Sunday, March 7, 2010

18 Miles of Adventure (video)

Running tip: If you are brave and like torture, consider taking an ice bath after your next long run. It is supposed to help with muscle recovery. According to Dr. David Terry, ultra runner, "Ice baths don't only suppress inflammation, but help to flush harmful metabolic debris out of your muscles."

Today’s long run was 18 miles. This was the point in my last marathon training cycle when I got injured. I’m pretty sure the injury developed on that 18 mile run on a hot day last August. So, today, I was conscious of this, especially since many of the miles travelled were on the same route as “injury route.” Ken was due for 9 miles today, so we parked his car at the half way point and drove back to the start. The morning was foggy, gray and 33 degrees at the start. The mountains were barely visible. Here were the highlights:

Mile 2: Stopped to stretch –major highlight.

Mile 2-5: Pretty major rolling hills. Lots of climbing.

Mile 6: Ken proposed to me. Not really. He did that 15 years ago. But I don’t have any other highlights.

Mile 8: I got pregnant.

Mile 9: Halfway. Mentally difficult to watch Ken unstrap his fuel belt, let out a huge sigh of relief that his run was over, and settle into the comfy and warm seat of his truck. We had parked at a grange in a rural part of Boulder County. Do you know what a grange is? I just looked it up – it’s an association of farmers. So, I guess the grange is where these farmers hang out. I actually found a picture of the Boulder County Grange:

It looked nothing like this today. There was no celestial sunlight and no travelling minstrels strumming guitars in the parking lot. It was just me, Ken, the truck and some mud. I desperately had to pee. The grange was closed. Ken suggested I open both doors of his truck, making a little shelter, and try to pee in there. I did that, but problem was when I squatted down, my white ass hung below the truck doors. This is not Ken’s truck, but it gives you an idea about what I was doing with the doors.


Not three seconds after my pee commenced and I let out an audible, “aahhhhh,” someone from somewhere yelled, “WHY ARE YOU GOING PEE?” I stopped mid stream and hopped up, looking around for the source of the yell. No clue. So, I bid Ken goodbye, knowing I would find a more concealed pee spot on the way back.

Mile 11: There was nowhere to pee, and worse yet I was feeling #2. I climbed into sort of a ditch off of the dirt road and hid myself in a tree. I pulled down my capris and a dry stick poked me in a tender spot. I let it all out, felt much better and pulled up my tights. It wasn’t until my run was over that I found a 4" long stick in my tights. I am so hard core I can run with twigs nestled in my clothing.

Mile 12: Found out that PB&J and orange Accelerade go really well together.

Mile 13: Damn dog comes at me barking and snarling. Dick. I tried to remember what to do to fend off dogs. I think about going hiking and bears. The sign always says to make yourself look really big (or is that mountain lions?). So, I put my arms over my head like a scary monster and screamed, “Get back!” The dog fell on the ground laughing, got up and shook his head and meandered off. Note to self: buy pepper spray. Ask bloggers what to do if a dog attacks you.

Mile 15: Still feeling really good. Listening to Tom Petty, Black Eyed Peas and Bruce.

Mile 17: Ready to be done. Hamstrings are really tight. Feet hurt.

Mile 18: Sweet Jesus, I’ve made it. 18 miles, 2 hours 46 minutes, 9:14 avg pace.

I stopped on the way home to buy a 10 lb bag of ice for an ice bath. I have never taken an ice bath before because I am a wimp, and hate to be cold. I’d rather have a sucky recovery than be cold. But today, I was kind of feeling it. And I’d like to share the lovely experience with you:




I love this shot because it looks like I am giving birth:




What were your adventures on your long run this weekend?

Drinking: Vics Coffee

69 comments:

  1. Oh boy! I don't think I could make it through an ice bath, but then again if it can prevent injuries I certainly understand why you'd do it!

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  2. I'll give you this.. You ALWAYS make me laugh!

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  3. Yikes...but the real questions is....was it worth it?

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  4. Awesome! I loved my ice baths while marathon training. If you put on a beanie and gloves it helps keep in some of your body heat. Nevermind. Who am I kidding? You're sitting in ice for Christ's sake! Hope it helps out your stems!

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  5. Yeah I need some good tips about darn viscous dogs that just love to jump out and scare me! I tried yelling and "shoo'ing" too... yeah, that didn't work!

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  6. Brrr. After the half today, the boys headed to a pool which is always cold. "No way!" I stood under a hot shower as long as I could instead.
    I would never last in an ice bath. Could for you?

    Hey, if bathing in ice is good for you, is running in cold, snowy weather? What if you're in shorts? hmmmm.

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  7. I took a long one today and kept shaking for 30 min after! But of they work!

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  8. great running! i've never done an ice bath. primarily because i don't have the resources in a dorm to do it but i don't know if i had the chance i would hahah. props to you!

    and what are your tips for not feel all awkward when being in something other than a bathroom? i've had to go really bad before but never *really* consider the woods an option

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  9. Holy Cow! You're one brave woman! I am in a constant freezing condition and cannot imagine going for an ice bath. While I was watching, the only thought in my mind was: "Isn't her va-g-g freezing?!? Sorry, a bit crude, but that is honestly what I was thinking!

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  10. I did a 12miler this morning and it went surprisingly well...didn't have quite the adventures you did :) You crack me up!! I usually always do a cold water soak. I fill my tub and turn the faucet all the way cold and do that for 15mins. I might have to try the ice in when i do my 14!

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  11. omg you crack me up!!!! Nice run! Did you ever figure out who the pee-heckler was???

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  12. I'd just like to know how long mile 8 took. I never have THAT much fun on a long run. The most interesting thing that happened to me on Sat's run was finding out that the man I was running with had had a vasectomy just five days before. A little too much information for someone I'd only just met.

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  13. you got pregnant huh.

    I am hoping I can get my hubby to write a "fending off dogs post"

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  14. Excellent trashy rag to make the minutes in ice hell pass quickly - very key!

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  15. Holy beep, I am peeing my pants right now!
    OK...#1...honey, a cool bath will do the trick. You'll last longer. Screw the ice.
    #2..I ran 10 on Friday and then did a power walk for 10 on Saturday with my husband. And I'd like to go on record as saying the walk SUCKED! It was hard and painful and I have huge blisters and my ass hurts from the hills! Give me running, anyday!
    Thanks for the laugh!

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  16. AWESOME job on the 18 miles - injury-free, woohoo!

    Great ice bath vids... I am NOT brave enough to broadcahst that sh*t.

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  17. Too funny - I can just about guess how cold that is - but then again - didn't you do the polar bear plunge? Maybe you could coordinate a plunge with a long run - run right into the cold icy water.

    way to go on the 18 mile run.

    Say healthy!!

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  18. Haha...you definitely have a knack for silliness :) made me laugh...now hopefully, all this ice was worth it :)

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  19. you are so freaking hilarious... i may have just peed a little i'm cracking up. i love when you post run recaps. seriously you can make my day anyday... and no i REALLY didnt pee... but i was close.

    way to go lady!!! ow ow!

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  20. I don't think my 18mile long run adventures were as exciting as yours ... no proposal, no pregnancy (thank goodness!) ... did have a dog on the beach run at us, lucky Deirdre knew what to do with it, I was hiding behind her because I'm a whimp. Deirdre did a toilet stop, but we make sure to run by a few public toilets, so no twigs attached to her (as far as I know).

    As for ice bath - nooooo way, I said before that I'm a whimp ... good on you though! LOL

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  21. Good job on the 18 miler!! How long did you last in the ice bath? I've never done one and have no desire to ever get in one. ADP would probably say "suck it up, buttercup."

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  22. Great run! I love the ice bath thing. I usually put a stocking cap on, leave on underwear and let my children serve me hot coffee. My husband has and egg sandwich on it's way and I feel like a cold ass queen. But a queen nonetheless. It DOES, DOES, DOES help with recovery. Can't wait to talk! INJURY-FREE. Yeah! Kudos to you! A buck 8 or 2 bucks and 45 cents. Either way you rock.

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  23. OMG, I can't believe you dumped the ice in before you got used to the water!!!

    Tip: fill the tub, get in and site for a minute or two to get used to the slightly cold water. Then dump in the bag of ice and slowly get used to the new level of cold. Doing it this way is much less of a shock. :)

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  24. Great job on the run and for taking the ice bath. I love them . . . after I take them (but putting that ice in is always tough)

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  25. Seriously.... rolling on the floor laughing.

    How long did you last?

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  26. haha hilarious blog!!! It's a great feeling to get past the point in your plan where you got injured last year. I just did that myself and am super pumped!!!!

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  27. you're insane... lol. I love the bachelor!! That shit makes me crack up!

    My long run was 10 miles in the playroom watching and mocking "the biggest loser". Someday I won't have babies and I'll be able to run outside again!

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  28. This blog post is HILARIOUS. :P I did a 16 mile run today and did something I never thought I would do: pee in the woods. I was so nervous I could hardly pee. It was terrible.

    I've done ice baths when I was running high school cross country, but "all the cool kids were doing it." I'm not sure I'm brave enough to try it now!

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  29. Yeah...these videos pretty much confirm what I suspected - ice baths are the devil!

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  30. Great run! Great post! I remember ice baths after 2 a days practice for college volleyball. For sure a love/hate relationship....

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  31. Living in WI during winter after my runs I just lay down in a huge snow bank for a quick 10-15 minutes! Ice baths are awesome, but oh so hard to do!!

    Nice run and I agree with the rest of the comments-frickin' hilarious post!

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  32. Kudos on the ice bath.
    So, Mile #6 and Mile #8 were both on the same days?

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  33. Oh god! You got in the ice bath with no pants on? I think ice baths are great, but I always wear my running tights, along with a sweatshirt, and I make sure to drink something hot.

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  34. oh wow you are brave..i don't know if i could handle the ice bath!! you have inspired me though :) Glad you had a good run even with a stick up your butt (haha)!

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  35. Haha hilarious! I can't believe you shared the ice bath for our entertainment

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  36. Egads. You need to put a little warm water in first. Then start filling it with cold. THEN put the ice in. Much easier, less screaming. :)

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  37. Uh, and ya need to be in the tub the whole time.

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  38. Pity you didn't know the stick was in your tights when the dog came at you ... you could have thrown it.

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  39. Tom Petty, Black Eyed Peas and Bruce at the same time - you ARE harcore...

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  40. I totally ice bathed after my 20 mile marathon training run! Unfortunately, it was 11 pm, I was exhausted, I got the idea at the last minute so I run to the store and buy ice. I didn't realize that I should let the water run in the tub and then let it cool down, so it wasn't as cold as it could have been, but I still definitely felt it.

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  41. Brave you! An ice bath. I never would. If I was in a hospital, I'd bite the nurses and doctors if they ever tried to get me in an ice bath. I like my bath water so hot it almost burns.
    Great run recap.
    My weekend run was a shorter one, 10 miles and it was a Heart Run event. Lots of fun, good conversation.

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  42. Hahaha - BEEEEEP!

    How long could you do? Did it help?

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  43. LOL..that's good! I'm a big believer in ice baths. It hurts for a minute...that's what she said.

    Nice job on the 18!

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  44. I had an encounter with a dick dog too. I told it to "GIT!" ...that sometimes works

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  45. I love it when ultra types convince people to do stupid things - remember, these are the people who think running across Death Valley or running the Collegiate Peaks (your back yard) in one day is a good idea.

    These continuous pee breaks - that's what you should be talkin to a doctor about, not ice baths.

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  46. Holy BEEEEP. you are a brave and hilarious woman. So inquiring minds want to know; did it help? How are the legs feelin' today?

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  47. I went 8 miles (for the first time, yay me) I don’t think I could ever do an ice bath I am such a wuss at being cold! I thought sitting on ice packs for my aching hips was bad enough. Love the videos, had my co-workers looking at me like I was crazy for laughing so hard!

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  48. Yowza! You are so crazy! There is no way I could censor myself if I recorded my 1st trip into an ice bath.

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  49. THat's great.
    Congrats on the 18 miler -- AND the ice bath.

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  50. Awesome, Beth! I did 12 (12.44 actually). Thought of trying for 13.1, but I saw the car and bagged it! Good times, though!

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  51. Nice job on 18 miles!!! Woot woot!

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  52. I linked your ice bath post on my blog! Loved it! I wake up the house when I first get into my ice bath also! lol

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  53. Holly *bleep*! MOFO! I just peed my pants watching that, thanks!
    Great job on the long run, too! Whoo hoo!

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  54. I did a 13 mile run this weekend and decided to do a very cold bath. But I'm not hard core enough to do a proper ice bath. Even with a hot shower afterwards I think it took me about 1/2 an hour to warm up.

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  55. WOW! Um...not brave enough for the ice bath. And not tough enough to run with a stick in my tights.

    Dogs charge me all the time. It's because I'm so sexy in my tights (even though they don't have a stick in them.) I did recently buy pepper spray but rarely carry as I have discovered that a shot of water (or Accelerade) or whatever is usually enough to stop a domesticated doggy in his tracks. Have you considered running with a taser? You could taser yourself at Mile 9 next time. This would render you incapable to finish the race and you would have a great excuse to get in the truck with Ken and go home.

    This weekend I ran 10 miles with my friends. They were running a half marathon. I was pacing them in and unauthorized sort of fashion. I did ask an officer to taser me at Mile 9, so the above is spoken from experience.

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  56. Ha ha..you are so hilarious! Seriously I was cracking up the entire time I was reading and watching your video.

    Congrats on the 18 miler! And, you're much braver than I am for attempting an ice bath. I would never be able to do it.

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  57. haha hope it helped you recover quicker and wasn't a waste of body heat!

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  58. Loved your post! It really had me laughing. And wow your legs look awesome in the ice bath! I hate ice baths too. I only do them in the summer time and even then I find it difficult. For crazy dogs, I stop running and start walking, point my finger and with my serious angry voice yell at them to back off. I walk until I'm generally certain they won't come after me. I've been chased by rottweilers, huge german shepards, and other. They always stop when they think I'm serious and show no fear. I bet pepper would work too though. ;)

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  59. you are awesome and I love reading your posts....I hate when dogs even look at me on a run and if they try to go after me I imagine kicking them in the teeth but really- I just freak out inside.
    I am not a god hater but runs and dogs that run in front of you or after you are just not a good match. Never had an ice bath but may try one this weekend after my first over 10 mile run....

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  60. Just found your blog, and it cracks me up. No one talks about their intestinal troubles so honestly, I'm grateful for this... I have the stomach of whatever is opposite of steel. I'm just getting into my first marathon training, 11 miles is my furthest run, and I'm considering adding some ice baths soon. Was it worth it? Oh yeah, and I'm in CO too!

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  61. I really like ice baths even though it sounds different as I am getting into them!

    The giving birth thing cracked me up...and way to get the run done- it must feel great to finally be back where you were before the injury!

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  62. Awesome Job on the 18 miler!

    The ice bath video was hilarious!! hahaah! I've never done an actual ice bath but I cover my legs in the snow banks from time to time.. Gets the job done :)

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  63. So, I'm not going to lie, in that picture of dudes playing guitar, I totally thought that they were all carrying rifles or something. Maybe they're planing something bad instead of singing kum-by-ah?

    Ice baths are MISERABLE. I've only manned up enough to put my legs in the pool - which is much wamer than ICE in the bath. Nice work...made me look even more like a girl...thanks.

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  64. ROFLMAO! The first video was so *bleepin* funny.

    Winks & Smiles,
    Wifey

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  65. Well, I sacked up and did my own ice bath this weekend...it's been a while since I've managed that. Not to take anything away from your woman parts, but you should feel what it's like dipping your balls into that water...yyyyeeeeowza!

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  66. LMAO!!!!!! This is hilarious!!! I just found your blog- as a new runner just starting out, I love the useful tips you post on each blog. :-) Thanks!

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