Training update and my first "Ultra"

Well, training has been going pretty well. I have been getting in 4 days a week of strength training and running a little on the side. I have also played basketball and clogged. :-) I am just focusing on getting fit and eating healthy.

On Tuesday of this week, I was feeling kind of down about my races this year. I am happy with how most of them went, but there is so much anticipation and then disappointment. There is also some satisfaction in finishing a race strong, even if I didn't meet my goal. I have learned a lot, but I feel like I haven't had very much "fun" involved in my racing. The problem is that any distance I run, there is a goal in mind. So, after watching a video about a 50k, I got it in my head that that is what I need! I need to run a race for "fun" and 50k is the way to do that. Reach a new distance. :-) I, of course, got online and looked some up. Apparently I had missed a great one by a couple of days (my luck!) and there was one coming up Saturday at Silver Falls, but it was full. So, I just resigned myself to waiting until next year. On Thursday I got a text from the trainer at the Y asking if she could borrow my GPS watch. She was doing a 12 hour run for donations and I had thought it was an indoor run. She informed me that you can run anywhere, and you can have a team do it with you. I decided this was the race I was looking for!! I ran it by Jeff and he supported me while shaking his head. :-) I had some logistics to figure out- like family pictures, a soccer game that Jeff was the only coach for, and a 19month old who needs to nap! Well, I figured out all the details, got a couple of friends to fill in the couple of hours I couldn't run, and then I went for it! I started at 6:30am at the YMCA track with the trainer Katie. Then at 7 I ran with my normal running group(including Jeff!) and then the rest of the day was a little crazy.
9am- Shower and get ready for pictures
10-10:45-family pics
10:45-11:30-run and end up at a house for sale
11:30-12:45- run and meet up with Emily
12:45-1:30 Run with Emily to the toy store to see the Frozen cast (had run/walk over 20 miles by this time)
1:30- Have chipotle brought to me by my friend Cindy and watch Dallin's soccer game.
2:45-3:30- Run to the Y to meet up with Katie
3:30-6:30- Walk with Katie and other friends join us at the Wildlife Refuge

Total running/walking time- 8 1/2 hours, total distance- 33-34 miles, or longer. :-)

It was a little crazy (or a lot!) but it reminded me that I love running. I love being outside. I love being with friends and family. What a great day!!