Saturday, April 2, 2011

Mud, Mud, Muddedy Mud

Ah yes...the 9 mile trail run that was planned for today. The last time I was up at Wildwood (still injured and only hiking) it was so muddy that I almost started to cry. Of course on that day, I had Kiara with me. Although being attached to a sled dog is helpful going uphill...going downhill...not so much.

So today Coach Glen had us running uphill in the mud - at least he put off our starting time until 9am so we got to sleep in a little. We met up at Athlete's Lounge which is not only the best place for tri type assistance and purchases, but they also kindly opened up early for us and let us completely take over their store before and after our run. Plus, they give out free water bottles, so I stocked up!

After a stupendous day late April Fools Joke that seriously had people almost in tears, we made our way up to Forest park to run uphill in the mud. The first two miles my calves were ridiculously cramped and painful but that finally worked itself out. At 4.75 miles in, I asked kind Katie to tell me our pace and she relayed that we were moving along at a forceful ridiculous rate of speed measuring at 14:00 m/m. That's right...I said 14:00 freakin' m/m! I did not request any more information from her for the remaining 4.25 miles as I did not want to cry. And then it started to rain and no one could see my tears anyways, so I let loose. Well, I could have...and no one would have noticed.

Seriously though...this was a great run. It was hard - it was on trails - it was uphill - it was muddy - BUT... it was actually a really strong run for me. We finished VERY strong and I felt awesome. I had been worried last night because my legs are toast. We've had a lot of activity these last couple of weeks and my legs got nasty twitchy yesterday after my ride. My ankles were swollen and pained like they were when I was injured and it had me stressed out a bit when I stretched and rolled for over an hour with no relief. However, today my run was strong. When I was done, I didn't feel overly fatigued and I think I have one more 50 mile ride in me for tomorrow before we start a recovery week.

The rainstorm washed off most of the mud, but I was still a dirty girl when I returned home...

...to find Mai working out some moves she picked up from Rulon on TBL this week...

...and then we went for Saturday icecream...

...and to the park, where it hailed on us...

...and now we're going to watch 127 Hours! Hope the kids don't get too squeamish.

15 comments:

2 Slow 4 Boston said...

Sounds like a sucky workout, but a character builer at least.

ajh said...

Wow! This sounds extremely difficult and you found a positive spin! Outstanding.

Aimee said...

That run sounds tough, but awesome!

How did you like 127 hours? I thought it was good, but not great. I think I was just expecting something more..I don't know what though!

Dawn said...

Muddy runs....at least your tears ran into the rain:)
Don't you always feel so great AFTER though:)))??
How did you like the movie? THAT's will to survive!!!

Michael said...

Great job on the run. That sounds completely miserable to me :)

A Prelude To... said...

Just finished the movie. I REALLY liked it! Not sure if I could do that myself, but I guess you never know what you can do until you're in a situation like that.

Still feeling good, a little stiffness has settled in, so I guess that means it's time to take a bath and go to bed!

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

ahh haahahahaha Mai! Total Rulon--so glad he didn't have to go home this week! Holy mother on your workout Julie!

127 hours! On my list--let me know your thoughts okay?

Penny said...

Way to go getting through that tough run. Love MIA moves that she got from RULIN

Jenn said...

9 miles uphill in the rain. Sounds like the way my parents say they had to walk to school EVERYDAY instead of getting dropped off at the front door like my kids-ha! Sounds like a tough run but I'm sure it was a great mental test and I'm glad you felt STRONG! 50 mile ride! Hope it goes well!

Haven't seen 127 hours but it's on my list:)

Unknown said...

Sometimes the hardest runs are the ones that build us up the most. At least that's what I try to tell myself. Way to go on getting through it!

Anonymous said...

9 miles uphill, trail, rain and mud? That's badass! And you kind of liked it at the end! :-) I have no idea what Mai is doing, but it looks like fun.

misszippy said...

Sounds like the best kind of run! Topped off by ice cream--what's not to like?

I am dying to watch 127 hours. Did you like it?

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

What did you and the kids think of the movie? Interested to hear!

The Boring Runner said...

Uphill AND in the mud?!?! wow, talk about an intense workout!

Nikki Kendall said...

Uphill in the mud is freakin awesome! Who cares about time!!!