Some degree of Crazy.

I have had the debate multiple times with multiple running friends;
Running quality in freezing temperatures VS. running indoors.

So it is fair to say I HATE running cold. I will do it but if you are running with me you will hear me whine most of the time, if I talk at all!

I HAVE NO PRIDE.

I do not pound my chest talking about how I haven't been on a TM for "X" amount of time.
Good for you.
Not good for me!

I personally run outside in the winter mostly for two reasons:

1. I have FOMO- Fear of missing out. I like running with my friends. 
2. If I am running short on time it is quicker to run from home. 

I believe running indoors for ME benefits ME more than running in freezing temps and inches of snow by:

1. Running cold requires many layers. the more layers I have, the more I have to irritate me. Too tight, to itchy, too short, too thick, too stinky, too big, too bulky and so on. 
2. I get mentally defeated. It requires so much more work for me running in the cold. I feel like I am huffing and puffing the entire time. My chest is heaving, my breathing is pathetic and I feel fatigued with very few miles in. 
3. Mentally I get discouraged by my pace. I am running slower yet my body feels as though it is working harder. 
4. I struggle maintain my pace due technical issues, my eye lashes freezing together, my shirt riding up, snow banks and ice to name a few annoyances.
5. Running indoors allows me to run in SHORTS! The bare minimum. Having the air touch my skin is magical. I am such a happy runner. And Happy is Good!
6. I can get on the treadmill and it makes me keep my pace. The TM is not forgiving. She doesn't let you catch your breath, she keeps on turning unless you push the button. I can hit the incline, the decline, punch in my pace and watch Ellen! 
7. Running on a TM is good mental training. It takes A LOT of perseverance to run farther than 5 miles! 
8. If I go to the gym I am way more disciplined to stretch and roll properly. I am also more motivated to do core and strength training. 

2018 is a New Year. I have new goals, new thoughts and new perspectives. 

I LOVE running. 

I plan on doing as much running next year as I did this year. 

HOWEVER. 

I am NOT RUNNING. It is NOT my sole identity. 

This year I cut back on my social media running posts. 

As much I love running and this is a running blog I have even wrote about things other than running. I haven't put in all my stats and I haven't even been blogging as much. 

I have been doing the other things I love. Parenting. Being a youth leader at my church. This year marks the 12 year I have been either going to or volunteering in an addiction facility, one of my greatest passions, addiction.

I have over 20 years as a stylist. I love my profession and give 100% to my job. I LOVE people.

I even read a few books this year, listened to some great podcasts and watched a few documentaries. 

Yes, I ran some epic races, I coaches XC again for our local charter school and I still ran over 2000 miles for the year. 

BUT, I am MORE than a Runner. I love being outside, I love kayaking, watching the sunrise and catching the sunset. I love baking, camping and watching my boys play ball.

 

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Christmas gift REVIEWS:

SEALSKINZ: 50$

I ran today in them at sub zero weather. My feet never got coldor wet and I was pushing through a half a foot of snow. These particular pair of socks are actually taller than the ankle high ones I have. I prefer them higher, they fit great under my running tights and kept my shins warm and dry as I trudged through the snow. 

Smartwool: 25$

This is hands DOWN my favorite buff. At first, I didn't think I would like it due to its narrow neck. It was itching me until I got cold! WOW, it warmed my cheeks and nose instantly. It snuggled around me like a little face furnace. I would occasionally pull it down I would get so warm. 

Brooks Windbreaker: 100$

This light weight windbreaker folds into a teeny weeny little square, great for ultra running. I used this as a outer shell on Christmas to lock in the heat and keep the wind from cutting through me. It paid for itself the first time I used it. Christmas is was again sub zero and I got caught in a white out snow squall. I NEVER got chilled.

Nike Thermal running shirt.

My favorite detail with this layering shirt is the longer length in the back. It covers my toosh. The arms are also longer with fold over hand sleeves and thumb holes.  The material is lighter, making this the perfect layering shirt. 

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In other news. 

My good Friend Ken is running "Across the Years" . He is running the 6 day race. I am excited for him. I think he is crazy but then that is all relevant. We all have some degree of CRAZY in us. 

He started today and has over 40 miles in. He is trying to average 55 miles a day. 

Remember him in your prayers!

Anita~

Catching up on camera

I am still alive and kicking. I am even still running.
I am slowly digging myself out of chaos.
Manageable chaos, self induced.

Thanksgiving has passed.
Christmas is already a memory and life is breathing again.
I am crawling out of my hole.
I had a few days it was hit or miss. Long days, late nights and lists that never appeared to have a period. And we are not talking menstrual, we are talking punctuation.

I am now running in multiple layers of uncomfortable clothing.
Tights that are too tight. Thermal shirts that itch. Hats that make my hair stinky.
Layers, soo many layers that stick in weird places and bunch up leaving me feeling like the Michelin Man.
OHH and lets not leave out the fact that its so stinking freaking bloody cold all my devices keep FREEZING up and shutting off on me!

Ill catch you up to speed through some photos.

MY BIRTHDAY!

LACEY, PAULA AND MATT surprised me with a mini birthday party. This was seriously one of the sweetest things. Because my birthday is so close to Christmas it is really a P.I.T.A. 

Everyones busy, and I feel like a burden. But they made me feel like a princess. 

Whiny Butterfly may be a nickname I have adopted. 

I opened Laceys gift, the one she has been ITCHING to give me since Thanksgiving, and jumped all over like monkey. 

She found me a running skirt from Lululemon with BUTTERFLIES all over them!! `

GOODR

I have wanted a pair of these obnoxious running glassed for a year! My mother in law bought me them for my birthday. I wore them on Christmas to try them out. I got caught in a white out, they were AWESOME. They kept the snow out of my eyes and added the perfect amount of ridiculousness. They are so FUN! I want them in every color! 

All my goodies on!

PART of my goodies from Christmas. Andy always spoils me. 

Brooks windbreaker

Runners World Journal

Runners World Train Smart. 

Smart Wool Buff with Merino wool

Nike layering thermal shirt

A bib/medal hanger

THESE ARE THE MOST AMAZING SOCK. Andy bought me a pair 2 years ago. They don't get wet! My feet stay dry and warm.They are expensive, 50$, but worth every penny if your an outside winter runner.

I got distracted this morning and "Ran" out of time to go to the gym. I had to buck up and venture outside in sub zero degree weather. 

I NEVER got cold. However, if my eyelashes could speak, they would be cursing me. I actually had a car come to a complete stop. This man rolled down his windows, with a big smile he yelled "You are the BEST, Good for you, you are the BEST!" 

I smiled until I realized I dropped my brand new glasses somewhere through the village of Holly. I found them! tucked away in a snowbank. OHH happy day! 

So...If I can organize my day properly ttomorrow, I will give a review of all my new goodies..including the new New Balance running coat Andy bought me for my birthday!

Spoiled. 

And loved.

Smiles.

Anita!!

I Saved You a Seat. Humbled

Three weeks ago today, I walked into church late, on time for me. I was out of sorts for me.
Not in a great place emotionally.
It is our Freedom from Bondage outreach night. I lead a group for families who have loved ones struggling with addiction.
But this day, I had my own struggles. My hurts. My burdens. To be quite honest, I really didn't even want to be there.
I didn't want to smile. I didn't want to mingle and be fake. I wanted to be alone.
This is me being HONEST.
I am just being real.

The auditorium is huge. Most of the seats were filled. I wanted MY seat. A seat on the aisle. Easy to get in and easy to get out. I could hardly find a parking spot and now I couldn't find a aisle seat. "UGH".
I stood against the outside wall searching for a seat, awkwardly. The music was loud, the band was playing songs of freedom and forgiveness.

I looked around. Its not a typical church service. I come often times from work. My make up is on, lips glossed. My hair has been blown out and styled. I smell like expensive perfume and even on my casual days I am dressed pretty well. I look churchy.
I stand out like a sore thumb!
I am circled by a room full of felons, prostitutes, drug addicts, alcoholics, some in recovery, some coming in still liquored up. Some haven't showered in days and smell like stale cigarettes.
Disheveled, discouraged, disordered but all working on another day, a day of hope. A day of recovery.

My Pastor makes us do this little exercise where we look to the left and tell the person next to us They Are AMAZING.
I wasn't in the mood.
I didn't want to play this little game.
But I didn't want the person next to me to think I was a snob, so I dug deeply for a smile, looked to my left and whispered, "Your Amazing."
This man was three seats from me. He was a very slender man. About 6 feet tall with ruffled gray hair. He hadn't shaven and looked tired and weak. He looked at me in the eyes, "Thank you."
The service moved forward.
As the closing song played,  I saw the man out of the corner of my eye. He was stuggling to get up and get his coat on. I saw him fumbling with his cane. I reached over, convicted, "Can I help you..?"
I reached around him helping him put his oversized coat on.
"Thank you, what is you name?"
"Hi, I am Anita." I replied with a smile.
He was glowing, "Thank you, are you here every week?"
Helping him with his cane, "Yes, I am."
"You are beautiful, I hope to see you next week,"
I smiled, blushing, "Thank you, I will see you next week."


Here is the thing. My Tuesday turned into Wednesday, then Thursday, and next thing I know it is Tuesday again.
I walk down the aisle, I find my seat on the outside. I set my stuff down in the seat next to me and I open my coffee.
Another Tuesday.
The service goes on like all of them. Powerful, inspirational and encouraging. I go to leave my seat to head down to the tables when..
TAP TAP TAP
I turn around...
"HI, Its Anita right?"
I turn around and there is that man. Cleaned up, bright and smiling.
"HI!" I was caught off guard.
"Anita, It's George, I saved you a seat."

"I SAVED YOU A SEAT."

I felt my face getting flushed. I felt tears wanting to stream down my face.
You see, I WENT ON WITH MY WEEK."
I forgot about him. I was a terrible person. I moved from Tuesday to Tuesday.
He SAVED me a seat. He thought of me.

He told me I was beautiful again, and that he liked my smile.
MY SMILE...You mean the one I forced. Oh, if he only knew.
He thought of me and saved me a seat.
All I had to do was SMILE.
I just had to come out of myself for a brief second, I had to just love on him. I had to look at him in the eyes, I had to tell him he was AMAZING.
So Powerful.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. "  John 13:34

That's the problem. We get caught up in OURSELVES. Our little world. Our issues, our heartaches, our drama.
When all we have to do is smile.
To love on the unlovable.
To be kind to a different kind.
To share a good word.
To help those struggling, someone other than ourselves.

He thought of me all week from a smile.
I felt horrible. And I felt blessed. This man truly blessed me.
His smile, his kindness, his thoughtfulness, his humility...
HE SAVED ME A SEAT..

He saved me a seat again today. I cried like a baby in church.
I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. Humbled. Broken and blessed.

Just SMILE.
Get out of Yourself and SMILE, Love, Give a kind word.

This Christmas season don't get caught up in gifts that you buy..
Get caught up in the gifts that money CAN'T BUY.

LOVE.
KINDNESS.
COMPASSION
FORGIVNESS
HOPE

Anita.

Catching a Break :Patience

For weeks now I have been waiting for that one run that felt great and was not being ran at a turtle crawl.
Most of my runs my heart is pounding, my lungs are heaving and my mind is spinning in frustration.

BUT FINALLY...Today..Today was that day.
Today, the sun brightened a gorgeous blue sky.
For a December day, the temperatures spoiled us at 50 degrees.
I was a brave soul, I wore a running skirt and a tee shirt. However, for insurance purposes I also wore arm bands and compression socks. It was sooo refreshing to not have all those layers on.

We only ran 8.5 miles. Maybe that's what I needed. Maybe I just needed to keep the miles in the single digits.
We chatted, we ran hills, we ran flats, we laughed and overall it all felt great. I even barreled up a big nasty hill on Fish Lake Rd like a champ. Granted, it took me 2 miles after that to catch my breath but I felt like a rock star for a few minutes.
The best part, as good as it felt, we still managed to maintain a 9min/mi. This was very shocking considering we walked up a hill at Seven Lakes on a trail.

This is a simple post. Today was a reminder for me to be patient with my body.
Or just to be patient, but not give up. To not get too frustrated when things do not move at the rate that I WANT IT TOO.

For all sense and purposes, tomorrow I may feel like total poop on a stick again. And that is O.K..
Today was a good day.
I will remember the good day. The good feeling. The good STUFF.
I will remember no matter how good, how bad or how long each season lasts, Its ALL GOOD TRAINING!
Just keep moving forward a LITTLE BIT at a time.

Anita~

Don't take yourself so Serious.

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy...The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with JOY." Psalms 126:2-3

With just a few weeks left until the end of the year, I am loving not taking my running so serious.
I haven't added my weekly miles, monthly miles or even tallied up my miles for the year.
I have ran without my watch, I have quit on runs before I planned and I have even cut my miles down without a thought or a plan.
That's not saying that I am burned out or cutting back. It is just saying that I am enjoying not being so committed or serious.
I am enjoying other things. I actually enjoy cleaning my house when I am not in a hurry. Turning my music up and dancing through each of the rooms. I spent 8 hours cooking in one day last week and even enjoyed waking up at 6:30 am to make my friends desserts.

We have had a lot of FUN RUNS. One of the things I am doing differently is cutting my miles back to about 40 miles a week, and honestly even less than that.
But I am trying to pick my snail tail up.
I feel like Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hyde. I am rather high energy and overall happy kinda gal. But on these serious runs I shut down, get quiet and smile a whole lot less.

Lacey and I ran Sunday around town. Our aim was to run 7-8 miles @ a sub 9min/mi.
Feeling all adventurous I even wore a running skirt.
We didn't really pay attention to our pace the first couple miles. By the last 3 miles, we had picked up our pace and we both got REAL quiet.
The last mile towards my house is a series of rolling hills. Focused and determined to stay steady up the hills, we grunted our way to the top of each one. My legs were numb, cold and tired but we were on a mission. As we came up the last roller to my street, I was so excited to see our pace, I knew we had just rocked out the last half a mile. I looked down at my Garmin and wanted to cry. My watch had DIED! Lacey wasn't wearing her watch, therefore, together we grieved that lost half a mile.
We only pouted a few minutes, then we laughed and cheered each other on.
We are quirky.
Laughing over the little things, teasing one another and just being plain ridiculous.

There are so many places we can find JOY. Laughter.
If you run with me, like Lacey, you can start laughing at my outfits before I even say anything to make you laugh.
I can find laughter in the woods. I love watching each other prance around rocks, roots and dodging branches. Today, a tree had fallen and it made me giggle climbing over the big hunk of wood.
Laughter is everywhere if you don't take everything so serious.

Its a beautiful time of the year and it is also a hard time of the year. Sometimes life is serious and sometimes life doesn't feel real Joyful.
We all have hardships and hurts. Sometimes it takes a little courage to step out and seek Joy.
Even on our toughest runs with life, taking time to smile, to giggle or to find a little laughter makes things a little more approachable.
Laughter doesn't discount our hurts. It doesn't cheat our losses. Joy interrupts. A smile softens the blows. It realigns our thinking.


RUNDOWN:
Distance: 12 miles-ish. 
Place: Holdridge. 
Find Joy.

Anita

Running in Circles: Discouragment

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.   

1 Peter 5:7

Wednesday, Nov. 15th
I was up and at em' early, My bags were packed and I had BIG plans to go to the gym. I was quite proud of my ambitious self.

I have to start getting reacquainted with pain. It is just not a relationship that I love. Its a LOVE/HATE relationship.

I was looking forward to wearing my new running shorts from Poshmark, NWT's!

I saw so many familiar faces, I had several double takes. It was like people saw a ghost, a really scrawny ghost. I mean it has only been about 5 months since I had been at GAC.

I always fall in love the second my feet hit the track. I get all warm and fuzzy.

I forgot my watch and really didn't feel like counting laps. I decided to try and run by time.
7:54AM

Funny, the things that circulate in your head when you are running alone.

Everytime I came around the track, I looked at the clock and felt discouraged by how slow I was. My body was tweaking and creaking.
First my right knee was achy.
Then behind my left knee, I felt little twinges.
Somewhere around milee 3, I was trying to count my miles based on my laps splits I was doing and I got confused from my heavy breathing. I found myself angry.
"Why am I out of breath? Did I run more than 3? Good try Anita, not even close." The dialogue in my head was maddening.
If my sloth like pace, animalistic breathing and  body aches weren't the beginning to my end the voices in my head were surely going to be the death of me. 

The one positive note was running less miles. I was bringing my miles down to attempt to pick my pace up from a sloth to a snail run.

Distance: 5 miles.
Average pace 8:20min/mi.
I stretched, rolled, and did core.
Funny, my pace could have discouraged me more but it was really just the stinking thinking that was getting the best of me.

THURSDAY: 
Due to hunting season we stayed off the trails. We headed out to Seven lakes to run the roads. It was nice to run with the gang. With the week I have had being around their positive energy was a major mood booster.
Don't let my smile fool you. My goofy behavior, my extroverted self struggles with SELF. My yesterdays haunt me, my mistakes cling to me, my mind twists, my heart breaks..It's total chaos.

Distance: 9 miles
We ran from Seven Lakes to Dauner Park in Fenton. It was fun. Laughter, smiles, stories and food. I made the gang quiche. Food is always a mood enhancer!

SATURDAY:
When the chatter is trying to run you down you do what you do..RUN. I went to the gym directly after work. 2 days booked on my feet all day and I didn't think twice about running.
I jumped on my favorite treadmill. I knew that a good sweat mixed with pain would cure the slumber that was growing in me. At least for a little while.
I did a mile warm up on the TM. I set the incline at 2.0, my pace about 11min/mi  running 30 seconds sideways to the right, 30 seconds running backwards then 30 seconds sideways left and back to the front, walking it off for 30 seconds. I do this to help my balance, I don't touch the rails, I transition as steady as I can in a circular motion, my sideways running I get down low shuffling my legs, keeping it smooth, almost like a dance. After a mile I am sweating, and my legs are burning, I am ready to run.
Keeping the miles down I picked up the pace.
You know what the worst is?? When you are ready to run, ready to go, you have a plan. You are ready to execute greatness and BAM! The TM STOPS! Yep, I forgot to set the timer, it is automatically set at 20minute. I had a mile and a half in and it SHUT OFF. Forgetting I was around other people I moaned !UGH"?!
I hit the digits this time and picked back up my pace trying to increase my speed with each mile.

Distance: 5.4 miles
The last mile I ran farteks for every tenth of a mile. This felt really good, in a weird way.

SUNDAY..TODAY.
I get ready for church. I wear my new dress, paint the barn, blow my hair out and get all prettied up. Andy and I drove separately, he was doing communion and had to be there really early. Alec and I snuck in 10 minutes late during the music. Andy and I were a bit snippy with each other before church, (keeping it real here) so I wasn't sure if he was even going to look in my direction. But he did, twice..three times...all throughout the service. He didn't even ask when I bought the new dress he enjoyed looking at me in it. This softened the morning, making me smile.
But when you are in a slumber moments are brief. The good moments are shadowed by the anger, sadness, confusion, discouragement.
I headed to the gym. Solo run.
I wanted to run 10 miles at a sub 9min mile.  I remembered my Timex Danielle bought me years ago. It made me smile...
So many things make me smile. I love smiling. I think I am pretty good at it too. I feel guilty when I don't smile.
I was hoping that running around the track would interrupt the dumpster of garbage thoughts I was having.
Afterall, I had to do a lot of math. I had to count my laps, check my pace, add my miles and check my time all the while remembering to hit my splits. I was not off to a good start. I forgot to hit my 1st mile split, therefore I hit my first split at mile 2..at 17: 50. I was on track, this was good.
All those digits, calculations didn't stop the truck from dumping more on my.

THE SLUMBER: It works like this. 
It just takes a "LOOK"  
or a " word.
Maybe it is the tone of someone's voice that clings to you. 
You can be having a great day and you see something on social media, or see someone do something you weren't expecting. 
Sometimes you are disappointed in someone, or your expectations were not made, or you didn't see something coming and it CAME. 
For me it is all of these. 

But in that you receive a gentle smile, a warm hug, kind words, loving touches and laughter. 

You giggle, you joke, you love, you share, you give and then...you are alone with yourself. 

The worse place for you. Alone with yourself...and all that is slowly shadowed.

You miss, you hurt, you fight, it is a slow death. 
You hear those words like a broken record, you see that image that you cant delete, you worry about your tomorrows that aren't here and you cant forget you yesterdays that are long gone. 
THE SLUMBER. 

Distance: 10.5
10 miles @ 8:36min/mi
Time: 1:26
More CORE, stretching and rolling.
Each mile, I was able to suspend my thoughts. I asked God to get me to the next mile. I asked him to let me be a machine. Emotionless. Focused on the mission at hand. No distractions.
"God, help me to let go of those things that are confusing me, that are hurting me, keeping me from your Joy. Please God, please, it is hijacking the good I want to feel."
I want JOY, I want Love, I want to celebrate, smile and cling to beauty.

• Negative thoughts steal your Joy. 
• Expectations are premature resentments. 
• Change the way you look at things and the way things look will change. 

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.   

1 Peter 5:7

I crawled inside myself today on the track. I gave every thought, every person, every yesterday and each of my tomorrows to HIM.
He wasn't audible to me today. But I have to trust he heard my heart. I have to remind myself He is always present even when I cant feel him or hear Him.

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Anita

Clarkston Backroads 1/2 Marathon Recap.

Sunday marked my 5th year running CBR half marathon. This race is 5years old. Each year they have improved it, making it better but NOT easier than the year before.

Clarkston Backroads: located at Independence Oaks County Park.
The Course:  Both Clarkston backroads as well as trails throughout the park.
Elevation Gain: 577ft
Max Elevation: 1,135
Weather: 35 degrees and sleet, which turned into rain. Lovely.

All 5 years I have ran it with Joan. Together we suffer through it. Each year claiming to make it a "FUN RUN".
Neither one of us really train to have a PR on their course. This is typically my first race after a long summer of training for a ultra. My body is just feeling recovered and I put it through the battlefield again.
Joan and I are a glutton for punishment. This year we actually got a wooden engraved ornament marking out 5th year running.

Joan and I. 

We started the race with smiles and a good plan.
FUN RUN! Happy miles, miles of smiles!
We tucked in near the 2 hour pacer in hopes to finish under 2 hours with little suffering or sweat.

We chatted, giggled even, as we ran through the park. I watched my old neighbor, Chris B. get smaller and smaller as he ran with a more strict and speedy pace.
With the miles slowly adding up our conversation slowly died down.

Somewhere around mile 5, "SO are we having FUN yet?" Joan whispered underneath her misery. I didn't even have the energy to reply, it was more like a guttural grunt. The sound an animal makes right before it DIES.

The back roads were unforgiving. They loomed ahead of us. My mind circulated so many thoughts on how to cut my losses. I was trying to figure out how I could lessen the pain.

• Put my shoulders back more..better running posture
• Breath more effectively, except I was gasping for air. 
• Smile and confuse my body. 
• count mailboxes...I was too dazed to count. 
• Mantra...I think I can, I think I can..

We managed to get up them. We both had our music in our ears. I was trying to drown out the fact that my breathing sounded animalistic. We heaved up two more hills before the turn around.  I actually got a second wind as the runners began to pass me heading the opposite direction. 

"HEY Chris! Looking Good!" 

"Jill, OH HI!"

"Steve!" 

"Donna" 

"SPOCK!!!!"

"ERIN! HEY girls!!" 

I may have expended a little too much energy acting like "Lil Miss Social Butterfly." because after they were gone my lungs were burning and bad words were trolling in my head remembering I had to hit the stupid hill again. 

Joan and I were not communicating in full sentences any longer. Our suffering spoke volumes where our vocal chords escaped syllables. 

The sleet was gone, now a misty rain drizzled on us. We had made it to the half way mark. Then we made it to the 10 mile marker. We were still in front of the 2 hour pacers but we had not hit the trails of death. We knew we would lose time trekking up those hills around the lake. We came into the trails between 10 and 11. 

The hills were brutal. Sadly, the 2 hour pacers passed us. This was supposed to be a "FUN RUN". We hadn't chatted, giggled, or smiled in a long time! 

We were both in survival mode. 

The pacers were just a few yards in front of us. I could tell they had Joans attention. She was determined to stay close to them.

 

We both knew once we reached mile 12, the finish was not only closer it was easier. We slowly closed the gap between us and the pacers. They saw us and cheered us on, We picked up our pace, I shared our time with Joan and but she was already 2 steps ahead of me. 

We turned over the next gear as we saw the finish line and let the downhill momentum run us in. 

I hit my watch anxious to see if we had made our sub 2 hour goal.  

Time:1:58:32

Overall: 112th of 328

Overall Female: 38th of 193

F40-49: 6th of 52

Female Masters: 10th of 99 

WE DID!

Spock. That the trail name I gave him the first time I met him at Highland Loops. This is the 3rd race I have "Ran" into him now!

The weather was not inviting us to hang around. We did get our Union Mac and Cheese. We were lucky enough to find a spot at the picnic table UNDER the tent. We hung out for a few minutes, but I was meeting the rest of my gang at Honchos and Joan had a lot to do still that afternoon. As we headed out to leave they had to drag me because my friends were trickling in.
At this point, my sweat was mixed with cold and rain, I was shivering. We couldn't get to the truck fast enough.

The shirts were a new material, best shirts EVER. The medals were even kicked up a notch!

Another year under our belt! We survived!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My tribe. Melissa, lacey, Claudia, Me, Paula, Matt, Heather and  Erin 

I thought doing a shake out today would be good for me. I ran an easy 6 miles. Only it wasn't EASY. It had its moments. With each miles I felt my quads burning. My ankle that I twisted at CBH throbbing and my breathing...it was just BAD.
I wasn't this sore after running Hennipen!

Anita

Out of Breath

"If you always do what you have always done you will always get what you have always had." 

This week has been an interesting week to say the least. It has not been a week riding the gravy train. Honestly, it has had a lot of struggles.
However, even in all the struggles there has been healing hearts and bridges being mended.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This evening I was with our youth group and a question was presented in our lesson.

"Have you ever felt like there was a time in your life when you did not hear from God? Why did you think that prayer would never be answered? How did you respond to that situation?"

The girls went around the circle each taking a couple minutes to share how the question related to them.
I particularly liked one of the girls answer, it went something like this:
I found that when I prayed sometimes I was not hearing the answer, I was listening for a answer and then I realized I was part of the answer. The answer wasn't waiting for God to do a miraculous movement..it was me doing some of the work....."
My Response:
I love Quotes.

"Rather than asking God for a change in Circumstance, ask God for a change in Character."

Seeking a change in character, seeking change, sometimes requires work. Be it physical work, emotional work or spiritual work. You can't seek change without a little blood, sweat and tears. Without making some sacrifices, taking a leap of faith, swallowing some pride, conquering your fears; change, positive change may not come any faster than a snail crawl IF AT ALL.


Whether it is in my daily life or in my running. The ultimate goal is to be better. To set and reach goals. To move forward. My season of running faster has began to plateau. This does not mean that I throw in the towel. It means that I reevaluate my goals, but I continue to set them.

This week my running is still in the Recovery Phase. I want to continue to take it easy, laugh on the run, chit chat with my friend's and just put in the miles.
BUT that isn't going to make me any better.
Thursday we had a group run. 8 people showed up to run 2 loops at Holly Rec. The first loop was planned to run easy, the second loop...I wanted to pick it up a bit.
About mile 7, I was running with Rachel. We both were trying to keep up. We picked up our pace and encouraged one another. We both wanted to push ourselves. We both needed to. Together we carried each other to the end of the trail, out of breath and accomplished in our sweat.

TODAY. Lacey and I took a chance in the misty rain to run outside. Thunder and lightning had danced around all afternoon.
We planned to run 7 miles. We didn't discuss our route or our pace. But Lacey and I are one of the same brain. We took off down E.Holly Rd both running with intention. At mile 2, we had nonverbally decided we were going to run pushing ourselves.
The run was quiet other then some dissembled conversation that mostly ended with "I can't talk right now." or "If you haven't noticed I am not answering because I am OUT of BREATH!"

We BOTH knew we need to start pushing ourselves. We need to start putting in some work. As the miles accumulated, so did our plan. The deeper we got into our mileage the harder it was to maintain our goal. My lungs had not worked this hard in weeks. My beating heart pounded in confusion. My feet hit the hard pavement striking it with enough forced to feel in my shins. We were not playing nice. We were not having social run time, there was no laughing or lolly gagging.
Our goal was to get this 7 mile run under a 9min/m. NO MATTER what.  My legs have been pampered by a slower pace the last few months. Every fiber in me was screaming.

Lacey and I took turns leading and carrying one another. As soon as the 7 mile beep hit our watches, breathlessly we hit STOP on our watches.
We both peered at our digits to see what our results were.

RUNDOWN
Distance; 7.02
Pace: 8:37min/mi
Time: 1h.33sec

We took a few seconds to catch our breaths. We DID it. Even though we were a little beat up, it did not measure nearly to the feeling of accomplishment we had. All smiles we agreed it was a great run.

Breathless:
Breathless is where the hard work is.
Maybe Forgiving someone leaves you breathless.
Maybe Loving someone leaves you breathless.
Maybe its studying for that exam or getting your butt to the gym that leaves you Breathless.

But whatever it is, its the Work you put in that produces results.

Anita~

Take it Easy

I am LOVING this whole run what you want, when you want and if you want thing. I enjoying running and I enjoy running even more right now when I don't have anything MAKING me run.

I was getting burnt out.
Tired
Whiny.
And ready to have nothing on the calendar.

The only thing I have on the calendar is Clarkston BackRoads. Sunday November 12th.
This is the 5th year Joan and I have ran this. Last year, we decided to FUN RUN it! We were both out of breath, in the hurt locker and not smiling, quite the opposite actually.
My body is usually recovering from something and I am a broken mess running this race.
But..This year, I am looking forward to running it, No PRESSURE.

Lacey set up our run today. I was so excited to run for the first time with my Pacers.
Lacey and I drove out to Paula and Matts house to run Orion Oaks. Paula ran 5 miles with us and ran back home to make us cookies and coffee.
Orion Oaks would have been more enjoyable if it was not sleeting, raining and 38 degrees out, not to leave out the winds blasting us in the face on the way back.

All the negative weather issues didn't disrupt our chatty conversations. It was fun to catch up and get to converse about Hennepin.

I was still feeling fatigue. Maybe it was all the jaw jabbing I was doing but I was whooped at mile 3!
We were running 10 miles.
At mile 9, I was ready to eat warm cookies and sip hot coffee.

Paula was like an angel. She had a fuzzy blanket wrapped around me, that added with the above yummies, I was in hog heaven.

RUNDOWN
Distance:10.5
Time:1h 48m
Pace:10:17

Anita~

LAYERS and LEAVES

I am not a fan of cold weather running. The crisp autumn mornings have returned. This morning there was a glistening frost over everything. The frigid air took my breath away.

I never know how to dress in this weather. I always manage to overdress. Simply because I hate being cold.
This morning was no exception. The tempertures were in the 30's this morning. I laughed at my running skirt and compression socks I had laid out the night before.
I had thick running tights on with a built in skirt over. My sports bra was layered underneath a heavy running shirt, a running jacket and a vest.
I was Layered up.
And I was so uncomfortable. The layers made me prematurely sweat. And all the material was thick under my arms.

I was included in a last minute text from Paula and Matt to run Wilderness trail with the gang. I had planned to run solo but was so excited for the invite to see everyone.

Everyone planned to run 2 loops. I wanted to run 2 loops. The sky was blue, so blue. The leaves were in peak, the trails was decorated in colors of amber, red, orange and yellow. My friends were with me.
I lead the group.
Within a few miles I was so hot! I made it a full loop before I began taking off LAYERS.

At one point on the run, I separated myself from the group. I took a side trail down towards the lake. The lake looked like a mirror, perfectly reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. Along the backside of the trail the trees bordered the shimmering lake. I crouched down inches from the waters edge. I felt my heart heavy. OCTOBER. Layers and Leaves.
SO much loss this month. Death never LEAVES.  The heart never returns to its natural state.
I wanted to bury myself in the woods. I didn't even realize I had left everyone until I heard their voices ahead of me.
I left my sadness by the lake and returned to the gang.

Everywhere Leaves.

Michigan Mittens!

I wanted to remove another layer. I wanted to remove the hurt that was now covering me. It was slowly tightening its grip on me. And for a little while I did remove it. I smiled. I laughed. I engaged in the moment with my friends.

I was afraid to be alone. I felt the LAYERS growing. I tried to peel them off. Only to discover confusion. Or grief. Even Anger. So many LAYERS.

October. The month of Layers and Leaves.
With each Layer peeled back I am afraid to see what it Leaves.

However. I know that Life is Layered. And its comes down to what we LEAVE behind.
I Know that God had a plan for all that hurt and loss. I know that as abandoned I feel, it is just an emotion,  I know that I am not alone. God has put people in place to love me. No they are not my mother, or Ariel or my amazing Angel of a grandmother.

" I will not LEAVE you comfortless: I will come to you." John 14:18

Those LOVES of my life, they left so much beauty. There was so much I received from each of them.
Tears stream down my cheeks. my eyes are blurred, but its LOVE, that what they left behind.
LOVE. 


RUNDOWN:
Distance: 10 Miles
Legs felt pretty good. Fatigued. And I did something to my shoulder. NO BUENO.

Anita~

10 things you didn't know about Hennipen

I am 2 weeks post Hennipen100.
The fog has been lifted. I have remembered things I thought I never knew, I wish I would have forgotten some things and some details I got wrong all together!

Lacey helped me put some of the pieces together. She also shared some questions she thought might be good in this post answered.

1. What did you eat during your ultra?

Aid stations, They were wonderful. They even gave out FREE HUGS. 

I brought with me, fresh berries, Starbucks Salted caramel expresso and gum. Andy opened the berries up for me somewhere between mile 40-50. These were like MANA from heaven. I used the aid stations for most of my nutrition. The winds and rain made me cold, I really enjoyed warm chicken noodle soup anywhere I could get it. I have had good luck with boiled potatoes with salt, peanut butter and jelly and grilled cheese sandwiches. I took a bag grapes eating most of them as I walked and sharing the rest. As I approached 65 miles my belly took a turn. Inside Out! Matt gave me 2 Gu's which he had to later follow up with two tums. I only remember one chocolate espresso GU but I remember waking UP from them and also getting SICK. Lacey and Matt made me drink coffee through the night to wake me up. The caffeine did miracles. I DID NOT want to drink it, but I was so thankful they MADE ME. The also fed me shortbread cookies and potato chips  at 3 in the morning to go with the warm coffee.

2. CLOTHING....

Dona Jo Skirts

I had 3 outfit changes.

A) My morning outfit, LuLulemon skirt, sports bra, buff and tank. The skirt was great until it WASN'T! At mile 50-ish my back was hurting from the elastic cutting into my waist.
B) My second outfit. DONA JO. This running skirt fit like a glove. I fell in love with the fabric, the fit and the design. I loved it soo much I bought Lacey one so we could be twinsies. HOWEVER, as cute as it was. My poor toosh. I chaffed. Something I have never done. 2 weeks later my bootie is still recovering! The price you pay!
C) I had one last outfit. I am very sentimental. I took something from each of my boys, I took Austin's "Free Hugs" pajama pants to rest in after my finish. He was supposed to be there but plans took a turn, and I took his Pj's to feel him with me. Such a sap.
* Another mistakes I made, I started out in low socks. They kept falling down and getting dirt in my shoes. I switched them out to 6 inch mild compression socks. These socks were perfect at mile 50 with a fresh pair of Hokas.
I knew I was going to look terrible at some point. After the race, a few days later, Lacey says "Nita, aren't you glad you wore those cute skirts, because if you were going to look bad at least your outfit was cute!"

3. Where did you go to the bathroom?
I attempted the port a john but the wait was so long I lead 2 other ladies, one was Kris, behind it, warning the rest in line we would politely do our business behind in the woods.
I only used a conventional bathroom one time. I did my business alone then called Andy to help me change my clothes. I was so exhausted. He was lucky he didn't have to fish me out of the out house.
I counted, that I remember 9 potty stops. I never poo poo-ed my pants but several times I thought I better check!

4. PRO's and CON'S on training for 100 miles. 
PRO'S:

We had shirts made for our tribe. #itsgoodtraining We all went to dinner the night of the race, wearing our shirts. We are just missing Claudia. 

• I had a great tribe to run with. I meshed two of my running groups together about 9 months ago to create one big group. "Team Squishy Toes."

Everything on this cheer board had a part in my summer training. 

• I ate guiltlessly for 6 months.
• I learned to embrace all weather conditions.
• I bonded so much with my running partners.
• I never got injured.

CON'S

• My average running pace slowed significantly. I was to worried if I did too much or too intense of speed work I would get injured.
• It took a lot of time. As a mom, I felt guilty. Even though my kids had a good summer and we did a lot I still felt guilty.
• I got used to being stinky, sweaty and dirty. YUCK. 3 and 4 hour runs in the heat leave you feeling far from feminine. I got to comfortable peeing in the woods, blowing snot rockets and forgetting to shave my legs.

5. Hennipen was the first time I ever ran with someone wearing their underware running.

This poor guy was coughing and hacking. I asked him if he needed a throat lozenge. He replied "No, this is the way I run." I was thinking "OK, and do you normally run in your boxer shorts too?"

6. WOULD you EVER do it again?
Hmmm... 2 weeks later I have had a chance to think about this. It takes ALOT of time. And it is a sacrifice on more than just myself.

All these people gave something up to be with Kris and I. Soo blessed by all the support, encouragement and love. 

I wouldn't want to run 100 miles without a pacer. Or a crew. Andy told me "Never Again".

This is Andys spreadsheet. He clocked my time I arrived at each aid station, calculated my estimated time to arrive at the next aid station based on multiple pace options. He was always waiting for me like clock work. It was A lot of work. 

As of RIGHT now. I would never do it again as long as I have kids at home. Time is limited. Alec is a sophomore. I want to enjoy him as long as I can.

7. First time I ever ran with a guy Yo Yo-ing for 100 miles.

"Yo Yo boy" that's what I called him, like a Superhero, he ran back and forth with me for hours laughing and cutting up.

8. After the race, I couldn't get my shoes off fast enough.

This picture doesn't do my feet any justice. My Face even swelled way UP!

My feet felt like they were going to EXPLODE out of the seams. My poor size 7.5 feet looked like elephant feet. Team Squishy Toes now looked like TEAM CHUBBY TOES. Every toe was a sausage link and I had cankles. It was like a horror show. My toes were white with blisters. The closer I looked my right foot actually looked like bubble wrap from all the blisters. I have sense lost 2 toe nails and believe the healing process has begun.

9. How did you feel when you finished. Exhausted but awake.

My legs twitched unable to settle.  I was not instantly hungry. I lost about 8 lbs. But I had gained 4 lbs for the race. I didn't start putting my weight back on for about a week. And to be honest, I have yet to get on the scale. I have indulged in everything I have craved. Cake was the first few days. Then pie, I made both apple and buttermilk. I still eat healthy. I have eaten a lot of whole foods to heal my body, berries, probiotics, fresh veggies and teas.

10. ARE YOU RECOVERING?
YES! I have not RAN in 2 weeks. My knee is about 90% better. I enjoyed a 3 mile walk with Lacey the first week. I have gone kayaking twice.
I am going stir crazy.
I take my running serious, and I take my recovery just as serious. You have to practice what you preach.
I like the art of Self Discipline. The battle between the ears. I love the raging voices. It reminds me who I am. I like the fight. I won. I went 2 whole weeks just like I promised myself.


Anita~

Hennipen 2017: 100mile Recap.

Andy and I headed towards Illinois Friday morning, we dropped Alec off at school and kept on moving.
Hennipen100. My bib number was 81. I had registered for this insanity way back last December.
Most of my races this year were strategically planned as "training runs" working towards the BIG PICTURE, 100 miles.
I trained for 6 months. I ran Glass City Marathon as my ribbon cutting ceremonial race to kick off 50 and 60 mile run weeks, midnight runs, rain runs, trail runs and flat rails to trails runs.
My Ford F150 was packed with gear, shoes, food and excitement.

Kris, Rachel and I at the Prerace Meeting

MY TRIBE: Andy and I were driving together but we were not alone.
Just a couple hours behind us, Kris was bringing her crew in their 15 passenger van. Her husband, Chris, her son Brady and Rachel, her pacer.
Lacey would be on the course sometime on Saturday to pace me. Her hubby Scott and her were enjoying some time together in Chicago.
Matt and Paula were doing the same thing as Lacey and Scott. They too would be on the course sometime on Saturday. I didn't really know Matts plan for pacing. I knew he was coming out to help who ever needed it.
And then there was Ken, the culprit of all this insanity. He would be there with his wife Diane.
I was looking forward to seeing my tribe. We had quite the group of us coming in.

VOCABULARY: 
CREW: This is your support system. They follow you around, meeting you at aid stations prepared to service your needs. Andy crewed me. He is amazing at this. Andy has a always been able to navigate through a city to cheer me on as large as New York City or Boston and even Chicago. Navigating is just one area, he also assesses me, helps change my shoes, socks, makes sure I am eating, drinking and provides me with whatever tools I need to stay upright.
PACERS: These are your runners that will be running along side of you keeping you on pace, encouraged, and moving forward. Pacers help to keep you out of your head. They use their head, their strength and wisdom to help get you to the finish.
Hennipen does not allow you to pick up your pacers until after mile 50. Lacey was planning on running though the night with me. I would pick her up at the Candyland Aid station where she would run my last 50K with me. Surprisingly, Matt said he would be at the 50 mile to pace me for "however" long.

RACE MORNING, BEFORE THE STARTING LINE.

Everything was organized in gallon ziplock bags and filed into a box making it easy for Andy to pull out what I needed. 

Weather: 67' and dry. The rain was on its way and would later partner up by winds at over 25mph.
But here I was. I wasn't nervous, scared or even concerned. I was eager. I was so excited to see where this adventure took me. I was ambitious to see what my body could do, what it could overcome, endure.
Andy and I arrived at 6:30am. I met another runner waiting for Kris and her crew. When I saw Kris and her crew I was jumping into their arms delighted to see them all.
It was show time.

MY GOAL:
*To Finish.
* The Golden Goal: Finish SUB 24..And get that BIG BUCKLE BABY!
THE PLAN: 
* A Sub 24 hour calculates to a 14:24m/m.
I would need to pace myself below 14MIN/M to bank time for aid stations.
I planned to maintain a 11:30-12 m/m the first 30 miles. I would do intervals at the top of every mile for 1 minute. This would allow me to keep my pace down. The flat course makes it very easy to want to run faster than you should.
I would assess my body from that point and slow down to a 12-12:30 pace, maintaining the same intervals.
I knew that I would have enough time banked that I wouldn't need to blow out of the aid stations. I could eat, change and get mentally settled down.
I also knew that running through the night would be a slower pace. I would be able to slow down yet again to a 13-14min/mi. I would be changing my intervals, I just didn't know to what, I will share that with you further on.

READY SET GO!

I crossed the starting mat full smiles with Kris next to me. It was one of the first races I have ever ran that seemed to move in slow motion. No ONE took out of there like SeaBisquit. 

I asked Kris her plan, stating that it would be nice if we could run a few miles together. 

We had different plans but agreed it would be fun to run together for a bit. 

You can see we ran along the canal. I counted over 25 bridges or tunnels that we  ran through. I especially liked this one:RECKLESS

I had SEVERAL people praying for me. I had asked if people would dedicate an aid station to pray for me. In return, I would share a photo at the aids station they dedicated to pray for me. I wanted to use every mile to Glorify God. I wanted God to see His people all together, honoring Him, glorifying Him and being a witness for Him. It was MORE than me, Soo much more than me. 

Andy had the signs. He had to manage the signs as well as crew me. 

The Aid stations were set up on an average of 5 miles apart. It took about an hour to get to the first Aid Station, but I was SOO excited to see Andy. I wasn't sure he would be there so early on. 

Andy never missed an aid station. He was at all of them, even the ones they said had NO crew access. 

Andy, Best Crew a Girls could ask for

THE FIRST 50k (32MILES)
I had my hydration pack on with limited water. I wanted little weight, I could use the aid stations to hydrate, using my pack as a back up. The weather was warm, sticky and humid. So when the skies began to drizzle it was rather refreshing.

Kris and I SMILE!

We continued to crank out the miles. Kris had hung around with me longer than I had expected.
I was paying close attention to my pace and my plan. My body felt great. I was still foot loose and fancy other than my planter fascia getting angry. I found myself running on the grass to prevent the hard flat pounding.
I also thought of my friend Kay. She reminded me it is just "10 -10 milers." I would text her each 10 miles I completed.
I came into every aid station screaming "MARCO"! I had to do it sometimes a couple times to teach everyone how it goes..."I say MARCO...YOU say POLO"!
Andy would be waiting for me like clockwork. He would smile at my silliness and then get me moving again. "Anita, SLOW DOWN." He coaxed me. I tried to explain to him I was on pace. I was running my plan. At Aid Station 6 The Minions I could hear people cheering us on. I looked closely, Matt and Paula were dangling signs at the top of the bridge in the rain. There was NO CREW access here and yet Andy and them were both here with smiles, hugs and encouragement. They made us signs with mantra and pictures on them. I was soo happy. Paula had this smile that filled my love tank and a hug to match. It was nasty weather and that didn't stop them.

PAULA! I love this SMILE and my SIGN!!

Getting to 50 miles. 
"Kris, We are 1/3 DONE!" She was still next to me as we headed towards the next aid station. The drizzle had morphed to a steady rain mixed with gusting winds.
The path was so flat and straight it was easy to see the aid station. "Farmers Bridge".
Coming into aid station 7, Andy was getting more serious about assessing me. "How are your feet?"
"Do you have any hot spots?"  "Blisters?" "Do you need to change your socks?"
I would hit this aid station again 67.3. I would pick up Lacey at that time.
Andy was getting good at changing out my hydration pack and putting water in it. At this point, I was getting lil tweaks. I was keeping them mostly to myself, trying to remain positive.
I knew Lacey should be arriving sometime soon. She had text me she would be in around 1pm. I really wanted to see Lacey.

Judy J made this..I LOVED this collage.

AID STATION 8-Ten Junk Miles and Flatlanders (They sponsor this aid station) Mile38.7 and 60.7.
This Aid Station was what I needed to get the adrenaline going again!
And I really needed a pick. The wind and rain was beating me up both physically and mentally
It had EVERYTHING a girl could ask for! Loud MUSIC, a Disco Ball, coffee, soup, hot sandwiches, it was AMAZING. I was dancing, smiling and warming my cold wet body with chicken noodle soup.  Andy had me sitting, Lacey was there, everyone was there. I was so hyped. I kept jumping up and Andy kept setting me back down. He had his hands full!
I jumped up, stimulated and ready to get moving. I passed out high fives and good vibes but this time I took off solo. It was time for Kris and I to separate.
Coming into Aid Station 9 also would be 12- Moms run this Town at mile 43.9 and also 55.5 I was ready for some music.
This ladies here were all dressed up and giving out hugs. I was having so much fun Andy had to remind me to keep moving. Besides my next aid station was only 3.2 miles away.

Aid Station Goodies

I was still on pace. Averaging 12min/mi. My feet were hurting and the weather had beaten me up. The wind had blasted me for hours with spitting rain that felt more like sleet. It was a full on head wind.
I continued to drink and eat at every aid station. Potatoes, soup, potato chips, peanut butter and jelly, and washed it down with Tailwind. I knew I had to keep my calories up, to get behind in calories is a date for disaster. I also knew I worked better on real food. Gu's, chomps and gels are great but I can only do a couple of them before they upset my belly.
*You burn an average of 400 calories an hour running. You cant really replace them as fast as you burn them but you can prevent yourself from bonking by drinking water, electrolyte replacements and eating.

THE HALF WAY MARK. 
Aid Stations 10 & 11
Miles 47.4 & 52.3
It was a tease. You go through this aid station, see all your family and friends and leave empty handed. You have to run another 2.5 miles out and back to pick up your pacer.
This was a big aid station. It was a bit chaotic for me. Andy was there to help me change my socks and shoes. I was beginning to get fatigued and confused. My knee was now achy along with my lower back. I couldn't tell if my hips and back were hurting from my hydration pack or from my running skirt cutting into my lower back. Matt was ready to head out. He was more enthusiastic than I was. At the last minute, I decided to drop my hydration pack and run with a handheld water bottle. I knew that if this did not work I could switch it out again. But something had to change.
Before I headed out Andy remembered I needed my head lamp, it was getting dark and I wouldn't see him again before it got dark.
The night caught up with us fast. As the darkness fell, my eyes adjusted, the black night surprisingly surrounded me. It was really cool to see runners with their headlamps. As we approached the aid stations, the trail was covered in glow sticks. This was fun.
I wasn't much for conversation, I was trying to engage but I was getting tired. Matt gave me a chocolate expresso Gu. It went down smooth and even woke me up.
I was counting the miles down until we picked up Lacey.

CANDYLAND, NOT FEELING SO SWEET.
Aid Station 7&14
Miles 32.1 & 67.3
This is a large aid station. This station actually features Hennipens lift bridge that is decorated on our bibs. I needed to change my clothes. Andy walked me to the bathrooms. He helped me change my clothes. I had switched my shoes out at the 50 mile mark, my foot pain had dissolved.

MY GIRL, Lacey.

This aid station helped perk me up a little bit. Andy was able to get some soup into me.  I was able to strike a pose under the disco ball. This made Andy happy. I could see the worry on his face.
I barely remember picking up Lacey. Everything was getting foggy. I was a running zombie. I was struggling to keep my pace. I had told Matt and Lacey my goal. They were doing the best they could to keep me moving.

Andy had swapped watches with me at the 60 mile mark giving me his Garmin. It was like divine intervention. He still had his watch set for 4:1 intervals. Running 12 minute miles was too long. I was struggling to maintain my pace, my body began inheriting new aches, I decided 4:1's were perfect.
Poor Lacey was barely running with me when I felt myself getting nauseous.
I felt so weak, vulnerable, even embarrassed as my body turned against me. "Lacey, Oh God, I'm gonna throw up." I stumbled to the side of the trail while my body heaved emptiness.  "It HURTS, Oh it hurts so bad." Tears trickled down my face. My stomach continued to convulse. I couldn't control myself. Nothing was coming up. Lacey stood over me rubbing my back. "Ohhh, make it stop." Bile finally came up leaving a sour taste in my mouth. My belly continued to cramp. I had to just move on. I needed to go. Time was ticking to make my sub 24h goal.
I was running in my sleep, desperately trying to get to the next aid station.
I found myself almost sleeping standing up during the walk intervals. I whined how tired I was. It was barely audible. Matt and Lacey carried all my stuff. .
Matt and Lacey ran with me in the middle. They took turns pushing me back in the middle of them when I veered off the trail. I had never felt fatigue like this. All the food in my belly was making me toot and I was not even ashamed. My stomach was turning sour again. Matt had some Tums to help. They both had fun making fun of me. I was just glad that nothing more was coming out at that point. My body was slowly fading. When I had to pee, I would turn off my head lamp and squat and hope my legs would hold me up. I was shameless. I felt like dead man walking.
To get me to Aid Station 18, the 87 mile mark Lacey and Matt began to read the Facebook posts. I was moved to tears. "SEE Anita, You have to finish, all these people are cheering for you." "Yeah Anita, you don't want to disappoint them!"
Matt even turned on his phone and played contemporary Christian music to inspire me. Lacey and I sang the words of David Crowder together. Her voice was soft, it soothed me.
We could see the lights of the aid station..I was almost there.

THE BOTTOM OF THE BOTTOM
Aid Station 18
Mile 87.5
I shuffled to Andy. He sat me down. My eyes were closed. I could hear him talking to me. He was asking questions but I couldn't respond. I sat there whispering to just let me sleep. I could hear Lacey and Matt saying "She needs coffee, we need to get her coffee."
But Andy was trying to wake me. "Nita, are you ok?" "Nita, we can be done right now."
With all my energy "Please, please, just let me sleep..."
Lacey was in my ear, "Come on, drink this coffee."
Everything was awful. The fact that sleeping mats were just 30 feet from me was cruel. "Drink Nita, come on..."

I wanted to curl up and DIE.

Even the fuzzy blanket couldn't bring me to life. I look like DEATH

I could hear them telling Andy I would be fine. I could tell he wasn't convinced. Matt was doing the math to get me in before 24 hours. The coffee was working enough that I realized he had his math wrong. He thought I started running at 6am. I was going to have to really pick up the pace. But then I chimed in, "NO! I didn't start till 7am...doesn't that give me another hour to finish?"
It was like the Heavens opened up and the Angels sang "Halleluiah".
"Oh, yes, I thought you started at 6, you have almost 4 hours to finish."

The Beginning of the End.
Andy said he would see me at aid station 19, the 93 mile mark. By the time I arrived to him, I had already passed a couple runners. The coffee was kicking in. Lacey had ran farther than she had ever ran.  I was finding my happy place.
I counted the miles down, frequently asking what mile we were at.
It was not long before we were at Aid Station 19.
I was ready to finish. It was a brief stay before I headed out. Andy would skip aid station 20,just 3.4 miles away and meet me at the finish.
I had 7 miles to finish.
I was gonna do this. My body was broken but my mind was convincing itself it was time to bear down and bring it in.
My knee was aching without pause. The pain would get so bad that every so often a sharp shooting pain would go through it causing it to go out on me. I would wince, I was angry that I was so vulnerable and couldn't control my body. And at the same time that anger made me fight more. I refused to let my knee dictate the outcome of this 100 miler this close to the end. The only thing that had control over me was God, I prayed quietly to myself.
In front of me I saw headlamps. It was instinctual to pick up my pace. Unlike my first 50 miles I kept telling myself  "Pass NO ONE ANITA". Now I drew energy from each runner I passed like water from a well. I continued to reach in, thirsty for the competition. Lacey and Matt are highly competitive. They were instigating me, counting down the runners, telling me how far ahead they were and how far behind they were.
"No Nita, they are NOT catching back up to you..." There is nothing worse than passing a runner and they passing you at the end.
We basically ran through that last aid station.
A little more than 3 miles to go.
"What time is it?" I asked. "Can I make it in under 24 hours?"
They laughed. "Anita, You got this...."
The momentum was in place. 3 miles. I felt my body. I listened to my body. I took everything in. I tried to not cry. Everything was perfect. The night was still, dark, full of stars and a beautiful full moon. I could do 3 miles. I was going to do this. I could hear my heart beat, the passion, the gratitude, the love I felt sang inside my soul. My breath was heavy with the zeal to finish.
With 2 miles to finish we came off the Hennipen trail into the town. Houses and cars filled the streets. Lights lined the roads, awakening my senses that had not yet been aroused.
We came into a park setting with winding curves and small hills. My body was numb. I felt nothing but could taste the finish. I continued to pass more runners. Lacey and Matt giggled as they kept count. They were walking , most of them never saw me coming as we barreled pass them. I wondered what they must be thinking as they hobbled to the finish line as I passed them running strong. I couldn't believe I was running so strong.
"I think that is the Finish."
We were on a straightway. We were running on a bike path. On the right was a road lined with very large lights about a quarter mile between each other. On our left was a park, I believe.
"Let me run to that light post." I asked.
They didn't argue. I could hear them talking about how I had picked up the pace.
Then I saw the Finish. I saw lights, I heard people. My heart skipped a beat. My hands clenched. My legs left Lacey and Matt. I couldn't stop smiling. I looked for Andy. I smiled bigger. "RUN...RUN." The voices in my head cheered. Faster, stronger I crossed the Finish line with overwhelming JOY.

Unspeakable Joy. 
Time: 23:13
8th Female Overall
3rd in my age group
41 out of 127

BEST Pacers EVER! I couldn't have done as well without them. So thankful for these two.

Thank you to all those who encouraged me, loved on me, believed in me and prayed for me. 

I know for some it was hard to understand WHY anyone would do this. I wish I could fully explain it. I would have to get into "Who I am" and "What my make-up is" and you probably still would shake your head. But I believe LIFE is meant to be challenged. To be LIVED without regrets. I don't wanna go through life on auto pause. I want to live it fully, a little crazy, a little reckless and IN FAITH. because...

STRENGTH IS NOTHING WITHOUT FAITH.

ANITA~