Name That Trail Race!

We need some help naming an upcoming trail race. A friend (Kay) and I are going to host a 6-hour trail race in the middle of August (HOT!) on the Northshore Trail in Flower Mound, TX. As part of the planning we need to come up with a name for the race. Based on Kay's initial research, she was able to assemble the lists below.

We are looking for something different and original that incorporates trail running and HOT weather! Please post a comment with your suggestions!

Here’s a list of existing heat-related race names in TX in this summer:

Wipe Out!

Today I started on Week 8 of my 50K training plan. I typically try to pick up the pace a little bit on my Tuesday and Thursday runs and today was no different. Was able to complete my 4.5 mile run in a little under a 10 mpm pace, which for me is pretty good.

However, not everything went as planned. As a result of some storms over the last few days, the trail was a little wet, which I didn't factor into anything. And of course, as I was running around one of the switchback turns I slipped on some mud and down I went!

WIPE OUT!

Fortunately, the area where I landed was also covered in mud--no rocks or roots or snakes or poison ivy or anything else... just mud.

A few scratches on my right shoulder and hip. Otherwise, no injuries (well, except for my pride!).

Do you have a good wipe out story?

Week 40: Pretty Simple

My weight loss story this week is pretty simple...

I ate less than I burned, so I lost weight.

Yea, it doesn't get much simpler than that.

I started using the online tool at myfitnesspal.com to track my calories and exercise. It is a pretty simple tool but works well. As was the case when I used WeightWatchers.com, the tool gives me the accountability I need to make sure I keep my consumption within the guidelines that I need to follow to lose weight. But it has one big benefit over WeightWatchers.com... it's FREE!!!

The tool helps me to stay on track. Without the tool it is just guess work. Now I just need to stick with it.

Hydration Error

Today was the first long run of my new 50K training schedule. I was able to get off to a really good start, but it didn't end that way.

I had planned to start my run just before sunrise so that I could get most of the miles in before it got too hot. However, I had some delays getting out the door. So I started about three hours later than planned. It was already 75F and 73% humidity by the time I started.

When I arrived, a group from DORBA was preparing to go out and work on the trail. Thank you DORBA for all you do!

DORBA trail maintenance crew.

My 50K Ultramarathon Training Schedule

(Note: I was unable to complete this run due to an injury. I am now training for the 2011 Rockledge Rumble). 

I've decided to change my approach to training for and running my first ultramarathon. I had originally given myself three years to achieve my Three In Three Challenge goals. However, my fitness level has improved much quicker than expected. As a result, I have decided to run my first ultra distance as a "fat ass" (self supported) trail run on my birthday, July 24th, 2011. I will still run the Rockledge Rumble 50K in November as my first "official" ultramarathon race.

After reviewing many training programs I decided to follow the UltraLadies 50K Training Schedule. Yes, I realize it says ultra "ladies" but I am OK with that. I have no problem getting in touch with my feminine side. And if you want to call me "girly" for training to run 31 miles, then bring it on. I can take it!

Seriously, though, I like the format and the miles of this schedule, so it should work out well for me.

Source: TrailRunEvents.com

Week 39: Good (Re)start

I wrote last week that I had decided to return to Weight Watchers. I have been gaining weight consistently for the last couple of months and finally decided to do something about it. But before joining, one of my Facebook friends mentioned another tool called MyFitnesspal.com. So I decided to check it out.

So far I love the tool. I know that when I keep track of what I eat that I lose weight. I need a tool like MyFitnesspal.com to hold me accountable. It works and its FREE!!!

Last week I lost a half of a pound. It wasn't the one pound per week that I was trying to lose, but I will take it. I am heading in the right direction once again.

L-Five Trail Run Report (9 Miles)

It's been a while since I've written one of my L-Five reports, so I decided it was time.

Before I get into the details, I wanted to share a picture of a neat moment during my run last night. I wasn't able to get out in the morning, so I went for my run around dinner time. As I was finishing, the sun was going down. I crossed over a little creek. Just as I crossed I looked to my left and I could see the base of a small group of trees illuminated by the orange glow of the setting sun.

The picture doesn't do it justice. The glow lasted for about a half minute, and then it was gone. Very cool.

Anyway, on to the report.

MyFitnesspal

I couldn't bring myself to pay the fee to sign up for Weight Watchers again. But I really like the online tools for tracking my intake and exercise. James on Facebook recommended a tool called MyFitnesspal.com. So I signed up for it and will give it a try. Click below to see my food diary:

Week 38: Returning to Weight Watchers

I've gained weight three weeks in a row... probably four weeks if I had of actually weighted myself last week. Why? I think the reason is pretty obvious. Because I am eating more than I am burning.

I could blame the last couple of weeks on my ankle injury--I wasn't running so I wasn't burning as much. But that would be a cop out. If I run less than I should eat less!

I could blame it on reaching a set point. But the set point I was blaming a month or two ago was 5 lbs lower than where I am at right now! Nope, can't blame that.

I could blame it on summer. Warmer weather means more beer and barbecue! But that's still no excuse. I should still be able to have my barbecue and eat it too.

Bottom line, I am just not paying any attention to what I am eating.

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc Video

Yea... I added this to my ultra bucket list. It's a must do!

Feeling Good

On Monday I was cleared to run. I had an x-ray taken and it did not show any breaks or fractures in my ankle or foot. I was pretty excited about that. I didn't want to have to sit out for six or eight weeks waiting for a break to heal.

So I hit the trails on Tuesday for a short three miler. I added a mile on Wednesday and also picked up my pace. Then I added another mile yesterday for a slower paced five miler.

This morning my ankle is feeling pretty good. Still no pain. Yes, it is a little sore this morning, but nothing serious. It seems to be improving each day. I've been taping my ankle with RockTape--that stuff is amazing!

Cleared To Run

Yesterday I went to the doctor to get an x-ray taken of my foot. It had been about 10 days since I rolled over on my ankle and my foot was still sore. It wasn't painful by any means, just sore. I wanted to make sure I hadn't fractured a bone or anything like that before resuming my running.

Well the good news is that the x-ray came back clean. No breaks. No fractures. No problem. The doctor thinks it was just a sprain and now that 10 days have passed, I was cleared to do some light jogging on it.

Funny story... the doctor asked me how far I usually ran. I told her about six to eight miles. She said that six to eight miles per week was probably OK as long as I didn't push my pace. I laughed and clarified... that's six to eight miles per day, and fifteen to twenty miles on my Sunday long runs!!! She seemed surprised at that until I told her that my mileage was low compared to serious ultrarunners!

Biting The Bullet

It's been a little over a week since I rolled over on my ankle during a run at the Northshore Trail. I was hoping I would be back out running by now. But to be honest, it still hurts when I walk and it is starting to concern me.

I think I am going to have to bite the bullet and go and see my doctor for an x-ray. It's probably a good idea to find out the extent of the injury. If it's just a sprain than I'll give it the appropriate time to heal before resuming my training. But I am concerned that it might be more than a sprain--maybe a small fracture or a tear or something like that. Regardless, I know I need to get it checked out. I will call and make an appointment on Monday.

Fortunately, I like my doctor. He is the one who triggered the start of my transition from fat to fit. I am rather looking forward to a visit. I haven't been back since he delivered the gloomy news about my health issues. Since then I quit smoking, lost 30 lbs., completed two trail races, and was running 40 miles per week in my training. Not bad for a formally overweight and out of shape couch potato. I think he will be pleasantly surprised at the transformation I have made so far.

How about you? What are you proud of?

How Do You Do Breakfast?

I am still recovering from my recent injury. Since I couldn't go for my typical Saturday morning run, I decided to go on a little breakfast outing with the guys...