The Great Mystery

Just a speck on top of Window Rock in Window Rock, AZ

My work has taken me to Texas, Utah, and New Mexico this spring and just last week I had the opportunity to visit the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, AZ. I used to think Denver was a dry climate - and it is compared to Minnesota - but NW New Mexico and NE Arizona are truly wind swept deserts. Having worked with tribes in Arizona and Wisconsin in the past, I was excited to be back among a slow-paced culture, rich in artwork and spiritual beliefs.

My work (training clinicians in STD/HIV prevention) is taboo in many places, but especially in places like the Navajo Nation where there isn't even a word in Navajo for STD. We had a blessing by a local leader before our training and he asked that the Great Mystery be with us and help us fight that which is harmful. The Great Mystery is the Navajo peoples' way of describing God and the creative spirit within each of us. I really like the title "great mystery" because it implies that there is something more powerful than ourselves, it gives us permission to not know everything, and it means that there is a journey. 

Renzo and I have been reflecting back on the journey of the past 3 years that we have been married (as of tomorrow) and especially on the past year of transition. One of the lessons we've learned is that we cannot predict the future - and neither would we want to because the Great Mystery's plans for us have been so much better than we could have planned for. Who would have known a year ago that I would be full-time barefoot runner? Who would have known that I'd have the opportunity to travel all over Texas and the southwest for work? And who would have known that after living in 5 places in 3 years (and thinking that we would not own our own place until we were at least 40) that we would be homeowners? Yes, that's right - if you can believe it, the Amayas now have a permanent residence! Of course we went about the whole process "Amaya style"... decided to think about buying a house and then put an offer on a place within 10 days. We have owned the place for a week now and move in this Sunday! Pictures will be coming soon.


Another thing I could not have predicted is that this summer would be so darn hot, setting a record of 5 days in a row of over 100 degree temperatures. A perfect time to start training for a 50k, obviously. My 13 weeks of 50k training started this morning at 5:30am (ugh) with a 4 mile run. I am pretty well recovered from my marathon (3 weeks ago), but have to admit that I am nursing a mildly sore right IT band. I'm hoping it's just sore from a decrease in exercise these past few weeks and walking in flip flops. Keep your fingers crossed!

Barefoot Marathon Finisher!

Barefoot Marathon Finisher!

Over 1 year in the making and I am so proud to say that I officially finished a marathon in my minimalist/barefoot shoes!

My dad always taught me to make multiple goals - because even if you don't achieve your number one goal, you can still be successful with plan B and you should be proud of your accomplishments. Goal #1: Break 4 hours (so close - I finished in 4:07). Goal #2: Finish in my barefoot shoes (check). Goal #3: Don't get injured (check). Goal #4: Enjoy the beauty of the course (check, although I may have zoned out for miles 20-23).

The experience can be summed up in 3 words... hot, hilly, and hobbling.


When I ran the Steamboat Springs marathon back in 2005 it was so cold that it snowed the day before and we wore long sleeves the entire race. Seven years later and this past Sunday I was in a tank top praying for shade or clouds to offer a break from the blazing sun and 80 degree temperatures we experienced the second half of the race. I got sweet tank top and sock tan lines out of the deal, plus a little dehydration. Even though I stopped at every water station for 3 glasses of fluids, I still needed 4-5 bottles of water afterwards in order to catch up.

The hot, hot road into Steamboat Springs (mile 22)

The first half of the course is all downhill. You start at over 8,000 feet and make your way down at least 1,200 feet by the time you reach mile 7. We saw horses stampeding through the valley, quaint cabins isolated on a hill, cows grazing in the fields, and snow on top of the nearby 10,000 foot peaks. It seriously is breathtaking - and it's just you and the road taking it all in.

The hills seriously start up around mile 14 and continue to roll until mile 23. Why did I decide to run this race again? Do runners have short term memory? We must - otherwise, why would we put ourselves through the pain again? I kept repeating "hills do not exist" to the rhythm of my stride and tried to forget they were there. My wonderful husband and brother-in-law joined me on their bikes for the last 10 miles, which was such a welcome sight as the pain, soreness, and tiredness started to kick in.

Still moving forward at mile 25! Si se puede!

And now, the hobbling. My calves are so unbelievably tight and sore that when people see me walk they ask if I am okay, if I need help, or if I need crutches. This evening I walked up and downstairs "normally" for the first time in over 2 days - my legs just can't support or move properly after the hills and distance! I have only had issues with stairs after the Steamboat Springs Marathons and not the other flat-lander marathons so it must be the hills.

And despite it all, I have to admit that I actually find it gratifying to be sore for a few days because it reminds me that I worked hard. I am already moving much more easily tonight - probably due to the multiple walks I have been going on each day to loosen up the muscles - and I hope to be back running low miles this weekend.

Celebrating in the shade!

Thank goodness for short-term memory. I remember thinking at mile 20, "how am I supposed to run a 50k (31miles) in September when this is sooooo hard?" And now only 2 days after the marathon the heat and hills seem like a thing of the past and I am excited for the challenge of training again. Don't get me wrong - I am going to relish in the next 3 weeks of laid back casual runs and walks before I launch into the next training schedule, but I get such an adrenaline rush from long distance running!

And the million dollar question... now that I've achieved this goal, will I return to my orthotics and former Saucony motion controlled shoes? No way! I hope to be a barefoot runner for a long time to come :)

Marathon Training Weeks 10-17: T-Minus 6 days!

I can't believe it, but I only have 2 runs remaining before the marathon on Sunday. Ahhh! I have finally been tapering in the past week, which is a welcome relief after running a couple 5-8 mile runs during the week and a 12-20 mile run on the weekend. As my runs have decreased in length, it has been harder and harder to find the motivation to run. But I think that's somewhat normal as it has taken so much focus to do the hard part of the training and now I'm starting to relax. As I reflect back on the last 8 weeks of training I remember...

Believe me, my shoes are really barefoot shoes. I was out running on the trails during my first 20 mile run and saw another runner running in the Vibram Five Fingers. I was so excited I exclaimed "Hey! I'm a barefoot runner too!"After giving me (and my barefoot shoes) a glance over he said "Oh, you must have left your barefoot shoes at home."I was slightly devastated by his one-sided barefoot shoe view and quickly came to my barefoot shoe brand's defense. My "shoes" have zero drop just like Vibrams and are only slightly thicker in the sole (2mm) and slightly heavier (1oz per shoe). In addition, my Vivo Barefoot Neos have absolutely no arch support, whereas some Vibrams have some arch support built in. I am really proud of how far I've come - from motion control running shoes and orthotics to shoes that are more like slippers without any support. This marathon will count as a barefoot marathon!

Solving the nutrition puzzle. In past marathons I have used GU gels, sports beans, and Cliff shot blocks as calorie boosters during the race - usually starting at mile 5 and spaced every 4 miles after that. Unfortunately, my body has NOT liked these options this time around. I think they might be too sugary and I'm not processing them as well. I have also been puzzled about what to eat before the race, as my body has not like the typical toast, fruit, water, and coffee. What should I do? I have found some less sugary options (honey stinger waffles) and may try the suggestion of baked potato sprinkled with some salt or some nuts (almonds). I may just end up winging it and put a variety of options in Renzo's backpack so that I can listen to what my body needs/wants, but if you have suggestions I would love to hear them!

I am ready. I am ready? This always happens. You start training for a race and it seems so far away. You are so focused on putting in the miles and just making it through each day's run that the race day sneaks up on you. Your body is so tired from all the training that you wonder if you've tapered enough and at the right time. As my brother said this past weekend "You've run two 20-mile runs. You can definitely finish a marathon!" And he's right. I've done this 3 times before and I know I can do it again. My goal, as always, is to enjoy the day and have fun. It's not worth it to me to spend 4 months training and then hate the experience - although I know the hill at mile 20-21 will not be fun.

Next time you hear from me I hope to have a marathon finisher's medal around my neck!

Marathon Training Weeks 3-9: All of the above

The past 7 weeks of training can be summed up as "All of the above."

I've run in inches of mud and freezing melted snow puddles, around beautiful lakes with palm trees in Austin, Texas, on winding trails towards the mountains, and through the University of Minnesota campus at dawn.

I've run in shorts, winter running tights, tank tops, layered long-sleeves, and everything in between. Who knew we could go from 80 degrees to 30s and snow to 70 degrees and sun in 4 days?

I've gotten injured, seen a chiropractor (thanks Jenna!), and am now running pain free again.

I got a bad cold, had to take some time off, and missed out on a long run.

My shortest run during the week used to be 3 miles, which turned to 4 miles, and next week turns to 5 miles. I won't see 3 miles again until Memorial Day weekend. And yet, when you slowly increase the miles you surprisingly get used to it (most days).

I had a moment about 2 weeks ago when I ran 15 miles and thought "if this is hard, how in the world am I supposed to run 26.2???"

I had a moment yesterday during an 8 mile workout and thought "man this is easy, bring on the marathon!"

In summary, marathon training is like a roller coaster. Some days you're up, some days you're down. You can't always predict what kind of day it's going to be, but you have to keep telling yourself that there will be good days. You also have to trust your training. My schedule is 2 higher volume weeks, followed by 1 lower volume week. As you are building endurance in the higher volume weeks and trying to move your body to the next level, your body will most likely feel pretty tired. However, if you're able to stick to increasing your distances, the shorter runs become easier, the longer runs start to feel shorter, and the lower volume weeks start to feel like a walk in the park.

I am still running in my barefoot/minimalist shoes and LOVE it. My long run this week is 17 miles - never in a million years did I think that I could go from barefoot walking to 17 miles in barefoot shoes since last May. Knock on wood, in 8.5 weeks I'll have my first barefoot marathon under my belt. Now that will be something to celebrate!

Marathon Training Week 1-2: One foot in front of the other

Starting a marathon training program is thrilling, terrifying, and tiring. I enjoy having a training plan that provides structure to my weekly routine but thinking too far ahead to the 18 and 20 mile runs is daunting. How in the world am I going to get there?

And that's when I have to give myself some ground rules...

1. Be flexible - I won't be able to do my long run every Saturday, so I'll need to do some shifting from time to time. This may cause you to miss a short run every now and then in order to fit in a long run. On the other hand - it might snow like crazy (we got 15-20 inches a week ago) and you might be forced to search out a treadmill. Blah, I'd rather be on trails. It's okay, life and my running will go on.

2. Agree to something doable (and that you'll enjoy) - While training for my second marathon one summer in my hometown I tried running 5 days a week. This training plans required 2 back to back long runs on the weekend. I had all the time in the world to run, but that wasn't the problem. After finishing 8 of the 18 week training schedule I was in tears. I was so exhausted from running that I just wasn't enjoying it anymore. And that's what confirmed for me that running 4 days a week, plus a free fun "exercise" day (walking, biking, Zumba, napping) was ideal. 18 weeks is a long time, so you better learn to love it!


3. Put one foot in front of the other - Once you find a training plan, you have to put in the time. These first 2 weeks for me have been exhausting. The running is pretty easy and I am excited to be training, but my body is just overall tired. My feet are sore from running in my barefoot shoes on concrete this week. I noticed that my right foot isn't as strong as my left, so I try to strengthen muscles and adjust my stride. And then my calves are super sore so I'm adjusting my stride again!


Now which marathon training program to follow...
As a creature of habit, I've always used Hal Higdon as my guide. Hal has contributed articles to Runner's World since 1966, has numerous running accomplishments underneath his belt, and I recently discovered that he went to Carleton College (the rival college of my alma mater). I take liberties with his programs and use them as a framework. This time I am following Intermediate 1. I will run the Tues-Thurs runs, but shift them to Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. I am deleting the Saturday runs and moving the long Sunday runs to Saturday. To be honest, I've never really followed the week day lengths, but I'm really going to try this time. I view this training as the groundwork for my ultra-marathon later this fall - so the goal is to not burn out, not get injured, and build an enjoyable habit.

Update on New Year's Resolutions
Good news - I finished reading 40 books in one year! I don't know if I'll ever reach that goal again, maybe when I retire. The other resolutions are well on their way - I officially signed up for the Steamboat Springs marathon, training has started, and I am researching a 50k for the fall.

World meet my barefoot shoes. Barefoot shoes meet the world.

This introduction is long overdue. World meet my barefoot running shoes - the VivoBarefoot Neo. I have been running in them for the past 2 months and love them so far. They are unique... you can bend them in half, twist them like a towel, and flatten them like a pancake. It's like wearing stylish slippers. I would post a picture of my own shoes but we lost our camera AND went hiking on red dirt trails last weekend, so they have been banished from the public eye until they are thoroughly clean.

So, what questions do you have about these... uh, hem... shoes? I'm going to try reading your mind, but if my telepathic powers are unable to do justice, leave a message below.

Are they warm enough to run in winter?
Yes! The coldest I have run in them is about 25-30 degrees and my feet were sufficiently warm. My neighborhood has super narrow "sidewalks" that are more like extended curbs, so when it's cold that means it is usually icy, non-navigable (side streets are not plowed here in Denver) and I hit the treadmill.

Do your feet get wet easily?
So far, so good. I have run on damp mud and through a few puddles without getting my socks wet. Either the mesh and 4mm rubber sole keep the water out or I have quick foot work.

Do you still feel rocks through them?
I can still feel the ground through these shoes, but they are in between regular shoes (not feeling anything) and barefoot (feel everything). The minimal rubber sole (4mm) cuts the impact enough, but still maintains the barefoot feel with no arch support. I really appreciated having these shoes when I was running over some ice because I felt that I could sense more quickly when it was slippery vs safe.

Why didn't you get those funky Vibram Five Finger shoes?
To be honest, my feet felt claustrophobic when I tried them on. I wear my running shoes so loose most people think they are untied. What can I say - my feet have a free spirit and don't like to be confined. I also wanted barefoot shoes that I also felt comfortable wearing with jeans and I thought these were cute.
I do confess that these shoes are not miracle workers. I was quite sore after an 8 miles run 2 weeks ago - you still have to work and put in the training. Magic doesn't happen overnight - but they do make the ride more enjoyable.

Note:  If you are considering buying these shoes, they come in European sizes and I struggled to find the right fit. I wear an 11.5 Women's in Saucony and the largest VB Neo size in women's (42) was too snug for my taste, so I am running in a Men's 43 (probably a tad too big). If you order online through Zappos you get free shipping for returns - which came in handy for me since you can't find these shoes at your local running store.

New Year's resolutions that I just might keep

I never make New Year's resolutions. For some reason the idea of adding something to my busy schedule or changing my ingrained habits is daunting. Paralyzing. Stressful. So, for the sake of avoiding my negative connotations with a standard New Year's resolution, I am going to phrase my resolutions as goals. Overall, these goals will reduce stress, not cause it, and they might be the first "resolutions" that I actually keep.


Drum roll please.... prepare yourself for a little insanity...


Books - this may be cheating, but I want the time frame for my first goal to be February 2011 - January 2012. I started devouring books when we came back from Africa on February 1, 2011 and I am on such a roll that I want to see how many I can read within 12 months. My goal is 40 and I'm only 3 books away!


Marathon - I have 3 marathons under my belt, but I've never run a marathon in minimalist/barefoot shoes. Steamboat Springs Marathon, June 2012, in minimalist shoes, here I come! I'll document my training wows and woes starting January 30th. 


Ultra marathon - I debated about putting this goal in writing, but I admit that I've always wanted to run an ultra marathon (any distance over the traditional 26.2 miles marathon distance). I'm one of those quirky runners who loves the 20 mile training runs. I did warn you to prepare yourself for a little insanity, right? I'm looking at running a 50k (31 miles) at the end of September 2012. Most running sites suggest running a marathon, recovering a little, and then building back up. The theory is that having a marathon training base underneath you will make the 50k training easier. While marathons (and some ultras) can be competitive speed-wise, the culture around many ultras is to have fun and that it's okay/expected that you will both run and walk. Ultras also tend to be on hilly terrain and partially on trails. I'm excited and terrified all at once!


Barefoot progress
 Here's the recap on goals I set back in July 2011 and their progress.
1. Increase the number of days I run barefoot to 2-3 days per week to build strength in my muscles. I am now running full-time in my minimalist shoes (3-4 days per week) plus walking in them whenever I can. My legs are no longer sore from the new stride; running on my mid/fore foot feels completely normal.
2. Increase my barefoot distance to 6 miles. I am up to 7 miles in my barefoot shoes and getting ready for an 8 miler soon.
3. Find minimalist shoes that I can wear in the winter. I found amazing minimalist shoes that I absolutely love called VivoBarefoot Neo. They are "shoe-like" enough to wear with jeans, and barefoot enough for my running. I'll share more details about the shoes in my next entry.


I can't express enough how much I love barefoot/minimalist running. Looking back at my posts, I never would have guessed that I'd go from walking barefoot to prepping for barefoot marathon training in 8 months. Here's to a new year - one that will be lived to the fullest!