Last night was our annual celebration of our training aka a good excuse to stuff our face with all things carbs. Last night, the girls surprised me with a slideshow (to the best music ever) of our years of running together. I was crying before the second picture. These girls will never be replaced and I sure don't know how I will even come close to finding running partners like these in TN.

They also gave me some pretty sweet gifts. One of which was a pendant that said sole sisters on the back and running journey on the front..seriously so special. Along with that, they gave me some other items close to my heatt..a new running tank, a huge bottle of melatonin and veggie straws...they know me so well:)

The night was awesome and despite the fact that we are all sick today from sugar coma, I still had cake for breakfast.

Best.night.ever.

What is your favorite memory of you and your running partners/group? Have you ever moved and had success with finding new groups to run with?

I was so excited last night to set my alarm and charge my garmin. You see, I've been injured for the last six weeks. Not sure if I've whined about it on here or not. Shoot, you probably didn't even know about it. Just confirms that indeed the world does not revolve around me.

I took the last three weeks off to try and heal the little bugger. I had taken a couple of other weeks off in between trying to test it out here and there. But, that wasn't doing it and i needed to just rest it...the dreaded word...REST. The first week I did nothing. But the second week, I tried something new and biked, did the eliptical and lifted weights. This seemed to work wonderfully and aided in my sweat addiction.

I tested out my leg on Thursday night and ran a four miler with my training group (our half marathon is in three weeks) i was beyond thrilled to run it with no pain. This three weeks of rest thing really does work...imagine that!

So, I headed out this morning with a few of my runner girls + guy. Half of our group ran a different route and we stuck to our favorite. The miles were just like the title says...easy, breezy. Halfway through, it started raining and that only lead to the thought that I was even more hardcore than I thought.

I am so so thankful for a pain free run..in fact, I am really not even sore. We will see how long that lasts!

So what is the moral of the story? Three weeks off is a good thing, twelve miles in the rain is even better and bagels/lattes afterward are a great reward.

I know, I'm deep.

What was your weekend sweat session?

Hi blogwold! I hope you are having a nice week and surviving your hump day!

I wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to a man that inspired so many..including me. As most of you know this sad piece of news has riveted the running/ultrarunning world the last few days.

I was first introduced to him through the pages of Born to Run. This book is up there with one of my all time favorite books. I loved learning about the history of running and the mystery of the Tarahumara tribe. Reading this book only grew my love of running even more and motivated me to explore the world of barefoot and ultrarunning.

To read about the passing of this man was very shocking not only to me but an entire group of crazy runners. I won't write about him here but will refer you to an article below. Please take the time to read it. You will walk away with a better sense of what it means to live with passion, deep friendship and authentic lovew.


Micah True found dead in Gila National Fores

By Aaron West / awest@scsun-news.com

Micah True was found dead at about 6 p.m. Saturday in the Gila National Forest after four days of searching. True, a renowned 58-year-old ultra-marathon runner from Boulder, Colo., who was reported as missing in the Gila Wilderness when he failed to return from a run Tuesday morning, was found by searchers near Woody's Corral, just one mile southeast of the Gila Cliff Dwellings, according to Incident Commander Tom Bemis.

Bemis said that two of True's friends found his body and that the cause of death is unknown at this point.

"It's too early to say, there was nothing obvious," he said.

The details of how the searchers found the body are also unclear.

"They were just out on their own, whatever possessed them to walk up that canyon I don't know," Bemis said.

He said that at 7:40 p.m. the medical examiner was on his way to examine the body and that True's body would be removed on this morning.

The body's discovery concluded a four-day search effort that involved more than a dozen search and rescue teams --- including dog teams and teams on horseback --- as well as helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft support and about 20 of True's personal friends, many of whom flew across the country to help.

From the beginning of the search operation, search and rescue teams were fighting an uphill battle with little to no clues as to where True had gone when he set off from where he was staying at The Wilderness Lodge for a 12-mile run on Tuesday morning

Advertisementat about 10 a.m. "He left his car and dog here and he ran up the road to where the trailheads are," said Dean Brummer, co-owner of The Lodge. "So they don't know which trail he would have taken. He didn't tell anybody where he was going and it's a pretty big wilderness out there.

Throughout the search, a few clues turned up, including two sets of prints, a search dog alert and a pair of sunglasses and a hat, but nothing panned out, according to incident commanders.

"We pounded the area looking for him," Bemis said.

Search and rescue teams involved in Saturday's search included Organ Mountain Technical Rescue Squad, Cibola Search and Rescue, Socorro Search and Rescue, Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue, Sandia Search Dogs, New Mexico Mounted Search and Rescue, Grant County Search and Rescue, Doña Ana County Search and Rescue and N.M. State Police and Civil Air Patrol, which provided the aircraft.

True was the race director of The Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon, a 50-plus mile extreme race that took place in Urique, Mexico on March 4 and has been featured in the magazines Running Times and Outside. He is the central character --- known as "Caballo Blanco" --- in the New York Times best-selling non-fiction book "Born to Run," by Christopher McDougall that chronicles True's time in Copper Canyon with the Tarahumara Indians, an isolated tribe known for their long, grueling runs.

Michael Sandrock, a running columnist for the Boulder Daily Camera newspaper, said that the book turned True into a legend in Boulder running circles, but the fame never got to his head.

"He was truly authentic," Sandrock said. "He never wanted any publicity about himself. He just did it because he loved it. For runners, when you think of Boulder, you think of him."

Aaron West can be reached at (575) 538-5893 ext. 5803

Yesterday, I received some really bad news. My sister called me to let me know that her brother in law (an ortho surgeon) thinks its highly likely I have a hip stress fracture in my left hip. After being secretly worried about this all week, this was not the news I wanted to hear. I had some ultrasound treatment on my leg and for the first time in almost four weeks, my adductor didn't hurt. Before the phone call,  I tried running around my house (I never said I was sane) I didn't feel any pain until I sat down. But instead of my adductor, it was in my pelvis. Epic fail.

I was sad. But, I pushed it to the back of my mind. Until, I received that phone call. Surprisingly, I didn't sulk as I would've in the past. Maybe I've learned to deal with these issues more easily-or maybe I'm just acclimated to being injured. Sad. I decided to eat my sorrows and enjoyed my favorite pizza from the local bar. It was delicious. Then, the husband brought me home reese's peanut butter "eggs" and a trash magazine. He is a keeper:)

I went to bed pretty pissed and that didn't change when I woke up. Let's just say I was less than enthused. Once I hopped on the bike, all of that negativity seemed to disappear. We had our largest group yet and I absolutely loved seeing all of the reflective gear in the distance. Made my heart happy.

I had to be the human GPS for a group of runners, so I ended up doing several out and backs. My watch recorded 20 miles but it was on the fritz so I am not sure of the total. I do know one thing. My attitude had completely changed. One good thing about biking-it still produces endorphins. Score Karin.

So what does all of this mean. It means that I am going to embrace my injury. I'm not going to complain to my friends like I normally would . I am just going to continue to bike until there is no pain. Maybe I will still run the half in May. Maybe not. I do know one thing-it will be slow and I most definitely won't PR. But that's okay. Who am I trying to impress anyway?

My plan of attack is to continue to bike at the gym, lift weights and do core work. On the long runs, I will borrow Jenny's bike and get some long rides in.

Have you ever been injured? If so, how did you embrace it?

Am I the only person out there who relates every single event in life to my spiritual growth? Sometimes, I want to believe that events in life are just random and insignificant in meaning, But being an introspective thinker, I am always looking for the lesson...the opportunity to examine and grow.

You see, I don't do anything less than 100%. I tend to jump in with both feet and give whatever I am attempting to achieve, my all. I can be pretty extreme (everyone that knows me in real life now nods and agrees:) For example, I absolutely love cycling and would give my right arm to purchase a bike. My friend let me borrow one over the summer when I was having IT band issues. I enjoyed a few rides before going out on a 30 miler with my BRP Jenny. The ride was a breeze but I fell and broke my wrist and  Injury number 4 ensued. I had to have surgery.

Why is this an example you might ask? Well, because maybe my all or nothing attitude lead to a 30 mile bike ride...perhaps I should've just enjoyed cycling around town for a while. And maybe, just maybe I shouldn't have continued for 28 miles then ran a mile with a broken wrist...hmm, did I injure my head when I crashed?

So, four weeks ago when I started having pain, I wanted to smack myself for once again forgetting what my running journey is truly all about. You see, I started doing speed work again. I was very cautious about this and put it off as long as possible. My running group was ready to get back into these drills and I was nervous.

Once we started doing them, it felt so good to go fast again. With seeing miles in the 8's, I felt like I was flying. It was a great feeling of accomplishment and freedom.

But, I guess somewhere along the way, my speed became too important. I forgot the reasons I love running. Things like alone time with God, self discovery and just pure peace. This time, it wasn't weeks and weeks that I got to be lost in my self absorbed regimen and pride induced denial; it was only a period of weeks. Three weeks to be exact.

I guess I can be thankful for that.

I tried to learn from my past mistakes and take time off. In the past, I spent too many hours running through pain which only perpetuated my injuries. this time, I immediately took a full week off and scheduled an appt with my chiropractor. I visited his office three times the first week receiving friction therapy (picture foam rolling on steroids) and a deep tissue massage. During this time, I would attempt a run here and there with little to no pain. But once I went full back into training, the pain gripped me and at its worst, my leg buckled under me.

Since that last painful run, I have taken off 5 days. It's hard to believe it's only been 5 days. It seems like an eternity. I plan on attempting my long run of 10 miles this weekend. I'm telling myself that if there is pain, to just bike it (borrowing Jenny's bike) I really hope i can be this smart.

I look around my group of girls and they rarely get injured. It can be so frustrating. I know I have it in me to run and I plan on doing it for life. So, what are my lessons here? Am I "thinking too much" and an injury is just an injury, nothing deeper?

What injuries have you experienced and what have you learned from them?

Help a girl out...clearly I am not getting it..

Today was the annual, epic Shamrock race downtown. I have a special place in my heart for this race and not just because I get to paint my fingernails green. This was my first ever race that I did. I ran the race alone and I will never forget turning the corner and seeing the finish line. I couldn't believe I finished without stopping and tears rolled down my cheeks. Cue the Rocky music. Okay I may be melodramatic, but it was memorable indeed.

I ran the race last year with my BRP, Jenny. She pushed me and we raced an average of 9:40. It was a good race and we had fun. We added on three miles at the end for our long run of seven miles.

This year, we have a large group and we all journeyed downtown together. But first, we met up at Jenny's and had fun acting like school children getting ready. You call it mid-life crisis. We call it awesome.

Arriving at the race, we hung out for a little bit around the circle, debated about the start, then discovered we were all off and lined up. I heard start and before I knew it, we were off. I had planned on doing negative splits, but that really just went out the window. I decided to just run a race for myself. I didnt want it to be gauged by pace but by what felt good. I told myself to enjoy this race. I paid for it, it was a beautiful day and I've run too many races miserable.

I felt absolutely wonderful until mile 3.25. The heat was balmy and I suddenly felt chills run down my body and I had to slow it down not to throw up. I was giving myself major pep talks. Like, don't puke all over that guy next to you.

I was never so happy to see the finish line after that. I didn't really have it in me to pick it up, but I tried. When I crossed the line, I was toast and knew I gave it my all. The race this year was 30 degrees warmer than last year and the year before. Makes a difference.

At first, I didn't think I had reached my goal of PRing. I was bummed but just happy that my leg held up and wasn't injured. (more on that later) I asked a runner friend of mine to calculate it for me and turns out I had shaved 27 seconds per mile off of my time. Woo hoo, I will take it!! I was seriously happy with this. But most of all, I was thankful for all of my little green friends. And no I am not talking about leprechauns. My runner girls that I love so much. 5 am runs wouldn't be as much fun without them.

I knew we had to run five miles after this and honestly, that was brutal. We walked a mile back for a total of 10 miles. I felt pretty sick until I came home and stuffed my face. Good times.

My runner girls did awesome and a few of them smoked it in the 8's...the others rocked it out including Val, who ran her fastest race yet! I am so proud of them all!!

Did you run a race today? What are your St, Patrick day plans?

What up Wednesday work outers:) Yes, its a word. Don't question me.

I am sitting here enjoying a warm cup of Joe, icing my calves and hips with bags of frozen corn. You know the usual.

Hope your morning is chugging along smoothly. I just typed out this long post and lost it. Boo.

Here we go again.

This morning we had our normal Yassos on the schedule. We were afraid (or praying) the torrential rains would prevent us from running outside. But when we each peaked out our windows at 4:30, we immediately sent texts of excitement (or dread) because there was a short break in the storms.

When we made it to Jenny's, we realized that our group of 12 was only 3. Sad, sad story I know. What can I say? They are wimps.

I am  not sure if it was the threat of the downpour or what, but for the first time this season, I pounded out the miles in the 9's. After yesterday's lactic acid legs, I was one happy girl. Pretty sure it was the yoga last night. Love me some yoga.

I am taking the teenager to work out tonight and will do an hour of arm exercises. It's pretty intense. To see my workout, add me as a friend on Dailymile.

So what was your Wednesday work out?

Share the love and spread the peace.

Happy Thursday! I hope your day is starting out right. I  know mine sure is.

I absolutely love my three a day Thursdays. I look forward to them all week. The tot and I make our way to the gym. I meet my friend Summer and he meets his friend Josh. We both win.

Each Thursday Summer and I do some plyometrics, tabatas, cardio, strength, some crossfit, etc. Afterwards, we hit up Hot Yoga for our "fix. Man, nothing is like it. You must find one near you and attend. You won't regret it.

At night, we head over to Mini training and get our run on. We typically run four miles but tonight its five. I always wonder if I will be able to run after our daytime workouts but alas, I always can and at a better speed each week. Thanks to Yasso's, I soon hope to be in the 9's.

So what's your Thursday workout? Get yo sweat on and leave a comment letting us know!

Peace my fellow sweaters!

Good morning!! Today is Work it Wednesdays and I started my day with five miles of Yasso's. I so dreaded starting these back up (mostly out of fear) but now that we completed our third week of them, I am so thankful that my runner girls pushed me to ressurect these lovely drills.

This morning, we had a runner guy join us. Fun to mix it up. I shaved about 20 seconds off of last week...and that was with adding a mile. Today, i used my Ipod for the first time since my full marathon in November. I really enjoy Zen running but for Yasso's, I think the Ipod is needed.

After next week, we increase to 800's. In March, we will be running our annual St. Patrick's race. This was my first race four years ago. That was such a glorious day. Before garmins, pacing, etc. I remember crying tears as I turned the corner towards the finish line.

Last year, it was a different story. I had my garmin and most importantly my crazy pacer girl Jenny. We completed it at a pace of 9:40 which was about a minute faster than the previous year. So, obviously being the type A person that I am, I have to beat my pace. These Yasso's should help with that.

My friend Summer sent me a great strength workout and I think I will do that today as well. What is your Wednesday shaping up to be? Are you running, cross training, Zumbaing, practicing Yoga? Share some inspiration!

Good morning blogworld! Don't you just love it when unexpected opportunities fall into your lap? Yesterday, I received a call asking if I could train a local softball team. They want me to train them on cardio and strength once a week. Of course, I said yes before he could even finish. Training teams is something I've never thought of and honestly I am blown away that they would ask me. Hopefully, i can pretend like I know something:)

Last night at bootcamp, we had two new ladies. Our class was full as what seems to be the norm lately. We are looking at starting a low impact aerobics class on Wednesday mornings. I am really looking forward to that as I feel it would really benefit the older generation of our community...again a new world to me.

I really am so blessed to be able to use exercise as a way to help people discover that they can be healthy-both spiritually and physically by taking care of themselves. It's a ministry I didn't really expect but I am loving it.

What opportunities have "fallen into your lap" that you are excited about?