Blog Redemption: The power of positivity

 

    I had a bummer blog where I was very upset, unhappy and downright negative about things. I am the kind of person, though, that can't stay down in that state for long. I woke up looking at the blue sky, the trees, the birds chirping and thought how can I be anything but happy? Not happy because anything special is happening but just happy because I have the ability to enjoy another day here on Planet Earth. 

   Things won't always go as planned. Sometimes you will have hard times, lousy days and negative situations. It's how you bounce back up that matters. It's like those pink bouncy balls where the harder you throw them to the ground the higher up they go when they bounce. Life is like that. Sometimes you get thrown to the ground by something but just use that momentum and come back higher, faster and stronger. 

    I am lucky to be part of a great community of people who care about me and who let me care about them. I have the great fortune to be a positive influence on others when I claim that right.

                "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love"

Mother Teresa said that and she should know. Her small kindnesses affected everyone around her. 

     

          My heart bounces back. I claim my happiness and pass it on. 

I love being a trail runner

    

Running the Tecumseh Trail Marathon December 2012

             I love being a trail runner. I love being a trail runner because.....you learn to enjoy being muddy. It means you did a "real" trail run. I love being a trail runner because you never know what exactly you will find on the trails even if you have run the same ones many times every run is slightly different. Trail running has spoiled me for the roads. When you can spend hours outside in the sunshine, or sometimes cold, in the middle of nature then running along a road in town pales in comparison.
          I love being a trail runner because I get to feel tough at the end of a big long run along the trails when I come to the car muddy, disheveled and thoroughly tired out. I like how great a nice, hot cup of coffee tastes after running trails. I like talking to the mountain bikers when we are running the biking trail at Brown County. It was funny today one said "I look up to you guys! What you are doing looks harder!" which was totally opposite our perspective which was "You ride your bikes through here?Big rocks, logs? How?"
           It is all a matter of perspective huh? Trail running also goes with a second hobby of mine which is nature photography. I love getting that perfect scene with my camera. I like to try to capture the whole moment including the emotions I had at the time. Then I can go home and write my blog and tell all about it while putting my photos up to fully grasp the moment for people. That way if I ran the entire way alone I get to share the run with others when I get home!
          I love other trail runners. We are a mixed up, rough and tumble bunch. You can truly be yourself on a trail run or race. No one cares how you are dressed or that you have makeup on or how much money you have. You don't have to pretend to be anything more than you are. Trail runners are one of the most accepting bunch of people I have ever met. Of course that goes for the entire running community. I wish I had picked up running earlier as I had no idea how cool this lifestyle was. But now that I am up and at it I will never want to be without running in my life again!


My name is Heather Lake. I am 43 years old and I run to have adventures!

20 mile Saturday run including Lake Griffy rave run

 Today I decided to go on a nice, long run. I got up early, wished my friends well who were running in a big race today and then took off. It was about 8:30 when I left home. It was cold too. I had on my warm purple running jacket covered by a long sleeved shirt, long pants and my gloves. I decided against bringing a water bottle as I would be in town a lot so I could stop for drinks. Less weight to carry.

 I had downloaded 4 "episodes" of the Trail Runner Nation podcast to listen to as I ran. One of the episodes was really funny. It was called "You know you're an ultrarunner when....."

1. You know you're an ultrarunner when....you look around for a bush when there's a long line at a public restroom. 2. You know you're an ultrarunner when...you rotate your running shoes more often than your tires. Etc....kept me laughing.

I ran through town first....stopped at the memorial union to go to the bathroom and get a drink then ran to Atwater and up Union to 17th street caught the Jordan extension and then hit Fee lane and on up to Lake Griffy. Usually at Griffy I can't find the really "cool" trails but this time the trail gods were smiling on me as I just happened to get on a very nice trail I hadn't been on before and found all KINDS Of cool stuff!!

    It was a beautiful morning even though it was cold. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the woodpeckers were "tat-a-tat'ing" and all was magical! I had my phone and was receiving text messages from the Carmel race when my friends crossed the 10K, half, 20 mile mark, etc...so that was exciting. I started listening to a podcast about the Maffatone training that many of my friends are doing and that I have started as well even though I kind of suck at sticking to the diet sometimes.

I found these pretty little stairs not far down the trail. I loved how the sun was shining and I think the picture turned out nicely and pretty much captured the magic of the moment. Already my 12 mile run was looking to be longer....although I had not as yet 20 miles in mind. 

  
    
 

  I was all alone on this day and finding things around Griffy I had never seen before. Not only the stairs but meadows of May Apples and lovely tall trees under unreal blue skies. Unreal because it has been so rainy and grey the last few days seeing blue sky was making me giddy. In my mind now 13 miles was turning into 15.

I ran listening to Trail Runner Nation. I saw one lady out there besides me and she had two "kinda" unfriendly dogs but she put them on a leash when I ran by. Besides her it was just me and the woods.  I heard some geese overhead, heard the gurgle of the stream. Sometimes I had to do water crossings and there was just no way around just wading through the streams. That's okay I am trail runner tough! Wet feet! Posh no big deal!

 I had not seen any of this on my previous Griffy runs. The trail just went on and on and got more beautiful the longer I was on it. New and more glorious things awaited me although I didn't know it yet.

Lake Griffy glimpsed through the trees...pretty.

 I came to a dam and there was the biggest surprise yet! A waterfall! It was cascading down the dam which was covered in green moss. It reminded me of  a hidden Mayan temple the way the steps went down. I just stared at it and thanked the trail gods for bringing me here.

 I ran a little ways more and finally passed some more trail runners who were kind of lost. I told them about the trails I knew but said the one I was just on was a new one for me but had some really pretty scenery on it. Then I kept going. This was about hour 3 when I saw the deer. They had kind of surprised me when I came around the bend. I guess I had surprised them too!

But they were still basically tame Bloomington deer so they just hung out posing for pictures like little deer divas.

 deer: "Make sure you get my best side.  Is this for a magazine because I expect 10%."  Okay I was a bit silly at this point. Now my 15 miler had, in my mind, become an 18 miler. I was having a bit of pain on the bottom of my left heel...a bit of plantar fasciitis I believe. But I am a tough trail runner so I kept on. 

I finished running through Griffy and headed down the road to kirkwood...saw a bunch of people already hunkering down for Little 500 parties....and the streets were getting crowded. I ran over by the courthouse, gave a little wave to Indiana Running Company and then up to 11th street where I went past the 7-11 and down Adams a bit. I saw a friend on the way I had not seen in awhile. I told her I had run 16 miles already and she just kind of shook her head. I ran down by the farmer's market and ran into some more friends which was nice. I showed them some of my pictures and told them about Griffy and the deer and waterfall. This was a great run!

And just for proof. Garmin...distance 20.02. 3 1/2 hours of running. Home for coffee!!!

I ran this one for Boston

      I woke up this morning full of excitement. Friends of mine were running the Boston Marathon today! Not just anyone can run the Boston Marathon. You have to be good and fast! The best of the best! So I was psyched and tracked and followed them throughout the day. I cheered when i saw their great times at the 10K mark, the 25K mark and then they finished in awesome time and I posted my congrats on my Facebook wall. I had been working off my phone all day as I was kidsitting so my info was delayed. I found out there had been a blast at the finish line at the 4:09 mark. Then there was another blast. I went instantly from happiness and pride to sadness and worry about my friends and all the runners, spectators, volunteers and everyone to whom this was a big and awesome day....or was supposed to be.
   I fled to Facebook to get news on my friends and was so thankful when I heard all the Bloomington folks up there were okay. But still.....so many other's loved ones had not been so lucky. There were people out there now who's family members were hurt, maimed or among the dead. Some...or a group....of cowards had done this terrible thing. I went through all the stages of grief in less than an hour. First I was shocked and kind of confused; then i was very angry; then i was bargaining; then i was very sad; then i was...haven't made it to acceptance yet. Still too many things to process.
    So I decided to run. It is my sanctuary when I am overwhelmed and need to get my mind and heart back on track. I ran this one for Boston.
     I took no GPS watch, no heart rate monitor, water bottle or anything else. Just my running shoes, tank top and a cap. I did not care what my heart rate was...my heart was beating just fine. I did not care how far I went.....mileage was not the point. I did not care how fast I was going.....I was going as fast as I wanted. Because this one wasn't for me. This one was not for my mileage points in my runner's world game nor my training. I ran this one for Boston.
   I did not take my I-pod. I didn't need music. I needed to listen to my feet hit the pavement, my breathe in and out, the birds in the trees; the evening traffic; my mind and heart.
   I ran for the runners who had worked, trained and wished so hard for this moment. I ran for their triumph, the pain in their legs, the burn in their lungs and the amazing feeling of going so far. I ran for their families and friends who were there to cheer them on...so full of hope and pride. I ran for the ones who have now lost limbs, lost lives, lost loved ones. I ran for the 8 year old boy who died and his family who grieve. I ran for the first responders who ran TO the blast to help and for the runners who diverted their course to the hospital to donate blood for the injured. I ran this one for Boston.
     Within my mind in the back of all of these thoughts I heard music. It was Amazing Grace. "How sweet the sound". I realized that even though we are angry, anguished and fearful we have amazing strength. Those people who did that terrible thing? They can't take away our love of running. They can't take away our compassion and care for other runners. They can't take away our shared experience of the starting/finish line; our intimate knowledge of the joy/pain/euphoria/agony of the endurance race. And they can't take our love. They can try but it won't work. Because were are stronger than they are.
      Let us remember we love each other.

I ran this one for Boston.

Spring morning on the green Rail Trail

  Today is Saturday and that is my long run day usually. Christine asked me to run with her and cutie patootie dog Pudge on a 10 miler through the rail trail. It was a beautiful morning..although chilly...and everything was SO GREEN!! And the birds were singing and Pudge was looking extra cute. I had the best time!

 I had started out the morning really tired. A long week and late night working last night and then I got up early for running. But though I was tired I still wanted to get up and be with Stine and Pudge for a nice run. I of course had to take many pictures as it was too pretty NOT to take pictures.

 I couldn't believe how in just a couple of weeks everything had greened up so much! You think spring is here and all but until you see all that green you can't quite believe it especially on a cold morning.

 This is the bridge by Clear Creek Trail. Always a good stopping place for a bathroom break and to either turn around or continue on down the clear creek trail depending on how far you are running that day. I love this bridge. It's so colorful and kind of old fashioned looking.





Below is a little creek that runs by the rail trail.

We saw a lot of horses as well. I didn't know there were so many people who had horses along this trail. They were pretty and also pretty big!

 Here are some uber-adorable pictures I took of Stine and Pudge along the creek by the bridge. I snuck in closer and closer. You can't see it but Pudge is playing in the water. Then he came out and shook himself dry. Dogs. Cute.

Happy Day on the Rail Trail and I now got in 40 miles of running this week and feeling fine!

Veggie and Tofu Stir Fry

  


I got some nice fruits and veggies today so decided to make an excellent healthy stir fry! Stir fry is my favorite kind of dinner because you can pretty much throw anything you want into it and it will come out good.






           Veggie and tofu stir fry

I started with sauteeing garlic and red onion in a fry pan
I had heated the pan first before adding the canola oil
You can use olive oil or I used Omega 3/DHA Canola Oil

Red Pepper
Yellow Pepper
 Yellow Onion
Zucchini
                    
                                                                                              You can use any veggies you want of course.  I also added tofu. I like to use extra firm tofu and cut it into rectangles or squares. I first sautee the tofu till it turns brownish before I add the veggies and other things. That way it gets done right and is firm and not doughy. At this point I sprayed a bit of olive oil baking spray on it and put salt/pepper and a bit of seasoning salt. Let it simmer. I added roasted veggies that I baked in the oven at 275 degrees for 15 minutes. I put that all on a plate with black beans and a salad on the side. Dessert was lemon yogurt and strawberries.
 

Hoosier Half Marathon: Awesome race, Awesome day! Mojo restored

     I ran the Hoosier Half Marathon today and I had the BEST time doing it! I saw all kinds of people I knew and was able to encourage some people too. I saw a girl I work with...actually my trekking mentor...who was doing her first half and I caught up to her on the Winslow hill where she said "That one kicked my butt!" I said "It'll do that. Great job!!"
   It was fun to be in on the pictures at the beginning too. I was bummed that I missed the Monumental photo so it was great to be on this one with all my friends!
   It was so different from last year. Of course last year it was my first road half ever and my second half ever. Period. So I have had a year of hill training and trail running behind me now. I kept my watch at 6.4 miles an hour pretty much the whole time and was able to handle the hills well. Even Winslow hill I was able to run up it and even pass someone! I had put all new songs on my I-pod this morning too. Some of them were from my trekking audition CD and so were great running songs.

The Wizards of Winter was a song that actually helped me get up Indiana street hill and the finish line hill. Something about those fast parts powered me up!  I also played "Love you like a love song" By Selena Gomez and "Longest Road" by Deadmau5.

I liked seeing Melissa and Rick Hullinger over by the mall, Claire and Evan at mile 10 right before the Henderson hill and my buddy Wayne was at the junction of Henderson and Miller to give me a high five. Also Chris Basham toward the finish line and Sara Rader over by the Jordon parking garage. So great to see all the people who pitch in on these things! I made sure to thank every volunteer I saw and the aid stations and even the police watching the traffic. They were big helps.


After I finished I got to give high fives to everyone and get my uber cool medal. Felt awesome! I met both of my main goals for this race:  do it without pain and have fun...oh yeah and I finished it in under 2 hours. Win, Win!!!  On the way walking back downtown to hit the farmers' market I found a pretty geode just sitting by the side of the road and then the BEST THING:
 
    I saw one of my clients who has been training for this come up Indiana avenue. She was at about 3 hours and looked like it had been hard going but that only made me the PROUDER of her! She was doing something new and hard and I gave her big high fives and said she was doing fabulous! She called to me as she continued on. " I am meeting my goals!"  After the farmers market where I got some honey sticks and an oregano plant I went over the the running store and snagged her a 13.1 sticker to surprise her with next week. I want her to know how Phenomenal she is! Sometimes I feel like a mother to my clients when they undertake these things. Not just because I am older than them but I have been where they have been and know what an exciting, scary time it is and how much it is going to change their lives.

So all in all. A fabulous day! Ended with beer and brats.  I am so proud of everyone finishing this very hilly race!

My power song for the Hoosier Half: Wizards in Winter - Trans-Siberian Orchestra

This song helped carry me up the finish line hill. It is a sprint song for my trekking class and it really helped me deal with the Indiana st. and finish line hill!