10 Things I Learned in 2019

 

I’ve been posting Firsts of each year for a few years, but I thought this year it would be fun to look at some of the things I learned, many of which resulted from some firsts!

1 - Toilet tanks really can freeze solid. 

      I learned this from the first time I experienced sub-zero high temps for 30-days straight.

2 - Sinovial fluid looks exactly like salad oil.

      Don’t ask how I learned this. The story is too long!

3 – A Toyota can take out a deer with its side mirror.

4 – A smaller deer can take out a Toyota.

      The drivers were not injured in the learning of these lessons. Can't say the same for the deer.

5 – Always park your car in the garage.

6 – How to assemble scaffolding.

7 – No matter how much paint you purchase, you will always need “one more gallon.”

8 – A North Central Montana hailstorm can teach you Lessons 5, 6, & 7.

      We don't take our weather lightly here!

9 – Running Buddies make superb first responders. 

     Okay, I already knew this, but this time I was the patient.

10 – Produce that is not individually wrapped and or marked with country of origin can and will be confiscated at the northern border. You are fortunate if the $500 per item fee is waived simply because you were too dumb to know better.

Really, I could go on, but we will stick with 10 this posting. Here’s wishing you all a fun-filled and informative 2020!

Check out my latest book, Louisa: A Time to Heal on Amazon!

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

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Elkhorn Relay 2018 – The Report

Elkhorn Relay 2018

Team Gang Greens at the start

Elkhorn Relay 2018 found us on our fifth year as a team of running buddies sharing an experience that proved once again that we are alive, healthy, able to endure fatigue and discomfort, supportive, happy, and maybe a little bit crazy! Due to circumstances beyond our control, only three of the original team members were able to participate this year and we missed the Pages dearly. Although the complexion of the team varies from year to year, every participant becomes a part of the Team Gang Greens family. You simply cannot share an experience like this without becoming forever one of the gang.

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107 degrees!

Elkhorn Relay is organized and carried out by Doomsday Racing, a non-profit organization sending excess relay proceeds to a charity or ministry in foreign countries. You can learn more about Doomsday Racing and Elkhorn Relay HERE.

We chose this race for several reasons:

Accessibility – that was before I moved to Montana!

Affordability – all the organization and race weekend legwork are done voluntarily. Even the folks providing pancakes, pulled pork, and hamburgers and hot dogs!

Challenging Course – they bragged about the course and we know why! The 100+ temps magnified the challenge.

Where's my leg?

We loved this race for these reasons:

Accessibility – a short drive from the Treasure Valley, this relay is convenient for the running community in Boise and surrounding areas. The drive home is especially nice as the weekend’s sleep deprivation begins to take its toll.

The view!

The Course – we don’t train all season for a Fun Run! If you’re going to challenge yourself and your teammates, you might as well go for it. We dubbed this course the EKG and even put it on our team shirts!

Free Food – Really! Except for half a banana and a muffin at the end, most races require you to purchase your food. It isn’t so much about the money, but the convenience of having a meal ready so you don’t have to locate your money in the chaos that is your race van. Fresh water and sports drinks were also provided. Oh, and huckleberry muffins!

The Volunteers – they might not have been running, but many spent long hours volunteering at exchange zones, some fulfilling multiple shifts. I’m rather certain they were also experiencing sleep deprivation. One station lit up their canopy AND the portable toilet with Christmas lights! It was a welcoming sight at midnight. They were happy to be there, or they were very good actors. Best volunteers I’ve experienced at a relay!

Portable Toilets – okay, this is important to relay runners. They were clean and plentiful. Thank you!

We love our teammates for these reasons:

Adventurous Spirits – not every person you meet is willing to try something as challenging and unpredictable as a relay race. The weather may change (and it did) from blistering heat to a thunderstorm and back again. The team deals with it.

Happy People – its not okay to be grouchy when everyone around you is also tired, sore, uncomfortable, and doing their best to remain positive. It’s not easy to go without normal sleeping and eating patterns while exerting repeated physical activity. The team deals with it.

Injuries happen.

The team deals with it!

Runners to the Rescue – someone often gets injured. It’s just the nature of the running beast. And someone always steps up to log extra miles, or swap out an easier run, or run early to allow his teammate extra recovery time. It wasn’t planned, but the team deals with it.

Assisting a teammate

 at the end of her run.

Runner’s Respect – running is hard. Don’t ever think that the guy out their logging miles is doing it pain free or that you would be a runner if it was as easy for you as it is for a runner. It’s just plain hard and there is a bond that forms when people share misery. I often say, “A relay is the most miserable fun you will ever have.” It’s also a very effective way to gain family, the kind of family you were not born with, but will never let you down.

“Are you crazy?” People will ask, or maybe its an accusation. Perhaps we are, but we get to hang out with the best kind of crazy people on earth! They are relay runners, and they are family.

We made it!

206 miles in 31 hours 46 minutes!

Thanks, Elkhorn Relay, for a great weekend. We had fun and your volunteers were the best!

Catching some ZZZ anywhere he can!                      Cooling off!

Van 1 is done!

Team bonding. We love our pre-race dinner!

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

Is that a Bear!

Panorama of my out and back run

I expected to see a fair amount of wildlife upon moving to Montana, and I have not been disappointed. As bears, even grizzly bears, are often present in this part of the world, I have been a bit nervous to venture very far when I run. I like to think I am brave, but I have my limits. Bears are on my list of limitations!

I have committed to yet another relay this summer and so I must train. I use that term loosely, as training has been a bit difficult this year partly due to my move, a small injury, wind, and mostly – bears! I have not yet seen one, but I am certain they are just waiting to eat me!

I recently found myself on a run with my music in my ears, eyes upon the road, and feet pounding the pavement. As I had not yet seen a bear, I was confident and cautious. The longer I go without seeing a bear the less likely my chances of encountering one, right? Not only have I not encountered a bear, I have yet to find a running buddy in Montana. I hope I find a buddy before I find a bear.

Anyhow, back to the story …

I was about a mile into my planned long run when over my left shoulder I heard a commotion! Yes, I thought it might be a bear, just waiting along the roadside for me so that he might consume me for lunch! Startled, I did a kind of hopping motion to the middle of the road and gave a quick look over my shoulder.

Nothing.

All was still except for some irrigation water slowly flowing through a Montana ditch (larger than a Treasure Valley ditch but smaller than a canal). Relieved, I investigated further and discovered a kind of burrow about three feet above the water line. I resumed my run which was less than impressive. I think the quick surge of adrenaline and my investigative pause sabotaged the rest of my workout. Alas, I have a few sabotaged workouts of late.

The out and back course gave me an opportunity to look further into the mystery. Upon my return to the site, I could see something in the burrow. As I neared, a large fur bearing water mammal of some sort dove out of the burrow making a big splash in the ditch below and swimming swiftly under the bridge upon which I was standing. This was the same noise I had heard earlier. It sounded like my friends doing cannonballs off the diving boards at Lava Hot Springs! (Okay, perhaps not THAT loud.) As usual, I was slow to retrieve my camera and I missed the opportunity to photo document the experience. Here is a picture of the burrow.

The burrow or den

 When I returned to the refuge of my home, I Googled “mammals of Montana” and determined that it was merely a river otter diving for cover from this fierce runner lady!

Still, it startled me. And it COULD have been a bear.

I think I need a running buddy – badly!

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.

Cross Training - Because I can't run

It just keep falling!

What do you do when forces beyond your control require you to make a change? It’s January 4^th already and the continued snowfall and icy roads indicate I will not be running any time soon. As much as I would like to avoid it, I’ve committed to cross training until the pavement reappears. I’ve long said, “Change is good because it presents an opportunity for growth.” Whether or not we choose to grow – well, that’s up to us. I’m trying to grow. Or perhaps, I am trying to stop growing around my middle!

Today was Day Two of my indoor, group training, weights included, video led, cross training workout. It didn’t kill me. I’ve been using snow shoveling as my cross training, but it mostly makes me sore. There is some cardio involved, but I don’t know if I can honestly count shoveling as cross training.

I’m hoping that by incorporating these workouts into my routine, I will be better prepared when the running begins again. Every winter I vow to “run through it.” I’ve been successful some years and others I have not. This is one of those unsuccessful years.
Winter running tip.

Chocolate Berry Smoothie

The good news is that because I was all warmed up from the workout a cold breakfast smoothie sounded awesome. Rather than hunkering over warm eggs and toast, I indulged in one of my favorites  - Chocolate Berry Breakfast Smoothie. Yum!

Now I’m all cooled down it’s time to do some more snow shoveling cross training! I’ve been praying for adequate precipitation for years, so I’m trying not to murmur. Who knows? Maybe I am growing. I do look forward to the day, however, when the pavement reappears and I can go for a run. I really miss running and I miss my running buddies!

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.

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.

When the Pipes Rise up to Meet You – Just Run!

Hurdles? Anyone?

I’ve been reading, listening, and striving to improve my blog. While I am seeing an increase in my readership and I like the overall presentation better, sometimes it isn’t joyful. Not that everything in life should be joyful. Without adversity we would lack opportunities for true growth and we would not recognize true joy. Today, however, I am blogging for fun, because it brings me joy!

It’s not unlike running. Running is not always joyful. In fact, running is often painful, exhausting, and even dreaded. Yes, sometimes I dread the run. It’s too hot, cold, early, late, or far. I’m too tired, old, hungry, weak, or uninterested. Something hurts. (Oh that’s right, something always hurts!) I have learned that those obstacles which we conquer can be means by which we discover joy.

I have been preparing for the Grand Teton Relay. Even the name of this event brings me joy as I grew up in the shadows of those majestic peaks. My running buddy, Kelli, who had been missing in action for a while, joined me a few weeks ago. Kelli is faster, stronger, younger (Wait! All my running buddies are younger!) and more determined than I. It has been good for me. I am feeling stronger and I truly enjoy her company. She has brought more joy to the run.

That’s Kelli in the photo at the top of this post. Yesterday we encountered some obstacles on our run. We chose a route that wound through some farm fields. We had not been on the route for some time, but we had a plan. As we rounded the end of a potato field we discovered rows of sprinkler pipes crossing our path. We had to make a quick decision. Should we turn around and adjust our route or move ahead, hopping over the pipes and adjusting our stride along the way? Our quick decision was to move forward. We dodged mud and hopped over pipes for nearly half a mile. We did not anticipate the distance nor did we expect to have a lot of fun – but we did. We became stronger and we found joy as we conquered those unexpected obstacles!

Now that I have had some fun on my blog today, I’m going to get back to studying and striving to improve. Here are a few more joyful posts for you!

Tuesday's Training Tip: Find the Joy
Guest Blogger: Paulee makes decorating easy
Guest Blogger: Jennifer shares some thoughts on happiness

Thanks for stopping by and remember, when the pipes rise up to meet you - just run!

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
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