Training with Fear.

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a Spirit of power." 2 Timothy 1:7

My first winter run was a rude awakening and a great reminder of what a WUSS I am.

First of all, putting my Yak Traxx on is a job in itself. And for this airhead, 9 times out of 10 I put them on inside out. I am usually having internal dialogue complaining about how I can't get any traction, just to discover the spikes are deep inside my sole.. not the snow!
I then am finding myself bent over the road trying to put the rubber back on my shoe properly as it usually pops off sometime in my run. This recovery requires my hands to come out of my gloves to grab the rubber straps properly. GRRR..Or BRR because now my boney little fingers are frozen and I am having a dialogue all together different, cursing mother nature and Michigan winters.

So for my run this morning it was a WELCOMED TREADMILL RUN! I was up at 6am and out the door by 7:15.
10 miles.
100 sit ups w/10lb ball
stretch roll,18 cold plunge

Training for SPRING MARATHONS

Saturday April 9th. Martian Marathon Dearborn.

This year, I wanted to try some new races and travel to some new places. Michelle B. does this marathon every year.
Joan F. wanted to run her first marathon and I told her I would pace her for her first. I am so excited to run alongside her. And really stoked to run with the Martians! Danielle and Lacey were talking about doing the half down there and making it a girls nite.

Sunday May 15. Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Ohio

This is going to be a WHIRLWIND. I am coming home from Washington DC that Saturday with Alec. It is his 8th grade trip. I will have to turn around and get back in the car to head to Ohio.
Lacey and I have a hotel room Saturday. This Race is described as one of the oldest and fastest. Should be fun, the logo looks similar to Woodstock. It has a hippie like theme. I am thinking I may have to start looking for something psychedelic to wear!

Sunday October 2. CloudSpitter 50M Kentucky/Alabama

So Andy actually signed me up for the 100K. I just didn't feel comfortable running this race for my first 100k. The course is described at technical with 7000 ft of elevation. I have read several reviews on it and chickened out on the extra 12 miles. If I had someone pacing me with more experience I would be more comfortable. But with my lack of experience, poor navigation skills and  airhead running I don't think it too wise. I am nervous and excited about this adventure. Running through the heart of Appalacia is going to be an experience like no other. I am so scared. I wanted to cancel it all together, but I am going after it, God help me!

The Mystery 100k. I have no idea when I will tackle this. I have been looking for an ultra for a while now. I may just end up doing WOODSTOCK 100k. I love this race. It is local. I know the route and know several runners who do it. I am hoping since Fritz has talked me into this he will be running along side me if I pick this one. I am open to suggestions on a 100K.

"But Ultras are far, far less predictable and they are all you: your faculties, your body, your strength, you on the line."

Hal Koerner

I am almost finished with HAL KOERNER'S Field Guide to ULTRARUNNING. Several times I felt my heart double dutch out of my chest. I was overcome by FEAR when HAL says he has run across SEVERAL bear but none of them bothered him! Was that supposed to make me feel better? I had to put the book down when he said he got lost and most of the time you have NO GPS. I am doomed!! I will be running in the dark, in the mountains, with no GPS. It was almost too much. Seriously, I cant even put my Yak Traxx on correct, how am I going to navigate myself through the Pine Mountains?
I am going to do this on FAITH. God will direct my path. I just need to train and prepare. And PRAY!

I was grocery shopping today and went to purchase some Granola. I picked it up and put it down. I can make this and it will be fresh and organic. It only takes about 30 minutes from beginning to end!

Maple Granola
2 1/2 cups oats
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/3 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
(I have also made it with Agave nectar and Honey)
Mix together, spread onto a cookie sheet or Stone ware. Bake at 350' for 25-30 minutes. Flip the granola every 10 minutes to get it cooked evenly. It is up to you how brown you like it.

You can use Canola oil but Coconut oil is refined and has a less distinct coconut flavor. The smoke point of WILDTREES Coconut oil is 350', making it a GREAT baking substitution.

 A Teaspoon of Coconut oil is great in a cup of coffee with a half of cup of FRESH Granola and berries!
Anita