And...how to begin again? I was not able to complete my 'easy as 1, 2, 3' sequence of posts I aimed to...but here is an update. Thanks for your patience. In brief detail, summer has proceeded as follows:
1st half (June - mid July)
High Intensity Training (HIT) study during the entire month of June and first couple weeks of July for some follow-up testing (we completed an incredible study, demanding on all levels, with 16 participants from start to end). Impressive and a really fun and great study to be part of the leading role. During this month, actually right at the start of the study (day before pre muscle biopsies), I received an email stating I was offered an assistant to the university with doctorate position in Lausanne, Switzerland. What a way to bring some added stress to the already pumping full capacity of my body prior to the study! I had been dreaming of these moments for many many months, however, and that is how I was able to cope and make my decision. I am proud of myself for being able to manage this while conducting one of the many 'huge' studies in my career thusfar. So, one week after the offer, I accepted the position! It was a difficult decision to make as it would mean many new challenges ahead including research growth in the topic area, new country, new language, new environment, etc. It is something you want to think out and discuss with many people just to hear your own thoughts and see if you can pick up a couple words or phrases from others that bring you to your decision. Wow, how amazing it is to be at the point in life to make this kind of choice and really take big step (s). I have a really good idea of how I have made it this far, but it is pretty incredible and humbling to FEEL the progress I have made and understand my development along the way. I am (probably most of us are) trying to do big things, and keep dreaming big things! It is soooooooo scary, overwhelming, rewarding, amazing, inspirational, and worth it :) Keep going and keep dreaming! Life is a process and I will try to absorb all of my time in Sweden and experiences that have exceeded more than words can describe of my expectations and my accomplishments along the way. Incredible, fun, and crazy times!
Ultra Trail - Lavaredo (June 27, 2014)
Believe it or not (believe it!), I was able to sneak a trip to Italy during the final period of the study (THANK YOU endlessly to my colleagues to allow this, as I had planned it prior to the study's development!). I competed in the Ultra Trail Lavaredo in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italia :) The race was really magical, with absolutely breath-taking views where you feel almost out of your body that you are there and able to experience and exist in that moment with 'sweet spot' timing. I was very happy we were able to complete the full original course this year (118-119km), as last year the race was re-routed and shortened due to a snowfall the night before. The race was another 'training' race, but was one I was ready to give it everything I had on the day, this will always be the case for me...adrenaline and race days are my friends. So much energy and passion drive us to make sacrifices to allow ourselves the joy of racing and the solitude coming from doing something we have 'no idea' if we can complete. It is in that sense of desire to achieve something crazy that you feel alive, in that seemingly insane dream that becomes reality. Once the race starts, everything becomes silent in your body (only a light easy conversation in your mind with few words to coax you along and tell you how strong you are) this is amongst the chaos all around you at these big events with thousands of runners and supporters. This moment during a race is really amazing to me, you feel like you are about to do something incredible, and everyone knows it! It is just pitter patter of the running shoes (on pavement at that point), the russle of running packs and sloshing water bottles, the calm to frequent to steady rhythm of breath of you and those around. And the feeling in the body is, 'Let me go, let me free, let me do this, I am ready...', ahhhhhhh :) I love this area of Italy and this year has shown me more depth to this statement, it is a race I hope to come back to again and again. As far as the race outline report (start to finish): great start, feeling ok, wanted to take it easy on an initial section with a steep descent as I was coming into the race with a very weak ankle (from consecutive bad sprains leading up to the race) which happens to be a descent I tweaked that ankle on last year...made it safely down and managed a decent position, though I had really no idea where that was in the race field. Clipping along through some nice sections, though muddy, as it rained several days before the race, and dark (started at 11pm), climbing, eating, digesting, drinking, happy, healthy, up to the 'top' and in the iconic Tre Cime area of the Dolomites (absolutely WOW, YES!). Jumping with energy and enjoying the new morning with new energy and descending a long gradual valley with then a smooth gravel road with slight elevation gain to a steady climb before I started to have my first wavering section of the race (would be about 80-85km in...which was good to have a flow for a while, I am happy to build from that now). We were moving in the heat of the day through a valley, climbing up to about 95ish k and wow, did I struggle, my energy got off and my calories were not with me...natural slow down. Through the aid station in a flash and found some motivation to get moving :) YAY! On the way up and climbing, now steep and starting to be a bit exposed and tricky, but solid, good feelings, focused on my nutrition and gaining energy (but expending more). To the top with some more absolutely amazing views, found a friend to chat with on the descent of the back side and started some off balance climbing and picking our way through some rocks and jagged sections (I needed a little more 'keep it together Sarah!'). This was now coming into the section of the race where I really did not know/did not study enough of how the course proceeded. I knew it was some crazy jagged ups and downs on the elevation profile and had an idea of the km's to the finish, but I had not fully understood and let my mind know I would need to WORK during this part and keep going and pushing. So, naturally the body followed the mind there and I struggled (was just off, very off), so I got one foot infront of the other, lost a lot of time, and basically lolly-gagged my way through the last technical sections and down a steep and holy moly muddy cow path towards the finish. The views were still magical and I tried to absorb them, it was just a bit much for my mind, but I felt them :) With 4km to go (according to a supporter), I realized I should try for a time (under 20hrs) but I had no idea what time it was, literally (as my watch battery had died and I just briefly pulled out my phone to check)...ok, GO mode was back...pushed with everything I had! and crossed with plenty of time to spare...19:47 (good enough for 13th woman). Happy, and pleased provided my stress levels and work environment prior to the race, but left hungry and very much craving more from myself with two large sections where I lost time. Fun to feel the passion in that and fun to know I can do more! This was another great effort in my final race to prepare for the UTMB, 168km in Chamonix, France at the end of August. I will write another post in the coming days to summarize :)
The day following the race, i.e. Sunday, I traveled back to Sweden...and actually slept in the center/my work building in order to wake at 4something to prepare for the post muscle biopsies and some more stressful days of analyzing muscle samples. Fun stories, huh?! or rather, fun to say how it happened/crazy to say how it happened, but not very 'fun' to do in real life. Focus was there, but it was on the mountain ridgeline.
End July - mid August
Began piloting for a study and completed a study looking at heating and cooling recovery protocols. It was interesting and exciting to learn some new methods in the lab, as I have come to know many. We had long days, but a relatively easy protocol for us while testing...but not while including ourselves in the study as participants. Enjoyable nonetheless and got some good sweaty training in. In other news, it was a time for preparations for 1) moving to Lausanne, Switzerland; 2) THE U.T.M.B. a race I have been dreaming and preping for for the last 2 years; and 3) leaving an incredible position in Sweden for a new challenging position in Switzerland. Many hours training, many hours wrapping my mind around that, and several challenges built in, as the study finished 3 days prior to my flight out. So, a lot of data and files to store/save/analyze and a lot of things to organize and pack up/arrange for my move.
This was a shot at some updates...and I still have some picture troubles...so, pretend it's the old days and enjoy my heart words. More soon, I hope, as all sorts of things are changing and challenging me, so there is much more to know in an update :) For those curious souls, I am now in Lausanne and trying not to feel so foreign (very very hard). I have many stories to report and a body, character, and heart to mend after the race. As well as some incredible experiences thereafter. So...hang on, the speed just increased! (imagine tears streaming from your eyes wide open, everything open - like a) a dog hanging outside the car window, or b) face while on a speed boat) A lot of JOY either way :)
Finding my way to wanderweg :)
Monday, September 22, 2014
Thursday, July 10, 2014
ABC...1, 2, 3 = updating in progress...
Hello, nice to welcome myself back to the blog. It is a bit natural that it goes by the way side at some point - right...well, I will do my best to be back at it. First though, we need to catch up a bit!
ABC . . . 1, 2, 3
You will see a series of three updates to get you back in the wind beneath my wings.
1 = time for growth and Quad Rock 50 miler race report
2 = the incredible month of June (including Lavaredo Ultra Trail - 119km race report)
3 = current status and realizations + preparations for Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc
---
So, where we left off was a place of question for my future - I was searching hard and knew something big was ahead. I was scared and intimidated and put way to much pressure on myself to make something happen, I was in pursuit of a doctoral position and I put myself and my health out in search of it. I was going to do anything to have a position or know what was in the near future by January, 2014. Well, that made life incredibly challenging, I had daily struggles and mental issues that were prompted by other situations and I needed some relief. I was home in MN for Christmas - after a conference in Austria and a quick visit to Lausanne, Switzerland to visit a potential for the future. I stayed in for the most part and caught a lot of sleep and relaxed as I knew that was exactly what my body needed (3 big puzzles and a season of Survivor were the highlights). If you know me at all, that is something I struggle with - shutting down and laying low. It was through the support and patience of my family and the help of a close friend's wedding that helped me see the road ahead was just a step away. One step at a time and a new way to focus my energy. I was back in Sweden and still struggling with WHO I am, WHERE I was going, WHAT I was doing - there was nothing to be said and everything to be felt. Feelings that I would never imagine to have and an admittingly low spot. If I have learned anything from the ultra racing I have done, it is to know in your heart and in your spirit that the dark times don't last - you do, it gets better and hard times pass. I tried to stay patient in knowing that and trust in the process. I knew that I needed to let the river flow and go with it. I captured the mentality of 'growing with the flow' or 'growin' N' flowin'' :)
Growin' N' Flowin'
Metaphors became a daily occurance and they continue to help me to stay focused on the day and the moment. I also was able to get my energy focused in the right place through the use of a childhood trick - I made myself a checklist. I got to put checks or stars in a column on a sheet every day! Remember the list in the bathroom for getting a star when you flossed your teeth :) - that was the energy I wanted - the little kid passion for life and love of each exciting moment (be it washing the dishes for a quarter or mowing the lawn for some spending money at the roller rink) :) That became my thing - FOR ME...not that anyone would see, but I was the one keeping score and I was able to feel my success...able to feel on track with the list of healthy components of my lifestyle, including nutrition, hydration, activities, sleep, friend time, quiet time, household chores, etc.. I learned that the simple things were key and I needed to see each task in itself - then success at getting my life back on track seemed simple. Then small things like putting on my training clothes or even just the shoes became the light for the path out the door. I got in a training groove and used each step to grow and learn about myself. It is through the tough times that greatness comes. We must allow time to feel our feelings and not let our mind get the better of us, YOU ARE YOU. Take control of your mind YOU DECIDE what happens. YOU are in control, but don't push too hard - let it flow, live the moment and ride it :)
Finally, a race was on the schedule and I was looking forward for the opportunity to show my growth over the last months. One of my cousins was getting married - SO, that meant being back home in MN and then while I was back in the US, it was a great time to get an early season race in - so then came along the QUAD ROCK 50 MILER - in Fort Collins, CO! It was a combination trip - quick family visit and quick race plan. I would end up in MN for about 3.5 days and CO for about 4 days, with a night in Minneapolis (to celebrate Mother's Day, my race, and my early birthday dinner WITH MOM!) on my way back to Sweden. Sign me up for the adventure.
Race Report - Quad Rock 50
Like I said, I travelled to Fort Collins, CO! I spent a night in Boulder upon first arriving in some hail storms a few days before the race. I visited a couple friends in Boulder, the university, as well as got a chance to explore the finer parts of town including a hike/run to get my breathing acclimated and legs and feet freshed up in the iconic Boulder mtns - along the Flatirons and from Chautauqua Park. Oh what fun there is to be had in Boulder, I hope to live or be able to visit a lot in the future! Felt like home to me (especially since I lived in Bozeman for about 3 years while getting my Masters degree) :)
My mom flew in on Thursday and I had rented a car, so went back to get her from the airport and we headed up to Fort Collins - another great mtn town. We spent Friday getting set for the race and driving around to allow me to get used to the area of the course and for her to get aquainted with the directions for the aid stations for crewing. We picked up the race packet at the Runners Roost and had a nice pasta dinner at an Italian restaurant in downtown, followed by an early night.
We had an early early start - as is the way in the US :) for ultras or most races. We got to the start and followed instructions with plenty of time, it was time to get the race bib number, go back to the car for final preparations and pee break and get back to the start line. It all happened a bit faster than I am used to from european races having all day to get amped. But, off we were and it was a nice start - on a gravel road (quite flat) - which was good for me, as I needed to figure out how to breathe in the thin air up there. Then the race was quite simple - except that I needed AIR, MORE AIR - hills felt good, but gosh I didn't have any spring in my step - I thought, geez what have I been doing in training - this feels so slow. I was able to surprise myself on the downhills and run past several others - I really had the thought "goodness, and these people are from Colorado...since when am I (a Minnesotan) good at downhills?!" Next thing I knew I was really sweating a lot (and making salt stains on my shirt/typical Sarah-issue) and started to take a lot of salt tablets - as a prevention and trick to avoid cramping. Wow, I was taking a lot, but it seemed to be fending off the cramps and was working (for the moment) like a charm.
It was HOT! The day was amazing, and there were views I could have only imagined - it was much more scenic than I envisioned as we slogged and dipped and jumped and zipped and danced our way in and out and around Arthur's Rock in Lory State Park and Horsetooth, and I tried look up and relax and enjoy them as much as I could. But boy was it warm for a lady who hadn't seen shorts or a t-shirt in months and living in the middle of Sweden, let's just say I wasn't used to that one bit. My mom was crewing, and she was amazing!!! I felt like a pro and we were in synch :) Like clockwork = the best feeling! I was sure downing those salt tablets and we exchanged baggies at the 25 mile mark. I was not eating as well as I hoped, but was managing with some GU chomps and started to slowly eat some solid bars in the last about 15 miles. Nutrition is never fun, but at altitude and in the 'heat' it was even less fun, but I was so insanely thirsty! Lesson starting to sink in. It was interesting that after the 25mile mark, the course went in reverse direction - so I was able to see those racers in front of me as we approached. I was very in tune to my body and my limits, but it was impossible not to try to do math and keep a count of the women in front of me. That was a fun advantage to have and I used it as fuel and motivation, it is a bit natural to do that - yeah?! But, I really tried to take a grip of it. I continued to find that ginger ale was my friend and also found a couple other friends along the course, it is nice to end up in good company during the race :)
The day was just going solid. I was happy. It was getting tough, but I was in control and getting it done. I was happy with that and I felt my training had made improvements in my performance and my mind was strong in that. I found that the uphills became my strength after the first half of the race and now started to use those as my advantage and try to push a bit extra there, downhills though - they just became harder and harder - as is also natural when your body starts to feel the load of all the hours. I think they should put some more mountains in Sweden to help with this :) It began a nice little rain shower - which felt amazing because of the temperature change, but it did get a little slickerry (slippery/slick). The last 4 km were about all I could push out my body and I tried to enjoy the home stretch as much as possible through the little valley/plateau/open field - I got a little extra motivation by the end to finish in about 10:30hrs - I ended up being about 30 seconds from this, but pushed hard in the last km to make it there. I called it a success :)
I was so happy and content with my effort and I felt it a great stepping stone to the coming season, I just recently finished Lavaredo 119km in Italy and my goal race of the year is UTMB 168km in Chamonix in the end of August. This was a beginning race and I was happy to see my progress and growth and a 6th place cowbell award to cap it off!
All words and no pics for now - funny internet, maybe I can change this soon...
Thanks for being an endurance reader to make it to the bottom for now - and hopefully you see some more updates soon :)
Happy trails and use all this summer weather and sunlight to fuel your passions and lift your spirit!
ABC . . . 1, 2, 3
You will see a series of three updates to get you back in the wind beneath my wings.
1 = time for growth and Quad Rock 50 miler race report
2 = the incredible month of June (including Lavaredo Ultra Trail - 119km race report)
3 = current status and realizations + preparations for Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc
---
So, where we left off was a place of question for my future - I was searching hard and knew something big was ahead. I was scared and intimidated and put way to much pressure on myself to make something happen, I was in pursuit of a doctoral position and I put myself and my health out in search of it. I was going to do anything to have a position or know what was in the near future by January, 2014. Well, that made life incredibly challenging, I had daily struggles and mental issues that were prompted by other situations and I needed some relief. I was home in MN for Christmas - after a conference in Austria and a quick visit to Lausanne, Switzerland to visit a potential for the future. I stayed in for the most part and caught a lot of sleep and relaxed as I knew that was exactly what my body needed (3 big puzzles and a season of Survivor were the highlights). If you know me at all, that is something I struggle with - shutting down and laying low. It was through the support and patience of my family and the help of a close friend's wedding that helped me see the road ahead was just a step away. One step at a time and a new way to focus my energy. I was back in Sweden and still struggling with WHO I am, WHERE I was going, WHAT I was doing - there was nothing to be said and everything to be felt. Feelings that I would never imagine to have and an admittingly low spot. If I have learned anything from the ultra racing I have done, it is to know in your heart and in your spirit that the dark times don't last - you do, it gets better and hard times pass. I tried to stay patient in knowing that and trust in the process. I knew that I needed to let the river flow and go with it. I captured the mentality of 'growing with the flow' or 'growin' N' flowin'' :)
Growin' N' Flowin'
Metaphors became a daily occurance and they continue to help me to stay focused on the day and the moment. I also was able to get my energy focused in the right place through the use of a childhood trick - I made myself a checklist. I got to put checks or stars in a column on a sheet every day! Remember the list in the bathroom for getting a star when you flossed your teeth :) - that was the energy I wanted - the little kid passion for life and love of each exciting moment (be it washing the dishes for a quarter or mowing the lawn for some spending money at the roller rink) :) That became my thing - FOR ME...not that anyone would see, but I was the one keeping score and I was able to feel my success...able to feel on track with the list of healthy components of my lifestyle, including nutrition, hydration, activities, sleep, friend time, quiet time, household chores, etc.. I learned that the simple things were key and I needed to see each task in itself - then success at getting my life back on track seemed simple. Then small things like putting on my training clothes or even just the shoes became the light for the path out the door. I got in a training groove and used each step to grow and learn about myself. It is through the tough times that greatness comes. We must allow time to feel our feelings and not let our mind get the better of us, YOU ARE YOU. Take control of your mind YOU DECIDE what happens. YOU are in control, but don't push too hard - let it flow, live the moment and ride it :)
Finally, a race was on the schedule and I was looking forward for the opportunity to show my growth over the last months. One of my cousins was getting married - SO, that meant being back home in MN and then while I was back in the US, it was a great time to get an early season race in - so then came along the QUAD ROCK 50 MILER - in Fort Collins, CO! It was a combination trip - quick family visit and quick race plan. I would end up in MN for about 3.5 days and CO for about 4 days, with a night in Minneapolis (to celebrate Mother's Day, my race, and my early birthday dinner WITH MOM!) on my way back to Sweden. Sign me up for the adventure.
Race Report - Quad Rock 50
Like I said, I travelled to Fort Collins, CO! I spent a night in Boulder upon first arriving in some hail storms a few days before the race. I visited a couple friends in Boulder, the university, as well as got a chance to explore the finer parts of town including a hike/run to get my breathing acclimated and legs and feet freshed up in the iconic Boulder mtns - along the Flatirons and from Chautauqua Park. Oh what fun there is to be had in Boulder, I hope to live or be able to visit a lot in the future! Felt like home to me (especially since I lived in Bozeman for about 3 years while getting my Masters degree) :)
My mom flew in on Thursday and I had rented a car, so went back to get her from the airport and we headed up to Fort Collins - another great mtn town. We spent Friday getting set for the race and driving around to allow me to get used to the area of the course and for her to get aquainted with the directions for the aid stations for crewing. We picked up the race packet at the Runners Roost and had a nice pasta dinner at an Italian restaurant in downtown, followed by an early night.
We had an early early start - as is the way in the US :) for ultras or most races. We got to the start and followed instructions with plenty of time, it was time to get the race bib number, go back to the car for final preparations and pee break and get back to the start line. It all happened a bit faster than I am used to from european races having all day to get amped. But, off we were and it was a nice start - on a gravel road (quite flat) - which was good for me, as I needed to figure out how to breathe in the thin air up there. Then the race was quite simple - except that I needed AIR, MORE AIR - hills felt good, but gosh I didn't have any spring in my step - I thought, geez what have I been doing in training - this feels so slow. I was able to surprise myself on the downhills and run past several others - I really had the thought "goodness, and these people are from Colorado...since when am I (a Minnesotan) good at downhills?!" Next thing I knew I was really sweating a lot (and making salt stains on my shirt/typical Sarah-issue) and started to take a lot of salt tablets - as a prevention and trick to avoid cramping. Wow, I was taking a lot, but it seemed to be fending off the cramps and was working (for the moment) like a charm.
It was HOT! The day was amazing, and there were views I could have only imagined - it was much more scenic than I envisioned as we slogged and dipped and jumped and zipped and danced our way in and out and around Arthur's Rock in Lory State Park and Horsetooth, and I tried look up and relax and enjoy them as much as I could. But boy was it warm for a lady who hadn't seen shorts or a t-shirt in months and living in the middle of Sweden, let's just say I wasn't used to that one bit. My mom was crewing, and she was amazing!!! I felt like a pro and we were in synch :) Like clockwork = the best feeling! I was sure downing those salt tablets and we exchanged baggies at the 25 mile mark. I was not eating as well as I hoped, but was managing with some GU chomps and started to slowly eat some solid bars in the last about 15 miles. Nutrition is never fun, but at altitude and in the 'heat' it was even less fun, but I was so insanely thirsty! Lesson starting to sink in. It was interesting that after the 25mile mark, the course went in reverse direction - so I was able to see those racers in front of me as we approached. I was very in tune to my body and my limits, but it was impossible not to try to do math and keep a count of the women in front of me. That was a fun advantage to have and I used it as fuel and motivation, it is a bit natural to do that - yeah?! But, I really tried to take a grip of it. I continued to find that ginger ale was my friend and also found a couple other friends along the course, it is nice to end up in good company during the race :)
The day was just going solid. I was happy. It was getting tough, but I was in control and getting it done. I was happy with that and I felt my training had made improvements in my performance and my mind was strong in that. I found that the uphills became my strength after the first half of the race and now started to use those as my advantage and try to push a bit extra there, downhills though - they just became harder and harder - as is also natural when your body starts to feel the load of all the hours. I think they should put some more mountains in Sweden to help with this :) It began a nice little rain shower - which felt amazing because of the temperature change, but it did get a little slickerry (slippery/slick). The last 4 km were about all I could push out my body and I tried to enjoy the home stretch as much as possible through the little valley/plateau/open field - I got a little extra motivation by the end to finish in about 10:30hrs - I ended up being about 30 seconds from this, but pushed hard in the last km to make it there. I called it a success :)
I was so happy and content with my effort and I felt it a great stepping stone to the coming season, I just recently finished Lavaredo 119km in Italy and my goal race of the year is UTMB 168km in Chamonix in the end of August. This was a beginning race and I was happy to see my progress and growth and a 6th place cowbell award to cap it off!
All words and no pics for now - funny internet, maybe I can change this soon...
Thanks for being an endurance reader to make it to the bottom for now - and hopefully you see some more updates soon :)
Happy trails and use all this summer weather and sunlight to fuel your passions and lift your spirit!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)