The Color Run Tulsa

So this morning, I got up at 4:00 am to get ready, pick up Jade and drive to Tulsa for the Color Run 5K.  We had sooooo much fun and got plenty of color for our money along with some running! LOVE the Color Run!  If this comes to your state it's a must-do fun event.

At the starting line.  There was almost 11,000 people in the race.  I think we ended up being in the 5th wave.

First 50

Photo of Rocky Raccoon trails from:  http://prusaitis.smugmug.com/gallery/6651167_K7HWW#!i=424505814&k=aZ5fe

You know those days where you feel a little unsettled...like you are bored, or have forgotten something big and just haven't realized it yet?  I've been feeling like that for a few days now.  Maybe it's the post-Grand Canyon blahs.  Or maybe it's that I just need a new big goal to work towards. 

I'm mulling over the idea of training for my first 50 mile race and have decided that I'd like to do Rocky Raccoon in Huntsville, TX in February.  This gives me 7 months to prepare and train.  And the most important thing (to me) is that it's usually cool weather for the race which I need in order to perform well.  The trails there from what I've heard and read are fairly flat with lots of roots which also sounds good for a first 50 miler.  (the flat part anyway!)

Any advice or tips?  I've completed three 50K's now but the thought of a 50 miler feels HUGE and still unfathomable to me.  I'm excited to accomplish it though.  :)

Favorite Things

I like reading about what other runners & athletes are using and products they love--I discover so many cool things!  Here are my current fave's.. 

1. Still digging the green smoothies.  I have one every morning and they have evolved a little since I first got my Vitamix and figured out my favorite combinations.  Usual ingredients: 1 Scoop Vega hemp & pea protein powder, chia seed, PB2 powder, Matcha green tea powder, spirulina, kelp, aloe vera juice, coconut, sunflower seeds, kale, spring mix lettuce, banana, orange, blueberries and some frozen mixed berries or mango. I have more energy and am recovering from workouts so much faster! Vitamix+Fresh Organic Greens and Fruit ROCKS!  Love.

(Picture found on Google images)

2.  Amphipod Hydraform Lite handheld water bottles.  Most comfortable handheld I've ever found and I truly forget that I'm even carrying it.  It has a nice sized pocket too that fits 2 gels and my keys.

3.    Runners Defense pepper spray--while I've never had to use it (knock on wood), I always carry it with me.  I like that it has a small strap for your hand so you don't have to hold on to it..yet it's there and ready should you need to blast a bad guy or vicious animal.

4.  Brooks running skirts! Cute and super comfortable.  Makes me feel fast.  :)

5.  Something I discovered while fastpacking in the Grand Canyon is dried banana chips.  They tasted so good, settled good on my tummy and gave me lots of energy.  They are also easy to pack in little baggies in a hydration vest pocket and easy to eat on the go. 

Happy Running! 

Book Review ~ Eat and Run by Scott Jurek

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”
― Hippocrates

I pre-ordered Eat and Run several months ago on Amazon and have been impatiently anxiously awaiting it's arrival.  It arrived last Friday and I read it in 3 days because it's that good.  All the things that I am obsessed with such as ultrarunning, trail running, vegan/vegetarianism and the effect of diet on the body...it's all there in this book.  He includes his favorite recipes too, scattered throughout the book.  I love his approach to fueling which is pretty simple: REAL FOOD. He eats homemade bean burritos during races and starts every day with a nutritious smoothie. 

If you are on the fence about ordering the book I would say that you can't go wrong reading it if you're into running and want some inspiration.  It actually inspired me on two fronts-- with running and with how important a healthy diet is. 

Grand Canyon

Just hours before leaving for the Grand Canyon to run rim-to-rim, we got word of a major pipeline break in the canyon that shut down the North Kaibab trail, making canyon crossings impossible.  Some calls were made to the park service and we were assured that there was no possible way the trail would would be open in 5 days when we were set to run. Bummer.  We quickly canceled North Rim Lodge reservations and decided to stay at the South Rim one more night.  We changed our route and added on mileage.  (I must add, once we got to the Canyon we found out that they had built a small section of detour trail and rim-to-rim WAS possible, but it would of been too difficult to again change our plans.)  The new route looked like this: South Rim Trail down to Phantom Ranch.  Phantom Ranch to Ribbon Falls.  Turn around at Ribbon Falls and head back to Phantom Ranch.  From Phantom Ranch to the River Trail and up Bright Angel back to the South Rim.  We guesstimated about 27 miles and started our journey at 4:40am on June 6th.  I'll let pictures do most of the talking, but I'll say that it was one of the most beautiful, toughest and memorable days of my life. We ended up with almost 35 miles for the day and 16 hours of fast packing.  To anyone going to the Grand Canyon, do not believe the mileage signs!  If they say it's 2 miles to the next rest area, count on it being 3.  Rough day, but one of my most treasured memories with some of the best friends a girl could ever have. 

Nanc and I at Phantom Ranch

Nancy on the way down

Ribbon Falls

4:30 am - Our journey begins!

Dave and I on the South Rim

Watching the Thunder/Spurs playoff game at Beaver Street Brewery in Flagstaff, AZ

Thunder UP!