Winter Running

I've signed up for my next marathon, the Wenatchee Marathon on April 20.  I have been running but not exactly following my intented training schedule.  My body has been telling me it's too dark so start my run later in the morning.  It has also been colder than the usual Seattle winter so my body tells me to shorten the route and spend less time out in the cold.  I'll be kind and listen to what my body wants.  and next week, I'll bust out the headlamp for early morning runs and add another layer to my winter running ensemble and have another cup of hot coffee. 

 

Fresh recovery beverages

On my trip to Panama last month, 3 of us hired a boat to take us snorkeling near Isla Boca Brava on the Pacific coast.  As we relaxed on the beach after snorkeling, we watched a group of local guys climbing up trees fully loaded with coconuts.  Or, it was more like this group made the youngest most fit guy climb up the tree.  As we contemplated asking if we could buy some coconuts, they came over with three coconuts with freshly prepared drinking holes and would not accept our money.  Fresh coconut water beats anything I can buy from the my local health food store.  Cheers to fellow traveler Anne from Canada. 

 

Sick of Heights, Who knew?!

While hiking up Parque Nacional Volcan Baru in Panama this past Thanksgiving, I discovered that I am prone to altitude sickness.  The plan was to hike up the 3,474 meters and I never once considered making the conversion into feet (11,398).  Which wouldn't have made any difference since I didn't know I would get sick past 8,000 feet.  Actually not sure where it started but the wobbly walking, nausea, pounding headache and constant fumbling dropping of my flashlight were my first clues. It was rainy, dark and a little cool when we started our hike at 1 am.  Why?  To be at the top at sunrise and hope that the clouds will part.  Because guarantee the clouds will come rolling back in before noon.  Anyway, somewhere along 9 or 10,000 feet, I was ready to curl up on the side of the trail.  I told my husband I had nothing to prove and did not need to go to the top.  He could continue on and I'd wait for him.  Well he was not going to leave me behind and I felt a tad better.  Well, not exactly better but since I had finished a marathon a few weeks ago, I was still in the mode of giving myself pep talks.  And I did a lot of self talking to get myself moving.  The sun had now risen and I find myself at a plateau with LOTS of cell towers.  Did I puke up to the top of this national park to view Panama's finest cell towers?  I was content to just stop here at cell tower central.  But nooo, our guide came down and practical dragged me up to the top.  The reward:  the best panaroma of the Pacific on one side.  Turn around and the Caribbean on the other. 

Hooked on Runnin in the Sun

Finished the Santa Barbara International Marathon last weekend and it has SPOILED me big time.  I am so hooked on running marathons in sunny climates.  Living in the northwest, I have adapted and grown accustomed to running in the rain and clouds.  But running in full sunshine and 60 degree weather last weekend, no contest. 

Counting down the days before leaving for CA.  I'll be running my second Santa Barbara Half Marathon.  I don't normally remember trail details while hiking but I can sure remember details of this marathon trail.  I clearly remember mile 23 uphill until 24.  The harbor coming into view.  The stadium and finish line that seemed so close, yet so far at 1 mile away...I remember the joy of seeing Amy at the finish line.  She paced me with the run/walk program as she was still recovering from an injury.  She blew past me in the end and I hope she went on to complete her next marathon in the time she was hoping for. 

Raining and Training

Rain, rain and more rain.  I couldn't get my butt out the door at 7 am for my track workout.  It was still so dark and rainy.  There was more light at 8 am but still lots of rain.  Same thing at 9 am and 10 am. Gotta do the dishes.  Oops, gotta check my email for the 100th time.  Major procrastination going on here.  Then I thought about my friend Judith in New York who has been without power and hasn't been able to leave the house for several days due to Superstorm Sandy.  So I quit being a wimp and finally headed out.  No big deal running in the rain for an hour.  At least I can return to a heated home and hot shower. Motivated by the privilege of having electrical power!

Where to find us this fall

I was in Portland last weekend for the Portland Marathon Expo which was my last show for 2012.  The last show of the year is always a bit melancholy for me. I so enjoy seeing old friends and previous customers.  And it is fun and exciting to make new acquaintences as well. But it is exhausting and I'm ready to focus on my own fall runs.  However, you can find Wahine Sport accessories online at www.wahinesport.com.  If you saw something you liked at an expo but can't find it online, just email me at linda@wahinesport.com.  I might just have one tucked away for you!  Use the code: SHIP and receive free shipping on your orders.