Riding out the Storm

What an interesting and roller-coaster-like week. Theme? Riding out the storm. 

After the previous weekend's triple threat adventure (that ended after the "double"), I started the week in a bit of a cloud of confusion, anxiousness and self doubt. 

Thankfully, the healing heal continued to feel great, but the angry hamstring was not happy. At all. 

Although I was able to do my #nevermissaMonday mile, I didn't know what was in store for me. Granted, that mile was pretty uneventful (in a good way), but I had mixed feelings as to what to do for the remaining days leading up to my ultra. I had never done a 12-hour ultra, after all, and did not want to rest too much (and go crazy with the tapering), but I also didn't want to take any stupid chances and anger the angry hammy further.

A quick stretch in Monday's early morning sunshine

I decided to stay out of the running shoes (for the most part) and focus on rest. I continued with the daily July challenge ...25 push-ups, 50 squats, 20 stairclimbs, and 1:30 forearm side planks (x2).

Taking a cue from Wendy, I doggy-squatted with Max

I did venture out Wednesday for a couple miles, and it went fine. The hammy was a bit stiff, but felt like it loosened up after the first mile. I also went for an hour long bike ride afterwards, which actually made the angry hammy feel better.

After a couple hot & humid miles

Thursday, I kept it on the down-low as well. I did the daily challenge stuff and some extra planking.

Side forearm -plank...my favorite plank because it works everything

I did a lot of soul searching and strategic planning (brainstorming) as to a game plan for the ultra. As most people know, my training got derailed back around Memorial Day when the heel got wonky. I had to ease up on the mileage to give it rest or there would not be an ultra happening (or any of the other races on my calendar for June or early July).

Was I under-trained for the 12-hour ultra? (absolutely) Was I in a panic? (not really) What about the heel? (it was feeling pretty darn good) ...and the hammy? (Ugh. Not sure what kind of grief that could bring me). My strategy? Take it one mile at a time (and try to smile as much as possible).

I took Friday off from work. My sister and I left town, arriving in the Chicago area mid-afternoon. She took off to meet up with a college friend, and I hung out with Penny...a dear friend I have known for a couple years. We have done a few races together (including last year's 6-hour ultra).

Penny and me....all smiles...you'd think it was just a typical day (and not a few hours pre-ultra)

There were many races at the Christmas in July event. Our event, the 12-hour, started at 11:00PM. I'll save the nitty-gritty details for the race recap (stay tuned), but I'll give you a spoiler alert.....it went well and was an awesome experience! I surpassed my distance goal (35 miles) and set a new distance PR (36.985 miles!!!)! I rode out the storm (of tapering, low mileage, and unexpected muscle distress) and came out a winner.

Post 12-hour Ultra with my medal

My sister found me after I was finished (and showered), and by 12:30PM, we were on the road, headed back to Iowa. Amazingly, I did not sleep much on the drive back home (it's an approximate 4-hour drive from the race location). Once back home, I quickly unpacked, then grabbed a change of clothes, and hopped into the husband's car...en route to a family reunion near his hometown (four hours away).

We spent time with his family at the reunion on Sunday, and headed back home in the afternoon. So far, the endorphins have kept me happy (and on the verge of giddy), but I know the DOMS are probably gonna make an appearance before long. It's kind of a given, considering what I put my body through, that there will be some aches and pains. I'm good with that.

In other news, more flowers have been blooming! I totally love my tiger lilies!

Aren't they beautiful?

Our little Max continues to keep us smiling. He's quite a little cutie!

Yes, he can see through all that fur by his eyes

I think he's smiling!

Any pretty flowers blooming in your garden? Have you ever gone into a race that you were both excited about and also a bit anxious? Any overnight racing?

As usual, I"m linking up with Holly from HoHo Runs and Tricia from MissSippiPiddlin  for the Weekly Wrap. Please, headover and check all the great reads!