Grand Teton Relay 2016 - The Recap

Gang Greens ready to run!

Grand Teton Relay 2016 is over and I can’t wait until 2017! After three years of running around Island Park, Teton Basin, and over Teton Pass into Wyoming, I am as fascinated as ever by the beauty of that land. I am blessed with a community of runners who have become family to me and I am ever pleased with the supportive running community at large. I am amazed at the miracle that is the human body and the way it rises to the task, endures and eventually repairs itself. Yes, I said “repairs.” Grand Teton Relay is no easy feat, but the rewards are worth it!

Carb Loading at Olive Garden

We indulged in the traditional pasta dinner at Olive Garden Restaurant in Idaho Falls before heading north to spend the evening in St. Anthony. Our race start was 8:00 am in Ashton – two hours earlier than the previous two years. Van 1 consumed breakfast burritos in the hotel parking lot because the continental breakfast didn’t open before we had to depart. I have yet to learn what Van 2 ate that morning. They arrived at the start in time for a team photo in our shirts sponsored by Caldwell Immediate Care and TrailridgeDental and then we were off and running!

Runner 2 coming in strong!

Rolling wheat fields stretched out before us and then behind as we ran and climbed towards Island Park. That first leg is a lung burner for us lowlanders of the Treasure Valley! I kept thinking, “My lungs hate me right now!” Gratefully, the temps were lower than GTR 2015! Van 1 finished our 32.5 miles and handed off to Van 2. They ran off into the forest and mountains with their bear spray while we refueled our bodies and attempted to get some rest. We had no contact with them until they were within about a mile of our next van transition.

No visit to Island Park would be complete without a stop at Mesa Falls. Gorgeous! I could listen and watch the water run over those falls for hours.

Mesa Falls

Anxious not to miss Van 2 we arrived at the transition point very early where we watched other teams arrive and move on. The views grew more scenic as the sun’s angle lowered and smoke from a distant forest fire filtered the evening light. Excitement and a little anxiety festered as we awaited our second leg and the night run. Van 2 arrived after pounding out 42.5 fast miles and we were off and running once again!

Van 2 returning from Island Park

Injuries happen. We were registered as a competitive team meaning we had to cover all of our miles with the original 12 runners. Suited up in reflective gear and headlamps, we began our night run. When Runner 1 had to pull out, two others rose to the occasion and logged extra miles to keep us in competitive status. You should have seen me scrambling with reflective vests, lights, new batteries and such to get my teammates geared up for their unexpected tag team duties! The night air was cold. My run was on an abandoned rail bed, part of the Rails to Trails system. Unlike the advice often given to runners to keep their eye on the goal and off the road, it is best to keep an eye on the trail. As I neared Tetonia, I could see the lights a half mile ahead and I fixed my gaze on the goal – and off the trail. When I discovered myself face down on the ground after being tripped up by a rock I considered for a moment calling my teammates and asking them to come rescue me. My pride and my knee were both hurt! I got up, walked for a few yards, and then decided it best to finish my run. After all, my teammates were already doing their part.

Sasquatch Sighting!

After handing off to Van 2 in Tetonia at 12:30 am, we made our way to Teton High School in Driggs where we found some cold grass on which to rest. Warm showers were available, so I washed the dirt off of me and warmed up a bit before attempting to rest on the cold ground. (Temperatures dipped to below freezing before sunrise.) At 2:50 am I received a text that Van 2 was on the move up Targhee Ski Hill Road and we needed to get moving in order to meet them at the top. I was afraid to move. Any movement stirred up the cold air around me. We mustered our courage and hit the road.

Sunrise over Teton Valley

We decided it best if I ran down upper Targhee as it is a non-support leg. If Runner 1 tried to run and got into trouble, we couldn’t help him, so at 4:00 am I was once again on the move. Almost four miles downhill was a blessing for my lungs! My quadriceps, however, would pay for it the following day. Temperatures continued to drop as we made our way through Driggs to Cedron and then finished our task in Victor. There were places where ice covered potato fields. The smoke from forest fires obscured the usual view of the Teton peaks. Still, the lighting made for some interesting photos.

Runner 1 attempted to run again, but couldn't complete his leg. Runners 3 & 4 picked up extra miles and we met Van 2 in Victor. The relief and lighthearted attitudes of Van 1 contrasted with the anxious anticipation of Van 2 as they faced the task of climbing up and over Teton Pass! (Summit 8,432’) We cheered them on and then enjoyed a much deserved hot breakfast at Sherwood’s Post.

Smokey Grand Teton Sunrise

After dining and some freshening up with Shower in a Box (my name for baby wipes), we made our way via vehicle over Teton Pass and into Teton Village where we awaited the arrival of Van 2 and Runner 12. The entire team joined her for the last 150 yards to cross the finish line together. In the end, Team Gang Greens finished in record time this year! We received our medals, took a few pictures, munched on ice cream sandwiches and headed home! A short rest in Ririe for pizza and reminiscing preceded the five hour drive back to the Treasure Valley where we arrived as the sun was setting on another day and muscle cramping and exhaustion was setting in.

Why, you might ask, do we do this? It has been over a week since we returned and most of the team is still experiencing GTR2016 withdrawals. We see each other at a community or church event and we talk about the relay. We post pictures and share finish times (28 hours 20 minutes) on social media. We miss each other and we miss the experience. There is something magical about sharing difficulties with others. Those experiences forge friendships that last. We celebrate life by pushing our bodies to do difficult things and then experience the miracle of recovery. We learn that discomfort can be endured and joy can be found even during misery.

Why, you might ask, do we do this?

Because we can!

Sasquatch Impersonating!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Motivation to Run for Fun

I have admitted I don't love running, but there are some things about running that are fun! Fun can be a great motivator. I love making friends and running buddies are great friends. Racing, even when you are slow, can be exhilarating especially at the end. Feeling accomplished after a long run or completing a training schedule in preparation for your first half marathon is especially fun. Even during a difficult run, there can be moments of fun. Focusing on the fun stuff can keep you going when the going gets tough, or in other words, when you don't feel the motivation to run.

Running Buddies are Fun Motivators

I cannot say enough about the value of a running buddy. Running buddies encourage us to run when we would rather sit, to keep going when we would rather stop and to laugh when the situation seems dire. They commiserate over lost toenails and worn out running shoes. Running buddies indulge our desire to talk about food - a lot! They join us for a three mile run during a blizzard and accompany us on big adventures like the Grand Teton Relay. They are our cheerleaders. As they share our misery they become our community - our family. Running buddies are fun and they make us smile.

How Many Running Buddies do You Need?

Racing is a Training Motivator

Racing is fun and if you want to be committed to a regular running schedule simply register for a race. A paid race registration is second only to a running buddy when it comes to motivation. Download a training plan for a 5K, 10K, or half marathon and observe your satisfaction as you do the workouts then cross them off as completed. Don't forget to record your time! You may even find yourself looking forward to each training challenge.

Watch the t-shirts and finisher medals pile up as you find new challenges and races to test your endurance and fitness levels.

Motivation through Personal Satisfaction

Much of your running experience will be driven by personal satisfaction. Only your running buddies will understand what it means to cut ten seconds off your last six mile run. Remember, the entire running community is your friend. That's a lot of support, but your neighbor and even some family members may stare at you with glazed over eyes as you brag about your latest feat. Fortunately, you will feel enough satisfaction that it won't matter much who else doesn't understand. Besides, you can always reach out to another runner. You'll need to be prepared, however, to give them equal time to brag.

Enjoy comparing your workouts on your MapMyRun app, marking the workouts off on your training schedule, and rearranging your race medals by distance, year, size of medal, and so on. It feels good, even fun, to do something that challenges your physical and mental self. Personal satisfaction may be the only running motivation you need!

What better motivation than to know you are doing something that may prolong your life and make it more enjoyable along the way? I'm a granny and its the best job I've ever had! I want to enjoy it for many years to come!

Why do you run? Please share your motivation tips in the comments below.

Happy Running!- Carol aka Running Granny Green
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Tuesday's Training Tip: Find a plan

If you've been following all my Tuesday's Training Tips then you know it's time to commit to a race, but do you know how to prepare for one? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is NOT to try to run farther and faster every day.

Your best bet is to get a training plan that is customized for you.  I like the Smart Coach app at Runner's World.  Smart Coach allows you to plug in a recent distance and time. (You can simply time yourself for one mile, two miles, or more.) You also indicate the date of your race, its distance, and when you want to begin training. Smart Coach spits out a plan with target times to help you work your way through to race day - and its FREE!

More training plans -

Couch to 5K
Mayo Clinic 5K run: 7 week training schedule for beginners
Hal Higdon 5K Training: Novice

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or well-seasoned runner, there are plans out there that can help you take your running to the next level.

Visit this page every Tuesday for more training tips! I would love to hear from you. Comment below or message me on Facebook.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Monday Mood Mender - Thoughts about racing

 

 

The worst part of any race is the beginning and the middle. The beginning is hard because one is nervous. “Did I get enough sleep? Do I have enough fuel? What if I need a restroom? Can I really run this far today? I’m not warmed up!” The middle is difficult because, well one is running … and running … and running. “Will it ever end?” It is nearly impossible to take it easy during a race. Why would you? It’s a race! Well, it’s not really a race, and yet it is. Racing tends to push one to her limit and that is always uncomfortable. During a race lungs burn, legs ache and sometimes cramp, blisters form, and clothing rubs rashes in terrible places. Faster runners pass by and that is discouraging.

 

The best part about a race is the end! Actually, it is a few minutes after the end when the runner has caught her breath, cooled down, drained a bottle of chocolate milk, and in my case, removed her shoes and donned flip flops. Oh, the relief of removing the shoes that have cradled my feet during a race, protected them from the ground beneath, rubbed terrible blisters, and jammed toe nails that will eventually fall off. 

 

Whether I am training for a race or just getting in a good workout, I always feel better when the run is over. The knowledge that I have completed a challenge is good for my self-esteem. The luxury of strolling home as I cool down after a demanding workout is also a physical pleasure.

 

You can read more about the lessons I've learned while running in The Hard Run: Painful Lessons from a Running Granny.

 

Happy Running!



Tuesday's Training Tip: Time to Commit

So, you’ve conquered your pride, your fear, and your worries over what to wear.  Maybe you found a buddy to run with you or you put together an awesome playlist.  You’ve logged a few miles, but the weather keeps you indoors some days, or your busy schedule prevents a run on others.  You might even be a little sore from time to time. How are you going to stay committed to this new adventure we call running?

Register for a race!  “Oh, but I’ve just begun and I am not fast enough to run a race.  I don’t think I can run 3.1 miles.” I’ve got some news for you …

·         Nobody cares if you are not fast. They are just glad you are participating.  Runners are cool like that – they want everyone to share in the fun.

·         (Secret) Most races are “Fun Runs.”  You can walk if you need!

·         Paid registration will keep you committed and keep you running on a regular basis.

·         That little worry you have about not being fast enough? It will motivate you to push yourself.

So commit to a fun run or other fitness challenge like a triathlon and run on!  You are going to be glad you did.

Learn about some of my Favorite Races.

Visit this page every Tuesday for more training tips! I would love to hear from you. Comment below or message me on Facebook.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Burley Spudman 2013 – A little older and a little faster!

Awesome Friend Paulee

I’ve told you about my awesome friend, Paulee.  She talked me in to joining her for a team effort in the Burley Spudman Triathlon last year.  It is a beast!  Paulee did the first two legs, swimming a mile in the Snake River and then biking 25 miles! She is also a beast!  I ran the last six miles.  We thought we were pretty cool last year when we won our age group – until we broke our trophies!  Read about it here.

Another year.  Another Spudman. Did I mention we are in the oldest team age group?  Sometimes you can get more competitive as you age because you move into an older group.  Ya, we don’t have that luxury to look forward to.  Fortunately, you don’t have to win to get a trophy. You just have to finish in the top three.  (We really wanted another trophy since both of ours are broken.) We knew the competition was going to be tough and kept telling each other that we were doing it for fun, to keep in shape for snow and water skiing, and we just needed to finish.

Some of our fans

Experience is invaluable.  Last year I was nervous for nearly two hours before it was necessary.  This year I knew I had more time to get prepared for the run and I stayed much more calm waiting for Paulee to return on the bike.  My tummy was happy about that.  Paulee’s swim was FAST and she really cut time on her swim to bike transition – opting to forgo socks and gloves this time.  The weather was cool.  It even rained a bit during the run.  I was equipped with my new light Pearl Izumi runners and I was able to manage my mid-run fuel better.  I ran my fastest 10K thus far!

 

Three must be our lucky number this year.  We cut three minutes off our time from last year and we placed 3^rd in our age group – good enough to get another coveted Spudman Trophy!

Unbroken Trophies

The best part?  That would be doing something I love with a friend I love.  That, and all the obnoxious bragging we do to our hubbies!

Obnoxious post-race selfie

About my new Pearl Izumi Runners

There's mud on my new shoes!

I promised a product review of my new Pearl Izumi Project Emotion running shoes courtesy of Shu's Idaho Running Co. so here it is.

I have been running in Asics Kayanos.  They have a lot of stability and cushioning and I LOVE them!  I thought that a free pair of shoes meant it was a good time to try a neutral runner.  I was right!  I recently competed in the 2013 Burley Spudman Triathlon – more on that later.  I took my new shoes for two short runs before the 10K leg of the Spudman and decided to try them out in a race.  So, after about ten miles with the new shoes, this is what I know.

The Pearl Izumis are LIGHT and comfortable! The upper is soft all over and I have no toe/nail/blister problems after a six mile run.

Definitely a road shoe as the sole is very smooth.  They were okay over 2 miles of dirt and gravel during the race. We had a little rain and they felt slippery on the wet pavement.

The verdict?  The Pearl Izumi Project Emotion is a great road racing shoe, but I wouldn’t recommend them for wet conditions.  It is oh, so comfortable!  I will stick with my Asics Kayanos for off-road and inclement weather.  They are heavier and I still think they are a very good training shoe.  I will save the PI’s for days when I need speed or I am feeling self-indulgent or when my toes feel beat up from a long run in the Asics.

Two great pairs of shoes - one happy runner!

Mud.  Proof that they've been worn off-road.

Fit for Life 2013 – The Report

 

Ready to roll!

 

Well, here we are all pre-race smiles. We trained. We carbo-loaded.  We got up at 4:00am to eat breakfast and went back to bed for an hour.  We prayed!  I even cried a little bit at race start because I was excited to have Marie running this race with me.  I just knew she could break two hours.  It was almost like old times!

State Track 2005



Then we ran, and ran, and ran for 13.1 miles.  I could see her for awhile trotting up ahead of me while I labored along. I was ever so grateful for the shaded Boise Greenbelt because I had forgotten my sunglasses!  There was a guy ringing cow bells and I thought perhaps he was just my fan because I saw him at three different locations.  Hey Cow Bell Guy, I know you weren’t there just for me, but “Thanks for the support!”

I saw Marie again a half mile before the turn around point (my mile 6 – her mile7).  She was wearing the watch and called out my time.  Right on pace!  Too bad I didn’t drink Gatorade instead of water at the water stops.  I ran out of fuel about mile 10.  That’s when the walking breaks increased and I fell off pace.  My quads were killing me at the 11.5 mile mark.  I crossed Home Plate (finish line at Hawks Memorial Stadium) at 2:23:04.  That’s 26 minutes faster than last year’s High Desert Trail Run.  Respectable.

Marie was waiting for me with our other fans.

Some of the fans.

Some really great things happened!  Marie finished in 1:58:12!  I knew she could break two hours!  We both received finisher medals like this one.

T-shirt and finisher medal

 

And … we stayed at the after party long enough for me to win a pair of Pearl Izumi shoes from Shu’s Idaho Running Company!  A report on the shoes will follow.

My new Pearl Izumi's courtesy of Shu's!

 

The verdict is … Fit for Life is a great race!  Flat. Shady.  Friendly.  Fun!  Thanks to Jeff and the folks at BlueCircle Sports for a great time.  Thanks to Marie for running .  Thanks, especially, to Shu’s for the new shoes!

P.S.  No after photos due to a dead camera battery.  I am ok with that.  I don't look so good after!


You are a runner if ...

“I am a runner.” When can one who runs confidently make this claim?  I believe it is different for everyone. This morning I ran eight miles to stay on track for half marathon training. My legs are pretty tired. Actually, all of me is quite tired! I think I can say, “I am a runner.”

I heard others refer to me as a runner long before I thought I was legit. I ran, sometimes, and not especially fast – but I did run. When I participated in my first 5K I was hysterical afterwards, laughing to keep from crying. It was hard! It rained that day and there was the added difficulty of being cold and wet. I didn’t do much of anything the rest of the day. I was busy recovering! Did that make me a runner?

I ran for four years before I could break a ten minute mile and it still doesn’t happen every day. Did clearing that hurdle make me a runner? I ran and walked a half marathon last year. Does that qualify me? I have run in the rain, the wind, and a blizzard. Runner yet?

This is what I have determined. It’s just the opinion of a granny who runs. 

• You are a runner if you run. It matters not how fast or how far. 
• Racing doesn't matter. Some runners love to race and some do not, so racing doesn’t matter. (Well, it does for those of us who enjoy it!) 
• You are a runner if you continue to run. Obstacles such as illness and injury, scheduling, and really bad weather might get in the way, but a runner will resume his sport as soon as the obstacle has been cleared. 
• Some days will be easier than others.  Some runs will be longer or faster than others, it matters not. 
• You are a runner if you run.

Run on, you runner, you!

Question: Do you have an opinion about what makes a runner?  Feel free to sound off in a comment below.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Fun Run - It's not an oxymoron

Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so too, is fun.  There are many who say that running cannot be fun so there is no such thing as a “fun run.”  I would argue that this is not so. This is why:

·         To a serious runner, it is fun to run a race and win.

·         To a recreational runner, it is fun to run a race and perform better than last time.

·         To a beginner runner, it is fun to run your first race and experience  the sense of accomplishment that accompanies it.

·         To a walker (because walking is allowed at Fun Runs), it is fun to do something healthy with other walkers.

·         To everyone, it is fun to get a T-shirt that tells the world you participated in a Fun Run!

·         Prizes are fun!  Sure, the fast guys get a prize, but race registrations often go in a drawing for things like water bottles, gift certificates, and socks.  That is always fun!

·         It is fun to hear observers cheering you on along the route.

T-shirt from Old Fort Boise Days Run 2012

The next time you hear the phrase “Fun Run,” remember it isn’t that running is fun (Well, for some), it’s that participating in a run is fun.  Don’t believe me?  Why not try it?  This one is small and low key, so you really can have fun!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.