The Beloved Bite Me Zone

John and I have a loving description for those runs that really, well, um, urgh, SUCK! The runs that humble. The runs that make you feel less than. The runs that slow you down so much you think you are running backwards. We call these runs "Bite Me Zone" Runs. Because, well, you are in the Bite Me Zone some, if not all of the time.

I was running my last long 21 miler for the Ultra Saturday afternoon and I knew from the very first step it was going to be a tough one. I was tired from a 12-hour motorcycle ride we took Friday and felt as if my legs were not attached to my body the entire time. I think it was due to the fatigue from the ride, but who knows. I had to get it in Saturday, so I took my time and made the best of it.

One might think you would stop running after an episode like this one, but I think these runs help me more on race day than the easy runs do. I had to mentally run through Saturday's long run. I couldn't rely on just my body and tuning out to my iPod. I had to think my way through. And that is a gift I will take advantage of on race day in a few weeks. With or without the Bite Me Zone.

Happy Trails,

Jenny

Chafing from hell...

The weather is cool and crisp in Chicago this week and that means two things. One, running is a lot easier and my pace is faster without the heat and humidity. And two, the risk for chafing is much, much higher [much].

I was right in the middle of a phenomenal two hour trail run Friday afternoon when my legs started to rub like they were going to start a forest fire. The risk for chafing in cool, dry weather is much higher than the hot and humid weather because your sweat evaporates more readily and leaves a salty residue on your skin. Which in time, rubs like sandpaper and causes nasty chafing. I forgot to put on Bodyglide and I won't do that again any time soon!

There was nothing I could do...I tried water from my bottle, spit, moving my shorts around, and running on one leg with my eyes closed. I was stuck and had to run another hour back to the car while working up a chafing tattoo the size of a small car.

Despite not being able to walk normally all weekend, I had a great run. I am getting stronger on the trails and ready for my Ultra in October.

In my world it is officially fall as I enjoyed my first of many carmel apples last night.

Life is good.

Jenny

Goofy Training

This one goes out to all those crazy runners who are starting to train for The Goofy Race and a Half Challenge in January. I ran the Goofy Challenge in 2006 and it really sounds "Goofy", but I must admit I had a ball training for it and even more fun running it!

The Goofy Challenge is a half marathon Saturday and a marathon Sunday! The best part though is the two tech shirts and the three medals you earn. You get a Donald Duck medal for the half, a Mickey Mouse medal for the full and a Goofy medal for running both in one weekend! It's all about the medal, isn't it?

I've created special Goofy Training Programs since I've gotten so many emails asking about how the heck do you train for this thing. You can find them HERE.

Sure its crazy to run a half and full in the same weekend...but aren't we all a little Goofy anyway?!?

Good luck and I will see you in January at Disney!

Jenny

Running Into Fall

This is my favorite time of year to run and one of my favorite ways to close out the summer is at the Virginia Beach Rock n Roll Half Marathon. Every summer John and I spend the long holiday weekend working the event and it is always a treat! If you're in the market for a fun half marathon next year, put this one on your list. It is flat, includes a band every mile and the last two miles finish along the beach boardwalk. There is a music festival along the boardwalk and plenty of things to do. The headliner Beach Concert a few years ago was Journey [my favorite high school band]. Am I dating myself? The medal is pretty cool too!

I had a bonus day Sunday. I ran on the beach, hung out and caught a few rays and watched the wind surfers [amazing]. Funny, I'm always ready for fall after Labor Day Weekend. But that is what is so great about being a runner. We get to run right through all the seasons and experience them one step at a time.

Here's to carmel apples and colorful foliage!

Jenny