Earned the Bird!

Okay, I am back. Been quite some time. I have been running though. I finally graduated from PT with the Achilles and it seems like it is holding up. Got a real structured training plan (accountability). Just got over a nasty cold so now its time to get moving.

Big plans for 2010 and that is just around the corner. BUT first let's start with a Turkey Day run.

Met my good training buddy Joel this morning at 5 am. Our plans were to hit Ben Lomond Peak one more time for 2009. It was about 20 degrees but windy. BRRRRRRR..... cold. We turned on the headlamps and took off. Right before sunrise I looked over for a brief second and saw a couple silhouettes....MOOSE- there were 3 (2 bulls and a cow)...SWEET! We left Bullwinkle and preceded to the Peak. It was a pretty tough jaunt with slow on the trail- not just any snow but super fine powdery stuff that you just couldn't get a feel for. We hit the base of the peak and it got nasty. We trudged up the snow face and b-lined for the ridge in order to get some solid traction. Then is was rock hopping to the top. We signed the book and headed back down.

We couldn't have asked for a better day. 16 miles and 4000'. Said good bye to the Peak for now.

Went back home and prepared a fine feast for the family.

So- what am I thankful for? Where to begin. FAMILY- without my family NOTHING is possible. I love you all so very much- you 3 girls make me very proud! Thanks for all your patience with me, I am trying.....

Friends- all of you. My life long ones to my new ones. My running buddies- without you I would be even heavier than I am now.

All in all, I have much to be thankful for. I really hope I keep these thoughts with me always.

Friday will be a day of rest then out for a Saturday and Sunday jaunt.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

I'm back and look forward to you online friendships.

Cheers!

Volunteering at Mtn View Trail Half Marathon

This past weekend I was able to help out at the 1st annual Mountain View Trail Half Marathon on Antelope Island. Jim Skaggs is the RD and if you have ever run the Buffalo Run (50m,50k,25k) then you know it will be a good one. 120 runners showed for the first ever race and the weather was perfect. I need to admit I was real jealous I was not able to run but it was the right decision. Training has been good lately and just trying to build a base before December hits and I ramp it up. Just being at the race really got my juices flowing and it was needed. 2009 has been a long long year and I am ready to put it behind me and gear up for 2010.

Finally- Hope has a name....

ASTYM- That's it!
So after I traveled to Colorado to see my good friend Scott and attempt to help him on the trail and one week later I paced Christian from Upper Big Water to Brighton during the Wasatch 100- I needed to get some answers. It has been over 1 year of total frustration. I have tried different Dr.'s, PT's and podiatrists..hell I even tried Acupuncture and I am terrified of needles. Nothing. Some days I felt good others felt horrible. I went to a new Dr after pacing at Wasatch. I went in, got an ultrasound and x-rays and Dr Blackham said. "I can get you back in 3-6 months". Sounds like a long time unless you have already wasted a full year. I said I will do whatever you want. He prescribed to wear Nitro glycerin patches on my injured Achilles and sent me to do ASTYM twice a week for 6-12 weeks along with stretches and I had to sleep with a crazy looking boot on. After the first treatment of ASTYM I was already feeling better and the swelling was going down. It has been 4 weeks and I ran on the trails Saturday for the first time....PAIN FREE!
Anyone out there with lingering injuries, especially the Achilles. I recommend ASTYM. I feel like I am on my way back and have a solid game plan. Time to build a base and look forward to running as opposed to look forward to icing.....

A new plan and a little hope.

Today marks a new day. After ONE YEAR of suffering from my Achilles injury- seeing 4 doctors, 1 physical therapist, 1 acupuncturist, 1 podiatrist and countless recommendations- I think I have found my guy.....Dr Jason Blackham! I was referred to him by a couple great local running girls. I went to see him this morning and when I finally got in, he sent me for some x-rays. When I got back he came in to show me the results (my heart was pounding a bit I must admit). As we reviewed the x-rays he showed me 2 bone spurs - one on my heal and one on the front. Now, the only time I hear bone spur it is usually followed by surgery, shaving, break, etc. I asked him if I needed any surgery to which he replied "nah, I don't think so- they are in good spots as long as they don't cause any pain." SWEET! I felt a bit relieved. The x-ray itself showed other problems too but thankfully they happened years ago in my soccer days. It appears I may have had a few fractures and of course many ankle sprains. We then proceeded for the ultra sound. This was my first ultra sound in which I wasn't looking for a heart beat or a gender. He showed me my "good" Achilles first and then the bad one. I am happy to report- no tears, just lots of inflammation. He graded it as mild- more great news. Dr. Blackham said he could most likely get me better within 3-6 months. Whew! It has been a year since this has hanging on so what's another 6 months?
So, how will it get better? Well, I go to pick up some Nitro patches, do some eccentric exercises, stretching, I get to wear a ski boot replica to bed and last but not least ASTYM. He did inform me that ASTYM will hurt like hell and my leg will look like hell, it will feel worse before it gets better. Not sure I like that. While I do ASTYM, no NSAIDS either. So I called and got my first appointment for Monday- twice a week for 3 weeks then once a week for a few more. The doc said I can do some light running and just keep an eye on the pain. Is this all good news. ABSOLUTELY! I now feel like there is a plan in place and my doc said he had a similar injury- did I mention he was a college runner who still runs a 2:50 marathon?
So long, long, long story short...baby steps but no reason to think I will not be ready for Moab Red Hot 50k. It's on the books as well as a few other surprises.....

Side note- congrats go out to Scott Jaime for finishing the Colorado Trail in fine fashion. Way to go Fast One, damn proud of ya! Next congrats to all the Wasatch 100 participants that "toed the line" last weekend. You all should be proud to get to the start. A special congrats to Christian Johnson. I had the pleasure of pacing Christian from Upper Big Water to Brighton and he was smokin'! It was great to share the trail with yet another great person and athlete. Thanks Christian for letting me tag along.
Good Luck to those that will run the Bear 100 next week. I really wish I could be there but maybe next year.

Acupuncture and more schtuff

Alright- I am desperate now. I am absolutely terrified of needles yet tomorrow I will head over to an Acupuncturist for a exam. It has been an extremely disappointing year and it isn't looking up. I had some goals and races I really wanted to do but I knew I wouldn't be able to do them without really walking a thin line towards a major injury. It is hard to be competitive and running with an injury like this. In my early years playing soccer I would have taken some NSAIDS with Dr. Pepper and just plodded along. Now- not so much. It is only September and I haven't raced since June. I have run some pretty great training runs but always to limp back home. So 2010? Man, I sure hope so.
Last weekend I was able to get over to Leadville, Colorado and help a good friend with his assault on the Colorado Trail and this weekend I get to share the trail with another very talented runner- Christian Johnson- as he takes on the Wasatch 100 (I just hope I can keep up). It is bitter sweet, last year Wasatch was my first 100 miler and the section I am pacing- Big Water to Brighton- was my "beast". Go get em Christian!!!! And a big ggod Luck to Tom, Kacey, Josh and Corky! Bring it home and enjoy the adventure.
Last night was a very big night for me. I took my 4 year old daughter to get her 1st pair of soccer shin guards and cleats. WOW! Those of you that know me well know that soccer wasn't just a part of my life but actually was my life for along time. Pure passion and my first love. Seeing my 4 year old get all excited just made me so happy. Tonight is her first practice and Saturday her first game. Go get em Aspen- daddy is right here!

An Epic adventure is underway!!!

As I type this, I am very excited to be getting ready to go to Leadville on Friday to help a friend. Scott Jaime has started his Colorado Trail adventure. Bright and early this morning he hit the trail and in 11 days he will reach Durango. I will arrive in Leadville at May Queen on Friday night to welcome Scott. We then leave at 6 am to cover 34.5 miles. Sunday we wake and head out for a 41.3 mile day. From here I will play it by ear (or legs). I would love to hit the trail Sunday with him for another 35.1 miles but not sure these legs can go. At any rate, Scott will finish this on his 40th birthday. I am just excited to be apart of something this big.
Good Luck Fast Eddy!!! You can follow him HERE via his blog and SPOT.
As for me- the summer has proved to be a tough one. After Squaw I was pretty broken down and discouraged. Dealt with injury but have hopefully regained a little momentum to end the year strong. I have bigger plans for 2010 and hopefully can achieve some goals.
What's next for me? Well, I am fortunate enough to get to share the trail with Christian Johnson at Wasatch. I will be pacing him from Upper Big Water to Brighton. It will be nice to see this course in a new light. When I ran it last year it was my low point of the race.
I was really hoping to do the Bear this year but may have to wait until 2010.

It's been awhile now...

Just catching up. Been off for quite some time to deal with injuries and life. Back in the swing with a different mind set. Really missed running and missed training partners more. I am hoping to be ready to go for the Grand Teton Races in September. I should at least be able to do the Trail Marathon but would really like to tackle the 50. I had hopes of doing El Vaquero Loco in mid August but it doesn't seem realistic but they do have a 25k.