tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56225368927184011712024-03-13T04:02:46.108-04:00+FillUsKUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-54492877192395072742016-06-20T08:44:00.000-04:002016-06-21T09:41:59.859-04:00Highlands Sky<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I probably wouldn't admit how stressed I was the whole week leading up to Highlands Sky 40. Now that it's over, I realized I was partly in denial and partly rationalizing it as healthy nervousness. A 40-mile race is long for me. It's technical. And I pulled my lat muscle carrying a handheld bottle a week before the race. I am out of my comfort zone.<br />
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As everything in this world that is governed by time, the race is bound to happen like an unstoppable incoming train. A line from Bridges of Spies came to mind the evening before the race. When his lawyer James Donovan observes the alleged Russian Spy Rudolf Abel doesn't seem a bit nervous about his pending trial, he asks him about it and to which Abel responds: "Is it going to help?"<br />
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Of the many things that I am concerned about the race, weather isn't one of them. We start the race in cool mountain temperature and I find myself nestle in the crowd, just going with the flow. There are distinct moments that I remember, punctured with a lot of blurs in between. I remember the knee-high stinging nettles during the first climb, wondering when it is going to end. I remember the ankle - and sometimes shin- deep puddles that are impossible to tell how deep they are until you step in them. I remember the technical descents during which I am frustrated with my in capability of running efficiently, or running at all. There are also delightful moments like running through lush hardwood forests that brings me back to a few years ago running the WV Trilogy. The sweeping vistas and plateaus with blooming plant lives that resemble northern Canada. And of course, the field of sculptured boulders.<br />
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One moment perhaps contributed the most in my finishing the race: the moment I pray for joy. I turn to prayers as a diversion from calculating how much further I still have to go and joy comes to mind. I ask for joy to enjoy the journey, to take in the stunning scenery, and to savor even the moments of enduring pain and battling tiredness. For the rest of the race, I revisited the thought many times and it ultimately brought me across the finish line.<br />
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In addition to my now treasured finisher's shirt and vest, the biggest take-away is the reminder that whatever journey we are on, we can have joy in the midst of endurance.</div>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-87260841672255241422015-06-21T22:37:00.001-04:002015-06-21T22:37:20.256-04:00Eastern Divide 50K<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The secret of man is the secret of his responsibility.” -Václav Havel</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This weekend, I’ve learned that you can be both undertrained and overtrained. A few week ago, I signed up for the Eastern Divide 50k because I wanted a longer race in June as training. My last one was the Leatherwood 50k in April and I haven’t run longer than 20 miles since. I did, however, start training with the TriYon team again, which means adding back a bit of strength and speed work into my running. Hence, undertrained with less than ideal miles on my legs, but overtrained with tired muscles from workouts.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That didn’t dampen the excitement of a weekend getaway at Mountain Lake in Pembroke, VA, though. A group of Salisbury runners rented a house at the Mountain Lake Lodge, where </span><a href="http://blog.claibornehouse.net/2010/09/dirty-dancing-filmed-at-mountain-lake.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Dirty Dancing” was filmed</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and they welcomed me as a late add-on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eastern Divide 50k is a point-to-point race that starts from the </span><a href="http://gilescounty.org/cascades.html" style="line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cascade Falls</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in the Jefferson National Forest, up and down Butt Mountain, through forests and meadows, and finishes back at the Mountain Lake Lodge. The race begins with a four-mile climb up towards the Cascade where AS 1 is. The first male/female runner make it up there would be “crown” as King and Queen of the Mountain and the title also comes with a nice $125 gift certificate at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. The only caveat is that you still have to finish the race! As the race begins, runners “trickled up” a mild climb in the first mile, but it got steeper. I kept my head down most of the time but looked up occasionally as I heard the sound of rushing water beside me. We were running on an upper trail that didn’t go right up against the waterfall, but I still caught a few glimpses of it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4n1Dncpykw/VYdxP_aAuwI/AAAAAAAAF88/ACeySTWAVMc/s1600/IMAG0104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4n1Dncpykw/VYdxP_aAuwI/AAAAAAAAF88/ACeySTWAVMc/s400/IMAG0104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Around midway through the climb, I caught up with two guys running steadily so I trailed behind them. AS 1 arrived sooner than I thought and we were greeted with enthusiastic volunteers who were cooking bacon and drinking bourbon (it’s 12 o’clock somewhere?). A lady asked for my name and told me that I was the first female who made it up! That surprised me since I saw a pretty big crowd in front of me at the start. Since I still had 27 miles ahead of me, I didn’t think much of it and soldiered on.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The majority of the race was on forest service roads except for the first four miles and the last eight. At mile 5, we summited Butt Mountain, followed by some rolling hills and a lot of down for the next five miles. The next real big climb was at around mile 16 going up to Wind Rock. Unfortunately, we didn’t actually go up to the summit, which would have offered </span><a href="https://www.trailheadfinder.com/trail_editor/736#.VYdhY_lViko" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">spectacular views</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. From my own experience, my low points at 50Ks usually come between mile 18-25. It’s the “purgatory” miles that just feel...long. And also knowing that I still have a long way to go. It’s the time you just have to put one foot in front of the other and find ways to enjoy these miles. I caught up with two other runners at a steep climb. We were all alternating between running and hiking at this point. As I passed them, I heard one of the runners commented, “What’s the point of running up this if the last eight miles are so technical?”</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just this week, I started reading the book, “Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good.” In it, author Steven Garber discussed our accountability and responsibility for the world. “</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>The secret of man is the secret of his responsibility</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,” Garber quoted Václav Havel, “the most celebrated playwright in Czechoslovakia in the 1960s and 70s,” imprisoned for publicly protesting the totalitarianism of Communism in the 1980s, and made president after Soviet Union collapsed. Responsibility was on my mind this week and throughout the race. To whom am I responsible? And at this particular moment at the race, “To whom am I responsible that I shall run up this hill?” Then I remember Team TY, Jamey our Coach, and, of course, the Big Coach. All of whom demand and deserve our best. Shaving off seconds or minutes of our race time is good, but using our gifts and ability to the fullest is better. Another life lesson experienced through running. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After mile 20, my energy turned downhill, so did my legs. Fatigue started sinking in and I was just keeping pace to moving forward. Thankfully, we turned into single-tracks at miles 22. A change in scenery and roots and rocks are all good distraction from my predicament. Mile 29 to finish was the most technical part of the race. It runs alongside the lake and was full of big, slippery rocks that I had to climb over at times. I glanced down my watch for the first time since mile 20 and figured a sub-5 was out of the question. Well, I might as well enjoy it. And I did.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With less than half a mile, my calf started cramping. “Not now!” Even though the protest was justified. I was elated to see the orange blow-up finish line through the trees. “Beep!” The timing chip clocked my finish time and I was done. 5:07, a far cry from Alison Bryant’s 4:37 record and many faster times before me. But at any rate, doing and giving all that we can is good, and that is good in and of itself. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5TE0iQHloE/VYdzuuCY7MI/AAAAAAAAF9I/axrtkc8uoVk/s1600/IMG_20150621_221419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5TE0iQHloE/VYdzuuCY7MI/AAAAAAAAF9I/axrtkc8uoVk/s200/IMG_20150621_221419.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you, Stu, Susan, Shane, Kathi, Victor, and Noelle for sharing the wonderful time with me. Team TY for always pushing me, keeping me honest at workouts, and always encouraging. Coach Jamey for investing so much in us and journeying with us. And God for creating us to be both receiver and giver of goodness and grace.</span></div>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-10678019877337671712015-02-24T21:17:00.001-05:002015-02-25T21:00:36.714-05:00Newness of Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Two Sundays ago, I skipped church for a run at Crowders. Lately, I've gotten into the habit of getting in a run before church. I like the post-run me: content, happy, cleansed. So much so that when I realized I wouldn't have time to run before church, I still chose to run.<br />
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Needless to say, I felt guilty. I was afraid that I was once again placing something else above God. 168 hours a week, I couldn't even consecrate one hour to worship and give thanks? As I dug deeper, however, I realized there was something else. Running gives me satisfaction. I feel fresh afterwards. I am less grumpy. I am content. I am centered. I am better...without relying on God. Going to church afterwards is just icing on the cake. I was relying on myself to save myself. <br />
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We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4 ESV)</blockquote>
But that is not the Gospel and that is not what God does in us. God doesn't just make us better; He gives us a NEW life. The Gospel, the Good News, tells us that we can't save ourselves but we have a God that meets us where we are. Even when I am grumpy, scattered, and burdened. Even when we are still sinners.<br />
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If you are a little messed up like me, perfect! Let God do something new in us.<br />
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2015-02-25 edit:<br />
Along the idea of newness and whole from <a href="http://www.thehighcalling.org/reflection/jubilee-new-level-integrity-god#.VO554fnF-zo" target="_blank">The High Calling</a>:<br />
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-77444490842691020162015-02-13T09:56:00.000-05:002015-02-13T09:56:08.347-05:00Big Rocks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The "<a href="http://www.appleseeds.org/Big-Rocks_Covey.htm">Big Rocks of Life</a>" analogy keeps coming back. I have been contemplating on going on another eMi trip this year, but fear that it'd interfere with my fundraising to becoming a full-time staff with eMi and also drains more of my resources. The analogy came back and reminded me to put the important things - the big rocks - first, and other things will fall into place. A day after I've made up my mind about going, a few affirmations came rolling in. Yes, yes, I get it. Mind the big rocks first.<br /><br />Last Friday night, I witness more big rocks - the important stuff - in running. It was Derek's race, the Night Mare. In many ways, a lot of us have also taken ownership of it - even me, a participant/consumer/spectator. I saw many familiar faces at the race, and then even more that were volunteering. The Revolutions crew rocks. They were selfless, and they sacrificed their time for the benefit of others. They even suffered for others, spending hours and hours in a cold, dark night outside. I'm absolutely floored and humbled by the effort that was put forth by the crew, like Brian, Amanda, Ricky, Kelly, James, Christy and Susan. <br /><br />After I had done by three laps, I immediately changed and put 20 layers of clothes on. At the race quarters, Mary was about to go back out for another shift at the aids. She asked if I'd go with her. I hesitated and she saw it. She smiled and didn't say no more. About 10 minutes later, I saw her at the back of a tractor, going back out into the cold and dark. I was - am - ashamed. Mary, I wish I am brave and selfless like you are. Like many of my races, I am not going to remember my time, my place, or even the ankle twists; but I will remember the friendship, the selfless acts, and the bond we have as a team. Those are the big rocks in running.<br /><br />Two days later came the sad news that legendary Coach Dean Smith has passed. I came across video tributes and articles about him. Above all, this <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%8Bhttp://www.npr.org/2015/02/08/384782578/unc-basketball-legend-dean-smith-dies-at-83%E2%80%8B" target="_blank">quote</a> from him stuck: <div>
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"You should never be proud of doing the right thing; you should just do the right thing!" </blockquote>
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His life also reminds me that we are capable of doing great things. And it is made possible by relentless pursuit of doing the right thing. That's a big rock, isn't it? <br /><br />Running yesterday, I was a little frustrated at myself again. I felt slow, and shin was still hurting. But that's missing the point, I realized a few miles later. Running is not just about time. I miss the big rocks by focusing on pace and time. It's worth the struggle (and extra time) if it's teaching me to become a better runner and a better person... and that's what I really should focus on. I give up too easily sometimes...<br /><br />I realize this is more a rambling than an organized post. However, this is why I love running. The lessons I am learning in life parallels, crisscrosses, and interjects what I am learning as a runner. Like this post, life is a little messy, but that's what makes it exciting!<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Whatever you do, work heartily,as for the Lord and not for men" Colossians 3:23</blockquote>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-61914865578874162452015-01-18T18:48:00.001-05:002015-01-18T18:48:09.348-05:00Post-Race: HK-100<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
All along, even up till moments before the race, I was ambivalent about the Hong Kong-100(k). While I was stoked about the race itself, my training since getting into the race through lottery in September had been plagued by injuries. I was very much out of training for two months till November. The two months leading up to the race, I had but two weeks with weekly mileage above 50. Still building on base mileage, my shin splints poked up its nasty head last week. In spite of all that, I still had hopes to tough this thing out. For the first time, I even wrote a list of motivations to keep me moving and promised myself to go through the list before I would call quit. Part of my list includes:<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Running for Ellis: because I get to be alive and well to do it;</li>
<li>How do I want to remember the race after tomorrow?</li>
<li>"If you can take it, you can make it!"</li>
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The more I thought about the race, however, the more pressure I put on myself. I am so glad that I schedule the race to be at the front end of my time here. I want to rid of that weight bearing on me!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5gjMC-byvQ/VLwkXjWzl0I/AAAAAAAAFp0/qmsDnmwAzL4/s1600/received_10155129678025615.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5gjMC-byvQ/VLwkXjWzl0I/AAAAAAAAFp0/qmsDnmwAzL4/s1600/received_10155129678025615.jpeg.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister and I at race start</td></tr>
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While still entertaining the thought to finish, the plan at the start was to make it as far as I could. Unfortunately, the plan fell apart pretty quickly. The travelling and lack of sleep in the last two days took a toll on my body. I was tried... at Check Point 1, merely six miles into the race! Everybody moved through the aid station very quickly. As much as I wanted to linger, I continued on. </div>
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A year ago, I sampled a portion of the Maclehose Trail. The east-west trail is 100 km long by itself, running across New Territories. Though deviates from it at times, the majority of the race is run on this trail. We started on the east end of the trail, which starts in a country park on Sai Kung peninsula, and continues westward after almost circumferencing the peninsula. See the interactive map <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=zrU11u4IFTh0.k-dOXQgllH-w&hl=en" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/wwtravel/624_330/images/live/p0/10/0f/p0100fb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/wwtravel/624_330/images/live/p0/10/0f/p0100fb4.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Island Reservoir</td></tr>
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The trail consists of both pavement, (a lot of) stone steps, and technical, rocky, single-tracks. It runs through some of Hong Kong's highest peaks, valleys, coastlines, and strings together places and villages. Unlike Charlotte, there isn't much rolling, just long ascent and descent. Even with hands-on-knees kind of ascent, the descent was what I struggled with the most. The scenery certainly helped to distract myself from focusing on my stiffening legs and body. </div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=12394497" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=12394497" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Worth mentioning is the Asian-flared aid stations, offering egg sandwiches, rice balls, and instant cup noodles. No gels. Sports drink was something called "Pocari," a volunteer told me. A google search shows <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocari_Sweat" target="_blank">this</a>, if you are interested. Temperature yesterday was between high-50s and mid-60s and sunny. Dehydrated, I chucked a whole bottle oblivious to what it was. It has a taste similar to coconut water, yet different. Perhaps a mix between coconut water and Heed?</div>
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Reaching Check Point 2 at 21k, I hate to admit that I was coming to terms that finishing might be out of reach. But I knew I would hate to remember this race only as a DNF, or let it be defined by how far I made, rather than the journey and experience. From this point on, it'd be about enjoying the scenery, keep moving forward (without causing permanent damages), and savoring these moments. Thankfully, my sluggish jog actually gave my shins proper time to warm up and they ceased to bother me for awhile. I took it as a gift from above and continued on.</div>
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With 1800 runners representing 50 countries, I was never alone on the course even as the crowd settled in various paces and thinned out. There were at least 3 or 5 runners both in front/sight and behind me. With each surprise of how relatively well I was still climbing came the reality check of pain with each descent. But, look at this:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufT6tlwuLcY/VLw3enp8oPI/AAAAAAAAFqE/8YmXRF7UApE/s1600/SaiWanShan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufT6tlwuLcY/VLw3enp8oPI/AAAAAAAAFqE/8YmXRF7UApE/s1600/SaiWanShan.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going up Sai Wan Shan, looking at Sharp Peak (Photo by: Cesare Romani)</td></tr>
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The photo above captures much of the characteristics of the first half of the course: Up a mountain, down to a beach, across some sand, up again we go. At around 40 km, we hit a long stretch of flat pavement, weaving in and out villages and grass fields. That, felt like forever. I was also convinced that I looked like a running Frankenstein if I could watch myself from behind. Finally, I rolled into Check Point 4 at 45 km. If I were to continue onto Check Point 5, where drop bags were, I would have bagged another peak and crossed the 50K mark. After briefly stopping at the check point, a short-lived attempt to continue was made. Hopping maybe but 10 yards, I turned around and threw in the towel. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check Point 4 @ 45 km</td></tr>
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Last night, I saw a photo of one of the last participants finishing the race at 30 hours. I have nothing but tremendous respect for everyone who finishes this beast. What determination! It's now been two days after the race; as I have started the race with ambivalence, I remained the same. Although, with peace, gratitude, and inspiration this time. I hope my DNF will pay off in a long run by keeping me off injury reserve and providing an opportunity to get back into proper training. It was a beautiful day for an adventure, that's how I will remember this race.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Andre</td></tr>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-5355436075193282782014-12-03T21:55:00.000-05:002014-12-03T21:55:18.895-05:00Love is a Muscle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After spending half of the summer on injury reserve, I'm slowly coming back and adding back mileage cautiously. First two to three weeks had been sluggish. My legs had no spring, running uphill felt like hopping up and down on the same spot, and I just felt heavy. With each run, however, I'm gradually feeling like my old self again. Then, I remember. My muscles, my cardiovascular system, and my body in general need to re-learn and re-adapt to the heavy-lifting of running. They need to be strengthen again. It does get easier with practice...just like everything in life. Loving others takes practice. Extending kindness takes practice. Giving grace takes practice. As I am so thankful to be able to run and visit my favorite places again, I'm reminded that love also is a muscle; use it often. :)</div>
KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-29477299498288540222014-10-24T18:02:00.002-04:002014-10-25T12:27:37.507-04:00Living Intentionally<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you can fill the unforgiving minute</div>
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With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,</div>
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Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,</div>
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And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son! <i>"If—" by Rudyard Kipling </i></div>
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A close friend is dealing with some difficult health issues. The short story is that he is - in his words - holding a "6 months, 6 years, or hit by a bus” outlook of his life. He shares with us that his new favorite word is now "intentional." Again, in his words, "We only have so much time. All of us. And we don't know how much. Don't miss your life. Live purposefully."</div>
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Time doesn't wait. When the unforgiving minute is gone, it's gone. As I'm spending these minutes typing this, my intention is that we will all be reminded to live intentionally. In the greater scheme of things, we want our lives to have purpose and we strive to live for something greater than ourselves. However, do such meaning and purpose reflect in our daily lives? When I work, am I just doing it for the pay check, or am I serving others and God, about which I want my life to be? When I run, am I only doing it for physical fitness? Or could I be more intentional in making an inherently selfish act into something better? Perhaps sharing the experience with a community and encouraging one and other? When I eat, is my intention to fuel my body, or to find comfort in the wrong place? Intentions that are lived out daily will become our purpose and meaning in life. </div>
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So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)</div>
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In architecture, a building's purpose can be obvious in its building type: a hospital, an airport, a church... However, the caveat is found in our ability to translate the greater purpose into the nuts and bolts, so that the corresponding and driving intentions can be lived out daily by its users. I know I'm in trouble when I struggle to name a room because it tells me that the space is without a purpose and is wasted. How the space is used and the message it communicates will eventually define the purpose of the building. Take <a href="http://www.pruitt-igoe.com/urban-history/" target="_blank">Pruitt-Igoe</a> as an example. The large urban housing project in St. Louis, MO built in the 1950s becomes a symbol of poverty and crime, while its original purpose is to provide housing and be "an oasis in the desert." Reasons for which the project failed are complex, architecturally, socially, and economically. But in short, what was being lived out and materialized did not serve the original purpose and led to its decay. As it is with our lives, purpose is found in the building blocks of day-to-day intentions. Live intentionally.</div>
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“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.<b> Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? </b>Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. <b>But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.</b></blockquote>
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“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:25-34 ESV)</blockquote>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-26635882525435409052014-08-12T22:40:00.000-04:002014-08-13T09:40:21.736-04:00Laurel Valley Whitewater Endurance Run<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QhDWvgiL9KVx1MpSAMmvtuRFuX9DVgq9ThO2VKvgEvCm6OUuGcp4jDD7u8_9ffdPHoFs8mjKZV0VA4mIPz2n_oxI2iRbmXW4Q-ZixIn2aT6dP88wQGfqiJAkKmhqhd9cf3kLBqN-ihb-/s400/river.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QhDWvgiL9KVx1MpSAMmvtuRFuX9DVgq9ThO2VKvgEvCm6OUuGcp4jDD7u8_9ffdPHoFs8mjKZV0VA4mIPz2n_oxI2iRbmXW4Q-ZixIn2aT6dP88wQGfqiJAkKmhqhd9cf3kLBqN-ihb-/s400/river.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toxaway River*</td></tr>
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A lot has been going around me and in the world lately. First, death of a dear friend. Then, the war between Hamas and Israel. Genocide of Christians and other minorities in Iraq. Friends going through Chemotherapy. Then more friends find out they have cancer. Death in extended family. I wish there is something I could do. I want to be out there to fight for justice and human rights, to deliver aids, to do whatever is needed. Instead, I live in a perfectly peaceful bubble, sit at a desk eight hours a day, and go home. Perhaps it’s the powerlessness that prompted me to sign up for the <a href="http://www.lv-endurancerun.com/Home.html" target="_blank">Laurel Valley Whitewater Endurance Run</a> the last minute, a race which is known for its difficulty and beauty, and also one that has been on my radar for two years but I never did have the courage to sign up till now. </div>
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A few things you need to know about the Laurel Valley run:</div>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li style="text-align: justify;">No one knows exactly how long the course is. Most veterans I’ve talked to agree that it’s 35 miles.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">“One way in. One way out. You are on your own.” This is a self-supported run.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">There are thousands of steps and dozens of foot bridges. They are slick.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The run crosses five river gorges: Laurel River, Toxaway River, Horsepasture River, Thompson River, and Whitewater River gorges, by ways of beam and suspension bridges. </li>
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Sometimes, doing something difficult is better than being comfortable and is just what I need. God must have known that, too. He persuaded RD Brandon Wilson to let me in the week of the race. He even softened his heart to let me run with my friend, Sam Mishler, instead of running as a sweeper as the race tradition would dictate. Logistics also fell into place. Sam had a plan and he willingly accommodated me. I met up with him and most of the racers Friday evening at packet pick-up and dinner. There, I met up with a few more awesome people, like Jeff McGonnell and John Teed, whom I ended up spending the rest of the pre-race hours with, in an RV at the finish in Upper Whitewater Falls.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Cii4x0KIiKQQ2EgKoCkyCXMd6teuo1qm6pnmUp8uooIViEWOnW6vWKQb83dIg0tEkw3o6bKuupef9kDlwMCdve-ITf3dNmRTHgGZZ1W9qLvqcXoGgcbtt-w18OOoJ6m4l0RTra6SFSWr/s1600/stairsbeforehorsepastureweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Cii4x0KIiKQQ2EgKoCkyCXMd6teuo1qm6pnmUp8uooIViEWOnW6vWKQb83dIg0tEkw3o6bKuupef9kDlwMCdve-ITf3dNmRTHgGZZ1W9qLvqcXoGgcbtt-w18OOoJ6m4l0RTra6SFSWr/s1600/stairsbeforehorsepastureweb.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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The race began at Rocky Bottom with a flight of wooden stairs and many more to follow. Coupled with the 5 a.m. start in the dark, the first few miles were slow going. I didn’t mind that a bit since I had prepared for a long day. My plan was to stick with Sam and his plan was to break nine hours. I believe we both started in a comfortable pace, but he would pull ahead on the downhills and I knew he took the ups extra easy for me to catch up. Sam said he didn’t remember much about the first 10 miles since he had only run them in the dark. Ironically, I remember some of it because I have run the <a href="http://foothillstrailultras.com/hbmarathon.html" target="_blank">Bench Marathon</a> before, which is an out-and-back on the first 12 miles of this course.</div>
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My spirit lightened up with daybreak. It had only been an hour and a half, but it felt longer since I wasn’t running in the dark with ease. Up till that point, we had only seen another runner and her name was Lisa Arnold. When we made an excursion by crossing a bridge that needn't be crossed, she yelled for us. Trail runners are good people. Soon, we reached the bench at the bottom of a long descent, the furthest point I had been on the course. Beyond that, it’s new territories for me.</div>
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Sam and I chatted a little more in the daylight. The course alternates between technical and rocky trail and pretty smooth double tracks. Those were very enjoyable miles. Running on double-tracks gave me a chance to look up more and take in the beauty. Yes, it’s going to be a long day, but where else would I want to be?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horsepasture River Bridge*</td></tr>
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Around 16 miles into the run, we finally came to a good water source at Toxaway River where we could refill our bottles. It’s my first time drinking iodine-treated water: it looks like rust and it tastes like rust. The direction says to wait 30 minutes. I waited an hour till I took the first sip. It was tolerable...and that’s about it. While refilling our bottles, John Teed came upon us. I was happy to see another runner and a familiar face. For the rest of the run, we would see each other many more times. Sometime it’s us who caught up to him. Sometimes it’s the other way around. Being a seven-time finisher (now eight), he knows his time on the course. At the Horsepasture River bridge, he told us we have another three hours to go.</div>
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Around 23-25 miles in, Sam hit a low patch. Our running rhythms gradually changed from my catching up to him during ascents to his catching up to me in descents. The gap eventually widen over the next few miles to where he was nowhere in sight a few minutes at a time. However, I knew he’s a great endurance athlete and was confident that he’d eventually come out of the bad spot. It must have been near Thompson River Gorge where I was crawling through the rocky terrain and where the white noise drained out the sound of his footsteps that he sneaked up behind me. What a relieve to see him! I let out a loud “yes!” and we started trucking together again.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge and boulders before the long ascent up the falls.*</td></tr>
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Finally, we reached Whitewater River and only a long climb was between us and the finish. Here, John Teed caught us once again... with welcomed news: the longest he had taken to finish from this point was 21 minutes. With that, he sped in front of us and we followed suit. The long climb consisted of very little running. It was mostly steep, giant steps. I caught up to John one last time at the top and he encouraged me to go ahead. Second shelter on your left, he said. I “sprinted” down that paved road and arrived at the finish. There were more people at the shelter and parking now than when we left for the race at 3:30 a.m. I got a few congratulations from the spectators, most were astonished that we just ran 35 miles. Well, I was, too. And guess what, we broke eight hours! </div>
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It has been three days since the race and I’m now back at home, back at work, and back to the bubble. So, what purpose does LV serve? I believe it inspires me to seek out ways to do more and to push myself to do hard things. As much as I love running, I don’t think running alone would satisfy our deepest need as human beings. I believe we are made to serve and moments like the times at Laurel Valley are there to inspire, as means to a greater end.</div>
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I want to thank you everyone who has shared this unforgettable run and experience with me, especially Sam. Thank you John for his hospitality. Thank you Jeff for all his advice and stories. Thank you Brandon and his son for all their effort. Thank you Claude, though not being able to be there this year, pioneered this run 19 years ago. This run simply strips away all the unnecessary things we have added to running and racing and offers what is most important and wonderful: heart, people, and beauty.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Images are provided by <a href="http://runningthecarolinas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jason Sullivan</a> at <a href="http://www.foothillstrailultras.com/photos.html" target="_blank">Foothills Trail Ultras</a>.</span></div>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-36448906485926102102014-07-13T07:51:00.000-04:002014-07-13T07:52:51.378-04:00Grandfather Mountain Marathon: Pre-race & Post-race<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Pre-race (7.11.2014) :</b></div>
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When I opened that email with a subject line "Updates on Kevin Childs," the first word that caught my eyes was "thankful." For a brief moment I was ready to believe that it'd be good news, but that was not to be. Pastor Kevin is with our Heavenly Father. Two days later, I'm still trying to comprehend the fact that he's gone.</div>
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Sometimes life is full of pieces that don't fit together but string together by time. Because after reading that email, I went about my work day as usual. Replied emails. Incorporated some design changes. Modeled. Then, I picked up my bags and left for a trip that I had been looking forward to: spending a few days in Boone with running friends and leaving for a family trip in Quebec after that.</div>
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Thursday evening was the Bear, a five-mile run up Grandfather Mountain. At the end of the race, Mark Rostan came to me and handed me a piece of printed tile. It took me a few seconds to make out what it was: a partial picture of the Rock Van, which I had sent Derek earlier the day in an email about the passing of my Pastor friend, Kevin. He used to drive around this lime green van with big letters that read, "Love God. Love People. Do Something about it." The piece that Mark gave me was part of a four-piece "puzzle." Derek later gave me another piece; but I am still missing two.</div>
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Today, when I was getting my stuff together for tomorrow's marathon, I pinned one of the pieces to my singlet. I want to run tomorrow's race remembering Kevin and the best way to do it so to give it my best. At the end of tomorrow's race, regardless of time or even a DNF, I want to be able to say that I am a good steward of what has been bestowed upon me like Pastor Kevin.</div>
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<b>Post-race (7.13.2014):</b></div>
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I could sum up my race in one word: steady. I went out conservatively, knowing what's ahead (unlike the Bear). Runners diverge on the opinion whether the first or second half is harder. First half has more climb than second; but also more downs. Second half is more rolling, but you are now running on tired legs. The lack of longer descent also means, at least for me, less recovery. This would play out differently for people who bomb the downhills. Rather than dividing the race right in the middle, I think I ended up looking at the race in thirds - though not equal thirds. The first third (0 to ~Mile 10) has long climbs and descents. From mile 10 - 18 (?) is rolling, then the last third is after the gravel road climb to the finish. The first section was fun. Climb is tough, but I was yoyo-ing a lot with Annette, which made this section interesting. She's a lot quicker than me in running the downs. I knew she was running very easy, but I'd pass her on the up, just to hear her quick feet coming from behind me as soon as the down came. Eventually, she took off after about 12-13 miles and I never saw her again till she carried the torch around the track for her victory lap. Mentally, 10-18 was the hardest for me. I knew I still have a long way to go, I wished time would go faster (as well as my legs), there wasn't much change in turns, scenery, and elevation, and I just had to focus on the moment and get through it. This is also the portion of the race during which I thought about Pastor Kevin the most. When I was tired both mentally and physically, I would tap on the little tile on me, reminding myself that Pastor Kevin would have pushed through even when things get difficult. It helped me a lot and I just kept on trucking. It also gave me peace knowing that I was not in the race to beat anyone or time, but to give what I could and to use what I have been given.</div>
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Around mile 18(?) came the gravel section, which was a welcomed change. There was a steep but short uphill that I was looking forward to because I had made up my mind to walk up it. (Break!) Compare to last year, though, I didn't walk much aside from stopping at aid stations. After the gravel road is the home stretch... a pretty long home stretch where rolling terrains continue and continue up. For much of the second half, I was running alone. Sometimes there was one or two that came in sight. Some I caught up to and passed, some I did not. In the last mile or two, I saw a ginger in a blue singlet - it was Brian Trotter. Him, I did not catch up. However, an orange singlet came up behind me and it was Stan Austin. I thought he was in front of me the whole time! He out-kicked me in the last half mile before turning onto the track and I saw him turned around and checked on me once. That was a fun finish.</div>
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Between mile 12 to finish, Annette put a four-minute lead on me and finished in 3:28. Alisha little, who ran a 38-minute at the Bear finished second. Jackie from Delaware finished behind me. My third place finish was helped, unintentionally, by Alan, who psyhed Jackie into thinking the course would be much, much harder. She ran so easy the whole time till mile 20 that she was able to put in 7-min miles during the last six. I have no doubt in my mind that she would have caught me if the course went on for another mile or two. Wendy Norvell and Beth Frye both finish within a few minutes after us. I am both humbled and thankful to share and finish this journey with this great group of ladies. Grandfather Mountain Marathon is special - it's a celebration of athletic endeavors, the mountains, and friends. And I like to keep it that way.</div>
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Special shout-out to Derek. Thank you for your thoughtful gesture that gave the marathon another layer of meaning and purpose.</div>
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<a href="http://www2.wataugademocrat.com/Sports/story/Boone-resident-wins-Grandfather-Marathon-id-015493" target="_blank">Media Coverage of the race.</a></div>
KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-2215931719197581202014-05-10T16:48:00.001-04:002014-05-10T16:48:30.826-04:00Running and Spiritual Discipline<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We are not built for the mountains and the dawns and aesthetic affinities, those are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle. -Oswald Chambers</blockquote>
Training has been going well, but the increase in mileage and intensity have left me more tired than usual. I went on a solo long run at Crowders today. I forgot that without the great running companions, along with them the extra motivation and captivating conversations, training could be hard! As I pulled myself up the hills, I was reminded of my Promise Land 50k+ experience two weekends ago. I, too, was tired that day.<br />
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Though I ran a decent race, I wasn't happy with it. That is because I know I could have done better, if I had pay more attention to my diet and rest leading up to the race. More than evaluating a race day effort, I need to look at my everyday effort, "on and off the court."<br />
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Spiritual discipline is the same way. We don't pray only when there's a crisis. I can't expect myself to act like Christ in crisis, if I don't strive to live like Him and be more like Him everyday. Races and trials in life are but tests to see how well we prepare ourselves to be the best we could.<br />
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We don't end our runs on podium everyday; but we need to train/eat/rest diligently everyday to be on the podium one day. We don't experience God on the mountaintop everyday; but we go through the valley, the mundane, and the ordinary with God everyday to one day meet Him on the mountaintop.<br />
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At the end of today's run, I learn that I need to fight to be the best everyday like I would on a race day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of the ascent to the Hump Mountain on OVT last weekend.</td></tr>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-37502149748746584732014-03-31T11:42:00.000-04:002014-03-31T18:52:56.024-04:00Leatherwood 50k<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4 ESV).
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leatherwood HQ (Photo credit: Stephanie Moore)</td></tr>
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I’ve always known that running requires not only physical fitness, but also mental power. What I did not realize till this weekend was mental power did not just mean “toughing it out” or “sucking it up” during the race, but it also meant changing our attitude before and during a difficult race.</div>
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Last year while running the Leatherwood 10-miler, I was very glad that I wasn’t running the 50k/mile; but this year, I was going to be that person running the 50k. The weather forecast leading up to the race didn’t look good and it had gotten progressively worse. Knowing the slightest rain would turn the horse trails into mud pits, I was not looking forward to it.</div>
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Just a day before the race, I got an email from <a href="http://karlmeltzer.com/" target="_blank">Karl Meltzer</a> wishing me luck for the race. I had met Karl last year at WC-50 and we kept in contact for coaching. My injuries since the beginning of the year kept me from training but Karl was very kind to keep checking on me. I replied to his email and told him I was dreading the rain. His reply was, “Embrace it.” Well, what a novel idea! At the end, it was his words that got me through the race. For the rest of Friday, I tried changing my attitude towards the pending rain and mud. Everybody has to fight through it. Let’s have fun doing it. </div>
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Race morning came and the rain and mud did not disappoint – constant rain throughout the day and the trails became muddier and muddier. I laughed out loud several times during the race when I turned a corner and saw the long mud slide in front of me. I could see the skid marks where people slid and potholes after potholes where they were calf-deep (for me, at least). Compounding this was the lack of my downhill running skill. Even on a sunny day when the trail is dry, I would still find myself holding back and plodding the steep down. In this case, there wasn't much choice other than submitting to the conditions and embracing it. I slid, fell on my bottom, lost control, twisted sideways, but never face-planted! Two days after the race, I would say that it might be the best downhill training session yet! </div>
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During the first loop, I had leap-frogged the eventual female winner Rachel a few times. She was obviously a much better runner but was taking it very easy on the first 16-mile loop. I let her passed one last time a few miles before finishing the first loop, and watched her ran the downhill so gracefully and effortlessly even in the mud. Back at the aid station, Stephanie filled my bottle up for me. Her husband, Sam Mishler, was sidelined from the 50M due to injuries. Instead of staying dry and comfortable, they chose to volunteer the whole day in this miserable weather. Such wonderful people, as were all the other volunteers. </div>
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The second 14-mile loop was on entirely different trails but they looked almost identical. There was mud. Maybe a few more creek crossings. I’d say that if I were running the 50-miler, my attitude might be different. But knowing that I had over half the course behind me, it was easier to embrace everything. At the end, my legs were not trashed due to nature’s extra cushion on the trails. By this time, I had also learned that there was nothing I could do to prevent from falling or anything while going downhill because every step was unknown and the mud had a mind of its own. While the rain cloud still loomed over us, I had lightened up to enjoy the rest of the run. </div>
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As I have mentioned in previous posts, running ultras is my training ground for becoming a better person. This weekend I have learned that I need to keep my attitude in check because it does change the outlook as well as the outcome of our relationships and endeavors. Count it all joy.<br />
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<a href="http://lwmtnultrarun.com/" target="_blank">Leatherwood Ultras</a></div>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-15541992962911750952014-03-03T16:19:00.002-05:002014-03-03T16:19:18.996-05:00Reflection after Black Mountain and Umstead Marathon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A day after Umstead Marathon, I was stranded at CLT due to flight cancellations and delays. It is only going to be a short trip - which is even shorter now - to renew my work visa. Without my laptop and so much time to burn, I browsed through and caught up in my reading of Runner’s World, Backpackers, and Outdoor. Time didn’t look interesting. I didn’t see the New Yorker. Then, the Harvard Business Journal caught my eyes with bright yellow letters: Work vs Life. While I am sad that we compartmentalize work and consider the rest of our lives outside of work...life, I admit that I struggle with the same thing. We all know the looming fear of Monday after an epic weekend spent with friends, on trails, in a cabin, by the fire, up in the mountains. And when Monday eventually comes…</div>
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In the <a href="http://hbr.org/2014/03/manage-your-work-manage-your-life/ar/1">article</a>, Harvard business students survey over 4,000 executives in regards to their work/life balance and draw conclusions from almost five years' worth of interviews. The key to such balance? Make deliberate choices. And the first choice you have to make is to define your own success.</div>
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Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:8)</blockquote>
The Apostle Paul’s success is found in knowing Christ. After all, “<a href="http://www.creeds.net/Westminster/shorter_catechism.html">Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.</a>” There are many means to this end, whether at work or at play. This has me revisiting my definition of success in life, work, and play (read: running).<br /><br />After not being able to run much in both January and February due to shin and calf issues, I miraculously ran two marathons on back-to-back weekends. These two marathons wouldn't be considered as a success a couple months ago when I was running better without hinderance and injuries. But for now, they are great successes because (1) I plodded through them. (2) I got to spent several hours enjoying the beautiful trails with great company, and also some much needed solitude at times. (3) I am thankful and am mindful that running is a gift. Despite how I feel about my “performance,” I couldn’t help but speculate that God considers these greater success than my other PRs when I neglected all the above. <br /><br />Sometimes I think God takes away things from us for a good reason, namely for our well-being and character that matter more than our desires. My desire might be becoming faster, but that’s an elusive goal. What often follows is I overtrain, I don’t rest enough, and I end up with injuries that set me back. As frustrating as it sounds, sometimes I'm also thankful about it. It reminds me that speed doesn't last. It wakes me up from building my life around running. It rescues me from letting running be my idol. It onces again teaches me that running for me is about becoming a better person, a better employee, a better friend, not just a better/faster runner. Obviously, I, not God, inflict these injuries on myself, but I often find healing when I finally let my desires and pride go. Do I still want to gain speed? Yes! But I want to do it with the right heart and a humble spirit.<br /><br />At any rate, I had a lot of fun the past two weekends. I don't know what this season holds, but I'm looking forward to every adventure that God brings me on, the people I get to share the journey with, and the lesson He wants to teach me.</div>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-28693004968751282662013-12-14T17:27:00.000-05:002013-12-14T17:27:53.672-05:00DNF: Table Rock 50K<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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DNF is a hard pill to swallow, even if it's not your A, or B, or C race for that matter. More than just the initial disappointment and whatever caused the misfortune in the first place, DNFs cast a looming and lingering sense of defeat every time you think about the race, see that race shirt in the closet, and hear someone talks about the race. I hope I could report a race of triumphant perseverance, but this is not the case. </div>
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Since I have written reports on my good races this year, I feel that it's important that I include this one, too. The short story is that I pulled my abductor muscle earlier this week, took two days off, hoped for the best, and toed the start line. When the increasing pain urged me to stop at the aid station at mile 14, I realized I could barely lift my leg up pass 45 degrees. At that point, I realized I had to either take the DNF, or finish the race with an injury.</div>
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Compounding the disappoint is the knowledge that I am not able earn my finisher's hoodie and award made by my friend, Derek. And to end this year with a DNF is very humbling. Never take running for granted, nor getting into a pair of pants, nor climbing into a bathtub.</div>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-17192250326163384472013-11-28T22:44:00.000-05:002013-11-28T22:44:06.701-05:00JFK 50 Mile<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After months of preparation, JFK 50 came and gone. In addition to it being only my second 50-miler, this race is unlike any other which I've done. First of all, JFK is old - the oldest in the States. “In 1962, President John F. Kennedy (JFK) was concerned about the fitness of the nation and got the idea for a 50 mile (80 km) hike from an 1908 Executive Order of then President Theodore Roosevelt, that tested the fitness of U.S. Marine officers by marching 50 miles. In turn, President JFK coyly challenged his staff to hike 50 miles in a day.”<br />
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"The need for increased attention to physical fitness is clearly established. The Government cannot compel us to act, but freedom demands it. A nation is merely a sum of all its citizens, and its strength, energy and resourcefulness can be no greater than theirs." - John F. Kennedy<br />
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Many of these challenges in different parts of the States ceased after the assassination of JFK, but this one in Maryland “changed it's name from the JFK 50 Mile Challenge to the JFK 50 Mile Memorial in 1964” and kept going.<br />
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Secondly, JFK is also big. I have never seen 1000+ runners at an ultra race. I believe the course made this possible. Unlike Leadville 100 with 750 runners, which received a lot of negative feedback in the past two years for congestion on trails, JFK started with two miles of road before getting on the Appalachian Trail and only stayed on the trail for 15 miles. Runners then take the wide Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) towpath, which parallels the Potomac River, for the next 26.3 miles. Finally, runners finish up on some rolling hills back into town.<br />
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All is all, JFK 50 is unique in its historicity, field size, and its variety of terrains -- reasons which led me to registering.<br />
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I drove up the Maryland on Friday for packet pick-up. Upon entering the hotel lobby, I found myself in a mini-expo! Hokas was there to demo shoes. Vendors were there selling JFK apparels and accessories, as well as other running gears. For the short time that I lingered, I saw many veterans -- bumper stickers, shirts, jackets, and patches. Tomorrow I’d find out what kept them coming back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geoffreybakerphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/jfk50_2012-177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://www.geoffreybakerphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/jfk50_2012-177.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geoffreybakerphotography.com/">http://www.geoffreybakerphotography.com</a></td></tr>
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Race started on Nov 23 at 7 a.m. (except for a group of about 100 runners who applied and started at 5 a.m.). I positioned myself with 30-40 runners in front of me, though I knew I wasn't fast. However, I also knew I had to get in a good position to avoid being held up in a bottleneck when we got onto the A.T. The first two miles go continuously up, only vary in degrees. We got onto the A.T. and it continued to go up. The first 5.5 miles of the race gained 1,172’ in elevation. Once we reached the top, steep grade was replaced with gentler grades and a lot more rocks.<br />
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This section of the A.T. was beautiful. Though technical, most of the trail was wider than the usual single-tracks, allowing runners to pass more easily. About a dozen runners passed me during the next 15 miles, which I had expected. Megan Hovis, who ran the race last year (in 7:20!) and had written my training plan for this race, advised me to take this section fairly easy and save my legs. I followed her advice and just soaked in all the scenery as much as I could, knowing I’d be staring down a flat towpath in the next section of the race.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tO8ie7LaXyM/UpgGxKemG5I/AAAAAAAAEPA/GwQglU2nUYc/s1600/1176233_10152117327398973_2060921114_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tO8ie7LaXyM/UpgGxKemG5I/AAAAAAAAEPA/GwQglU2nUYc/s320/1176233_10152117327398973_2060921114_n.jpg" width="212" /></a>At about mile 14.5, the trail transitioned into a steep downhill switch-back, which dropped a 1,000’ in a fraction of a mile. Once on the ground, we continued on the C&O Canal towpath. Oh, the section which I had been dreading. As it turned out, it was long...but wasn't that bad. After finding out in a few occasions that looking up would only bring anxiety and desperation, I kept my head down for the majority of it.<br />
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<b>“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” </b>(Matthew 6:34)<br />
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This scripture pretty much carried me through this section. Doing all that math of how many miles I still had to run did nothing. Worrying about how I were to get through them did nothing. Even trying to distract myself did nothing. However, remembering that I only had to be faithful at each step and the miles would take care of themselves brought peace. I felt as if I was lighter at the thought of that. From then on, I ran from aid station to aid station, even lost track of mileage at one point. It did get tougher and tougher as the miles wore on me, and the lure of stopping and taking walk breaks even between aid stations became louder and louder. I passed some, but also got passed by a few. All that was irrelevant, I was just happy to be there and running.<br />
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At mile 31, I remembered how Veteran Tom Patch had told me the sense of relief he felt having passed a major milestone. At Mile-38 aid station, I remembered the sweet potatoes a gentleman had mentioned earlier (though I saw none!). Then, at Mile 41, a turn sign came into sight. The end of (seemingly) endless towpath! <br />
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Volunteers signalled me to turn onto the road and the rolling hills began. Here, I finally gave in and took walk breaks even between aid stations. Two or three runners who had more left in their legs than I did passed me. All of whom I had leap-frogged the whole race. As big as this race was, I only crossed path with a handful of runners, and had chatted with maybe three of them. “Less than an hour of running,” said a runner whose blue shirt had become a familiar sight, “You got this!” I believed I knew that, too, unfortunately. My mind was at the finish before my body was. More than ever, I wanted to stop. More frequent than ever, I told myself to keep being faithful and keep moving forward. Finally, after two or three other aid stations, the finish was in sight. I pushed, but my legs weren't following. I pushed anyway, till I crossed the finish line. After 8:00:29 of running, I could finally stop. Someone walked up with a big smile to put a medal on me. The race director came up and shook my hand. “You've cracked the top 10. You are our 10th female finisher. Congratulations!” Needless to say, I was shocked, pleasantly so.</div>
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After standing around for a couple minutes, chatting with a few runners, and letting my my mind to clear up, I headed towards the school where post-race food, drop bags, and awards were. I made it to the dining hall, saw the benches and sat down. For the next 15 minutes, I just sat there. I sat and sat till my body felt better, good enough to get up and crawl to get my dropbag. At the award about an hour and a half later, my name was called. I got my trophy, stood in front of a roomful of people, and tried to smile. It was a little...awkward, but in a good way.</div>
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In the season of thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for. But as my friend, Kevin Childs, has reminded me, “to Whom I am thankful > for what I am thankful.” I am grateful and thankful to the One who gives me so much more than I deserve, who walks with me at all times, and who only asks me to be faithful with what has been given.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Media Coverage:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/sports/miller-s-jfk-mile-victory-is-one-of-legendary-proportions/article_765aa1c4-54b2-11e3-aac6-0019bb30f31a.html" target="_blank">Herald Mail Media</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irunfar.com/2013/11/2013-jfk-50-mile-results.html" target="_blank">iRunFar</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">JFK 50 Mile History sources: <br /><a href="http://sneemjfkchallenge.com/history.html">http://sneemjfkchallenge.com/history.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.jfk50mile.org/History/">http://www.jfk50mile.org/History/</a></span></div>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-31687959565466143122013-11-03T21:46:00.000-05:002013-11-03T21:46:09.560-05:00Rocky Raccoon 50k<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." <i>-Marianne Williamson</i></div>
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Marianne Williamson identifies herself as a "spiritual teacher," whose books are "must-reads" of the New Spirituality. She and her work appeal to those "seeking a relationship with God that is not strictly tethered to Christianity," according to the Time Magazine. I can't recall from where I first read this quote, but it came to mind while running the Rocky Raccoon 50k this past Saturday. I want to mention the background of the quote because while it resonates, I read and understand it in light of my own spirituality and beliefs, which is Christianity. Lately, I've been examining my own fears. Running has helped me become a better person in ways that I never expect. Many of my fears, like fear of failure and commitment, manifest itself through running. This time, it's the fear of "what if I could?"</div>
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<a href="http://chevydriveshouston.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/huntsville-state-park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://chevydriveshouston.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/huntsville-state-park.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Truth be told, the Rocky Raccoon 50K was another of my long training runs. I wasn't prepared to give a race effort. The course consists of two 25k loop at Huntsville State Park, TX. I was in Austin for work earlier the week and I just couldn't pass up the chance to running a race on new trails and a new state! The race started at 7 a.m. Weather was crisp on this November morning. I ran the first loop fairly easy in 2:30 and felt good - other than a pit stop in the woods. At the start of the second loop, I felt good enough to put in a little more effort while still keeping it very comfortable. When I came into the first aid station, one of the volunteers looked at his watch and told me the first female was about four minutes ahead. I knew that since that section was an out-and-back and I saw her on her way out. Not only had I no intention to chase her down, I probably couldn't if I tried. Oddly enough, as I left the aid station and turned a corner, she was right in front of me, stepping out from a porta-john. As for me, my stomach still wasn't well - so it's porta-john now or the woods again later. I chose porta-john. After finishing my "business" and started running, I was right behind her again! This time, I found her walking. I slowed to see whether she was doing okay. She looked puzzle for a second, and then showed me the scratches on her legs. She had a spill and was walking it out. Seeing she's alright, I started running again, left her with "I"ll see you soon," and fully expected her to catch up.</div>
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One thing I like about races is having aid stations that mentally break up the distance for me. Instead of "I still have 20 miles to go," my mind thinks "5 miles to the next aid." That helps a ton. After that first aid station, the next one would be in four miles, then another in five miles, then the finish! The sandy/gravel double-tracks freed me from devoting all my attention at my feet, let my mind wander, be quiet, and pray. As 15-miles-left became 12, then eight, then five, my head came back to what's at hand. She still had not caught up with me yet. Part of me almost hoped she had by now, so I could stop wondering. Then it hit me. I was afraid that I could...win? It seemed to be within reach. Should I pick it up and actually try to hold onto the lead? That seemed to be the logical thing to do. But...it wouldn't be comfortable. It was then I realized my fear wasn't inadequacy. My fear was being uncomfortable and being vulnerable in the process of becoming more.</div>
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"<b>...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.</b>" <i>2 Timothy 1:7</i></div>
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Apostle Paul wasn't talking about winning a race, nor was implying that we should not fear anything. Rather, he was instructing believers to be bold in sharing the Good News, even if that meant suffering like he was, in prison. God called each of us to be light, to be better people, and to be more Christ-like, even if that means being uncomfortable and vulnerable in doing so. What if we are so much more than what we limit ourselves? What if we are "powerful beyond measure" because of how God has made us and is continuously molding us? With that thought, I couldn't shy away from at least trying, even if that meant a little out of breath and risking failure.</div>
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p.s.I did hold onto my lead and finished the second loop in 2:23.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image belongs to Your Sporting Image by Karen Thibodeaux<br /><a href="http://www.racephotonetwork.com/">http://www.racephotonetwork.com/</a></td></tr>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-79610144797588552722013-10-09T11:48:00.000-04:002013-10-09T13:11:58.217-04:00Triple Lake 40<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you want to read a good race recap, you should read <a href="http://www.news-record.com/sports/article_b6d35644-3066-11e3-be99-001a4bcf6878.html" target="_blank">this</a>. I know; it’s a different race, by a different person. But it’s a great read, written by my friend, Derek, who is a trooper and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rabid-Squirrel/229461610413841" target="_blank">a giant squirrel</a>.<br />
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Now, back to Triple Lake 40 on Oct. 5, 2013.<br />
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I love long distance. Define “long” however you like; for me, it has always meant longer than I’d like to or normally run. At the moment, a 40-miler is long. Perhaps one day, a 50-miler will still not be enough. The reason I like running long distance, or pushing a little further than I am accustomed to, is because I get to experience so much more both emotionally and physically. Anything shorter than a 50k is somewhat predictable. I can expect that I’ll take me a couple miles to warm up, then there will come a low point, then there will be time I’m just cruising, then I’ll be done. But a new distance, like a 40-miler, is different. There’s both a thrill and a fear in not knowing what to expect. Am I running too fast? How will my legs respond to a new distance? Am I drinking or eating enough? Am I going to be in pain and hate every minute of it? At the end, it’s always a long but worthy journey where I get to experience multiple lows and ups, test my patience, endurance, and perseverance, and face many fears and demons in my head.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ran a lot of Greensboro's Watershed Trails System</td></tr>
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The day started with meeting at Val’s place at 5 a.m. and carpooling up to Greensboro. Val is an amazing-all-around runner. She runs track, cross-country, road, trails, ultras, and is now training for a 100-miler. I want to be like her when I grow up…except that she’s younger than I am. We arrived at Bur Mil Park two hours later, picked up our packets, lined up for potty twice, and waited at the start. <a href="http://triplelakesrace.com/" target="_blank">Triple Lakes races</a> offer three distances: a half marathon, marathon, and the 40-miler. I have originally signed up for the marathon, but emailed the RD to move to the 40. His response was: “You have till mile 11 to decide.” And I took his word to heart. Toeing the start line, I still wasn't sure which distance I’d do.<br />
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We started the race five minutes after the half-marathoners. The first mile was on road and the lead pack was off. By the time I got onto the single tracks, we were all spread out. Other than leap-frogging a few people a couple times, I ran the majority of the race by myself. When the split at mile 11 came, which was too soon, I felt decent enough that I couldn’t find an excuse not to go for the 40 – so I did. <br />
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Plunging into the unknown, I tried to keep the calm and just run an easy pace. The low(s) came fairly soon. At mile 15, my legs were already telling me they didn't want to take more beating. Earlier when I said the split was too soon, I meant if the split was at mile 20, I’d gladly run the marathon. There were not many, if any, highs for the rest of the way. Just me trucking along, learning to be patient, accepting things the way they were, and taking it one step at a time.<br />
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The realization that I was only at mile 26 and that I still had 14 miles to go was daunting. 14 miles were long at that point. As any runner would know, there’s no easy way out, only keep on moving forward. As much as I wanted the race to be over, I also found myself at peace. Since I knew I had a couple more hours on trails, I let myself took the time to walk when I felt like, to stop focusing on pain, and to look around and enjoy the trail itself. I suppose there’s no better way to face a fear than getting through it. <br />
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Before the race, Val had warned me about the extra bit of running around a lake before the finish. When I got off the trails into an open field, I knew I was close but I also warned myself to prepare for more. After making my way around the lake, I was still expecting more but I saw the blow-up finish line right before me. That was the best surprise of all and the best way to end a long journey.<br />
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Running makes, shapes, and molds us to be better people because so much of running is like living life. At Tripe Lake, I learned to face fear a little better; but it was not done without the knowledge of this: <br />
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“I know who goes before me;<br />
I know who stands behind;<br />
The God of angel armies<br />
Is always by my side.” -<i>Chris Tomlin - Whom
Shall I Fear</i></blockquote>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-29279478630077042732013-09-23T12:01:00.002-04:002013-09-25T07:42:30.319-04:00Georgia Jewel Weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My last-minute decision to run the Georgia Jewel 35-miler last weekend turns out to be a good one. A group of friends had made plans and arrangements to go, running all distances: 35, 50, and 100! Everything was in place, I couldn't pass up the fun to run with old friends and meet new ones, and see Sully running a difficult 100!<br />
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A storm was passing through on Saturday and it was torrential downpour from the start at 5 a.m.! The first 10 miles through the "rock garden" was difficult for me. It was hard to see through the heavy rain and fog in the dark with my glasses and crappy headlamp (Lesson learned: I'm investing in a better headlamp - it's worth it). Sky lightened up after the first 10 miles and we also got to run on smoother single-tracks. I was able to pick up my pace a bit and caught up with a few that passed me during the Rock Garden. Unlike the point-to-point 50-miler, the 35-miler was an out-and-back. During the return trip, some sections of the trail had now become gushing streams... I took extra cautions since the ankle deep water was hiding the rocks. Later, I was told that one river crossing for the 50 & 100-miler swept away two runners and a truck was floating trying to cross it! Crazy! I finished the race in 7 hours flat.<br />
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Aside from learning the importance of a headlamp, something said in the race briefing carried me through the run. Our group had joked about how the brief was ...a little less than informative. But one thing Jeremy, one of the race directors had said in the meeting stuck with me, unknowingly, till I was on the course wondering how I was going to get through this "misery": <b>Become a better person</b>. Overcoming hardship and difficulties builds character. Jeremy reminds us that when we have enough perseverance and courage to run through certain distances and difficulties, we, inevitably, will become better people. That was what carried me through the race. When I felt inadequate at the Rock Garden, when I was discouraged by being passed by so many, when the rain got heavier and heavier, and when I just wanted to stop, the phrase turned these difficulties to an opportunity of growth. Running the race is not just about being fast, or faster than the next person, but learning and growing as a person through difficulties, struggles, discouragement, and disappointments. I want to finish the race well and return home as my better (yet still-in-the-works) self. I hope I have done just that. Thank you, Jeremy!<br />
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While Joe and I had both finished the 35-miler, Angie, Katie, and Rachael were still running their 50-miler. We headed to the 50-mile turn-around to hang out with Jason's crew: Nick, Bryan, and Annie. They were incredible at taking care of Jason, from cooking, tending to his needs, to encouraging him to keep going. Here, I learned the importance of a supportive crew: Don't attempt a 100-miler without one! In the next 24 hours, when I showered, ate, slept, and ate again, Jason and his pacer Annie were still out on the course. A couple minutes passed 11 a.m. on Sunday, we saw two figures emerged from the trees, both carrying a huge smile. Right before the finish line, Jason threw his two hand-helds into the sky, let out a beastly cry, and concluded an epic journey.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sully with his 5th buckle.</td></tr>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-77368964165908813252013-08-11T19:43:00.001-04:002013-08-11T20:32:27.837-04:00Annihilator 50K: An honest effort<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This summer has proven to be eventful. June kicked off with a mission trip in Haiti and onward to spending the rest of June with eMi in Calgary, AB. I even had a taste of Big Horn, which resulted in agonizing headache and a DNF. July was marked with adjusting back to normal, but pierced with excitements like the Grandfather Mountain marathon and family visiting & a road trip. Comes August, the first event was the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ultraannihilator">Annihilator 50K</a> at South Mountain.<br />
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The Annihilator 50K was put on by Mark Connolly and Tim Woden from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigfootTrailRunners">Bigfoot Trail Runners</a>. On its Facebook event site, there's only one description: "If quads could cry this course will draw many tears." The race boasts its 9000+' gain and equal amount of loss, plus the heat and humidity of Carolina summer. Despite knowing how hard it was going to be, I was looking forward to a day - like an eight-hour work day - in the woods and mountains. The past two months of travelling and extroverted activities had their toll on me and I craved for a prolonged solitude. Not much of a racer, I set my two goals of this race to be<b> (1) to put in an honest effort; (2) to enjoy solitude and find company in God alone.</b><br />
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In an overcast and muggy morning and at the sound of an air horn which caught me off guard, we were off. I was happy to find myself in the middle of the crowd because I didn't want to be sucked/tempted into a faster pace. The climb started right away and as people passed me by, I reminded myself that I wanted to "put in an honest effort," not "run the race faster than the next person," or "run at other people's paces." Around two miles in, the race crowd had thinned out where only one or two runners were in sight.<br />
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The course is carefully designed to feature the most elevation gain, as well as the beauty of trails and the park. It's divided into five sections: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Echo. Each section, except for Bravo, is about 5-6 miles. According to Mark, Bravo, which is a 8.47-mile stretch, will "make or break your race." That section alone has 3000' gain. While a lot of the race is on horse trails, there are also some technical downhill sections that I'm not skilled at. I leap-frogged Carin, the eventual 3rd place female, and Paul Geist from Charlotte, getting passed by them as they fly down the steep and technical downhill and catching up to them at the climbs. The diversity of trails and terrain is another reason to love this race. More than speed alone, it tests your various skills as a runner.<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/200164_376457769141867_1910387419_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/200164_376457769141867_1910387419_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
I kept a decent running effort through the first two sections, but my legs started to hurt after a long, steep downhill during the second half of Bravo. I slowed down a little running down in hopes of saving my legs. As I looked at my watch to see 15.xx miles, I knew it was going to hurt for the rest of the race. "An honest effort," I repeated to myself. I could be slow as a snail and crawl as needed, as long as it was an honest effort where I gave what I could/should, that'd be fine.<br />
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Leaving the Bravo aid station, section Charlie began with trails and rock formations that led to sets of stairs up a waterfall. To focus on the positive, the sight and sound were unmatched by other trails (so was the difficulty). It was also later in this section where I caught glimpses of big blue sky and mountain ranges, which gave me a boost of energy and steered my focus away from pain. The Raven Rock aid station marked the 21 mile point of the race, and RD Tim was there waiting for us. He told me Val, the first female, was not too far ahead. "Blah blah blah," I plugged my ear as I laughed, "I don't want to know!"<br />
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The fourth section, Delta, started with a mile of road. It must be around noon at that point and the heat was building up. I kept wishing for the orange survey flags that would direct us back to the trail. Unlike other sections, Delta has a couple miles of downhill. It could deceitfully sound like a relief, but I knew I'd be in a world of hurt. All adventure has ups and downs, right? As I stiffen up and as pain increased, I was reminded not to lose sight of the beauty and joy while in trials.<br />
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<i>"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."</i> <i>(James 1:2-4)</i></blockquote>
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At the end of Saddleback trail was a sign that directed us to the Equestrian Aid Station. It's a 0.3 mile stretch to which we'd return as we began the final section, Echo. I was expecting to see Carin here after that long stretch of downhill; to my surprise, I didn't. Six miles, six miles to go in the race. Oh, and two more climbs, as the nice lady at the aid station pointed out.<b> If holding myself to an honest effort pulled me back from running too fast in the beginning, the same promise had kept me running - not walking - at the end.</b> Up to this point, I had been enjoying the race, though my body had been begging me to stop since mile 20. I found out later that the original course design capped the elevation gain at 7500'. Mark, somehow, managed to squeeze in another huge climb which added the gain to 9000'. I felt every 1500' of it. At the final minutes of my suffering, no sight was sweeter than the sign that pointed to "Finish. 1 mile." I reached the end of the trail (which, of course, was an ankle-twisting, rocky, rooty, and slippery final mile), ran across the parking lot, touched Knobby, and concluded the most difficult 50k...yet.</div>
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My finish time was 6:21. Val finished 13 minutes ahead of me - there's no way I could catch her even if I tried. Thank you Mark and Tim for putting on such a wonderful race. And <a href="http://trailsandjubilation.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Brandon Thrower</a> who helped designed the course and volunteered race day. Thank you, <a href="http://www.runsonpbandj.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anji</a>, fellow runner and carpool buddy who shared this experience with me. This is a race that will not only inspire you to become a better runner, but a better person. And I'm truly thankful for that.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>** All photos of trails belong to Bigfoot Trail Runners. The last photo of Carin and I belongs to Chad Randolph.</i></span></div>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-50201816188714720142013-06-22T16:15:00.000-04:002013-06-27T16:44:16.197-04:00Haiti, Wyoming, and Calgary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nose Hill</td></tr>
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The month of June thus far...<br />
<b>May 31 - June 9</b>: Port-au-Prince, Haiti with eMi - read report <a href="http://eepurl.com/AIbh9" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<b>June 11</b>: Fly to Calgary<br />
<b>June 13-17</b>: Calgary > Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming > Lethbirdge, AB > Calgary<br />
<b>June 17 - July</b>: Calgary<br />
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The torrential rain in the past week flooded a couple towns, including Canmore, Banff, and downtown Calgary. Hence, I'm staying put for the first time in awhile, sipping coffee and organizing my thoughts and experiences. While travelling and seeing new things are always exciting, this is really why I am here: to find solitude, to listen, and to reflect in order to become a better servant. In the past week, my daily routine has been getting up early, go for a run (more on that later), get to the eMi office, work on the Haiti project, and come home. Sounds just like what I do at home in Charlotte, right? It is. With the difference being I have the orphans, <a href="http://ericandbeth.us/" target="_blank">Bethany</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LifeIsHopeSouth" target="_blank">Pastor Jean</a> on my mind all day while at "work." I like that I'm not serving clients; but serving my friends and those in dire needs.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9s7vLuOOn10/UcYDIFPZVCI/AAAAAAAADsM/ZDTDntxF8_k/s1600/NoseHill-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9s7vLuOOn10/UcYDIFPZVCI/AAAAAAAADsM/ZDTDntxF8_k/s320/NoseHill-map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My host family lives a mile away from this amazing park called Nose Hill, which covers 4.35 sq. mi of grasslands. It has over 37 miles of maintained trail, dirt and gravel, and many more of undocumented single tracks, which are usually more interesting in terms of both terrain and scenery. Unlike anywhere in North Carolina, there aren't many trees in the prairie. The baldy looking grassland can be deceiving, however. The gentle gradual slope is always longer and steeper than I anticipate. With Calgary sitting on 4000', I've been grasping for air with the slightest elevation gain this whole week. It can be demoralizing when running 5 miles feels like 10. Anyhow, I've enjoy my morning outings and have set my mind to explore all the trails (not in one setting) before I leave.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_p634Tz5eI/UcYDiqFf8lI/AAAAAAAADsU/KF9uhjsYNPY/s1600/NoseHill-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_p634Tz5eI/UcYDiqFf8lI/AAAAAAAADsU/KF9uhjsYNPY/s400/NoseHill-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nose Hill in NW Calgary overlooks much of the city.</td></tr>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-14756809542281856812013-04-28T23:08:00.000-04:002013-06-27T16:44:49.200-04:00Post-Boston<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design by Derek Cernak</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">I finished my first Boston marathon two weeks ago. A prestige, perhaps the most well-known marathon in the world. The marathon itself was great and the crowd support was unparalleled to anything I had experienced. I suffered the last couple miles and was reduced to a walk multiple times during the last two miles. While I wasn't happy about that, I could honestly say I had left everything on the course. The four-months journey, as mentioned in the<a href="http://phyllisneriah.blogspot.com/2013/04/pre-boston-thoughts.html" target="_blank"> last post</a>, was great. Frankly, even more memorable than the race itself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">An hour after I crossed the finis line was when everything changed. By the time I walked through the shoot to get my medal, space blanket, food, and drop bag, I was almost at my hotel. I waited in the room for my friends, Emily and Anji to come back. And they did. Not too long after their return, we started hearing sirens and that was when Anji got a phone call. She picked up and I heard, "What!?" My heart sank. That didn't sound good and I was right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Something this sinister and tragic is difficult to comprehend. Shortly after we, as well as the whole world, got the news. SMS, facebook posts, and messages came flooding in from our caring friends and family. Just as we thought we had accounted the safety for everyone we knew, we realized we were wrong. I had no words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">I read <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2013/04/16/runners-marathon-does-matter/44MWhtzt02O5sQ8G9HSK7L/story.html" target="_blank">an article</a> a couple days afterwards about why the marathon still matters and that our finishes still matter despite the tragedy. I understand the point of view, but I don't feel that way. People have lost their lives and their legs in the bombing. It's not because I didn't feel right to celebrate a marathon finish and a 5-minute PR, I just couldn't find the joy to be celebrating. To all my friends who genuinely congratulated me, all I could mustered was an indifferent "thank you." Was that sadness? Maybe. I felt hallowed.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run Your Heart for Boston (Photo by: Chris Page)</td></tr>
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The Charlotte running community was as shocked as I was. Rob asked me if we could host an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/436541279772529/" target="_blank">unsanctioned race</a> to raise funds for the Gross family. Of course we could. I did my usual thing in creating a Facebook event and support came in overwhelmingly. First was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vac-Dash/91888241668" target="_blank">Vac and Dash</a> who printed all our shirt, then came <a href="http://davidsontiming.com/2013/04/run-your-heart-for-boston/" target="_blank">Davidson Timing</a>. Then <a href="http://www.charlotterunningclub.org/" target="_blank">Charlotte Running Club</a>, plus many more. If two men decided to use their free will to do something evil, the running community had shown me we could also response with our free will to do good. I'm thankful for that. Rob's idea eventually became a gathering of 300+ runners with over $17,000 raised. None of us could have done it alone, but together we did it. </div>
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Strangely, I felt a bit of closure after today, though I know this is only the beginning for the Gross family. I also know our effort and support won't stop after today. I'm a firm believer that God could turn a curse into a blessing, and I pray that He would.</div>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-38967232518169380692013-04-11T10:45:00.000-04:002013-06-27T16:45:12.201-04:00Pre-Boston Thoughts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Over the past few months of training for Boston, I've learned a lot about running, training, and racing. It's not my first time running a marathon, obviously, but it's my first time to "properly" train for one. By properly I mean having a plan, following a plan, and sticking to each specific workouts like intervals, tempo, long, and recovery runs. As I'm writing this (4.10), the result of my training is unknown. What I do know is that it has been a wonderful journey with equally wonderful people. I've learned to be (somewhat) disciplined, to run with less fear, and to trust my coach. Let me unpack each one.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamey Yon</td></tr>
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CONSISTENCY</div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">It all begins with having <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TRiYonPerformance" target="_blank">Jamey Yon</a> as my coach. He's a former pro, a humble athlete with tremendous talent and achievement, hardworking, a father of five, a faithful Christian, a knowledgeable and caring <a href="http://www.triyonperformance.com/" target="_blank">coach</a>...all in all a great human being. When he started to write my training plan for Boston, the first thing he said was, "You need consistency." Knowing that it's always been something I lack, I took it to heart. Since January, I started dragging myself out of bed at 4:30 a.m. to run with the TRi-Yon Team in Freedom Park area every Monday and Wednesday. Getting up never gets easier, especially in 27-degree weather. But gradually, seeing the team becomes a habit of mine and these 5:30 a.m. workouts become something I look forward to. I'm especially thankful for a couple of people that I get to know more and I love chasing them around. Though I think I'm going to revert back to winging my training after Boston - at least for a short period of time - this bit of consistency/discipline is something I'd preserve. </span></div>
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FEAR</div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">I hate speed work; but it'd be more appropriate to say that I am afraid of running uncomfortable. As humans, it's our tendency to avoid pain and pursue pleasure. (Yes, I'm blaming it on simply being human.) I've read that our brain tells us to stay still out of self-preservation, which explains our laziness. Running and running hard defy that. I've grown to appreciate intervals and threshold runs a little more now with the TY team who suffers with me and pushes me. There are moments I remember distinctly that I have to tell myself not to fear the forthcoming agony and let my legs go without limiting myself within the comfortable zone. I call it finding peace in the midst of agony. C'est la vie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Beside the fear of being uncomfortable, there's a deeper fear that I've come to face. I am afraid of disappointment. What if my fast is not fast enough? What if I couldn't run what I think I could? And what my coach thinks I could? Sometimes it paralyzes me to even having a goal. This, I'm still learning... With that said, I haven't commit myself to a time at Boston though I have some expectations. </span><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">The thought of pushing my pace (even a little) for 26.2 miles turns my stomach. "Grow into the workout," Jamey likes to tell us. I'll let myself go by how I feel and hopefully "grow into" the race. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">TRUST</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Lastly, trusting my coach and the training we've put into the race. There are so many variables at a race and I could only put my faith into the fact that my training so far will bring me through the miles. I'm relatively new to running and could only trust someone more knowledgeable, who is my coach Jamey. Ultimately, I trust the Coach up there who has gifted me (and us) an amazing body to do incredible things. Sometimes I feel that chasing after a time is vanity, but not if it is a celebration and testimony to virtues, discipline, and His creation. He deserves all the glory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">T-3 days.</span><br />
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-71936652369285974592013-03-03T22:43:00.000-05:002013-03-03T22:43:27.297-05:00Training Continues<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tour de Lake Norman State Park Crew</td></tr>
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After Mill Stone 50k, I'm back on track with training for Boston, which essentially means no more races. However, I've managed to find good people and places to run with.<br />
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Feb. 16: Paced Maggie for all 26.2 at Myrtle Beach Marathon. The course itself was...bleh. But the pre- and post-race festivities were fun with the Vac & Dash peeps. I fine pacing parallels walking with others in life - to carry other's burden (or water bottle and gels), to be by his/her side (also means walking/running in their pace), and to put other's needs first. Since I didn't decide to pace the whole distance till the last week, I paid a steep price to run the race. While this was entirely bad planning on my part, walking with others does require us to make sacrifices sometimes...<br />
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Feb. 23: Emily recruited me to man an aid station at Charlotte 10 miler. With guaranteed rain in the morning of the race, I agreed only reluctantly. Standing in the rain and cold was as miserable as imagined. Fortunately, Eimear and Gina were there to joke and laugh. What great attitude they have. A little after 9 a.m., Emily and I met up with Adrienne for our long run. Now running in the rain was a lot more fun than standing around. Good company beats bad weather any day.<br />
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Mar. 2: Brandon mapped out a good 18.5 loop at Lake Norman State Park. Nothing like a long run on new (to me) trails with some of my favorite trail peeps. Beth even drove down from Boone to join us. The route Brandon mapped out consists of an initial 5 miles on hiking trails, then 1.5 mile on state park road that brought us to the trail head of a MTB trail loop (6 miles). After that, we ran further along on State Park road to hop onto another MTB trail loop before retracing our steps on State park road and the hiking trail we started with to finish. Normally, I wouldn't be able to hang with Brandon, Rob, and Beth, but they were all taking it easy. It was fun to stick with them the whole time and finish together. Afterwards, we hang out at the parking lot for quite some time. Don even brought speaker and put some tunes on. Thanks Terri for the awesome guacamole, one of my favorite things after a long run.<br />
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I need a 20-miler next week. Any suggestions?</div>
KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-59527480446068773522013-02-10T22:39:00.000-05:002013-06-27T16:45:26.385-04:00Mill Stone 50k<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iqpRBXxhzkU/URhlt69rzSI/AAAAAAAADG4/7yU3Ud39H2Q/s1600/223510_10151713757592586_952765722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iqpRBXxhzkU/URhlt69rzSI/AAAAAAAADG4/7yU3Ud39H2Q/s200/223510_10151713757592586_952765722_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humourous sign by Trish<br />
Photo Credit: Andrew Swistak</td></tr>
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The most memorable runs are always the ones you had to suffer the most and fight the hardest. Up till I moved a couple months ago, I had saved most of my race bibs from the last two to three years of running. Moving 20-30 pieces of paper wasn't hard; however, I realized many of them weren't worth saving. While packing and going through the race-related pile, I ended up only saving a self-made trail map with the Looking Glass Look Around route, the West Virginia Trilogy bib, and a bib with my trail name on it from Rabid Squirrel (which technically was not a race). Those races/runs have a special place in my heart for the lessons I learned from them, the people I met/ran with, and the struggles I had to overcome. Adding to the list of memorable races is the <a href="http://rockhillstriders.wordpress.com/asc-greenway-50k/" target="_blank">Mill Stone 50k</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8H081NkDVls/URhmCVAg5yI/AAAAAAAADHA/WcCQBQJXA58/s1600/65198_10151713764302586_532704245_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8H081NkDVls/URhmCVAg5yI/AAAAAAAADHA/WcCQBQJXA58/s320/65198_10151713764302586_532704245_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Andrew Swistak</td></tr>
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When I signed up for the race while still recovering from my calf & shin injuries, I wasn't even sure I'd be able to run it. However, I wanted to support my Rock Hill Striders friends for putting on this inaugural ultra race. Yesterday, I was happy that I was able to run it, but it wasn't easy. The course consists of running a 10.5-mile loop three times. I went out at a steady pace, which I still think was the right pace...if I had add in walk breaks earlier. The undulating course encouraged continuous running, which was what I did for the first two loops. The problem was my body wasn't ready for it after being out of the ultra scene for a couple months. At the end of the second loop, I felt the toll of the constant up-and-downs had taken on me. My splits for the third loop was at least a minute slower than the first two, understandably due to the extra walking I had to do.<br />
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Some wise people once told me that we run the first one-third of the marathon with our legs, the second third with our mind, and the last third with your heart. My last loop of the race was definitely ran with my heart. Out of nowhere, "keep fighting" came to mind. "Fight" is not in my day-to-day vocabulary. But somehow, at that moment, I was reminded to give this race a fighting chance. Then I remember this scripture:<br />
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The LORD your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness, where you have seen how the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place. (Deuteronomy 1:30-31 ESV)</blockquote>
Sometimes, be still is to keep fighting the battle which God has put before you and to know that the outcome is in God's hands.<br />
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While the aid stations were spaced out perfectly, that 3.5 miles from the last aid station to the finish line felt like miles and miles away. And by now, each little up is a workout (or a hike). Slowly but surely, the aid station at the start/finish after climbing up the gravel road came into sight - a very, very welcomed sight. Once crossed the finish line, a medal in the shape of a mill stone was placed around my neck and I was greeted with many smiling faces, including Lito's!<br />
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Thank you, Rock Hill Striders and all the volunteers (Craig, Terri, Don, Trish, Hope, Scott...and many others). It's very special to see so many familiar faces, either running with me, volunteering, or simply being there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLC6SIXU1Kc/URhmSL7rYUI/AAAAAAAADHI/q54mirQM-bc/s1600/StoneMill_p_creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLC6SIXU1Kc/URhmSL7rYUI/AAAAAAAADHI/q54mirQM-bc/s320/StoneMill_p_creek.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look, I ran across a creek; I am a trail runner!<br />
Photo Credit: Don Rice</td></tr>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-65153231250867690162013-01-14T12:58:00.001-05:002013-01-14T12:58:48.909-05:00The Uwharrie Journey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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“Then something Tookish woke up inside him, and he wished to go and see the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As an unwritten
tradition from the Runner's Book of Common Practice, runners like to run the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>mileage equivalent to their age to celebrate their birthday. But as one ages, or his/her ability to run
significant miles limits by injuries or other reasons, s/he has to find a
loophole to such practice. As a true Canadian as I am, I have decided to run my
age in kilometers instead of miles. Still, that’s 19.26 miles to be run. Coincidentally, I have scheduled a group run at Uwharrie to run
the point-to-point 20 mile course this past Saturday without realizing that it could be my "birthday run."
At least these would be hard-earned kilometers, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday morning
we arrived at the Wood Run Trail head in dense fog. The six of us (Brandon,
Hannah, Richard, Amy, Sharon, and I) then shuttle first to the 8-miler finish
to drop off aids and Hannah’s car, then onto the Jumping Off Rock Trailhead (official
start of race) to start our run. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. We started our GPS
devices and off we went. Not even a minute into the run, I lost sight of
Brandon Thrower, who’s training for a sub-7 finish in a couple weeks, then
Hannah following tightly after. Up and up we went on the rocky trail for the
first mile. Amy, as usual, hung back and enjoyed her time in the woods. Richard,
Sharon, and I hung together for the most part. After the first ascent, the
trail flattens out to constant but runnable rolling hills. The first eight miles were very enjoyable,
with our energy and spirit both high. 1:37 later, we reached the eight-miler
finish. Hannah was already there. We refilled our bottles and set off with
Hannah again. She decided to do another mile of out-and-back to finish out the
day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The temperature
was rising and the sun cleared the fog away as we ran. It turned out to be a
beautiful day. As I revisited the trail and these creek-crossings, I remembered
how difficult it was for me a year ago, when I had my first DNF. This time, it
was a lot more fun and I appreciated the trail and its beauty a lot more.
Perhaps it was because I was in a different mindset, too. A year ago it was a
race (and I wasn’t much of a racer, and still am not), but this time, it was a
journey, like the Hobbits! At this thought, my steps lightened up and continued
on with my wide, wide feet (Altra).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">About 13 miles
into the run, Jonathan came running from the opposite direction! He overslept
but came anyway to run an out-and-back from Jumping Off Rocks TH. See, an
unexpected journey. At this point, Sharon and I were ahead of Richard and
Jonathan kept on running the opposite direction till he caught Richard. He then
turned around, caught up with us, and we ran together for the rest of the way. Soon after he caught back up with us, we found
ourselves at a tricky turn and we were so glad that he who was familiar with
the trail was there. Otherwise, we probably would end up spending another
couple minutes wandering around trying to find our ways like we did a couple
times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If there were a
low point of the run, it would be at around 15-18. However, I think it was all
psychological. I couldn’t take my mind off thinking about finishing, but yet five
miles on trails were neither quick nor easy. My water was also getting low. Who
would have thought I would sweat this much in January? Thankfully, Jonathan was
there and our dispersed conversations drew me back to enjoying the company,
running, the trail, and the journey itself. When we ran pass the 1-mile wooden
plaque, I felt a hint of sadness that the run is almost over!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All in all, I’m
happy with this run and it’s one that I’d remember. Here’s to more great
mountains to be seen, pine-trees and waterfalls to be heard, and more woods to
be explored.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622536892718401171.post-51580987231795521012012-12-25T14:58:00.002-05:002013-06-27T16:46:27.811-04:00Five Days of Decision<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last Thursday, an email from Rocky Raccoon's RD unexpectedly arrived in my inbox, informing me that I'm moved from the wait list (of over 100 names before mine) to the runner list. I have been given five days to make a decision whether I want the spot and that has been on my mind since. Today is the day.<br />
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A lot has happened in the last couple days. My weekend started Friday after work when I drove 3+ hour to Daniel Boone Camp, about 30 miles southwest of Asheville, to take part in the Art Loeb Trail Adventure Run by WNC Trail Runner. There were about 20 of us in the cabin (Yes, I didn't have to camp!) and it was such a fun gathering of runners. Next morning, they set out promptly at 6 a.m. to the other end of Art Loeb Trail at Davidson River Campground while I stayed behind for a little longer to start from this end of the trail for a much shorter version. The trail head is not even a quarter mile from our lodge and it goes up immediately. I ran, hiked, skipped, and climbed along, so thankful to be in God's playground once again. After the first initial climb, the trail levels out a bit and runs along the side of the mountain. My thoughts naturally winded back to Rocky Raccoon, the decision to be made at hand. Should I do it? 50 miles is a lot of distance for someone who's only been doing 2 to 2.5-hour long runs. Is it worthwhile to risk re-injuring? The lure to do something outside of reach is great.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep Gap</td></tr>
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That's my first sight after making it up to Deep Gap. I think I'd love running up mountains either way, but the reward of a breathtaking view definitely sweeten the deal. I ran along the ridge line some more, stopping and enjoying the view here and there. Running without any pressure and expectation helps me to appreciate the surroundings and running itself so much more. This was when I thought, "No, I'm not running Rocky Raccoon so I could do more of this."</div>
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I finished my run shortly after 11, made it back to the lodge, changed and got ready to go. Later, I heard from Stan that the fastest runner, Mad A, finished the whole 30+ mile run at 2 p.m.-ish - absolutely incredible. I was bummed that I couldn't stay longer to enjoy more of their company and trail stories, but I had something else waiting for me back in Charlotte.</div>
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Three hours later, I found myself at Piper Glen Starbucks, meeting up with Peter from Vac and Dash for our SLR Unsanctioned Run #4 - Ugly Christmas Sweater Run's packet pick-up. Peter was already there, with shirts and bags already spread out on the tables, ready for runners. About 14 people came, more than I expected. Besides having a packet pick-up for the first time, this was also the first time I had to put up signs for turns for a new loop off the greenway. Doing the loop both ways (out-and-back) puts us at <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/157607233" target="_blank">13.1 miles</a> and adds a little hill to change things up a bit. Going forward, I'd like to stick to this half marathon course.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful runners in ugly sweaters</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Occupy Starbucks</td></tr>
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Came Sunday morning, I found myself back at the same Starbucks at 6:30 a.m. Peter, Brandy, and Connie were there already - once again - all set up and ready to go. It was cold, around 28 degrees. The weather didn't warm up much at all, but to my surprise, about 70 runners still showed up. My legs felt good after yesterday so I decided to start with the runners and ran to the turn-around aid station to see Kate and Jessica. 6.5 miles at around 7:50 pace. My breathing was fine, but my calf wasn't as good. Will I be ready in six weeks? I didn't linger in that thought too long because "Occupy Starbucks" commenced after the race. Everyone seemed to enjoy the over-abundance of baked goods, coffee, and fellowship. I love the SLR crew and the running community. Isn't this a large part of why we run?<br />
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Monday morning was back to the elliptical for me. I have learned to appreciate it more over the past two months. Staring at the words, "stop if you feel pain, nausea..." my mind was once again somewhere else. I thought about the ethics of spending money on races and the travel expenses that accompany them. I thought about the call to take poverty personally and to share the suffering of others. I thought about donating that race money instead. If nothing else, it's a morning of conviction and a prayerful elliptical time, if you will.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LE3sAsTUn4o/UNn6qrPjUuI/AAAAAAAADFI/KsFK11SxXGI/s1600/75574_538768199469715_849678171_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LE3sAsTUn4o/UNn6qrPjUuI/AAAAAAAADFI/KsFK11SxXGI/s320/75574_538768199469715_849678171_n.jpg" width="212" /></a>Now we are up to date. Here I am, with my feet up after 10-ish solo miles on gravel trail & single tracks covered in a thin layer of snow. I am grateful not only being able to run again, but am slowly ramping up miles each week. Part of me still wants to run and experience a big race like Rocky Raccoon and may be I'll be ready in six weeks, but the past several days have shown me this is not the time. I want to take recovery slowly, to savor little victories of adding mileage each week, to run some quality races before tackling the big miles, and to actually train to race. </div>
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Happy Birthday, Jesus. Thank you for always running with me.</div>
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KUPANDA STUDIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00301130367963495706noreply@blogger.com0