A Local Gem
The Big K has generously opened up their 2500 acre ranch-resort for me to train on. There are not many public trails near here, but I now have multiple new routes available on gravel and equestrian trails less than 10 minutes from home. It is just the kind of terrain I need to train for trail races, and you can't beat the views!
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| From the top of the BigK- Views can be a little distracting on a run :) |
I've known this family for over 13 years and they are the "real deal"- Good people, ready to show their guests how to have a great time. You can check them out on Facebook, Twitter @BigKRanch or Youtube.
My hope is to see The Big K host some trail races on their panoramic piece of Southwest Oregon.
Fuel, Baby!!!
A year ago, when I learned about the link between nutrition and recovery (You can read the post HERE), I decided to get serious about fueling. This year I will be racing as a member of the HoneyStinger "Hive".
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| Sorry it's a little blurry. It was the best I could do with my 35$ camera :) |
If you haven't tried them, HoneyStinger products are fantastic! I am blessed to be able to use their healthy, natural, training and racing fuels. So far I am in LOVE with the Dark Chocolate Mocha Cherry Pro bars and will have to hide them from myself! They are that good.
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Training updates
As I have mentioned earlier, I am preparing to run my first 50K trail race. I have gone back and forth about which race to do, and finally settled on one in mid- February. It looked as though I would be ready for the distance, (if not at any tremendous speed), but there have recently been a few bumps in the road. In search of freedom, I left the rules a bit behind and now have to let my body absorb some of it. :)
Rescheduling for later in the year might be the best option for me and my family, but I am looking forward to it- whenever the timing is right. God has a plan for me that is best. I need to trust Him and not be too eager to take over. This verse will be in my heart for a few weeks
Psalm 127:1
Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
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Giveaway
If you missed it and still would like a chance to win a pair of YaktraxRun traction devices, now is your chance!
Yaktrax is offering another pair to one lucky reader, along with Granger's waterproof spray and a box of LittleHotties hand warmers.
Contest rules:
Required: Just leave me a comment here that you want to win!
- You can earn an extra contest entry by posting this to Facebook and leaving separate comment here,
- Tweeting something like this to me: @Raina_runs is giving away @yaktrax on her blog > bit.ly/X20xjT I hope I win! Leave a separate comment here telling me you tweeted. (so I don't forget to count your entry!)
Best wishes!!
That place looks lovely. I might have to contact them about a camping trip or something with my girls this summer.
ReplyDeleteOh, and sign me up for the giveaway, you never know when it might turn icy in the PNW. ;-)
You are signed up! Yes, I bet you and the girls would love a trip there this summer :)
DeleteOh wow! Congratulations Raina!! You've worked hard and are being rewarded right! Trust me, the nutritional sponsorship is like gold!
ReplyDeleteThat is fantastic! Looks like you'll have amazing routes to train on. I love HoneyStingers but battle to find them here. God is doing great things with me at the moment and it is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThat ranch looks beautiful and I love Honey Stinger products. I just discovered them last year.
ReplyDeleteSign me up for the giveaway too!
Big K is beautiful! Congrats on becoming a member of the Honey Stinger "Hive"!
ReplyDeleteYay for a beautiful place to run,I think it really helps the miles fly by. I want to win btw.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! This is awesome and well deserved! Excited about he 50K whenever you decide to do it.
ReplyDeleteThanks AM :)
DeleteGreat post. Lucky you are.
ReplyDeleteRomans 12:12. Peace and Godspeed
The ranch is STUNNING! Lucky you to run there! I've got a frozen (very ic snowy) race this weekend. Wish I had Yaktrax right now!
ReplyDeleteOh Raina! I am in awe of the landscape. Completely jealous! Wish there was scenery like that out here in the Chicago burbs, but the closest I'd get to that right now would be paved paths tucked alongside roads. How incredible to be able to train in a space where you can feel and see God every step of the way. I had no idea you were doing a 50k trail race! That is incredibly awesome! May he be alongside you at each and every mile!
ReplyDeleteThanks Britt! If you ever come out this way, you'll have to visit and run a bit of God's country with me.
DeleteCongrats on your new sponsorships! Big K looks like a gorgeous place to run and I really love the Honey Stinger products. Good luck with your training! (Also, no need to include me in your giveaway--I got Yaktrax for Christmas. :))
ReplyDeleteCool that you got some for Christmas! I hope you are enjoying the yaktrax :)
DeleteYay for two new sponsors! I have a friend battling to run in snowy conditions and would really love to win those Yaktrax for her :) !
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being part of the Hive!! I love the Waffle, my favorite are lemon and strawberry
ReplyDeleteGood luck finding your 50k, I see too many times, racers putting the race first, family second, it is really refreshing to see the other way around
I sorta like my Yaktrax, they feel weird on my feet, but in Ohio, an necessity, I didnt know about the waterproof spray.
Blogging has really opened my eyes to how rough some parts of the country have it in the winter! Spring has to be right around the corner, right?
DeleteThat view is amazing! And so cool about being in the "Hive". I'm not necessarily fond of the idea of trail races (unless they're very non-technical), but do love the idea of mountain races (assuming you only have to run up and not down)...not sure why. That was random! Anyway, congrats!
ReplyDeleteHa. That's funny, Katie. I can guarantee an uphill race if you want to use two rigs- or walk back down! That photo is from the top, but one run goes from higher than that down to the river and along it..and then you can go back up again. :)
DeleteMid February? As in a couple of weeks?! Wow, Exciting! Which race did you settle for????
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky to have such a beautiful area to train. Big K looks awesome. You will have to take lots of pictures from your runs there.
I have used Honey Stingers religiously for the last year. I was excited to finally find something that didn't upset my stomach. Fruit smoothie is my favorite flavor. I like how the chews are moist and don't gum up my mouth.
Not sure I am settled just yet. :) Having a little trouble nailing things down...but it is still a goal. Feb might still be as well- just have to see how things are next week.
DeleteThanks for telling me your favorites! I haven't tried the fruit smoothie ones.
I love the Honey Stinger waffles. A half of one before an early morning run is perfect or a full one before a longish Saturday run. They do need to loose the Lance Armstrong endorsement on the package though. Ha. I'll have to try the gels again when my current stash runs out.
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny! I didn't even notice it was Lance!
DeleteThat place looks absolutely lovely! I've yet to try honey stingers, but I've heard great things. I'm going to try to get into the McKenzie River Trail Run. It's September 7th and registration opens up April 1st. (If it fills, they go to a lottery.) It's supposed to be a good one... if you're looking for an early fall race.
ReplyDeleteAlso, please sign me up for the giveaway... I visit my parents enough in the winter that I'd get some good use out of them. Thanks!
You are signed up :)
DeleteI have heard that McKenzie River trail run is great...and gets full. I will certainly chew on that a bit. Running in a race with you again would be fun, Laurie!
I'm with Tricia on Honey Stinger needing to get Lance Armstrong off the packaging....they should put YOU on instead! :^)
ReplyDeleteThat ranch is beautiful, and so green. Everything here is BROWN. Congratulations, Raina! Enjoy those trails!
Yeah, I don't think they are quite ready to replace Lance with ME yet. haha. ;)
DeleteWhat a beautiful place to run! BTW, I am a big fan of Honey Stingers!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing place to train....so lucky! Congrats on running with Honey Stingers. My hubby loves to use them when biking.
ReplyDeleteVery very cool about your new stomping grounds and Honey Stinger sponsorship!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your training...so excited for your 50k adventure!
Oh, and I'd LOVE to win the yak trax!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your sponsors! A trail 50K sounds fun! Someday....
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win a pair of Yaktrax, thanks for the opportunity! Still cold, wet and slippery here so they would come in handy.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted a link: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/299226878563213312
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new sponsors! That is great Raina!! The trails look awesome. I think the 50k is going to be an amazing race for you. Sorry about the bumps in the road, and praying things will smooth out for you. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your prayers, Erin. They are greatly appreciated.
DeleteSuch exciting news, Raina! I love Honey Stinger, too. And the trails sound perfect- so gorgeous! Love that verse, too... it's one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love that you have access to that enormous ranch with trails to run on! And so close to home, too.
ReplyDeleteI tried Honey Stinger gels for the first time a couple of weeks ago during a long run and they worked great -- they caused no stomach issues at all and provided a burst of energy. I need to buy some more and try out more flavors, too.
I'm excited for you to tackle a 50k. That is on my bucket list...along with possibly a 50 mile race, too. But that one is not a near-term goal. I think I'll wait until the kiddos are a little older and I can get my training miles in easier. :)
Glad to hear you also like the stinger gels :) I love banana (which surprised me!). Training with young kids is hard to balance. I like your long term goals!
DeleteI have always wanted to try honey stinger! And I would love a pair of yaktrax, I'm sick of winter and running indoors!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous place!!
ReplyDeleteI love Honey stingers. Thanks for the chance to win!
Love, love, LOVE the way that ranch looks. Yes, God will lead you to the best decision regarding the 50K.
ReplyDeleteAfter some icy morning runs this winter, I would love to win the yaktrax. I've heard good things about them but have been afraid to pull the trigger and buy them. :)
Thanks for that thought Jen. I trust He knows what's best. I just need to listen!
Delete'Sadly' don't need the Yaktrax to break through 1cm of frost on our coldest -10C days ;)
ReplyDeleteWhen I see that photo of Big K I'm always thinking you could put in a nice grass cross country course there. I guess if you're running in shooting season you'd wear a flouro vest? Have Canadian friends who never run without them.
Ah, yes. I make sure I am not running through anyone's hunt or rifle practice. Always in a bright hat or arm warmers...could use a new vest, though!
DeleteI saw somewhere that you got the Honey Stinger gig - that is awesome!!! I like their products (aside from the gel, but I can't stomach ANY gels)...the chews are like gummy candy - yum!
ReplyDeleteSorry the February race didn't pan out but there's a race out there waiting for you when the time is right...and in the mean time, what a gorgeous new place you'll get to train on. So cool!!
Awesome you have some new, scenic running routes! Now you'll need to run with a camera :-)
ReplyDeleteLove honey stinger waffles. Haven't tried their other products yet.
I would like to win the yaktrax.
fantastic news about the sponsor! I love the honey waffle. it is what I carry on the long run and half marathon to eat/ easy on the stomach. I did not know they had bars as well..will look for them
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to train - Big K. And the view - Wow. I would be there everyday. Good luck with the 50K and have fun out there.
ReplyDeleteWOW. I wish I had a place like that to run!!
ReplyDeleteGreat place to run, the view is fantastic. 50k trail: an epic adventure, good luck.
ReplyDeleteWow, the BigK ranch is beautiful! That view!! Looks like a perfect place to run and relax.
ReplyDelete50km trail - nice!
ReplyDeleteI haven't had the chance to try Stingers, but I've heard good things. Best of luck with the training, and I'm glad you've got some more options with Big K!
I would love to win these! My goal for 2013 is to compete in 5 5Ks. I am working at becoming more fit and these would be great at helping me achieve that goal.
ReplyDeleteSign me up for the giveaway! and I am LOVING LOVING LOVING my Brooks, by the way. I am so glad I read your post and took the plunge. I truly am running happy.
ReplyDeleteAwesome on the ranch sponsor, looks like a great place to run! Hopefully a race is held there sometime?
ReplyDeleteYea, like I said in my post - the sun is no joke there, and after reading about the hole in the ozone layer, it is not just my imagination that the sun is more powerful there. I've been in Coachella by Palm Springs at that music festival in 100 degree heat, and Melbourne in 100 degree heat makes Coachella feel like 80 degrees or something.
Soak in your running. I am still looking for a place as inspiring as you have found.
ReplyDelete@Good4Hearts.