tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50553104473765484942024-03-13T09:58:43.431-04:00Veggie Trail GirlCome with me as I explore the trails running with a smile on my face seeing just how far I can go.Veggie Trail Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751617757538435006noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055310447376548494.post-34098506687653208792022-04-21T17:38:00.006-04:002022-04-21T18:25:03.106-04:00Rim to Rim to Rim: A Day in the Canyon<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4/17/2022</span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We started down the South Kaibab
(SK) trail at 3:06am. I immediately had to pee (nerves and pre-hydrating!).
Hmm, three steps in and already having to stop? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was crazy seeing the full moon and all those
stars. What a treat! While I was sad to miss the sunrise on SK, running under a
full moon in the canyon was special! Who gets to run the canyon under a full
moon? I was already counting my blessings, as there were many just to arrive to
this point. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZur_VSi8GTHybjXJRln2k1UAY3EcKxg8kO__5seTT9Y1BAzGZr2o8Gr3e51wVmCUujcWRM7PWcCDytVkn1WWahb-oyDH4F-nxmu0riAKS-UWDxqt_etMXH0Koi56lq1SjQP4tq0drndFY0E2737V9rgi5cp7vCoOz2zra8ZBY1fcayva4uXj6g985g/s640/IMG_20220421_150057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZur_VSi8GTHybjXJRln2k1UAY3EcKxg8kO__5seTT9Y1BAzGZr2o8Gr3e51wVmCUujcWRM7PWcCDytVkn1WWahb-oyDH4F-nxmu0riAKS-UWDxqt_etMXH0Koi56lq1SjQP4tq0drndFY0E2737V9rgi5cp7vCoOz2zra8ZBY1fcayva4uXj6g985g/w155-h207/IMG_20220421_150057.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>Ashley & I at the start of our journey. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVnlhQBTKxxuRUtGYWIjYTz-a7iUMQlR_S_pL2YAsjiadiZtYuzFaryLA3TLjN6j54QJrV_oRdJXVirzxvNnH951SYNPyVBs_G5pj3mEyiYbp6dOk6kdWpC3H2UfTKRsjUp-ft1MIRTworM1VHCTY4HA74LfFxlznIcS5ErF9PRrtRuuQPzoDE4aAZA/s4032/PXL_20220417_100830892.NIGHT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVnlhQBTKxxuRUtGYWIjYTz-a7iUMQlR_S_pL2YAsjiadiZtYuzFaryLA3TLjN6j54QJrV_oRdJXVirzxvNnH951SYNPyVBs_G5pj3mEyiYbp6dOk6kdWpC3H2UfTKRsjUp-ft1MIRTworM1VHCTY4HA74LfFxlznIcS5ErF9PRrtRuuQPzoDE4aAZA/w267-h200/PXL_20220417_100830892.NIGHT.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image taken with night sight and a full moon. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took it easy on the downhill as
there were many steep, exposed miles and I was glad to do them under the cover
of darkness. We had looked down on the trail from Mather Point the day before
and I was rethinking the decision, first of many times, of descending such a
trail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reached the bridge and
celebrated the first milestone: made it to the Colorado River at first light!
We were both feeling good, still nervous, but excited! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHO_HFACUtZzPoKtI4KY1deeXMEr61RK7pN6YnHARZS9cX4xfWZQ0RAI2i6rMb59soCTpx9reLE3HfAy0DOfrxnwmJObvy864HeL4Ggi9ZjkTTDjEE4eYAYxDUjRMN45mGCgmyvrAVO8EL1bd3XlRLMsZnUV1rDwr0QpGXsmg644azATOg_rbJS29og/s4032/PXL_20220417_122216305.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHO_HFACUtZzPoKtI4KY1deeXMEr61RK7pN6YnHARZS9cX4xfWZQ0RAI2i6rMb59soCTpx9reLE3HfAy0DOfrxnwmJObvy864HeL4Ggi9ZjkTTDjEE4eYAYxDUjRMN45mGCgmyvrAVO8EL1bd3XlRLMsZnUV1rDwr0QpGXsmg644azATOg_rbJS29og/w176-h235/PXL_20220417_122216305.MP.jpg" width="176" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crossing the black bridge at 5:36am</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoY3ecLTWO_dUGNlZWqtnpdkekBqxIS8V-rf19HpV61br-d9WDqNUdJyi9YZLWMLhAy6byd0WPN08XiYpAmmEkLt5JJwU1-BlqPR6YBAK1hm8t2F_79VKeHythtkjzuT9ZJ1fAPdgV4hjvhw33gBOmyhBTZdRKwZ6JNAFFuUfIriL6qQq2h-_suojrg/s4032/PXL_20220417_122329733.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoY3ecLTWO_dUGNlZWqtnpdkekBqxIS8V-rf19HpV61br-d9WDqNUdJyi9YZLWMLhAy6byd0WPN08XiYpAmmEkLt5JJwU1-BlqPR6YBAK1hm8t2F_79VKeHythtkjzuT9ZJ1fAPdgV4hjvhw33gBOmyhBTZdRKwZ6JNAFFuUfIriL6qQq2h-_suojrg/w264-h198/PXL_20220417_122329733.MP.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Next up: Phantom Ranch. The mules
were just coming out of the corral and it was cool to see. They were much
larger than I had expected. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqMPYAFsdSrRxBuIpgSp92jYEoRn5pFXI857f1izBlXzsu4PWpbDDj07D_gNY68Aj0dPQmVG2OHwzmPiooFptBlEEF5vATvT6J77mf-vYUwKTM9O1WzbslLCg-MTlW7Ls6C8aSZX1C15Fw5dvpbHiUcsFmHHBMtBhDqrkQCbsm_fuk-Gy8cAl0bZY6A/s4032/PXL_20220417_123622489.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqMPYAFsdSrRxBuIpgSp92jYEoRn5pFXI857f1izBlXzsu4PWpbDDj07D_gNY68Aj0dPQmVG2OHwzmPiooFptBlEEF5vATvT6J77mf-vYUwKTM9O1WzbslLCg-MTlW7Ls6C8aSZX1C15Fw5dvpbHiUcsFmHHBMtBhDqrkQCbsm_fuk-Gy8cAl0bZY6A/s320/PXL_20220417_123622489.MP.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />When we got to the water stop folks were milling
around who were staying there. Everyone was nice and some very chatty. We
wanted to refill our water bottles and start running, as we wanted to make the
most of the cool morning air. Off we went and into the next phase of our
journey to the North Rim. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I know everyone says that pictures do
not do the canyon justice. They are correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is no way to capture the vivid colors and subtle dessert tones of
the walls as the sun moves further up the sky. In addition, the water that we
ran beside for miles created these lush, green oases. The contrast was magical.
The trail was rolling and I was in awe. We ran through the box, maximizing the
shade. At 8:01am, the sun became present on the floor of the canyon. We danced
in and out but that became less and less. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFI04n9fiYGLT__idULD9QbbTr2-ZOYloRYaJuCB8aVZ-BopVYTt5HwJE2HRh7_-A8w8TQRt7h-XdqfqFnGQz4xtQUatz2JnZIWIWraq6jpD_TD9dGvDGZ9keXWlOc7nwycUGoTcN_iUEuTF5lY_DuOIpIaXMgkjY8pnAYqvPi5z_DoGbVye8n2I3KQ/s4032/PXL_20220417_125014925.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFI04n9fiYGLT__idULD9QbbTr2-ZOYloRYaJuCB8aVZ-BopVYTt5HwJE2HRh7_-A8w8TQRt7h-XdqfqFnGQz4xtQUatz2JnZIWIWraq6jpD_TD9dGvDGZ9keXWlOc7nwycUGoTcN_iUEuTF5lY_DuOIpIaXMgkjY8pnAYqvPi5z_DoGbVye8n2I3KQ/s320/PXL_20220417_125014925.MP.jpg" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguXtppwJOPLGr7e-1mqPTBdUN0TqERbhDe68ajA9E0hteJuzHv-uWlvqVQy_bjVidFUKTk_kzgzMqkBvfaIekJb114K0bbXOJC8xiQMyevKRaZKg8Ssn9x3IkBv-XOTaiUdYIifzu5OaOhiESXlRNcpN933TeTngmWRMWVXEZuyqO1PQrkZV23-S9Tg/s4032/PXL_20220417_144118077.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguXtppwJOPLGr7e-1mqPTBdUN0TqERbhDe68ajA9E0hteJuzHv-uWlvqVQy_bjVidFUKTk_kzgzMqkBvfaIekJb114K0bbXOJC8xiQMyevKRaZKg8Ssn9x3IkBv-XOTaiUdYIifzu5OaOhiESXlRNcpN933TeTngmWRMWVXEZuyqO1PQrkZV23-S9Tg/s320/PXL_20220417_144118077.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />
<br />
Our next stop was Manzanita. Refill ALL the water bottles and get moving! The
landscape again, was out of a dream. Waterfalls and greenery. It was so
beautiful and we kept pinching ourselves to remind ourselves this was our day.
We were the lucky ones to be here and give thanks for strong bodies and minds
to get us here and carry us through. <br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2Gj1w3puBM44nJJfXJeZKAvAG63GSfjmjwO1BYECf9DXjFhq80QdK-iheFp3SldbaJyLLcU8Mlj1YAwa7lydUkZqiJvCchKaNBoiVA_S2SQkshgPfuJfuohLRl-sQ6jsQotLgUCyGX7Msc-qnThGWeuWFK28kXBRF6_XbtB3hOYz3BaGspRQSkLgdA/s4032/PXL_20220417_152738301.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2Gj1w3puBM44nJJfXJeZKAvAG63GSfjmjwO1BYECf9DXjFhq80QdK-iheFp3SldbaJyLLcU8Mlj1YAwa7lydUkZqiJvCchKaNBoiVA_S2SQkshgPfuJfuohLRl-sQ6jsQotLgUCyGX7Msc-qnThGWeuWFK28kXBRF6_XbtB3hOYz3BaGspRQSkLgdA/s320/PXL_20220417_152738301.MP.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roaring Springs<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We were both eating and drinking
well. It was starting to get warm but not too awful, as we had not yet reached full-sustained
sun. </span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The last four miles up from
Manzanita to the North Rim were brutal. I started not feeling well and knew I
needed some salt tabs so I took two. I was using my sip, sip, nibble, nibble
mode of attack to stay fueled and hydrated but my stomach, for the first time,
was not pleased with the heat. I developed a wicked cramp in my hamstring and
really started to question my life choices at that moment. I think the last
four miles of the climb took us an hour and half. I saw a small pile of snow
and you would have thought I found gold. I filled my bra, my hat and just stood
in sweet relief for a moment before continuing the climb from hell. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6ZPKAsCQye3CIGO9ychZJMzpS_AbtyIcUV7sOPPtAOCv_8gx6CdFfSvq6h6fZiWm0kEeLaaMVVp7GOedaZ8nJRHLR5epdWMEc3OT0LzoVm6v4ovZ2rUaFzBEwrxBQZeY-L8FqlP72HXDMVpq3caOAnHu008vqYG7b3bTz8U09DhrHVqIyliR2xLB6A/s320/IMG_2002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6ZPKAsCQye3CIGO9ychZJMzpS_AbtyIcUV7sOPPtAOCv_8gx6CdFfSvq6h6fZiWm0kEeLaaMVVp7GOedaZ8nJRHLR5epdWMEc3OT0LzoVm6v4ovZ2rUaFzBEwrxBQZeY-L8FqlP72HXDMVpq3caOAnHu008vqYG7b3bTz8U09DhrHVqIyliR2xLB6A/s1600/IMG_2002.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet relief if even for a moment!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once we made it to the North Rim, I
took off my pack and went straight for the snowbank. I laid down and
immediately felt like 1 million dollars! I got my cooling sleeves out, began to
fill them with snow, and just sat letting my butt/legs enjoy the cold before
returning to the inferno. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My InReach was buzzing so I checked
my messages of encouragement before seeing if I had cell service. I did! I
called my partner, John E to say I was halfway, had a struggle but was doing
much, much better. After a few minutes of eating/drinking chatting with our new
friend Jake, and debating my life choices we got a move on. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Again, the pace was very casual
because we needed our legs to get us out of the canyon! So, easy on the steeps
and cruise the rest of the way. The North Rim is so different in its feel and
presence. I felt at home. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQawpSGhy8KpyRBxTCYYMinoDbcwWxgJpKNNL5RvCX0OquRYPY0CEf2tt_qNze_H_dxdiChMegngTaDBnIXTpnXZfUYWZgocmRuYxdy5hdZopsjANR0fVMEb7r-xubcIvl-9g2Z4eMBxOQ1GpMhE4KPZb_D2zumakoNcHc6Nnn28wLKHOXYT4PfuhrWg/s3264/PXL_20220417_181355282.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQawpSGhy8KpyRBxTCYYMinoDbcwWxgJpKNNL5RvCX0OquRYPY0CEf2tt_qNze_H_dxdiChMegngTaDBnIXTpnXZfUYWZgocmRuYxdy5hdZopsjANR0fVMEb7r-xubcIvl-9g2Z4eMBxOQ1GpMhE4KPZb_D2zumakoNcHc6Nnn28wLKHOXYT4PfuhrWg/s320/PXL_20220417_181355282.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconino Overlook heading back <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We cruised into Manzanita and filled
all the bottles, rewet the cooling sleeves, etc and went on our way. We were
rolling going just fine and then...THE BOX. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19HcA_wQumROZ8pQL6omVGJUuez33yJS504CbxpbezzXSKPUAf2oel6GEvgvCeYctaVMXOgTSWv_OhyCcdy5WNofsQRTJNqMdSTmOBwTtnRKJZVSUae4hLjl_vU8jew1dVJcKg6j5MKKqV42IgDZfw3eKbn_Yt5bgWmWen6U7B-ze5u2EzbIGCXdRRg/s320/IMG_1996.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19HcA_wQumROZ8pQL6omVGJUuez33yJS504CbxpbezzXSKPUAf2oel6GEvgvCeYctaVMXOgTSWv_OhyCcdy5WNofsQRTJNqMdSTmOBwTtnRKJZVSUae4hLjl_vU8jew1dVJcKg6j5MKKqV42IgDZfw3eKbn_Yt5bgWmWen6U7B-ze5u2EzbIGCXdRRg/s1600/IMG_1996.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to my watch, the
temperatures on our journey topped out at 102. I am from Boulder, CO and my
running partner from Boone, NC. Heat is our kryptonite. I had already had an
issue with heat so now it was my partners turn. It zapped her like an electric
fly swatter. We tried to run and it was just a one foot in front of the other
to keep moving for a bit. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We were both eating, drinking, I was
popping salt tabs every 30 mins and we were getting in the water where we could
to wet things down. While it was beautiful, it was daunting. I just felt like
the canyon wanted to kill us. Nothing personal, it’s just not the friendliest
of places at certain times of day. The entire run I had been sharing gratitude:
the views, the water, the breeze, in the hopes that this feeling of oppressive heat
would not feel like this. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Phantom Ranch is a phantom when you
want to see it so badly upon your return trip! It seemed like those six miles
took forever. We made it! I bought the lemonade, because that is what you do,
right? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a few sips and knew that
was plenty. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We refilled the bottles,
mixed electrolyte drinks, and off we went. This was it…the last climb. However,
which one would we take? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We originally were going to take SK
back but after much debate decided that taking Bright Angel (BA) would be the
smart decision. The descent down SK had been rough and for me, I thought that
the climb up would be even worse so BA we took. We had given each other a pep
talk and ready to go. There was something exciting about seeing a new trail and
it is the more popular climb at two miles longer and almost the same vertical
gain. Only 9.5 miles to go! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixV0k1JsMYHkWyyNUL7KnfqjxbdYNtSM2PeGgKN_7LoG6LNWPVqtaD8qW8Uxr1oAclIhzVfWEiE4rJhVsb4fSkfAQG1_ccH-ocF6Iu6Xn8_TXiTgAO0e2g77JyfJlD4gC17QPz6SagHX8gDOcEVzPsFdFF1olAikB-GM0_R99lp9guSiu6N0RrTfmMjA/s4032/PXL_20220417_230125102.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixV0k1JsMYHkWyyNUL7KnfqjxbdYNtSM2PeGgKN_7LoG6LNWPVqtaD8qW8Uxr1oAclIhzVfWEiE4rJhVsb4fSkfAQG1_ccH-ocF6Iu6Xn8_TXiTgAO0e2g77JyfJlD4gC17QPz6SagHX8gDOcEVzPsFdFF1olAikB-GM0_R99lp9guSiu6N0RrTfmMjA/s320/PXL_20220417_230125102.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1wy6jzEPn0g_A094UPweGfpchCWPgRjaEjLwQ8kUY2eENbMiAIqtqod-begWr_5_Q0mA86DYhJibgyLDvpeqHxd6rZOAM_XWLL2MAaKXYXa-d6JHxASxdB-McnXwgW4vzek9dAn5fw7IlefS-JQ9smvJTCCeGRu5BT4p0hEra_aiXTHEZLnz9iywYg/s4032/PXL_20220417_230305794.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1wy6jzEPn0g_A094UPweGfpchCWPgRjaEjLwQ8kUY2eENbMiAIqtqod-begWr_5_Q0mA86DYhJibgyLDvpeqHxd6rZOAM_XWLL2MAaKXYXa-d6JHxASxdB-McnXwgW4vzek9dAn5fw7IlefS-JQ9smvJTCCeGRu5BT4p0hEra_aiXTHEZLnz9iywYg/s320/PXL_20220417_230305794.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBLTXBkSm0G6Fcm2DVYJQw0HfvLWML9hiZ9GIl_EazmrtVirWqfdu1J17sxzWcnS7tFjTvkPRArTf9zCpzCmGB8aoiGGgE6-G0PaGa_Mfgr28OJApQWUyJO3p_TmMUvH8TG-e9eSsN26MnVcoWbu5nKy7YC4Kjh40LJR7vSR0gSY2106CxW6V6LVeXw/s3264/PXL_20220417_230137166.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBLTXBkSm0G6Fcm2DVYJQw0HfvLWML9hiZ9GIl_EazmrtVirWqfdu1J17sxzWcnS7tFjTvkPRArTf9zCpzCmGB8aoiGGgE6-G0PaGa_Mfgr28OJApQWUyJO3p_TmMUvH8TG-e9eSsN26MnVcoWbu5nKy7YC4Kjh40LJR7vSR0gSY2106CxW6V6LVeXw/s320/PXL_20220417_230137166.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By this point, I was feeling great
and had my "the end is near" energy boost. We ran when it was shady
and walked when in the sun and then...</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A CREEK CROSSING! What? Who knew
this was here? I did not. I was so happy I simply walked in and sat down in the
water. It was the best surprise. Not only was there this one creek crossing but
several more along BA. I had no idea! Remember, I had only looked at returning
via SK. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7spjAlXBG9-vV2Ido6B8aB_aJZ5Eu3r8JBFP2Z3VBFd0hKj6zu6VXvVkwYcm1l_qyCNxY6Dy7xlYtYZt2h3wqjfouP__TzgyvPK_KlYQKJvu6eoGoFA8JHykaxANahgrrmNSFH-JZ-Nvi5WCkG24KgYBiwVH_ZwxSmPbKz2MMp_vXu2IDk91bKAzOUg/s320/IMG_2028.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7spjAlXBG9-vV2Ido6B8aB_aJZ5Eu3r8JBFP2Z3VBFd0hKj6zu6VXvVkwYcm1l_qyCNxY6Dy7xlYtYZt2h3wqjfouP__TzgyvPK_KlYQKJvu6eoGoFA8JHykaxANahgrrmNSFH-JZ-Nvi5WCkG24KgYBiwVH_ZwxSmPbKz2MMp_vXu2IDk91bKAzOUg/s1600/IMG_2028.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HEAVEN!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For me, this climb was right up my
alley. I honestly loved it. I would stop, turn around, get emotional and then
continue. When we got to Indian Garden, I felt a bit defeated as there were
still 4.5 miles and I had it in my head that there were about four left. We did
not stop for water here because we had enough to get to the top and the bugs
were so bad in this section, honestly. I put my head down and just cranked up
the pace. I wanted to be finished…now. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wR67v58v7pvnUbSB4jsYOo9C-knnepYWED0nsZyDhI8buxltuWB4ZRA2hotcM26USlnbenoq6ashqWiSbrcohi0ynqs_7-Fpmz5BNiKkvHDyBE1F3OxYYEvIr9n7XTevhdkCqOIos83VR9DKIgRO2n5JadQuOLar5SqG6OiCjgLrbfugpSdjCESyfw/s4032/PXL_20220418_004449912.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wR67v58v7pvnUbSB4jsYOo9C-knnepYWED0nsZyDhI8buxltuWB4ZRA2hotcM26USlnbenoq6ashqWiSbrcohi0ynqs_7-Fpmz5BNiKkvHDyBE1F3OxYYEvIr9n7XTevhdkCqOIos83VR9DKIgRO2n5JadQuOLar5SqG6OiCjgLrbfugpSdjCESyfw/s320/PXL_20220418_004449912.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOv8JZxcGv9r7BrOR5AuxvgJDkeriDKYjs8gwbPA5fzPZUpeMKBKPlYjML5k0Y1I-gKgzIMDuCJvTp_JE0AAtXqqPfhGNgVh2AYOW54ExWRcvGC5obS_5Oq9suy6tkgy0vFChZYlELoTgWxBL8wwBgPZa3Ml4LIWs4Q7N6Z_lNLyyMDb6oOaTudt-J1A/s4032/PXL_20220418_020418403.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOv8JZxcGv9r7BrOR5AuxvgJDkeriDKYjs8gwbPA5fzPZUpeMKBKPlYjML5k0Y1I-gKgzIMDuCJvTp_JE0AAtXqqPfhGNgVh2AYOW54ExWRcvGC5obS_5Oq9suy6tkgy0vFChZYlELoTgWxBL8wwBgPZa3Ml4LIWs4Q7N6Z_lNLyyMDb6oOaTudt-J1A/s320/PXL_20220418_020418403.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Much of the trail is beside a creek
that is flowing to the canyon floor to meet up with the Colorado River. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was soothing and created beautiful surprise
waterfalls and green frog-filled basins. It was lovely and magical. Even more
magical was reaching the three and 1.5-mile rest houses! Here we began passing
many day hikers. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Wk49gfVaqeQJgBg88xTeQat_83SBJkH9Bl3DIicF-3C91oJnAPkUFLsWJaQA0Ir-ovQnLBB_4A5CFSqkkPh_-eI9Zt10kLVrbRpIn6kvmbo3DMoEQPPLvWR4H0pCDYKQAjkYDPDaOqTV-eIEoWeINbAMcU9SBAsr0YFrMAnkALCQdIK71-FrEYmT1Q/s4032/PXL_20220418_022629918.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Wk49gfVaqeQJgBg88xTeQat_83SBJkH9Bl3DIicF-3C91oJnAPkUFLsWJaQA0Ir-ovQnLBB_4A5CFSqkkPh_-eI9Zt10kLVrbRpIn6kvmbo3DMoEQPPLvWR4H0pCDYKQAjkYDPDaOqTV-eIEoWeINbAMcU9SBAsr0YFrMAnkALCQdIK71-FrEYmT1Q/s320/PXL_20220418_022629918.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last photo in the canyon. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dusk was coming and I was determined
not to stop for any reason even to get a headlamp. We did not really need one
as the BA trail is so much nicer (less technical) than SK and I just trusted my
feet. There was a tunnel up ahead, ugh, more bats and then, up ahead I could
see a building with a light. I knew we were at the top. My breathing became
heavy as I was fighting tears. I started to run; I wanted to finish strong. I
ran to the sign and tapped out of the canyon. 7:36pm</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then it hit me. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mission accomplished, challenge met.
I had overcome and rallied. I had asked for help from my partner and leaned
into her strength when needed. I had practiced gratitude throughout the day and
celebrated each milestone we passed on the way out and back. I felt I had given
all I had to this journey and gotten so much more in return. A life changing
experience for me that will take some time to digest, I suspect. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then the tears. I folded over the
railing. Exhausted. Emotionally, physically. Relieved. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVt34PmTJgiAF3O67GGEe13E0-fj66_4VYWo_y5u5Ne_ZwRcZYxcgwPvJeiAGPrMmEoNDkknP1X5s0p1UvB1-JGBrDnDhn9dvjPc0Jhe11sNtL--W3T8W9lho1Ec-fqkfxDedWCYwEpbk2AmK4wRh1RJeeuXGi6mFugF_Wsa1lkL63QRXCUqKt1_h_w/s640/IMG_4829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVt34PmTJgiAF3O67GGEe13E0-fj66_4VYWo_y5u5Ne_ZwRcZYxcgwPvJeiAGPrMmEoNDkknP1X5s0p1UvB1-JGBrDnDhn9dvjPc0Jhe11sNtL--W3T8W9lho1Ec-fqkfxDedWCYwEpbk2AmK4wRh1RJeeuXGi6mFugF_Wsa1lkL63QRXCUqKt1_h_w/s320/IMG_4829.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFS40tmg8p9a6O2Eq2ctJcbxZ4auseK8JGzboxa8MBwaIHGMj5KU6PG6HwGVQt8xqn-h1dZdI93L3ChoXQyDP7vFf88FkorY1pTvFkA_GSUuUv9YwGwYP8gHKPeiiXBO1MnY0DknotXscB_OHlHlaJsZuO9LDtdpGzcdGPEEo7P65td6Oew1vgoEOEg/s640/IMG_4843.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFS40tmg8p9a6O2Eq2ctJcbxZ4auseK8JGzboxa8MBwaIHGMj5KU6PG6HwGVQt8xqn-h1dZdI93L3ChoXQyDP7vFf88FkorY1pTvFkA_GSUuUv9YwGwYP8gHKPeiiXBO1MnY0DknotXscB_OHlHlaJsZuO9LDtdpGzcdGPEEo7P65td6Oew1vgoEOEg/s320/IMG_4843.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I cannot thank <a href="http://@ashley.goodman">@ashley.goodman</a> for
asking me if I wanted to take on this challenge with her. It had been a decade
since we last ran together and it seems like we never stopped. Her fortitude
and grit helped me when I needed it most. As did her laughing and song lyrics!
Thanks to Gavin, my coach <a href="@peaktopeakendurance">@peaktopeakendurance</a> for making sure I am prepared
for my adventures and always being the calm one. To my partner, John E for
supporting my adventures and letting me spread my wings. To my <a href="@Trail_Sisters_Boulder">@Trail_Sisters_Boulder</a>
and larger <a href="@TrailSisters">@TrailSisters</a> community for their unwavering support and miles of
smiles that we share each week that I carry on every adventure. To <a href="@lady_ak47_">@lady_ak47_</a>
and Miss November as this would not have been the same without you! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stats according to my Garmin: </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moving time: 15:22 </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Total time: 16:30 </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Distance: 46.17 miles</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elevation Change: 22,681 </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Starting Temp: 32 </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Highest Temp: 102</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#hydrapak <br />#doepicshit <br />#radboulder <br />#smartwool <br />#lasportiva <br />#salomonrunning</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Veggie Trail Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751617757538435006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055310447376548494.post-82016945927509094632021-02-12T15:58:00.000-05:002021-02-12T15:58:24.062-05:00<div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HqfyL5YUTi4uX4falN2YorSNKquaow2pPrVcV2xQDqkLHSO_1OhocLPUcHDboSuqGVqzFi0vKNY501UCDWj7bTxIpDKzzAwSjiowJmVbPPhCdbwWrpZkFfvWk_YNtEdLGJWwcgjh7pRO/w189-h142/PXL_20210128_151812423.MP.jpg" width="189" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wanted to share a few pictures from the past few weeks. I am discovering a theme in 2021: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">GET UP AND GO! </span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go where you are <span style="color: #ff00fe;">happy</span>; go where you can <span style="color: #ff00fe;">breathe</span>; go where you feel <span style="color: #ff00fe;">free</span>. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7Cme-oi_TKjpJj3i-g6HoKr3npyrJgrOyT_jyA8sJZJK6CjBKGqtq9t7QZWiQ4ceTOn15o0gUEdr3RP1aEGFjhwzTAB1X7FWjlEYjalHi9WgLG9czpK_MPIi4eiuZ5ZXfceNiBxfT85Z/s4032/PXL_20210129_215837921.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7Cme-oi_TKjpJj3i-g6HoKr3npyrJgrOyT_jyA8sJZJK6CjBKGqtq9t7QZWiQ4ceTOn15o0gUEdr3RP1aEGFjhwzTAB1X7FWjlEYjalHi9WgLG9czpK_MPIi4eiuZ5ZXfceNiBxfT85Z/w198-h148/PXL_20210129_215837921.MP.jpg" width="198" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are several common threads going through each of these photos that I find soothing for myself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y0enNjBDQZwAXyft5dVrr3WUINdSgnj3TU5IzXD5cwMVfHlHjxDedqMlSD7_Snsq_oMazlpoG0wVOvWJweLb7Iuhhar8K8w51WootLWMPwuk9mtFpnbkt6Oopr6VrQ-qawIF4aVFFUQB/s4032/PXL_20210203_141254801.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y0enNjBDQZwAXyft5dVrr3WUINdSgnj3TU5IzXD5cwMVfHlHjxDedqMlSD7_Snsq_oMazlpoG0wVOvWJweLb7Iuhhar8K8w51WootLWMPwuk9mtFpnbkt6Oopr6VrQ-qawIF4aVFFUQB/w170-h127/PXL_20210203_141254801.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I am moving towards a goal (the top of ridge, mountain, climb); a new
day is beginning; </p><p style="text-align: center;">and I am looking towards the future. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9lmA6-FfSPOG2X1JFvYwobLYgfTUxD6H8dvGXERohJginn2Ym-qztgHcImwxzLtWjm7FWcJmDalSTVrlD1T2Y2ONWHKSVTKe4Ds98j6cW-kqztJ6l4z7dZoTzVRpRwJB4JQ0RmsKdNNO/s4032/PXL_20210212_165320611.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9lmA6-FfSPOG2X1JFvYwobLYgfTUxD6H8dvGXERohJginn2Ym-qztgHcImwxzLtWjm7FWcJmDalSTVrlD1T2Y2ONWHKSVTKe4Ds98j6cW-kqztJ6l4z7dZoTzVRpRwJB4JQ0RmsKdNNO/w107-h143/PXL_20210212_165320611.MP.jpg" width="107" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What are you sights set on? Something good I am certain! <br /></div><p></p>Veggie Trail Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751617757538435006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055310447376548494.post-18594160987432729052021-01-27T20:21:00.001-05:002021-01-27T20:21:22.049-05:00<p>Is this thing on? How many resets do we get? No limit you say - AWESOME!</p><p>So, today was a slog in every sense. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Work was intense</li><li>I didn't want to run but I went and glad I did</li><li>I did a big grocery shop - ICK</li><li>Now a neighborhood meeting - yippee (said no one ever) <br /></li></ul><p>Tomorrow is a new day and a rest day from running. Instead I get to go and climb a mountain on my skis. I.CANNOT.WAIT! </p><p>More tomorrow and pictures! <br /></p><div><p><br /></p></div>Veggie Trail Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751617757538435006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055310447376548494.post-2055468757507609782019-04-23T12:29:00.001-04:002019-04-23T12:29:55.418-04:00Six years is a long enough vacation from my blog!Has it really been six years since I made a post?? Oh my, that needs to change!<br />
<br />
A lot has changed over the last six years. Here is the very short version: more running/adventures/races, more injuries, more surgery, new job, adopting two rescue dogs and falling in love with a wonderful man and his two kids! I am sure you will hear more about all of those changes at some point. For now, just know that I will be posting with more frequency (not too hard to do!) about my adventures.<br />
<br />
Happy Trails!<br />
VTG<br />
<br />
Veggie Trail Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751617757538435006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055310447376548494.post-46168932789659935742013-05-15T11:17:00.000-04:002013-05-15T15:47:34.973-04:00No limits<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Quad Rock 50 Race Report – My first 50 mile race!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">First, I cannot thank you all for your kind, supportive words before the race and the congratulations post race. One of the last things I did before getting out of the car on race day was read the messages you all had sent so that they were fresh in my mind. You were with me every step of the way and in some cases were the only reason I kept moving at certain points. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Beth Frye, Sheryl Mawn and I arrived at the start and it was “no turning back now”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pick up number-check, label drop bags-check, bathroom AGAIN-check, get vest on-check, good luck hugs-check and line-up. Nick Clark gave the last few instructions/course changes and the countdown began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the sun was coming up over the Horsetooth Reservoir (5:35am), we were off. It was bit cool starting but I knew that would not last long as the skies were clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first few miles went along the dirt road as Lory State Park had experienced a recent fire and the course had to be rerouted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My goal for the day was to make every cutoff and finish the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had run the entire course and knew the climbs would be difficult but as long as I kept moving forward, Rick Gray has ingrained this in me, I should be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped at the Horsetooth TH aid station, mile 10.6) to top off my water and grab 2 Gu’s so that I would not have to restock until the turn around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On the climb out of Horsetooth TH, Marianna was beside me and it was so nice to have someone to climb and chat with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This area of the course, 3.8 miles, for me, is a lot of fast hiking sprinkled with running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The views are beautiful and I did make sure to look around as I could but not much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I got close to Towers Road I came up on Henry and was so happy to see someone else I knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chatted for a bit, ran a few steps and then he was kind enough to snap a picture of me as I had elected to not run with a camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has gotten me into time trouble in the past and it wasn’t going to happen today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran through the Towers Aid Station as a fun downhill was just a few 100 feet away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved running down Mill Creek (not thinking about having to climb back up in a few hours)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was through Arthur’s TH (17.8 miles into the race), we will see this aid station four times during this run, and I knew I had the longest stretch ahead of me to get to the turn around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By my calculations I should beat the cutoff for the turnaround by about an hour give or take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next 7.5 miles were a combination of open trail, covered trail, running and hiking the steep climbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began to see the reservoir and the tents at the turnaround.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is deceptive because you still have a ridge to get over but I was going to make cutoff number one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was during this section that you begin to pass 50 miles who are on their way back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way out, you do not know who is running the 25 or 50 so you have to be careful and make sure you are running YOUR race and not get into trouble (thank you Beth Frye for these nuggets). I could finally see the turnaround as I was descending the switchbacks and then WOOHOO, there was Beth, looking so strong and smiling!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran right into her for a quick bear hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We exchanged the “How are you feeling” but again, I wasn’t stopping and certainly didn’t want to mess up her rhythm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me I was close and looking good. Trail love is the best love!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next up was seeing Sheryl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked so strong and I remember being jealous about how fresh she looked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost didn’t see her as I was concentrating on how I was going to get in and out of the turnaround as fast as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, this is also the finish line for the 25 mile race. As a 50 miler, you can drop at this point and receive an official time for the 25 mile race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to avoid any temptation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew when I got in I needed to do the following: get water, food, change shirt and hat and GET OUT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I got to the turnaround at Soldier Canyon (mile 25+) and saw Mary Boyts as I was coming in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We high fived it and the next thing I knew she was right there asking what I needed, filling my water, telling me to take my rain jacket (thank you!) and get moving again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary got me out of there in less than 3 mins…THANK YOU Mary!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had made the cutoff by 30 mins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was walking out of the turnaround, Nick Clark, RD, asked how it was going and I told him the course was great and I was so pleased this was my first 50 mile race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me “you picked a doozie”, shared some words of encouragement and that he would see me at the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was just enough to get me running rather than walking out of Soldier Canyon. I passed Marianna as she was coming in and looking good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The next cutoff was at 2:10 at Arthur’s TH (mile 32.6).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was going to be tight and I kept telling myself to keep moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made it to Arthur’s TH with 45 mins to spare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might be thinking this is plenty of time, but the climb back up to the Towers Aid Station was going to be brutal. I was good on water and didn’t need to stop so I thanked the volunteers and kept moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you seeing a theme here: KEEP MOVING, DON’T STOP!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I left, the 3<sup>rd</sup> place male finisher passed me as he was coming into Arthur’s TH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just thought impressive and didn’t think about how much further I had to run.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The climb up to Towers was just as I had expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was brutal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> As an added bonus a nice thunderstorm complete with hail rolled in on top of us. I just kept moving thinking the trees are MUCH taller than I am. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The next cutoff was at Horsetooth TH and that is what I focused on, cutoff times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached Towers and had 1.5 hrs to get to Horsetooth TH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This might sound like plenty of time to run 3.8 miles but realize I have run 36 miles and my legs were SHOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running downhill was worse than uphill as I had stubbed my big toe on my right foot and the pulsing in my big toe was not getting better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ignored this and just kept moving. This section is rolling with some good downhill which I could not capitalize on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmm, how much time do I have?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I finally reached the South Ridge Trail I thought this is going to be too tight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Horsetooth TH Aid Station (40 miles down).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A very nice volunteer asked me what I needed as I must have looked lost and confused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said I needed my drop bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to leave my vest and get my handheld so that I could move faster, haha, over these last 10 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got me what I needed and told me not to worry about getting my vest in my bag, he would take care of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THANK YOU, THANK YOU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I knew his name but AWESOME will do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was heading back out at 4:03pm…YIKES, the cutoff was 4:30! As I was walking out I saw Shelia, aka: the “nike” runner with whom I had seen all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would kill it up the climbs and I would pass her on the downhills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t looking good and I asked if she was ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She got up and we left together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would run/walk together all the way to the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got ahead of myself there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The climbs during this last stretch to Arthur’s TH were just cruel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This included having to go under or over 3 downed trees on Sawmill Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, the big climbing was over and we were out in the open heading to Arthur’s TH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, one would think this would have been an easy section, WRONG.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It kept going and going and going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where was the TH?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, we made it to Arthur’s TH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was watermelon cubes here that I thought tasted like Christmas! I topped off my handheld and away we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I checked on the time and realized we had 40 minutes to run that last 2.5 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, shouldn’t be a problem, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yikes, we need to run every bit of it we could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we ran the first mile digging deep and talking the whole way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we crested a hill and I could see the tents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time check, we had 30 mins so we knew we were going to make it and just didn’t worry at that point if we walked or ran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to make out Sheryl’s car and started getting emotional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had waited for me to finish. This meant so much to me as she had asked me to consider running the 25 mile race. It was already sold out so we signed up for the 50 miler; logical change in plans right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also had a 6:30am flight the next morning to catch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As we turned onto the road where the cars had been lined up 13 hours earlier, I heard it…”Jeeennnnnyyyyyy!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that point I was crying as I knew that voice and knew I was going to finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Beth, and then I heard Sheryl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t really remember that last ¼ mile other than that is where I let myself believe that I had done it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had run my first 50+ miler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was running into the finish Beth and Sheryl were right there cheering me to the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran through under the finish banner and straight into Beth’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sobbing at this point. It had been such a long journey and I was just so happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I learned so much in preparing for this race and completing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biggest lesson was to BELIEVE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe in yourself and the process of overcoming. I had a lot of time on the trail (13:33 to be exact) where I could think and listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were not allowed to run with music so instead I listened to my inner self, the words of my supportive friends, my feet hitting the ground, the water running, the birds, hikers having conversations. I will forever cherish this EPIC day and will never take anything for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a great life and I cannot wait to live it!
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">50 mile race had the following entries: 50 woman with 24 finishing; </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">147 men with 87 finishing</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Total Distance: around 52 miles with the course change</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Total Elevation Gain: 11,000 ft. We climbed 3 mountains, turned around and did again in reverse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gear: Nathan Vapor Vest, Nathan Quickdraw Handheld, Hoka Mafate 2.0, CEP Compression Socks, Lulumon Athletica <em>Pace Skirt, Free to Be</em> Sportsbra, Mountain Hardware Tank and Shirt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food: 3 Gu’s, 1 PowerBar Energy Blasts, 1 PowerBar Performance Energy Blends, 1 LaraBar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Aid Station Food: Orange slices & Watermelon, handful of potato chips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Recovery: An Ice Cold Gluten-Free Beer!</span></div>
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Veggie Trail Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751617757538435006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055310447376548494.post-82474370220922605372012-02-04T16:13:00.000-05:002012-02-04T16:13:08.794-05:00Season of changeI decided my life seemed too calm so I am mixing it up...A LOT! <br />
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1. I resigned from my current job of 11 years yesterday <br />
2. I accepted a position that will have me traveling each week to a different college/university to help them implement an online degree audit software and <br />
3. I am relocating to Boulder, CO to live near my sister and her family! Is that enough change in one sentence? <br />
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As you can imagine this has been a roller coaster of a week. I have opened my eyes each morning and smiled, shed some tears and laughed at loud wondering/thinking how crazy life is. I live in an amazing place, surrounded by the most amazing, caring people who have loved me for almost all of my life but I realized that something very important was missing...family. I want, no I NEED my sister and my nieces to be in my life and me in theirs. We currently only visit once a year for a few days which just isn't enough for me anymore. I love them dearly and am so excited. Now, I don't have a move date just yet but the wheels are in motion :-)<br />
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So, what does this have to do with running you ask? Well, I feel like I am jumping into the mecca of trail running destinations...Colorado! So, if you know of any good folks to meet up with please let me know as we all know some of the best peeps in the world are trail runners!<br />
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Happy trails!<br />
VTGVeggie Trail Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751617757538435006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055310447376548494.post-84797230556950562262012-01-29T09:33:00.000-05:002012-01-29T09:33:56.114-05:00On the road again...Yesterday I hit a milestone, literally! I ran my longest run since my injury in November: <span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>10 miles</strong></span> and it felt GREAT! I hadn't planned on running on 10 miles yesterday, it just happened. I actually started running with the idea of running 8 miles and just wasn't ready to turn around so I added an extra loop. I am going to go back out today for another 5 miles as I don't want to push it! <br />
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Here are some pictures from my run yesterday:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7A8_b5c3AOd0SXaPR0Tw4HfhmZJMhR_XldjIGggC0-tl0cezqFmqu7gRcx6haCxcOS1QDbkmjqjLtkM2Kv5aGh8I5HwzbfslxY4jzGqiE-6KKsms0TTBQHi0GULAVVuMw5Uja-JkJIvk/s1600/shadow+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7A8_b5c3AOd0SXaPR0Tw4HfhmZJMhR_XldjIGggC0-tl0cezqFmqu7gRcx6haCxcOS1QDbkmjqjLtkM2Kv5aGh8I5HwzbfslxY4jzGqiE-6KKsms0TTBQHi0GULAVVuMw5Uja-JkJIvk/s320/shadow+small.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My shadow on the trail :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQhm6WDlXQtpT_NFc1680965SKI5BKR2gzvMJBArn4ipPA0HL2GQl9i8nIy_txFz-5uf5pZt21zsYO7BYaUEzN2oYsEY3kVP1PuE3w1fIViZivFQvdRkdcRcz_KDuaU855jlEtZqgTirS/s1600/Field+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQhm6WDlXQtpT_NFc1680965SKI5BKR2gzvMJBArn4ipPA0HL2GQl9i8nIy_txFz-5uf5pZt21zsYO7BYaUEzN2oYsEY3kVP1PuE3w1fIViZivFQvdRkdcRcz_KDuaU855jlEtZqgTirS/s320/Field+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The actual carriage trail weaves around this field not through it! It is typically field with deer at dawn and dusk. The views in both directions are amazing!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few miles up the trail on one of the switchbacks this is the view...simply beautiful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After my run I was FREEZING as I had dressed for a nice warm, sunny run not a cloudy, windy run. I stopped by my favorite coffee shop for a almond milk latte (they make them special for me!) and when I got home I had some wonderful homemade lentil soup and arugula salad (recipes to follow). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Happy Trails!<br />
VTGVeggie Trail Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751617757538435006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055310447376548494.post-74610296693690005962012-01-16T21:09:00.000-05:002012-01-16T21:09:22.641-05:00The beginningSo I thought I would share with you my story of how I hit the trail. I will apologize up front as I am thinking this could be a long post :-) <br />
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I didn't start running until about 3 years ago when riding my bike began hurting my knee. So, I started slow and in the grass along our local greenway here in Boone. I had worked up to 3 miles which I thought was awesome! The pain continued and I ended up going to the doctor and it turned out that I had once again, blown out my ACL. So, back to the OR I went, for a second ACL replacement on the same knee in August 2009. <br />
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I worked hard in rehab with my focus being a return to the slopes and to my running which I had fallen in love with. With hard work and determination I did both. For my return to health after surgery I register for my first sprint triathlon (Aug '10) which ended with a two mile run. My athletic trainer wasn't thrilled with the distance but eventually came around to support my decision. She asked that I promise to not run further than a 5K in order to preserve my knee. Deal!<br />
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My triathlon was a success! I was so happy when I crossed the finish line. I had set a goal, trained for it and swam, pedaled and ran with a smile! I still get warm fuzzies just thinking about it!<br />
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After the triathlon I didn't have another goal in mind but I continued to run. The miles just kept getting easier and more enjoyable. I was up to seven in no time and now it was late October 2010. My boot camp friends were all getting ready to register for the Mistletoe 5K race in Winston Salem. I thought, "I've never run a road race, why not join them!" So, I said I wanted to join them and one of them suggested I do the 1/2 marathon given my current mileage. Silly me said, ok! So that is what I did! Again, I ran with a smile on my face the whole time and was so happy with setting a goal and reaching it.<br />
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In the spring of 2011 I was running and getting bored with the road. A group of us had begun a new running club in Boone, Boone Running Club and we were meeting every Saturday for group runs. It was great but something was missing. With the weather turning warm and longing to get away from the road I went out to hit the trails...I.WAS.HOOKED!<br />
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Everyday, I was on the trails. I was now a trail runner. All I wanted was the trail and distance. I ran at the local mountain bike park where I volunteered so that I knew the riders and the trails. I ran out on the parkway...everywhere! I ran up on Beech Mountain on the Emerald Mountain trails... Iron Mountain trail... as long as there was no pavement I was running on it!<br />
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Events...oh my goodness! Not only was I hooked on the trails but I was hooked on the community of runners both at organized runs and races alike. Some of my favorite runs this past year include The Bear (running up Grandfather Mountain), Iron Mountain Trail Run, Blue Ridge Relay and the North Face Endurance Challenge Marathon, Pine Mt, GA. What a year!! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAutZOWM4ySVKnjPTs3ZlEZ6knM6AP8EA-r98Pd-Cr9PRrh_PzvhqWs9RSuBBGtCaCnl9jI6VysOnrbia06_x_EfNPZwpxT3-D8afWrkcVg2pXTOcmLqQSUAgWdC8mPPVRedWh_apbq5_t/s1600/IMG00472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAutZOWM4ySVKnjPTs3ZlEZ6knM6AP8EA-r98Pd-Cr9PRrh_PzvhqWs9RSuBBGtCaCnl9jI6VysOnrbia06_x_EfNPZwpxT3-D8afWrkcVg2pXTOcmLqQSUAgWdC8mPPVRedWh_apbq5_t/s320/IMG00472.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mud and yellow jacket stings at my first trail race!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcvtLYXHUUl0neIiJdBoerf7mLzsn63Qcx9ZoMJoAYj5pIRwE3k0u9qeRco5HVajpSjNjSeFfZm-NBYZwAHl1zggUqAcE55qoZhOr9EGF74b-nJ2UsGzNXWImRnPMIjNdirdRjm024aoC/s320/82011+run.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Group heading out for a training run on the Iron Mountain trails. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87Cz1t6aRTUM1Wj4i1fFKx0IaKhqtm2I49pCB5CJnhC8HT15mKCLweneAzMUu1RaU70hV7cdsbgwhUghSlvkFmfQrXrKGyflIRUuwm5DxYMCZ5Yo_SDILPatSEwK_9VZptNTisZWv8sit/s1600/BRR+2011+-+No+Sleep+%2527Til+Asheville+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87Cz1t6aRTUM1Wj4i1fFKx0IaKhqtm2I49pCB5CJnhC8HT15mKCLweneAzMUu1RaU70hV7cdsbgwhUghSlvkFmfQrXrKGyflIRUuwm5DxYMCZ5Yo_SDILPatSEwK_9VZptNTisZWv8sit/s320/BRR+2011+-+No+Sleep+%2527Til+Asheville+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blue Ridge Relay team...208 miles!</div><br />
My goal for 2011 was to run my first marathon and well, I did. It just happened to be a trail marathon with 4000ft of elevation gain in the mountains of Ga and took me 6:33 to finish (more on that later)! I loved every minute of it :-) <br />
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When people ask me about running and how I got started they are always amazed as I have overcome such injuries. They talk about how they could never do what I do and I always say sure you can because all I do is put one foot in front of the other. <br />
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My goal for 2012 is to run my first ultra and my first 50... I can't wait to see just how far I can go with running. I will be running as long as I can ... as long as I am still smiling. <br />
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Happy Trails!<br />
VTGVeggie Trail Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751617757538435006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055310447376548494.post-54215367585188077922011-12-18T06:25:00.000-05:002011-12-18T06:25:57.310-05:00Injuried Reserve: Not where I want to be listed!Hello my trail friends! Sorry for being MIA but as you will quickly read, I haven't much to post about. <br />
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So, I once again find myself on the injured reserve list. While this is not where I want to be, considering our warmer than normal December weather, it is a fact. I <strike>pissed off</strike> upset my bursa sac in my right heel during my last trail race (November). It was so bad during the race that I ended up walking a good bit as I could not put my heel down. I immediately called the athletic training room at work so that I could get in and let them work their magic! So, I have taken this time to focus on cross-training or as I like to call it: anything that helps to reinforce my love of running on the trails!<br />
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Cross-training isn't bad. Not at all. If you enjoy running in the pool with an aqua-jogger so that you don't sink, it's great! There is nothing like running laps and sweating in a pool full of water, ha ha! I have also been able to ride my bike on FLAT terrain. Let's review, I live in the MOUNTAINS of North Carolina; flat does not exist where I live. So this translates into riding the trainer. I am lucky in that I can drive an hour North to the Virginia Creeper Trail and do a 35 mile stretch as time permits. <br />
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My trainer did allow me to run 2 miles this past week to see how my heel did. That run was pretty close to heaven after 3 weeks off even if it was on pavement! My heel puffed up I was bummed. Next day trainer was happy...happy? Really? Yes, there was no pain associated with the puffiness. She sees that as a victory. So...YIPPEE! I can run again on Monday, 2 miles and then again on Thursday. The goal is to go 2 runs with no puffiness and then add 1/2 mile. <br />
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Long story short, I will continue with the cross-training adding my 2 mile runs in a couple of days a week. I have a feeling Monday's and Thursday's will become my favorite days of the week!<br />
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Happy Trails!<br />
VTGVeggie Trail Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751617757538435006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055310447376548494.post-904881853912286162011-11-06T18:47:00.000-05:002011-11-06T18:47:18.012-05:00In the eyes of the beholderI happen to think that I live in one of the most beautiful places ever created. I also think that I am incredibly lucky to enjoy being outside on the trails thus being able to enjoy said beauty through a variety of lenses. My favorite lens being that of the trail runner. <br />
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Why you ask? Because, not only do I stop to take in the views, but I also look up, down at the forest floor and up the banks when I hear something scurrying away. The natural beauty has, on many occasions stopped me in my tracks so that I could take a moment to savor my surroundings. <br />
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Today was no exception. While on the trail there is one section of the Tanawha where you come into an opening that is filled with giant boulders that are all covered in moss. Now, it is fall and the leaves have all fallen off the trees and the ground is a dull brown...but then you have these beautiful rocks with this beautiful vivid green that just grabs you as you come around the bend in both directions. Of course, there are also views like this<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7J5vt1zemvRMzKwme1igbxIyQQyuC3EUaisZ-0F7SSAjr2ZRt86YFt-FLOc-_dwOCq4pJShf1mTxqTMVlbHomB0T64v6uyLi18QAf_Xu_LvHJTskab5I8RM9sh4yT297ILJZ2tBJ3uRE/s1600/DSC03722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7J5vt1zemvRMzKwme1igbxIyQQyuC3EUaisZ-0F7SSAjr2ZRt86YFt-FLOc-_dwOCq4pJShf1mTxqTMVlbHomB0T64v6uyLi18QAf_Xu_LvHJTskab5I8RM9sh4yT297ILJZ2tBJ3uRE/s320/DSC03722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So my question for you is simple, what makes you stop in your tracks to take a moment? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Trails,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">VTG</div>Veggie Trail Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751617757538435006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055310447376548494.post-77751264624658189722011-11-02T22:54:00.000-04:002011-11-03T11:41:53.543-04:00Baby steps into bloggingWelcome to Veggie Trail Girl and my first blog post! Here is what you can expect from VTG. Trail stories, race reports and food posts... I love to trail run and I love to cook! Sure, there will be other random ramblings but running and food are my passions. I will not promise that there will be posts everyday or even every week but I do promise to stay in touch. <br />
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So, here goes nothing as I hit the "Publish Post" button!Veggie Trail Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751617757538435006noreply@blogger.com0