Ultra 2.0 & other life changes

It's been awhile since I've entered a race. Between my Achilles tendinitis that lasted about 20 months, followed by a knee injury from a fall, it just wasn't possible. But I've been able to do regular 12+ milers for the last couple of months, and so I've been tossing around the idea of doing another ultra. Specifically, the same one I did in from Hilo to Volcano a few years back (I say that to clarify it is 'only' 31 miles, and not say, a 50 or 100-miler ultra).

Here's what the devil on one shoulder is whispering to me:

• You haven't even run an official half or full marathon in years!
• Your last ultra was SIX years ago. You're six years older, ten pounds heavier and seemingly more injury-prone these days. 
• That twinging discomfort in your left buttock and knee? They'll probably worsen as you increase your miles, and then you won't be able to race. Why risk such disappointment?
• Do you really want to run that much? Lest you forget...running anything over two hours HURTS!
• Remember when you dropped out of the LA Marathon because of your sciatica/piriformis? What if that happens again and you end up wasting entry/hotel $?  
• You'll have to train when you're on vacation...you know how much you hate doing that.
• It's SO hot/humid these days, and Sep and Oct are notoriously gross months to run in!
• You have to wake up at 4am a lot- that suuucks.

But here's what the angel on my other shoulder is saying (and I like her better):

• Running gives you increased confidence and health management. You feel/look better when you have a goal.
• You do everything for your boys, why not do something for yourself?
• Running is still relatively inexpensive. This race is really cheap, and you can cancel the hotel without fee up until a week before. Plus, you have a surplus of caffeinated gels, new shoes, socks, good sunscreen, compression socks and even sports bras right now...it really won't cost anything more out of pocket.
• You did once, you can do it again! So what if you're a little slower? 
• You're feeling bored, why not do something fabulous?
• You'll have a lot of fun running more with your crew!
• Increased age and weight are NOT valid reasons to not do something!
• If you do get injured, you have a good chiropractor that might be able to help.
• And at worst, even if you suffer an injury...you had days/weeks/months of training, laughter with friends, and increased self esteem. What do you have to lose?!

A few days ago, I officially went from waffling about it, to declaring that I will do it. Once I made the decision- I printed out my application, priced hotels, made an appointment with my chiropractor, drafted a training plan and recruited a few friends to join me on the runs.

I'll admit that my training plan would concern any ultra runner. It's very...shall we say...light?
Six years ago I looked online for the easiest, lightest training plan out there...and then basically halved it! I have done the same again on this go 'round. No weekly long runs (too tedious), no cross training (lazy) and very limited hills/speedwork/gym workouts. But I've found that these tweaks will still get me to the finish line, with less chance of getting injured or burnt out.

The 'Very Mediocre/Lazy Person's 50k training plan' (feel free to steal if barely limping across the finish line is also your goal!) 

The decision to run the race came about a week before we also made the decision as a family to officially go vegetarian. We've been flaky flexitarians for about a decade now (eating meat 1-3 times a week?), but have finally decided to take the plunge. It'll take us a few weeks to make the crossover, as we don't plan to throw away the meat we do have. Though we will definitely not be vegan (hellooo...ice cream, sour cream and Greek yogurt), we also plan to reduce our dairy (no more cow milk for Rich and Ry) and processed white wheat (this one started a month ago).

I spent a few hours today working on our dietary goals and writing out a menu of vegetarian meals (so I don't stress out about a lack of options). I also mapped out a basic, realistic transition plan that among other things, will allow Ryan to eat whatever my family eats when he's out with them, or is eating at their homes. I don't want to impose our family's personal decisions on them all at once. Ultimately, things will work themselves out over time. It'll be rocky for awhile, but we'll get there.

Both of these are now part of my daily breakfast line up. I know I need to step up my normally pathetic efforts to get 'race ready' with healthier fare. I've read both Rich Roll and Scott Jurek's books on plant based diets, so hoping to be inspired!

My first week of training starts tomorrow...so I'm hoping and praying things go (mostly) according to plan. I've learned over the years that hiccups will happen, and I just need to roll with them and not panic when they do.

The same attitude needs to be applied to life in general. Things are settling down around here (large appliances have stopped breaking at the alarming rate they were a week ago). Rich was able to repair the dryer and the fridge, which helped immensely. He also *just* wrapped up six weeks of rehearsals and performances- four short plays and a dinner show! I wish I could say that was it for awhile, but he's planning to audition for a play, and if he gets a part, it could be many more months of rehearsals/performances.

Ry also had a belt promotion at karate, which is kind of a big deal around these parts (for us). It recognizes the hard work he puts in three days a week at the dojo, and we're proud of him for doing it willingly. 

My two heroes...the little boy on the left for getting a little stronger and braver each year, and his dedicated, generous sensei who challenges him, loves him and teaches him more than I ever could.

Father & son repairing the fridge together...I made them wear reflective yellow tech shirts for safety. I see all the roadside county workers wearing them, so I figured the same applied for appliance home repair. (And I was right, it worked! Both were injury-free after.)

Things are rolling along smoothly...my AC part has finally been ordered and we have expedited the shipping so that it gets here in less than four months (island life problems).

The electricians have finished 75% of their work on the lanai, and today the person who will install our gutters committed to being here within a week or two.

My oldest nephew celebrated a birthday today, and we had a lovely family celebration with him and his friend's tonight at Manago's.

We're going camping soon...which means I'll have six boys overnight with us! We'll officially need two large tents to house us, and 137 lbs. of food, but it'll all be worth the laughs I better hear!

I can't complain. Life has improved from a week ago. I still need to work on taking things as they come with more maturity and grace (I tend to gripe to anyone who has the misfortune of running into me). For now, I'm hoping to shift my focus from the house to my training/vegetarian diet so that I can feel and look better than I have in awhile. Wish me luck!