Today we had a 10 mile trail run on the agenda. I’m not gonna lie. It was hard. 1,700 feet of climbing in the first 5 miles. The wind was a bitch. The scenery was gorgeous. It took a long time and my body feels kind of beat up. Trail runs usually feel pretty good on my old bones, but after today’s run I felt like checking the vacancy at the nursing home or at least the assisted living center. I love a good bed pan! Depends are handy too.
Starting out seemed innocent enough:
Except that you can see where we are climbing. The first 2 miles are incredibly steep and rocky (8% grade). We didn’t see any other runners out there, but tons of hard core mountain bikers who were all lifting their bikes over the rocks. We passed them on the way up. Not too often that it’s quicker to run than to bike.
Here comes my RP (running partner), Joie:
Once we crested the small mountain the wind was outrageous. We fought it and the climbing for the next 3 miles. At the risk of sounding like a wimpity wimp, we were really begging for the turn around point. Here is Joie pretending she is not tired.
We passed this cool old cabin from the early 1900s where I went in to lay down, but the bed was too big and there was no porridge. Some girl with golden locks kept complaining, “Who has been sitting in my chair?” Who cares? Find another one.
I found myself wondering, “What kind of person builds a cabin up here? It is exposed, cold, windy, far away from Target and Starbucks (which I’m pretty sure they had in 1910), and nothing grows here. Plus, no cell service.”
There were tons of deer on this run. We kept repeating, “Look a deer!” like it was Johnny Depp (or Dolvett) or something. This one actually didn’t even startle when I took this up-close picture. She was probably thinking, “One step closer, bitch and I’m going all Bambi on your ass.”
The picture below was at the top. Nothing like climbing mountains in the mountains. After taking this picture we climbed the snowy peak in the background. It was only another 7,000 feet. Did you know if you say the word “orange” slowly it sounds like “gullible”?
And, that’s all she wrote. Today I was reminded that all runs are not created equal. As Joie said at one point, “I am as tired as a feel at the end of marathon.” I think the combo of the climbing and the gusty, severe head-wind made for some tough going. Today was definitely the day to knock off the whining and to shut up and run and get it done.
Or, maybe we are just pussies who need to take up naked miniature golf.
{For the locals, this trail is at Hall Ranch. It is the Bitterbrush Trail leading up to the Nelson Loop}.
Now, I am drastically changing subjects. I was at Sport’s Authority yesterday looking at the clearance rack and saw this tennis dress.
It was my size and so damn cute. I am a sucker for the ruffled skirt. I SO wanted to buy it to run in. I know it is for tennis, but I also know some runners wear tennis skirts to run in, so what’s the big deal? I actually do have a running dress from Skirt Sports that I love. Thoughts? I think the mountain bikers would dig it.
Or, maybe I’ll take up tennis just so I can wear it.
Do you ever have runs that mentally tax the crap out of you? What is the main factor: hills, weather or not maintaining the pace you want? All of the above. Any time I am giving it 100% exertion level over a longish period of time (2-3 hours), I am wiped.
Ever tried wearing a running dress? I wore one once in a half marathon (2009) and loved it. See? There I go.
Oh, and a winner!! The winner of the $100 Whole Foods Gift Card is #175 Meagan (cheercfao7@aol.com). The winner of the iTunes card is #55 Jenny Glade. Congrats and email me at beth@shutupandrun.net to claim your prize. Thanks to The Spinning Cook for hosting!
SUAR
*I* would totally live in that cabin. Peaceful. Quiet.
ReplyDeleteI have never worn a running dress. Not likely ever to either.
Most taxing run. IMC.
That dress is so cute! I haven't run in skirts or dresses yet, but I think they are fun. Great job on the run/climb. Jealous of your scenery. Hills are usually what kill me.
ReplyDeleteI think that dress would look great on you. If you decide not to wear it running, it would be great for dances...you know, at the nursing home.
ReplyDeleteI ran in a dress once. It was a nun dress.
Runs that mentally tax the crap out of me are long, fast runs that go mostly up hill into a headwind. I like variety :)
Some of those 90+ degree long runs have eaten me for lunch.
ReplyDeleteI was in Mead, CO last weekend doing college visits in Denver and Colorado Springs with my daughter and actually ran (well turned into more of a fast walk) in altitude!! Thought I was going to die. But something about the beauty of the mountains kept me alive! Realized that I want to live out there forever.
ReplyDeletemtn bikers totally love running dresses...but we always wonder(esp. @ hall ranch) why are they running this trail when they could be riding?? I've had plenty of runners pass me on the uphill @ Hall and Walker Ranch for that matter.. but - I totally get the "running thing" now...
ReplyDeleteI run outside all year long, and it is cold here in northern Illinois. Winter runs suck the most when the wind is off Lake Michigan. Even tho I live 20-some miles inland, the wind out of the east is so cold and damp, it chills to the bone. I trained for a winter half marathon 2 years ago, and I almost took the long runs to my dreadmill. 2 hours in sub-zero wind chill, not my idea of fun. But it sure toughened me up, mentally!
ReplyDeleteI hate the wind!!! I love the dress and joie's capri's what kind are they???
ReplyDeleteThe capris are from Athleta.
DeleteLOVE that scenery!! Gorgeous!! Hills wipe me out!! But I love the workout I get from running them!! :)
ReplyDeleteBuy the dress!!! So very cute. I bought 3 Athleta running dresses a few years ago, but recently their running dresses have been too long, so I started shopping for tennis dresses--same thing.
ReplyDeleteThat run looks completely amazing. Wind makes it feel soooo much harder, plus that thrashed around feeling. You're hard core, passing the mountain bikes!
That trail looks AMAZING!!! You are so lucky! Here in the Midwest we run in the toilet!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the hard run! Wind is a B! The pix are amazing. Nothing like that here in MD.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the dress! would buy it in a heartbeat.
That cabin looks sweet! All those bathrooms outside- awesome! Never tried a dress for running...
ReplyDeleteIt seems like just feling crappy from the start and not getting any better just wears me down mentally.
I want that tennis dress! My Sports Authority doesn't have anything nearly that cute in the clearance section! And yes, I would run in it.
ReplyDeleteWind blows. Im worn out just having to walk around in the Colorado wind. Give me cold, snow, heat or hills, but no wind, thank you very much! You need to buy that dress and take up Flamenco-tennis. It's super-sassy!
ReplyDeleteI like the dress. I would run in it for sure. Skirt I dont do..they move too much around the waist..but a dress like that would be perfect! plus nice color!
ReplyDeleteWind is such a freakng pain! I heard a wives tale that the wind stops blowing in Colorado when the snow melts off the peaks...I'm kinda thinking its a true story.
ReplyDeleteI love that dress. <3
The most mentally taxing running is trail running for me as well. I feel sort of like a masichist trail running, but it feels so rewarding in the end!!
That dress is almost too cute to run in. Add a bit of bling and some heels and you'd be right to go out partying.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures and description of the run!
ReplyDeleteThat tennis dress is cute! I've never run in a dress, so I can't make that call. If you have though, why not? And on clearance? Bonus!
What beautiful scenery!! Quite different from where we live in Australia:) I would love to run there.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a beautiful run!! Also, running up that kind of steep grade, you are hardcore and have every right to whine if you want to!
ReplyDelete<3 the dress. I'm lovin' my running skirt and I just never want to run in shorts ever again. I think you should buy it and run!
Surprisingly, my most taxing run was my 5k goal race that I ran last Oct. Hills, weather, distance are tiring but don't faze me a bit. A good tummy cramp, and I'm doubled over with the feeling I never want to run again. Luckily things like that pass. So far, without having to take a crap anywhere.
Have a good weekend!
Gorgeous scenery, but wind + grade = one hard run in my book. Had that plus rain in one of my half marathons last year, and that was tough. Love the dress; I've run in skirts before, but not a dress.
ReplyDeleteI own that dress. It is super cute. tennis, skiing, biking, etc... as long as it's comfy ans wicking I use it to run. Tennis dresses and skirts are always on my "to look for" list. You'll love it. It feels super girly in a sweaty sport!!
ReplyDeleteI should have known you'd have the dress!! OK, you talked me into it.
DeleteWow, your run looks so scenic! Totally awesome and a challenge! I've never heard of a running dress before - sounds like it was great! I'd go for it - why not?? It looks comfy!
ReplyDeleteGET THE DRESS!!! I have 40 tennis skits and 4 tennis dresses...and I do NOT play tennis!! They are adorable on and super fem when you run! :~D
ReplyDeleteand that was "skirts" not "skits" btw!! LOL!!
ReplyDeleteI run in skirts all the time. I wonder if I would like to run in a dress. That is a super cute dress. You should go back and get it for sure!
ReplyDeleteI wear skirts all the time but never a dress. If I was to start, it would be in that one! Adorable!
ReplyDeleteI wear skirts all the time but never a dress. If I was to start, it would be in that one! Adorable!
ReplyDelete"Do you ever have runs that mentally tax the crap out of you? What is the main factor: hills, weather or not maintaining the pace you want?"
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll come back and post another reply tomorrow. Running the Platte River 1/2 and the forecast calls for 30F, possible rain/snow mix, oh and 15 to 20 mph winds *from* the North. Did I mention the race is point to point heading North?
Ok I'm admitting I didn't read a word. All I saw was where you ran and drool took over and it's now on my key board. I wish I could run there!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved playing tennis is tennis skirts/dresses! Super fun!
ReplyDeleteSuch a gorgeous run!! I have never worn a dress while running, I've worn skirts and really like them. I think you should totally buy that tennis dress and rock it while you run!
ReplyDeleteCute dress!
ReplyDeleteJust emailed you my info regarding the giveaway!
--Meagan
Buy the dress! I have 2 really cute running skirts but they sit in my closet collecting dust. Every time I try to wear them I feel so conspicuous and so.... girly-girl. I guess the tomboy in me is rebelling. But they look so good on other runners, I might just have to break them out and try again.
ReplyDeleteWow what a gorgeous place to run! I've never worn a running dress but I wear alot of running skirts and love them! I can't imagine a dress would be much different, I would go for it.
ReplyDeleteThat cabin is my kind of home. Away from all you bloggers and Facebookers and Twaters....haha!
ReplyDeleteSeriously though that is an ideal place to live.
you'll be the hottest one in the nursing home in that dress! ;)
ReplyDeleteI dress up so infrequently, that I wouldn't be able to add a skirt or dress to my running wardrobe- I save all frills and ruffles for when I'm wearing bling and makeup.
ReplyDeleteAs challenging as it sounds, I'd love to run where you get to run. It's absolutely breathtaking!
Ha, a nursing home run! Excellent work Beth.
ReplyDeleteYou MUST get that dress. It's perfect. I love running in dresses, unfortunately I have narrow hips so my thighs rub together and I have to wear compression shorts if I'm running more than 3 miles.
I think that there's noting wrong living in a nursing home especially when you feel old.
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