Learning the Trails: Day 1

There was something very familiar about last night as I walked into a room filled with people, all there with one common goal.  The goal to learn how to run trails safely and successfully. It took me back to that first day of No Boundaries where I had this idea of running and the goal was to prove that I probably wasn't a runner... but to just give it one last shot to see what would happen if I tried.

You've read about my attempts at trail running throughout the past year, so when this class was announced by Medved Running and Walking Outfitters, I was quite intrigued. The fear I have of injuring myself yet again, and frustration of not being a strong runner on the trails made taking this course an easy decision.

Tripping over roots and rocks? Struggling on hills? Lost your shoe in the mud? This might be the class for you.
Learning The Trails will cover:
-Why run trails? 
-Choosing a trail and trail safety
-Necessary gear
-Rocks, Roots, Logs, Mud, and other obstacles.  -Hills. Climbing and descending
-Trail running with groups and races
-Trail etiquette.  This FREE course is designed to improve your trail running and help keep you safe.

Based on that description, it was like this class was written for me, and for others that face the same obstacles when running on the trails! Since I have that Segahunda 4-mile relay route/race lurking in the midst, why not take advantage of getting some valuable knowledge and feeling way more prepared than ever? I need to fit trail training into my routine and make it an active part to be successful for Segahunda. Plus, it just happens to be on Monday nights where nothing really conflicts on the family calendar. Oh, AND it's FREE! The stars have aligned!

When I walked into Medved last night, I recognized a bunch of friends... friends that I've already shared some miles with... Friends that I've shared races with; conversations with; No Boundaries training with... (heck, even friends who I've poured pints for after the Thursday night Borough Runs.) It was a very positive feeling and added to my excitement to starting this 10 week course.  I need all the help I can get on trails, and from what I learned last night, this instructor is on a mission to teach what he knows.... and from the sounds of it, he knows a lot!

So, let this training adventure begin!  

In true fashion, I will document my struggles and triumphs here for your reading pleasure if you choose to follow. 

Let's do this!!!

In like a Lion...

They say the month of March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. In my case, 2016 has been just that. What moves me today?? Seeing the glimpse of that metaphoric lamb after 2 and a half months hearing that lion roar!

Since the end of January, I have been nursing that darn left foot of mine back to health. For some reason, my left foot has proven to be my Achilles heel during my entire running journey. This time around, the most relaxing place you could ever take me for a night away ended up being my demise. It's only my luck that I would fall and injure myself at a beautiful five-star spa resort's steam room. I have now learned my lesson and will probably tread lightly if I ever go in one again. So, needless to say it's been a long few months of recovery and frustration. However, I've been able to move on from this and am slowly getting back into the game.

Over the past two weeks I've been getting back into an exercise routine and running short intervals. I've been at the gym taking group classes and logging some miles on the treadmill and at group workouts with the girls. Everything has been coming along nice, with the help of remaining patient as I check in with my body to see how it feels at the end of the day.  Last night I had the best run of the year. Aside from the winter warrior relay right before I got injured, last night proved so much to me. It's been a while since I was able to go out as a Borough Runner and participate in a Thursday night workout. The weather was a bit misty, but boy was the temperature freakin' awesome! It was just me and my iPod and the goal to run 3 miles without stopping. I was a bit tired and a bit sad I didn't have a buddy to run with, however after the first half mile I was already into the groove and enjoyed my own little "break away" from the outside world.

Everything about last night was perfect. I really enjoyed running in the rain (like I usually do) and combined with warmer temps we've been having lately, it was exactly what I needed. I wore a new jacket that James gave me for Christmas. It's water and wind resistant with "breathing holes" and it worked wonderfully. During the run, my breathing was so spot-on that I didn't think about it once during the three mile trek around the city of Rochester.  As I approached Culver Road and had about a half a mile left, I was so surprised.  I never expected that I would have felt that good at that point in the route. It made me consider going a little farther, but I knew I had to remain patient in my training and keep to the designated 3 miles I had set out for. 

As I approached the brewery, Pitbull and Christina Aguilera's 'Feel this Moment' filled my airwaves and was the best song I could have ended that run with. People who run get it... that feeling of empowerment and confidence. Now I could walk into Lost Borough and when people asked "how was your run" I could happily say "it was amazing" and they would understand!! What a release... especially since it had been weeks of  not having those feelings.  It was easy to be depressed and once again feel like I had lost everything after putting so much training in to where I was when crossing the finish line at the Winter Warrior Relay.

I have been petrified about the upcoming Seneca 7 race at the end of April. There was no way I wanted to give up my spot, and was hoping for some sign that I was on the mend and heading in the right direction. I'm pretty sure I got that sign last night, but will NOT let this make feel like I'm smooth sailing now.  A month after Seneca 7 is the Segahunda relay, so loosing focus is not an option.  In fact, just a sign that the focus has room to even improve.