tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76524818482429543402024-03-13T08:14:00.701-07:00Silly Girl RunningSilly Girl Running vs. 'NO', 'You can't', and 'Girls don't do that'. Because I do. And mess up race photos while I'm at it.Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.comBlogger468125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-52451005497279280442014-08-30T08:17:00.001-07:002014-08-30T08:17:34.500-07:00Runner toesThe upside of being on bedrest for the majority of your pregnancy:<div><br></div><div>1. Baby Q. Duh.</div><div><br></div><div>2. No more black toenails! Yay! Hello clear nail polish. And a whole new batch of black toenails to work on!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9mqG37rrCQE/VAHrC-QoXZI/AAAAAAAACbc/_M62Z0EyXVQ/s640/blogger-image--1151460199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9mqG37rrCQE/VAHrC-QoXZI/AAAAAAAACbc/_M62Z0EyXVQ/s640/blogger-image--1151460199.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-24514342586976966682014-08-15T11:12:00.001-07:002014-08-15T11:12:37.243-07:00How to get back to running after pregnancy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Getting back to running after pregnancy might be easy. It might be not. Some moms run a marathon within months after giving birth. Others don't. But, at least in my opinion - and after consulting a PT, there are some guidelines to follow. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>1. Start whenever you feel ready and start slowly</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This might be right after giving birth. This might be after a couple of weeks. This might be after several months. Golden rule is not to push it. My PT warned me about getting back in full-on training mode too early, and noticing the negative effects of this on your pelvic floor after several years. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Start with shorter distances and work from there. Listen to your body and don't try to push limits you shouldn't.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>2. Try to ignore public opinion and pressure</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We have al heard them. The 'so and so was back to running after just a few weeks, and ran a marathon within a couple of months' and 'well, you should at least be back in pre pregnancy shape within 3 months' and 'wait, what? you haven't lost all the pregnancy weight yet? It's already been 2 months!'. Well, the truth is, every body is different, every mom is different, every pregnancy is different and every family is different. Try not to judge. But since it is in the nature of people to judge, you might feel bad about yourself from time to time, because others (runners or not) expect you to do things that aren't realistic and/or your body isn't ready for. Try not to compare you to others. It does not make you weak if you're back to running full on weeks/months/or even a year later than other moms. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In my case, I do consider myself a seasoned runner. I have several marathons and ultras under my belt, managed to run a 3 1/2 hour marathon (which isn't fast, I know, but at least it got my a qualification to run the Boston Marathon, which was something I really wanted), and averaged 10-16 hour training weeks. I had every intention to run through my pregnancy, but reality was I was on bed rest from 16 weeks on (starting with semi, and on full after a while). After giving birth I had pelvic floor issues (and yes, I did have a rock solid pelvic floor pre pregnancy, did my exercises during and after, but - as my PT explained - you can tick all the boxes and still have leakage (yes, I said it ;)) and pain after running for a longer period of time). It happens, and it is not something that should make you feel like less of a runner. You are still a runner. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And then there is the 'time for running' issue. I'm a single mom, and need to juggle running around my little boy's schedule. There is not significant other I can ask to watch baby Q, to give me some time to run. No complaining here. But, juggling in runs is a bit more challenging. Luckily, I do have a baby jogger. And yes, a 2 hour baby jogger run, feels like at least 3 hours without a stroller. And you have to work harder to keep the same pace. Hello, muscular arms. ;)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Plus, reality is, there are quite some times when you want to cuddle with your baby, you're just too tired or just want to chill out on the couch with a book. Nothing to feel guilty about.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Most of the time your running buddies will understand, but sometimes they won't. And might even make you - unintentionally - feel bad. Seeing your running buddies run in front of you with others, because you can't keep up yet, is just not a fun thing.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>3. Down size your Twitter / Instagram / Facebook time</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Reading about everyone else's accomplishments might make you feel bad. Even though you know you just gave birth, this won't stop that little voice in the back of your head, that is telling you that you are slacking. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>4. Cross train</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It might be easier to do core work outs/strength training/a stationary bike session with the baby sleeping next to you. It will give you that 'I worked out' rush and it helps your running. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>5. Watch that pelvic floor</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My PT pointed out that this is a big one. Most new moms seem to forget about this, and end up in pain years after giving birth. By paying attention now, doing your exercises, and not rushing back into running/exercising, you can do everything to prevent this. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>6. Set a reasonable goal</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don't make yourself run a marathon PR months after giving birth. Pick a race that has a high fun factor for you (for me this was running one of the Swiss Alpine Marathon distances - the half marathon with quite some altitude gain- 4 months after having my son), and set yourself a goal of not finishing last. In my case I did not finish last, but was much slower than pre pregnancy, and in pretty much yucky pelvic pain from the half way point on, but I did have a lot of fun and a great experience. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Do you have any other tips that might be helpful for new moms?</i></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-54331371666273009042014-06-29T08:25:00.001-07:002014-06-29T08:25:30.341-07:00Wait? What? You're not running an ultra this summer?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ok, just to clear this up. No, I am not running an ultra this summer. Nor am I running a marathon. I am not super woman! Am I training to get back to marathon and ultra running, yes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>'But, I know this girl, who ran a marathon at 9 months pregnant.'</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well, considering the fact that I was induced at 37 weeks, I didn't do the full 9 months, huh.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>'Ok, but I know this other girl, she ran through her pregnancy. That's also a great way to stay in shape and not gain too much weight.'</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well, yes, I had every intention to keep running throughout my pregnancy, but it turned out, that I was on semi bedrest from 16 weeks on, and on complete bedrest from week 26. And no working out since 8 weeks pregnant. Childbirth was a breeze, pregnancy wasn't. But I would do it again in a heart beat. Apparently, not every pregnancy is the same, so you really can't compare one pregnant lady to the other. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>'So, you're not in marathon shape yet?'</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Uhm, no, I'm not. Hence the answer to your last question.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>'Ok, but surely you're back to working out 10-16 hours a week, right?'</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ha! Oh, you're serious? I'm a single mom, and self-employed, so I want and have to fit in work outs in my boy's schedule. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>'Well, if you're not working out 10 hours a week, how are you going to get rid of the pregnancy weight?'</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Uhm, most of it is gone, and those last couple of pounds - slowly. I'm no Hollywood celebrity that is back to working out 24 hours post delivery. And that six-pack - well, I think I'll manage fine without it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>'So, you're not into running anymore?'</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Uh, what? Are you even listening? Nope, I am very much into running. I just had to stop running due to pregnancy. One of the best reasons out there, right? ;) Plus, pregnancy is an ultra marathon by itself. ;)</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-45464393391142167372014-06-26T05:43:00.000-07:002014-06-26T10:52:07.240-07:00To all the ultra runners I've met before <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">…and those I haven't met yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You're running an ultra this summer. A mountain ultra. Whether it being your first, your second, or your twenty-fifth. You're running an ultra. And you're mildly intimidated by the elevation profile/course map/cut-off times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been there, believe me. I have. Although this whole 'getting into shape post pregnancy and realizing your pelvic floor isn't the sturdy one you had pre pregnancy and your belly will probably never look the same' thing makes me feel like a pathetic excuse for a runner, I do still feel the ultra love. As far as running goes, ultras have my heart. As far as life goes, my heart is in the hands of a now 3 months old boy. Yeah, I know, enough already with the proud new mom talk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Post pregnancy hormones aside. You are running an ultra, and you are mildly intimidated. Does that quite sum it up?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, again, I have been there, and I am not even close to being a speedy or expert runner, but I did run some mountains - during races or just during me time. Those mountains truly are something created by the hand of a higher power. At least, that's how I feel. The views, the sounds of cow bells in the distance, marmots whistling, I'd take those mountains over a tropical beach any day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But they are intimidating. The weather can do a 180 on you within minutes. The trail you ran yesterday, can look like a completely different trail today. Twice as challenging. Those mountains change by the hour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In 2011, after my first 50 miler at the Swiss Alpine Marathon in Davos, Switzerland, I read on Janina's (a German ultra runner) Facebook page, that you are only a guest in the mountains. And I find that true. You are a guest and should act accordingly. Respect those mountains, but feel honored to be allowed to visit them. To spend time with them. Feel blessed to be up there. Breathing in that fresh mountain air. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do set a goal of finishing pre race, but don't be too set on doing so. Some days a 50 mile race, just turns into a 30 mile trail run. Or a 5 mile long chat with friends. Don't beat yourself up over not crossing that finish line. Instead, enjoy having run some trails. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you plan on running under XX hours, plan accordingly, but accept changing conditions. Weather, an upset stomach, that amazing view you'd like to enjoy for a couple of minutes. Honestly, no one will think less highly of you for not finishing or finishing slower than you'd hoped to. At least, no one with their sanity in place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And yes, your legs will probably hurt. A lot. But the good thing about ultras is, your legs will hurt to a point where you think you can't take any more, and then the pain just doesn't get worse. Also, ultras are a chain of rough patches and easy breezy moments. That's the beauty of them. And no matter how hard the climb, the view will always be worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">[<span style="font-size: x-small;">To all the ultra running moms: yes, your legs will hurt, but honestly, it's not child birth. And most definitely not natural and unmedicated child birth. Uh huh.</span>]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Plus, in the end it's just a mountain. A mountain that has seen more people succeed than not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, promise me this - set a timer, on your phone, watch, whatever you have in your pack. For, let's say, every two hours during that ultra you're running. An when that alarm goes off - stop. In your tracks (obviously while taking note of other runners while doing so…uh huh). Close your eyes. Inhale. And exhale. Smile. And open your eyes. Look around. Truly look around. Take in your surroundings - no matter if it's snowing/raining/night time. Look around. And breathe in those mountains. It will make all the difference. Trust me. </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-63236825263308115042014-06-04T04:24:00.000-07:002014-06-04T04:24:11.608-07:00From the girl that brought you Silly Girl Running<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am working on getting back in marathon/ultra shape. Ha! In the meantime, I have also started a blog on parenting - <a href="http://sillygirlparenting.blogspot.nl/">here</a>. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-41990380191219566402013-02-06T07:48:00.000-08:002013-02-07T08:38:47.704-08:00The world according to Silly Girl Running<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Most chaotic post ever. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February. Sweet February. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Running</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goofy? Goofy was fun. A lot of fun. I am still working on the report, and will post that as soon as possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apart from that. I am still very much into running. Last year was a pretty crazy year, setting PR after PR and training my butt off (<i>quite literally</i>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year - at least the first couple of months of the year - I plan on taking it easy. No 5-hour long runs every other weekend. No 60-70 mile training weeks. Marathon training: yes. Ultra training: yes. But just a little less insane than last year. Ultras: yes. Marathons: yes. Just not as much as last year. Oh, and mountain ultras. I absolutely love those. The ultras and the mountains.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Life</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plus, I have my own firm now (<i>I do need to spend time on that</i>) and there's some stuff going on (<i>not the kind of stuff you'd like to post on a running blog - I have another blog for that</i>) - so, I plan on spending some time 'soul searching'. No, stop it - not like that. The fun kind of soul searching. The 'there are so many things I enjoy' kind of soul searching. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did learn of what has been going on in the last couple of months. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I am not the type of girl that feels comfortable staying on a well travelled path. I like the winding and twisting trails that lead you away from the well travelled path. The ones that take you to this secluded spot in the middle of a forest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm exploring my options here, ya know. Some say I have the attention span of a goldfish. Well, I kind of disagree with that. When I find something I enjoy, I usually stick with it. It's the whole 'path well travelled' thing that's the key here. Rebel? Hardly. Unconventional? Probably.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, and my thirtieth birthday is in less than two weeks. Thirtieth. As in '3-0'. You're all invited. That might have something to do with the whole 'soul searching' thing. I don't know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>What I do know?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you would have asked me ten years ago, what my life would look like at 30, I would have given you the following answer. Without a doubt I would have answered, that I would be working at a huge international law firm, specialized in mergers and acquisitions. Also, I would have married some hot shot work-a-holic after meeting him at University or right after, and would have already given birth to the first one of our four kids. Oh, and of course we would be living in a huge town house. With a chocolate lab running around. Driving an Audi or BMW station wagon. Playing golf with clients. Horseback riding on weekends. Heading over to the Swiss Alps for skiing holidays in winter. Stop laughing. Yes, without a doubt that would have been my answer. And, since most of my friends from high school and university are now leading that exact life, it wasn't too weird of me to believe that. I think. Funny enough - till I'd turned 24 I was actually right on track. That was until I started making decisions mostly from the heart rather than the mind. My twenty yo self was convinced that this was the path to happiness. The path I was supposed to travel. One could say 'a path well travelled'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But guess what? Here I am. Nearing 30. As single as they come (<i>and quite content being so</i>). A self employed lawyer. Specialized in Estate Law. Runner - I suck at golf. Driving a Subaru (<i>a car that knows the mountains and doesn't mind my dog's muddy paws</i>). Yeah, I do have a dog - a standard poodle. And I do live in a town house, although not huge. One of those historic ones. With beams. Plus, although I have always loved the mountains, I have now given myself the chance to fall truly madly deeply in love with them, and not just visit them for skiing. And yes, I do love to ski. Climbing a mountain and taking in the scenery on top of that mountain was not part of the perfect '20 yo' picture. And guess what? I'm pretty darn happy at the moment. Who knew?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the last couple of years - I'm not going to lie. Life has been throwing rocks at me. That love for the mountains comes in handy, though. Mountains come with rocks. Ha! I'm used to stepping over rocks. Climbing over them if I have to. If they prevent me from sticking with the fun winding path I'm following. Just in case, I do plan on signing up for climbing lessons asap, though. Might come in handy for bigger rocks (<i>fingers crossed</i>). Plus, I still have that climbing the Matterhorn thing on my bucket list. Climbing the Matterhorn - also something that wasn't part of the perfect picture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here you have it: The World According to Silly Girl Running. Completely off the path well travelled. Skipping along a twisting, winding, muddy, slippery and 'what the heck' path. You should check out the view here, though: it's pretty darn amazing. </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-27070563914000822352013-01-07T13:05:00.002-08:002013-01-07T13:06:13.686-08:00Happy New Year and going Goofy<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>First of all:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy happy happy new year to all of you! I hope your 2013 will be as amazing as you hope it will be.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, you know, all those things you have always wanted to do? You should go do them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Second of all:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have instructed the house sitter (house sitters rock!), and am gearing up to go Goofy. The planned race (or actually double race) next weekend. So excited! And really looking forward to meeting all of you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the outfits (yes, Tracy, I do plan on dressing up), I'm going for the mermaid look for one race and the Queen of hearts look for the other one. :) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you running in costume? If so, tell me about yours!</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-9088888471597494942012-12-27T08:06:00.001-08:002012-12-27T08:07:47.115-08:00What I do on weekends<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ISArrsY1X-8" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Courtesy of <a href="http://www.hardlopendeboer.nl/">John de Boer</a>.</i></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-58821172115666090402012-12-18T07:34:00.001-08:002012-12-18T08:46:29.902-08:00Preparing to go Goofy<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, I know, I am acting like a 12 yo. Boo-freaking-hoo. Can you blame me? When you get the chance to race in costume - grab it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I plan on running the Disney World Half Marathon dressed up as a mermaid and the Disney World Full Marathon dressed up as the Queen of Hearts (<i>Alice in Wonderland)</i>. Why? Seriously, is that even a question?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the mermaid outfit - the costume had a long tight-ish skirt and a mermaid tail. I cut out the middle man (<i>ha!</i>), and attached the tail to the waist. And now it looks like this. Oh yeah, baby, sparkly shells on my boobs. </span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-79451783524264013372012-12-12T06:33:00.002-08:002012-12-12T08:13:47.670-08:002,000 +<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-30679391900399231092012-12-03T06:41:00.002-08:002012-12-03T06:41:37.470-08:00Possibly the funniest blog ever<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will want to follow this blog:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://whatshouldrunnerscallme.tumblr.com</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-8344768497967836652012-11-29T08:40:00.000-08:002012-11-29T08:40:19.000-08:00What's going on - what's going on - dumdiedum<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, what's been going on?</span></div>
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I am still running. Training. Running bug is still very much there. ;) Don't you worry about that. Ha!</div>
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Current plans: I hope to do the Goofy's Challenge at the Walt Disney Marathon this January. And the Brocken Challenge in February (<i>a 50-miler / 80K</i>). And the Eco-trail de Paris (<i>50-miler / 80K</i>) in March. I really hope to hop on a plane to Boston in April...to run the Boston Marathon. :) So, those are the planned races all through April. And I have already planned some races after that. I can't help myself. ;)</div>
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Apart from that, I'm still busy being self-employed. :) </div>
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TMI START</div>
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Physically, it pretty much sucks at the moment. TMI ALERT! In my last post I wrote about stopping birth control pills (<i>detox to the max, hun!</i>). Still very much sucky. The whole waiting for your cycle to find its way thing is no fun. I used to be clockwork regular before starting BCP, so that's what you're hoping for. And now it's just waiting till 'ya know what' comes. Frustrating. Especially when you read all these stories about it taking 6 months to a year on average. And 29 days into my cycle (<i>I used to have a 28-day clockwork cycle</i>) my tummy is bloated. Not charming. Not fun. Very uncomfortable. And no signs (cramps, headache, etcetera) of 'ya know what'. Doesn't help my running - the elastic band on running tights hurts. Blah! So, we could state I'm still freaking out. My current obsession: I've had numerous x rays and ct scans, and even an IVP, diagnosing the gazillion kidney stones I had in my early twenties. Ergo, I'm now worried like crazy that these messed up my cycle. Again, this bloated tummy does not help my running. </div>
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TMI END</div>
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On a completely different note: I have discovered the most delicious vegetarian sausage rolls out there. Check out Fry's Vegetarian. :)</div>
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-7319363309371748202012-11-14T04:39:00.000-08:002012-11-15T01:37:44.247-08:00I quit... Birth Control Pills that is.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I quit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birth control pills that is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the non-female readers - you might want to skip this one. Actually, guys, I strongly advise you to skip this one. I might lose all my non-female readers over this. Uh-huh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little while ago I gave up caffein. Not completely, though. I do allow myself to have caffein on race days. Result: on these days I go all out on Coca Cola - ergo, I hardly sleep the night after. Nutso. ;) The difference that the caffein detox made, is pretty remarkable. I have not regretted it since. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And since I had jumped onto the detox wagon with the whole caffein thing, I figured, why not get rid of these hormones I've been taking: i.e. birth control pills (<i>there are other ways, you know</i>). I'd been taking these babies for 12 years now (<i>got on BCP just a few months before I turned 18 - and was clockwork regular)</i>. Got on BCP for obvious reasons: heavy bleeding and cramps when I was having my period (<i>too much info, I know</i>), and well...birth control. Plus, every single one of my friends was on BCP. So, there really was no harm in taking BCP, right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I could not have been more wrong. I've stayed on BCP ever since. Even when I wasn't in a relationship. You could say I continued taking them out of pure laziness - a bit like a bad habit. Now I can only say I wish I would have stopped taking BCP earlier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took my last BCP on October 28th, had the start of my withdrawal bleed on November 1st (<i>too much info again, I know - get over it</i>), and after that my body was forced to start 'working' without the monthly hormone shot. Not fun. Not fun at all. Last week I suffered from nasty headaches. A bit like tension headaches. Add this charming acne outburst on my chin and all sorts of non-fun activity in my tummy to that (<i>ouch - seriously, ouch!</i>), and I am proud to introduce you to 'BCP suck fest 2012'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Getting off birth control pills</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to my GP my body is - as would be the case with every girl quitting BCP - hormonally imbalanced as a result of quitting BCP (<i>oh, perfect</i>). Apparently it can take 3-6 months, even up till a year, for things to get back to normal (<i>as in similar to before I started taking BCP</i>) again. And that's 'on average'. Are you effing kidding me? There seem to be pills that will kick start the whole thing when it's not working properly, but still.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My GP explained to me, that my body needs to ease into working the hormones all by itself. Ovulating seems to be 'a thing', since BCP has prevented my body from ovulating in the last couple of years. Ergo, my body has to figure out how to ovulate again. And how to work these LH and FSH hormone thingies. Plus, the whole monthly cycle and getting your period side of things. It needs to figure that out again, too. My GP advised me to carry around tampons 24/7. Again, perfect! Another advise: get yourself a pack of ovulation tests to check whether or not the LH-levels in your urine are fluctuating. Hello, embarrassing moment at the check out counter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you that have been reading this blog for a while now, you can probably figure out how I've been feeling about this whole ordeal. Yep, correct. I am freaking out. What the ef is going to happen. Will everything work? How long will it take? What if it doesn't? Oh yeah, you betcha I have Googled this thing for hours and hours. Insert: total freak out mode.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Birth control pills and running</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for BCP and running - you'll get a zillion hits on Google on this one. Livestrong.com gives a pretty 'main stream' opinion on it:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The effects of birth control pills on running are varied. Some athletes have reported reduced muscle endurance, while others cited a lower rate of injury. Some studies have even discovered increased protection from bone loss as a result of taking oral contraceptives. Runners who prefer to reduce menstrual flow during competitive running can see their cycles decline to four per year, according to Dr. Cathy Fieseler.</i></span></span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font: inherit; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/321839-running-birth-control-pills/#ixzz2CCMSgv9g" style="border: 0px; color: #003399; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.livestrong.com/article/321839-running-birth-control-pills/#ixzz2CCMSgv9g</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Running and your monthly cycle</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which brings me to this. We all know the (<i>possible</i>) effects of long distance running and a 50 miles + / week training regime on a female body. Even though my BMI (19) and my fat percentage (19-20%) are within the healthy range, I'm still worried about this one. Freak. Out. Mode.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say, I would never have started taking BCP if I'd known about this side of things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>What are your thoughts? Are you on BCP? If you where and quit taking them: what's your story?</b></i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-92218316688166700772012-11-13T07:08:00.002-08:002012-11-14T03:53:03.292-08:00Amsterdam Marathon Recap<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long overdue. I know. Mea culpa. Mea maxima culpa. I've been slightly preoccupied with other things. Enough said. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the Amsterdam Marathon... Here we go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Date: </b>October 21st 2012</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Where?: </b>Amsterdam, the Netherlands</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Goal #1:</b> training run - just a fun sub-4 was what I was aiming for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Goal #2:</b> trick running buddy John into thinking I wanted to PR and I needed his help to do so - that way he would finish this thing. And John finishing this baby was the main goal of the day. (<i>seriously - 3 weeks after my BQ at the Berlin Marathon, I was not going to try to PR again. Pretty hilarious that John bought the whole 'PR' story.</i>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Outfit:</b> a pretty adorable Nuu Muu dress. Yeah, I can brag about this one. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me just lead you through this year's Amsterdam Marathon photo by photo. Sounds like a plan, huh? (<i>photo courtesy: Ans de Boer and Bjorn Paree</i>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Start</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 9:30 AM start is pretty cool, since it's in the Olympic stadium. Pretty cool. John was in the corral located behind the corral I was in, so we kind of sneaked him into my corral. Yeah, that's me - living on the edge, baby.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Very crowded start. Narrow course to start of with. Enough said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say we elbowed our way through the first 10K. And headed out too fast. Yeah, baby. I like me some positive 'I sure did mess around' splits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Half Marathon point</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just before the half marathon point John's wife Ans, my mom and a friend of hers were waiting for us. With fluids and energy gel. All part of the play to trick John into crossing the finish line, instead of DNF-ing at the 30K mark. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The course was less crowded at this point - holding an okay-ish pace. We hit the half way point at a relaxed 1:53-ish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>25K in</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello Bjorn! The only guy that is able to take 'non-embarrassing' race photos of moi. And boy, did I try to mess these up.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ37O-Cj_tI/UKJbgmRL8fI/AAAAAAAACSk/591I-xAo1kQ/s1600/Amsterdam+Marathon+2012+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ37O-Cj_tI/UKJbgmRL8fI/AAAAAAAACSk/591I-xAo1kQ/s320/Amsterdam+Marathon+2012+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Definitely my favorite photos of the day. Marathon-photos.com - I didn't even include your overpriced crappy pics in this race report. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>28K</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ran into a couple of older guys talking about qualifying for Boston. With the post-BQ jitters still in place, I hopped right in. Fun talking to them - even more fun seeing them meet their goal. However, at this point John was no longer talking to me. He was suspiciously silent. At that point I realized the whole '30K point is getting closer' thing was what was going on. In the last couple of marathons (<i>in which marathons he was on BQ-course</i>) he had to drop out at the 30K point (cramp, tummy issues (<i>which were caused by a parasite - yeugh!</i>)). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>30K</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A sigh of relief next to me. We had crossed the 30K mark. Good bye 30K demons. John was going to finish this baby.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>34K</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jasper was waiting for us with more fluids and energy gel. We took some time here to readjust John's compression sleeve (<i>quad</i>) and have some Coca Cola. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>36K</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a pescatarian. However, I do cheat once in a while. This happened to be the case 2 days prior to this marathon. I know I should not have red meat before a long run - it messes up my tummy. Big time. As in 'I need to throw up, but I'm trying to hold it back' messing up. Ouch. Not fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Vondel Park part was fun - the part where John has a cramped up leg wasn't. A short stretching session seems to fix the problem. Meanwhile, I'm still regretting the whole 'red meat' thing. Will I ever learn?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>41K</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom, Els and Ans are waiting for us. Right before entering the Olympic stadium to finish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The finish</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There we were. Nearing the finish line. John was going to finish this baby and had showed those DNF demons who is boss. A short sprint and...done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3:49:27. For a fun run, I'll take it. Plus, we had fun out there. And didn't kick each other into the Amstel River. That's a plus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ans caught us after the finish. In our ubercharming blankets. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This photo pretty much sums up the day. My absolute favorite pic of this race. </span></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-83999373998187608682012-10-20T11:03:00.002-07:002012-10-20T11:03:24.634-07:00Another weekend, another planned marathon<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Planned marathon: </b>Amsterdam Marathon, the Netherlands</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Plan: </b>with an ultra (50-ish K) coming up in a month, the plan is to approach this thing as a training run. Yep, another one of those 'here goes nothing' ones. ;)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, and Barborka on the Run - this girl is going for a huge PR in the Amsterdam Marathon. Mark my words, babe! :)</span></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-73586842168937283542012-10-19T02:52:00.001-07:002012-10-19T02:52:22.483-07:00Friday Wisdom<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Made possible by India Arie. :)</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Mq86e4Fhja0?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-62366909224908490552012-10-17T04:36:00.001-07:002012-10-17T04:37:12.365-07:00Berlin Marathon recap and photos<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved this year's Berlin Marathon (<i>September 30th 2012</i>). Not a secret. What's not to love when you manage to BQ? A slowpoke BQ, but still - a BQ is a BQ, right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The race is extremely well organized, volunteers are really friendly, it's easy to get into the start area and there aren't crazy long lines to get your butt into the porta-potties. The course is nice and wide. It's a very scenic course too. Plus, you really don't notice that there are another 43,000 runners out there. The course does measure long, though, probably because of the huge avenues you run on - lots of weaving around other runners from left to right. My Garmin is usually spot on with the KM markers, but said 43K instead of the usual 42.5-ish K (<i>I always get some extra meters in during a marathon - apparently I suck at following the blue line</i>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I also loved: running into Wendy and Dieter during the race. What are the odds? :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the stats: hit the half way mark after 1:45:01, and crossed the finish line after 3:32:57. Yep, that hip was definitely killing me - flared up after 11K, and got progressively worse from that point on. Then again, that BQ was well worth that sore hip. Boo Haa! I could not stop smiling for the entire week post race. How cool is that? :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I didn't love about this race? The photos. Oh boy, did I manage to get some ugly race photos. Wanna see?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYEDCtaIm9A/UH6S8kUgSlI/AAAAAAAACQA/HDTWo4x0aZ0/s1600/Marathon+Berlijn+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYEDCtaIm9A/UH6S8kUgSlI/AAAAAAAACQA/HDTWo4x0aZ0/s320/Marathon+Berlijn+1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yY_Ge1mRfkU/UH6T5O9No2I/AAAAAAAACQI/4KEae2eVPvU/s1600/Marathon+Berlijn+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yY_Ge1mRfkU/UH6T5O9No2I/AAAAAAAACQI/4KEae2eVPvU/s320/Marathon+Berlijn+2.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>These were taken at the 36-ish K point. Could also have been 38-ish K point, though. This part of the race is a bit blurry-ish.</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FF1j_KvowN4/UH6UTfEXPjI/AAAAAAAACQU/lXGtQmdIq4g/s1600/Marathon+Berlijn+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FF1j_KvowN4/UH6UTfEXPjI/AAAAAAAACQU/lXGtQmdIq4g/s320/Marathon+Berlijn+3.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Oh yeah, this might just be the worst race pic ever. Keep those eyes open, dork! And yes, my nose was congested to a point where I needed to open that mouth to some air into my lungs. Not the best look. Understatement of the year.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, let me introduce you to the horror of the finish line pics (<i>time on clock is gun time, not my chip time</i>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those weren't too bad, were they? Well, let me make that up to you with these beauties.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBR-gB5qf04/UH6W-FGmuWI/AAAAAAAACRA/JaoMBZ7zd20/s1600/Marathon+Berlijn+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBR-gB5qf04/UH6W-FGmuWI/AAAAAAAACRA/JaoMBZ7zd20/s320/Marathon+Berlijn+9.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Let me introduce you to the 'What the F, did I just BQ?' look. You'd think I'd be smiling, huh? Well, guess again - apparently I was in shock.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I think we could state that - as far as messing up race pics goes - I've reached a new low. ;)</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-60034591410662624122012-10-03T02:23:00.000-07:002012-10-03T02:23:45.965-07:00I'm on the cover of Runner's World Magazine<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, sort of.</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-39695295387470362462012-10-02T10:36:00.001-07:002012-10-02T10:36:22.817-07:00Berlin Marathon, I might just love you<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Full race report coming asap, but for now...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Berlin Marathon 2012: you've been good to me. After this year's ultra training schedule and the lack of speedwork because of that, I did not expect it to happen. I did not dare hope it to happen. But it did. I finished the Berlin Marathon in 3:32:57. Over the moon. Cloud nine. What was on my iPod when I crossed that finish line and danced (<i>yes, danced, although it might have looked more like a wobbly hobble</i>) through the finish area? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I know, I have the worst taste in music. ;) Get over it.</span></span></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hfvJOL1gpic?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-82326928150754326442012-09-27T01:35:00.003-07:002012-09-27T01:35:39.035-07:00Ich bin ein Berliner<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, Berlin marathon - planned Berlin Marathon - here we come. Excited about visiting this city. As for the marathon, well, this will be one of those 'here goes nothing' marathons again. Considering the ultra training (does nothing for your speed) and the head cold I've had since Fall kicked in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I might go with the Snow Leopard skirt, so at least I'll look cute. ;) Just in case, I have my glitter packed. ;)</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-18730565871283154952012-09-26T02:25:00.001-07:002012-09-26T02:25:30.902-07:00What's on my playlist<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/knz4_wyQRa0?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-52867367834829669872012-09-24T06:10:00.003-07:002012-09-24T06:11:22.446-07:00And the madness continues<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note to self: do not look up 'ultra trail Europe' on Google. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I might have just waisted 45 minutes on making a 'possible race calendar' for 2013. Brilliant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>What I've been up to?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, being self-employed and working my cute *ss off for one thing (<i>hence, the lack of posts</i>). And, not feeling like running, and still dragging my cute *ss out of the door (<i>oh, the joy of taper mode - am I the only one that is not a fan of taper runs?</i>). Shopping for new running skirts at hiphardlopen.nl to dress that cute *ss of mine in. I guess it is safe to say that the passed two weeks have mainly evolved around my *ss. Which isn't that cute, by the way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enough about my bootay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's another planned marathon coming up. Berlin, Germany. This weekend. I've never been to Berlin, so I might just make a touristy weekend out of it. Since this might just be another 'here goes nothing' marathon. Uh-huh. I've really been too lazy to do some substantial speed work - with this summer's ultras, speed work made room for long long long runs. Well, that sure paid off at the Swiss Alpine Marathon K78 ultra. So, I really shouldn't complain about my slow physique. Right? Right? Plus, the thing with marathons is - it either is 'your day' or it isn't. So, no need to freak out now. *cough*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On to more important things. Have you checked out the new Snow Leopard print at runningskirts.com? You should. <a href="http://store.runningskirts.com/snow-leopard-running-skirt">Here</a>. It's even cuter IRL. I usually where the running skirt style, but got this one in the athletic skirt style. I find the athletic skirt style to have a better fit when worn over tights. And with winter just around the corner...I might just be wearing tights before I know it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brings me to one last thing. As for the Berlin Marathon - dress my slow bootay in the PR plaid skirt (<i>and have that 'this is embarrassing' thought going through my mind all marathon long</i>), or pick the snow leopard and make fun of those speedy cats?</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-597716733584702322012-09-11T08:31:00.002-07:002012-09-11T09:07:24.698-07:00Still no SuperWoman<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yep, that's correct. No super powers on this girl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long story short - not to bore you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I did make it to the start line of the TDS at the UltraTrail du Mont-Blanc. Nervous to the bone. But excited. Lucky for me I ran into Hugo right at the start. And I did not let go of him after that. Sorry, Hugo. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weather reports were pretty 'blah'. Downpours, freezing temps, wind, snow. Not the kind of thing you'd like for 31 1/2 hours of running through high alpine terrain. Well, running...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hugo and I decided on starting out really slow and to stick with that pace till the Cormet de Rosselend aid station at 63K. Little did we know that that might not have been the best approach. Since we started out in the back we got stuck between slower runners on the first climb and ended up waiting (<i>standing around - cold...</i>) for 45 minutes to even get up there. Till the 44K point we tried to make up for that. After that 44K point there was a pretty mean 20% elevation climb (<i>11K of muddy fun...</i>), and it was already late in the afternoon - so we decided on taking some time at the 44K point aid station to get changed for the night and to eat. We took an embarrassing 60 minutes there - let's just say we were socializing a bit too much. Result: the climb was a muddy mud slide. Steep and muddy/slippery. Not a great combo. Plus, it was getting colder. It had started snowing and temps were dropping. I knew I had some warm gear waiting for me at the 63K aid station, but Hugo didn't. So cold. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To top this fun of, I took a pretty mean tumble at 61-ish K. Slipped and rolled down the mountain. Hit my shoulder on a rock. Pretty hard. Pretty pretty hard. As a result, the MD in the hospital in Switzerland prescribed me with some nasty pain killers and patches - and a sling. And I've been stuck in that sling for 1 1/2 weeks now. Stupid shoulder - annoying pain. Luckily I didn't break anything - MD isn't sure whether it's 'just' a crack or a muscular thing. I call it 'a souvenir'. Or 'battle scar'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, the race. At the 63K aid station (<i>and after 16 hours in the race</i>) I wanted to get ready for the night - despite of the shoulder (<i>at that point I didn't realize what was going on with the shoulder - that's what Mr Endorphin was doing to me. But boy, was I in pain</i>). Tried to squeeze Hugo into some of my ultra warm gear. And that's when the guy from the Organization came into the aid station. Saying the race was still 'officially open', but we could only continue at our own risk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's when it hit me. I've just started my own law firm. I no longer have employee insurance benefits. My self-employment insurance doesn't cover 'at your own risk' situations. I was still having fun and ready to continue (<i>and felt surprisingly great</i>), but I was worried about my business. There you have it. So, I picked my firm. I picked my income. I picked avoiding the risk that something would happen and my insurance wouldn't cover for the loss of income because of it. Oh, boy. Would I have continued if I would still have been employed by another law firm? Embarrassingly enough - I think so. Ouch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've already had some 'encouraging' emails telling me I'm 'weak' and a 'quitter'. Yeah, very friendly. Luckily, I've had more emails and text messages saying I've acted ' like a self-employed grown-up' . An ' entrepreneur'. Does this make me a grown-up now? I'm not sure. What I am sure about is this - I'll be back next year (<i>and boy, Hugo knows I will force him to come with me</i>). And I will be running for a charity. And will still be covered in glitter. And pink. And I might wear a full body suit to avoid my shoulder from getting cracked again. Stupid rocks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stats of the race: 900 runners out of 1500 dropped. The weather must have had something to do with this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So - I am no SuperWoman. Not by far. Then again, I do look good in glitter.</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-25182055312869045772012-08-28T00:25:00.002-07:002012-08-28T00:28:03.100-07:00Okay, there we go<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for all your sweet comments on this post: <a href="http://sillygirlrunning.blogspot.ch/2012/08/things-i-dont-get-threat.html">here</a>. Both on the blog and through Facebook. Sure helped a lot in making me worry less. One of you suggested mentioning it casually to the people at Race bib pick-up. In a 'so excited, but some people are weird' kind of way. Sounds like an okay idea.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for The Race - the one I've been talking about for months, but never dared mention. The race I hope on running, the planned race, is the TDS race at the Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc in the French Alps. It scares the sh*t out of me. Why? Check out the website: <a href="http://www.ultratrailmb.com/">here</a>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yep, that's some serious elevation gain. And 114K is a long way to go. 31 1/2 hours - how the heck am I going to stay awake and focussed? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">50% doesn't make it to the finish line, so I'm being realistic here. I know there's a 50% chance I'll have to drop out. I'll just focus on how I feel and on trying to make the cut-off times at the checkpoints. I'll try my best. That's all I can do, honestly. And yes, of course I'm doubting everything now: my training, my gear, my taper, etcetera. On top of that, I've been really busy with starting up my own law firm in the last couple of months (<i>in case you've missed it: I'm self employed now. Gulp...</i>). And that's more exhausting than you'd think.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, as in 'better safe than sorry', if you guys (<i>and kick-ass girls</i>) could send me some positive and strong vibes this Thursday and Friday, please do. I'll cherish everyone of those vibes. Plus, I'll need them. Boy will I need them. </span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7652481848242954340.post-5494718725861912502012-08-26T01:47:00.000-07:002012-08-26T06:41:38.889-07:00Things I don't get: a threat<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Race. The one I have set my hopes on. The one that is planned for this Thursday. The one that already scares the sh*t out of me and makes me so excited at the same time. It's a long one. It involves night time running. It has some serious (<i>and by serious, I mean serious</i>) elevation gain. I'll need poles during the race. Enough said.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The race I've been looking forward to for ten months now. Beyond excitement. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why would anyone want to throw negativity into that?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little while ago, a running buddy of mine pointed out that a certain person was posting negative comments on Facebook and Twitter. Plus was telling other runners negative stuff about me. Why? I don't know. I hardly know this person and haven't spoken to this person for a long while (<i>if you're not running the same races, it happens that you don't run into some people for a while</i>). Nor have I ever said anything that could be labelled negative about him/her. Not on Facebook, not on Twitter, not in person. So, why this person is telling everyone that wants to hear it, that '<i>that b*tch is going down - literally. I'll kick her off of that mountain. That will teach her. I'll show her who's the better ultra runner</i>', is beyond me. I can honestly say that I have no idea at all where this is coming from. Nor have I ever received such messages in the 29 years I'm on this planet. I'm not the girl to fight with people - I don't see the point. Nor do I see the point in disliking anyone (<i>okay, some dictators in the Middle East do deserve a dislike, but that's about it</i>). Live and let live. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plus, as for 'who is the better ultra runner' - is this a contest? I'm in it for moi. Not for anyone else. Plus, I'm slowpoke galore. I don't care about which place I finish in. I care about trying to make the check points. And having fun out there. I honestly couldn't care less about who finishes in front of me. Seriously, I hope he/she wins the race. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is kind of scary, though.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, for those of you that are in Chamonix this week for the race and are in one of the races (<i>and in particular the one I'm in</i>) - I'm the girl with Silly Girl Running on her shirt - the girl that's covered in glitter (<i>yeah, I know - there's this twelve year old pageant queen inside of me, that's fighting to get out</i>). And if you notice anyone trying to push me off of a mountain - please warn me. Please. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily for me, there's this marine that plans on running the same race that I plan on running - he's already offered to use his muscles to help out. ;) Then again, better safe than sorry.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Have you ever dealt with such a weird threat situation?</b></i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Silly Girl Running</div>Silly Girl Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13874530581210075136noreply@blogger.com8