A whole lot of hill and one shoe!
George and I set out early this morning to run the Loon Mountain Race. The Loon Mountain Race is 5.7 Miles to the summit of Loon Mountain. This is an ascent-only race. The race averages approximately a 10% grade with some sections of over 40%.
Conditions were perfect, 60's and a bit of rain. The first mile went by really quick. Although, I thought I remembered from doing it in the past, the whole race to be only uphill, there were some good downhills. I guess it's probably around mile 4 and the climb is really tough. I wonder if anyone runs it. I reached the top of the mountain and literally bumped into George who was finishing. George had a great race and said he felt great throughout the whole race.
At one point during the race, I remember literally praying to keep moving forward and up and at another point wondered if my progress up would be better on hands and knees and almost dropped to my knees to try. Looking back praying and on your knees do sort of go together. When the climb was just about unbearable, I could hear George yelling to me to keep going. He ran down and then dragged me up the steepest part and then pushed me to run the downhills. This turned out really well, as I was able to pass maybe 5 people. I finished the last killer little bump to the finish and we took the Gondola down. Since it was raining a bit and overcast, we grabbed a bagel and headed to the car. Due to the lack of oxygen to my brain, I must have left one shoe outside the car, because I came home with only one. Although, totally bummed, I'm glad I have another pair as back up. Running Bradbury next week with one shoe would certainly be a challenge. I've been thinking of trying the Inovs, maybe this will give me a good reason. I haven't been happy with any Asics for more than a couple of years, since they ''improved'' my favorite model. Since I figure, everything happens for a reason, I'm getting over it pretty quickly.
We stopped at the little farm store and again got strawberries and biscuits for a treat. An added bonus this time we also got the farm's lemonade. I do love that little store..I wished it was mine. There I go dreaming again!
So all and all, a great way to spend our day!
Timewise, back of the pack, but before at least 5 other people! :)
Keep dreaming!
Annie
Sunday, July 3, 2011
3rd of July!
3rd of July!
Happy 3rd of July to my loyal readers and trail runners..oh yes, you are probably one of the same!
After a 6 mile run, I spent Friday getting together some stuff at one time I had to have, but no longer needed. My neighbor's daughter was having a yard sale and I joined her. Most of my stuff went and anything left over I brought down to the church for their White Elephant sale at the end of the month. I made about $70. Since we had so much fun, she's going to have another one in August. I'll start getting together some things now. It feels good to get rid of things. One girl bought quite a bit of my stuff saying she loved primitive things. She has an old house in Parsonsfield and she said everything would look great in her house. Since I was wanting things to go, I was selling everything cheap, cheap! She hoped I didn't regret selling some of it. It was funny, she asked me if I had a shop. Now that's sayin' I do have ''stuff''. I was so pleased it was going to a good home, where it would be well loved!
I better start getting ready. Off to Loon Mtn. this morning! It's only up from here! Have a great day!
Keep Dreaming!
Annie
My niece is off to India and has a blog for her students (she's a 4th grade teacher). I'll post a link later, it may be fun if you would like to follow her on her trip!
Happy 3rd of July to my loyal readers and trail runners..oh yes, you are probably one of the same!
After a 6 mile run, I spent Friday getting together some stuff at one time I had to have, but no longer needed. My neighbor's daughter was having a yard sale and I joined her. Most of my stuff went and anything left over I brought down to the church for their White Elephant sale at the end of the month. I made about $70. Since we had so much fun, she's going to have another one in August. I'll start getting together some things now. It feels good to get rid of things. One girl bought quite a bit of my stuff saying she loved primitive things. She has an old house in Parsonsfield and she said everything would look great in her house. Since I was wanting things to go, I was selling everything cheap, cheap! She hoped I didn't regret selling some of it. It was funny, she asked me if I had a shop. Now that's sayin' I do have ''stuff''. I was so pleased it was going to a good home, where it would be well loved!
I better start getting ready. Off to Loon Mtn. this morning! It's only up from here! Have a great day!
Keep Dreaming!
Annie
My niece is off to India and has a blog for her students (she's a 4th grade teacher). I'll post a link later, it may be fun if you would like to follow her on her trip!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Cranmore Hill Climb
What goes up, must come down X 2
I forgot how much we enjoyed the Cranmore Hill Climb. We didn't run it last year, but ran it in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Each year the course has changed. 2008 was really interesting as it had an extra fun factor of thunder and lightning at the start. I remember thinking, just the place to be, at the top of a mountain. The 2011Cranmore Hill Climb consisted of three 3.87 km laps up and down the mountain for men, two 3.87 km laps for the women and junior men (19 and under) and one 3.8km lap for junior women (19 and under). The course is primarily grass ski slope and double-wide track with some small sections of single track. There was alot of serious running going on as the top six U.S. men and top four women all earned spots on the2011 U.S. Mountain Running Team.
The day was a perfect day for a mountain run, perfect temperature and overcast during the race. The men started 5 minutes before the women. After a small sprint to the base of the mountain the climb begins and continues to the top and then the real fun begins on the down. I loved it and literally felt as though I was flying. Then comes the fun to do it all over again. For me it was one of the races of totally being in the moment. There isn't much time for thinking when you are trying your hardest to go up, so you can come down to start again. Although still back of the pack, I was able to set my sites on a couple of people to get past and I did. I also found it pretty fun to try to keep pace with different runners on the ups. I just felt really good and quite happy throughout the whole run. Suprisingly there wasn't much mud, but when there was I chose to run through. I finished and shortly after, George came in looking very strong. He thought he had a slow race, but because the course is so different every year, it's hard to compare it to anything. I think he did great! As for myself, no matter what I placed I felt strong throughout and couldn't have asked for anything better. The race is a great race to challenge yourself and I'm so happy George thought to do it again this year. Next up is the Loon Mtn race which we have done once and talked about for days after. I can't imagine the experience will be as amazing as the first time around because we know what to expect, but I'm sure that one incredible steep up will still make me laugh and say, ''are you kidding me, we're going up there?''
We stopped at the little farm store on the way home and got strawberries and biscuits for our after race treat!
Keep dreaming!
Annie
I forgot how much we enjoyed the Cranmore Hill Climb. We didn't run it last year, but ran it in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Each year the course has changed. 2008 was really interesting as it had an extra fun factor of thunder and lightning at the start. I remember thinking, just the place to be, at the top of a mountain. The 2011Cranmore Hill Climb consisted of three 3.87 km laps up and down the mountain for men, two 3.87 km laps for the women and junior men (19 and under) and one 3.8km lap for junior women (19 and under). The course is primarily grass ski slope and double-wide track with some small sections of single track. There was alot of serious running going on as the top six U.S. men and top four women all earned spots on the2011 U.S. Mountain Running Team.
The day was a perfect day for a mountain run, perfect temperature and overcast during the race. The men started 5 minutes before the women. After a small sprint to the base of the mountain the climb begins and continues to the top and then the real fun begins on the down. I loved it and literally felt as though I was flying. Then comes the fun to do it all over again. For me it was one of the races of totally being in the moment. There isn't much time for thinking when you are trying your hardest to go up, so you can come down to start again. Although still back of the pack, I was able to set my sites on a couple of people to get past and I did. I also found it pretty fun to try to keep pace with different runners on the ups. I just felt really good and quite happy throughout the whole run. Suprisingly there wasn't much mud, but when there was I chose to run through. I finished and shortly after, George came in looking very strong. He thought he had a slow race, but because the course is so different every year, it's hard to compare it to anything. I think he did great! As for myself, no matter what I placed I felt strong throughout and couldn't have asked for anything better. The race is a great race to challenge yourself and I'm so happy George thought to do it again this year. Next up is the Loon Mtn race which we have done once and talked about for days after. I can't imagine the experience will be as amazing as the first time around because we know what to expect, but I'm sure that one incredible steep up will still make me laugh and say, ''are you kidding me, we're going up there?''
We stopped at the little farm store on the way home and got strawberries and biscuits for our after race treat!
Keep dreaming!
Annie
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Follow the Yellow Brick Road - Pineland Farm 50K
Follow the Yellow Brick Road - Pineland Farms 50K
Pineland Farms is always such a great event. It seems like the break out event to celebrate the end of a long winter. During the few months prior to the race, I sometimes wonder if the snow will be gone by race day. This year for sure I was thinking that, but what usually happens, it ends up to be one of the hottest days we've gotten so far. This year proved to be no exception. Throughout my run it seemed to me like a trip down the Yellow Brick Road. I collected inspiration and encouragement that I would get ''home'' as there is no place like the finish line to get the cow bell.
A few days before the race, I checked the entry list to see who I could look forward to seeing throughout my day. I noticed I was listed as part of the Trail Monster Team. Although, I was incredibly honored to be a part of the team, I was horrified. My races are usually alot like Dorothy's, filled with ups and downs and sometimes wondering if I will ever get there. I checked with Eric as I didn't want to mess up chances of the Trail Monsters being the winning 50K team. Eric assured me it was fine he and Ian had discussed it. I humbly accepted the honor and appreciated his words, "please don't worry about your time or the team. Just focus on finishing your own run."
Like most races, I have my clothes ready the night before, go to bed early, get up early and then run around the house the last minute looking for something. Usually, at that point, George will say something like, "let me find it, why don't you continue getting ready." This morning was no different, I didn't seem to have just the right socks I wanted to wear. Of course, moments later, he found the right socks. Thank you Georgie!
We arrived at Pineland and we saw Ian. He was ready for a long day, cowboy hat and all. We then bumped into Bob Poirer. I had contacted him months earlier to have him make a birdhouse for George's birthday. We walked back to his truck and George had no idea why we were doing this. I can't believe I didn't tell George ahead of time. He was totally surprised and loved it! Bob's carpentry work (as well as his running) is great, the bird condo is awesome.
We then headed to Camp Val. We saw Kate and Ryan. Kate was on camera duty and Ryan was there and I am sure he would have loved to be running this year. A few years back I remember seeing Ryan crank by me as he was off to finish his race looking strong and going fast but still took the time to say ''hi''. Danielle did run and she finished with a 25K PR. We chatted with Kate and Ryan for a bit and headed to Camp Val to get ready. Bruce was no where to be found. (I call Rick Bruce. Val posted some pictures of their earlier years and I think he looked like Bruce Springsteen.) He arrived in a bit. Val had forgotten her water belt and he drove home to get it. It seems, Val's list did include this sort of important item. Val's race is always an exciting one. Val ended with a strong 50 mile race all smiles along with her pacer, my Stone Cat idol, Mindy. We talked with Bruce as we got ready. I adjusted my ''best'' ever North Face water bottle belt. I wore it in VT while running with George at night during his 100. It was the best. Fit perfect. No bounce.
We made our way to the start. I enjoyed looking around and seeing alot of familar faces. Pineland seems to be a Memorial Day staple for many trail runners. Then we're off. It feels great to be running across the street into the woods. Although my water belt felt wierd, it was bouncing all over the place. Before I know it the water bottle falls out. How embarrassing we just started! Some nice runner behind me, stopped and picked it up for me. Thank you kind trail runner! As I trotted along, I settled in with some of the usual peeps I recognize from past years. I don't wear a garmin and never know how far I've gone or have left to go, so I was happy to see the ''K'' markers. I was good about stopping at every aid station drinking water and eating salted peanuts. During my Stone Cat run, for some strange reason my calves cramped unbelievably and I certainly didn't want that to happen. Trucking along was alot of fun and I felt really good. Because I felt so good, I got the super smart idea, that I needed to eat a banana to balance the sodium. Don't ask me why I think of these things, because I know nothing about such things. But, what I should have known is I did this at the Five Fingers race last summer and my stomach was not happy about it.
It didn't seem much later a cyclone began brewing in my stomach. I continued on and then I saw Linda. I was so happy to see Linda coming my way. We hugged and encouraged each other. I was tempted to turn around and continue on in her direction, but I didn't. She went on to a strong finish in the 25K.
Just as I was at the "on no" stage of stomach issues, along out of no where comes what seemed to me like a little angel. The little angel was offering me some of her ginger. The little angel was Emma and I graciously accepted the ginger. We chatted and just as she had arrived, she was off and quickly out of sight. Emma finished as second woman in the 50 mile race.
Along, the way, Stephen passed me, told me how great it was to see me out there and asked if George was running too. As he passed me, he glided along, purposely brushing his hand along the higher grass. He seemed to be enjoying each step. This reminded me to enjoy the run. I continued to have more sightings, Jamie ran by looking very strong and I asked him how he was doing and he motioned his hand saying, "so, so". I thought well if he's so, so it's not so bad that I feel so, so. I continued along and Jamie continued to a course PR.
A highlight for me whenever and where ever we do long races, is seeing Amy Lane. Amy is always just one big ball of positive words as she effortlessly runs past me. I didn't see her name on the entrants list and was happily surprised when I heard her coming behind me saying "hi", maybe even something about seeing George along with her usual words of encouragement. Amy went on the win the women's 50 mile race. Somewhere along the course, I begin to wonder when Amy's boyfriend is going run past me. In true fashion, at some point, we for a split thousandth of a second run side by side. No different today. He went on the win the men's 50 miler. My shuffle along continued throughout exchanging words with other 50Kers, 50 milers, and being offered a salt tablet from a couple I kept meeting along the way. I was also seeing my usual peeps here and there who were ahead of me this year.
I neared the last five mile loop, I was greeted by Chandra with all sorts of shouts and cow bell ringing and I saw George. I could tell he was searching for some sort of encouragement which told me my race time wasn't too good. He eventually said, "you look smiley." Well, not all bad, it encouraged me to tackle the last part. I found out later, George finished a PR 50K. Yea George! The much appreciated encouragement on the final loop mile always come from Alan and Karen and this year was no different. I asked Alan how his race was and he said it was really great.
As I neared the end of the race, I thought how I really earned my cow bell this year and I am going to kiss that thing. I finished to cheers and kissed the bell. Amazingly, just as Eric had said, I finished my own race and didn't worry about my time and thought to myself, "another 50K completed, click, click, another 50K completed".
A few days later George put up the bird condo. It seemed appropriate blue birds immediatly took up residence and I thought of the song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow....
"If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?"
Perfect!
Keep dreaming!
Annie
Pineland Farms is always such a great event. It seems like the break out event to celebrate the end of a long winter. During the few months prior to the race, I sometimes wonder if the snow will be gone by race day. This year for sure I was thinking that, but what usually happens, it ends up to be one of the hottest days we've gotten so far. This year proved to be no exception. Throughout my run it seemed to me like a trip down the Yellow Brick Road. I collected inspiration and encouragement that I would get ''home'' as there is no place like the finish line to get the cow bell.
A few days before the race, I checked the entry list to see who I could look forward to seeing throughout my day. I noticed I was listed as part of the Trail Monster Team. Although, I was incredibly honored to be a part of the team, I was horrified. My races are usually alot like Dorothy's, filled with ups and downs and sometimes wondering if I will ever get there. I checked with Eric as I didn't want to mess up chances of the Trail Monsters being the winning 50K team. Eric assured me it was fine he and Ian had discussed it. I humbly accepted the honor and appreciated his words, "please don't worry about your time or the team. Just focus on finishing your own run."
Like most races, I have my clothes ready the night before, go to bed early, get up early and then run around the house the last minute looking for something. Usually, at that point, George will say something like, "let me find it, why don't you continue getting ready." This morning was no different, I didn't seem to have just the right socks I wanted to wear. Of course, moments later, he found the right socks. Thank you Georgie!
We arrived at Pineland and we saw Ian. He was ready for a long day, cowboy hat and all. We then bumped into Bob Poirer. I had contacted him months earlier to have him make a birdhouse for George's birthday. We walked back to his truck and George had no idea why we were doing this. I can't believe I didn't tell George ahead of time. He was totally surprised and loved it! Bob's carpentry work (as well as his running) is great, the bird condo is awesome.
We then headed to Camp Val. We saw Kate and Ryan. Kate was on camera duty and Ryan was there and I am sure he would have loved to be running this year. A few years back I remember seeing Ryan crank by me as he was off to finish his race looking strong and going fast but still took the time to say ''hi''. Danielle did run and she finished with a 25K PR. We chatted with Kate and Ryan for a bit and headed to Camp Val to get ready. Bruce was no where to be found. (I call Rick Bruce. Val posted some pictures of their earlier years and I think he looked like Bruce Springsteen.) He arrived in a bit. Val had forgotten her water belt and he drove home to get it. It seems, Val's list did include this sort of important item. Val's race is always an exciting one. Val ended with a strong 50 mile race all smiles along with her pacer, my Stone Cat idol, Mindy. We talked with Bruce as we got ready. I adjusted my ''best'' ever North Face water bottle belt. I wore it in VT while running with George at night during his 100. It was the best. Fit perfect. No bounce.
We made our way to the start. I enjoyed looking around and seeing alot of familar faces. Pineland seems to be a Memorial Day staple for many trail runners. Then we're off. It feels great to be running across the street into the woods. Although my water belt felt wierd, it was bouncing all over the place. Before I know it the water bottle falls out. How embarrassing we just started! Some nice runner behind me, stopped and picked it up for me. Thank you kind trail runner! As I trotted along, I settled in with some of the usual peeps I recognize from past years. I don't wear a garmin and never know how far I've gone or have left to go, so I was happy to see the ''K'' markers. I was good about stopping at every aid station drinking water and eating salted peanuts. During my Stone Cat run, for some strange reason my calves cramped unbelievably and I certainly didn't want that to happen. Trucking along was alot of fun and I felt really good. Because I felt so good, I got the super smart idea, that I needed to eat a banana to balance the sodium. Don't ask me why I think of these things, because I know nothing about such things. But, what I should have known is I did this at the Five Fingers race last summer and my stomach was not happy about it.
It didn't seem much later a cyclone began brewing in my stomach. I continued on and then I saw Linda. I was so happy to see Linda coming my way. We hugged and encouraged each other. I was tempted to turn around and continue on in her direction, but I didn't. She went on to a strong finish in the 25K.
Just as I was at the "on no" stage of stomach issues, along out of no where comes what seemed to me like a little angel. The little angel was offering me some of her ginger. The little angel was Emma and I graciously accepted the ginger. We chatted and just as she had arrived, she was off and quickly out of sight. Emma finished as second woman in the 50 mile race.
Along, the way, Stephen passed me, told me how great it was to see me out there and asked if George was running too. As he passed me, he glided along, purposely brushing his hand along the higher grass. He seemed to be enjoying each step. This reminded me to enjoy the run. I continued to have more sightings, Jamie ran by looking very strong and I asked him how he was doing and he motioned his hand saying, "so, so". I thought well if he's so, so it's not so bad that I feel so, so. I continued along and Jamie continued to a course PR.
A highlight for me whenever and where ever we do long races, is seeing Amy Lane. Amy is always just one big ball of positive words as she effortlessly runs past me. I didn't see her name on the entrants list and was happily surprised when I heard her coming behind me saying "hi", maybe even something about seeing George along with her usual words of encouragement. Amy went on the win the women's 50 mile race. Somewhere along the course, I begin to wonder when Amy's boyfriend is going run past me. In true fashion, at some point, we for a split thousandth of a second run side by side. No different today. He went on the win the men's 50 miler. My shuffle along continued throughout exchanging words with other 50Kers, 50 milers, and being offered a salt tablet from a couple I kept meeting along the way. I was also seeing my usual peeps here and there who were ahead of me this year.
I neared the last five mile loop, I was greeted by Chandra with all sorts of shouts and cow bell ringing and I saw George. I could tell he was searching for some sort of encouragement which told me my race time wasn't too good. He eventually said, "you look smiley." Well, not all bad, it encouraged me to tackle the last part. I found out later, George finished a PR 50K. Yea George! The much appreciated encouragement on the final loop mile always come from Alan and Karen and this year was no different. I asked Alan how his race was and he said it was really great.
As I neared the end of the race, I thought how I really earned my cow bell this year and I am going to kiss that thing. I finished to cheers and kissed the bell. Amazingly, just as Eric had said, I finished my own race and didn't worry about my time and thought to myself, "another 50K completed, click, click, another 50K completed".
A few days later George put up the bird condo. It seemed appropriate blue birds immediatly took up residence and I thought of the song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow....
"If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?"
Perfect!
Keep dreaming!
Annie
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Long Weekend, Run and Knit
Long Weekend, Run and Knit
I hope taking today off finds me running long(ish) and enjoying time knitting.
I will be ''attempting'' another snowshoe race Sunday and a bit of new snow predicted for tomorrow, perfect! This race is 5 miles. The previous race was 4.25 and was a nice challenge! For me personally, race isn't quite the right word, rather I think of it as another finish. The last finish found me ''not quite'' last...thankfully my only competitor took a tumble, so I was able to comfortably come in before him. I guess I should have helped him or at least asked him if he was alright, but hey, I had to stay focused. All and all a fun day, outstanding challenge and people. I also won a gift certificate to Frontier in the after race raffle.
I am planning to vist a knitting event in Freeport in hopes of purchasing some sort of unique local yarn!
Keep dreaming!
Annie
I hope taking today off finds me running long(ish) and enjoying time knitting.
I will be ''attempting'' another snowshoe race Sunday and a bit of new snow predicted for tomorrow, perfect! This race is 5 miles. The previous race was 4.25 and was a nice challenge! For me personally, race isn't quite the right word, rather I think of it as another finish. The last finish found me ''not quite'' last...thankfully my only competitor took a tumble, so I was able to comfortably come in before him. I guess I should have helped him or at least asked him if he was alright, but hey, I had to stay focused. All and all a fun day, outstanding challenge and people. I also won a gift certificate to Frontier in the after race raffle.
I am planning to vist a knitting event in Freeport in hopes of purchasing some sort of unique local yarn!
Keep dreaming!
Annie
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Productive Snow days, with and without Snowshoes!
Productive Snow days, with and without Snowshoes!
I've been enjoying snowshoeing and will attempt my first ''race'' this weekend. I'll keep you posted.
On the crafting front, I have totally enjoyed making hearts for Valentine's Day. I have revisited knitting and I am loving it. I also knitted an Easter Egg! To some this may silly, to me a masterpiece and such an accomplishment! I've never been able to knit with 4 needles and now I can. A snow day, spent with my neighbor guiding me through ''how to'' was the best use of a snow day before my snowshoes purchase!
Keep Dreaming!
Annie
I've been enjoying snowshoeing and will attempt my first ''race'' this weekend. I'll keep you posted.
On the crafting front, I have totally enjoyed making hearts for Valentine's Day. I have revisited knitting and I am loving it. I also knitted an Easter Egg! To some this may silly, to me a masterpiece and such an accomplishment! I've never been able to knit with 4 needles and now I can. A snow day, spent with my neighbor guiding me through ''how to'' was the best use of a snow day before my snowshoes purchase!
Keep Dreaming!
Annie
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Dreaming Snowshoes!
Dreaming Snowshoes!
We've had tons of snow, so snowshoes seem like a logical choice of outdoor activity. No more dreaming! I ordered a pair of Dion's. Hopefully they will arrive today or tomorrow, just in time for the weekend! More to follow!
Keep dreaming!
Annie
We've had tons of snow, so snowshoes seem like a logical choice of outdoor activity. No more dreaming! I ordered a pair of Dion's. Hopefully they will arrive today or tomorrow, just in time for the weekend! More to follow!
Keep dreaming!
Annie
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