Oops, I did it again…
You can thank me later for getting that classic song stuck in your head.
Tuesday was leg day. Two days later, walking is a difficult task. 25 barbell squats, 4 sets, increasing weight. Weighted lunges. 25 hack squats, 4 reps, increasing weight (I HATE hacks!). And that was just the first 3 exercises. Oy.
The good news is that my trainer told me he sees huge gains in the last month and my legs are getting bigger!
And my BUTT!!! Woot!
But my pain today doesn’t come close to how Kat must have felt after her Ultramarathon “Death” Race. Only a crazy person celebrates a birthday like this. 😉
Read on for Kat’s fabulous story…
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On March 16, 2013, I ran my second Ultramarathon. It was definitely the biggest physical challenge I have ever undertaken, and I savored almost every minute of it.
Note the caption – SO TRUE!!!!
I woke up at 2:15am and began my journey. I hadn’t slept much the few nights before it, and only about 2-4 hours the night before the race.
I was so nervous I couldn’t sleep!! (Editor’s note: I would have barfed from the nerves.)
Geared up and Ready to Go!!
I stayed at Hiker Hostel on Friday night with my friend Ann. She braved 5:00pm Atlanta traffic headed north to get me up there (you Atlanta folk know that THAT is a sign of true love).
We left the hostel at 2:45 in the morning to head to the start where I checked in, got my map, met some runners, and began my journey.
Saying Goodbye to Ann
At 3:55 the race director, Sean, gave a funny speech that began, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” and you know the rest.
It made all of the runners giggle nervously as we began our journey on the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail. We started at Vogel State Park.
I ran with several of these people many steps of the way.
Before the 3rd Mile, I was feeling absolutely fantastic. I was skipping along on the rails, “dancing forward” with a smile on my face. Sometime right around then, I fell HARD, heard my ankle pop, screamed a little. Then, with a little encouragement from a few friendly trail folk, I was up and on my way, hiking with the best of them. Oh yeah, HIKING.
People, this was NOT a running race for the most part. This was a hiking race. It was elevation, elevation, elevation. We climbed about 17 peaks on the Appalachian Trail. I was at Duncan Ridge for Sunrise, after already climbing over 2,300 feet.
Sunrise on Duncan Ridge
I had so much fun in the early parts of the race, making friends, laughing about slipping in mud, and hiking up, up, up. We were all frustrated with the hills, in awe of the views, and even more in awe of our strength as we climbed. (Editor’s note: I am in awe fo YOU!)
I continued to have fun, and I met a guy named Kip, a fire fighter who loves to help people. He was strong, loyal, and kind. He offered to wrap my ankle at the next rest stop. That was before I tripped on a down-hill around mile 16 or so, heading face-forward into the leaves, busting my knee. I finally got up, cursing the leaf-covered ground, then tripped hard and sprained my ankle even worse around mile 19.
The face says it all…carnage and getting wrapped.
I eventually made it to mile 21, convinced I wouldn’t be able to go on. When I got there, I saw the race director, and I became determined to finish. He made this course ridiculously hard for a reason, and I wanted to finish. Another runner wrapped my ankle, and I pressed on. Things got slower after that.
My stick friend
At mile 25, I decided it couldn’t get much worse, so I kept going. At mile 28, I got my ankle re-wrapped and pressed on for the most frustrating part of the run. I found a stick that became my friend as I hiked and hiked and hiked uphill.
I cried, I was frustrated, and I pressed on. I wailed, and I cried when I when saw the clearing that meant the climbing was over. (Editor’s note: I really don’t have anything to say… you are fierce.)
Swinging Bridge
The clearing that made me cry
Eventually I got to mile 44-ish… Winding Stair Gap aid station. I got a big hug from my friend Wilson, and I finally knew it was in my ankle’s best interest to stop. I had hiked and run over 44 miles, climbed over 13,000 feet, for 14.5 hours on a sprained ankle.
I called the friend who was picking me up, and she brought me home, in pink fuzzy slippers, as my ankle swelled. (It’s much better today – good thing I stopped when I did). I feel like it was the most noble DNF (Did Not Finish) ever, and I really gave it my all.
About 2 hours after my race
The 14.5 hours really made me think – WHY am I out here? WHY am I doing this? What is this for? And I think I know.
I think I know why I run, why I stay out in the woods for hours and hours trying to find myself.
Not only does it teach me to keep moving forward, even when things are difficult or painful, but it lets you embrace the moments that suck because they help you to know just how strong you are, and just how strong you can be. I think we all can feel down or defeated from time to time, some more than others. When you find the thing that helps you move on, that works as your therapy and that helps you to believe you’re more than you thought you could be, that just might be your thing.
I think I realized through this race, that whether it’s running, creating art, raising kids, lifting weights, or whatever your thing might be, that you need to do what makes you feel strong and what makes you feel alive. (Editor’s note: So well said – we are so much more than we first imagine.)
No better way to celebrate my 26th Birthday. (Editor’s note: Such a tender young age. 😉 )
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Laura posted about my nighttime potluck gathering yesterday, which I believe brought about 25-30 people together, an eclectic group from all walks of life. 🙂 It was the best birthday I have had in a very long time, and I LOVE my birthday.
Just a few of my amazing friends
I also got to go to a birthday lunch with one of my dearest friends in Atlanta.
We went to the One Eared Stag. I had one of the weirdest and most delicious meals ever. (Editor’s note: Whaaaat?! I want to try this place so bad!)
In the picture:
- White Anchovies
- Olives
- Fried Dates
- Mint
- Pine Nuts
Such a weird and delicious combo (Editor’s note: Strange but good?). I think the marriage of the nutty white anchovies with the sweetness of the dates made this dish really work. Everything else sort of worked in for a flavor-explosion in my mouth. I also had the carrot soup with fermented garlic and ginger.
All-in-all a great lunch, and I’m really looking forward to going back to try it again!
***
Funny side note: Kat texted me yesterday to ask if I was ok with her sending bloody pics to post. I said bring it. 😉
What challenges make you feel more alive? Stronger? Better?
What strange but good combos have you had recently? Don’t forget to link up tomorrow!
I did a 50K free of injury, and it was tough, I can’t imagine how much courage it must have taken for you to go that far. Inspiring, to say the least.
Thanks! It was epic. It only took me 12 hours to run 50 miles back in September, but this was a pure hike. AHHH – I think I need to run 100 miles now
Congrats on your 50K! I like that distance!
I think you are both crazy for running that far. In a good way. 😉
Dang, now oops I did it again is totally stuck in my head…right before bed too. Good timing Laura 😉
Yay for seeing progress on those legs! You are looking amazing my friend! So impressed with your dedication and hard work always!
Kat, wow that is amazing that you did the ultramarathon! I can’t even imagine the whole process of going through all that is contained. Both physically and mentally. That’s super inspiring to read!
Thanks lisa! 🙂 I’m also impressed with Laura -her weekly hours of lifting are something I’m not sure I could pull off – or would be dedicated enough to pull off! We all have our things.. but she does look great, right!?!?
I think you BOTH are inspiring. When you find something you love it’s easy to make time, right? 🙂
Wow, Kat! What a story! I liked the phrase “a noble DNF”. Yes–good decisions are just as admirable as finishing. Thanks for sharing with us!
Thanks for the comment! I always worry that my serious ultra running posts won’t hit home for some people… I’m glad you appreciated it! 🙂
Couldn’t agree more – its soooo important to know when to say “when.” So many people aren’t that smart and have lasting injuries.
That looks fun! Don’t get me wrong; it also looks really hard…. but still fun. 🙂
So true!! Definitely fun – did you see my post about the Georgia Jewel???https://www.sprint2thetable.com/2012/12/how-to-run-50-miles-nutrition/ <- That really shows the fun of an Ultra!!!
Dude, 44 miles with a sprained ankle is amazing. I’m glad you listened to your body though and didn’t continue on. And happy birthday!!
Thanks!!! It was a great experience!!
WOW!!! Kat is awesome!! I couldn’t even imagine doing something that physically and mentally draining. You rock!
Thanks! 🙂 It was super amazing!!
OK – first Laura – I love the church sign funny & YES, you are making gains – leg day be hard! 🙂 That was a crazy workout!
Kat – you are amazing!!! I don’t like the look of your poor ankle – YIKES! Honestly, I can’t believe you went that far on that injury!!! I guess Happy Bday!! 😉 Hey, do you see lots of Hoka OneOne shoes at those races. I wear them & lots of ultrarunners & peeps like that buy them.
OMG yes, and I totally thought of you when I saw them!!!! Though, there were runners who were also cursing them because the bulky sole can make it difficult to navigate some of the single-track areas.
Leg day DO be hard. 3 days later and I’m still sore.
Congrats, Kat! That is quite an accomplishment. I still remember the way I felt after running my first half marathon – like you’re on top of the world! But you…44 miles…wow! That’s incredible!!
Half Marathon can be JUST as difficult… and more of a race against the clock! It’s a fun distance, and much easier to “squeeze in” to life. There’s nothing less impressive about a half marathon! I think they’re hard (so I haven’t done one in a while! ;))
and thanks! 🙂 I fee great!
I really just have no words. You are so much more of an intense fem-warrior than I will ever be.
🙂 Thanks. You’re more of a kitchen-ista than I will ever be. I will settle for occasionally getting to “oooo” and “ahhh” over your creations. 😉
I feel like we need to have a group hug now…
Dayum woman, that’s impressive! And that “after” picture of your ankle looks so painful, good thing you let it rest when you did. Amazing accomplishment!
Thanks!! I can’t wait to hang out again soon – hopefully before you have another “plus one” – blogger dinner/potluck soon?
Holy shiz, that race is crazyyyy. But strangely I was reading it and all I could think was OMG CAN i DO IT. You are one bad ass lady
I love that. You totally could!!!
I think you can do it. You are “the type”
Nice way to be hardcore and draw some blood!
lol thanks ed!
Hats off to you, Kat! What an amazing accomplishment.. 44 miles! WOWZA! You go, girl!
Lifting weights and achieving PRs make me feel alive! I love the rush of doing things I never thought my body could do 🙂
That rush is addicting, isn’t it? 🙂
that is what I am talking about!!!
Ahhhh blood! 🙁 Yay for making leg gains! I’m noticing that mine have grown, too. Chicken legs, be gone. It’s so nice when busting your butt (pun!) pays off!
Congrats to you! It is nice when hard work pays. 🙂
Yay for hardwork paying off!! You deserve it!
Laura – yay leg gains! Looking awesome 😀
Kat – wow, that is such an incredible feat! Definitely agree with you when you say it was the most honourable DNF ever…that must have took some incredible mental strength to keep going after your spill.
Thanks Sam!!!
Agreed – the power of mental strength is never to be underestimated!
Thanks so much! It did … and it really paid off when a friend told me I showed what the sport was all about! 🙂
OMG girl I wanted to cry just reading this. My brain cannot wrap around those crazy numbers. How far, how long. And that’s still a DNF?? Girl, you WON the whole damn thing in my book!
I agree!!!
haha thanks!! 😀
DAMN. Kat I’m sorry to hear about your ankle, and that sounds like something that would happen to me. I ran a marathon with borked IT bands and various other overuse injuries. Wishing you a speedy recovery
PS Laura — I’m starting to see muscle definition alllll over my body (except my abs and low back because I need better exercises for those I think) since I’ve been lifting slow, controlled, lower weight, more reps. Just thought I’d let ya know!
PPS Kat I’ve got some exercises to help you with your ankle once you’re able to hobble along on it again. Booo ankle sprains are the worst.
I feel like you and Kat need to be BFFs. And me, obv.
Cheers to definition!!! You need to do a before/progess post!
Awesome way to bring in a bday!
nothing like tearing yourself up to feel more alive for a birthday!
hahahaha “My stick friend.” I love it. Between you and Laura, a person couldn’t be more inspired! You two are amazing women. Happy Belated Birthday!!
Right back at you! 😉
Be my NEIGHBORRRRRR!
awwwe!! thanks!!! My stick friend WAS my friend. I want to go back and find it – and keep it… or frame the photo. *sigh*
Wow, happy birthday to Kat- what an amazing accomplishment, especially to power through those challenges! And to answer your comment yesterday Laura, nope, not considering an ultra… maybe someday, but not in the foreseeable future!
I bet you would win the damn thing. 😉
laura, when you are ready… call me!
All I keep thinking about is the BEAST race I did…I felt dead at the end…but let me tell you… I was ALIVE enough to finish it 😉 Awesome feeling isn’t it?!
I love dates 🙂
I love dates too. But not bad ones. Bwhahaha!
First, laura’s comment made me laugh out loud. Second, your comment brought a real smile to my face. definitey amazing to do somethin you didnt think possible!
Holy cow, that’s amazing. I didn’t even know a hiking/running ultra existed! That’s incredible! What was the range of times for completing?
Great guest post, and happy birthday to Kat!
well the cutoff was 28 hours, and the first guy finished in like 12-13 hours i think!
I’m quite content to have that Britney song stuck in my head, and I’m not at all embarassed to admit that, even though I absolutely should be.
Kat – you are my hero!
Haha – own it! 🙂 I have Party in the USA on my workout playlist…
I want to be your hero! So that’s amazing!!!! Thanks! 🙂
Laura your legs look great!! A huge inspiration for me as I have not worked out (really worked out) in months. But when I was lifting and sprinting uphill I saw huge gains in my legs and bootay 🙂 Kat sorry about your knee and ankle!
Thank you so much!!! Those uphill sprints get results!
thanks! I’ll be going again in no time! 🙂
Kat, you are CRAZY girl!!!! I hope that ankle is okay now. Such a beast!
And Laura, your legs look HOT!! OWWWW!!!! There’s nothing that is better than a pair of strong, muscular (tree trunk) legs. I might have to talk to you more about how to get a bigger butt too.
thanks! healing and ready to go back to it soon!
You are an amazon my friend this is crazy!!! Your determination is so wonderful!
But I’m happy you listened to your body and slowed your pace! Feel better 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks.. you know, something about the way you sign your name just always puts a smile on my face! Thanks for the continued comments – you rock! 🙂
Holy crap, that’s intense. I don’t know that I could do it!!
After reading about that race I’m feeling bad for having a few aches and tender feet after running the Marine Corps 17.75k. I need to step up my game!
Unbelievable! I mean it, Kat…I am in complete awe and wonder right now! I’ve sprained my ankle REALLY bad before and could barely make it 40 feet…I can’t even imagine going FORTY FOUR miles!! AND with a bloody knee! You are a total BEAST…or absolutely crazy…I can’t really decide! 😉
Hope you were able to rest up and the ankle is feeling better! 🙂