Monday, March 10, 2008

Fun in the Sun

Spring in El Paso is incredible. It is still fairly cool, but sunny, sunny, sunny. Today, it was 37 degrees in the morning, but 57 in the afternoon. I did a hill run with the group at 5:30 and then went out again by myself after I took my kids to school. I had originally only planned to do 7 miles on my second run, but the weather was so spectacular, with ducks, egrets and butterflies in abundance, I kept running, finally ending up with 13 - giving me 20 for the day. I was supposed to lift this afternoon, but dedided to postpone it until tomorrow because I'm planning to run hills again in the morning.

Bob reminded that we only have about 90 days until Kettle Moraine 100. What! I've been so focused on "facing my fears" at Ruth Anderson, I had completely avoided thinking about KM100. I'm actually super excited about running that race. I have never been to Wisconsin and I'm really looking forward to going there this summer. It is a trail race, but I think it is a pretty easy one - at least that is what I hear :)

Do you ever think about all the cool places you get to go because you are an ultrarunner? I mean, some of our races are in "ordinary" places, but a lot of them aren't. We get the chance to go all over the country (if we are willing and able), and sometimes, all over the world, just to run. How cool is that? Most "mainstream" sports hold their competitions in large "markets," needing to capitalize on the amenites of large metropolitan areas. But in our sport, it almost seems like the further off the grid, the better :) And if a race happens to be held in a big city (or close to one), the race is still held out in the boondocks! My kids love to go to races because it essentially is camping for them. We put up our tent, pack in our supplies, and the boys have a field day while I run around in circles! Plus, they get to stay up as late as they want - although I don't think they have ever actually lasted very long into the night! At Ruth Anderson, I think my family is going to hit some of the sights while I run because there is going to be tons of aid on the course and it doesn't run into the night. It will be fun to spend the weekend in San Francisco! If anyone plans to make the trip to San Fran, let me know. It looks like a great race!

I hope all of you are doing well! Happy running!

8 comments:

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

Carilyn Said: I have never been to Wisconsin and I'm really looking forward to going there this summer. It is a trail race, but I think it is a pretty easy one - at least that is what I hear :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes I have never been to WI either and the trails are suppose to be relatively mild, some rolling hills that will add up during the 70 plus miles mark I heard ...

ANYWAYS it STILL 100 FRIGGIN MILES and I JUST NEED to GET that 100 FRIGGIN MILES under MY BELT, Understand what I FRIGGIN MEAN---LOL

Carilyn said...

Hey Bob,
It is still 100 FRIGGIN miles :), but with all that tire-dragging you've been doing, you are going to be fine! Seriously, you're training looks like it has been right on the money, so now it's just about gettin' it done, as we like to say in Texas! We're going to have a blast!

Olga said...

I often think what I get to see because I travel for races - and my races take me places I might have not visited if I didn't run 50-100 crazy miles in a backcountry. Amazing, indeed. Surreal. Love it.

Meghan said...

Carilyn,

You're running Kettle Moraine 100? I'll be there for the 100k as well. I also didn't realize that you're from El Paso. While I now live in Wyoming, I lived in Texas for 5 years, at Big Bend National Park. We have things in common!

I hope your training continues to go well!

Meghan

SteveQ said...

I'm debating between Kettle Moraine and FANS this year (they're on the same day). Either one will be my first 100! Hope to see you on the trails some day.

Ronda said...

I can't believe everything I have seen since I began mountain running. I would definately not be blessed with memories of awesome sights if it wasn't for this sport.

How do you get Scott to let you run so many miles???? Inquiring minds want to know. I am jealous!

Carilyn said...

Hey Ronda,

Scott and I have an "understanding" - he can't get mad about what I don't tell him :) I may have a problem if he ever has time to read my blog!

Seriously, I don't do nearly the intensity you do. Your workouts are much stronger than mine. I see some of the splits you post and I am in awe! I could never hit those splits. I really just prefer longer, (much) slower runs. I know that it isn't the smartest way to train sometimes (hence my freaking out about Ruth Anderson), but I'm afraid I would get burned out if I tried to do something that doesn't fit my temperment. Basically, I'm a pain in the a**, but Scott puts up with me:)

Olga said...

Your training with Scott reminds me of my own: can't get mad if I don't tell:) I heard afterwards he was still very unhappy with me doing extras, even though back in those days I did "intensity". Ronda is much better to folow and believe, and it works!
OK, off my stool:)