2spry

[2spry]

Ozark Foothills 50k Race Recap

Oh man… so I don’t even know where to start. I guess at the beginning. This was my first race back since I broke my foot, 1 year to the day actually. I still can’t believe it worked out that way. I was looking at races that were easy to travel to, and that were loop courses. I wanted a looped course in case my foot said “nope” and I needed to hop off course easily. I signed up for this race only 5 weeks out! I had had a year of major ups and downs, with multiple attempts at upping mileage with no avail. Every time I tried to increase or even add in a little speed work or hill training, my foot would blow up. When I say blow up, the pain would be bad enough to cause me to limp. It wasn’t until really February where I was not having much pain anymore. I hit, on average, in the 60-70 mile range for Jan and Feb, with 116 miles total in March. I also had only 2 speed work sessions (they were easier ones). So I signed up with the goal of only using this as a training run, to make sure my foot could handle the distance. If it did, I was going to pick a longer race next and really train for it! I was extremely nervous because having your foot snap during a race is very scary and the pain is something you never forget. I have had to work hard on my mind this past year because the fear was really taking over. The mind is so powerful. Working hard on mental training has been a huge help for me. That is one of my weaknesses.

The day before the race was crazy!!! I thought I really had everything lined up, but so many things happened which led to getting off late. It worked out though! This was an Altra sponsored race so I was also going to the packet pickup to help out my local Altra rep Erica, and I was covering the race for Road Runner Sports on their Instagram account. Doing both of these things was incredibly fun for me! I love new experiences! Plus, it got me out of my head!!! They had a screening of The Double, and the speaker was Jeff Browning (aka @GoBroncoBilly). It was chalk full of awesome information. One of the main things I took away from his talk was to slay the negative thoughts of the mind. I know this, but to hear someone so accomplished say that they have to do this all the time, really brought it home to me. The mind is so powerful. Once that was over we headed to the hotel.

We got to the hotel around 8:45ish and headed to the room. So far everything had been rather uneventful. Then the room keys wouldn’t work and we got locked out! Phones were in the room (key worked at first and then just wouldn’t, no idea). Anyway, we finally got everything in and ate dinner around 9:30. While I was eating, I realized, oh my goodness, I forgot to get my race packet!!! LOL!!! I mean who does that!?!? Goes to the race packet pickup and forgets to pickup their race packet!?!? Me apparently. Thank goodness they had race day pickup! Then we realized we forgot the bottom to the electric kettle for coffee in the am. Oh well. The front desk was able to provide it. After all that, I finally headed to sleep close to midnight. And sleep I didn’t.

Up at 3:45 exhausted! However, I did not have a headache or migraine which was HUGE!!! I cannot remember a race where I didn’t have one of those the night before or the day of. (When I ran my 50 miler, I had a migraine from the night before and it didn’t abate for 7 hrs of the race!) Not having a headache gave me such a boost!!! We got there at around 6:15 and it was foggy and dark. I had thought for a moment that it wasn’t going to lift, making a note to bring my headlamp next time just in case. It did finally lift and turned into a gorgeous sunrise!

I was super nervous, freezing (yes me the cold weather runner was freezing lol!), and very thankful once she blew the horn to start. I kept reminding myself that this is a training run, no pressure! I started out very conservative. I was really watching my footing (I did the whole race) and just trying to ease into a steady easy pace. It did take me awhile to warm up, but once I got going I felt pretty good! I would say after the 5th mile I felt like I was getting in a groove, getting more comfortable with the terrain, but I could feel my lack of training then too. Just the amount of vert and all the rocks and roots that I am not used to. My quads and ankles let me know that really quick, but I told my mind to shut it, slayed those negative thoughts, and told myself to just enjoy this! (There was 3,800 ft of ascent so lots of hills) I started to look around at the beauty of where I was and just got really emotional. Here I was running, in a gorgeous area, on trails, in an ultra, healthy. What a blessing!!! That gave me a boost and I started to pick up the pace. I think this was around mile 10-12. I started to pass people, but I had no idea what race they were running. You are on the course with 25k, 50k, and 50 mile runners.

Coming through the half, I felt really good! I really was ultra conservative with my footing and therefore hadn’t fallen yet. My upper body felt really good, and I know a big part of this was because of my new race vest fitting seamlessly. Super important to find one that works for your body! I filled up my water bladder with Ultima Replenisher, and headed out! But then had to run back cuz I forgot my MUIR gels!!! LOL! Made a bathroom pitstop and finally headed out. I had no stomach issues with that combination, it worked well!

The hardest mile for me was 17. My hands started to swell like crazy! I was using salt, so I didn’t know why I was swelling so bad. Still unsure of the cause. They were so swollen that I actually thought I was going to have to cut off my ring. I was feeling a bit more tired, and just kind of worried. I started opening and closing my hands and telling myself it was going to be fine. Then, about a mile or two later, it started to go down a bit and relief washed over me. I began to think about all my friends that can’t run right now and began running miles for them, praying for them and for this race. I started to pick up the pace. Once I started running, I began to catch up to people. It was so spread out at this point that passing was pretty easy. I hit a string of two people and wanted to pass them but I kept thinking, no they are keeping you conservative, you don’t want to blow up you’ve come so far. I was kind of panicking. I felt so good I thought it was a fluke. So I stayed for too long. Finally I told myself what are you doing!?!? Get going! So I asked to pass and took off. I kept passing people. I had someone tell me hey you’re going really fast!!! Are you sure you're feeling ok? (It was getting really hot at this point, 70’s) I said yes I feel great! They cheered me on! Each aid station had amazing volunteers and I cannot tell you how much their cheers help! I continued to try and catch people. I started having water poured into my mouth (I didn’t have a cup) and ice in my fandana to help with the heat. Plain water was tasting so good at that point. I also began grabbing orange slices.

I hit the last aid station feeling great! So much so that I neglected to check my water bladder. It was empty. You might not think that is a big deal, but it really is. In that heat with miles to go, you need it. I let myself have an “uh oh” moment and then moved on. Those last few miles were tough. I felt pretty dehydrated and very nauseous, but I kept pushing. I fell twice because I got a bit sloppy at watching my footing, and then rolled my ankle pretty bad. I noticed that not one person was around me still. I ran alone for a lot of the race. After limping a bit I pressed on and started running, only to hear footsteps behind me coming fast, I moved over and it was Jeff Browning. LOL! He was cruising, but made sure to take the time to tell me to keep pushing! So I did! I ran all the way into the finish! I had no idea if I was even in the top 10, so when I crossed the line and Shalini the RD told me I was 3rd female I was in complete shock!!! It was like a dream.

From one year ago breaking my foot, to now taking 3rd was crazy. It was a huge confidence boost to know that my foot could handle the distance and that I was able to have a podium finish with as little training as I did. I felt so blessed and humbled. A new memory to replace the old. A realization that I can do this! A thankful heart to have been able to run this race and finish. A grateful heart for all of the support and new friends that I made at this event. Thankful to the Lord for the gift of running.

Now that I know I can handle distance again, I am going to find my next race and really train for it. I am so excited and hopeful for the future. I cannot wait to see what happens!!!

Huge thank you to all the volunteers, the RD Shalini, my mother, and all of you who commented and supported me through this journey. Big thank you also to Road Runner Sports, Altra Running, Jaybird Sport, OS1st, Yukon Charlies, and Momentum Jewelry for your awesome support and gear to get me through!

Gear: Altra Running King MT 1.5 and gaiters Road Runner Sports R-Gear Recharge Compression Capri Altra running performance tank Garmin Fenix 5 Os1st Arm Sleeves Injinji trail crew socks Ultimate Direction Race Vesta with bladder not front bottles

Fuel: MUIR energy gels Ultima electrolyte replenisher Salt stick KION essential amino acids

Balm: Squirrel’s Nut Butter

Pic Cred IG accounts: Trail @mile90photo, Finish @alex.fagin

[2spry]

Ok Monday... . I'm not tired, I'm wide awake. I'm not sad, I'm happy. I'm not weak, I'm strong. I'm not fearful, I'm courageous. I'm not behind, I'm ready. . LET'S DO THIS!!! The mind is a powerful tool. What we think really does affect us and it can spill onto others. Stay positive and have a great week! . Prov 17:22 #mondaymotivation #roadrunnersports  #laceupandexplore #run #running #gopro #forceofnature #optoutside #poweryourpassion #zerolimits #embracethespace #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday #havenolimits #comeback #irun4ultra #lasthorse #instarunners #runchicks #runstrong  #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #runforlife #findyourpath #runnerclick #monitorthebeat #runnerprobs #runnerscommunity #injuredrunner #womensrunningcommunity @roadrunnersports @altrarunning @jaybirdsport @tierrasunglasses

[2spry]

How was ur Sat run? . . Mine started out hot & humid, then ended in a torrential downpour! Guess I should've looked at the radar. 🙈 I highly doubt my shoes will be dry by tomorrow... 🤔 I was so drenched! #runnerprobs . I really actually love running in the rain, and I'm totally fine even when its coming down in sheets. I was having a blast today until the lightning and thunder scared me half to death. It was so loud it felt too close. Luckily I was almost back when this started and got inside. Have you ever gotten stuck out in a bad storm while on a run? . #optoutside #lhrvistachallenge #roadrunnersports  #laceupandexplore #womenofadventure #forceofnature #poweryourpassion #zerolimits #embracethespace #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday #havenolimits #runstrong #comeback #irun4ultra #lasthorse #instarunners #runforlife #gopro #goprooftheday  #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #findyourpath #runhappy #monitorthebeat #runnerscommunity #womensrunningcommunity  @roadrunnersports  @jaybirdsport @tierrasunglasses

[2spry]

The fine line... . There's a really fine line when coming back from injury. Too much and u set yourself back. Too little and you risk over compensation and poor healing/weakness. (I always have to watch doing too much too soon😊). I think sometimes we love running so much we tear up our bodies just to do it. Just to feel that amazing feeling we get when we run. So did having to stop today upset me? Yes. Did I want to run longer? Always. But what's more important is being able to run for a lifetime. That's the ticket folks. So on my walk home I made sure to change my perspective. . So if ya have an injury take care of it. Be patient. You will come back stronger!!! . Friday thoughts... 😏 . #optoutside #friyay #roadrunnersports  #laceupandexplore #womenofadventure #forceofnature #poweryourpassion #zerolimits #embracethespace #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday #havenolimits #comeback #irun4ultra #lasthorse #instarunners #runchicks #runstrong #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #runforlife #findyourpath #monitorthebeat #runnerprobs #runnerscommunity #injuredrunner #womensrunningcommunity  @roadrunnersports @altrarunning

[2spry]

It's Global Running Day!!! . Nothing says fun like running through sprinklers like the good ol ' days when I was a kid. I'm sure the people around me were wondering what in the world I was doing running back and forth, but hey it was hot and it made me laugh! And laughter is good! Anyone else out there run through sprinklers on a run? . Speaking of kids... tag ur photos with #globalrunningday #amazingahakids Why? Because for every photo @roadrunnersports will donate $1 to their charity Athletes Helping Athletes to help kids with permanent disabilities get adaptive bikes!!! What an AWESOME cause! So get out there and channel ur inner kid & snap a pic! . #optoutside #laceupandexplore #roadrunnersports #womenofadventure #forceofnature #runwild #poweryourpassion #zerolimits #embracethespace #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday #havenolimits #irun4ultra #lasthorse #instarunners #trailsisters #gopro #goprooftheday #comeback #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #findyourspark #findyourpath #runnerscommunity #womensrunningcommunity #runshots #runhappy @jaybirdsport @altrarunning @garminfitness

[2spry]

Inhale the future, exhale the past. -Unknown . And just like that... the shoe shots are back! 😂😂😂 Another day of being able to run a bit is such a blessing. Right now I'm just focusing on form, and when my foot has had enough. It is a fear of mine every time I take a step that I'm going to feel that acute injury pain again. I'm sure it will take quite some time before I'm not afraid. . This past April was the first time I've broken anything while running. Never thought it would happen, and I'm sure the next race I run it will be in the back of my mind. Anyone else broken anything while running? Do you still remember it like it was yesterday? . . #optoutside #trailtuesday #roadrunnersports #sunset #laceupandexplore #womenofadventure #forceofnature #poweryourpassion #zerolimits #embracethespace #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday #havenolimits #garmin #comeback #irun4ultra #lasthorse #instarunners #runchicks #gopro #goprooftheday #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #findyourdirt #findyourpath #monitorthebeat #runnerscommunity #womensrunningcommunity @roadrunnersports  @jaybirdsport @altrarunning @garminfitness

[2spry]

Inhale the future, exhale the past. -Unknown . And just like that... the shoe shots are back! 😂😂😂 Another day of being able to run a bit is such a blessing. Right now I'm just focusing on form, and when my foot has had enough. It is a fear of mine every time I take a step that I'm going to feel that acute injury pain again. I'm sure it will take quite some time before I'm not afraid. . This past April was the first time I've broken anything while running. Never thought it would happen, and I'm sure the next race I run it will be in the back of my mind. Anyone else broken anything while running? Do you still remember it like it was yesterday? . . #optoutside #trailtuesday #roadrunnersports #sunset #laceupandexplore #womenofadventure #forceofnature #poweryourpassion #zerolimits #embracethespace #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday #havenolimits #garmin #comeback #irun4ultra #lasthorse #instarunners #runchicks #gopro #goprooftheday #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #findyourdirt #findyourpath #monitorthebeat #runnerscommunity #womensrunningcommunity @roadrunnersports  @jaybirdsport @altrarunning @garminfitness

[2spry]

Inhale the future, exhale the past. -Unknown . And just like that... the shoe shots are back! 😂😂😂 Another day of being able to run a bit is such a blessing. Right now I'm just focusing on form, and when my foot has had enough. It is a fear of mine every time I take a step that I'm going to feel that acute injury pain again. I'm sure it will take quite some time before I'm not afraid. . This past April was the first time I've broken anything while running. Never thought it would happen, and I'm sure the next race I run it will be in the back of my mind. Anyone else broken anything while running? Do you still remember it like it was yesterday? . . #optoutside #trailtuesday #roadrunnersports #sunset #laceupandexplore #womenofadventure #forceofnature #poweryourpassion #zerolimits #embracethespace #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday #havenolimits #garmin #comeback #irun4ultra #lasthorse #instarunners #runchicks #gopro #goprooftheday #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #findyourdirt #findyourpath #monitorthebeat #runnerscommunity #womensrunningcommunity @roadrunnersports  @jaybirdsport @altrarunning @garminfitness

[2spry]

"Injuries are our best teachers.” — Scott Jurek . Running sweetness! Was able to get out there today with less pain! 🙏 Thankful to be back out there even for a few miles.. . This broken foot is mending and I'm doing my best to be patient, to come back slow. Did lots of mobility and fascia work on my foot tonight which really helps. I can't go over the ball of my foot yet, but I work all around it so that everything stays loose and slides well. I highly recommend doing this at night. Especially if you have achilles and plantar fascia issues. Grab a lacross ball or tennis ball and loosen up that arch! Don't go crazy though and do it so hard you cause other problems. Start out gentle and see how it goes! (I do ~2min per foot) . Injuries really do teach us a lot don't they? Even when we don't want to learn. 😊 But I truly have learned so much through this injury. It sort of just stopped me in my tracks. Slowed me down. Gave me a new perspective. Taught me more patience, and continues to teach me patience. Blessing in disguise. Have a great night! Thanks to everyone for all ur encouragement and well wishes! It really means TONS!!! . #optoutside #mondaymotivation #roadrunnersports #laceupandexplore #womenofadventure #forceofnature #poweryourpassion #zerolimits #embracethespace #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday #havenolimits #garmin #comeback #irun4ultra #lasthorse #instarunners #runchicks #gopro #goprooftheday #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #findyourdirt #findyourpath #monitorthebeat #runnerscommunity #womensrunningcommunity @roadrunnersports  @jaybirdsport @altrarunning @garminfitness

[2spry]

The sky was absolutely INSANE!!! This beautiful sunset was exactly what I needed. 😏 I hope you watched a sunset or two this weekend! . Rest day today. After yesterday's longer running attempt my foot was in need of a break. So it got one. Listening to the body is so important. Gotta do it. Doesn't mean I didn't think about running though. 😄 . Thinking/planning my route for tomorrow if I'm able. How was your Sunday run? . Hope everyone had a great weekend!!! And congrats to all who raced! . #optoutside #sunset #sunsetsunday #laceupandexplore #womenofadventure #forceofnature #poweryourpassion #zerolimits #embracethespace #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday #havenolimits #iwill #roadrunnersports #irun4ultra #lasthorse #instarunners #trailsisters #gopro #goprooftheday #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #rescuedog #findyourdirt #findyourpath #tierrasunglasses #runnerscommunity #womensrunningcommunity @roadrunnersports  @jaybirdsport @altrarunning @garminfitness

[2spry]

Trails are my jam and today was #nationaltrailsday 🙌. I couldn't think of what photo to post. I went back and forth btw a super scenic mountain view, red rock, and this. I chose this because dirt, mud and green are what my main trails are this time of yr and I love them. ❤ I love the fresh smell, the birds chirping, and the sound of my feet on the trail 👣 It makes me feel alive! It's something I look forward to and think about all the time I feel like. Still have love for the road too, but trails have my ❤. What about you? Road or trail? . I was able to run a bit longer today, though I should've prob not. You know when u get out there, you feel good, you think I totally got this, then ur body says nope? Yeah. I could tell my gait was off, that I was favoring, but it just felt sooo good to be out there. So I know now I gotta dial it back a bit cuz I don't want any compensation patterns becoming habit. Better to take it easy and do it right. Easier said than done. 😊 . Hope you all had a moment to get outside today!!! Cheers! . #optoutside #forceofnature #laceupandexplore #zerolimits #embracethespace #gopro  #poweryourpassion #womenofadventure  #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday  #havenolimits #runnergirl  #roadrunnersports #irun4ultra #lasthorse #ultratraining #instarunners #trailsisters #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #divasrunning #trailandultra #findyourdirt  #findyourpath #monitorthebeat #womensrunningcommunity #findyourdirt #dirtbagrunners #toesocksornosocks @roadrunnersports  @injinji @altrarunning

[2spry]

Happy Friday & June 1! NEW month brings new goals! Time to start fresh! April and May were basically non - running months. Hoping June will bring more running days! . Being injured really makes you appreciate even being able to run a little bit. I know all you runners know what that feels like. Most of us get injured at some point, and coming back just feels so crazy wonderful. I was blessed to be able to jog a bit today. Took good care not to over do it. Have to really be in tune and pay attention to my form. My foot actually lets me know pretty quick when I'm out of whack. . So, June I'm ready to tackle some miles and hope my foot complies!!! 😊 Have a great weekend all and good luck to those racing!!! . #optoutside #forceofnature #laceupandexplore #zerolimits #embracethespace #gopro #poweryourpassion #womenofadventure #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday  #havenolimits #runnergirl #roadrunnersports #irun4ultra #lasthorse #ultratraining #instarunners #trailsisters #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #divasrunning #trailandultra #findyourdirt  #findyourpath #monitorthebeat #womensrunningcommunity #dirtbagrunners #toesocksornosocks @roadrunnersports  @jaybirdsport @injinji @altrarunning

[2spry]

Been seeing all these Moab shots so my throwback goes out to all who are totally salivating, like me, at the chance to get down there. 😊 Runners paradise if I do say so myself. . Maybe I'll dream about it since I posted this tonight. 😄 . No attempt at running today. Foot was too sore. Feeling better tonight so fingers crossed for tomorrow!🤞 . #lifeelevated #optoutside #forceofnature #poweryourpassion #jaybirdcrew #zerolimits #beatyesterday  #embracethespace #sunset #laceupandexplore #havenolimits #runnergirl #irun4ultra #lasthorse #utahgram #runlikeagirl #trailsisters #visitmoab #yesvisitutah #utahtravels #wowutah #goneoutdoors #utahisrad #utahliveelevated #landscape_captures #findyourdirt #findyourpath #runtagit #dirtbagrunners

[2spry]

Sooo I did a thing... I ran a little. 😲 Well, more like jogged, very carefully. 😊 Not quite ready I don't think. Still tender and best on soft ground. But hey, progress!!! Woot woot! . . I put my @injinji compression socks on right away, then did @sevenminerals Magnesium soak. Let's hope I'm not mega sore tomorrow. It is pretty sore already. . . Foot Rehab: -Banded pronation/supination, DF w/ toes curled to focus on ant tib. . -Toe flutters, big toe flex/ext, arch crunches 😊, single leg balance. . -Mobility & fascia work . Happy #humpday ! . #optoutside #sunset #runset #laceupandexplore #womenofadventure #forceofnature #poweryourpassion #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday #havenolimits #runnergirl #roadrunnersports #irun4ultra #lasthorse #ultratraining #instarunners #trailsisters #gopro #goprorunning #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #trailandultra #movebetternaturally #findyourpath #monitorthebeat #runnerscommunity #womensrunningcommunity @roadrunnersports  @jaybirdsport @garminfitness @topoathletic

[2spry]

Rest. Reset. Refocus. . Every have those moments when you've just burnt the candle at both ends for too long and ur mind & body say that's it? . Taking time for yourself is important. Even if it's just for a few minutes. You can only burn the candle at both ends for so long until there's no more candle to burn! . I often feel guilty for just taking a time out. Like I should be doing this or that. But sometimes taking that extra time makes you better at what you need to get done. . So I did that for a couple hours today. And it was glorious! 😄 . Hope everyone had a great Tuesday! 📷: short sunset walk with Luna 🐶 #optoutside #sunset #laceupandexplore #womenofadventure #forceofnature #poweryourpassion #movebetternaturally #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday #havenolimits #runnergirl #roadrunnersports #irun4ultra #lasthorse #ultratraining #instarunners #gopro #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #rescuedog #thepupnation #findyourpath #monitorthebeat #runnerscommunity #womensrunningcommunity #goprooftheday @roadrunnersports  @topoathletic @garminfitness

[2spry]

Thank You For Your Sacrifice 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 . Taking time to remember those who sacrificed their lives so that we can have the freedom's we have today. Thank you to the men & women who have served and who are serving this amazing place we call home. . #thankyouforyourservice #thankyouforyoursacrifice #wewillneverforget #godblesstheusa #memorialday #laceupandexplore #roadrunnersports #runyourworld #poweryourpassion #jaybirdcrew  #beatyesterday #havenolimits #lasthorse #ultratraining #instarunners #runnerscommunity #inspiringwomenrunners #strongrunnerchicks #flotrack #womensrunningcommunity #runlikeagirl #divasrunning #runchicks #runnerspace #monitorthebeat #optoutside #tierrasunglasses #womenofadventure #garmin #findyourpath

[2spry]

Sunsets have been beautiful lately! Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!!! . #optoutside #sunset #sunsetsunday #laceupandexplore #womenofadventure #forceofnature #poweryourpassion #zerolimits #embracethespace #jaybirdcrew #beatyesterday #havenolimits #runnergirl #roadrunnersports #irun4ultra #lasthorse #ultratraining #instarunners #trailsisters #gopro #inspiringwomenrunners #runlikeagirl #rescuedog #trailandultra #findyourdirt #findyourpath #monitorthebeat #runnerscommunity #womensrunningcommunity @roadrunnersports @garminfitness