Cascade Lakes Relay 2011: The Hardest Thing I have Ever Run.
The photos are a joint effort by VAN 1, I know who took some of them, others I don't recall. As well as runners, they are great picture takers too- it was a very talented bunch.
What is Cascade Lakes Relay ??? CLR is a relay that goes from Diamond Lake to Bend, Oregon- a 216.6 mile relay race in which you have 2 vans of 6 runners each. You pass a snap bracelet through all the runners in van 1 and then through van 2 each runner will have 3 legs to complete and the distances can be varied, the terrain is always different and it is almost always at an elevation of 4,000 ft.
I don't quite know how to start this one. I feel helpless in using words to explain all that this relay meant to me, or how it challenged me, or changed me. Going into it I was clueless as to how difficult it would be, and pretty stupid in my training- I haven't run over 8 miles in, well maybe 4 months. I just thought I would run 3 chill legs of 7.5 miles, 6.5 miles and 7.5 miles, and I figured the pace I had quoted the team captain even would give me a little cushion to not worry in the least and just enjoy the run. I was very wrong. It was still very fun, and I miss it now- most of the ladies and I were strangers when we started and true team mates when it was done.
GO RED CAPES!!! Our team was The Just Us League- we wore capes, and it was fun.
I started my first leg of the relay-leg 3, in the heat of the day and at about 4,000ft elevation and no gain during the run to speak of. I didn't have my Garmin (running watch) so I wasn't sure as to how far I had gone or what I had left. I probably dumped a gallon of water on myself and wished I had more. It was miserable and I kept feeling really slow- but at the end of it I was right on pace. I realised then that there was no way I could keep that up for the next two legs- that realisation was gut wrenching. You see, being lazy when you are only running for yourself is different than taking it easy when everyone else is working really hard. I knew I had to give it all I had and that that wouldn't be much, and I was worried it wouldn't be enough.
See below for during and after. During the smile is genuine, the second shot has me questioning my sanity. The look in my eyes can be translated "I can't go another step and I am only 1/3 of the way done. Can I cry now?"
I loved the team. I really wanted to help them, and knew they were there for me as well. It was an amazing experience.
The scenery, well- look for yourself. It was a gift from God. He is such an artist.
After we all had run our first and second legs we spent the night sleeping in La Pine at the local high school, in the gym. Runners were coming in at all hours of the night while their van 2 was running, they were also heading out at all times of the night. Clanking happening, alarms constantly going off...it was an adventure in sleeplessness. We got there at 2 am, left around 5 am- I don't think I slept for more than 1 hour. It was nice to lay down though.
I was again the 3rd runner from our van and at this point I didn't know if I could actually run. My stomache felt like I had swallowed rocks mixed with air bubbles, my legs were not moving well, I was hungry and natious all at once. My little toes were numb and in pain intermittently. It was sure to be fun. I took off and was feeling pretty good for the first 2 or 3miles but then the last 4.5 miles of my run just were a climb, it wasn't even a steep climb, or much gain, but I was hurting. After I had already run 2 other legs, my own legs had nothing to offer and I started to falter.
I looked up ahead and saw the van stopped in the middle of the road. As I ran by Janine jumped out (the same runner who had just handed off to me after completing her last leg) and said, " I am going to run with you, unless it makes you feel bad-then I won't".
I can still barely talk about this leg. My last leg, and where my friend Janine Arthur gave me so much more than she knows, so much more than 4 extra miles she didn't have to run.
You know how some things really speak to your heart, this did it for me. Janine is not my hero because she is a great runner, or because of her dedication to her training- which was why she was a hero of mine before, now she is even more a hero in my book because she had already done her duty, because she has nerve pain in her feet and quite possibly could have been in more pain than me--and still she stuck with me, I don't have words of gratitude that could express how that spoke to me. She already had run her race and then she helped me run mine. She didn't ask me if she could run with me, she knew I needed it and she just did. A true friend is something rare these days, and I have one.
I finished my leg, stride by stride and then I was done. I passed the baton snap bracelet on to Heather, and she passed it on to Natasha and then Olivia did her crazy climb leg (notice the smile on her face, she is a trooper!!).
Once we were down to the last leg we awaited our last runner close to the finish, and then we all crossed that together. It was amazing. We did it!!!
We took 2nd place in the women's division and arrived the 34th team out of the 175 including all male and co-eds. I don't think I'll be able to resist it next year, it was a true adventure.
We ran 216.6 miles in 30hrs. 51min. and 10sec.
Yeah for Team Just Us League!!! GO RED CAPES!!!
Running in Huaraches
I am not trend setter, or a follower- but sometimes it is best to see what all the commotion is about. I just ordered my first minimalistic running shoes. No padding, no raised toes, arches or heels, just a thin layer of protection (of 4mm to be exact) between me and the world ahead. I am not a believer yet, but I want to know for myself what all this barefoot running is about!
I ordered a kit from Invisible Shoes. They send a square of 4mm vibram rubber material (to cut your own shoes from) and the chord. Then you can head to their website for instructions and videos as to how to get all set up, and for the runner to figure out what form of tying works best for them.
I have run in my huaraches twice so far. Each time I wear them for the first 10 minutes of my run and then switch to another pair of shoes (that are also very minimalistic-cross country flats) for another 3 miles or so. The idea is to eventually work up to using them for the entire run. It is amazing how much running without support improves a lazy running form (which describes me perfectly). I can already tell a difference in how I am running.
In the past I have boasted of a good overstride, landing on my heel thus enabling a longer stride, I thought it was a good thing. I thought that it made me run faster, that overstriding would be more effective and use less energy long-term. That really is not true, the only thing I would win at by overstriding is a race to see how FEW steps a person could take from point A to point B. Overstriding is a widespread problem, that causes injury in the joints and feet. Shoe companies are adding more and more padding to the heel of their shoes so as to put a big band aid on the problem, but it would be better if we who do it would just learn to fix it.
But why these weird contraptions anyway? Are you really surprised? I mean I am a dreaded runner after all! Ha. I have been interested in barefoot running for a little while, maybe mostly curious about it but not interested in changing something that was working for me. Lately though it has intrigued me more and more. And then the only thing that kept me from it is that each time I did a search I found myself annoyed at the price tag on these supposed minimal running shoes, or vibram five fingers! Should barefoot running and/or minimal support running really cost as much or MORE than the others? That just doesn't sit right with me. The cost of barefoot running should be nothing or close to nothing.
For those reasons I chose to try the huaraches. They are modeled after what different indigenous tribes have run in for a long, long time. If they work, these would be much better than buying the other shoes....so for now I am just trying them on for size, and we'll see how my toes hold up.
The best part of all? When I run I feel like an ancient runner in a Greek marathon- I can almost see these running sandals sprout wings.
At least they are cute, right?!
Marathoning For Immortals: Why do I try to get comfortable?
I just ran the half marathon in Eugene Oregon. Most of you are probably sick of hearing about it, and about running period. But from it I have learned some things about myself- some good things and some things that I would like to work on changing. First let me give you the before and after of my thoughts just so you can see the thought process.
Before the Half Marathon I was pumped up, excited to just run it- happy to be involved in something big and fun and that I had worked for. This is what I remember thinking before the race: The slower I go the first time, the more chance I have to PR next time, the better I will feel in consecutive races as I pass or don't pass my personal goal. I set my sights in front of me, run to run, because I can honestly say that I enjoy running now- there is no disappointment in that, none.
Immediately after I was done with the Half just 3 days after, feelings of inadequacy crept in, a feeling that I could have (and should have) tried harder, worked harder, run faster. That I let 
myself down, others down-people who were expecting things from me. When I work for something hard, train really hard, and then fail- why does that hurt so bad? The funny thing is I didn't even have a goal and still I finish and feel like I let someone down. What on earth drives me to compare to others and not be satisfied with the outcome of my work? The inner battle that goes on from unmet expectations can consume your joy in having reached a perfectly HUGE goal in just finishing it. Why this need to go faster, be better?
After thinking those things I was then convicted. That was not what that half was about for me, not before, not during it or after it. I ran to run, not for any other reason. I was reminded (by my friend Becky and Sherri, Jarod and then some other runners feeling the weight of unmet goals) I realized there really is a lesson in this- for me at least. It is the lesson and reminder of where my priorities should be. And even so much more important than that: where is my value and my worth? Where do I place value?
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1Timothy 4:8
These are all questions that have been filling up my mind. Running really does show me life, but maybe not the way I expected. Running reminds me of faults in my life that I am working on, the need to compare myself, and the need to succeed. Running blurts out my life issues like poprocks under a microscope. Because my gaze should not be fixed here, but somewhere else.
I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
My eyes should not be fixed here, they shouldn't be fixed on others or myself- but on Christ. I can still run, still run hard- but just remember that it isn't for me at all, and it never should be about me either.
Share your thoughts with me, what have you been challenged in lately? Is God working on some tender parts in your life?
PS. This is what God has been doing in me and in no way implies that people who try to meet running goals are in the wrong, just that God is using my running to speak to me and mold me- ridding me of the imperfections that bubble to the surface. I know we are all molded and changed by the things that we love and bring us joy, and also the things that make us work and persevere.
Eugene Half Marathon Finisher.
I finished the Eugene Half Marathon, I did it. There will be other things to conquer in life, but I now have this victory under my belt. There is something so sweet about reaching for a goal and then getting there. So satisfying and yet at the same time invigorating.
To follow are the deets from start to medal, here is how it went down starting with a wake up call at 5:45- stinkin' early in my book, but a great time to run. Becky is pictured here and is my running buddy for the Eugene Marathon. She signed up to run the full and I the half, a great run all around!
The Eugene Half Marathon was amazing, it was so fun to be a part of all the excitement and get to run with so many other runners. Next time I would opt to do a little smaller one just so that it would be easier for the spectators to make it from spot to spot. Brad, brought the boys to see me at several different places during the race, and Susan Canfield was there supporting too. Jonah (my running buddy's husband), Sherri and some others were there as well- it was a treat to have such a great cheer section!
It all felt great! We just ran it at a chill pace and were only worried about having a good time and completing it- both Becky ( in the full marathon) and I (running the half) conquered our goal. The Eugene marathon course for both the Half and the Marathon run together for the first 11 miles. It was all so fun- I am not ready to take the plunge and sign up for another just yet, I want the feeling to sink in, but I have no doubt I will. I don't yet have the desire to run a full marathon, but I also know that if one of my friends asked me to run it with, I would.
I can't say enough about how amazing it felt, how relaxed the running was, the pace felt so smooth- just perfect.
Since most of you didn't get to go see the finish, here is a little clip in which I am finishing. You can catch me for about half a second :) I cross the finish line after this clip has been rolling for about 1:20 so watch extra carefully a little before that. YEEEEEEah!
Me making my silly faces- not that silly really.
Here are the official details/stats- whatever you want to call them:
Bethany Canfield
| bib number: | 4919 |
| age: | 30 |
| gender: | F |
| location: | Corvallis, OR |
| overall place: | 1890 out of 4057 |
| division place: | 214 out of 449 |
| gender place: | 1018 out of 2782 |
| time: | 2:12:39 |
| pace: | 10:08 |
| 10k: | 1:05:52 |
Team Living Water Update: What makes it all even better is that you guys smashed my goal for raising money for Living Water International!! I set a goal (which I considered high) of $500 and you all crushed that by donating $521 ! That goal met was not mine to claim at all- but yours, thank you all so much for doing that- it really made tears come to my eyes as you kept giving and giving. Thank you.
GO Team Living Water! My Half Marathon is THIS SUNDAY.
Look at me, all official and stuff. I love wearing my Living Water race day shirt. And when I do I feel like yelling, "GO, TEAM!" in a slightly mock cheerleaderish fashion and getting in a huddle to chant or experience a team building helmet smacking session. We haven't gotten to that yet, maybe on race day! I have never been more excited to run for something or united with something- I know it is because I am so sold out for Living Water International that to have Team Living Water on my chest as I run will be nothing but an honour. I only wish I could do more to help dig wells. Some day these two hands that love to get dirty will dig a well, and my boys (all three of them) will be right there beside me, but for now we dig it as I run- we dig it penny by penny and of course mile by mile.
A penny at a time really is happening quite literally if you look over to the right of this post and check out that so far WE have raised $329.56 for clean water worldwide. The boys have done their part in that, it is amazing to see their hearts beat for helping these children just as much as mine does.
Yesterday a friend's grandma paid Jackson around $2.00 to help her clean up fallen sticks from around the yard, wheelbarrows full. When he came home he opened the Living Water International money jar and started putting his cash right in. They know they are giving to something big, they are proud to see their little jar fill up to the brim and every time we add more I tell them, "for each dollar, one person will get clean water for a whole year- from their birthday until their next birthday" they get it. The have scrounged up $13.56 literally a penny at a time from under the couch coushions, from grocery store floors, sidewalks, they have coin noses that can catch the sent of money no matter where it is!
This passage was what was taught on in Women's Bible Study today. Helping those in need isn't an option, if we are to be like Christ we are to be a people who are giving, who are kind and thoughtful- not those of inaction, or indifference toward those who need help:
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
I want to thank so many of you who have donated as well. East coast family, uncles, grandparents, parents, church friends,people are coming out of the woodwork and blessing me to bits. Already, you have made my heart melt with every heard earned cent you have given. Your generosity blesses me and I know that together we are impacting our world, bringing change a cup of water at a time- clean, safe water! Thank you really doesn't cut it!!
You can still donate! Here is how:
1.) To those of you who still want a chance to donate (PLEASE DO!!) - you can sponsor me, to do so click here to donate directly or click on the widget to the right of this post that says "FirstGiving" (it will take you to the same place) and they will take debit or credit payments (tax documents will be sent directly to you).
2.) I also decided that all of the proceeds from people purchasing items using any of my link affiliations (Powell's Books or Toms Shoes) will go to Living Water International a charity quenching global thirst and preaching the gospel. I will do this from now on, so this isn't time sensitive at all :)
THANK YOU!!!
Remember the race is only 4 days away (IT IS THIS SUNDAY the 2nd)!!!
Running Inspiration: Books, Movies and Training Programs
I have been reading books about running, that is what you do when you are a reader and a runner I guess. So since I have read a couple so far I figured I'd share my thoughts about them with you. I have more on hold from the library that I just haven't gotten over to grab yet, I'll review those next time. I've also chosen a couple flicks to tell you about and some training programs to get you started in the running process.
Running Books I've Read: Mini Reviews
This is the first book I read about running as I started training again, while it is somewhat helpful it is not for the intermediate to advanced runner at all. This book would be perfect for the woman who is just starting out and is wanting to know what she is getting herself into. While there is valuable info, and I did learn a couple of things, much of it was pretty obvious since I ran my little legs off in high school for 4 years. Still it has its merit and I did learn that I should always look every oncoming person in the eye with confidence so as to be able to identify him in a line up. I'd say that is valuable info for sure!! It also contains helpful information on how to start out, how to stretch, how to loose weight and so on. A good book for anyone thinking of running, the beginner who needs some tips.
The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer This is an excellent book, filled with information on how to keep in the run, stay motivated, which shoes to buy, how to train, when to run, how to stretch, how to eat, when to drink....on and on. This book is the best one I have read so far on training for the marathon (thanks Becky!!!!!). It pretty much takes you from day one of being completely out of shape and gets you into decent enough shape to complete a marathon in 16 weeks. How is that not the coolest ever!?!
Even after having run a lot in my previous life (High school!) I find this read to have so much information that I either forgot or just never knew. It is helpfully detailed, easy to understand and as long as you are willing to follow it-you should have no problem completing the goal of a marathon that you are set out to run.Even though this book was written for training for a marathon, there is so much other valuable information,that any runner could glean from it. That being said, it is very specific to long (very long)distance training. Intended for the beginner (or not so beginner) planning on running for the long haul. I love this book!!!
Run Your First Marathon: Everything You Need to Know to Make It to the Finish Live
I checked this one out from the library as well and it did have a lot of useful information,however it seemed a little general in its approach. I liked the format of the Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer (above) better. This is a quality book though packed with photos, tips and hints to training and running your first marathon, but if you have been a runner for a while much of the information will be obvious to you already. It is always good to brush up on the basics though.
I felt it to be lacking in depth, but as a first time runner you may appreciate the facts and details that are covered in Run Your First Marathon. If a broad picture of the training and racing is what you are looking for this is your book!
To Get You Up of the Couch: Running Movies
Spirit of the Marathon This movie is very entertaining, it follows a group of elite marathoners and a group of your average joe people turning into marathon runners. For some it is their first time, others have run several and find themselves addicted to the race. Real life gets in the way at times of meeting goals or satisfying personal dreams- and it is neat to watch each individual learn to overcome or work through the hurdles of reality. They run on their time off, late at night, after taking care of their family.
Men and women of all ages are running for one common goal, and that is to complete their race. The elite runners have all the gear, and spend their lives running. They dream of getting first at a prestigious American marathon and the viewer gets to follow the training and the finish of each runner.
This is a great flick if you are trying to motivate yourself to get out and exercise, there is so much value in it. I thought it was an interesting approach-kinda a la reality tv or something for runners. I watched it at Netflix in the play now.
This is the best running movie of all time, yep of all time. I watched this I don't even know when and fell in love with it instantly. I think I need to go grab it and watch it right now actually, it is about courage, about two men running for very different reasons. Chariots of Fire isn't just about the races and the running, that is a part of it but it is also full of the lives that surround these two runners and the people who influence them and those whom they have influence on. The only downside (for me at least) is that Chariots of Fire is not about distance runners-I'll let that slide. :)
Each time I watch it I want to get right up out of my chair and run, maybe even go for a good barefoot running experience on the beach!! Better pick this one up the next time you are at the video store it is much more than a running flick- it is a classic! Enjoy!!
To Get You Started: Free on-line Training Programs
5K Training
Couch to 5k this one looks great! For all those out there who are really at the beginning of the running thing, this is a good way to get up and at it. Your local sports equipment stores will be excellent resources for finding out when you can run a 5k in your town. Up and at 'em!!
5K Race Training: Run Your First 5K
6 Weeks to a 5K: Beginner Training Plan BY Fitness Magazine
Running Times Magazine: 12 Week Training Program for Beginners
The Ultimate 5K Plan by Runner's World With information for all types of runners, from beginners to advanced and what to do with training and tons more good information.
10K Training
Your Ultimate 10K Training Plan by Runner's World
Hal Higdon 10 K Training head on over and click on beginner, intermediate, advanced or walk to find the perfect match for you!
Jeff Galloway's 10K (or 5k) Training Injury Free
Running Planet's 10K Training Program and Advice for Recreational Runners
Half Marathon Training
Half Marathon with Hal Higdon you can select beginner, intermediate, advanced or walk to adapt this workout to you.
The Runner's World Half Marathon Training Plan complete with speed workouts and race day tips (and much more).
Rookie Half Marathon Training
Jeff Galloway's Half Marathon Training
Basic Half Marathon for Beginners
Running Planet's Half Marathon Training Program
I am Going to Run. Hold Me to It!
Thinking about running again and about sore muscles. It has been a long time.
Life has calmed down a little, the boys are older, they sleep through most nights and I need to take time to do something I haven't done for 10 years: exercise. Yeah, that does sound bad, and it is bad to not be active at least for 30 minutes every day. In high school I ran like lions were chasing me, sometimes three times a day and it did pay off at state, but since then I was so burnt out on running that I swore (not literally) that I would rather do anything than go running.
The other day though, I was looking into the nike + ipod deal, where you can track your runs, your miles, your mph, time spent running, your highs and lows throughout your run and even the calories you burn! I am on my way today to pick up the nike+ ipod sports kit, which since we already have the ipod, will only be $29. I won't splurge for the nike + equipped shoes, especially since I have never really been a nike believer, but there are options as to how to attach the little sensor to regular shoes, via pouch, incisions, or duck tape.
I have decided to do this running thing, not race, not compete, just run. Just for me. Skinny people can be completely out of shape too, I think that is a huge misconception in our culture, and yes I am skinny and I know that I am horridly out of shape. This whole running thing is going to hurt, and because I have known that for 10 years, that is why I haven't done it.
Do you exercise? What is your favourite thing about exercising? what do you hate about it?
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