The Dena Hunger Games

Blair and I were watching The Hunger Games today and as the tributes were racing off their platforms into the woods, Blair turned to me. "You would be good at that," he said. 

"Nah,"I replied. "I'd do myself in on the first day from the stress of it."

"Not true," he said. "You'd be like (and here he morphed into his high pitched "Dena voice"):'PICK ME! I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!"

"And then," he continued, "the officials would be all like, 'Uh, Dena, you won last year. You can't compete again.' And you'd be all like (he lets out a primal wail): 'AAAIIIEEE!! I MUST KILL!!!" 

I was rolling. Whether or not it's because he completely nailed my personality, I'm not sure. 

Cheers,

Dena

Hinson Lake 24-Hour Ultra Classic - Am I Ready?

Me at the 2012 Hinson 24-Hour Ultra Classic. I think this was around hour 6 or 7.This Saturday marks my return to Hinson Lake for the 24-hour Ultra Running Classic. Last year I ran 62 miles in 16 1/2 hours on the mile and a half loop course. I also ended the night in tears, as last year's race recap documents. 

This year I have, as always, 3 goals: 

• Stretch Goal: 50 laps/76 miles
• Moderate Goal: Anything over 62 miles is a win
• Things Went Horribly Wrong Goal: Don't cause any lasting damage to my body

Here's the good news: With perhaps one exception, physically I'm in great shape. My running has never been faster and stronger. I've been doing some biking to cross-train and my abs are tuned up from Crossfit. (Never underestiamte the importance of a strong core for running!) 

Here's the not-bad-but-causing-some-concern-news. My ankles have been hurting for the past month or two, on and off my runs. My ankles are what took me out last year at Hinson and the year before at Crooked Road and that was when they felt fine going into the races. I'm not sure what to expect if my ankles are already sore before the first lap. 

At this point, there's nothing to be done about it. My plan this year is to start slow, take several extended (up to an hour or two) breaks, prop my feet up the wall often to pool blood away from my ankles and change shoes at least three times. That, and to eat. The best part of running ultras is the food. Lots and lots and lots of food.

I'm most excited because my friend Cindy will be running Hinson as well this year. And hubby Blair Harris makes a return appearance as crew member extraordinaire. 

A few people (bless you) have mentioned showing up to pace me on some laps. What I'd recommend is checking my Facebook page first, to make sure I'm still moving. Blair will post updates on my progress there. 

Of course, I'll have a full race recap for you next week. Until then... SLOW, STEADY and 75 MILES!!!

The Power of A Sandwich

What's below is not my story but I wish it were. I was talking to a friend the other day and I asked her how her husband was doing. They've been married for almost twenty years. 

"Okay," she said. "We were talking on the phone last week and he was having a really bad day at work and I wanted to help so I asked him if he wanted to come home for a nooner."

"Nice," I said. "Very giving of you."

She snorted. 'It would of been. But that fool says to me, 'Nah. I think I'll just come home and have a sandwich.'"

I died laughing. I think you have to be married a really long time to get it. Sandwich...sex.  They both have their appeal.

Cheers,

Dena