30APR19 – Post-Umstead 100

Wow, I can’t believe that it still has not been a full 30 days since Umstead 100. I only needed three days before doing my first shake-out run. I thank my body for being so amazing when it comes to recovery! Helps when I take steps such as doing yoga, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, ice baths, sleeping, etc. to speed up the process. Physically, I felt fine – you couldn’t even tell that I just did a 100-mile race!

However, I was not prepared for how I’d feel emotionally for weeks after. I had the day off Monday following the race, so I spent it with my girls Vy and Tricia. When I dropped Vy off at the airport, it felt like I had a hole in my heart. On Tuesday, I returned to work. I received a care package from Tina (I crushed the Oreos), a Wonder Woman coffee cup from Mrs. Brown, and plenty of praise because Tina made an announcement during a battalion meeting and blasted the finish line pictures that she took in their group chat. I’m glad it was a short week because mentally, it was incredibly hard for me to stay present. Easter weekend came, I felt extra sad not having AJ around and seeing families get together at church. I should have taken leave to California as I did after JFK50!!

I explained how I felt to my coworker Steve and he pointed out that it was probably similar to me coming down from my rave days. I remember reading about how common it is for endurance athletes to deal with post-race depression. That third week my hormones came into the mix and I didn’t feel like the most pleasant person to be around. I can’t explain it all scientifically yet, but it’s definitely a thing!!

20APR19 – SHE Power Half (Fayetteville, NC)

My first run over 10 miles was the SHE Power Half. I had fun running with Tricia and Laurie (yay finally got a picture with Laurie!) I think it’s awesome to surround myself with these incredible ladies. This run was also special because I met Tricia at the SHE Power last year and now more than ever, I am so grateful for our friendship.

Would you believe that I still have not run an official half marathon?

Also, I finally decided to start the process for ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery. I backed out in 2017 because I felt scared. Everyone at the Refractive Eye Surgery Clinic asked me, “Well what made you change your mind?” I told them I became an ultrarunner. I have been required to wear glasses for pre-op procedures because the docs need accurate measurements and contacts affect the shape of my eyeballs. It has been pretty frustrating trying to find ways to keep them from bouncing on my face while running, but I’m still grateful for the vision that I do have and look forward to running without glasses or contacts in June!

27APR19 – MTC Shirt Run (Ellerbe, NC)

My very first 50K was hosted by Mangum Track Club (MTC) in Jan 2018. I signed up for that race because it said “no fees, no awards, no t-shirts, and no whining.” This month I finally got an opportunity to earn a shirt (and sticker that I will have to claim later!).

Here is the story behind the MTC Shirt Run:

“Back during the 80’s five guys would meet in the hills of Ellerbe, NC for training runs for marathons. The Christmas of 1986 one of the guys purchased 5 shirts. One for each training partner. The shirt was a navy blue shirt with “Mangum Track Club” on the front of it. 
As the story goes, one of the wives of one of the guys wanted one of the shirts. Well being guys, they told her, you will have to earn it. The “Shirt Run” was born. The shirt run is a 15-mile point-to-point run/walk from Mangum, N.C. to Ellerbe, N.C. Once you finish the shirt run you will receive your Mangum Track Club shirt and you are a member for life.”

Of course, it was only appropriate to run this tradition with my fave MTC guy George!! He really has been looking out for me. LITERALLY. He led the way for me as I ran with my blurred vision. I wore my Goodrs x Rabbit sunglasses instead because my eyes had been dilated at the previous day so they were extra sensitive to brightness. I guess I could’ve followed the white line on the road, but probably would’ve missed the turn without him! Now I am a member of MTC for life 🙂

Total Miles for April: 213.2