Inside the Rock and Back Out Again

After a late night of packing, we left early Friday morning to make the 7 hour drive to Chinle, AZ. Tennessee was feeling unsettled and uncharacteristically cried on and off for the first 30-45 minutes.  Luckily he settled in and was fine the rest of the drive. With one longer stop in Moab and a couple other quick stops along the way, we pulled into Chinle around 2:00.  Just enough time for a dip in the pool before it was time to pick up my number.


As I met the race director, Shaun Martin, I introduced him to Eva. His face instantly lit up as he told her how amazed he was at her generosity and kindness. As a token of his appreciation, he retrieved one of the hand-beaded turquoise necklaces and gently placed it around her neck. She looked on with wide eyes as he told her of the Navajo tradition of breathing something in when you receive a gift that you love. He told her to hold it up to her mouth and nose and breathe it in 4 times so that it would become a part of her. We both thought that was pretty cool. Eva was very cute in her proud shyness. Shaun told Eva that he wanted her to present the money to the kids and their coach at the post-race ceremony the next day.
I have not been to many pre-race meetings, but I'm pretty sure this one was unique.  The meeting consisted of about 10 minutes of race instructions and approximately 2 hours of stories, songs and cultural/historical information.  Everything was amazing and it was very clear that the whole event was not only a family, but a community affair. I could have stayed near the fire all night listening to their stories... but we had a race to prepare for!

Back at the hotel room, we got the kids ready and in bed. I went though my pack and drop-bag to make sure I had everything I needed set out for the morning.  It was a bit of a rough night. Tennessee seemed to wake up every 15-30 minutes. Naiya woke up in the middle of the night needing help as well. On top of that I kept checking my watch thinking I was going to miss the alarms I'd set.  Certainly not the most restful pre-race sleep, but I was extra grateful we weren't camping!

By 5:00 I was up for good.  I quietly got ready to let the kids sleep as long as possible. At 6:20 I kissed them all and tiptoed out of the room.  You could feel the energy as soon as you stepped out of the hotel.  Runners and their families were whispering excitedly as they made their way to the starting line in the lot next door to the hotel room. The fire was already going and there was blue corn mush being served. I checked in, and found my friends around the fire. Soon it was time for the prayer and the blessing. For the prayer we all turned to face the rising sun as Shaun's father-in-law chanted in Navajo for about 15 minutes. It was a really neat feeling to be greeting the day and to know that we would be running toward the sun pretty soon. After the prayer, Shaun's dad got out these beautiful eagle feathers and he blessed the runners. Originally he'd wanted to offer us individual blessings if we wanted them, but the clock was ticking so he had one man and one women step up and blessed them as representatives of all the runners and then he walked around and blessed the crowd as well. He reminded us to thank the Mother Earth as we ran and to talk to the earth, the plants and the animals. He also spoke about being in balance (good/bad, highs/lows). It was the perfect pre-run pep talk. Now it was time to run.

We'd been told, as is the traditional Navajo way, that we should yell whenever we feel moved to do so while we are running. As we started on our way, the crowd of runners and spectators let off a series of excited yells toward the canyon.

I started the race with a couple friends from Salt Lake, Kim and Amy. The first 3 (and last 3) miles of the run are in soft, deep sand. Not the easiest thing to run in, and I certainly hadn't trained for it, but the conversation and the amazing surroundings kept me distracted enough that it was pretty smooth sailing. The three of us kept trekking along well into the morning.

By Mile 12, I was on my own. The perfect time to have a moment to meditate to my steps before the scramble to the turn around point.  Miles 15 to 17 were a steep climb out of the canyon to the turn-around aid station. As I was climbing I ran into Kim's aunt, Sandy. Sandy and I finished the climb together.  It was a quick stop at the aid station. I knew I was getting a blister from the water crossings, but I didn't think it would do much good to change my socks just to get them wet again. I left the aid station with Sandy as Kim and Amy were running in.
The descend was kind of tricky as runners were continuing to come up and the heavy rains earlier in the week had washed out the trail quite a bit. Still, I was amazed at how strong I felt considering that I had already surpassed my longest training run. As I was lowering myself down the steep trail, I kept thinking about how few humans (in the whole scheme of things) had touched the rocks that we were now touching and stepped on the land that we were standing on. It was amazing to think about. I really felt that sense of awe for most of the run.
Sandy and I got down and continued on the trail together for about a mile until she told me that she was going to walk for a bit and that I should go ahead. We were near mile 20 at this point and I still felt good, but I didn't know how long that would last, so I continued on by myself again. 
The 3 miles to the next aid station went pretty quickly and I was in and out of there and on my way. A mile or two out of the aid station I ran into a woman who was walking (not a racer). She was pointing to the holes in the canyon wall. I stopped to talk to her for a little bit and realized that she was a little disoriented. She had come down the trail from the overlook where visitors were allowed and had somehow wandered further into the canyon where you should only go with a guide. She mentioned that her sister was behind her (but I hadn't seen her) and she told me that she felt kind of dizzy. I filled up her water bottle with the water from my pack and pulled out some of my food so that she could have something to eat. Then I told her to continue on the trail she was on and that I would tell the next aid station to send someone for her.
Another mile or two up the road was another woman. Figuring that this must be the sister, I stopped and talked to her. She was indeed the sister and as we considered what to do, a jeep pulled up apparently looking for the two women. (Perhaps another runner already notified the workers that they needed help.) Comforted that they would be okay, I continued on my way.
By this point, my knees were a little achy and I was walking the up-hills (even the small ones). I was tired, but still felt amazingly good. Every time I needed a little pick-me-up I saw a little lizard run across the path, a butterfly seeming to urge me along or a beautiful wild horse watching me run from a distance. As much as I like to have company when I run, I was so glad to have this portion of the course to myself.
At the next, and final, aid station, I ran into Kim's husband Jon. He was feeling it and decided to power walk. I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to conserve a little for the last 3 miles in the deep sand... and at mile 29, I was starting to feel it as well, so I walked and chatted with Jon for about 10 minutes.
After that, I was ready to finish as strong as possible and I continued on my way. Soon there was soft sand sinking beneath my feet again. I met up with a man from Los Almos and a woman from North Carolina. We had another perfectly distracting conversation about random things (like geophysics and hip surgery)  as we walked & ran (mostly walked) through the sand up to the last 1/2 mile.
As you round the corner at this point in the run, you could see the finish line, and I knew I had it in me to run through the sand to the end. So The guy from Los Almos and I gave it all we had.

I finished strong and was so happy to see my dad and the kids waiting at the finish as I crossed at 8 hours and 17 minutes. I breathed in the turquoise finisher's necklace four times with a smile on my face. 

I have to say I still felt amazingly good. I was sore and tired, but I realized that even though I was a toasty day, I had never felt really hot. (I was sweaty, mind you, I just didn't feel like I was over heating at any point in the run.) I truly felt like I could have pushed a little harder or gone a little further. It was crazy to feel that way after completing 34 miles. 
After the race, we ate. We talked.  I nursed the baby.  Eva delivered her donation to a speechless youth athletics coach.  It was perfect. 

I really don't think I could have asked for a more amazing first ultra experience. I had been advised that at some point in the race, I may not be enjoying it at all but to keep pushing through because it would get better.  I have to say that I never felt that way. I enjoyed every one of the 34 miles. I enjoyed the scenery, the animals the other runners and even the few aches and pains. The whole thing couldn't have been better.

I am so grateful for my girls for being flexible and helpful to my dad as he watched them and Tennessee for me while I ran. I am also grateful that Tennessee was in good spirits all day and that he waited to poop until I finished running. :)  I am mostly grateful for my dad for being the kind, generous and supportive man that he always is. Not only did he drive us down there and back, treat us to all our meals, the hotel room, and gas, but he also kept the kids happy all day, took amazing care of me before and after the race, and even picked up souvenirs for everyone.  I am so, so glad that he was there to share this experience with me. I hope that I get to share many more memories like this with him in years to come. I don't know whether or not those memories will involve ultra marathons. I've been warned that they all won't be this great, but that they are addicting never-the-less. Guess only time will tell... (I may or may not have already started scoping out some future runs.)

Heading Inside the Rock

As I mentioned in a previous post, 8 months ago I signed up to run the Canyon De Chelly ultramarathon. Tennessee was 3 1/2 months old at the time, and (in my sleep-deprived haze) I felt confident that, over the course of 8 months, I would be able to find the time and energy to train for a 55K (34 mile) trail run through this sacred Navajo canyon:

Flash forward 8 months. I can honestly say that I did not over-train for the run. Almost every single mile of training included Tennessee. My running was all on the road (pushing the stroller) and my trail training consisted of hiking with Tennessee in the front-pack. If I'm totally honest, my longest non-stop run was about 14.5 miles. Now I had the baby in the stroller, mind you, but that isn't going to make up for the 10-15 more miles that my longest run should have been (or the 22, 20, 18, 16+ mile runs that I should have done either). My longest hike was around 10 miles... also quite short of the training goals. There were weeks that I ran 5 days. There were weeks when I ran 0. My training plan was pretty much "go out and run whenever you feel like it for as long as you can." Apparently my new motto in life is to "just wing it" especially when there are things that I most certainly should not consider winging.
As this weekend has drawn closer, you can probably guess that I have had moments of doubt. I've wondered what I was doing, if I could finish, if the trip to Arizona would be a huge waste of time... if it all was going to be a gigantic embarrassment. I considered dropping out, but I knew it was going to be an awesome experience. This is the 3rd annual Canyon De Chelly Ultramarathon. They were only allowing about 175 runners this year (There were 100 the first year and about 150 the second.), and this is the one opportunity each year where people are allowed into the canyon without a Navajo guide and a permit. The canyon is considered sacred. They start the day with a prayer to welcome the sun given, followed by a blessing on the runners. After the run there is a traditional feast of stew and fry bread for everyone to share. Finishers of this race do not receive a medal. They get a turquoise necklace that is hand-beaded by the race directors mother-in-law. The aid stations are run by the junior high and high school cross country teams. The over-all and age-group prizes are all unique hand made items like blankets, bracelets, figurines and baskets. I knew this was a once in a lifetime kind of experience and I really didn't want to miss it.
To top it all off, my sweet Eva had decided to do a fundraiser for the Navajo youth instead of a birthday party and she was looking forward to delivering the $450+ that she had raised to the kids when we went down. So, despite my lack of proper training, despite my fear of embarrassing myself, despite the time and money involved for travel and the hotel, I decided I was going to give it my best shot. 
The last few weeks, the details have been kind of back-and-forth (and far outside my comfort zone).  Originally I had planned on camping with Jared and the girls. As the run drew nearer, Jared realized that he really could not manage to take the time off of work. Luckily my sweet dad was planning on going down. He took matters into his own hands and couple weeks before the race, he cleared his schedule to drive down with me and booked us a hotel.
So now, here we are. Everything is packed and ready to go first thing in the morning. I've found comfort in the idea that I can drop out at one of the aid stations if necessary and still have an amazing experience. My dad is confident that he will be fine with Tennessee and the girls for the 8-10 hours it will take me to run the course... even if he's never changed a dirty diaper in his life. If he's up to that kind of challenge, I guess I'm up to mine.

What Does an Elephant Say?

Finally an Updated Family Picture!

We had the pleasure of attending the wedding celebration for one of our nieces, Maddison, today.  While we were there another darling niece, Ashley, offered to take some pictures of the family.  Here are a few of my favorites so far.

BOOTIES FOR MY CUTIE!

I had a chance to catch a mid-week brunch with one of my dearest friends this week.  I have known Erica since we were in 7th grade. (I'm not going to count the years because it makes me feel old.)  Not only was I treated to some yummy food and some wonderful company, but Erica gave us one of the most awesome baby gifts. 

Seriously!  Those moccasins are amazing. I have to point out that Erica is an incredibly busy mother of 3 who works full time and volunteers mega hours every week at her church. Knowing that she took the time out her already over-packed schedule to make these perfect little shoes for Tennessee makes them even more special.

 

We are so lucky to have such talented and generous people in our lives.  Thank you, Erica!!

Safe Kids Fair

This weekend there was a "Safe Kids Fair" at the local convention center. Basically there are loads of vendors ranging from the city fire/police departments to the Humane Society and everything in between. There are games, activities and crafts, but the best part (for my wallet) is that it was free. I thought it might be geared more for younger children, but with a price tag of $0, it was worth a shot. It was a food co-op day, but we could squeeze in 2 hours before if we were there first thing in the morning, so that is what we did. Turns out the girls had so much fun that after the food co-op, they begged to come back. We stopped and picked up my friend's daughter on the way and ended up staying for 5 1/2 more hours.
It made for a super long day, but the girls had a blast. Honestly, the fact that the girls were reassured that mom is not overly protective by making them still use booster seats in the car and helmets EVERY time they ride bikes or scooters made it well worth the trip.

Here are the very few pictures I took from the outing:

Of course, Little T was with us as well, but he was the best baby and mostly stayed in the wrap as an observer. It was a fun way to spend a Saturday, and definitely something we will watch for next year when it comes around again.

4th Monthiversary

I cannot believe it has been 4 months since this little being entered our family.... at the same time, I can hardly believe he has only been with us for 4 months. I know. It makes no sense. Either way, I am still actively looking for a way to slow time down. Let me know if you have any leads.

Just look at that chunky arm.  I could eat it up!
Our big boy weighs 15 pounds and 14 ounces and is just shy of 25 inches long. He has recently decided that sleep is for the birds. His momma is doing her best to convince him otherwise.
To celebrate 4 months, we took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and spent most of the day outside. He is definitely a future outdoorsman as he prefers to be outside over just about every other place. His other favorites are eating, bath time, peek-a-boo, singing/dancing and his wubbanub pacifiers. He is rolling all over the place and starting to attempts a goofy sort of army crawl. He makes tons of sounds and loves to have "conversations." He is constantly trying to sit up and when you help him up he can hold himself in sitting position for a bit. His doctor says he is ready to start trying some foods, but his momma wants to hold off just a little longer (possibly in an effort to feel like he isn't growing as fast as he is, in fact, growing). 
Not surprisingly, he has every one of us wrapped around his little finger, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

A Little Insane, but not Impossible

Remember when this happened 3 1/2 months ago?

Well about 8 1/2 months before that happened I had registered to run my first ultra marathon, an amazing 55k (34 mile) trail run though Canyon De Chelly in AZ. It wasn't too far fetched at the time of registration. I'd been putting in the miles and was up to almost 20 miles on my long run days.

The thing is both that little guy and the race were due to happen on the same day. Clearly the race wasn't happening, so I pulled out of to let someone else have my spot. They only take about 150 runners, and last year it sold out in 5 minutes, so I'm sure someone one the waiting list was thrilled.

I did run during the first part of my pregnancy and even completed a 33k  (20.5 miles) trail run in Moab at the end of February. That race made me realize that maybe I was pushing a little too hard and I started to back off.  My long runs became 10 miles... then 5 miles... then 3 miles.... and then I switched to walking all together.  I was still able to walk (waddle) 4-5 miles a day on the days before that cute little nugget arrived, but walking is not running... and after that cute little nugget arrived even my walking mileage dropped off for a while.

Flash forward to now.  When T turned 2 months old, I started running a little.  I'm not as consistent as I need to be, but I do go out on runs around the neighborhood.  It feels better and better to get out, but I kind of feel like I could use an event to focus my training on... Do you see where I'm going with this? 

8 months from tomorrow I will be in Arizona running (and probably walking... and possibly crawling) my way through a beautiful canyon with 150 other people.  It can't be all that hard, right?   Running with a jogging stroller has got to be close to the same thing as running on sandy trails...  I mean 34 miles is like running around the block... 48 1/2 times.  A little insane, but not impossible.

Sad, Sick,& Sleepy Snuggles

Little T has his first cold.  It was bound to happen, and frankly, I am surprised he lasted this long without one.  The day we brought him home from the hospital, Naiya was sick. Since he has come home, we have had stomach bugs(mom & Naiya), influenza (Naiya) and persistent colds (dad & Naiya). Poor Naiya has taken the brunt of it all this season, but amazingly Eva and Tennessee have avoided it all. (Well, until now.)
Sweet little peanut is clearly feeling rotten with a stuffy nose that makes it hard for him to nurse or keep his binky in.  I've tried to keep him as comfortable as possible by clearing his nose (not exactly comfortable in itself, but the results are comforting), using a humidifier and having plenty of snuggle time with momma.
Still, it's hard to sleep when you can't breathe easily. Luckily I remembered this awesome lavender pet that a friend got Tennessee for Christmas.  I warmed it up a little in the dryer and snuggled up with the pet and Tennessee.  Within minutes he was sleeping soundly (snoring like a champ). 

I'm so grateful for our amazing friends and for little comforts to help along the way.

3rd Monthiversary

I find myself constantly looking into this little chunky monkey's eyes hardly believing that he really is here... and he's been here for 3 months! The girls still "fight" over who gets to hold him and we all still ooh and awe over his tiny sounds, silly faces and especially his giggles. My most favorite discovery this last month has been the baby wrap (that I've had for 3 months but was too intimidated to use until a couple weeks ago). He is so happy in it that he snuggles down and naps much longer than he ever does in his crib. He is carried around so much that he will either never learn to crawl/walk or maybe won't be able to learn fast enough.  For now, I'll hold him every chance I get and feel my heart melt as I breathe him in.

Happy New Year 2015

Naiya has been sick for the last week, so we decided to have a fabulous low-key celebration to ring in 2015.  We actually did her most favorite activity and had a family game night. It was perfect!
These girls provided the giggles:

Daddy provided the music.

 

 ... and this little guy provided perfect little quite baby snores.