As 2011 was winding down, I began to think ahead to 2012. I’ve always received many requests from other runners that they would like to run with me. I started brainstorming one day while running and thought about that. How could I run with people, make a giving back project and be a part of the community at the same time? So with a little more running and a little more thinking, I decided that I would run with 12 people (selected via application) and each of one them would have to help someone else finish a race of a lesser distance. And each person also had to have a cause they cared about. I primarily wanted to help first time half marathoners, marathoners or a 50K. I would run each step of the race with them and get them across the finish line. And thus the 12×12 Project was born.

Church in Knoxville

Fast forward to April 1, 2012 and I’m running with Jay to help him finish his first marathon. If you haven’t read the last two days recaps, you might want to do that .

Once we crossed 13.1 mile mark, I gave Jay a high-five and we kept on running. The marathon course took us out into East Knoxville and past some rescue missions that made me grateful and thankful for what I have. There were a few more churches that I thought were beautiful and then another cute neighborhood. All of the people were super friendly. I love hometown marathons/races. We approached another water station and this one had oranges and bananas. Y.E.S. I was getting kind of hungry . Jay started to slow down and I knew that the end of the race would be challenging (in a good way). I kept taking photos – so many things to show! A neat house, an antique truck, spring blooms, happy volunteers … It’s times like this I wish I had a film crew following me!

The sun was out in full force now and I kept checking in with Jay to see how he was doing. We were taking more walking opportunities and I wanted to make sure that we didn’t walk too much on the easy parts because we still had hills to conquer yet. There was, of course, no shade on the course and I also wanted to make sure Jay stayed hydrated. We passed Mile 15 that included a water station. Some of the volunteers had fruit and I asked for some. It’s amazing what a few bites of strawberries, grapes, bananas, and oranges can do for the body and soul!

Neat house in Knoxville along the marathon course

Once we hit Mile 16, I told Jay “just a 10 miler left!” A few marathon manics were running near us and I struck up a conversation with them (shocking I know) and we were talking about what races were our favorites. While I am not an official Marathon Manic, I am one on paper. Today’s marathon will make 35 (?) marathon or ultra distance. To keep Jay going I gave out different landmarks of where we would run to or where we would walk. It’s always nice to have a little goal to work toward in the latter stages of the marathon game!

The course went through Old City and up a BIG hill around mile 18. We (gladly) walked it. Then we rounded a corner and ran past the Women’s Hall of Fame basketball building. Up some more hills, a short stretch on the highway and then down along the river. There was a guy that had been at various points along the marathon route and at one point I finally asked his name so we could say hi the next time we saw them. Turns out his wife was running her first marathon was one of Jay’s DailyMile friends! Small world.

Once we hit Mile 20, I told Jay “just a 10K left!” This was the last exchange of the marathon relay and this little girl sprinted out in front of us and took off flying down the hill. She was probably only 9 or 10. It warmed my heart to see her running and it was cool that the relay team gave her the last leg so she could finish in the stadium.

Once we hit Mile 21 I gave Jay another high-five. He had officially run further then he ever had! So exciting. The course took us back into another neighborhood called Island Home and this little community was SUPER friendly too. They even had cute, custom t-shirts made (I wish I had a photo) for young and old alike. They were welcoming and this section of the course was one of my favorites. A lot of fun. We only had a few more miles to go and I kept encouraging Jay.

Island Home- loved this section!

Loved this truck!

Soon we were down to a 5K left. That felt good. And the course started taking us back into town. It was up another hill and over the Gay Street Bridge and then into Market Square area. This was also a favorite spot of mine. Families, dogs, music, last water station and just overall high energy made it awesome. I had been checking my watch the last hour and knew that a sub-five hour marathon was within reach, but I would really have to push Jay to get it. As with all 12×12 Project participants, it’s their race, their pace. I’m just helping them cross the finish line (in one piece). HOWEVER, I knew that Jay would like a sub-five. And I wanted to help him achieve that. I kept him running and made the goals to walk/run a little longer. I told him he could curse me now, thank me later . We ran back through where we started and I could smell the finish line as we approached Neyland Stadium. I was running a little bit ahead of Jay so he could follow my pace and I told the spectators that this was his marathon and they cheered even louder for him. We had one more hill to go and I pushed (encouraged) him up it. A sub-five was.so.close. Soon we could hear the sounds erupting from the stadium. We rounded the corner into it and soon we were on the field. 26.2 miles was almost done! And with that we crossed the finish line with hands in the air. Praise the Lord! I got Jay across the finish line in one piece and a sub-five hour marathon. Finish time was 4:58:43.

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

Jay found his family immediately after crossing the finish line and my job was done. After he had a little family time, I went over and gave him a hug and one last high-five and of course a congratulations.

When we crossed the finish line, we were given marathon finisher ball caps. A really nice touch to the race. Another cool feature was the the race bibs had QR codes so you could find your race results quickly. The Knoxville Marathon is a top-notch race and I highly recommend it!

I found my friend Jeff and we talked for a while before walking over to the post-race party where we talked some more. Then he took me back after stopping to get a few bags of ice for my post-race ritual ice bath. Love them.

All in all, it was a great day. A training run for me and a first time marathoner crossing the line. Eleven more races and 11 more people to help cross the finish line!

Tennessee River and the bridge we were about to run over

Looking at back Knoxville

Jay and Sarah with our medals!

As 2011 was winding down, I began to think ahead to 2012. I’ve always received many requests from other runners that they would like to run with me. I started brainstorming one day while running and thought about that. How could I run with people, make a giving back project and be a part of the community at the same time? So with a little more running and a little more thinking, I decided that I would run with 12 people (selected via application) and each of one them would have to help someone else finish a race of a lesser distance. And each person also had to have a cause they cared about. I primarily wanted to help first time half marathoners, marathoners or a 50K. I would run each step of the race with them and get them across the finish line. And thus the 12×12 Project was born.

95% humidity made for a very foggy start!

Hopefully you read yesterday’s Part One. If not, read it so you are up to speed on things . So this weekend is the first of 12 races I will be running with other runners.

Sunday, April 1, 2012. No April Fool’s joke for me and all the other runners! It was time to run the Knoxville Marathon (and they also had a half marathon, marathon relay, and 5K). I didn’t sleep all that great so getting up was a little challenging, but once I was up, I felt fine. I had my Gen UCAN, then got picked up at 6:30 a.m. and made our way to the race start line. It was a very foggy morning! I met up with Jay and tried to gage his race expectations. I remember my first marathon quite well and really wanted to put his nerves (if he had any) to rest. It appeared he didn’t. His wife and kids were still sleeping so we hung out with all the other runners waiting to start. I’ve run a lot of races and I never get tired of the excitement in the air. So. Much. Fun.

Soon it was 7:30 a.m. and the waves started to take off for whatever race distance they choose. Jay selected a wave 4 (?) so we crossed the start line a little after 7:30 a.m. The race was chip timed (meaning that your time starts when you cross the mat), so we started our trusty and faithful Garmin’s once we crossed the timing mat.

Beautiful area of Knoxville! Sequoyah Hills

The race course started right off the bat with a nice little uphill. The University of Tennessee band got us up and over it. I cautioned Jay to take the hills easy. I knew we had a lot of hills left to conquer yet. But it’s hard to so soon at the start of the race. You are excited and you want to run. The course ran through UT and it was beautiful. And let me just interject here that taking photos while running is not easy (I did it for the majority of the RnR races in 2011). I’m still trying to perfect this potential skill. Ha. We ran along the Tennessee River, up another hill (where I told Jay to take it nice and easy) and then past a record number of churches (remember we are in the south!) and by some lovely homes mansions. Then down through a neighborhood called Sequoyah Hills. This section was fairly hilly, but gorgeous and soon we passed the 10K mark.

It was awesome to have so many neighbors out cheering for us. I always try to give the kids (and adults) high-fives. It gives you a sense of energy and the kids usually enjoy it too. As we approached mile 9, we heard the music and people REALLY cheering for the runners that were in front of us. I knew without looking that we were approaching a hill. And sure enough, as soon as we rounded the bend, there it was. A nice big, ol’ hill. I said to Jay “I highly suggest we walk this hill. I want to save your legs for the last 6 miles.” Thankfully he agreed and we walked up the hill to high-energy music and soon it was over and we were running again. Just as we were approaching the top of the hill I saw my friend Jeff so we talked for a few brief seconds.

Running along the Greenway and passing over a creek (you know it's a road marathon when you don't run through it )

We then ran on the Greenway Trail and it was still foggy. Yes. Fog is good. Sun can wilt the best of runners. The hills were still a part of the course and I was seeing a lot of runners stop and complaining about their knees. Which meant their IT Bands. I asked Jay how his ITB’s were and he said fine. Good answer. This section was also really pretty, we passed a little bridge and creek.

The course started to take us back into town which included a few more hills of course . And the sun also decided to make its appearance. At least the first half was shady! Jay and I took the hills easy coming back to the World’s Fair Park and soon 13.1 miles were down! 13.1 to go!

The water stations were well supported and all the volunteers were super friendly. I made sure to thank them all, including the police officers too. I only drink water on a marathon course plus Q Energy Drink at mile 13 and mile 20. And eat bananas and oranges if/when they are offered.

Near World's Fair Park and the 13.1 mile mark for the marathon

Jay was supposed to see his wife and kids when we ran back through the start area by World’s Fair Park and Convention Center, but we never saw them.

I knew the next half would be challenging, so I put on my inspirational hat and kept Jay going. I also always like to encourage the other runners around me. You never know how a simple of word of encouragement can bring hope to someone! Part 3 and the final 13.1 miles tomorrow!

As 2011 was winding down, I began to think ahead to 2012. I’ve always received many requests from other runners that they would like to run with me. I started brainstorming one day while running and thought about that. How could I run with people, make a giving-back project and be a part of the community at the same time? So with a little more running and a little more thinking, I decided that I would run with 12 people (selected via application) and each of one them would have to help someone else finish a race of a lesser distance. And each person also had to have a cause they cared about. I primarily wanted to help first time half marathoners, marathoners or a 50K. I would run each step of the race with them and get them across the finish line. And thus the 12×12 Project was born.

Knoxville in Spring bloom

Fast forward to April 1, 2012 and the first of the 12×12 Project participants – Jay Stancil. This was his first marathon and he was excited just like me! Although this was my 35th (? I’ve honestly lost track) marathon or ultramarathon distance, the love of running 26.2 miles is still awesome to me. 

I arrived in Knoxville, Tenn. Friday, March 30, 2012 and was greeted by humidity. Having just flown from dry Colorado, I wasn’t used to this kind of moisture! The next morning I was pleasantly surprised by how GREEN everything was. March was the driest March in Colorado’s history. In fact, when I left Colorado, vicious fires were claiming land, homes and lives. So it was a welcome change to see spring in full bloom!

It was so green, I was almost blinded by the brightness! I took a nice walk to the Knoxville Convention Center at the World’s Fair Park. And my eyes found so many different things to take photos of. I love exploring and seeing new towns/cities!

Like this vintage bug. I have a ‘thing’ for them. This bug is a work in progress and will be used for a future article related to life. But I’m sure you already knew that .

I'm a work in progress

As I walked to the Knoxville Marathon Expo, it was a lovely, warm Saturday morning. It was great to be alive! The expo was great. Low key, quick bib pickup, fun music, friendly race volunteers everywhere and even a free chair massage. Always a great thing . Afterwards, I wandered back outside and continued to explore the town. Did I mention it was a beautiful day?! I loved the park in front of the convention center, the flags (I have a ‘thing’ for flags too) and a kids park. I was searching for a pull-up bar of some sort, but didn’t find any. The Tennessee Veterans Memorial was beautiful and sobering at the same time too.

The Market Square was cute and busy with people out and about enjoying the nice spring day. I was on the lookout for healthy food options and found it I did. I had a fresh spring greens salad with fresh red beets and salmon from Cafe 4. ANDI said no to the temptation (big, tall, moist cupcakes) .

I was also on the lookout for some fresh veggies and after a few hit and misses, I finally found an adorable little market called Just Ripe. They had fresh, local, organic produce (and meat, eggs, dairy). I was delighted to score a sweet potato, kale, green beans, tomato, avocado (obviously not from Knoxville, but still fresh) and Applegate Farms turkey. I would have a fabulous pre-race dinner!

Fresh, organic, pre-race dinner!

I spent most of the day walking around Knoxville and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Even hustling back in order to beat a heavy thunderstorm complete with vicious hail. There is nothing better than to explore a town/city then by foot. IMHO.

In the evening, my host and I went back to the Market Square and Old City and enjoyed watching the sun set behind the smokey mountains. Then it was time to hit the pillow. Knoxville Marathon and pacing Jay to his first marathon finish in the morning!

It’s Friday, and Fitness Friday at that!

If you’re a runner, are you training more than just logging miles? Your core is important too. So here is a core routine for you to incorporate into your running training plan. And if you’re not a runner, that’s not an excuse to not train your core!

Your core is more than just a six pack, it’s your glutes, hips, hamstrings, lower back. A strong core is essential to your running performance and injury prevention. So a good standard core routine includes working all the core muscles! Here is one that I like to do at least three to five times a week. If you are new to these exercises, start off with one to two times per week and then build up from there.

The exercises:

• Plank
• Side plank
• Bridge
• One leg bridge
• Superman
• Wall squat

The workout:

Plank: Get on your forearms, back level with hips and neck (no spiking the hips up!). Depending on your current level of strength, start by holding for 30 seconds or 60 seconds. If your form starts to break, stop. It is better to have correct form then to finish the move. You should be shaking and feeling your abs, legs, etc., work to keep you stable. Challenge: work up to holding for minutes!

Side plank: Get on your side, forearm parallel to your feet.  Don’t let your hips sag! Depending on your current level of strength, start by holding for 30 seconds or 60 seconds. As with the above advice, if your form starts to break, stop and remember how long you did hold it for! Challenge: work up to holding for minutes.

Bridge: Lie on your back, feet flat on floor. Bridge up so that only your shoulders, head and feet are touching the floor. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.

One leg bridge: Just like bridge, lie on your back, feet flat on floor. Bridge up as with bridge. Lift one leg off the floor and while keeping hips level and not sagging, lift leg up and down (don’t touch the floor) 10 times. Repeat on other side.

Superman: Lie on your tummy, arms outstretched in front you. Lift your upper body up and feet off the floor. Don’t squeeze your butt! Hold for 15 seconds and work up to 10 reps.

Wall squat: With your back against a wall, walk your feet out so that your quads are in a table-top like position. Your knees should be over heels (not your toes). Your entire back (low back especially) should be flat against the wall. Put your hands above your head. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat up to 5 times. Challenge: work on increasing your time and reps.

You’re on your way to a stronger core and running body!

photo credit: lululemon athletica

Every Friday, we feature a real-life person who has embraced a healthy lifestyle from a former sedentary, unhealthy life. We hope their story inspires you to start living and breathing a healthy life!

Today’s feature is Brandi Heinz who is training for the Wisconsin Marathon on May 5, 2012. She is also a participant of the 12×12 Project. We are so excited for her!

Sarah: When did you start running?
Brandi: I started running in Junior High – thank goodness, because I did not have eye-hand coordination. I tried soccer, softball, volleyball … no success there. I joined the track team and started out wanting to be a hurdler or sprinter, but I wasn’t very fast. One day, the coach asked for volunteers for the 1600m run and no one raised their hand. I volunteered, and I believe I took third place in the race. I was hooked!

Sarah: What do you like best about running?
Brandi: When I was younger, I liked running for the mid-distance and 5K races, then strictly for fitness. Now, it’s a great outlet for stress and a very healthy hobby. I love having another race on the horizon to train for, and I look forward to Saturday runs with my running club. I like that it’s something I can do alone or with people, anywhere. And I even sort of like that people look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them how far I ran.

Sarah: You just ran the Austin Half Marathon this past weekend. What was that experience like?
Brandi: The Austin Half Marathon is the biggest, toughest, hilliest half marathon I’ve run – yet I still ran my personal best. I really enjoyed myself during the race. They had live music throughout the course, and the fan support was amazing! The ninth mile marker was lined with Livestrong supporters: walls of yellow on either side, cheering and blaring Black Eyed Peas, high-fiving us. I ran this race with my two sisters, so it was really special to share that experience with them. We even met Bart Yasso during the expo. He was awesome – gave us some great advice for the race (like how to handle all those hills)!

Sarah: You live in Chicago; do you run outdoor or inside during the winter months?
Brandi: This is the first year I’ve ran outside, and it has made a big difference! Joining a running club gives me people to run with at night and during the snowy days, so I always feel safe. Since I’ve continued running as the weather changed, I’ve never felt like to was difficult to get used to the weather. I never consistently ran during the winter months in the past because the treadmill was boring. I’m really proud that I’ve kept it up this winter – I love telling people when I’ve ran 10 miles in the snow!

Sarah: You are also training for your first marathon (YAY!), how has your training been going?
Brandi: I feel like it is just starting, since I had my half marathon milestone that I’ve been working towards. On my way back from Austin, I mapped out my marathon training plan and realized it’s only 10 WEEKS AWAY! I’m taking this week off, then next week I’ll go right back into it with a 10 mile run. Over the coming weeks I’ll run my farthest distance runs I’ve ever done, getting up to a 20-miler. I’m excited and nervous at the same time!

Sarah: Girls On The Run is a cause you care about. Can you share with us a little bit about what you do with them?
Brandi: I’ve volunteered with Girls on the Run in a few different roles, but my favorite is being a running buddy. Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization that encourages young women to lead healthy, confident lives through an after school curriculum that culminates in a 5K run. As a running buddy, you run with a girl on a training run, then at the race. My first buddy was a 5th grader who was FAST! She kicked my butt during the race, I believe we were the first group from her school to finish, and it was amazing! She was so encouraging to every other girl out there, whether they were right behind her or walked most of the distance. My second buddy was a third grader who hadn’t run before. She was very nervous and didn’t want a buddy, but five minutes into our training run, she was chatting up a storm. We even Skyped a couple of times before the 5K. Again, it was amazing to watch her encourage her fellow runners and come out of her shell. Running one of the Girls on the Run 5Ks is like nothing I’ve experienced! Within five minutes I had my hair sprayed multiple colors, writing on my face and arms, and my race bib decorated. It’s such a fulfilling organization to work with.

Sarah: And for fun, what is the first you want to do when you finish the Wisconsin Marathon?
Brandi: Take a picture with my medal and share it with everyone on Facebook and Twitter! Then, maybe have some chocolate milk and an ice bath . I love sharing my running journey online because I hope that it inspires other people to try something new. If you would’ve asked me a year ago if I would run a marathon, I would’ve looked at you like you’re crazy! And now, here I am … and I sort of think I AM crazy. But after talking to all the different people who have ran a marathon, I truly do believe anyone can do it if they have the right mindset and people around them.

I have an editorial calendar that tells me what to publish/write each day. It is booked a month out. It keeps me accountable & on track, but sometimes you just have to write what is on your heart and mind. And so today’s original post will be published at later date.

I will make the assumption that you’ve been reading the last few days articles. If you haven’t, I encourage you to go read them.

You know that I attempted to run another 100 mile ultramarathon a few days ago. I only ran 80 miles because I missed the cutoff by one minute. ONE FREAKING MINUTE. I’ve had a lot of people ask me about that one minute. How did it feel? Why did it happen? Am I upset?

I’ve had time to reflect, analyse, and sleep on that ONE MINUTE and here my thoughts.

Sometimes what we think is a horrible thing, is actually a blessing. But too often we are so caught up in being pissed off with that ONE MINUTE that we don’t look for the blessing. When Joe (the race director) asked me for my timing chip back I burst into tears. Running for 24 hour straight hours might have had something to do with it! I pleaded with him to let me finish what I started, but the answer was no (if he let me, he would have to let everybody do it). I accepted it and gratefully sat down collapsed on the chair in the darkness.

That ONE MINUTE all comes down to perspective. Either you can be bitter or you can be thankful. If you gave it everything you had and then some and still more, you will have no regrets. Use that ONE MINUTE to show others that God knows what He is doing.

I believe that God gave me that ONE MINUTE as his way of saying, “you know what Sarah, you’ve had enough. Go get some sleep. I love you and care about you and I will spare you”. While I always start what I finish, this was a new concept for me to grasp in the middle of being up for almost 30 hours on end. I’ll finish what I started, just not this time around. (Yes, I guess that means I’ll be back.) Instead of being upset at that ONE MINUTE, I’m actually thankful for it. Yes, thankful for it.

You see, life isn’t a fairy tale. Real life has major disappointments. Setbacks. Challenges. ONE MINUTE’S. We can either accept our ONE MINUTE and look for the blessing or be bitter. We control how we react. React with bitterness and you’ll see everything from a deep, dark place. React with grace and courage and see things with mercy and compassion and God’s faithfulness.

What is your ONE MINUTE? Look at it from a different (positive) perspective. It may just change your outlook on life. And bring you closer to God.

peace, sweat, love: life

Photo credit: O2Images

Race date: Feb. 4, 2012

Huntsville, Texas

Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Ultramarathon (I would not and did not quit)

My second 100 miler, 12th (?) ultra distance

Photos at very bottom

The day dawned bright and clear, not a cloud in the sky … nope, that’s the way a fairy tale starts, NOT the way a 100 mile ultramarathon race report starts. Let’s get down to business.

The morning began at 3 a.m. Driving up to Huntsville, Texas, the rain started. Along with a very entertaining lightning and thunder show. It was dark and humid and wet. Upon arriving at the state park, the rain poured and I had to run over to the little house and pick up my race number. I was soaked. I was trying to find the house in the middle of the darkness and pouring rain. A big, white extended pickup truck was pulling up behind me and I motioned for him to roll down the window and I asked if I could hop in. He said sure. So I hopped in and perched on a kids car seat. We finally got to the race number pickup place and his wife and I jumped out and ran to get our numbers. Then I ran back to the shelter and got ready.

My first crew person, Jeremy, was driving from San Antonio and got caught in the bad weather, so I had to change plans last minute. Not what I was counting on. I left my nutrition bag and clothes bag in Devin’s dad’s car and took what I would need until I would see Jeremy.

5:50 a.m. Devin and I headed over to the race start. Here is a photo courtesy of Drymax Socks and Ian Sharman.

The start of Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Ultramarathon Feb 4, 2012 ( Drymax photo)

We all huddled together under the start/finish tents and were given the countdown. Then we all joined in 4, 3, 2, 1 and we were off down the trail! In the pouring rain, lightning, wind and thunder. Yep, ultras/ ultra runners don’t let weather stop them!

The Rocky Raccoon 100 (RR100 or RR) course is considered an “easy” 100 compared to other 100s. But everything is relative. Today was no exception. Since RR started keeping track of the weather on race day 14 years ago, there has never been a drop of rain. Today we got 1.90 inches. In a matter of hours.

Most people go think of a muddy buddy where they pay someone to make the mud. Today’s race course was a perfect muddy buddy FOR 100 FREAKING MILES. Writing this, I still can’t believe I made it as far as I did.

Back to the race start.

Devin and I ran together for the first 20 miles. It was pitch black for about the first 90 minutes. Combined with the heavy rain, it made for an epic race start, to say the least. We came upon the DamNation Aid Station (AS) and was surprised they didn’t have salt out. This was the beginning of the very long and lonely six mile loop. On the way back, they had salt out- praise the Lord- and I dipped an orange slice in it. Sugar+salt=perfect combo. It was funny because an AS volunteer gentleman came up to me and asked “do you know you just dipped that in salt?”. I smiled and said yes. I think he thought I was losing it mile 155 But I wasn’t. Just a little trick I’ve found that works for me. I don’t eat dairy or grains or candy so I have to get the salt/sugar where/when I can. On to Park Road AS. Thank God Jeremy had arrived and I had some much needed Gen UCAN and some sweet potatoes. Then it was on to Dog Wood – the start/finish line.

Devin and I were still running together and we ran the first 20 miles in just over four hours. It was just after 10 a.m., I was trying to find Jeremy and he was nowhere to be find. I was shouting like a mad woman “Jeremy! Jeremy! Jeremy!” and then others joined in. It was funny and frustrating all at the same time. I couldn’t linger much longer, so I left the AS and headed back out for loop 2.

I was still feeling fresh and great. So I kept saying “free high fives, free high fives, free high fives!” as the runners and I passed each other (the course was out & back here). Just that little bit of human connection is what I LOVE. The majority of the runners got a big grin on their face and joined in the high five party. I need to wear a shirt that says this!

I had my phone at this point as the rain had subsided and I called Jeremy. He was at the next aid station and I gave him instructions as to what food I needed. I caught back up with Devin and he was hurting. I trudged on ahead and got to the Nature Center AS and instead of Chia Seeds soaked in water, it was Sunflower Seeds. I downed them anyway. At this point I called Shannon and asked her if there was anyway she could come up earlier. She said yes. Praise the Lord. I re-caught back up with Devin and we made the trek to DamNation AS. This stretch was horrific. The mud was absolutely insane. Freaking insane. I’ve run in all different conditions and this was shoe – almost short – sucking mud. On the way to DamNation AS it was downhill, on the way back uphill. My right hip flexor has been having some issues, but has not really bothered me on my runs. Until today.

I would not quit.

Got to DamNation AS, had some vegan potato soup (which later I found wasn’t vegan, just GF) and then started the six mile loop once again. This section sucked. SUCKED. They need at least one person out there cheering you on. As with all ultra races, crowd support is only at AS. You run with yourself and yourself alone. Minus the company of those other ultra runners & the trees and the mud…

I ran with Devin a little longer then he said he wasn’t feeling well and held back to walk. I ran on. Made it through DamNation AS, up the muddy hill, to Park Road AS where I met Jeremy and he told me Shannon would be at Dog Wood AS. I couldn’t wait. I would get to change shoes. And socks. And get some much needed duct tape!!

Made it to Dog Wood AS and did this loop in five hours. Still on track for a 24 hour finish. I sat down and we began to change out my socks. My feet were on FIRE and blister care was critical. Poor Shannon got inducted to the world of 100 mile crewing mighty fast. She pulled off my disgusting shoes and socks, poured baby powder in a bag, dipped my feet in the bag, removed feet, put vaseline on my blisters, then duct tape on that. It is a long process! Fresh socks, same shoes. I felt like a new woman. I ate some sweet potatoes w/ Hemp Hearts & Chia Seeds, some nuts, cashew “cheese” and date rolls (I made or brought the majority of all my food). Good to go.

I would not quit.

Back out for loop 3. I was in high spirits. There was a little section leaving Dogwood AS where family/friends were cheering. And they cheered for everyone else too. They (complete strangers to me) started cheering for me as I came through the clearing. I ran over and gave them some high fives. One guy gave me a hug. And there was a guy in a wheelchair. I gave him an high five, a hug and a kiss on the check. Yes, duct tape does wonders. See, some women like diamond rings, I like platinum duct tape. Half kidding, half true.

Soon I was at Nature Center AS, got what I needed for the next four hours (no crew access at Damnation AS) and headed off down the trail. The same people at the clearing above were also at this clearing and once again we all high fived each other and the wheelchair guy got a kiss on the other check. It made me smile to bring joy to someone!

It was Mile 43 at this point and I was iPod free up until then. I knew I would need some music to keep me going on this lonely stretch. I also had to get headlight and flashlight as darkness would be setting in. Once again, I ran down the muddy stretch, to DamNation AS and out on the lonely six mile loop which feels like a 100 mile loop. There is a reason why they call it DamNation, let me tell you. Man, is it dreadful out there. During this loop I saw elephants, heard voices, saw voices (really, just a runner and pacer running past me), and other creatures that don’t live in Texas. It was dark, kind of cold. I had been running for about 12 hours at this point. It becomes less about your running and more about keeping your mind from running. If that makes sense. You’re tired. Wet from all the rain (and sweat). Muddy, stinky …

I had my iPod on shuffle and 2 of the songs that came on made me laugh. The first was Run in the Night by Jars of Clay (probably my favorite band) and part of the lyrics goes like this “for you I can run in the night”. Pretty perfect. God will give you strength when you need it!! The second was Savior by Andrew Ripp. I practically sprinted up a few hills. I should have just listened to that song the rest of the night!! Go find it on iTunes and download. Such a great song!

During this entire loop, my feet were pretty much on fire. Although I had started out with clean, dry socks and precious duct tape, I couldn’t keep them that way on the course. I ran through some executing pain. I have to be honest – the thought of quitting kept crossing my mind. There is no way to properly describe the pain. No words can do the pain justice, but I kept telling myself the pain of quitting is worse than the pain of not finishing. And so I hobbled on.

The other thing that made moving forward a challenge was benches. The race is on a state park so the trails have sporadic green benches all over the five 20 mile loops. So I saw the same beckoning green benches many, many times. As the day turned to evening to the middle of the night, it took just as much courage to put one foot in front of the other as it did to NOT sit down!!  I wanted so bad to just lay down and fall asleep and give my feet a break. But I never gave in to temptation.

I would not quit. 

I made small talk with other runners as we passed each other – either coming in or going out. Laz and I chatted for a bit then he took off. I love making friends in the middle of the might in the middle of the dark forest! At one point, this charging bullet ran past me. I was in such a daze I didn’t realize it until later, but it was Hal. The winner of the 100 miler. Feels great to be lapped!

Finally made it back to DamNation AS. Had some potato soup. Then on to Park Road. I was in bad shape and as runners passed me going up a hill, I saw it was my friend David with his pacers. They stopped and talked with me. Gave me a hug. Told me to keep at it. He was on his last loop – (I think?) it’s all so blurry to me. Soon enough, I hobbled into Park Road AS, collapsed on a chair and cried. Shannon asked me what was wrong and I kept saying “my feet, my feet, my feet.” My goodness, my feet. They didn’t hurt, they were on FIRE. It felt like I was running on hot coal. Not warm coal, HOT coal. I stripped and changed shorts and said I would love a pacer for the next loop. I put on a beanie and got some gloves. It was cold out. I stumbled into Dogwood and again collapsed on the chair. Devin, Alida, Shannon, Rick were all there supporting me and we got me back up and ready to run loop 4 – miles 60-80. Rick could see that I was struggling and he gave me some encouraging Bible verses to read. It was just what I need- my soul food as I like to call it.

By this time it was 10 p.m. Little did I know this was the end of the beginning. I put away my iPod and my pacer, Jeremy & I headed out for loop 4. I could barely run, but I could keep a fairly decent walk up at this point. So we walked. Much to my chagrin. I figured moving forward was better than moving backward!

I would not quit.

Remember it is pitch black and the only thing we have for light is our headlamps and a little flashlight in my hand. My biggest fear was tripping and falling. Not getting eaten by an alligator. The course has a lot of roots and if you aren’t careful, you WILL trip and fall. I had several close calls all day and I kept catching myself. Talk about a long ab workout! Running in the dark only intensifies it. I carry a handheld water bottle, so if I went down, my water bottle and flashlight would go flying. Not something I wanted to add to running a 100 mile race. Also, somewhere in the middle of a night a tree had fallen on the trail. I wasn’t sure if I was going deeper into the dark side or if it was for real. It seemed real to me, so I hopped over it.

We got to Nature Center AS, got food from Shannon and prepared yet once again for a long loop. At least I had company! We estimated it would be about 3:30 a.m. till we would see her again, so she went and washed my socks so I would have clean socks for the remainder of the race. So sweet. Jeremy and I left the AS and walked out. I was so exhausted. And the pain was a level 11. Or 13. It was high, I know that. Back through the really muddy section. It kept getting worse because each runner had to go through it twice. (There was also a 50 mile race at the same time). So, oh, 5,000 people kept trying to make a new path. The trail went from being a few feet wide to several feet wide. To no avail. And in the dark, you really can’t see what you are running into. Oh, let me tell you, it was here I questioned why in the world we/I do this. 100 mile ultramarathons are freaking insane. While I was trying to avoid the worst of the mud, I got stabbed in the face by a sticker bush, whacked by another tree branch … muddy buddy races? Those are for wimps.

Made it through and on to DamNation AS once again and out for ANOTHER six mile loop. There were some muddy, slippery sections here too. That just went on forever … It was here that I started to lose it (again). I saw all kinds of things. I guess running and being up for hours on end will do it to you. My pace went from a death march to a death walk to a death hobble to a death crawl. I literally thought this loop would never end. The pain was fierce. Stabbing. Fire. I MADE myself keep moving forward but all I wanted to do was curl up in the trees and just sleep (maybe die). At this point runners & their pacers kept passing me and I was between stages of frustration and sleepwalking. Oh to be running like them!!

I kept calculating the time and the 24 hours finish time was LONG gone. I would be lucky to finish by 9 a.m. at this rate. Other runners kept running past me and they were on their fifth and final loop. Demoralizing. I still had one more long, lonely loop to go and I wasn’t even done with this loop! I tried to stop thinking about it and told myself to give it my all. Everything I had and then some. And still some more. I told myself that a finish is a finish. Be it first place or last place. Never give up.

Jeremy and I finally made it back to DamNation AS, got some words of encouragement that I would make it and up the hill we went. We passed some of the AS volunteers cars and I would have given anything to sleep in them. Instead I was on my burning feet.

I would not quit.

I haven’t mentioned this until now, but my nutrition and hydration were perfect. I usually don’t pee and that is not a good thing for an ultra. Let’s just say that the RR course has my DNA all over it. I was peeing up to two times per hour. I don’t think I was drinking that much more than normal, but something was up in my system. I laughed to myself as the tree visits progressed throughout the day. From a full on squat in the first 20 miles to barely a squat during miles 60-80. Like I always say, we were born to pee natural .

As we limped on, I kept thinking when this would end and how in the damned world I was going to make it another 20 miles. Only by the grace of God. As we were approaching Park Road AS and Shannon, my right foot became REALLY bad and my tears flowed. I knew I had to do something about it or I would never make it to Dogwood. Shannon was right there and kept asking me if I was OK. I think my face said it all.

I would not quit.

I went to the AS tent and sat down. My right hip flexor was in major pain (it felt like a bobcat clenched on to to it and wouldn’t let go). So it was dreadful to sit/stand. We took my right shoe off, and survived the damage. This AS didn’t have the medical supplies that Dog Wood did, so we all did the best we could. My blisters were showing through the duct tape from mile 40 – that’s how bad they were. I had blisters on tops of my foot, the bottom of my foot, the ball of my foot – in fact it’s probably best to name the areas I didn’t have a blister. We used my race bib pin, cleaned it off with a shout wipe (said a prayer) and I started popping the blisters. As I did the first one, the AS lady was like “that was an impressive blister – I’ve never seen one that big!” At least I get a PR for that. Ha! We took care of my foot, re-duct taped, put my shoe back on as I screamed. And I thought to myself, child birth has to be easier.

I. WOULD. NOT. QUIT.

The AS lady (never got her name) told Jeremy to get me moving, that it would hurt a lot, but make it to Dogwood AS as I had to be there by 6 a.m. I hate, HATE cutoffs! I never even thought I would have to worry about a cutoff at RR. But was I wrong. I knew we had to hustle. I got help out of the chair (that hurt like a son-of-a-gun) and barely hobbled out of the tent. Oh. My. God. Help. Me.

We had 4.5 miles to cover in under an hour. Granted I had just run 74 miles by this point in some pretty terrible conditions. But SS does not give up. Nor quit even when the pain makes me curse. I knew I had to give it beyond the deepest layer. I started thinking about areas that didn’t hurt – which weren’t many! – like my ears, my nose, my pinky finger … and started finding the gumption to run. More like a hobble to start with, but turned into a run. This section had an incline that kept getting more & more tricky to go up. It was like trying to catch a greased pig. While running (or walking). The traction was pathetic. But to my knowledge we all made it up .

I tried to stress to Jeremy how important that cutoff was and I think he finally understood it. He is a 15 minute 5Ker, so he knows speed. Which was perfect. He started pushing the pace and I kept up. I kept catching myself as I tripped over stupid roots, but never once fell down. Score. We kept running. People heading back out for their fifth and final loop. I kept telling them I would join them. Jeremy kept pushing the pace and I kept following his lead. It was nice not to have to worry about running. Just follow him. We ran up hills. We ran down hills. We ran over the flat sections. I ran down the demons. As we neared the end of loop 4 and mile 80, we knew it would be close. I ran even harder. I crossed the line at 6:01 a.m. ONE FREAKING minute late. Joe (the RD) came over to get my chip and I asked him if I could please finish this race. I have never not finished anything I’ve started. He said he couldn’t. I lost it. But I was so exhausted I had no energy to put up a fight. Shannon gave me a big hug and told me she was proud of everything I did. Running 80 miles is not exactly easy, kiddo. I fell into a chair and got wrapped in a wrap blanket. Devin and Alida came over and heard the news. We were all heartbroken I think. It took eight hours (including AS stops) to run loop 4 – the first loop took four hours. You can see that I was in major pain.

What makes it even harder to accept is that we ran those last two miles in 16 minutes. I have NO idea where I got the energy to fight through some pretty intense pain, but I did. To God be the Glory.

I would not and did not quit.

So there it was. The end of Rocky Raccoon 100 mile ultramarathon as an official DNF. BUT I want to make this part VERY CLEAR. I did not quit. I was forced to not finish. SS (Sarah Stanley) does not quit, will not quit. I even asked to go back out and run the fifth and final loop, but I was told no.

Am I bitter? I have to say no. I gave it my all and then some and still some more. I believe that God had me be a minute over the cutoff in order to protect me. Am I disappointed? Of course. It is not easy having a public DNF, but I believe that God has a reason for it and I will bounce back and become stronger then ever and use it as opportunity to show others God always knows what he is doing .

I ran for 24 hours and completed 80 miles. 14.5 hours of running in the dark. I am proud of myself for fighting through some very painful times.

Shannon drove me over to the shelter where Alida gave me some warm PJ pants and a sweatshirt. I pulled off my shorts, put the pants on, threw the sweatshirt on over my clothes, and she helped me into the tent and onto the air mattress. I couldn’t move my right leg, so I had to lift it with my hand like a pulley system. It hurt like hell. Rosie was in bed because she fell and hurt her knee and still ran 76 miles until she, too, was forced to drop. Alida took a photo of us in bed. Neither of us could move and we were both cold. I took some NyQuil and was out like a light. Apparently I got up in the next hour or so and went to pee outside with the help of someone. I’m not sure. Then I fell back into bed and was out for a few more hours before we left the camp site around noon. Man was it a long day.

When we got back to Devin’s, I fell on to the bed and Alida covered me up with a blanket and put my feet up. They were SO swollen. I was out. It hurt to move, so I just stayed in one place for a very long time.

I’m sure I’ll write more about RR100, but that is what I have for now. I’m still tired. I can move better. I finally ate my first meal in 48 hours. Washed my hair and my face. Changed out of my sweaty clothes. Walked down the hall. See, it’s all about perspective .

Some closing thoughts.

Each time you run a 100 miler, you attempt to run a 100 miler. A 100 miler is freaking insane (as I said on loop 4 to the trees). I ran & finished my first 100 miler Aug 22/23, 2009 and did really well. Placed eighth overall in the women and third in age.

Crew/pacers can make or break you. If you ever get the chance to crew or pace or volunteer for a 100 miler, do it. You won’t have any regrets. I’ve been on both sides. From a runners perspective, we can’t wait to see you. You are a huge piece of heaven to us.

I want to thank my crew that grew by the hour for being there for me. You have a hard job too and I don’t underestimate that one bit.

I want to thank all the volunteers for giving many, many hours to help all of us runners.

My nutrition/hydration were PERECT. Never felt better. Plant-based food is the way to go, IMHO.

Each time you attempt to run a 100 miler you are doing something that 99.9 percent will NEVER do. And that is something to be proud of.

Ever want to be inspired? Go crew/pace/volunteer for a 100 miler. It will change your life.

If you wish to sponsor a child in Africa, like I do, you can go here to do make a difference for a little boy or girl.

Running 100 miles is freaking insane. And that’s why I’ll attempt to do it again.

In the meantime, I’m getting some sleep. And plotting my next 100 miler attempt.

PS: make sure you read this, some insight and perspective on ONE MINUTE.

peace, sweat, love: life

A sample of the race course conditions.

My feet at mile 40. Ready for duct tape!

Shoes after 40 miles. And these are clean.

Swollen feet about 10 hours after finishing running 80 miles.

Devin cheering Sarah on as she goes back out to run miles 40-60. Still smiling!

Its been a little over 10 hours (written Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012) since I’ve stopped running and I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the grueling day and night.

After I woke up from a deep sleep, I was inching myself across the bed and this thought popped in my head “if you could see me now.” So I’m writing a bit about that first.

If could see me now you might see this:

• Crawling across the bed to charge my phone because it hurts to move.
• Swollen feet the size of footballs.
• Blistered, mud-stained and cut up (from duct tape) feet.
• Looking at my water bottle 12 inches away and calculating how much energy it will take to get it and deciding it will take too much.
• Haven’t eaten a real meal since Friday evening and still don’t have an appetite.
• Still in PJ bottoms, sports bra, race shirt, long sleeve shirt, jacket and sweatshirt (same clothes 36 hours and counting). And shivering. 
• Lifting my right leg with my hands in/out of bed and any sitting/standing position because it is in so much pain 
• Sweat-dried hair.
• Sound asleep and being jolted awake with a soft scream as my feet blisters pop and continue to swell.

Stick around for the full, juicy report! And if you have any questions, post in the comment section.

peace, sweat, love: life

Most people write about the end of the year around the end of December or January. But I’m not most people.

While the calendar may say it is Feb. 4, 2012, today is my end of one year and start of another. Today also happens to be the day I am running 100 miles. Yes running. Yes all in one day (or less). When I first registered for the race, I didn’t notice the date. Till a few weeks ago. I don’t believe it is a coincidence. And for some, running 100 miles seems impossible. But for what I have been through in my life, 100 miles doesn’t really seems all that bad. I don’t know you how celebrate surviving one tough year, but as fate (?) would have it, I am running 100 miles. True Sarah Stanley fashion (I ran my first 100 miler on my 30th birthday to celebrate it). 

2011 was (another) tough year. Let me highlight a few of the majors.

1) Setting a goal of running all 18 RnR’s and raising funds and advocating for different causes (the FIT Project)

2) Sensing God’s call to move to Colorado and four weeks later I packed whatever would fit in my car, took the rest to Goodwill, drove 2,000 miles solo in the worst winter storm in 50 years and spent the first night in Colorado in my car (it was 9 degrees). Feb 4, 2011.

3) Lost several part-time jobs and a roof over my head

4) Had former friends (some so-called Christians) not only turn on me, but stab me in the back AND chest

5) Being falsely accused, mocked, bullied, attacked and hated

6) Betrayal of agreements and promises

7) Sometimes flying to the races I was committed for and not knowing where I would stay or how I would get there (because of 3)

But I want to focus on 2. I left the Washington, D.C., area on Jan. 31, 2011 and started making the trek to Colorado. That evening I ended up in Columbus, Ohio due to a bad ice storm moving in. I got stuck there for the next 36 hours. Finally, on Wednesday morning, Feb. 2, I was able to start driving again and drove through some nasty weather to end the day in a foot of snow in Kansas City, Mo. Feb. 3, I left Mo. and started the eternity drive across the state of Kansas. I thought it would never end. God bless all of you who live there. I spent all day driving through it! I shouted out loud when I saw the wooden “welcome to Colorado” sign! Driving over the mountains on Route 70 I hit a blizzard. Welcome to Colorado, Sarah. I finally made it to the promised land. Barely knowing a soul. 150 percent knowing that God wanted me here.

Feb. 4, 2011. Unknown future. Uncertainty. But a peace that calms even the most stressed out soul.

I was in a brand new place, new state – everything was unfamiliar. Unknown. There were moments when I wondered how I would ever make it, let alone survive. While the full details of 2011 will be disclosed in my book, I can say that I did survive (who else would be writing this?!) and in spite of some VERY tough times, I kept the faith. Was it easy? No. Was it hard? You bet. Was it the right thing to do? Absolutely.

So today as I run 100 miles, it is a celebration of living and surviving a very tough year. Running 100 miles will be a piece of cake, comparatively. Because when God wants to do a good work in AND with you, you heed that calling. Even when it is tough and rough and dark and lonely and just doesn’t make sense.

I listed the seven major things that made 2011 a very tough and rough year, but I always believe in the positive in spite of the negative.

1) That friendships I thought were good, but God knew they weren’t and replaced with much better ones

2) I learned that God always provides, but not in the way I thought he would

3) Strength doesn’t come when we are strong; strength is made when we are weak

4) Determined to keep living with the passion and the faith and the grace that brought me this far

5) Forgiveness is healing

6) A few key people that made me believe in friendships and trust again

7) That just because I had/have tough times, it doesn’t mean I quit/give up, it means you dig deep and keep the faith

Perhaps you just found this site because of what I am doing today (running 100 miles) and you are having a rough, tough year or just plain life. You might feel alone, depressed and wondering why you are here. Let me assure you that God not only loves and cares for you, but has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). That plan looks different for each one of us, but the one thing that remains the same is this: God loves each and everyone of us, no matter what state of that plan we are in.

Dear 2011, you taught me to never give me up. Dear 2012, remind me of 2011 when I am tempted to give up.

And Lord, to all of those who are struggling, help them not to give up. May my struggles help them to see that you are a God who cares and loves. Even in our darkest valley. Amen.

peace, sweat, love: life

Here it is. Race eve. Not just any race eve, but a 100 mile ultramarathon race eve.

It is Friday evening and I’m in Houston at Devin & Alida’s place. Devin is also running the 100 miler. Go us I’m just about to attempt to fall asleep at 7pm. 3:30am cometh quickly! 

I know people have questions about ultras, but particularly 100 miles in general.

#1) What will I eat?

I’ve written about it before, but aid stations (AS) don’t really have real, nutritious food. They have processed sugar, candy, etc. For this 100 miler I’ve made my food or bringing everything with me. At the AS I will eat cold, hard, boiled potatoes dipped in salt, fruit dipped in salt and hot chicken broth at night.

Here is the food I made and brought (and bought if we are going to get really technical!)

Sweet potatoes. I bought 7 LARGE sweet potatoes. I may never want to eat another one again! I mashed 5 and chopped the other 2. After mashing I added fresh, grated ginger, sea salt, a little honey, brewers yeast, cinnamon and a little Goji Juice. Once I filled the 25 little baggies, I added soaked chia seeds and hemp hearts.

Chopped sweet potatoes with fresh, grated ginger & cinnamon

Sweet potatoes with chia seeds

Sweet potatoes with hemp hearts and chia seeds

Row of sweet potato nutrition!

I will eat some pure energy nut bars (Lara Bar & Bearded Brothers), sunflower seeds, Q Energy, nut butter, and Gen UCAN. *I have no idea why it flipped the photos around. I didn’t have time to fix them. You’ll have to turn your computer or smart phone around if you are really picky

Gen UCAN (mix with water)

Justin's Nut Butter (almond)

sunflower seeds

Lara Bars

Bearded Brothers Natural Energy bars (with chia seeds)

Q Energy Drink (mix in water)

Alida also made cashew butter (raw/vegan) and I’ll have some with veggie chips. All the food I will be eating is additive free, chemical free, natural, and/or homemade. Just the way I like it

That’s the food part.

#2) Travel

For a big race (I think a 100 miler qualifies), I like to be at the race 2 days before hand. And smart decision that was. You never know about flight delays/weather/other. I flew into Houston, TX from Denver, CO. And not a moment too soon. A HUGE snow storm moved in just hours after I flew out. Hundreds of flights were cancelled. Thank the Lord I booked my ticket to fly out on Thursday.

Shannon picked me up at the airport and we made a quick trip to the store to get some ingredients (tuna, avocado, tomatoes) for my lunch. Then she dropped me off at Devin’s. I made my lunch, took a late nap, went and got all the sweet potatoes for race day and salmon for Friday’s night pre-race meal.

I had a good night of rest (although I was getting nervous) and woke up refreshed Friday morning. To a weather forecast of 80% rain and 83% humidity. 24 hours till go time.

I made 2 hardboiled eggs mashed with avocado and cut up cherry tomatoes for breakfast, then started preparing sweet potatoes! As they were baking I got some work done, shot a video, and tried to relax . Not much luck there. Ha! My best friend Rachel called me and then my friend Terry called and prayed with me. Definitely better after that!

Took a nap, mixed my sweet potatoes up and laid out all my food for tomorrow. This whole nutrition thing takes a lot of planning, prep and hard work!

Had salmon, peas and sweet potatoes for dinner and going to bed early. We have to be up at 3:30am and at the race by 5am. Race start is at 6am.

Pre race dinner!

I’ve trained hard for this. Put a lot of time, energy, and investment into it. I am ready by the grace of God.

My prayer is that I will run strong and that God will use my feet to honor and glorify him. And that children in Africa will be sponsored.

Thank you to my friends, my supporters, everyone that encourages me, and yes, even to the haters- you actually motivate me to do a better job for the Kingdom of God. So thank you!

I’ll be posting live updates as I am able (80% chance of rain might hinder that plan) or my crew will.

Till next time, may you be encouraged to go do something positive, something hard, and do it well.

Oh and you don’t want to miss tomorrow morning’s article. It’s really good if I do say myself.

Sweet dreams!

peace, sweat, love: life