Thursday, April 19, 2007

Potpourri

First, to answer questions from the comments:

  • The duct tape did not hurt when I pulled it off. I put shiny side down where there are no nails, so that was not a problem.
  • I forgot to mention Blister Shield in my list of things I've tried. It worked okay on short runs, didn't try it out on long runs. It seems to kind of turn solid on my sweaty feet.
  • On Tom's advice, I checked into Kineseo Tape. It's like the soft cloth part of some band-aids. A little stretchy and breathable. I ordered a couple of rolls and really like it - it's softer and easier to work with than duct tape, and forms to the toe more easily. It seems to stay well - I'll let you know after this weekend.
  • I have never heard of tincture of benzoin before this post. I'll look for it and give it a try.
  • Remember, I am the human guinea pig for Eric - by the time we get to WS, we should have a blister plan nailed down!

I've ran twice this week, both times with Rick. Tuesday's run we averaged an 11:01 pace, 5.23 miles with mile three being 10:49 and mile five 10:26. Then we went out today. We decided flat and easy, four-ish miles was our goal. 4.66 miles, 11:11 pace. Well, it was easier than Tuesday! I think that when I pointed out that Rick was making me fast, it went to his head and he's picked up the pace a little more. I suspect he has a secret plan to get me in the 10 minute mile range. That's what I think. What am I gonna do about it? Nothing, I'm just going to try to keep up like I have been and hope for the best.

Soooooo....this weekend is the Mt. Si 50K. I will be running it with Rick, Melissa and Michelle S. Eric will be our crew. Patch will be running it as well, but I think he'll be out ahead of us. I'm feeling pretty good about the whole thing - by all accounts it should be easier than the Pigtails 50K. This is the start of the craziness though - the Eugene Marathon is exactly one week from Mt. Si. Melissa is now scheduled to run all races I'm running, and Michelle is set for Mt. Si, Eugene and Tacoma City. I think we're gonna have some fun!

I'm also signed up for the Rainier to Ruston Relay (50 miles, probably 6 runners) and the Rainier to Pacific Relay. This year Rainier to Pacific is 168 miles and 12 runners (compared to the past at 153 miles and 11 people). I hope it is a little cooler than last year - I don't want a replay of the heart/heat episode. These two relays will carry me through July, then I have a lot of blank weekends till the Nike Women's Marathon. I'm working on filling some of those in; maybe a new marathon in Bellingham, maybe Portland again, maybe a couple of others.

And my final two notes:

Riley made 5'8" in the high jump today at the track meet, netting him 3rd place. First place was another jumper from his school who cleared 6'4" and scratched on 6'5". Second place scratched at 6'3". Wow!

I've lost five (5) (FIVE) pounds! That's 20 pounds less force when I'm running this weekend! And I have to say, it has been relatively easy - must be all the fast running!

Signing off from the shadow of the Cascades, where the boys jump ever higher, the Moms run ever longer, and the Dads are training for the big one.

21 comments:

JustRun said...

Michelle, you're too cute. I like the days I can read your blog and just take in someone else's life a little- the way you write about things makes that very easy. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that.

Good luck this weekend!

Jack said...

Sounds like you are in for a load of fun. I'll be running a countryside marathon on Sunday, I'll be thinking of you guys!

Thomas said...

Good Luck with the Mt. Si 50K. Of course you're a veteran now, and you'll breeze through it.

E-Speed said...

running like you are with someone slightly faster like Rick is great for you. He'll have you at 10 minute miles before you know it!

maniac hippo said...

Hee, I just realized this morning that I bashed a toe on a rock last Sunday, and the nail will not make it.

My favorite method of nail removal: run another race. You never notice when it comes off!

I hope I get to see you guys at Mt Si. I've never done it before so I don't know how much overlap there is between 50K and 50M.

Olga said...

Go, Michelle!

Anonymous said...

Maybe we'll run into each other on R2P this year! I plan to be healthy and running it.

Congrats on the weight loss and on finding new and better blister fighting devices. ;)

Have a good weekend!

Sarah said...

Good luck at Mt Si! I'm sure you'll have a great time! : )

Darrell said...

Love the sign off today. Run long Michelle and long may you run.

Anonymous said...

Good luck this weekend, Michelle! Awesome that hubby is your crew! Make sure and abuse (ahem, use) him appropriately! ;)

Meghan
www.running-blogs.com/meghan

Joe said...

All the best at the Mt Si, Michelle!! Look forward to the report.

A HS kid does 6'5"???? Oh my!!!

Journey to a Centum said...

Don't even think about taking Meghan's advice. I could just take all your stuff and wait around at the finish line with it instead of hauling water, clothing, and fuel for you.

That Yellowstone women is feeling better and has gotten kind of sassy!

Unknown said...

Good luck this weekend. I guess I won't see you at all. Next weekend for sure though.

Sarah Elaine said...

Hhhmmm... I just left a comment then deleted it... Tried to cut and paste most of it, but it didn't work. Dang technology!

Anyway, I'm going to see if your rememdy works on my blisters. It's not the same as your situation, of course, but I'm still going to try.

And hey, did you know that duct tape is "the latest" thing to remove common warts? No kidding... Google it!

And I'm both impressed and inspired by your weight loss, Ms. Slim and Speedy!

Adelyn said...

Just wanted to wish you luck this weekend on the 50k! Sounds like you have lots of fun events coming up over the next year :)

Have a great time!

Addy

Anonymous said...

So much excitement!
Congrats on the 5 pounds.
Congrats to Riley on the jump
Impressive runs this week.
And best of luck this weekend.

Chad said...

Sounds great - good luck with Mt. Si!

Jon said...

Congrats on the 5 pounds! See you and Eric tomorrow at Mt Si!

Dori said...

Good job on the weight loss! Hope your 50K went well. I'm astounded at the distance you run, week after week. I went to the Prairie Home Companion show tonight and thought of you when I saw a cap with the logo of the "American Duct Tape Council" on it. :-)

Dori said...

Good job, Riley!

Jenniferlyn said...

Good Luck with the Mt. Si 50k! You are going to do great! I have had my fair share of blister issues as well. I found some great socks to help with it, and have gotten the perfect shoes for me!

Good luck with those nasty blisters!