PHUNT 50K: Goals and Prep

I've been sick for the past three days and it doesn't appear to be going away. Funny how I get sick as soon as I go back to work after a 10 day vacation. There's a lesson in there somewhere (as in, vacation should probably just be longer). Fortunately I had really light weekday mileage scheduled for this week, so there is probably no better time to be sick. Except...I'm running a 50k tomorrow! I know I've been mentioning for weeks, but for whatever reason it still seemed really far away. Except it's not. It's tomorrow. Hrmmm.

I first heard about the PHUNT 50k on No Meat Athlete, one of the first blogs I started reading. In prepping for this race I was thinking it would pretty chilly out, as early January usually is. I pictured myself wearing something akin to what I wore on Tuesday night's run this week, when it was 20 degrees. 

Head to toe covered, including my new Smart Wool running socks (PS. After one run with them I can officially say AWESOME).

So yes, this is how I pictured myself, bundled up as much as possible, toughing it out through 31 miles of trails and climbs Saturday morning. Turns out it's actually going to be a balmy 53 degrees. So I suppose I should be happy about that, but frankly I'm still not sure how to dress. It will be closer to 30 around the start so maybe I'll just remove layers halfway through.

But enough about what to wear, let's get to the goals!

Goal #1: Finish!
I have a sort of good idea about how 31 miles will feel. It will probably be a combination about how I felt the day after the marathon (death) and during the last 10 miles of my Ragnar legs. Basically, I anticipate being in a lot of pain. But I'm pretty resilient, and my body seems to be able to recover from these things quickly. Plus it's 90% mental, right?

Goal #2: Fuel correctly
My biggest concern for this race is actually the fuel intake. I know I won't be running nearly as fast as I have been, but 31 miles is still 31 miles and I'm going to need to eat. I plan on packing some PB & J, granola bars, Sport Beans, bananas, fig newtons, and lots of water of course. This is a pretty laid back ultra, so it's a good opportunity for me to test some stuff out and see what works for next time!

Goat #3: Sub 6 
Bigger goal: sub 5:30. We'll see. I really have no idea how I will handle the trails. I have done two trail races (recaps here and here), but they were very short and pretty tame. There's also about 3,000 feet of climbing, which is not something I've done before. One good motivation I will have is to finish fast is so poor Mike doesn't have to keep waiting around for me! (*I'm probably being wayyyy too optimistic about these times by the way!)

Goal #4: Have fun!
I'm nervous about the race, but overall I'm super siked to finally be doing it. Running ultras is something I've been dreaming about since March of last year, when I first discovered it. It feels a little surreal to finally be doing one after waiting for so long. Hopefully I'll make some friends and have a blast. And since this a more low key, laid back race than some others, no better time to focus on fun rather than performance!

What's on your schedule this weekend? Got a big race?

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Beating the Winter Blues

It's that special time of year friends. You know what I mean. Yes, I'm talking about that lovely period between January and March aka the dead of winter.

Since January 2nd we've all been thinking the same thing - the next three months are going to suck. There are no big holidays to cause hype and distracting excitement. In many places (ahem, East Coast) it's dreadfully cold and miserable looking outside (that fall foliage is long gone). Not to mention that most of us have been conditioned by college to wait with baited breath for mid-March which would have been spring break. Basically, we're all just hanging around, sunk into our beds or couches, waiting for the clocks to switch and the flowers to bloom.

Wish it were like this

But instead it's like this...ew

All that said, it's not surprising that many of us struggle during this time. Sure, we get through part of January riding high on New Year's resolutions, but that doesn't last long. Something like 75% of people keep their resolutions for a week, but six months later less than half of people are still in the game.

So, how exactly do you get yourself going during the three-month dead zone? Here are a few ideas:

Commit

This is first and foremost a running blog, so I'm obligated to encourage you to sign up for a race. Putting actually money down and clicking that "submit" button can do wonders for your motivation. Don't just think about it, DO IT. Right now. Go!

Invest

Sometimes the desire for sweat is not enough. Sometimes you need to have a cute workout outfit hanging in your closet to motivate you to get out there and show it off. Again, putting money down is a huge motivator. If not a fab, new sweat wicking pullover, then maybe a 3 month yoga pass or a 10 class pass for spin.

Keep It Colorful

If you start noticing that everything on your plate is a brownish tone it's time to add some color popping fruits and veggies to your meal! Not only does it look good, but (surprise!) it's good for you! If eating better is one of your resolutions, try this color trick to help you prepare better meals.

Hug

Instead of "suffering through" these winter months, embrace them! Hug someone, hug the weather and get outside, hug yourself.

Lighten Up

I won't lie, my favorite color is black. Not in a moody, goth way. More like a "I get bored with other colors quickly so let's keep it simple" kind of way. That's why my bridesmaid dresses are black (for a June wedding no less). So it's not hard for me to embrace the darker tones during the winter months. However, if you're looking for something to brighten your day during the dead of winter, avoiding those typical cold weather colors can do wonders. Throw on a colorful scarf or a bright pair of shoes. Chances are they will brighten your mood.

Sun Yourself

Even though the winter solstice is technically behind us (see ya later Dec. 21st), it doesn't seem like we're gaining any more light these days. It can be mind numbingly depressing to arrive at work in the morning in the dark, and leave in the evening when it's dark. This is made all the worse if you are one of those people without a window in your office. The fix? Get out! Even if just for 15 minutes during lunch, go outside and enjoy the sunshine. Trust me - humans are supposed to live in the sun, not a tiny cubicle in the corner.

Get that Vitamin D

Ditch the Drinks

The good ol' holidays of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's are now gone. And so are their excuses to drink. My advice? Save the cold beer for the summer and stock up on water over the next few months. It will improve your mood and your health!

Relax
Whether it's yoga or just lighting some incense at night, block out some relaxation time for yourself will help you get through those winter blues.

How do you stay positive during the winter months?

Don't forget to VOTE for me to join Team Refuel! Vote 'Kristin Hoeberlein' once a day now through January 15th!

2012: Year of the Ultra

As I closed out 2011 on Saturday I also closed out my first entire year of running. It's weird to think that there was a time when I didn't run, but for a majority of 2010 and all the years before, that was the truth.

I didn't have too many running goals at the beginning of 2011. All I knew was that I wanted to run a half marathon. Anything beyond that didn't even cross my mind. If you told me I'd be running a marathon in November and training for a 50-miler afterwards I would have called you a liar. Yet, here I am.

2011 was a year to remember:

• I ran my first half marathon

• I ran my first marathon

• I got into graduate school (and started in the fall)

What a typical weekend looks like when the semester is in swing

• I got engaged

In the smelliest, sweatiest fashion possible I might add

• I fell in love with running

• 2011 Total Mileage: 1560

All in all I'd say it was a pretty successful year. Though I don't really believe in resolutions, I do believe in goals. So with that in mind here are some of my major goals/exciting things happening in 2012:

• Run a 50k (next weekend ahh!)
• Run a 50-miler (June)
• Plan the rest of my wedding without losing my mind
• Get married (June)
• Start narrowing down possible topics for my Master's thesis
• Move somewhere with more space when our lease is up (September)
• Spend less time on the computer and more time enjoying life (get over my internet addiction)
• Run at least 2,000 miles 
• Stay injury free

What is ONE goal you have for 2012?

Also, please, please don't forget to VOTE for me to join Team Refuel! Vote 'Kristin Hoeberlein' once a day now through January 15th!