Unsure of whether I should sign up for the 10k or 20k, I decided I should err on the side of over-doing it. That's always the best choice. No, I hadn't run since last weekend and had no idea if I would feel ok or fall apart. I figured it was looking like a beautiful fall day so I wanted to maximize my time outside and hoped for the best. Indeed, it was sunny and cool with bright yellow aspen trees, sparkly lakes and smooth single track. At one point it smelled like my favorite scratch 'n sniff sticker from when I was little, though I cannot remember what the sticker was supposed to smell like. It felt incredible to run -- like running in a dream. I felt like I was sprinting -- of course my average pace was around 10:45 or something which might suggest I wasn't actually sprinting. I finished third from last, which was somewhat annoying since, you know, I felt like I was sprinting and all. And, the reality is that both knees were creaky, as was my left calf and both feet. I am not 100% but hope to be there soon.
Next up is Susitna 100 -- Danni's Revenge. As some of you know, I dropped last year at the last checkpoint after shin pain slowed me to the point where I couldn't stay warm. This year I have a very warm puffy coat so I should be able to stay warm. Further, I will do some ankle strengthening stuff and specific snow-walking in hopes of avoiding similar issues. I have four months until Su which should offer plenty of time to get ready. My plan is to lose some more weight (I've finally dropped the 10 pounds I gained over the past couple of years), lift more heavy weights, walk in the snow, do ankle exercises and, of course, ski. I will also run with my girlfriends Leanne and Allison who want to train for a March marathon. If I do all of these things I should be in good shape to finish Su.
I don't think I'll plan any adventures between now and then. I should probably do some work...
8 comments:
Oh, I so know that feeling! I run SO amazingly in my dreams. I am so excited for your Susitna revenge plans. Feeling a little jealous of your amazing athleticism right now!
Oh but after the birth of your baby's daddy's baby, you will have extra blood which will make you FAST. That's what I hear.
Any race after a 100 miler pace must feel like sprinting, I think it's awesome that you went out and ran it at that speed!
You are totally going to get your revenge on Susitna!!
Hopefully this year it will be one that favors runners.
Hubby and I are going to try to simulate running in the snow by running on the beach....seems ridiculous to think a beach will help prepare me for snow, but it sort of feels the same on my legs, I think.
Yay! I am so in for the Su100. I am already planning my post-race celebratory girl's winter bike-and-hut trip with some friends from Anchorage and Whitehorse. You're welcome to join us if you can swing some extra time off; I bet we could even find you a snow bike to borrow, and you already have a lot of the other gear.
For whatever reason my life just wouldn't be complete without my annual winter death march in Alaska. Nice work on the 20K. I did a 17-mile training run today and struggled through every mile. Running is hard.
You turned into an animal, Dannimal it is. I am sure you won't need that warm and fuzzy as you'll be sprinting through the snow last 20 miles!
It is way TOO early to be thinking about running in snow and COLD. Keep finding those trail races and put off the cold stuff as long as possible! Have a great week Danni!
Hi Danni & Ted,
I am sorry I am leaving a comment, I can't find your email. I am writing you in the hopes that you want to participate in an e-book we are writing about ultra runners.
We want to tap into the collective craziness (we mean that as a compliment:-)) of this community to challenge and inspire other non-runners to make their own life an ever-greater creative expression of their own goals and dreams… without limits.
Progress so far: We have currently contacted more than 250 ultra runners and received more than 60 answers.
We would ask you to answer a question about your experience with ultra running. Please note that these questions are related to your mental state and require that you are able to explain quite specifically what is going on mentally when running.
If you'd like to participate please shoot me an email at dreamit@juliossol.com.
Thanks!
All the best,
Jannick
Wait, Danni... really? Like blood doping? But... how long does it last? I guarantee that early pregnancy (when the blood volume is rising, but RBC production is flagging behind), is the opposite of blood doping. It feels like being at altitude all the time.
I'm sort of hoping that carrying my baby's daddy's baby might have a permanent effect on my metabolism and speed. Maybe I could have absorbed some of that genetic material myself?
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