caustic rhyming keep me going, until my lungs refuse. DMX Party Up is like, my favorite running song. Other weird music habits: sad 90s ballads and musicals. If you know ALL the lyrics and can sing along and zone out, the run is a lot more fun.

10. Remember death metal is scary at night. DO NOT LISTEN TO IT ANYMORE FUTURE SELF. Only in car rides. While holding hands. During the day. Also no scary audiobooks.

11. When can I qualify myself as a runner? The minute you decided to try, put shoes on, and got out the door. Opinions differ on this, but I think I considered myself a runner when it became something I NEEDED in my life in order to feel fulfilled and complete.

12. Will you be my fairy"running"godmother? Is that too forward of an awkward question? I'm honored and humbled to accept this awkward and forward request. Do I get a wand?

What was your biggest obstacle when you first began running?

Why did you become a runner?

What words of wisdom would you offer Caryn, and other newbies?

ABK

I Run...

Happy National Running Day! Last year, I had a really hard time filling out the "I Run" badge you see here. There were so many reasons, and putting them into a single, direct phrase was pretty daunting.

This year, I was a little better prepared. Looking at all running has given me and all it has taught me, it can be summed up simply enough:

Really, isn't that what it boils down to? Running challenges me. It shows me what I'm really made of. What I can accomplish. It has shown me that I am...

...stronger than I ever thought...

A new 5k PR and the first time I ever placed at a race.

 ...more capable...

Finishing my last leg of Ragnar with one final kill.

...braver...

The first time I ever raced alone.

...and more resilient.

A new half marathon PR just a week post-Ragnar.

 I know and understand myself so much better because of running. That's an invaluable gift.

 

Even as a "seasoned" runner (I've been running for five years now, I can hardly believe it!), I still fall into the trap of seeing runners and assuming it's easy for them. But we all know the truth. Running takes effort, and it's the effort that makes it great.

Recently, I've been getting those messages I so love from old friends. You know the kind...they tell you that your running has inspired them, and they want to try it out, and can you offer advice?

So this is for you, newcomers. Welcome to the tribe! Of all the things running has given me, I think the friendships will always be #1.

Why do YOU run?

ABK

Ragnar Relay - Miami to Key West 2014

This is too long, and I apologize in advance. If you scroll through and just read the captions, I wouldn't blame you.

As I sit down to write this, I know it will fall short. Ragnar is one of those experiences that defies explanation. If I focus on the running, I'm shortchanging the amazing emotional impact of this race; but, if I focus on the emotional impact alone, this post will meander and make no sense.

One of the women in my online running group told me, "It doesn't matter what you pack as long as you bring a positive attitude." This became my mantra for the entire race, and I think it saved my van. We were all so encouraging, supportive, nurturing, and kind to one another. I never once felt like I needed alone time. I never felt frustrated or annoyed. We had the good luck to mesh perfectly under the pressure of the race. I haven't felt this kind of bond and camaraderie since joining my sorority in college.

Packing

The food I brought. Pro-tip: bananas need to be stored in a hard box or they'll get smooshed all over and become inedible.

Two pairs of shoes and a backup running outfit were a must.

Everything fit perfectly!

Not pictured: a blanket, travel pillow, and beach towel. There's a fine line here between packing the bare minimum and making sure to have all your needs covered!

Thursday

We left for Miami in the early evening and arrived for the safety briefing just half an hour before it ended. On the road, we experienced our first taste of Ragnar as a van of men honked and flashed us as they drove by. During the ride we realized everyone in our van works in (or used to work in) education. Can you guess how we bonded so quickly?

We decorated the van in a Cracker Barrel parking lot. Ours was pathetic compared to some of the ones we saw!

That's right, Sarah. We're running ALL OF THAT!

We arrived at our hotel to discover that they hadn't realized there was a giant race in town and had overbooked. We had no rooms. 

Luckily, Kristin knows some secret codes and we were transferred to a nicer hotel for free...but we soon discovered they, too, were overbooked. Finally, we figured out a way to fit 12 women into three hotel rooms (with six in ours!) and got some rest before the big day.

This could have been a disaster, but positive thinking prevailed and none of us were the worse for wear after this ordeal.

Friday

8:00am. We're at the starting line, using the bathroom for a millionth time, quickly becoming used to the treacherous conditions that are porta-potties. (We should have kept track of how many times we used the bathroom. Our rule became: if there is a toilet available, USE IT.)

Van 1 before our 8am start. L-R: Trisha, Sarah, me, Meg, Kristin, Margie.

The starting line!

Kristin was our first runner. This was all new to us. We'd never done Ragnar before and hoped our plan for meeting each other at the exchanges worked out. We had decided weeks ago to use a GPS tracking app made for families, and it worked like a charm.

Kristin takes off!

At exchange 2, I got to meet Laura, a member of that same previously-mentioned online running group. By the time the first exchange passed, things began to flow smoothly. We now understood how to find the next exchange, meet our runner, pass the bracelet, etc.

Meg and Kristin at the exchange. This is basically how they all work.

Laura and me!

The major downfall was the heat. Our lovely Florida winter had melted into an early spring, and we dealt with temperatures in the 80s both days.

Hilariously, on our way to meet Sarah at the end of her run, we missed her because she ran faster than we could drive through traffic! (Blame the bad Miami traffic and credit her awesome speed!)

Margie running to the exchange to meet Sarah, who had been waiting there for a few minutes already.

Thursday flew by in a weird blur...The day felt simultaneously like the longest day of my life and also the shortest. It was insane how fast those six legs seemed to go.

When it was time for my first run, I barely had time to strap on my water and set my Nike+ before Trisha got to our exchange. She slapped the bracelet on and off I went! My first leg was a mere 2.7 miles, but the heat made it tough. While I killed the first mile in 9:16, I got stuck at two long traffic lights that added six minutes to my time. Still, I finished in just under 28 minutes, which was exactly where we had planned for my pace to be.

Exchange made...

...I'm on my way!

Coming in to the exchange to meet Tracey!

Tracey's on, and van 1 is done!

(Something I learned from Ragnar is that conditions may not be perfect, but sometimes you have no choice. Do I like running in 85 degree heat while the sun blasts me? No. But I did it, and I was awesome. We all were.)

After our van finished round one, we stopped at a BJs to eat. By this time we were all exhausted and hungry, but none of us ever seemed to crack under the stress. We were accommodating and understanding, and once we ate, any hint of a sour attitude disappeared. Food is magic. The handicapped stall felt like a luxurious bath-house. I "bathed" with baby wipes, changed clothes, and devoured a gluten free pepperoni pizza.

Thursday Night/Friday Morning

At this point, our van's decorations were becoming a symbol for our bodies.

Night gear: check!

Our next round began at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. We partook in some glorious free massages while we waited for van 2 to meet us.

Kristin is clearly super excited!

Yes, my IT band took two masseurs to work out. I was cool with it.

These nighttime runs were a different kind of challenge than our early runs. Kristin ran through pitch-dark urban streets and past a penitentiary. Meg and Sarah ran on a dusty, rocky canal road. Margie killed a 12 mile bridge run. Trisha ran down dark, slanted sidewalks. My 7.8-miler began just before 2am.

Meg and Sarah on the canal road.

If I hadn't had time to stop at 7-11 to pick up a Starbucks Double Shot Espresso, I would've been toast. But the caffeine set in just when I needed it, plus I got a surprise pick-me-up.

Best. Surprise. Ever.

Throughout the run, I passed vans from other teams. They cheered for and high-fived me, prompted me to overtake the runners ahead of me, and kept me going when I felt my energy waning. The feeling of fellowship and connection is indescribable.

Matt found me just in time for my second leg!

Trish and I look like robots!

At the end of my run - when I had overtaken those runners ahead of me I mentioned before - there was some confusion. Apparently our team was behind on time and we were concerned about finishing before the finish line closed. But van 1 was done, and it was up to van 2 to figure out what needed to be done.

We had other fish to fry. Margie had been throwing up since returning from her run. We had planned ahead to get a hotel in Marathon near our morning exchange with runner 12. Meg drove the rest of us, who were basically comatose, and we took desperately fast showers and passed out for a mere three hours of sleep.

This was the most brilliant thing we could ever have done. Somehow three hours revitalized us. We awoke feeling strong and pumped. Margie felt worlds better. We were looking forward to our final round of runs!

Saturday

We arrived at our final exchange much earlier than necessary. When Kristin finally got to run, she was so excited to get going she took off with a scream. She PR'd her distance and set us all off on the right foot.

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! Ready to rock it!

Daniella hands off to Kristin, and the final round is upon us!

Meg had volunteered to run the 7 Mile Bridge (part of a 9 mile stretch) in honor of her dad, who passed away last year. By the time she ran at 9:30, it was already cloudless and nearing 85 degrees. But she persevered and owned that bridge and came in right at the estimated time.

Sarah took off for her own 10 mile bridge run in that same heat. She never carries water, and we were worried, but as usual she showed us what an awesome runner she is by coming in under her estimated time.

Margie's final leg was four miles without van support (we weren't allowed to stop and bring her water) but by this time all sorts of vans and good Samaritans were stopping to hand water out their car windows. We were able to provide some ice water to her and some other runners.

Trisha ran her last five miles to meet me for my final leg; it was a virtual exchange, so when I saw her across the street, I just bolted. I was so hyped up and ready to get it done.

I would've liked my entire run to be this shady. No such luck.

Excited and ready to go!

Some more of my view as I came to the halfway point.

I plowed through my first mile at an 8:58 pace, ignoring the heat. When my path turned onto US-1 and I was running on asphalt, the only thing distracting me from the baking heat was the simple truth that the faster you run, the faster it's over. I couldn't let my team down. I dug deep to keep my pace fast.

Cackling.

As I neared the exchange, I saw the woman in front of me dancing and waving her arms at her teammates; she thought she had finished and was golden. I knew, in that moment, that I had to catch her. I stealthily closed our distance. I stalked her like a puma. When I was within sprinting range, BAM! I struck. I took off like a rocket, grinning maniacally, and finished to shouts of, "How is that even possible?!" from my teammates.

We did it!

106 kills total, baby!

Placing the final check-mark.

Matt had made it to the finish there, too. We took photos at our final exchange number and trekked back to the van. I was elated. I had done it. I had run all three of my legs, given it my all, and accomplished something insane.

We all did.

Friday Evening

After some deliberation, we went to eat before changing. We had drinks and lunch at the Conch Republic in Key West, then found our hotel (an adorable old house called Courtney's Place) and got ready for the finish line.

A much-deserved margarita to celebrate!

We survived!

Shuttling to the finish!

We met van 2 at the finish in perfect timing to meet Daniella as she finished her last leg and led us through the archway. We were Ragnarians!

Girls Gone Miles brings it home! 198 miles, done!

We placed 6th out of 12 in our division and the race took our team just over 34 hours.

Adding my name to the wall.

Sarah and Meg sign the wall.

The whole team! R-L: Kristin, Lisa, Margie, Daniella, Sarah, Shannon, Chelsea, me, Mari, Tracey, Meg, and Trisha.

Glowing!

Van 1, feeling good!

We made it!

Cute.

Hooray!

We had dinner at Burgerfi, took photos at the 0-mile marker, and collapsed into bed. I'm not sure who those people are that can really party after Ragnar, but we weren't it. We were wiped!

Final Thoughts

It's amazing how the smallest things can make your day. Gas station coffee...Honking at a runner to encourage them, and then realizing belatedly they're not running Ragnar...A perfectly timed comment that sends everyone into hysterics...Discussion of how to pee while running...Becoming "bona fide serial killers"...Off-roading in a mini van...Walking around with rolls of toilet paper and asking to bum some from complete strangers. (Seriously, where else but at races do you see this?!) Hearing, "Good job, Runner!" from dozens of strangers...Watching your teammates cry from happiness and pride, embrace bloody feet, and sharing in someone's greatest accomplishment...Realizing in the middle of my late-night run that I had trained for this exact situation, with a 3-miler back-to-back with an 8-miler...Seeing Matt on my longest leg.

Ready for some deep thoughts? Here we go.

The point of Ragnar is to see how far you can push yourself, to overcome, to be strong. Giving up because you're tired isn't acceptable. That's the whole point. You run. It hurts. You finish. You don't die. You realize how strong you are.

You do it for the team.

On my last run, as my legs threatened to buckle after so little sleep and so many miles in such a short time, it wasn't the promise I had made to myself that kept me going. At least, it wasn't that alone. It was knowing that my team needed me to leave it all out there for them. I felt responsible for them. I wanted to give them my best and make it count.

Staying positive is key.

I am filled with gratitude and love for every person who helped me get to this point. I can't put into words how much the encouragement of my family and friends has bolstered me and helped me to realize that I've done something great here. (And yes, I know just how lucky I am to have a husband who will drive 5 hours to the Keys to catch brief glimpses of me during a race.)

I was worried Ragnar might burn me out, but to the contrary, I'm actually more motivated than ever. My legs feel amazing. I am so ready to run my half this weekend to celebrate my birthday.

I can't wait to do another Ragnar. Maybe I'll even do the ultra next time. If this sounds even a little bit interesting to you, I can't urge you strongly enough. DO IT.

ABK