One Happy Runner
It's still dark out. The market and flower shop outside my window are just starting to come to life. I'm listening to KXCI and finishing my grande, non-fat, no-whip mocha while I write this. Can you see the clock in the picture above? It's just after six, I've got my Starbucks in hand, wearing the awesome Twin Peaks shirt from Jessica's race, and feeling great that I've already got 5.5 miles under my belt. I'm grateful to have friends willing to meet me at 4:40 am to go for a run in the dark in the winter :) I was dreading getting up so early this morning, but I was looking forward to the run itself. It was a good run, a solid run, albeit slow. I had to walk early on to take off my jacket (I was a wimp and chose to wear more at the start than I knew I needed; I figured I'd rather be warm and carry it all with me to the end) and eat a gel, and then later I walked due to a side stitch (I was too busy talking to keep breathing). The overall pace was 12:38/mile, which is slow on the river path, even for me. But the good part is that I did it - I got up early and made it out there to run! And with consistency, I know my pace will pick up.
My yoga class last night was incredible. It was a basic class, and we did some yang yoga - new moves for me. No warrior poses, which I thought was unusual and nice (sometimes the warrior poses get old). And by the end, I finally managed to actually allow myself to get into a deep relaxation. It was amazing. I called Johnny after the class, and he said I sounded drunk! I said, nope, no substances in my body, just a great yoga class :)
And on to my BIG NEWS:
I am going to run the PCT 50k in Oregon on July 28!!! I found cheaper airfare from Phoenix, and Olga said she will pick me up from/drop me off at the airport, as well as host me for the weekend! Many many thanks to Olga. ((hugs)) to my friend.
I'm having to go back to my schedule and redo it, now that I'm adding an ultra this summer. Plus I accidentally left out a week in April (oops). WOO HOO!!!!!!
Comments
**I'm doing the happy dance!*** That is so awesome that you're going to be at PCT! You will absolutely love it! And it will be great to finally meet you too. : )
And congrats on your early morning run. I love those days when you're done before most people are awake.
Posted by: Sarah | February 20, 2007 07:47 AM
Well, darling, get on a hourse and giddy-yup! It is wonderful you decided to give it a go, you'll make it through easily, you'll love the views, and so many PNW folks will get to meet you:)
Posted by: olga | February 20, 2007 09:00 AM
If you're getting up to do 4:40 AM runs during the winter, you deserve to enjoy a great race later this year.
Good luck with your training.
Posted by: Donald | February 20, 2007 09:18 AM
Nice job Angie! I really wish I could get my sorry butt up that early. You inspire. Also, way to go committing to another ultra. July should give you plenty of time to prepare.
Posted by: Steve | February 20, 2007 09:26 AM
congrats on making that commitment!!! all of us here are going to be following your training progress :)
Posted by: eric l. | February 20, 2007 10:06 AM
Angie,
Do the 50 miler!!! It is a fast 50 and easy. No huge climbs by any means. Plus, it is twice as fun! Well, if you do the 50k you will still have fun and you will post a PR there as the 50k is blistering fast also. The only bad thing is I think the Rangers cracked down on the post race beer. Bummer. Great food at the end! See you there!
tom riley
Posted by: tom riley | February 20, 2007 10:32 AM
Awesome job on your morning run and congrats on the decision to run in Oregon!!
Posted by: Javamom | February 20, 2007 11:02 AM
Awesome job on the getting up and running. Way to go!!
Posted by: Denise "Firefly" | February 20, 2007 02:16 PM
Look at that happy smile. You go Angie! I'm so glad you are running the PCT 50K too!
Posted by: Jessica | February 20, 2007 03:53 PM
Hmmm.... PCT 50k? Sounds very tempting!!! I still have this idea of wanting to do an ultra and I have never been to Mt. Hood. :)
Posted by: ironayla | February 20, 2007 05:48 PM
Good deal Angie! We're talking and thinking about trying to get down there.
Posted by: backofpack58@yahoo.com | February 20, 2007 05:49 PM
You have a market and flower shop outside your window? You are so lucky! What a great way to watch life in action. You sound very inspired in your post - cool to hear.
Posted by: Ginger Breadman | February 20, 2007 09:22 PM
You look SO happy in your latest picture! Good luck on the PCT50. You can't beat the scenery! (from a biased Oregonian)
Posted by: David | February 20, 2007 10:10 PM
i am from Taiwan
like running
join several marathon &
ultramarathon
very happy see the same
runners.
my running blog
http://blog.xuite.net/harris1020/assassin
Posted by: harris | February 21, 2007 04:24 AM
That is Awesome! Hmmmm...I wonder if I can make it over there and volunteer for the race.
Posted by: Rob | February 21, 2007 07:37 AM
Best of luck training for the PCT50. It sounds like a lot of fun and hanging with Olga for the weekend will be a real kick.
Posted by: Phil | February 21, 2007 05:57 PM
Don't worry about pace, training for ultra's is all about time on your feet! Post run coffee is the best...glad to see the smile! Good news...I can't wait to follow you on the road to PCT50!
Run on!
Posted by: Ryan | February 22, 2007 07:22 AM
Good for you, Angie!! Oregon in July sounds like it will be so nice. Sounds like your running is really coming around. Keep it up!!
Posted by: Chad in the Arizona Desert | February 22, 2007 08:37 AM
4:40?!?!?! whew.....that is awesome! Great post Angie and great picture! You are so cute.
Happy Day!
~kim
Posted by: Kim French | February 22, 2007 09:57 AM
Congrats on the run! Too bad we couldn't get together when I was in Tucson earlier this year, maybe next time!
Posted by: Rafael | February 22, 2007 11:23 AM