All Things Running: Emcee (yikes!), Boston Marathon Thoughts, Healing Trail Runs, Trail Fun and More

It's Halloween day and I've yet to put a costume together.  My husband and I try to get in the spirit and make memories by dressing up with our kids and it often means coming up with a costume idea last minute.  Except last year when Whiplash from Ironman 2 was part of our family for the night. I won't say how excited my electrical engineer husband got about creating that costume.  Let's just say there were several nights of work (electrical work included) involved.  And boy was it authentic! So, we have about four hours to pull something together.  We're thinking a modern Luke and Leia--if we can't find a blonde wig for him then it will be an older Luke that has started buzzing his hair off (since it's much sexier than a comb over).

Running Running Running!  Lots of running thoughts lately.  The summer is officially over and this girl is settling into her running season.  I'm not sure what this winter holds for me with running but I'm getting excited to think of some plans.

Road Running vs. Trails
I ran on sidewalks today for one of the first times since we moved here.  Almost all my running has been on dirt, rocks, hills, and winding trails through the trees and along the river.  I'm not complaining one bit.  I'll take trails any day over the road.  However, I try not to pay much attention to my watch when I run on the trails since pace is MUCH slower.  Today I dropped my son off at his Montessori school and then ran to a meeting downtown.  It was a pleasant surprise to see what my pace was on sidewalks/road compared to the trail!  In fact, I rarely run with a watch these days on the trails now that I know the distance of most my routes.

Something New That Makes Me Nervous: EMCEE
Yikes yikes yikes!  So, I agreed to be the Emcee for the Sister's Happy Girls Half Marathon and 5k (put on  by Lay It Out Events).  I'm a mix between excited for the opportunity and nervous as all heck! Public speaking is something I'm not bad at once I'm comfortable (after all, I was a teacher for almost 10 years) but the first time for anything is just a little scary.  I'm kicking fear to the curb and trying something that scares me.  I think each time we say "YES!" and put ourselves out there (even if it means stepping outside of our comfort zones), we open doors that lead to new possibilities and connections. As soon as I agreed to do this, I sent a text my friend Sarah Bowen Shea (Love this gal!) and she gave me a short text pep talk and gave me the link to her article about her own Emcee experiences:  Fun at the Finish Line.  For any of you at this event, I'm warning you now that my voice might be ten octaves higher than usual until I relax.

Boston Marathon Indecisiveness 
Boston Boston Boston.  The Boston Marathon is in April.  That means many people start training in December.  Some like shorter training plans and start in January.  In the past, I've used October to December to build a strong base and get my mileage up before using a specific plan.  This year brings up a whole bag of indecisiveness:

1. First thing I'm questioning is if it is even in my best interest to run Boston this year.  It's expensive to get there, I've already done it four times, and it just might not be the best idea on a number of levels.
2. If I do run Boston, I need to decide how I'll run it and how I'll train for it. The Boston Marathon weekend is so much more than just a race weekend.  It's a weekend where I get to see some of my closest friends as well as be involved with the running/marathon community on one of the most exciting race weekends out there.  Nothing quite like Boston when it comes to the marathon.  Talk about ENERGY!  I can certainly train in a way where I just log miles and don't train specifically for any time goal.  This would allow me to run Boston for fun and possibly use it as a training run for an ultra marathon.  I'm also looking into different training plans that I might use if I do decide to train a bit harder.  Another option is finding a coach to work with (maybe even someone new to coaching (or just wanting to grow their coaching business) and wanting a guinea pig and someone to help them advertise/market through my blog.  However, with the latter, I'm not so sure I'd want just anyone telling me what do when it comes to running/training so it would have to be a seasoned runner who knows their stuff!  My gut tells me I'm going to go with training myself and possibly carrying my training over to an ultra marathon.  Of course, it all depends on this body of mine and how well it holds up! Oh, and who knows what a Bend winter holds.   

Trail Run Fun

Many of us have seen the Instagram pics of runners running on trails. One of my favorite Instagram feeds to follow is Speedy Mama Jess here in Sisters, Oregon.  I love seeing these kinds of shots! They are inspiring AND I get to see all the beautiful spots people run while seeing them enjoying doing what they love.  However, I admit, I always wonder how much time they took to set up their camera timers to snap the perfect shot.  It makes me laugh but I also think it's fun and I enjoy the pics as much as they enjoyed taking them!  I suppose this is part of what blogging and instagramming is all about:  capturing moments and sharing our lives with others.  On Tuesday, my husband and I hit up the trails for 11 miles.  It was such a gorgeous day so we decided to try one of those timed running pictures.  We'd never done it before and it made for some good laughs.  Our dog thought we were a little weird with our running back and forth for a few minutes while getting our shot.  But I think he kind of liked the game.  When we were ready to run on and not try for another shot, he actually turned around again thinking it was picture time. Ha!  Made me laugh.  

Deschutes River Trail taking off from Meadow Camp

Healing Trails

If you asked me about my favorite trails to run on here in Bend, Oregon, I'd have to say Shevlin Park would be the first place that comes to mind.  Now, I've only been here since August and I haven't even begun to discover all the trails there are around here but for now, Shevlin Park is where I go when I want to get lost in the trees and be alone with my thoughts and the beauty surrounding me.  It's GORGEOUS!  A bit less on the high dessert feel and more of the lush GREEN that I love.  Tumalo Creek trail is one of the easier trails in Shevlin Park--just what I needed for my Thursday run this week.  I won't go into details (yes, I'm allowed to be vague on here--it's my blog after all) but I will say that there were a few days this week that proved to be rather difficult and deeply painful on an emotional level--related to some news I received about a friend.  Running in the forest was just the medicine/comfort I needed. It was a time to be wrapped up in all the forest has to offer:
old, wise trees
fall colors
still and white waters from the creek
soft dirt
shaded paths
steep climbs that take you above some of the tallest trees
and
the perfect rocks on which to sit.

Plenty of tears and conversations/prayer on this run.  But also an incredible amount of peace, healing and hope in my heart once I finished.  Thankful for the gift of the run.  And beyond thankful for these forest trails I have at my fingertips.
  

Much wisdom and peace to be found on a trail run in the woods. Beautiful how these forest walls with their still and white waters, old towering trees and winding trails can pull us in so deeply and bring us so gently back to ourselves--telling us stories, whispering answers, and listening to our heart's every word. I'm so thankful for the gift of running. 

I have much more to say about running but this post is getting way too long so I'll leave some for next time.  I want to ask about recommendations for running pants, share some of the things I'm loving lately with running stuff, and put some potential races out there.  Oh, and I plan on trying this hands-free leash with my dog (honestly, I'm not sure what to expect with this type of leash...part of me fears falling on my face!) and then writing a review and giving one away to one of you!

Happy Friday!  And Happy Halloween to those of you who take part in it.


Laying it on thick with the questions today but lots I want to ask:
1.  Have you ever been an emcee at a race or somewhere else?  Would this make you  nervous?
2.  What are your favorite marathon plans that you'd recommend if I decide to use a plan for Boston?  
3.  Do you have a running coach you'd recommend?  
4.  Do you find healing and comfort through running?  
5.  Are you dressing up for Halloween?  Your kids?  What will you be?  

Amanda

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Five Things Friday

1.  We Got A Dog!  I've never really felt the need or pressing desire for a family dog by any means but our kids sure have.  They've been asking for a dog for years.  At one point we told them we'd get a dog when their little brother was two.  Well, he's five now.  Then we told them we'd get one when we moved back to Oregon after our adventures traveling from Asheville.  Well, here we are.  It was time to hold up to our end of the bargain.  We are officially dog owners to one beautiful, smart, happy, and eager young boy named Asher or Ashe (I'm liking this version more).  He was named after Asheville but the name is also very fitting for him.  I think I kind of love him already.  A few things I love about Ashe so far:

• So good with the kids!  Really, he chose them and they chose him.  They found each other.  When we first went to the Humane Society, he was just brought in as a stray and looked so scared and unsure of everything.  I was immediately drawn to him for some reason but figured he was a little too timid for our family dog.  But then we went back a week or two later and he was so different!  He let the kids play with him through the door (we couldn't take him out yet since he hadn't been assessed) and he would bring his ball right up to where they could reach in with their hands.  Today, we was ready to be adopted so we went to spend some time with him.  There was no way I could say no to this dog after seeing him with the kids....all of us really. 

• He is so well behaved and smart!  I can't believe this dog is under a year old and seems to know so much.  He let my husband and the kids give him a full on bath tonight and just sat there patiently until it was over.  He followed the kids all around the house and I'm pretty sure he tucked each one of them in in his own dog way.  Now he's at my feet chewing on a bone after giving up on me throwing his toy in the air for him to catch.  Oh, and it's like he speaks our language already because I will just talk to him and he seems to know just what I'm saying.  GOOD Dog. 

• He's a Lab/German Shorthaired Pointer...or so they think.  He has a lot of energy...just enough for our family.  Eventually, he will make a GREAT running partner.  He will be able to do so much with us...hiking, running, road trips.  Oh, and Bend is the most dog friendly city on earth from what it looks like so I'm thinking he'll get his own seat at the table when we dine out.  Kidding.  But maybe not kidding knowing Bend. 

2.  Boston.  I'm registered for Boston 2015!  I love this race but more importantly, I love this race weekend and the friends I get to see when I go. This will be my 5th Boston so I think after this one, I should be done for awhile...maybe. There's more to marathons than Boston. And way more affordable marathons for sure!   I don't know how I'll train for Boston but I can figure that out soon enough.  The more I think about it, the more I think it would be fun to use it as a training run for a 50k in May like I mentioned a few posts back.  I guess I'll wait and see how a Bend winter treats us.  

3.  Bend Winter.  Speaking of Bend in the winter, it is already quite cold in the mornings and evenings. I still keep seeing posts about humidity and heat.  Those posts are surely not written by people in Bend.  I'm thinking it is time to pull out the winter running tights soon.  

4.  Sunshine and Aging.  Is it possible to look older after only a month of living somewhere? Can wrinkles show up that fast?  Seriously, the sunshine here is the real deal--strong!  When I lived in Portland, I used to joke that the constant gray and rain was actually our best kept beauty secret...I think people in Portland who have been there a long time usually look younger than they are.  They are definitely a shade or three or four lighter than most people. A good place to live if you are a vampire.  Bend is a bit different.  No vampires here...they'd all die.  The sky is almost always blue and the sun is always shining.  I'll take it.  But with the happiness of sunshine comes lots of exposure to those sunshiney rays.  Daily note to self:  Hat, sun screen, sun glasses.  

5.  Twin Cities Marathon.  I'm so excited to travel to MN next month to watch the Twin Cities Marathon.  One of my best friends will be racing and I know of a few others that will be there too.  I've heard such great things about this race and about how beautiful it is at this time of year.  My friend that's running has been one of the most supportive and loving friends a girl could ask for. When I ran Grandma's Marathon in June, she drove down to Duluth to spend the weekend with me and she was at so many places along the course running next to me and cheering.  I'm so glad I get to be out there to support her this time.  Even better....another dear friend is traveling out there from Boston to be there too.  A girlfriend weekend, time to support our friend, and the opportunity to be part of the beauty and energy that this marathon has to offer!  

1.  Do you have a dog?  What kind?  Does he/she like to play catch/fetch?  Do you run with your dog? 

2.  Have you run Twin Cities Marathon?  Do you know someone running this year?  

Amanda

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Perspective, a Dog, and What's NEXT for Running (Boston and a 50K?)

I woke up this morning with a definite sense of renewal and perspective shift.  Maybe it was allowing myself to type out my feelings in my post yesterday.  Maybe it was the blazing sunshine and promise of a fresh start with school starting tomorrow.  Or maybe it was just that it was time to take my head out of my rear end and realize just how good life is and how pathetic it is for me to be walking around with my head hanging down. I still miss Asheville and I'll be sad about that for awhile but I'm done with my whiney pity party I was having for most the day yesterday.  Really, pity parties (if that's what I decide to call it) don't last long for me.  All it takes is gaining a little perspective.  Lots of things will do this for me.  One of these things is just popping in to read the news.  This alone will change my perspective and outlook FAST!  It isn't always for the better though.  Most of the time, I avoid too much news (global, local, national) because of how much it can leave me feeling heavy and helpless.  But in small doses, it really makes me count my blessing in a bigger ways than I already do! Another thing that will give us all a perspective shift is this link:

25 Of The Most Dangerous And Unusual Journeys To School In The World
 Gee, I'm glad I have a car to drive my kids to school!  Can you imagine going to school like this?:

source

A Dog
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your feedback on my Facebook post about getting a dog.  Yes, we are very close to getting our first family dog.  I can't put my kids off any longer.  We've been promising them a dog for some time now, and...well, now's the time.  I've been dragging my feet on this because I love to travel and having a dog makes this just a little more complicated.  Dogs are also a lot of work and can be expensive. I grew up with dogs and I know how much work they are.  I also know how much I'll grow to love our dog and how it will become part of our family.  I loved reading your thoughts on what kinds of dogs are good for running and kids!  And yes, we will be getting a rescue dog.  Now it is a matter of finding the right one.  Today we went to two different shelters.  Before getting out of the car I repeated my words of : "We are NOT getting a dog today!"  I had to have them all repeat this back to me before I'd even agree to go in to see dogs.  We didn't find the dog for us today but I'm sure it will come soon.  Ultimately, I want a dog we all love.  A small dog would be nice for many reasons. However, I'd also love a dog that would be able to join me on the trails for runs.  I'm hearing good things about labs, retrievers, border collies, etc.  I know the perfect dog is out there for us.

What's Next With Running
I'm ready to run more again.  This sounds about right for me considering we are going into fall.  I usually spend the summer running very low mileage and recovering (mentally and physically) from my spring marathons.  Then I get to September and realize that I'm floundering a bit and my endorphins are at an all-time low. And then I usually register for some spring race and begin the process of training all over again.  I like this cycle and it works for me (minus the drop in endorphins at the end of the summer...).  I love having something to work towards but I don't always find myself hungry for a personal record or pushing myself to my limits these days.  In fact, right now, I'm thinking I just want something on the horizon to look forward to but just enough training to stay focused, fit, and in decent enough shape to ENJOY my spring race and embrace the simple fact that I LOVE RUNNING. I want to run for years to come so training smart and on the lighter side has become more valuable to me than pushing myself super hard and ending up injured and overtrained.   So, here are my thoughts for my next training cycle:

• I'm probably going to register for the 2015 Boston Marathon.  I qualified with a 3:28 at Boston so this gives me plenty of cushion to get in.  I've really gone back and forth with this decision.  I've run Boston 4 times now (2004, 2012, 2013, 2014) and honestly, there are many reasons why running it again doesn't make the most sense (travel, cost, um, maybe it's time to give this race a break, etc.).  However, I do LOVE Boston (the city and the marathon).  I love the whole weekend...Patriot's Day, the energy of the marathon, seeing people I enjoy, and so much more.  In addition to all these reasons, two of my closest friends will be in Boston again this year (well, one of them lives there). What a great way to wrap this weekend into a girl weekend where I get to see my friends, be in one of my favorite cities, and run a race I love.  I do know that if I go to Boston this year, I'd really like to run it just to run it.  I know, I've said this before and then ended up going for a harder effort.  I very well might change my intentions again but for now, I like the idea of running low mileage, staying fit without overdoing it, and going to Boston for a girl weekend!  Now, let's see if I stick to this plan.  

• If I run Boston for fun, there is a possibility for another spring race.  My husband is trying to convince me to do a 50k trail race with him in May.  50k?!  Not so sure.  This would put an end to my low mileage goal.  However, I do like the idea of a longer trail race for many reasons.  I think I could still keep my training pressure free...I'd just need some longer longer runs in there.  Boston could make a great training long run if I ran it right.  The 50k he mentioned today is the McDonald Forest 50k  on May 9th in Corvallis, Oregon.  A few things I love about this being the one we do together:  1.  This is the city we met and fell in love in.  2.  My dear soul sister friend Jenny lives here so we'd have a place to stay! Sounds promising.  

Have you done a 50k trail race?  Do you have recommendations for good ones in Oregon??

What kind of dog would you recommend for an active family with kids?  Your biggest tips for getting a dog?  

Amanda

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