The running life

Yup, I still run.  Not nearly the crazy levels I was running for awhile, but enough to keep my cardio up and avoid Theo having the upper hand.  Hoof.  Whatever.

In 2018 I ran around 450 miles and something like 25 races, everything from one mile to a half marathon.

In my team uniform and everything

I made all sorts of friends and learned a lot about being an athlete.  Let me tell you, when Theo has an off or creaky day after a hard work out, I am far more likely to just let it go.  I've had many days with a scheduled work out that got rescheduled for a hip or knee that just did not want to work.  I've learned that prevention really is everything, nutrition is huge, intervals for strength training are not to be rushed, and the right equipment makes a tough thing a bit easier to manage.

My goals for 2019 are a bit different.  2018 was all about learning and trying a little bit of everything.  I did road races, trail races, obstacle races, short runs, long runs, group runs, solo runs, big races, little races, you name it.  I loathe running, so I wanted to find the least awful way to get it done.

My running bff with me for the Snowflake Shuffle 2019 (freaking 17* out)

 I now know that I'm not a really long distance runner.  My knees started to crap out once I was running 8 to 9 mile long runs each weekend.  Ow.  This year, I'm going to stick to 10k or shorter.  I may have that one 10 miler again, but I'll relay it or walk chunks of it.  No more halfs, the body just doesn't tolerate the training.  The actual race was not bad, but the accumulated wear and tear isn't something I want to repeat.

I'm also not a fan of obstacles.  Seriously, how does anyone do any of that nonsense and live to tell the tale?  But I have now actually experienced a friend yelling 'do a barrel roll!' in a non-ironic, non-joking way.  Is that an accomplishment?  I feel like it should be.

I prefer trail races.  I like the challenge of uneven footing, the slower paces, and the scenery.  Something about running through the woods is much more fun and my knees appreciate the break from the pavement.  Down side?  Holy hell the deer flies we get!  So not in deer fly season, but the rest of the year, I want to hit the trails.

I enjoy shorter races where I can get out, knock out my miles, and get my beer.  Because I'm all about the instant gratification.  I got to a sub-30 5k in 2018, I want to aim for a sub-60 10k in 2019.  Interval work and runs that are typically five miles or less should keep the bod happy and the pony on his toes.

Today I tried to give Theo the day off after my 5k and he started rattling and slamming his gate as he realized I was leaving the field without him.  Well, fine then.  You can come out and play.  We played soccer for ten minutes straight with him chasing the ball without my input other than some tricky corners.  I need to buy a Pixio, he's so cute trotting after the ball and shaking his head before giving it a mighty shove.  It gives him an outlet to play and rough house without broncing during our ride.  He was quite well behaved after ten minutes of play time.

Took his braids out to reset them, the long, wavy mane makes him look even more like a Friesian

I still hate running, but the right shoes, company, and rewards makes it bearable.  And being able to kick my pony's butt when necessary is plenty of reward.

Health and welfare check

Hey there, intertubes.  We exist still.

And we still can't selfie.  No, Theo, don't eat my phone.

Work has been an exercise is chaos trying to pass for organization.  Boss is gone, no new boss in sight, reporting up to an exec that is way too busy to lead a team of 8.  The running joke on the team is that I'm in charge because I'm the crankiest and seem to know what's going on with everything.  Yay?  But there's a light at the end of the tunnel.  I found out that there is a restructure coming and that there's a promotion in it for me and a really, REALLY cool opportunity.  Like a once in a career opportunity.

But they can't announce or make anything official until the end of March, so I'm holding down the fort at the office, just trying to keep the place from completely igniting.  And then I go see my pony.

He is so good looking when he's spooking at ducks fighting over nesting locations.

We are still soldiering along.  I ride three times a week on average.  Trainer A hops on once a week.  He has a new adult ammy friend to teach that rides him twice a week in lessons, one jumping and one flat.  She thinks he's fancy and safe and very cool.  I agree.  She's learning to jump with confidence which is amazing since she used to break out in a cold sweat when faced with a cross rail.  With mi papi, she grabs mane and smiles as he handles the rest.  He doesn't bolt, rush, or refuse.  Ever.  He's successfully earned the title of school master and has earned the respect that goes with it.  Never, ever will he do rank beginners again.  Lucky teens and some very lucky adults that w/t/c and jump.

He's 14 now, though he's a very young 14.  He didn't start work until he was 6 and no serious work until he was 9.  Can you believe I've owned this beast for two years already?

I'm schooling Second, jumping, and still trying to figure out my western saddle.  We sneak out for trail rides when the conditions are cooperative, but that's not often.  Poor papi is getting ring sour.  It's not bad, but he's definitely bored of the indoor.  On the other hand, he's so eager to move his body that I've been getting some really nice work.  He's finally strong enough in front of his withers that he can lift through there without it being an occasion to get frantic.  I need to school outside where I've got the room to really turn on the afterburners, but no dice.  Another foot of snow in the forecast this week.  But at least we got out a little bit.

I hate mud season.  Theo revels in it.

Good gravy, papi.  Keep this image in mind any time you feel envious of the tail.  This is a daily occurrence that must be maintained.

The current plan is for me to take advantage of the dropping stress levels and step up Theo's work as the temps rise.  April 7 I have a ride review ride with a trainer/judge that I really respect.  It will be a great chance to get off the property and do a run through of that Second 1 test.  And if we totally blow it?  Eh, it's a ride review ride, it's fine.   First schooling show is April 22 and, assuming we don't fall on our face on the 7th, we'll be doing Second 1.  No plans to do rated shows this year outside of some Western Dressage outings.  I want to focus on us being able to go in the ring without theatrics.  I might do the UNH show in June if things are going well since it's close by and he likes those rings.

I've also got my road races scheduled out through June, so need to make sure I leave time for that stuff, too.

The chug thinks I need to run more.  My knees disagree.  But I'm up to 5 miles for my weekly long run and my cardio is better than ever.  It really does make a difference in so many ways.  I spent a couple hours doing spring cleaning for the chickens yesterday and I was muscle tired, but not exhausted or out of breath.  My heart rate stayed in the 120 range for my jumping lesson yesterday (used to be more like 150).

And they give me stuff at races.  Like beer and medals.

So we're doing well.  Theo is fat and sassy.  He's getting his alfalfa back finally.  He had it taken away for a bit after his explosive December and two weeks off in January, but it's time to start turning the dial up.  I'm working hard on my sitting trot and my transitions within the gaits.  Theo's learning that he can sit without getting tense about it.  The days are longer, the snow is melting, and my show schedule is shaping up.

Work is still hell, but pony life goes on.

Transformation

I started running back at the end of October with the express purpose of improving my fitness for riding.  A few knowledgeable types had mentioned my lack of endurance as something that was holding me back.  I was embarrassed that cantering my horse could get me out of breath.  So I started shuffling three times a week to work on that.  I require goals, so I entered some little races.

In my lesson on Friday, we had some good canter work.  Like really good.  Like not booting, not praying, focusing on balance rather than survival canter work on BOTH leads.  And when we were done?  I wasn't breathing hard.  I could have cantered for another five minutes.  I didn't get frantic or desperate as we cantered, I just kept riding.  Well gee, I may have found a root cause for some of our canter issues.  It was my chubby, out of shape butt getting tired and not being able to hold it together.

January 1st race, 0*

Today I had my second clinic with the western dressage trainer.  I am looking at doing a couple of recognized shows this year and found out that there will be a New England regional championship in August right around the corner from me.  Exciting!  I don't even have to qualify since the discipline is so new in my area that they . . . don't have a qualification system yet.  It'll be a nice goal since I don't have to chase points or travel far.  Just go to a one day show.

Theo was up on his toes at our clinic and being a dork about sounds outside of the indoor.  Tractors zooming by, leaf blowers in use, random wheel barrows popping up at doors.  We had a couple of snorts and attempted spins.  One half rear/pirouette/attempted bolt combo that made the clinician gasp since she didn't know he had that in him.  It was good practice for us to work through him being distracted and looking for a reason to spook.  Note to self, don't drop your inside hand when he's threatening to spin off the wall and bolt.  It's just inviting him to slam out that shoulder.

We also got to show off.  She asked how far along we were in standard dressage.  I did leg yield, shoulder in, haunches in, simple changes through the walk, reinback, turn on the haunches.  Theo was being a pain, but a very fancy pain and I got a couple of 'wow!' comments when he stepped into the shoulder in at the trot with his butt tucked and light in my hands.  Then he tried to spin off the wall, but we won't mention that part.  My horse is very talented, but also very smart.  Smart horses are a curse.  He may be the smartest horse I've ever worked with and that is saying a hell of a lot.

At the end of a rather intense 60 minute lesson, I wasn't out of breath.  Theo was puffing harder than me, as it should be when he's hauling my butt around.

Jan 16th race, 5*

I had no trouble keeping him going.  I got complimented on my quieter leg.  Some of that is mi papi thinking he's a stallion and showing off, some of it is my improved endurance.  It doesn't strain me to ride for an hour.  My muscles get sore, sure, I'm still working hard up there.  The difference is that my body is used to hard work and can cope.  It's more efficient.  My heart rate doesn't spike into crazy numbers.

I'm still not a fan of running.  It's dumb, especially when nothing is chasing me.  But there is a lot of booze involved in running events.

Post race beer with frozen bits on top

I get a beer after every race (free!) and my local running club goes out for margaritas after meet ups.  They give us happy hour prices, so it's cheap margaritas and nachos.  There's a whole party after my Mardi Gras 5k!  So at least there's a bit of motivation, but it's pretty crap motivation when I'm standing outside in single digits and looking at a 3 mile run.  There was ice in my beer because it was so cold at my last race, aptly named the Snowflake Shuffle, that the kegs started to ice over when set on the ground.  Yes, I did shuffle.  I am setting no speed records.  The pictures are misleading.  They're from the finish line and I can see my beer.  It's the fastest I move ever.

But my goal is to be a better partner for Theo and that appears to be happening.  He spooks and spins and acts a fool and I'm more comfortable because I'm fitter.  I can canter him for ten minutes straight without losing my balance and focus.  I can be a human lunge line.  I can outlast him.  I can keep organized and not feel desperate for oxygen.  People are starting to notice.  Trainer A was very happy with my performance in my last lesson.  Not only have I started to settle into my western tack, I can ride with intensity through my entire lesson. 

All of this good stuff doesn't change the fact I have to get up at 6am tomorrow for a group run and I'm not happy.  Sooooo not happy.  Why do all of my hobbies make my legs tired and require me to get up early?!

Road race

Started out the year by running a mile even though nothing was chasing me, then turning around and jogging back because it was freaking cold and I wanted to go inside.

Hate this picture, but it's proof of my insanity

I also wanted my beer.

A Belgian tripel

I did a mile in 10:24 which counts as a personal record.  Because I've only done two races in my life and in my first one, I did three miles in 38 minutes.  So I'm two minutes faster per mile.  Not that I could keep that pace up for three miles, I sprinted the last quarter mile since I could see the finish line and had no need to keep a reserve.  I mean, a sprint in my world is actually running instead of shuffling, but at least I've made it to the point where I can run!

Then we immediately had to turn around and walk back to the starting area.  With 966 runners going all of one mile, shuttle buses wouldn't work.  It would take forever to get us all loaded.  It was faster to just walk back.  Or in my case, walk/jog/whatever it took to get out of that weather.  About 0* out per the news report on the race and winds around 15mph.  Windchill was sub zero.  The race was downhill and specifically set up to be as easy as possible so people could start the year with new personal records (two people finished in under four minutes).  The walk back?  Uphill, into the wind, torture.  We went past a farm which meant a big, open field with nothing to stop the wind.  It was also the steepest part of the uphill.

Children started crying, there were little shrieks when the wind suddenly blasted us with blowing snow, and exhausted runners started forcing their done legs to run again as we all tried to return to the shelter of the high school gym.  It was an odd camaraderie with the thousand people that thought going for a run in record setting cold on January 1 was a good idea.  A herd mentality kicked in and no one wanted to be last.  We closed ranks and shuffled through the wind and cold together.

Reenactment of our march

Then there was pizza, yogurt, music, and a warm gym complete with cheerleaders to greet us like conquering heroes.

So.  Much.  Sugar.

We all got tickets for a free beer at the brewery down the road and I took the hubby with me to get lunch and enjoy my reward.  I figured I'd burned enough calories to earn a decadent dessert.  Of course I only ate about four bites with my blood sugar issues, but they were great.

I woke up this morning and saw that it was -10* out.  That's before the windchill.  I haven't been able to ride in a week due to this crazy weather and the high for Saturday is forecasted to be -2*.  They're still predicting a return to normal for my vacation so it may work out.  Theo gets a vacation rather than a day here or there and then we pick up again on the 9th.  While he chills and gets fat, I'll keep shuffling along.  Next race is on the 16th, a 5k.  Hopefully it won't be quite so mind numbingly, painfully, record setting-ly cold.

Clearing out the to do list

Thank you to everyone for the support, I really appreciate it when caught this much off guard by my job.  While I wait for work to decide how much of a curve ball I'll be getting and when, I managed to knock two things off of my goals list in one weekend.

Saturday I had my second bomb proofing clinic.  Not too much to report, since it was focused on adding skills in the saddle and, surprise surprise, I have above average control of my horse's body.  Leg yield and shoulder in?  Not exactly new concepts for us.  While two of the horses had trouble with the exercise where they trotted over a tarp, Theo cantered over it on the buckle because he is the king of not giving a shit.

We did have a bit of trouble when we had Little Girl having one of her 'moments', another horse spooking at the tarp, and a third horse having a conniption at the soccer ball.  In the middle of it all was the clinician, trying to manage the chaos and having to get loud.  Energy levels got a bit too high and Theo started to get a bit hot.  Not spooky, but studish and wanting to strike out at these other horses that were invading his space and being unpredictable.  It was great practice for a warm up ring and I concentrated on making him work through something that's very challenging for him while everyone else worried about desensitization.

Then we did a flying change over the tarp because the instructor suggested it as a joke.  Do not tease me, I will always try to show you up.  It's a flaw.

 This is a horse that does not stable well.  Can you hear him demanding his release?  A whole 3 hours imprisoned.

Sunday I ran my very first 5k.  Though ran is probably too strong of a term.  How about enthusiastic shuffle?  I did it in 38 minutes, giving me three 12 minute miles.  That's not too bad considering I haven't run anywhere for any reason since college.  And even back then I was slow.  I'm planning to keep this up and see if I can get down to some 10 minute miles.  I sounded like a dying freight train at the end, but by the gods, I ran over that finish line.

Hubby came along for the beer and chili.  His competitive nature got the best of him and he ended up running despite his stated plan to walk and probably not bother doing the last loop.  He walked/ran all 3.1 miles in 40 minutes while wearing a flannel shirt, cargo pants, and hiking boots.  He looked like a hipster got lost and jumped in on the fun.  No, he did not train in any way, shape, or form and was only two minutes behind me.  It's valid to loathe him a bit for that, right?

Selfie fail, but it was a first for both of us so the picture stays

After my 38 minutes of self torture, we celebrated!

Homemade kettle chips with cheddar, bacon, and blue cheese paired with a cask conditioned cocoa porter, these paired beautifully

They had a lovely dark beer with some salty, crunchy goodness.  Electrolytes, right?  I earned it, dang it.  And yes, my legs are sore now.  Tomorrow will be unpleasant.  Good thing it's Trainer A's day with mi papi since I doubt he'd be getting a lot of motivation from me.  My Herbal Horse muscle rub is being put to good use.

Will I do this again?  Probably.  My resting heart rate has been slowly but steadily trending down as I've challenged my cardiovascular system by getting ready for this.  It's a good thing and as much as my 38 minutes sucked, it was perfectly doable and the experience overall was one that I intend to repeat.  In spring when it's warm because BRRRR.

I'm moving my laptop to the bedroom tonight so I can work from bed in the morning while my legs curse my idiocy and while the option is still available.

2017 Goals

I think it's time to settle on my 2017 goals.  I've certainly thought about it enough.

Need more satin

Goals:

• 60%+ in First 3 to qualify for my freestyle
• Score 65%+ at First level
• Present Second 1 at a schooling show (and don't get laughed out of the ring)
• Go to a hunter jumper show 
• Do two clinics
• Sit the trot in a First level 3 test in competition
• Develop a reliable medium trot!
• Complete a 5k race

Stretch Goals:

• Show Second 1 at a sanctioned show (and don't get laughed out of the ring)
• Show Theo as a Baby Green Hunter
• Show First level freestyle 
• Complete two 5k races

I consider 2017 to be Theo's First level year.  This is the year when he'll be competitive as a First level horse (I hope), as opposed to 2016 where we were in survival mode for our First level outings.  Let's try to shoot higher than 60% and done.  Let's shoot for the judge not fearing for our ability to complete the test.  Let's make it so that I'm fine tuning the moves, not praying that they'll happen as I turn across the diagonal *coughLENGTHENTROTcough*.  I got 63% this year, I'm only looking to go up two points.  It's a reasonable goal for a year of work.  And doing Second 1 at a schooling show is a pretty gentle goal since, let's face it, there's some pretty scary stuff going on at Second 1 at a schooling show.  I doubt I'll get laughed out of the ring so long as I manage to stay in the saddle.

Our concentration faces

I've decided not to shoot for regionals this year since First level adult amateurs is the biggest championship in my region.  Training level had around 50 people, First level is even bigger.  Something like 60 people.  So very nuts.  I'll hold out for when we're ready to be competitive at Second level or when my freestyle is ready to compete with the big kids.

It also dawned on me while shopping for 2017 shows that I've never shown in the Baby Green hunters.  I'm also eligible for the modified adult divisions since I haven't done a rated h/j show since 2005.  Even if you include the eventing, I haven't done a sanctioned show with jumps since 2013.  I'm totally eligible, so I can do 2'3" - 2'6" hunters and equitation.  I might as well enjoy Theo's eligibility and show him in the division most appropriate for him.  Trainer A is talking about hitting a nearby h/j show series next year and I'd be happy to go along.

I included my 5k as an equestrian goal since the point is to improve my fitness for the sake of my riding.

It's a pretty aggressive set of goals, but I think they're definitely doable.  It's all stuff that we're actively working on and a lot of it links together.  It'll be easier to get through the winter doldrums if I feel challenged.  I'll need all the help I can get staying motivated in this weather.  25 mph winds and a windchill of 5*?  No thanks, I'm taking today off.
 

Get in shape, girl

Yes, I'm dating myself.  Hopefully someone else is old enough to get that reference.

Back last winter, I committed to losing some weight.  And I managed it, which was awesome.  I felt better in the saddle (less jiggling) and felt like I could keep up with mi papi.  And my coats fit better in pictures.  Go me!  But as the winter comes crashing back in, I've lost some ground.  And I'm also discovering that the higher the level, the more cardio and endurance I need.  I did a five minute canter block in my lesson last week and was feeling the burn.  It wasn't muscle burn so much as just running out of steam from trying to keep papi picked up, balanced, and going forward.  Oxygen was in short supply.  I recently got a Fitbit that tracks my heart rate.  My resting heart rate is a little high for a woman my age.  That was enlightening in regards to my fitness levels.

That's what my lesson looked like (Fitbit always thinks I'm going for a run).  The actual lesson was more like 40 minutes of work, but this was the middle when we were doing long trot and canter sets and my Fitbit recorded it as a workout.  Cantering Theo around puts me in the cardio range for my heart rate.  Once Theo sheds out, I can do heart rate charts for both of us during the same ride!  The pads for his heart rate monitor can't pick up his pulse through that much hair.  But the take away is that my fitness needs work.  I can't be sitting in the cardio range just from cantering. 

I registered for a 5k on Super Bowl Sunday.

I'm going to use the Couch to 5K app to get myself in shape over the next 8 weeks so I can jog/shuffle three miles (this one in case anyone is curious, though the running from zombies app was tempting).  Outside.  In February.  I've had better ideas.  But our days are so short.  I need the motivation to go outside in the middle of the day and see the sun.  I can do a 30 min jog over lunch.  It's probably the best thing for shaking the seasonal funk that comes when the sun disappears.

Today starts week one.  I'll be doing 3 workouts a week, plus my 5 rides a week.  On the days I don't ride, I'll jog.  And one day a week, I'll have to do both.  Yikes.

For anyone noticing that I live in New Hampshire and it's pretty much winter now, I'm going to be using my base layers from riding at those ridiculous temperatures to allow me to jog in them.  Our dirt road is well plowed, so that will give me a spot to shuffle along.  Or I can go into town, but I'd rather not.  That would be an hour in the car to jog for 30 minutes.  And I'd be encouraged to stop at Dunks for a hot chocolate to celebrate.  I could really entertain everyone and jog from the barn.  Just when they thought they'd figured out how crazy I am.

It's pretty horse related, but I'm mostly posting this here for the accountability.  I've given myself December and January to prep for my very first 5k.  Feb 5 I will go run for no good reason other than a pint of beer waiting for me at the end.  Did I mention the race is sponsored by a local brewery that I love?  Now that's motivation.