Epiphany

Yesterday morning, Scott and I hit the trail for a run that lasted little over 2 hours. While I was out there, running on tired, achy legs in the pouring rain, I came to realize why people run ultra marathons.

Ultra Marathons?? Yes, that's a race that is more than the typical marathon distance of 26.2 miles.  So, it might be anything from 50K (31 miles) to 100 miles or more. I guess I always figured that people who do 50-mile or 100-mile races must really love running. I mean, you'd have to really love something to do it for 6, 10 or even 24 hours, right? What about those people who vie for a spot to run the Badwater UltraMarathon? Holy cow, that's 135 miles through Death Valley during July with an elevation gain of 13,000 feet. That's just insane!

The mere thought of running the Badwater race, makes me cringe. Um, no, thank you. I mean, obviously, my hat is off to those crazy motherfuckers, er, I mean utterly elite, tough, and strong-willed athletes. I'm totally in awe of those folks. Personally, I can't imagine taking on such a challenge. You would have to have a passion for running that extends beyond the limits of most everyday runners. I am an everyday runner, and I don't have any desire to run more than say 3 or 4 hours. Period.

My very pedestrian runner self has read a little bit about ultra running. I've picked up Born to Run, and various articles in running magazines. I have wondered about the motivation and will that drives these people to run that long and far, and I always figured that there was something special about the people. But, yesterday, I came to a different realization about it. It is not only the superiority of the people who run almost endlessly. There is more to it.

First of all, I have noticed that most ultra marathon races are run on trails.  Coincidence? Doubtful.

Hagg Lake Trail 25K 2012

I have run a couple of trail races. Last year, I ran the Hagg Lake Trail Run 25K. Compared to any road race I've ever completed, this race can officially be put into the "Adventure" category. The race is affectionately called, "The Mud Run." And, that's no joke. I ran two training runs out there last year, but the muddiest day by far was race day. It was so slippery and wet, it was almost comical. I fell down at least 6 times, and so did everyone else. I was slipping so much going UPHILL that the woman behind me help give me a little "push" on my behind. I'm usually not too keen on the idea of someone touching my ass, but was very thankful to her for that shove. Thanks, Lady.

Sometimes, you need a push in the butt. Seriously.

I want to run more trail races. Running on a trail is different from running on a paved road or path in a lot of ways. Some would argue that trail running and road running are practically different sports. Maybe?  I have excuses for not finding the trails more during my runs.  The biggest is that I'd have to drive to the trail.  I already feel the time squeeze for getting my runs done.  But, I think that if you want to do something bad enough, you will find a way.  No excuses. What better way to force myself to run on trails (at least on the weekends) than to sign up for a trail race?   Hagg Lake Trail Race 25K here I come, AGAIN! This year, Scott is joining me for some muddy tromping.
 
Our official trail training started yesterday, when Scott and I took ourselves out to the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park. The trailhead where we started was pretty flat and fairly smooth. The steeper hills and switchbacks came along after a few miles. It was raining lightly and we loped along, noticing our already tired legs, discussing how we probably shouldn't have stayed out so late the night before. We ran in unison for the first few miles, but, at some point I realized that Scott wasn't right behind me anymore.

Then, it started raining harder. I mean, it was pouring so much that rain seemed to be coming down in sheets. I absolutely loved the giant onslaught of rain. It was perfect. All that rain made the trail "juicy." There were puddles, and squishy muddy spots that I had to navigate around. A few times, I just ran right through the puddles because it was easier than trying to quickly find a place to put my foot. On the trail, I have to be much more alert and careful. Rocks, holes, and tree roots are not my friends.

Scott running yesterday on the Wildwood Trail

The rain slowed to a light drizzle, and I was struck by the beauty of forest. A foggy mist had sunk into the valley of trees along the trail. The leaves that were left on the trees were mostly yellow, brown and rusty orange. Those colors against the backdrop of the green Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar trees was breathtaking. The sounds of the rustling trees, rain falling into the puddles, and my own breathing and footfalls kept a nice, calm rhythm. I thought about how I could just run like this this ALL day.

And, that's when the idea of ultra marathons seemed to suddenly make sense. I had an epiphany of sorts.

It isn't just that the people who run ultra marathons love to run so much that want to run all day and night. No, obviously there is more to it than just that. At some point, the running is automatic: placing one foot in front of the other. But, the challenge is to keep themselves going when their bodies are telling them to stop. These special people have taught themselves to turn off that urge to quit, and find other things to make the experience worthwhile. I am sure that the factors that would make a 50-mile trail run doable vary from person to person, but nevertheless, there must be some common themes for everyone.

Yesterday, it finally clicked for me, "This is why they do it!" With the varied terrain of many trails, one has to be mindful in order to stay upright when it's muddy, rocky, or slippery. That is one of the things that keeps the long run interesting. The forest gives a sense of calm, and quiet but yet, there are always subtle noises if you are listening closely. And, undeniably, the beauty of the land, the fresh air, and the feeling of unleashed freedom help to keep people going for hours. And, hours. I would also surmise that the challenge of pushing to the limits of your own mental and physical abilities would be a huge factor.

These long races and runs aren't just about or for the sake of running, and running and running. It's also the environment of the race itself----the internal space of the runner's mind, AND the physical surroundings of the trails they run on.

My revelations yesterday made me feel inspired to go the distance.

And.Just.Keep.Going.

Sublimity

I posted before about a perfect sunrise run on New Year's and how it made me think about omens and ascribing meaning to the things we see.  This experience also reminded me how often I've had moments while running that I can only describe as transcendent, or sublime. When I think of something sublime, I think of an experience that defies description, something amazing that leaves us at a literal loss for words.  Sublimity is not a concept we can apply lightly.  I used the word "often," but that's misleading because I've only had a handful of these experiences in my entire life (and no, none of them were chemically enhanced). I can think of only four or five of them, and three happened while I was running. Since I've shared one, why not talk about a couple of others?

The first was during my longest race ever before I started considering myself a runner:  The Columbia Classic Moonlight Run in 2000.  This race started around sunset on the rim of the Columbia River Gorge and traveled down past Crown Point Multnomah Falls--15K in all.  The first three or four miles of the race are downhill, and I took them way too fast.  I actually felt great for that part (of course!) and was even chatting it up a bit with Melissa as we wound down to the flats.  I don't remember the exact mileage where I started hurting, but it wasn't long after we hit the literal bottom.  By that point it had gotten dark and, with no streetlights on the highway, the visibility was very poor.  Aside from Melissa running near me, I felt all alone and completely surrounded by darkness--this definitely contributed to my experience.

At some point after halfway, in despair of even finishing this race, I entered nirvana.  That's what I called it at the time, anyway.  All my pain and weariness seemed to float way and my mind simply shut off; I was absorbed into the night.  For lack of any other description, I was simply not there.  (In retrospect, nirvana was exactly the wrong term for this experience, as it was the antithesis of mindfulness.)

I don't remember this experience starting, nor do I know how long it lasted; I only remember suddenly snapping back to the reality of four miles left to run on chafing, exhausted legs and an aching stomach.  I had never wished more to go back in time than I did in the final miles of that race.  In all my running since the Columbia Classic, I haven't had that kind of dissociation.  I'd like to think it's because I'm more competitive with myself or more in-tune with my body and my running goals.  I don't really want to be completely mindless, however pain-free it is.

Another "sublime" moment also happened in the dark, but this time it was very early morning.  It was just another typical Saturday long run and I decided to go out to the Fanno Creek Trail.  I had to run down some well lit streets to get to the trail, so I didn't realize there was a full moon.  The first part of the trail goes through some thick forest behind a neighborhood, so again I couldn't see the sky well.  In fact, I don't remember even looking up until I had crossed through another very well lit area, over a footbridge, and into Greenway Park.

The sky opens up past that bridge, and when I crossed it and looked up, I nearly stopped running for lack of breath.  The full moon was right there, hanging so brightly over the trail in front of me, surrounded by silver scudding clouds.  The misty ground in this wetland area was also silver.  Everything was glowing silver.  It was the greatest painting of a moonlit night that no artist could ever create.  For moment, everything around me was absolutely perfect.  I forgot whatever had been on my mind.  I forgot the problems that were going on in my life, my struggles, my disappointments, my worries.  I wanted to stop running.  I wanted to just stand there on the trail and smile till the sun came up. 


All of this is leading up to a post about my motivations for running.  Unlike many runners, I haven't quite figured out exactly what those motivations might be, but MissMelissa's marathon certainly inspired me to explore them.  This post was definitely a start, but there is more to come.

Resurrected: Reflections on Running through Life

I wrote this piece about a year ago. Well, it was November 13, 2011, to be exact. I was so inspired, I just couldn't keep my thoughts in my head anymore. I had to write them down. I re-read this today, and can hardly believe how excited I am to run tomorrow.

For the last few weeks, or really since my week off after my first marathon in October, I have been less than inspired to run.  Really, my runs have not been very enjoyable.  They've been tiring, lack-luster, and somewhat boring. Frankly, my runs have been a chore.  They're just something else I HAVE to do, instead of something I WANT to do.  It was almost like doing the dishes, worse, it was like having to do the laundry. 

Yesterday, I had a great run, and everything just seemed to slip back into being "right" with the world. I am hopeful that it will continue.  This time of year is my favorite, and the beauty that I encountered yesterday was breathtaking. There was no ignoring the crisp air, gorgeous leaves, lovely fog dusting my face with dew.  I instantly knew why I am so drawn to running.  I like to race, but I really love to get out there.
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I often reflect on things that are going on in my life while I'm out running. Most of the time, it's just the everyday things...what to make for dinner this week, nice colors to paint the bedroom, trying to remember to sign up the kids for swimming lessons....
 
When I'm not checking off my 'to-do' list, one of the things I love most about running is just taking in the outdoors. I like examining each season for what it is: the warm sun on my arms and the roaming wildlife in the Summer; the blossoms on the trees and the smell of lilac in the Spring; Winter's blustery winds and sideways rain. I particularly like the Fall; the leaves turning beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow. The early light showers of rain on my face and the smell of something new on the horizon. I've often said that you couldn't pay me to run on a treadmill---and it's never been more true than now.
 
I don't talk about running much to other people. Most folks just don't "get" it. And, really, I don't expect them to understand. It's a personal thing. More and more I have been thinking of running as a metaphor for life.
 
Running, like life, isn't always the same. Sometimes, my runs are smooth and easy and I get to a 'Zen-like' state where everything is working like it's supposed to. I have no worries. At times, when I am racing I feel like I have entered a different level of consciousness. I call it being on 'cruise mode', but really it's like dissociating from all things around me---the pain in my muscles, the other people nearby, the wind, the smell of the cars. EVERYTHING.

I have imagined that other people probably feel this way when they are in their particular 'zone', too...like artists, musicians, and even surgeons or computer programmers. It's a way of hyperfocusing on one thing---and everything else is quiet.
 
But, just like life, running isn't always rainbows and perfect smelling roses. Sometimes, I have to force myself out the door---like when I have a cold or feel like I only slept 15 minutes the night before. And, even when I feel pretty good---I don't LOVE every second. Like when I go to the track to run speed intervals. I know they make me faster and help me attain my PR goals, but I can't escape the feeling when I'm on the track that I'm like a dog on a 10 foot chain in the yard. In life, I don't like doing the dishes or vacuuming either, but I do like a clean house, so I do what it takes to get that done, too.
 


The shirt I bought last November. Sums it up nicely.

My running will never be perfect--but I love it. I recall going for a run on a blustery, COLD morning last winter, when it was 15 degrees. It was dark and windy. I had to wear to ski-type of hood, a scarf, and earmuffs to keep my face from freezing. Some people may have decided to use this sort of day as a rest day, but I was determined not to let ANYTHING, even the worst weather, stand between me and my run that day. And, it turned out to be one of most enjoyable runs to date---the fact that it was NOT perfect, made it an important part of my training.
 
That's the sort of determination and pushing the envelope that I think life requires of us. Certainly, there will be times when things are not ideal. Sometimes, the hand that you're dealt is unpleasant, but fold your cards and go home? I don't think so. You couldn't pay me to run on a treadmill in life either. Life is full of changes, and challenges--embrace them or fight them head on--don't stay inside and wait for them to go away.


Evidence vs. Peer Influence

DISCLAIMER:  This is not a post about what other people should do regarding child restraints. It's just an example of how we were able to use logic, reasoning, and evidence to explain our parenting decisions to our daughter.
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I seem to have reoccurring conversation with my daughter. Lately, it's been coming up more and more often.

My daughter, Maya, who is seven years old, asks, “Mom, why can't I sit in a booster seat?? I'm 7 and a half! All of my friends sit in boosters, and I still have to sit in this crummy car seat. I'm not a baby!” Peer influence is huge at this age. She thinks she should be doing what her friends are doing.

Usually, I simply tell her that I care about her safety and her car seat with the 5-point harness is safer than any booster on the market. I ignore the peer impact, because, I've felt like it was a simple answer: We really don't care what your friends are doing, we have decided that you will stay in your car seat. But, recently that simple statement didn't seem to keep her from arguing the point. She wanted to know WHY. Why are we forcing her to stay in her car seat???

I will tell you why. But, first, let me just report, if you don't already know, that:

INJURIES FROM MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR CHILDREN.

According to the CDC, “placing children in age- and size-appropriate car seats and booster seats reduces serious and fatal injuries by more than half.” HALF.  Notice, that they don't just talk about age. It's actually related to size as well. This concerns me a great deal because Maya is small, but as she points out, so are other children.

Here's one of Maya's recent examples of why she should be allowed to move to a booster seat. “Jessie*(another 7-year-old) doesn't sit in a booster, AND she rides in the front seat!”  And, well, she's right. I can't tell you how many times I have watched people driving away from our elementary school in newer cars (read: have front airbags), with their children in the front seat. Yes, in all cars with front airbags, there is a CLEAR label on the front side of the visor. Here's the one from our car.
 

 

 

 

 

I find it hard to believe that people will ignore something right in front of their faces. Obviously, they do, but, I don't care what other people think or do. I wanted to know what Maya thought, so I decided to have her read the visor after she was questioning me the other day. Yes, it says that the safest place for all children under 12 is the backseat. TRUE STORY. I told Maya that I will always chose the safest, least harmful option for her. She seemed to understand this written out explanation.

So, when Maya cited another friend as an example, “Mom, Sally* sits in a booster seat, and she is only 5 AND shorter than me!” I decided to let her read a little more evidence. This time, we decided to look at information from the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). I told Maya that there is a lot of motor vehicle crash research. We talked about how they do all sorts of experiments crash testing cars, and researching why and how people (and kids) die or are badly injured when they are involved in a crash. Based on the findings of this sort of research, the AAP, has released new guidelines based on the “best evidence” for keeping children safe.

 

Maya is, well, small for her age. At age 7, she weighs 44 lbs, so she's in the 9th percentile for weight, and is 47 ½ inches tall, placing her in the 22nd percentile for height. I tell her that she's just perfectly petite. And, she is.

Maya and I decided to have her look at the recommendations from the AAP:

All children 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car seat, should use a Forward- Facing Car Seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed their car seat’s manufacturer.

Maya has two car seats for each of our cars: the Britax Marathon and the Britax Regent. The Marathon has an upper weight limit of 65 lbs, while the Regent's is 80 lbs. The Marathon's upper height limit of 49 inches, and the Regent is 53 inches.  She is currently 44 lbs, and 47 ½ inches, so indeed, she will be in both the Marathon and Regent a bit longer.  But, finally, she seemed to understand that there was a REASON why we were having her stay in the car seat so long. We aren't just mean.

Maya and I also read through the information about booster seats:

All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car seat should use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.

4 feet, 9 inches. NOT, 49 inches, as I have heard from more than one person. Seriously. That is actually 57 inches. Our son, who is 9 years old, and is in the 85th percentile for height is currently 55 inches. Yes, he will be sitting in his booster seat for a bit longer as well. And, you can bet your tail they will both being sitting in the backseat at least until they are 12!

What I loved about showing all this evidence to Maya was that she was able to understand the reasons why we are choosing this scenario for her. You have to level with children, at times. What other people choose to do, is not always the best situation for you. This can apply to SO many instances that will come up later in her life. Peer pressure and a desire to follow the crowd is huge. But, I want her to continually ask, WHY? Those people over there are doing that, why aren't we? This is why. Logic, reasoning and evidence worked well, this time.

I also told Maya that other people are free to choose what to do with child restraints in their own vehicles. We do what WE think is best. We can't decide for other people, just as we don't want them to decide for us. Just think what they might choose, right?!