Running with Limits

9 miles

I have been trying to write something, anything for a while and I just can’t seem to focus. With the move and school starting back up, which is all time consuming, I have been slammed with reading and writing assignments. The masters program is great and I truly love it but it is definitely a lot of work, especially when I have to do all my work in the evening while the kiddo is watching his own set of videos (mostly educational) 🤣🤣🤣.

I’ve been able to hit up some solo runs lately and it’s been great. I run along a bike path that I used to run and ride my horse along as a kid. It runs adjacent to the Kern River and depending on the season, sometimes there is water and sometimes there isn’t. There is no water in the part of the river I run along right now which has left it open to homeless encampments. Here in Bakersfield poverty and homelessness is nothing new however, the level it’s at now is absolutely horrifying. Not in a way that I think negatively of those who are living in these encampments. Humans are adaptable and we all need shelter. It’s horrifying in a way that I’m wondering where is the help? I know there are always different reasons and situations that also have to be considered but is there really nothing that can be done to offer some sort of assistance? I know some of the homeless are veterans or suffer from some sort of mental illness. Where is their help? Speaking of help for those who are disabled, I know because of COVID many of these programs have been shut down, even though legally they’re not supposed to shut down at all. As I run along the bike path, by these encampments, I feel safe. I’ve never had an issue at all but I’m still always aware of my surroundings because I’d rather be as safe as I possibly can be.

Back to running! Today I was able to hit up a 9 miler. It was great. The weather was perfect (70 degrees, clear blue skies, light breeze). I had heard about the podcast Ten Junk Miles and it was in my cue for ages. I finally decided to give it a listen and I have now found a new favorite! The episode I listened to today was with Samantha Gash and it flowed really well. It isn’t focused on one specific topic and it can be quite eye opening on many levels.

Also, I have officially attempted to sign up for The Calgonquin in Tehachapi, CA. I am training like I’ve already been accepted. It’s a 50K and I’ve ran a few marathons so I think I’ll be okay. I think if I give myself 6 hours to complete it, everything will be fine. I’ve finished all 3 marathons around the 4 hour mark but since this run is on hilly trails, I want to make sure I am realistic and I give myself enough time.

All in all, the adjustment to being back in the states is great! We’ve been hiking in the Canyon and the local foothills. I’ve been able to hit up some great solo runs and school is going as well as it possibly can. As soon as the restrictions lessen, we are heading to the Sequoias and I cannot wait!

Happy trails! 🏃‍♀️🐢🙃

Thoughts of an Ultramarathon

I’ve been a bit aloof lately. Between having a break between semesters, balancing the divorce and getting everything set up here, I haven’t spent much time online. I simply don’t want to be online until classes start again. We’ve been out and about enjoying all the sunshine and fresh air we can.

Today was a good day. We slept in and got a good six miler in. We then spent a few hours at the park so the Boy could get his wiggles out. We then came home and he played with the neighborhood kids while I was making dinner. What I would do to have his energy. Why are we not harnessing this?! That’s a stellar idea! 🤣

I’ve been tossing around running an ultramarathon for a while 😳. I’ve ran 3 full marathons and countless half marathons over the years. I found a 50k that’s pretty close to me and it’s in April. That’s plenty of time to get ready, I hope. It’s only a few miles longer than a marathon. It’s definitely doable! The only thing I am a bit worried about is the terrain. It’ll be a little more hilly than I’m used to but I think if I give myself 6 hours, I should be good. Since I run while pushing the kiddo, hopefully that will prepare me for bumpier terrain. Worst case scenario, I don’t finish it in the 12 hour time frame scheduled for the event. I don’t think I’ll have an issue with that but you never know.

As the day winds down and little Boy and I are watching cartoons I cannot get my mind off this ultramarathon. Part of me is a bit nervous about the event, I always am and the other part of me is really, really excited to do something new and push my body even farther than before. I have yet to sign up for the event but I’m thinking the time is coming. I’ll give myself this week to come up with a game plan for scheduling and then I’ll make the final decision. I can’t wait!

Until next time, happy trails! 🏃‍♀️☀️

Sunday=No Run Day

Whew, life has been busy! I have been busy with relocating, school and going through the big D! And I don’t mean Dallas.

My son and I have recently relocated back to sunny SoCal. My schedule has been all over the place and running has been pushed to the back burner a bit. I had finals which I finally finished on Thursday. I submitted my final paper and now I have time for relaxation and to simply chill out. I was able to hit up a really nice 6 miler last week which was glorious and I’m hoping to hit up a nice run tomorrow, fingers crossed! On top of school, the kiddo and relocation I’m also taking care of my mom. It’s great because I’m working from home so the hours aren’t too crazy. It’s really a good gig and this way I know exactly what’s going on with her. She’s the only mom I have so that’s the most important thing.

Sundays are usually reserved for long solo runs. This Sunday, as the weather is cooling down, we decided to stay home and bail on the planned run. It was good to chill out with the kiddo and spend the day playing and goofing off. We kept busy with games, chatting and cartoons and then he helped me make dinner. That’s always an adventure.

After we cleaned up and got settled down for the evening and I tucked in to rewatch The Americans, which by the way is one of the greatest shows ever, I really just enjoyed the evening. Even though I bailed on my run and didn’t do anything really productive for the day, I truly just enjoyed the path the day took and the laziness that ensued.

~Autumn 😊

Alone Time

Today I was able to hit up a 6 miler. This was my first run alone since we’ve been back in the states. Things are super stressful for me as of late so I really needed this time to myself. I dumped the kiddo off on my mom and hit the pavement. I blared Tool as loud as I could stand it and ran as hard as I could. I love Tool! Some of their music is a bit out there but I don’t care. It’s exactly what I needed today. I tend to listen to podcasts while I run but today called for something a bit more intense. This is my last week of school for the semester so I’m sure I’ll write more as I have more free time. Until then, happy trails!

Beaches and Sunsets

I’ve been back in the states for two weeks. I’ve ran once. I’ve been super busy since we got here and I’m perfectly fine with it. Also, the running stroller I have is a bit heavier than the one I normally run with. It’s no big deal, just takes some getting used to.

Last week I went to the beach for a few days with my mom and kiddo. It was absolutely perfect. We could not have asked for better weather. If you know anything about CA beaches then you know the weather can sometimes be tricky with the wind and clouds but we got lucky! It was in the 90s and the wind was minimal. It was warm enough that we were in the water splashing around. Just perfect!

I think these are the surfing goats 🐐 🏄‍♀️.

I thought about running on the beach while we were there but the kiddo was so excited to play in the sand and water so I decided to bail out on the running and enjoy some playtime with him. We ran into the water and chased waves. We jumped and splashed and ran from the waves. We dug for sand crabs and clams and built sandcastles. The fun we had and the excitement that was expressed was far more enjoyable than running. Even with chattering teeth and goosebumps, I couldn’t pull him out of the water. This kid is a fish 🐠!

Another important factor about this trip is the clam chowder at Splash Cafe. It’s a little hole in the wall place with minimum seating and maximum lines. The clam chowder is award winning and delicious! It comes in a bread bowl and if you add the seafood topping, you’re in for a delicious treat.

I already mixed in the seafood topping because I’m all about devouring this deliciousness 🦀🦞🦐.

We also took a journey to see the sea elephants. I always go see these guys when I’m in the area. I truly enjoy watching their fatness out on the beach doing their thing. There is something oddly beautiful about them. They live on a protected beach so there is a great boardwalk available to get close enough to see them but not so close that you disturb them.

Although I’ve been to this area countless times, I never get sick of it. What I love about San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach is that it’s not overcrowded like other CA beaches. It’s small enough that you can walk most places but large enough that there is plenty to see and enjoy. There is hiking and wineries and good food. If you don’t feel like going out, staying in and enjoying the ocean breeze and a little boob tube is also an option. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend stopping for some food and relaxation! 🏝 🍷 📺 🏄‍♀️ 🦀 🦞 🦐.

Sunshine and Palm Trees

I forgot how dry California air is. I went out for a run today and I ended up adding 2 minutes to each mile 🤣. But the sunshine and blue skies made it totally worth it! Also, I forgot how dusty and dry everything is. I sure do love CA!

🐢🏃‍♀️☀️

Fall 🍁

But I’m not really taking about the season. My running schedule is a dang mess right now. The weather has been terrible and the rain is nonstop. I decided today, no matter what, I’m getting some miles in.

11:30am= my running opportunity! I’ve been dressed all morning. I fed the Boy and headed out. It’s misting on and off but I do not care. I knew the trails would be a disaster so I decided to go a different way today. I’m still going to hit up the trails but Only towards the end of the run since there will be some areas that may be a bit difficult to navigate. Great plan!

55 minutes into my run and I fall. I eat it hard and overextend my right leg. DAAANNNGGG IIIITTTTT! 🤣! I get up and check out my gracefulness and I’m so happy no one else was around. I’m a dang mess! Now, my nose is running, my hammy is super tight and I’m a muddy mess. No biggie, I’m on my way back home.

Okay, I shake myself off and laugh about how much stability and coordination I have and I almost eat it again! These puddles are monstrous and the mud is layers deep so it’s incredibly slippery.

I take another minute to gain some composure and then I’m a bit upset that no one is around to laugh at this entire situation with me. I’m a dang mess.

It’s starting to rain 🌧. I need to shag arse and get to pounding the trails so I can get home because in all my infinite wisdom, I did not wear any rain gear and it’s chilly and wet!

I get home about 20 minutes later and I have to change in the foyer as to not drag all the mud and sand from the outside to the inside of the house. However, even with all the sand, dirt, rain and shaky hammy, I cannot express enough how happy I am to have had the opportunity to run today!

Happy trails!

🏃‍♀️🐢👍🤣~RwL

Chilly

The weather is definitely changing here. I’m already having to layer it up a bit. No biggie! I can handle it.

I was able to hit up a 6.5 miler today before I dive into the mounds of reading I have. I wanted to run a bit longer today but there was a dang river of mud that I couldn’t cross. I tried and got stuck so I decided it simply wasn’t worth it. The great thing is, I think I came up with a thesis idea! I’ve been tossing a few things around but I think I’ve settled on the topic of runners with disabilities but I’m not entirely sure where I’m going to go with it. Anyone have any ideas?

I won’t start working on my thesis until the summer but I wanted to get some ideas out there. Since I’m working on my MA in Anthropology, I have a lot of wiggle room. I wanted to take the medical route with my ideas but I also wanted to include something that’s interesting to me, like running so I figured this was the best way to do it. Again, anyone have any ideas?

Okay, off to tackle some reading!

🐢🏃‍♀️🎃📚~RwL

Hair and Internet

Did I brush my hair today? I have no idea. I did brush my teeth and wash my face and change out of pajamas and into somewhat normal clothes, if an old ratty shirt and sweats count. So at least there’s that. Am I running today? No way but I did run yesterday. It was a bit shorter than I wanted but no biggie! The trails were a muddy mess because it’s been storming here and I ran to grab the Boy from school so 4.67 miles is better than no miles. What do 3.5 year olds learn in school? Do they just play all day? I have no idea.

Speaking of storms, this last storm that hit us not only flooded the streets (totally normal) but lightning hit and fried the router. That’s right, the one thing that is needed and it ended up fried. Thank goodness it was fixed yesterday because now I’m playing catch up with all my class work that has been delayed. Ohhhh, how’s school you ask? Holy moly. This program is intense and there is loads of reading which is why I’m not sure if I’ve brushed my hair today and at this point, I don’t care. It’s currently 11:54am and I’ve been working since 5:00am and I’m not even close to being done. But it’s worth it, right? Good grief, I hope so! I’m totally kidding! This program is super interesting and I’m thoroughly enjoying mostly everything but it’s intense.

Okay, back to it!

🏃‍♀️🐢👍📚🤓~RwL

Rain

It’s raining today and I’m not talking about a little sprinkle. I mean, the street is flooding and the wind is ridiculous. Am I running today? No. Am I upset about it? Nah. I have so much school work that I’m sure I can occupy my time. Not only that but I can hang out with the Boy today and watch cartoons. Right now we’re watching Oddbods. It’s a Halloween episode and it’s funny. Now, if you’ve never seen this show, you’re missing out on top quality entertainment.

I was able to hit up a great run on Friday. It was a bit shorter than normal, only 4.5 miles but it was a great pace. I ran to go pick up the Boy from school then we went for a nice slow walk home. As the weather changes here, there will be a bit more times that I won’t be able to run outside. Normally, I’ll run through any weather. The only times I refuse to run is if the wind is ridiculous and/or if it’s already raining. The reason for this is because it’s already really cold and running in the rain is not a good combo. If it’s windy I choose not to run because it hurts my ears and freaks me out a bit. I don’t know why but I’ve always had this irrational fear of losing my hearing.

As the day moves forward, I’m truly enjoying just taking the day off, watching cartoons and hanging out with the Boy. Sometimes, that’s the best path to take.

🏃‍♀️🐢👍~RwL