Well, here we are - five days into May and I know that, aside from Murder Hornets and Margaritas, everyone's mind is clearly on one thing - did I escape the Goggins challenge alive?
I'm happy to report that this is not an auto generated post from the great beyond and I am, in fact, alive, well, and even walking (pretty) normally!
For a quick recap, I decided a few weeks ago to take on the Goggins challenge this past weekend - or - a 4 mile run every 4 hours for 48 hours. There were no time goals in mind, simply to finish the challenge in one piece. I've had a few friends do some variation of it and it seemed to pair well with my goals - run all the miles (1000k by August 31, at least!), try new things, and perhaps some sort of festering goal I'm not ready to fess up yet (so secretive).
I had decided to kick it off on May 1, and with a little logistical help from my crew, determined that a 10am start worked well. I would run 16 miles on Friday (10am, 2pm, 6pm, 10pm), 24 miles Saturday (2am, 6am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 10pm) and finish it off Sunday with 8 miles (2am, 6am). Easy peasy, right? I worked through the "race checklist". Blocked off 2 one hour slots for work om Friday to run. Laid out everything I could think of - 6 changes of clothes, compression sleeves, 2 pairs of shoes, gum, visor, headbands, gloves, aquaphor, ibuprofen, and a partridge (I had no pear tree). I packed a bin full of easy run snacks - peanut butter crackers, applesauce pouches, bananas, bagels. All easy to grab. I had been told the two things to watch were my nutrition and resting - to rest as much as possible and eat well.
I mean, with a full time job, two little kids, a quarantine, a husband that works weekends, and the random weather of Rochester, what could possibly go wrong? It's just 4 miles.....
Friday morning rolled around. I woke up early, caffeinated, ate some oatmeal and began work by 6:30. I was oddly nervous about this - much like a race! I got some good lucks from my friends that knew what craziness I was attempting, and at 9:55, Biz threw a giant tantrum and the cat got out. OMFG. I had a mini panic attack, cause we all know the world was gonna blow up if I didn't start at 10 on the dot. Managed some superwoman gymnastics with the help of Greg, and I was off right at 10:00!
Run #1 kicked off with little fanfare. I had all of the first mile crazy mind jobs - my legs were killing me, my breathing a mess, and absolutely no faith I could pull this off. It was humid as hell out and .7 miles in, my Garmin fitness read my performance condition as "-4". Thanks Garmin. Douchebag. I tried to keep it slow and easy - my overall goal was about a 9:30-10:00 mile - the rule of thumb for any ultra is if you think you are going too slow, go slower. Check. This lasted until mile 3, which was an 8:54. Whoops. I rounded off run #1 at just over a 9 minute mile. Got home, showered, ate some eggs and veggies, and hopped on a conference call. One down, 11 to go!
Run 2 was supposed to happen at 2pm, and of course, we had a minor work crisis at 1:45. WTF, guys! Again, luck was on my side (because of course, this was OH SO IMPORTANT) and I was out the door at 1:59. This time it was a little windier, little less humid. I picked a different route and the run was uneventful except my right calf was a bit sore, so I foam rolled post run. I again failed miserably at my goal of 9:30-10:00 pace and hit a 9:05 average. This was slightly concerning but since I ran totally on feel, I figured I would roll with it (see what I did there?). I had been encouraged to share my crazy weekend on social media so after my first run, the few comments on the scary face I was making led to a little fun with post run snaps. I grabbed a sparkle hat, donned it with fanfare, and posted my second go around. Grabbed a shower, changed, and ate some soup.
As I dressed for run #3 I noticed my Heart Rate monitor had already left marks on my chest and rubbed it raw. F*ck. I did not sign up for BDSM here, folks. I grabbed some lube and decided to try another position for it the next time around (TWSS).
I finished work about 5pm and made dinner for the kiddos. I saved a slice of pizza for post run and before I knew it, it was 6pm! Run #3 actually felt better than the first two - my legs had no clue what the hell I was doing, but at this point, running felt better than not running. Weird. My first mile was slowest (as it was for this whole challenge) but this run was pretty great. I had queued up a massive playlist for daytime runs and there was a great string of slow songs that got me breathing, smiling, and in a good head space. Finished the run with a 9:02 pace and it was my fastest yet! Good? NO! Though i was technically flying solo here, my coach texted me pretty much within the hour after every run to check in and also to tell me to slow the F*ck down. I swear, I tried!
It was now bedtime for some, so the next few hours were mommin' time. At this point, I had the rhythm down pat.
Start run at Hour 0:00. Finish at :35-:37. Shower. (Yes, I showered after every run. It was totally necessary. I also wore a new outfit every time. Somehow I did laundry twice during this challenge. I'm a moron. You knew that). Post to Social Media. Enter in training notes. Eat. Finish everything by :55. Life, Mom, Adult, or attempt to rest :55-3:35. 3:35 - prep for next run. Hour 4:00 - run. I was stuck in my own little Groundhog day cycle of a 4 hour window. Crazy how quickly it became routine!
This round called for bath time for the kids, story time, snuggles and bed. I rested with my legs up the side of the bed (poor kiddos) and finished up about 8:30. At this point I prepped for my 10pm, 2am and 6am runs. Set alarms. Set out outfits. Set out snacks. And got ready for run #4!
Run #4 was super tough. I've run at night a few times, but it never gets easier. I wasn't tired yet, and I ran with a lighted vest and reflectors to be seen, but running at night is erie. Night running forces me to be slower so I don't break important things like my legs or my stride. I got to keep on mooooovin... (Oh, sorry). And about a half mile in I heard coyotes close by and thought....this is not good. I took a deep breath. And just focused. I noticed my HR was higher on this run, probably due to nerves, and my pace was my slowest yet (this was actually my slowest run out of the 12). I was really glad when it was over - this was not a toughie in terms of body, but totally in terms of mind. I was showered and in bed by 11:15, when, of course, I couldn't sleep.
Before I knew it, it was 1:35 and my alarm went off. I stepped out of bed (the spare room - I was not gonna put Greg through this more than I needed to!) and knew immediately I was an idiot for not wearing compression sleeves. I couldn't walk. Which means I could totally run, right?? Somehow, stubborn won out and amidst tons of yawning, I was off for run #5. My legs were starting to feel it a bit, though I really felt it in my back and was really tired. I literally almost ran over a few deer about a mile in (they look really weird up close at night and I think I freaked them out!). About mile 2 I saw some cops whiz by...and again at mile 3 (I chose an out and back for the dark runs on a main street). The second time they drove by one car slowed, cracked the window and asked if I was ok. I was scared shitless and told them I was out for a run. I think they were equally as thrown as I was, and told me to have fun and be safe (um, ok!). Post run, shower, post, east and sleep. Lights were out by 2:55 - a new record!
Run #6 - halfway there - was my first sunrise run. This was officially my low point and where I seriously considered ending the challenge. This was a total roller coaster run. The first mile was incredibly painful - at this point my legs had caught on to the idea that I intended to destroy them and were not very happy with me. It got better after mile 1, but my stomach also told me I wasn't feeding it well. Bunch of whiners. The lack of sleep, time between runs to "recover" but not really, and nutrition were the killers of this challenge - you had to eat, but not too much. And the right stuff. Drink enough. Rest, but not lie down too much. Such a cycle. Somehow, I talked my head into a better place and finished this run well - and at my fastest pace to date. Whoops. We have now hit a sub 9:00 pace. This....was not good.
Between runs 6 and 7 I foam rolled, stretched, and used the trigger point (roller of death). This made a HUGE difference and run #7 was my fastest run. My stomach was a bit off for this round but I suspect it's because I ate shortly pre run. It was shaping up to be a warm sunny, day - great for hammock reading, not great for running. Oh well. Could be worse! With an 8:49 pace for run #7, the post run text came fast and furious telling my that I needed to knock off the ego - a fair point and I recognized it. The danger of hitting the wall was real - with 5 runs left, could I hold on??
I celebrated a fantastic run with a grilled cheese sammich and some play time with the kiddos outside - one of these was not a good life choice.
...and it was the sammich. Run #8 was the poop run.....of course, I had a little inspo from some of the ahem, song input I had solicited during this portion of the challenge. Somehow I managed to get a song about poop on my playlist *THANKS GUYS* and it hit right at mile 2 when my tummy told me how very unhappy it was with me. I was really bloated, felt like crap, and um, literally needed to crap. I made it home by the grace of who knows what and mile 3 of this run came in at 8:26, my fastest mile overall. That was the toilet mile, folks. I'm not proud. I banned lactose for 24 hours, took an epsom salt bath, and drank a diet coke post run (cause that's really smart. I know).
Run #9 was slightly better. Pre run, my daughter yelled out "Mom....are you running AGAIN???" Um, yep. Sorry kiddo. My son then asked if I was running to outer space. God I love my kids. Totally put a smile on my face. I clearly channeled my inner sparkle unicorn this run and it worked! My stomach as back to playing nicely, however, my legs at this point had fully caught on to the extent of my intentions and the jig was up. Miles 1-2 were really painful, but by mile 3 I had settled in again to what was clearly my happy pace....a 9 minute mile average! I got another warning about going to effin fast and at this point I was totally worried about the last 3 runs. At this point I hadn't slowed or walked yet....could I make it?
Run #10 - The good news was, I didn't die. Woot. The bad news...pre run I was so cold so I layered up. Dumb move. Bad news - it was humid as hell out there and since I'd lost all thermal regulation, I way the hell overdressed. Oh well. More people left their lights on the second night, which was cool. I spotted a nice BBQ grill on the side of the road left out for the taking and debated a cheeseburger, but it totally would have messed up my splits. Damn me. Post run, I busted out the hard stuff and celebrated a 56 second PR from my previous 10pm run (I'm kidding. Kraken inspires terrible life choices on my part, and since I was already invested in such a decision, the ramifications of a shot would have been unwise.I'll wait till after quarantine to test that one).
Run #11 - Last 2am run. As the alarm sounded (I got nearly a full hour of sleep, yay!) I limped down the stairs and groaned with every step. This run was uneventful except for the sheer amount of cops out at 2am AGAIN. I'm positive they had all heard about me from the neighbors re: that "lunatic runner that runs by every 4 hours". Suspected I would probably be on the news soon (sadly, that did not happen). Just call me Forrest. I keep RUN-NING (I practiced that and never got to use it. Pity). I developed a hot spot on my lower right calf that made the last mile really painful, but I squeaked through. Post run, applied tiger balm, a compression sleeve, and crawled into bed. ONE. RUN. LEFT.
Even though the last run was set for 6am, I set my alarm a little early. I had big plans for this run. With the previous 11, I had run along the neighborhood streets. This time, I headed out a little early to chase sunrise, toward the lake. Mile 1 of this run offers a wicked uphill and I didn't want to screw myself over, but this was the last one, baby, so who cared. Do it. The first half mile was so painful, then, as always, I hit my stride. At mile 1 I was rewarded with the views of the lake and the sun peeking over the water. The next mile was all lakeside sunrise and so breathtaking, I forgot my "quest" and just enjoyed the view, and was so darn thankful to be out there amidst the beauty. As I finished out the last run, I got emotional about the whole thing and felt as I did during the end of any race. Did I just do that?? Did I really run 48 miles without stopping once to walk? Did my last 3 miles of 48 clock in at a sub 9 pace? How is that possible? Shivers. I. Did. It.
I ran up the final hill and saw my house in the distance. As my watch hit 4.00 miles I stopped it, slowed to a walk and took a deep breath. Smiled at nothing in particular. Sat on my front porch and enjoyed a quiet moment of reflection. Then I went inside, hugged my kids, and made breakfast, same as any Sunday. And life goes on.
Post Challenge reflections:
Sunday, my whole body hurt. I made sure to refuel, don compression gear, walk around, and did an ice bath for recovery. Yesterday was slightly better. I took the day off from working out and did a nice walk on the trails to get the blood flowing. Today I rode very easy for an hour and stretched. I feel like I ran a hard half marathon or did an easy 20 miler Sunday. So, not the extent of an ultra for sure, but I know my perception alone doesn't mean I don't need to recover. I plan to get some good cross training recovery work in this week and start a slow run toward the end of the week.
Do I recommend this? I think it's a good idea for those training for stage races - ultras that last several days or perhaps 100 milers. It seems simple enough - just 4 miles - but you are asking your body to go constantly on little recovery and no sleep (I got about 3 hours total sleep).. The nutrition was super hard to nail as you had to eat enough, but not too much. The right nutrients, but stomach friendly for the jostling of running. And to time it right. This part reminded me very much of ultra fueling and would be good practice for those training for one.
Would I do it again? Probably not. I blew myself away by being able to hold a decent, consistent pace (which was way faster than I expected - my slowest mile split was 9:37) and it reminded me what the most powerful tool is during an ultra - your mind. My body gave me many, many reasons to quit and I had to combat it with mental toughness - even moreso because there was no "official race" happening - no finish line, no competitors....just me. With that being said, it was a fun quarantine challenge and admittedly put a few crazy thoughts in my head for some future goals.
Oh you knew I was going there. As always, stay tuned :)
A big thanks to everyone that cheered me on, send good thoughts, texted, commented or messaged me - your words and cheers kept me going! And an even bigger thanks to my awesome family for putting up with my crazy - love you guys!!
I'm happy to report that this is not an auto generated post from the great beyond and I am, in fact, alive, well, and even walking (pretty) normally!
For a quick recap, I decided a few weeks ago to take on the Goggins challenge this past weekend - or - a 4 mile run every 4 hours for 48 hours. There were no time goals in mind, simply to finish the challenge in one piece. I've had a few friends do some variation of it and it seemed to pair well with my goals - run all the miles (1000k by August 31, at least!), try new things, and perhaps some sort of festering goal I'm not ready to fess up yet (so secretive).
I mean, with a full time job, two little kids, a quarantine, a husband that works weekends, and the random weather of Rochester, what could possibly go wrong? It's just 4 miles.....
Friday morning rolled around. I woke up early, caffeinated, ate some oatmeal and began work by 6:30. I was oddly nervous about this - much like a race! I got some good lucks from my friends that knew what craziness I was attempting, and at 9:55, Biz threw a giant tantrum and the cat got out. OMFG. I had a mini panic attack, cause we all know the world was gonna blow up if I didn't start at 10 on the dot. Managed some superwoman gymnastics with the help of Greg, and I was off right at 10:00!
Run #1 kicked off with little fanfare. I had all of the first mile crazy mind jobs - my legs were killing me, my breathing a mess, and absolutely no faith I could pull this off. It was humid as hell out and .7 miles in, my Garmin fitness read my performance condition as "-4". Thanks Garmin. Douchebag. I tried to keep it slow and easy - my overall goal was about a 9:30-10:00 mile - the rule of thumb for any ultra is if you think you are going too slow, go slower. Check. This lasted until mile 3, which was an 8:54. Whoops. I rounded off run #1 at just over a 9 minute mile. Got home, showered, ate some eggs and veggies, and hopped on a conference call. One down, 11 to go!
Run 2 was supposed to happen at 2pm, and of course, we had a minor work crisis at 1:45. WTF, guys! Again, luck was on my side (because of course, this was OH SO IMPORTANT) and I was out the door at 1:59. This time it was a little windier, little less humid. I picked a different route and the run was uneventful except my right calf was a bit sore, so I foam rolled post run. I again failed miserably at my goal of 9:30-10:00 pace and hit a 9:05 average. This was slightly concerning but since I ran totally on feel, I figured I would roll with it (see what I did there?). I had been encouraged to share my crazy weekend on social media so after my first run, the few comments on the scary face I was making led to a little fun with post run snaps. I grabbed a sparkle hat, donned it with fanfare, and posted my second go around. Grabbed a shower, changed, and ate some soup.
As I dressed for run #3 I noticed my Heart Rate monitor had already left marks on my chest and rubbed it raw. F*ck. I did not sign up for BDSM here, folks. I grabbed some lube and decided to try another position for it the next time around (TWSS).
It was now bedtime for some, so the next few hours were mommin' time. At this point, I had the rhythm down pat.
Start run at Hour 0:00. Finish at :35-:37. Shower. (Yes, I showered after every run. It was totally necessary. I also wore a new outfit every time. Somehow I did laundry twice during this challenge. I'm a moron. You knew that). Post to Social Media. Enter in training notes. Eat. Finish everything by :55. Life, Mom, Adult, or attempt to rest :55-3:35. 3:35 - prep for next run. Hour 4:00 - run. I was stuck in my own little Groundhog day cycle of a 4 hour window. Crazy how quickly it became routine!
This round called for bath time for the kids, story time, snuggles and bed. I rested with my legs up the side of the bed (poor kiddos) and finished up about 8:30. At this point I prepped for my 10pm, 2am and 6am runs. Set alarms. Set out outfits. Set out snacks. And got ready for run #4!
SATURDAY
Before I knew it, it was 1:35 and my alarm went off. I stepped out of bed (the spare room - I was not gonna put Greg through this more than I needed to!) and knew immediately I was an idiot for not wearing compression sleeves. I couldn't walk. Which means I could totally run, right?? Somehow, stubborn won out and amidst tons of yawning, I was off for run #5. My legs were starting to feel it a bit, though I really felt it in my back and was really tired. I literally almost ran over a few deer about a mile in (they look really weird up close at night and I think I freaked them out!). About mile 2 I saw some cops whiz by...and again at mile 3 (I chose an out and back for the dark runs on a main street). The second time they drove by one car slowed, cracked the window and asked if I was ok. I was scared shitless and told them I was out for a run. I think they were equally as thrown as I was, and told me to have fun and be safe (um, ok!). Post run, shower, post, east and sleep. Lights were out by 2:55 - a new record!
Run #6 - halfway there - was my first sunrise run. This was officially my low point and where I seriously considered ending the challenge. This was a total roller coaster run. The first mile was incredibly painful - at this point my legs had caught on to the idea that I intended to destroy them and were not very happy with me. It got better after mile 1, but my stomach also told me I wasn't feeding it well. Bunch of whiners. The lack of sleep, time between runs to "recover" but not really, and nutrition were the killers of this challenge - you had to eat, but not too much. And the right stuff. Drink enough. Rest, but not lie down too much. Such a cycle. Somehow, I talked my head into a better place and finished this run well - and at my fastest pace to date. Whoops. We have now hit a sub 9:00 pace. This....was not good.
Between runs 6 and 7 I foam rolled, stretched, and used the trigger point (roller of death). This made a HUGE difference and run #7 was my fastest run. My stomach was a bit off for this round but I suspect it's because I ate shortly pre run. It was shaping up to be a warm sunny, day - great for hammock reading, not great for running. Oh well. Could be worse! With an 8:49 pace for run #7, the post run text came fast and furious telling my that I needed to knock off the ego - a fair point and I recognized it. The danger of hitting the wall was real - with 5 runs left, could I hold on??
I celebrated a fantastic run with a grilled cheese sammich and some play time with the kiddos outside - one of these was not a good life choice.
...and it was the sammich. Run #8 was the poop run.....of course, I had a little inspo from some of the ahem, song input I had solicited during this portion of the challenge. Somehow I managed to get a song about poop on my playlist *THANKS GUYS* and it hit right at mile 2 when my tummy told me how very unhappy it was with me. I was really bloated, felt like crap, and um, literally needed to crap. I made it home by the grace of who knows what and mile 3 of this run came in at 8:26, my fastest mile overall. That was the toilet mile, folks. I'm not proud. I banned lactose for 24 hours, took an epsom salt bath, and drank a diet coke post run (cause that's really smart. I know).
Run #9 was slightly better. Pre run, my daughter yelled out "Mom....are you running AGAIN???" Um, yep. Sorry kiddo. My son then asked if I was running to outer space. God I love my kids. Totally put a smile on my face. I clearly channeled my inner sparkle unicorn this run and it worked! My stomach as back to playing nicely, however, my legs at this point had fully caught on to the extent of my intentions and the jig was up. Miles 1-2 were really painful, but by mile 3 I had settled in again to what was clearly my happy pace....a 9 minute mile average! I got another warning about going to effin fast and at this point I was totally worried about the last 3 runs. At this point I hadn't slowed or walked yet....could I make it?
Run #10 - The good news was, I didn't die. Woot. The bad news...pre run I was so cold so I layered up. Dumb move. Bad news - it was humid as hell out there and since I'd lost all thermal regulation, I way the hell overdressed. Oh well. More people left their lights on the second night, which was cool. I spotted a nice BBQ grill on the side of the road left out for the taking and debated a cheeseburger, but it totally would have messed up my splits. Damn me. Post run, I busted out the hard stuff and celebrated a 56 second PR from my previous 10pm run (I'm kidding. Kraken inspires terrible life choices on my part, and since I was already invested in such a decision, the ramifications of a shot would have been unwise.
SUNDAY
Run #11 - Last 2am run. As the alarm sounded (I got nearly a full hour of sleep, yay!) I limped down the stairs and groaned with every step. This run was uneventful except for the sheer amount of cops out at 2am AGAIN. I'm positive they had all heard about me from the neighbors re: that "lunatic runner that runs by every 4 hours". Suspected I would probably be on the news soon (sadly, that did not happen). Just call me Forrest. I keep RUN-NING (I practiced that and never got to use it. Pity). I developed a hot spot on my lower right calf that made the last mile really painful, but I squeaked through. Post run, applied tiger balm, a compression sleeve, and crawled into bed. ONE. RUN. LEFT.
Even though the last run was set for 6am, I set my alarm a little early. I had big plans for this run. With the previous 11, I had run along the neighborhood streets. This time, I headed out a little early to chase sunrise, toward the lake. Mile 1 of this run offers a wicked uphill and I didn't want to screw myself over, but this was the last one, baby, so who cared. Do it. The first half mile was so painful, then, as always, I hit my stride. At mile 1 I was rewarded with the views of the lake and the sun peeking over the water. The next mile was all lakeside sunrise and so breathtaking, I forgot my "quest" and just enjoyed the view, and was so darn thankful to be out there amidst the beauty. As I finished out the last run, I got emotional about the whole thing and felt as I did during the end of any race. Did I just do that?? Did I really run 48 miles without stopping once to walk? Did my last 3 miles of 48 clock in at a sub 9 pace? How is that possible? Shivers. I. Did. It.
I ran up the final hill and saw my house in the distance. As my watch hit 4.00 miles I stopped it, slowed to a walk and took a deep breath. Smiled at nothing in particular. Sat on my front porch and enjoyed a quiet moment of reflection. Then I went inside, hugged my kids, and made breakfast, same as any Sunday. And life goes on.
***
Post Challenge reflections:
Sunday, my whole body hurt. I made sure to refuel, don compression gear, walk around, and did an ice bath for recovery. Yesterday was slightly better. I took the day off from working out and did a nice walk on the trails to get the blood flowing. Today I rode very easy for an hour and stretched. I feel like I ran a hard half marathon or did an easy 20 miler Sunday. So, not the extent of an ultra for sure, but I know my perception alone doesn't mean I don't need to recover. I plan to get some good cross training recovery work in this week and start a slow run toward the end of the week.
Do I recommend this? I think it's a good idea for those training for stage races - ultras that last several days or perhaps 100 milers. It seems simple enough - just 4 miles - but you are asking your body to go constantly on little recovery and no sleep (I got about 3 hours total sleep).. The nutrition was super hard to nail as you had to eat enough, but not too much. The right nutrients, but stomach friendly for the jostling of running. And to time it right. This part reminded me very much of ultra fueling and would be good practice for those training for one.
Would I do it again? Probably not. I blew myself away by being able to hold a decent, consistent pace (which was way faster than I expected - my slowest mile split was 9:37) and it reminded me what the most powerful tool is during an ultra - your mind. My body gave me many, many reasons to quit and I had to combat it with mental toughness - even moreso because there was no "official race" happening - no finish line, no competitors....just me. With that being said, it was a fun quarantine challenge and admittedly put a few crazy thoughts in my head for some future goals.
Oh you knew I was going there. As always, stay tuned :)
A big thanks to everyone that cheered me on, send good thoughts, texted, commented or messaged me - your words and cheers kept me going! And an even bigger thanks to my awesome family for putting up with my crazy - love you guys!!
