Training Log Archive: Funderstormin

There have been some years where I am so hungover by the time race morning comes that I don't enjoy it, but I vowed that this would not happen this year as it is a travesty not to enjoy a beautiful day and a beautiful course. So post beer mile I only had one cool down drink, a good dinner, and got to bed relatively early in the hopes that this would help my performance the next day.

Pink loop 1 went well but it took over an hour to feel warmed up. Came through in 2:00 bang on.

Yellow loop 1 was also pretty good. This is the longer and harder of the two but the more enjoyable as there is some gorgeous running along ridgelines with beautiful views. It stayed nice and overcast until almost the end of this loop which I was happy about as the sun and heat always get to me on the third loop. Finished this one in about 2:38.

I had relied mainly on Tailwind to this point in the race and could feel my energy waning, so in between loops 2 and 3 I went back to the van, made a cheese sandwich and grabbed a Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin and took them out with me on the third loop. Walked the first couple of kms to eat and drink my lunch and then shuffled along. For some reason my feet and ankles were really sore and they were swollen for a few days after the race so I am not sure what was going on. My mindset for this third pink loop was just to enjoy the experience and walk and run when I felt like it. Unlike my past couple of races where I sought out company, I really wanted to run on my own. I ran the first 6 miles with my friend Mike but then did my own thing for the rest of the day. I was feeling pretty rough by the end but still really enjoying myself and was not disappointed with my time.

This was my fourth trip to Born to Run and definitely my favourite yet. Each year it gets better with new wacky events thrown in. Highlights of this year included the pre beer mile beer mile, the shooting of a "Beefcakes of Born to Run" calendar on Friday morning (all featuring BTR legends over 40), the No Talent show, meeting Christopher McDougall and the BTR prom which had more men in dresses than women I think! This weekend is definitely one of the highlights of my year.

C • Sounds like an awesome party! 2

BTR beer mile with around 100 people. At some point on Thursday we did a practice one so I felt both mentally and physically prepared for this discomfort. As usual, my rank improves with each beer and I was first or second female, scoring another sweet plastic shovel for my collection.

Spent Wednesday night at the Los Prietos campground in Los Padres National Forest where I was one of only two people in the whole campground, which I thought was cool. Had a great sleep in Yippy Ki Yay (the name of my van) and woke early because of the time difference so I decided to go check out some trails before I headed to the ranch.

Went to the ranger station for some recommendations and chose the Aliso trail, which turned out to be such a hidden gem: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recreation/rec... I had the trail to myself and I was in awe at how beautiful it was. When I got back to the parking lot there was still no one around so I had a spigot shower since it would be my last one for days.

Also I love it not being dark and cold when I go running before work...and getting out before going to the office definitely makes me a better person!

I love the instructor of this class so much...she makes me want to be a better (calmer) person!

Beautiful morning for a run around the Puslinch trails with Mrs. Tiny!