Big Bend Ultra!

All bundled up at the starting line!
Insulated tights, Stonewear Rockin Jacket,
hat, headband...but it warmed up quickly
in the desert climate of Big Bend
National Park!

If' you're relatively new to a fitness practice, and you're looking for a challenge for next year, may we suggest the Big Bend Ultra Run in Big Bend National Park?

And ULTRA, you say?  Not a crazy-long trail run???  The nice folks organizing this race (Friends of Big Bend National Park) know a long trail run might not be for everyone, so they offer a manageable 10K as well as a 25K and 50K lengths.

Truth be told: I've run the 10K twice now and so far, it is my favorite race.  The scenery of Big Bend National Park is jaw-droppingly beautiful and the race is extremely well run.  The race organizers take VERY good care of you!

By mid-race it warmed up significantly!
We had a ball at the water station on the
Rio Grande!  The other side of the river
is Mexico!

This year, following my New Year's Resolutions, I invited a friend of mine to run with me.  The last time I ran this race, it was for speed.  I ended up placing first among the female Masters....I had something to prove.  This year, I wanted to run with my friend, Mary, and help her through her first 10K.  She didn't need my help.  She got through it just fine, and we had a ball visiting throughout the run, noting the beauty of our surroundings and the quiet of the park.  We even stopped at the water station mid-way through the race to have our pictures taken at the Rio Grande, and visit with the volunteers and other runners.  We had a pokey approach to the entire race...our goal was to have fun.  And fun we had!  The opposite bank in the photo?  Yes, that's Mexico!

There's nothing like setting a goal and working hard to WIN something, but there's also joy in sharing it all with a friend.  This year, it wasn't about placing or time, or goal-setting.  It was all about helping a friend discover fun, accomplishment and the appreciating the beauty of the wilderness.

BIG thanks to our friends at Stonewear Designs!  I wore their stylish Rockin Jacket at the beginning of the race.  It was perfectly cozy at the very cold start, and as it warmed up (more than 20 degrees in an hour!) it was easy to tie the arms around my waist and complete the race, hassle free! I love the paisley cuffs!

Getting Better

Getting Better
by Monte Riggs

As these mornings get gradually colder I strangely no longer look for excuses to stay home. In fact it has become a kind of test of strength that I've begun to relish in a way I haven’t as a runner in a long time. Why this kind of insanity? For several years I began to think my body was in steady decline and allowed myself to slip into sad acceptance of that apparent deterioration. After 3 decades in which running had become a big part of my life I started to wonder if my running days might be over. I had seen it happen to friends. Perhaps my time had come as well. But now, for the first time in a long time, I am seeing evidence of improvement in both strength and endurance. I realized it is my mental outlook that changed the most.

I moved to Presidio County in June, coming from an altitude of less than 100 ft. to almost 5000 ft. When I first started running here I quickly started to dread the morning run. The modest hills on Mimm’s Ranch road combined with the altitude left me wheezing and walking before I reached the top. The rough washboard texture of the road made my ankles and knees hurt and finding a comfortable place to step difficult at best. I had grown accustomed to a well worn foot path whose 3 mile loop I had long ago memorized.

This morning is cold by my standards, at least running north where the rough gravel road takes me into the teeth of a north wind for half of my run. The return is warmer with a slight tail wind and brilliant sunshine heating me enough that I often have to shed a layer of running gear. Waves of sparrows or chickadees in silhouette against the bright morning sunlight break away before me, launching themselves from the tall grasses and creosote bush to scatter across the road ahead of me, their flight pattern a rhythm of rising and falling just above the tops of the grasses surfing on the slowly warming air. I find that regardless of the conditions, my focus is more on the beauty of my surroundings rather than any discomfort from running. Occasionally I am so moved I feel compelled to stop and watch a small raptor gliding low across the pasture or the color of the grasses and sky even on a cloudy day. Because I have bad feet, running for me has always been accompanied by some level of discomfort and pain realizing that at age 63 I can get better makes the daily ritual of exercise fun again.

One Way to Get Inspired: Watch a Marathon

If you're new to running, there's nothing more inspiring than watching other people meet their goals.  (And you think, "Yeah!  That could be me!")  This morning we found some fast runners near the end of their Houston Marathon, working HARD in COLD, RAINY uncomfortable weather at mile 22 and 23.  It didn't look easy.  It didn't look like something a person would do unless they had a darn good reason for being out there. 

It was a good reminder:  Every runner has a story.


That's what I love about watching races.  Motivations differ: to get healthy, to lose weight, to face personal demons, to distract oneself from sorrow, to inspire someone else, to just plain take control of one's life....every runner has their own story.

What we don't see are the days of self-doubt.  We don't see the miles logged in the dark cold days of winter, nor the wet blanket humid days of summer.  We don't see the decisions made--to work or to run?  To spend social time with friends and family or training hours pounding out mile after mile?  Yet there they are, running in pain after 20+ miles, and they just keep going.  It inspires me every time.

It is also fun to cheer the runners.  "Way to go!"  "Good job!"  Your encouragement does make a difference.  Be noisy, be exuberant!

Here's another way to get in the groove:  visit the Expo, especially one before a big city marathon.  There are bargains to be had--discounted shoes and running clothes--yahoo!  Want to know about heart rate monitors?  Talk to the product representatives.  Eager to try new sports drinks and energy chews?  Check out their samples.  Looking for a new challenge?  Visit with volunteers and race directors from other runs and marathons...perhaps you'll be inspired to set a new goal.  Best of all, you'll see runners of all shapes and sizes there, each excited about their upcoming run.

Big city marathon expos may schedule talks or autograph sessions with running legends.  Last year's Houston Marathon Expo had Frank Shorter (r) the 1972 Olympic Marathon Champion and Rod Dixon (l) Australian Olympian and bronze medalist at 1500 meters.  This year, Ryan Hall was at the Expo, and there was a long line waiting for an autograph from the first American to break an hour in the half marathon.

After the race is over, check the final results for your age range.  You might find your training run times are closer to the top of your peers than you realize! What inspiration for next year's goals!

Goals for Next Year!

One of the things I like so much about being a runner is that every day is a new start.  This puts the pressure off at New Year's time, as I'm so used to setting little goals for myself throughout the year.

 

So, here they are for 2013:

 

I want to run more miles than in 2012.  Easy goal.  Achievable goal.  All I have to do is schedule time, stay healthy and get out for those runs.

I want to do more active things with friends.  That includes running the upcoming Big Bend Ultra 10K with Mary (see above, we're finishing this year's local Turkey Trot together), and seeking out friends for walks, bike rides, and hikes all year long.  Being active with friends is a great way to build a HABIT of getting exercise.  When you are reluctant to roll out of bed for an early morning jog, knowing your buddy is waiting for you is often all the extra motivation you need. Half of living an active life is being in the habit of doing it.  And while I'm comfortable hiking, running and cycling by myself, I cherish time with friends.

 

I want to schedule more time to be a kid.  There's no better tonic for grownup stress than hopping on a mountain bike around dinnertime. The decades peel back and I'm a little girl again, free and independent without a care in the world. In 2013, I'm going to seize more little-girl bike time, and wander aimlessly around town and head out to the mountains.

I'm enjoying being a Stonewear Designs Grassroots Ambassador, wearing their terrific activewear and travel clothes all across Far West Texas and the Texas Mountain Trail.  For the Turkey Trot, I wore Stonewear Design's Rockin' Jacket and Rockin' Capri, both soft and warm for workouts on chilly mornings.   I love, love, love the Jacket's foldback cuff, which reveals a neat paisley print. I never really figured myself as a "paisley girl," but I really like the looks of this print.  And I've had folks stop in mid-sentence to say, "that's a NICE jacket."  What could be better than that?!?!  I also like the thick knit of the Rockin' series, a breathable barrier against our cold winds.  And in my cycling photo (above, right), same goes for their Echo Top.  It is rugged enough for the trail, yet soft next to my skin. The princess seams flatter, and it is so cozy...perfect for our warm Texas Mountain winter days!   



Should I Show My Higgely-Jigglies?

Warm and comfy and allowing for some coverage,
Stonewear Designs headband, Rockin' Jacket and Capri

Starting out as a new runner takes all kind of courage....courage to get out of bed in the morning and face a cold  run, courage to keep running even when you don't feel like it, courage to set your life in a new direction.

There's one more area of courage we can't ignore:  the courage to show your sweating, non-perfect body in public.

Stonewear Design's Dryflex Double Cross Top
and Rockin' Short

Let's address this issue one step at a time.  Consider issue of "non-perfect."  Not so long ago, I was visiting with a beautiful young woman, an avid hiker who'd logged a thousand miles on the trail.  In the course of discussing her considerable achievements, she said, "I'm not wearing my perfect body yet."  Wow, what a universal statement!  I pose this question to her, and to you:  "Is ANYONE wearing their perfect body?"  I don't think so!!

I'm approaching a milestone birthday early in 2013...I'm turning 55.  Over the course of the past few years--even though I've kept a pretty regular fitness practice going--I've noticed some changes of age.  My thighs (always, shall we say "robustly sized" for my height) got increasingly rumply-looking, and some of the skin appeared tired.  Very tired.  And one night I turned over in bed and wondered, "what the heck is between my shoulder blades?"....and it turned out to be my own skin getting a bit loose back there.  Yep, things just don't hold as tightly on my frame as they used to.  Bummer.  My body is gaining higgley-jigglies..new little curiousities to mark my age.

So here's the dilemma and a decision facing new runners: How much skin should you show during your workouts, particularly on those hot sweaty runs?

You want to look GOOD, right?  You want to be comfortable, right?  You want your workouts to be all they can be, right?

Here's my answer:

Yes, wear the clothing that will help you achieve, wear clothes that make you feel great....but know this....people watching you will see your effort first.  They'll see a person working hard, working to do something great for herself.  And if they notice some rumpled skin, or bulges here or there, they'll think "GOOD for her, that's a woman I can admire.  And she's doing it no matter what."


Early morning run in a hotel fitness center
NOT a glamorous time, no makeup
but a good run!

I admit I choose new workout clothes that allow for some modesty...I was delighted to find that Stonewear Design's Rockin Shorts covers up the worst my thighs have to offer.  But if I'm running in 90 degree heat and I can't stand it any longer, I'll pull off my top and run in a (pretty) running bra, baring my imperfect midriff for all to see.

One of my fitness heroines is Sadie, who still runs long distances in her 80s.  Does she have the body of a 50 year old?  No.  But I look at her and I say, "So that's what an 80 year old woman can look like..if I keep running, maybe I'll look like her when I'm that age."

And what will people say when I whip off my shirt, and run in a bra?

They'll say, "Look at her, that's what 55 years old looks like."  And, "Good for her for just getting out and getting the job done."

Be a Kid Again!

Because this little 2 minute video is so lovely, the photographer has given permission to share it with a wider audience.  We thought you'd like it too. The entire blog entry is worth a read....click here to get to it. 

Why do I ride? "You will eventually FLY down the other side," Artist, Carola Locke

Through friends, we met artist and cyclist Carola Locke, and loved her work so much, we wanted to share it with all of you!  And her story about getting on the bike for the first time as an adult?  Inspiring!  Take a look at her work, below...they're PAINTINGS, not photographs!  Wonderful, right?

Carola visiting Fort Davis' historic Indian Lodge
in Davis Mountains State Park

So first, why I do I ride?

"My husband did it. I had ridden a bit as a child, but never even considered it as an adult. It was one of those "impossible" things that gifted athletes did. However, shortly after being married, my husband found me an old steel road bike, rebuilt it, and gave it to me. I fearfully started riding it, but soon enough remembered what to do, and was thrilled with the rush and freedom which riding invokes. That was about  ten years ago. Riding a bike, whether for exercise, to commute, for socialization, or for therapy, has encouraged me to tackle fears which, otherwise, I never would have been brave enough to encounter. Riding has taught me to pace myself in life, and not to expect instant results. It has helped me learn that like riding up a hill, sometimes everything sucks, but it is only for a time; you will eventually fly down the other side.

"The Guru" by Carola Locke

My husband and I came out (to Fort Davis, TX) together to ride Cyclefest, and while it is the hardest ride I've done yet, it is also my favorite. The clean air and clear night sky, being able to see for miles, this area is my favorite in Texas. I've ridden the 75m route three times now, and hope to ride it many more times."

As for the art:

"I have always been artistic. But, about ten years ago (oddly the same time I began riding), I picked up a paintbrush and began trying to hone my skills. I painted a lot of people, beer, and nature themed pieces, but it wasn't until three years ago that I found my niche in painting bikes and their riders. The first piece I tried, "The Guru", floored me with how well it turned out. Usually, when I finish a painting I stand back and am amazed. It doesn't even feel like I painted them sometimes. I began showing my work two years ago. I love watching people enjoy the work I've done. Art allows me to meet people and travel and connect. As I meet cyclists at events I am flooded with new ideas and inspiration.

"36 Trinity" by Carola Locke

Sometimes, I'll be at a ride and see a really neat bike and will walk up and say "I don't know you, but you have a great bike. Can I photograph it and paint it?" Let me tell you, that's a great way to make a new friend!"

We asked Carola how we can see more of her work, how she shares and sells it, and her thoughts about being a working artist:

"There is much truth to the term "starving artist", as it is a difficult field to make a name in, but I consider myself lucky that I've managed to incorporate my gift (painting) with my passion (cycling). If I make money at an event, great, but if I leave having talked to other cyclists and gained new inspiration, that is often better. At this time my cycling paintings are exclusively displayed at Knobbies and Slicks in Colleyville, TX. It's website is http://www.knobbiesandslicks.com/ My website is www.artistcarolalocke.com My email is artist@artistcarolalocke.com I have 2013 calendars available and prints of most of my paintings. Most of the originals are for sale as well. Also, I am on Facebook at facebook.com/artistcarolalocke "

"Calf, de Calf"
by Carola Locke

We say, "2013 Calendars?"  Sounds like holiday gift possibilities to us...and thanks to Carola for sharing her story!