Thursday, November 1, 2012

Ups and Downs

What a week of crazy ups and downs. I was pretty bummed out at the start of the week for lots of reasons – work stuff and personal stuff (believe it or not I don’t share everything on the blog!). Plus all of this (more FWPs):

  • Two sick kids – one who even missed trick or treating.
  • One dog who got into the white chocolate chips and made a not-so-white mess on the carpet.
  • Leaking milk all over the fridge that dripped on all the beer, even the Sam Adams.
  • A chin zit the size of Lake Michigan that took over my face. It was so bad Ken thought I had fallen and hit my chin. At least my 15 year old and I have something in common.

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Today was more ups and downs as I tackled something I’ve been wanting to do for a few months now, ever since I saw the movie Unbreakable about the Western States 100. Famed ultra runner, Anton Krupicka, was at the premier of the movie and talked about how he runs up Green Mountain (outside of Boulder) 300 times per year as part of his training.

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Me with the mighty Anton

I felt totally summoned by this mountain, but intimidated by the 2,300 feet of elevation gain just to run 2.7 miles to the summit. But, today was the day and I did it (with Joie’s help. She calls me the crazy one for dragging her to do these things, but I know she secretly loved it).

This was the hardest run I’ve done in terms of climbing. Ever. In fact, with all of the trail running I do, this is the first time I’ve ever run up a real mountain. Just to put it into perspective, it took about 55 minutes just to run 2.7 miles.

 

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We tried to keep pushing the whole time without stopping, but there were certain points where running was completely impossible. The trail was also really technical in spots. I wish the pictures did it justice.

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Here is some raw and never seen before footage:

And we did knock that bitch out.

About a half mile from the summit, trail gets incredibly steep and it’s a scramble over boulders. But, the view from the top (at 8,200 feet) is a stunning 360 degree look at the Boulder Valley and the Rocky Mountains.

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You know, coming down was not much easier. It was so snowy, icy and rocky that it was tough to get into a groove.

I wore some cool new socks that Outside PR sent over. They are Injinji toe socks to prevent blisters, rubbing, etc. They also make compression socks.

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These were very comfy to run it and even accommodated my huge second (Morton’s) toe. I didn’t think they made socks that big.

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Garmin stats:

5.89 miles/2,330 feet gain/1:36

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In other exciting news, I had some quotes in a NY Times article today called “A Restroom Plan Can Relieve Some Worry.” Pretty fitting for a girl like me, no? Read it HERE for tips on avoiding the running trots.

One more thing - think about taking on the challenge to run 50 miles in one week by doing the Road ID Lace ‘Em Up Challenge. I am late on discussing this, as it goes from 10/29-11/4. You can still sign up (free), and you’ll get a $10 coupon for to use on the Road ID website. Go HERE!

And lastly - to those of you on the east coast affected by Sandy, my thoughts go out  to you. We’ve been following your stories all week.

Any ups are downs for you this week? Please tell.

Do you get blisters when you run? No, this hasn’t been a problem for me. Yet.

Please tell me you still get the occasional zit.

SUAR

52 comments:

  1. Oh, man, do I. Zits galore. It's so unfair. And not occasional.

    And yes, ups and downs this week. I've been the moodiest person EVER and it's not even that time of the month.

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  2. Zit on my chin as well!

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  3. At 41 just had a monstrous, change-the-direction-I-part-my-hair-just-to-cover-it ZIT! I'm impressed you posted a photo; I never would have.

    Awesome job on the mountain run. Even more impressed.

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  4. Many ups and downs this week. big zit in forehead right now... ow. :(

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  5. Hey, don't feel bad. I have a zit right now that looks exactly like yours!

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  6. I used to get blisters between my toes but not since I started wearing Injinjis, only socks I wear, just love 'em. And yeah I still get the occasional zit, not fair wrinkles and zits!

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  7. I want to run up that mountain so badly now. But I know the altitude would totally do me in. Way to go to both of you! I stopped getting monster zits about a year ago. I get the occasional 'underground' one...but nothing as massive as the one you've shared with us. Then again, I am a little older than you...so there's something nice about aging :) I do get a blister...left big toe :( I've tried so many things (socks, glide stuff, etc)...I think I must toe-off weird or something.

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  8. Holy.Crap. Amazing climb!

    Yes, I have crappy skin and still get zits allll the time...PMS or not. :( And I have a crap ton of gray hair at the ripe age of 28.

    Blisters- yes, but no meat feet issues. Just the occasional water blister I can't help but poke with a pin and attempt to squirt the water out at my loving boyfriend. I'm so gross.

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  9. I've done the Incline in Manitou, that was hard, and I've done the Barr Trail Mountain Race, and that was hard. But geez, that looks stupid hard. Nice job!

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  10. I still get blister, even with running socks! I thought they were supposed to stop the blister, but every once in awhile a blister sneaks around the power of the running sock!

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  11. I linked my monster chin zits to too much dairy, greek yogurt to be exact, I used to eat it every morning for breakfast. Ever since I quit dairy - no chin zits! Magic! It's totally hormonal.

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  12. Last week I had a huge zit in my ear, oh God did I just say that out loud? so gross.. anyway great job tackling that mountain. Gorgeous view!

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  13. Your article cracked me up, because both my husband (48) and myself (45) got huge zits this week. I can usually count on one a month, but I can't even recall the last time I saw one on him. Must be something in the air!

    No to blisters, but yes to black and lost toenails. I learned how to tie my shoes correctly and that has helped a bit.

    and my week has sucked because I'm going through another one of those "Maybe I'm just not cut out to be a runner" episodes. Hmmmm.... a zit and the doldrums.... have NO IDEA what THAT might be!

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  14. Green Mountain is tough to speed hike, so I can't imagine running! Now I'm tempted to try, but if I die, I'm gonna call your house so you can come drag me off :) And I love Injinji socks-- only way I don't get blisters on my long runs!

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  15. I gotta say, Krupicka is a freaking stud. I actually hiked up Green Mountain when I was in Colorado a few months ago, and holy hell, I don't know that I'll ever be able to run up something that steep. I was there when the fires were pretty bad so unfortunately didn't get the awesome view you obviously had. You Boulder-ites sure do have some pretty places to run!

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  16. i do read both running blog, suar and anton. great to see both of u in the same pic.:) fr singapore.

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  17. I'm 37 years old and still get zits. I didn't as a teenager, so it really bites.

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  18. My Wife, like you, is still a teenager... and oftern gets zits...

    and Anton is the man!

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  19. What's with the zits? I managed a beauty just in time for my 49th birthday photos. Haven't I been through puberty yet? Or do I get to do it twice?

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  20. I have trail envy! I live on the east coast just 15 miles from the ocean and as you can imagine it is very FLAT here. I would love to be able to do those trails!! Looks like so much fun!

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    1. Oh, and I would love to be able to run by the ocean...so ocean envy over here!!

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  21. I have rosacea, you yeah, I have a lot of bumps. I wouldn't have as many if I didn't workout, so that's not going to change any time soon.

    Congrats on the run, you killed that bitch! I whine when my runs are 400ft above sea level, so I bow down to you and your friend.

    I am just now getting blisters. I'm nursing one now on my little toe. I've been looking at socks like yours.

    A long time ago, I either saw, read or heard that if you have a longer second toe, you make a better runner. Something about balance. My husband has toes like yours and running is like second nature to him. Even as a child he was told that he would never walk properly after a bicycle accident when he was eight. Well, Doc, he's running his second half this weekend so NUH.

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  22. Gorgeous mountain photos, what an awesome climb/run.

    I'm with ya. The joys of perimenopause - bleah - wrinkles, age-related far sightedness (on top of the usual incredibly near-sightedness), breakthrough bleeding, surprise bloating, random mood swings and hormonal cystic zits! I guess I had a few years between 13 and now that were w/o them (somewhere 35-40ish I think).

    Ah well. Plenty of worse things.

    I would try the RoadID challenge - but I have my goal race, half marathon, 11/10. Warning, tapering runner ahead...

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  23. So glad took now I'm not the only one with zit issues. And living in the flat lands I can't even imagine running what you just did. Hike something Ike that, sure. But how do you even truly run on that terrain? BADASS 😊!

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  24. The worst thing (and best) about Anton is how effortless he makes it look - that just flows!

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  25. Totally shitty week. My Dad died (at my home) Monday morning as hurricane Sandy was making it's way through PA. His house at the shore, my favorite place on Earth, is on Long Beach Island. Being from CO you may not have heard the news - but LBI is closed for at least 10 more days due to the devastation Sandy left behind. On a brighter note, Mother Nature had grace and realized she had given us enough to deal with so she spared my 1.5 acres of trees (that I was certain would fall on my house), left us with power, unlike much of our town, and, from the pictures I've seen of our place at the shore - we have minimal damage.
    P.S. Yeah - still get pimples and am sure I'll have a honker on the day of the funeral!

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    1. So sorry to hear about your father. It sounds like a very rough time, so take care of yourself.

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  26. Wow that looks like a spectacular run! Great pics. I've been wanting to try those socks myself and may still. I usually only have problems in the trail races (only mild blister on road races). Oh and don't you hate that you still can get zits at this age? Drives me crazy!

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  27. Is Anton a giant? Holy. I have you being like 5'9" in my head. So he's really quite tall. Or you aren't that tall....

    Anyway, those chin pimples really suck. They hurt like hell and stay around forever it seems. Great job on the run.

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    1. Haha!! He is about 6' tall, and I'm only 5'5". Thanks for giving me the extra 4"!

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  28. First of all, my deepest sympathies to kennysmunchkin on the loss of your Father.

    I have tried everything to stop a perpetual blister from appearing on my right, outside big toe. Sometimes it's layers of callous and blister. No shoe or sock has helped. A masters runner I met a few weeks ago told me he uses a tiny strip of duct tape on his toe to change the way his toe rubs or lands and it works. That is my next effort.

    Zits? Yep and I am 50. Boo.

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  29. First I want to say you KICKED ASS on that mountain run Beth! You are awesome. I hope one day I can join you for a trail run - that would be a blast. I'll even bring extra baby wipes for you just in case.

    Blisters, aside from new or ill-fitting shoes, are caused by HYDRATION -- under or over. Really. Fascinating read from Karl King (the guy who invented Succeed caps): http://www.succeedscaps.com/articles/blisters_black_toenails_and_sodium/

    Thanks for the reminder on the RoadID challenge. I forgot all about it!! I'm gonna give this a go.

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  30. Congrats on making it up that bad boy! Could Anton hear you as you approached (and then passed) him?

    I have had a very stressful week, I will admit. Hurricane Sandy, which meant two lost days of work b/c kids were home, really through me for a loop. Now I am playing catch up, which means I should not be reading blogs!

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  31. I love this post and the video. You are so very cool.

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  32. sad to say, but I still get the occasional zit, too. Great job on the run, btw.

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  33. Lots of ups and downs with the east coast storm named Sandy. Power outages, water in the basement, school cancellations, halloween postponements, office moves at work, two giant zits with their own zipcodes - all downs.
    Ups- my son's 8th birthday, friends with power willing to take in me, my son, my mother and my dog. The fact that our house is ok now, we got to trick or treat, lots of powdered sugar donuts to take the edge off, and knowing getting a new car.
    Amy P. Philly runner.

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  34. Great job on the mountain run!! You are an awesome! My downs cannot compare to the losses that people are experiencing from SANDY!!

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  35. Awesome mountain run! That looks super super tough!!!

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  36. Kennys, so sorry to hear. I was going to post about my woes of having zits and gray hair, but am reminded that there are many, many other bigger worries in the world

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  37. Love the trail!!!

    For the zit... Lemon juice. You can just cut one up and squeeze some juice out and apply twice/day. Use the rest for a drink ;)

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  38. Such an awesome place to run!! I'd be worried I'd trip and fall in the beginning although I'm sure you would get used to making you sure you pick up your feet.

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  39. That is an impressive zit, and I should know. I have PCOS and haven't stopped having zits since I turned 14. (I'm 36 now.)
    I'm crabby this week because I am STILL trying to get past this leg injury (high hamstring) that has been going on for 2 months now. Missed my first HM last weekend so my family had to deal with my crabbiness, too. I had three adults telling me "Don't do it, you'll hurt yourself worse...." when I got the email right before the race with my bib # and the info on packet pickup. I listened to them, but wasn't happy about it. Going to miss the Thankgsiving 8K because of my leg, too. Don't know if I even dare hope for a December race. Okay, I'll stop whining now. At least I can still ride a bike.

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  40. Ups and downs? My down was this morning when I hurt my lower back while putting on my cwx tights for my 13 miler. Seriously, I pulled my back while putting on pants. Hurts to run, so I had to skip it. When it comes to running I'm rarely smart over stubborn, but today I did the smart thing and stopped.

    My up- I found a new mantra "let's knock this bitch out!" BADASS!

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  41. Best thing to clear zits - Milk of magnesia

    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2008/04/14/milk-of-magnesi-3/

    I had tried so many different things with my teenagers for their acne, with limited success and fairly high cost.

    Apply Milk of magnesia with a cotton ball all over the face (and even back) at night before bed & let dry. It feels great and worked like magic.
    Love your blog

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  42. Like several others, I felt the effects of Sandy this week--power was out from Monday until late last night. My last run was Saturday. Just couldn't muster the energy, with all the stress (I am about to go out for a long, easy run in a few minutes). And for the first time in YEARS, I have a zit, next to my nose.

    On the upside, trees that fell missed our house, the rain was a lot less than they predicted so our basement stayed dry, and family and friends are all safe. Could have been a whole lot worse, as it is for so many who are farther east (I'm in northeastern PA, just over the NJ border).

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  43. Green Mountain! Now THAT's some ups and downs. :^) I know you've been wanting to do that for a while so I'm glad you got it in. It's on my list to run it, too, but I'm going to wait until after my marathon next month (which may mean waiting a long time until the ice melts, but that's life). Great job!

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  44. Ho. Lee. Crap. That run looks insane. Nice work!

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  45. Zits are like running. They're for everyone.
    My ups and downs are all concerning finances. Yuck.
    I am curious about whether or not you think the NYC Marathon should go on.
    As a runner, I'm thinking "Well, Duh.... Lace 'em up and run you pansies!" as a human, I'm thinking, "The people need power. Donate the generators and reschedule the race for April". But when I think that, I can't help thinking, "They're not cancelling the Steelers game!" And let's face it, if I'm choosing which one's the real sport, I gotta go with the runners!
    Please forgive me if you've already given your opinion and I've missed it, but I was curious what you thought.

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  46. Wow, that elevation profile nearly gave me heart palpitations. Awesome job conquering that mountain!

    I still get zits -- more recently, it's been from my running hats (I get them on my forehead). So, I've had to step up to some more intense face wash. I haven't gotten blisters (yet!) -- but I've always worn those Injinji socks. So I don't know if it's my feet or the socks. Either way, I'm not complaining!

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  47. I still get bad ones, I guess technically they are infected hair follicles, but they end up hurting like zits

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