Why I Cross-Train

Okay, I know that I’ve mentioned this probably a dozen times before, but I’ve never considered myself an athlete.  I feel this way even though I’m a trail runner and have played various sports.  I think I’ve never considered myself an athlete partly due to the fact that I come a family of superb athletes – I mean superstars in their sports (not professional sports, but sports they’ve chosen in their lives: baseball, softball, hockey, figure skating, wrestling, football, to name a few). Though I experienced some triumphs, I pale in comparison ability-wise to siblings, cousins, uncles, my father.  I also don’t think that I “look” like an athlete – however, I now know that athletes come in all “looks” and that is WONDERFUL.

Slowly (very slowly – pun intended – those who’ve run with me get the pun :), I’ve been coming around to admit that I’m an athlete.  I just can no longer deny it.  I mean, I keep showing up at these races, and people are starting to recognize me!  Not only that, I cross-train for goodness sake.

Cross-train.

Me? 

I didn’t begin cross-training on purpose.  I cross-train because I have to.  I mean REALLY HAVE TO.  I run 3 to 4 times a week, and I’m at the gym the remaining days (with one rest day).  I swim.  I weight train.  I spend hours on the elliptical crossramp.  I even ride the life cycle (what we used to call the stationary bike – they don’t even call it a “life cycle” anymore, that’s the 80’s brand.)

When I began running, I thought that running would make me strong enough to run.  Even before I hit the trails I learned that running didn’t make me strong enough to run.  Right about the time I could run ten miles, my body started saying “NO WAY, you are not STRONG ENOUGH!”  And it started tweaking in different places.  I remember the first time.  I don’t recall the exact injury.  But I remember sobbing as I called my husband to pick me up at the marina, because the pain was too great to run. 

Still, I endured the injuries, took time off, then moped around the house because I couldn’t run.  And then the big awakening happened in my life.  I began my passion at the ripe age of 43.  Trail Running.  And injuries abounded. 

With each injury I learned a new body part that needed strengthening, strengthening that could not be done by running.  But I could strengthen different body parts in the pool, or on the elliptical or with weights.  And that is why I cross-train – so I can be strong enough to run the trails.  And now, I love it, cross-training that is.  And as an added bonus, I fall less on the trail because I am strong enough to pull my self up as I’m going down.  I don’t fly off the cliff when I run off the trail, because I am strong enough to turn my body around mid-air, and crash into the hillside instead (see San Juan 50k).  I can jump from boulder to boulder.  And more importantly, I know when I should jump, because I now know my body better – I have been there, I have seen the light, I can feel every muscle and can judge whether or not I should make that jump.

Cross-training is a big plus in my life.

Therefore, I suppose I am an athlete.

Not Injured I Say!

I’m pretty sure I got this knee thing figured out.  Actually it was both knees at the end of my hundred mile week (the outside of my knees).  I kept it secret because 1) I so wanted an injury-free 2011 and 2) I didn’t want to get any flack about running. 

It is definitely an IT band thing, and I wouldn’t really call it an injury.  Therefore, I’m still calling this an “injury-free 2011”.  The right knee is perfect now, but the left knee was pretty tight and swollen for a while there.  I’ve been stretching (a stretch I always do, but making sure to stretch it nice a long).  I’ve been icing.  Though I tend to lean more toward heat for injuries – oops did I say injuries?  I meant muscle tightness and swelling.  Anyway, I find it much more convenient to ice since I have an icepack with velcro straps and I can walk around while icing.  With the heating pad however, I must stay in one place.  The action that has made the most difference in my knee is foam rolling.  I admit I’ve been slacking on the foam rolling WHEN I KNOW BETTER.  The past couple days I’ve been rolling whenever I can, and I put no weight on the ground except my forearm.  For you foam rollers out there, you know that this means I’ve got good concentrated heavy rolling going on.

And thus, my left knee has VASTLY improved. 

And thus, I went for a run this hot, hot morning.  Just guessing here, but it had to be at least 85F at 10:30 this morning! 

My goal for today’s run was again form.  I’m unsure when to start working on speed again.  I feel I should wait until my new Chi-form is near-perfected.  What do you think?

Again I ran Wood Canyon in Aliso/Wood Canyons Park.  This time I decided to do a bit of climbing.  I didn’t have much time, so I chose to start on a downhill through Wood Canyon then hop up onto that magical trail, Wood Creek, for a dose of shade.  I continued on for a bit more shade on Coyote Run Trail until I hit Rock-It, which I took to West Ridge and ran on up to Top of the World.  I chose Rock-It because the climb is 1.25 miles.  It’s not as steep as Meadows Trail.  But the climbing portion on Meadows is a little less than a mile. 

Well, I’ll tell you!!  The climb in that heat seemed NEVER-ENDING.

Just beginning my run up Rock-It

And the climbing continues . . .

And at the bend in the road, more climbing . . .

And at the next bend, EVEN MORE climbing . . .

Finally at the top of Rock-It (And yes, I did run the whole way – so I can’t be injured )

Yet another trip to Top of the World

7.86 Miles run today.

 

Twofer Monday

Today had to be the hottest day all year (here in The O.C. – I shouldn’t be so Cali-Centric : ).  Since I couldn’t get out to the trails until 10:15 AM, I endured.  I HAPPILY endured.

The grass is turning brown in Aliso Canyon.  But spring flowers still spot the hillsides.  Soon caterpillars will inch across the trails.

My main focus today was form.  Form, form, form.  Yes, I’m still working on Chi-Running.  And though I’ve improved much, I still don’t have the strength (core-strength) to keep this form up during an entire run like today’s (especially when I’m tired).  But I will say with this new form, I did not trip once!  And listening closely to my step, I noticed that only put on the breaks once.  Big accomplishments. 

Originally I planned an out-and-back through Wood Canyon.  But it got so DANG HOT, that I decided on a detour on the “back” portion (with some climbing but lots of shade!) through the fantasy trail, Wood Creek Trail.   

Climbing up Wood Creek Trail (Wood Canyon below)

One of the “Bridges” on Wood Creek Trail

Running above creek on Wood Creek Trail

Wood Creek Trail Canopy (Oh, that glorious shade!)

In all, my first run for today equaled 9.18 miles.  I didn’t see a single snake.  Though I did spy a snake trail, a road runner, plenty of quail and bunnies.  Hubby was late picking me up – I enjoyed the time talking to 2 delightful hikers on their first time in Aliso Wood Canyons.  They were headed to Dripping Cave.  Excellent Choice!  I might note they were well equipped with plenty of water.  I drank my entire 64 fluid ounces on my run.  Surprisingly, I saw plenty of other hikers on their way in carrying a single water bottle.  Yikes!  I couldn’t do it.

Then this evening I decided to run home from work.  Why?  Well, the main reason was that I just wanted to see what the mileage equaled.  Secondly, we only have one car at the moment (surprise, surprise!), so I thought I’d give my family a break in picking me up. 

I slipped on my running shoes before the last student left.  Then when he checked out, I rushed for restroom to change and locked my dress and heels up in my desk. 

Heading out for run home (I do believe this is the first time I’ve worn lipstick on a run – LOL)

Well, it was hot as hell this evening at the base of the mountains where I took off.  Fortunately, I decided to pack my hydration pack for the run.  I spent much wasted time untangling my earphones.  On the good side, I gave a couple walking their wheelchair bound child a good laugh when they got a look at the knot I was trying to untangle.  And though my spirits plummeted quickly on this run home, I insisted on proper form and tried to keep up my pace. Why did my spirits plummet you might ask?  Well first off – the heat, secondly, something’s going on with my left knee, and thirdly I was tired, plain ole tired.  (I think I mentioned before, I AM NOT AN AFTERNOON OR EVENING RUNNER – but I was today )

Heading out the fence at back of parking lot for short-cut to river walk. 

Crossing over San Juan Creek

By the time I reached the river walk I could relish that cool ocean breeze.  And I ran it on home, with the sun setting, happily, joyfully, but not quite playfully.

Mileage for run two:  6.41

Total Miles logged today:  15.59

Hope your run or whatever adventure you chose today was just as fun as mine in this hot, hot heat.

Thanks for reading!  I appreciate your comments, especially your suggestions. 

I’m Back (Kinda)

I visited the doctor Thursday and was happy that I didn’t have pneumonia.  And, he informed me that my bronchitis could be treated with antibiotics.  I happily took my prescription for only 8 pills to the pharmacy.  Then I chocked at the $140 bill  -- that’s with insurance.  Mighty expensive pill -- $17.50 a piece.  I guess my doctor took me very seriously when I said I WANNA RUN!  These are some strong antibiotics.  One dose knocked back my cough tremendously and put those body aches to bed. 

And so, even though I still coughed this morning, when my husband said that he had a meeting in Laguna Beach and asked if I’d like him to drop me off at Top of the World.  I didn’t think twice.

Heck Yes!

I’m not completely well.  I feel a whole lot better.  And with the cost of those pills, I felt protected. LOL.

Lily at Top of the World

I’ve never begun my run at Top of the World.  I looked forward to the change and the downhill start.  The skies were blue, the breeze cool.  And I was smiling.  I didn’t see many runners.  But I saw a total of 3 snakes.  The first snake was a garter snake in Wood Canyon.   The second snake was a rattler also on Wood Canyon Trail – it slithered so quickly across the road that it practically flipped across the trail.  I raced up to it, but only caught a picture of its tail end as it slithered into the brush.  The third snake was also a rattler.  This one was on West Ridge on my run back up.  Again, I only caught its tail end as it left the trail.

Garter Snake

As I raced up to the first rattler, I caught up with a shirtless man I’ve seen at Aliso/Wood Canyons  time and time again (it seems for years!).  He’s pretty much always there putting in countless miles on the trails.  Today, we had a nice long conversation together (maybe 1 whole mile’s worth) and I learned he is an MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter training for a Vegas fight Memorial Day weekend.  I’m looking forward to watching him on Spike T.V. (You wouldn’t believe what the purse is if I told you – I was absolutely amazed to learn).  He goes by the name ARod (like the baseball player) and he’s sure got stamina.  I don’t know though how stamina helps your body to take a beating like those “ultimate fighters” do.  But wait, why did I put that in the negative?  The stamina I’m sure, helps you to keep on pounding your opponent even when your dead-dog-tired.

It’s not like me to strike up long conversations with a “stranger” on the trail.  (I do however, strike up long conversations with riders on a bus : ) But Arod’s not really a stranger, and I was just so happy to be out there running trails again – I wanted to know why everyone was out there.  Most of the other people that I saw today were mountain bikers, which of course are difficult to strike up conversations with (since they’re usually travelling faster than me) – still I spoke with a few (and they probably thought who is that crazy, giddy lady?)

Today’s Elevation Profile:

One Picture From Each Of The Trails I Ran Today:

Park Avenue Nature Trail

West Ridge

Cholla Trail

Wood Canyon Trail

Dripping Cave Trail

Mathis Trail

Oak Grove Trail

Car Wreck Trail

Miles logged today, my first day back after the 100 Mile Week: 7.55

I could sit in this Cave (Dripping Cave AKA Robber’s Cave) all day long.

Enjoy your run! 

Aftermath

The aftermath of any big run or running challenge is always significant for me.  When my hundred mile week ended, I was elated, truly elated.  Then that same day, I was saddened that the whole thing was over – not just the running (though I LOVED the running), but also the racing around trying to fit runs in during my busy schedule and the challenge of doing this all when I was sicker and growing sicker.  I actually liked the fact that I lost my voice – it was like a battle wound.

That kind of stuff makes me feel alive.

About 36 hours after I finished the 100 miles, depression set in and I could feel aches in both IT bands.  I told my family I would wait three days before I ran again.  Sunday, we celebrated Easter.  Monday, I did my chores, worked, etc.  Tuesday, I felt a whole lot better illness-wise.  And so I set off to the gym for a two hour workout.  Hubby said, “Wait, you said THREE days!”  I responded, “3 days no RUNNING.” 

I felt great after my gym workout, ecstatic in fact.  And then BOOM!  I was sick again. 

It hurts to swallow.  I toss and turn all night. My cough is deep.  And when I see runners on the street, I’m jealous.  Jealous.  I’m 46 years old, and I’m JEALOUS when I see people running.  I’m not jealous when I see people driving Mercedes (I don’t even own a car).  I’m not jealous when I see jeweled fingers or by women who wear a different outfit every day.  I’m not even jealous of slim trim ladies.  I’m jealous when I see people running.  And sadly, though while I was experiencing my 100 mile celebration, I loved it, now I feel the same ole weakness I’ve always felt.

Strength Granted / 100 Week Goal Hit

Day Seven 100 Mile Week Celebration/Challenge: 100.09 Miles Run

My husband thought it was all over for me on Thursday.  He said I ought to say, “Ah . . . I meant 100 Km!”

Friday night I said to him, with a whisper of a voice (because I lost it somewhere on my runs), “If I don’t improve vastly overnight, I don’t know how I’m gonna make it tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow” was Saturday, today, the 7th day of my 100 mile week celebration/challenge.  I went to bed early, with another “shot” of severe cough and cold medicine.  I slept pretty good until midnight when I woke with a coughing fit.  After chewing a cherry-honey Ricola, I fell promptly back to sleep, then experienced wild dreams of a lunatic trying to kill me.  He succeeded, then I’d play the story over and over again, trying new things so that he couldn’t succeed in killing me again.  But each time I changed my moves, so did he.  I remember climbing up crazy-high fire escapes and riding falling elevators.  Not fun. 

6:00 AM arrived, and I woke out of habit (I set my alarm for 6:30).  Thankfully, my throat no longer ached.  After two cups of coffee, I foam rolled my IT band, calves and hips.  Then at 7:30 AM, I ran out the front door for the last segment of my 100 miles to celebrate Holy Week.

I will try and make a very long story short(ish).  I began this run on an uphill which was very tough.  I felt weak.  Reaching the top of the hill was a great relief as I made my way down to complete the first leg of this run.  Great relief does not exactly equate to “fun.”  I still felt overly fatigued.  Then while listening to Eminem on my ipod (I know some of you laugh), he sang the words, “Lord grant me the strength . . . “  And I thought, “Man!  What Am I doing?  Those should be my words.”  And so I chanted those same words until my tiredness departed and I began to enjoy this lovely morning and the feeling of triumph, as I finished off my 100 miles.

I told myself “Your’re only running  4 sets of a little less than 4 miles.”  I didn’t plan out each segment in advance, instead I decided as I ran, and promised myself not to look at mileage until I reached the end of a “segment.”  Last thing I wanted was to stress over mileage.  I really wanted to enjoy this run on such a glorious and beautiful day.

After that first downhill, I ran a straightaway, then down some more to the beaches at the northern end of town – Monarch, Salt Creek and Dana Strands.  By the time I made my way to the surf, I felt normal – like I hadn’t pushed myself to the limits this past week. 

Segment 1 was probably the longest, but by far, the most enjoyable.  I ran along wet sand, visited tide pools.  The mood on the beaches was festive with surfers, walkers, runners and sun tanners all enjoying the early morning sun.

Running down into Salt Creek/Monarch Beach

Running Dana Strands

Leg 2 included the upper portion of my town, “The Headlands,” which meant a nice climb back UP.  But climbing up also meant trails, lovely trails.  I ran them for a couple miles, stopping once to take off my long sleeves and empty my shoes of sand.

View looking back at Monarch Beach, Salt Creek & The Strands 

Running Headlands, Overlooking Marina & Island (Island is Leg 3)

Sculpture of Richard Henry Dana, Jr.  (Author of Two Years Before the Mast) throwing cowhides off the cliff down to The Pilgrim well before the marina existed (1830s)

Running Down Into Leg 3 – The Marina Island

I felt great during leg 3.  People roamed the island, squirrels scampered about as pigeons excited little children who exclaimed “Look at that pretty bird.”  (How wonderful to think of pigeons as pretty birds rather than annoying pests who try to steal your picnic food).  Outriggers rowed the calm waters inside the jetty.  Windsurfers paddled against slight winds.  Party goers decorated gazebos for birthdays and pre-Easter celebrations – a true delight. 

A View From Island (Headlands In Background, From Whence I Came)

Sculpture Of Richard Henry Dana, Jr. Greeting Incomers To Marina Island

Leg 4 of my run to end Holy week went relatively quickly, though I found it difficult not to stare down the garmin.  I was tired somewhat, but making sure I didn’t drag my feet (by listening closely to my step), I was able to keep decent form, which meant for an enjoyable end. 

Though a car nearly plowed into me during Leg 4 (and it wasn’t my fault, it was his – a lot of good “fault” does if he hit me), I didn’t lose spirit.  I ran along the marina, through the wharf, then the main road.  I ended my lowlands run through Doheny Beach and on the bridge then over San Juan Creek, or actually the estuary, as it is where the river meets the ocean.  And then I ran back up Highway One home.  I chose (on purpose) the least grade back.  And since that climb was gradual, it was enjoyable.  And as I ran up the driveway of my home, I heard my middle son yell out with glee from the living room, “ONE HUNDRED MILES!”  What a pleasure that was!

Happy Easter.

Miles Logged today:  15.32