Update on Prairie Steps Coloring book Project (Week 4)

I'm making some pretty good progress on the book.  It feels like it has been several months since I started this project, but I'm actually still in the first month.  I had hoped I'd be close to done by now, but now, looking at all that goes into such a project, and being determined to put out some good quality artwork, I'd say it will probably still take another couple months to make all the art...let alone getting it digitized, edited, formatted, and published.

I'm always so eager to complete a project I'm on because if I don't get it done pretty quickly, I am likely to move on to something else.  I have no intention of giving up on this project, but I have seen that personality trait popping up in the creation of my artwork.  I'm good to get about two pieces done in one particular style before trying something different.  At first I was afraid I had several different coloring books going on at the same time, but now I think a conglomeration of styles combined into one book will work just fine.  That is pretty representative of my personality, so since the book is primarily tied to a blog about my outdoor adventures running, hiking, etc. it seems fitting that it should be a good representation of what is inside my head.

The Trail, My Mistress?

This morning, after a few weeks of not going out much and certainly not training like I intended to, I tried to go for a speed hike.  And it was kind of creepy, but it was like the trail took on a personality...and it was NOT happy with me for some reason.  The snow had melted and the trail was now muddy, so muddy it seemed to be spitting at me.  Then it tried to suck my shoes right off of my feet.  After fighting it awhile, I swear a tree branch reached out and slapped me across the face.  On purpose! 

I began to think about my wife's reference of the trail as my "mistress"  (It calls me early in the morning and says "Come to me, I've been waiting for you."  It attracts me and seduces me with its beauty.  I run away to it for hours at a time for my own personal pleasure... Ok, I'm starting to feel guilty).  I suddenly began to see the trail this morning as a nagging woman who was mad at me for neglecting her for so long.  She was certainly unhappy to see me!  She was refusing to let me have an enjoyable time this morning!  So, I quit.  I decided to go home to my wife (well, right after I wrote this blog post...perhaps writing is yet another mistress...)

In all seriousness though, sometimes the trail does seem to be alive.  When I go for a run or a hike on the trail I like the solitude.  I like to be alone.  But occasionally I get the feeling I am not.  In many ways it is alive if you think about it.  There are little bugs and animals everywhere that have eyes that seem to be watching.  The grass, trees, and plants are actually alive and growing, right?  And they are said to respond to music and noise.   Sometimes I get the feeling the trail is listening to me when I sing.

I deliberately sing and talk to the Lord on the trail sometimes, but I'm not one of those guys that equates God with "Mother Nature."  I believe Nature is simply a system God created.  However, once I seriously pondered the thought that maybe God sees and hears us specifically through the nature He has created, and that in fact He does see us and hear us through the eyes and ears of other people and animals.  Probably just a crazy thought of mine, but perhaps it is something to think about.  Next time you think you are alone but don't feel alone, remember that you actually aren't.  Go ahead and speak.  Let yourself be heard.  And think about Who you are talking to.

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." -Romans 1:20, 21

Episode 2 of "Footprints on the Kansas Trails."

I'm excited to finish compiling enough clips to make another short film.  I mentioned this one briefly in my last post, "Can't Leave Out the Creek Side!" This one took me about three sessions (I lost all clips I took on the second session).  I'm still only using a cellphone and Windows Live Movie Maker, so again I apologize for the quality of the video.  But I'm learning.  And hopefully I will eventually get to the point of purchasing some equipment...we shall see.

In the meantime, I hope this gives a little taste of what this trail is like.

About the music: 

I'm actually still in the process of getting permission to use this song from Southern Raised.  If you end up watching this video with no music, I guess I didn't get permission.  I'm pretty sure they won't mind me sharing their song since I'm not profiting off of it, it promotes their music...and (in this particular song) it really gives the Gospel message.  Either way, I appreciate the song and for some reason felt like it fit.

Thanks for following.

Can't Leave Out the Creek Side!

I was out on the trail this morning, going for a hike.  It's starting to feel like December now.  I didn't originally plan on it, but couldn't help but to take several more shots of the trail in hopes of using some of them to put together episode 2 of "Footprints on the Kansas Trails." Everything was just so peaceful and beautiful this morning, I wanted to try to capture it.

There are so many other Kansas trails I have found in researching for this project, but there is this section of the Lehigh Portland Trail that was not featured in the first video, and I want everyone to be able to see it. It is on the creek side (I think it is Rock Creek) of the trail. It is only about a mile, but I wanted to treat this part of the trail separately.

I'm looking forward to putting this video out, but there will have to be at least one more session before I get all the shots I want to have.  The video quality will still be pretty poor, because I'm still just using my cellphone, but I think it will capture the essence of hiking on this portion of the Lehigh Portland Trails.  It should be obvious why I wanted to treat it separate from the other video.  Keep following to see the progress. Thanks.

Introducing the "Footprints on the Kansas Trails" Project

 

After a long spell of putting this blog on the side burner, I recently made the decision to take it in a different direction.  There is a vision I have had ever since I first changed the name of the blog to "Prairie Steps" about 4 years ago, but I haven't taken any steps toward making the vision a reality...until now.

 

Footprints on the Kansas Trails Project - Film #1 

"Running on the Lehigh Portland Trails"

First, if you don't know me, allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Rocky, I am currently a youth minister/pastor's assistant at Iola Baptist Temple in Iola Kansas.  I run.  But honestly, I don't know if I can really identify as "a runner."  I love the outdoors, I love challenges...I love adventure.  I like running, but I'm just as satisfied with a nice brisk hike through the woods, a canoe trip down a river, or even sleeping under the stars next to the nice, cozy flame of a campfire.  When I do run, I run at my own pace.  I'm not fast.  And I walk when I get tired.

So, it seems like quite a stretch for me to try to inspire anyone to become "a runner."  No one is going to read my blog or watch a video clip of me running in order to pick up pointers on how they can shave time off of their next 5K or half-marathon (I might be able to help a little, simply from experience and reading lots of material on running).  And, even though I enter into ultra distance races because I love the challenge, I can't give much advice on ultramarathons either. 

Mostly, I just like the excuse to get out in nature, get some exercise, suck in all the oxygen off of the evergreens, listen to the rhythm of my footsteps and the singing of the birds.  I like the opportunity to get alone with God, thank Him for His beautiful creation and for the opportunity to serve His Son Jesus with all my heart and all my soul.  And in the process, I like to share it all with others.

That's what this vision is all about.  I want an excuse to see all the trails that are near by, from the most popular trails, to the "best hidden secrets."  I also want to be able to share them with others and encourage everyone to enjoy the benefits of getting out in nature.  So, I began to dream a couple dreams.  Who knows where they will take me, but while I'm waiting to see, let's just have some fun!

For now, I have absolutely no budget for this project.  I can't afford very many days off to make videos and write stories of my adventures. I don't have any equipment except for a few free programs on my computer and a cellphone.  I have nothing by way of sponsors or financial supporters... But as you can see, I'm still able to put a little bit together.  So, I hope you will enjoy it.  Please follow this blog, subscribe to my YouTube page, and like my Facebook page if you are interested in seeing the future of Prairie Steps.  I have a lot of ideas, but I'm up for suggestions and any advice you can offer.

Thanks for reading.  Remember, life is always an adventure.
 

Lehigh Portland Trails--Just What I've Been Looking For!

When it comes to trails I like to train on, I've never asked for much.  I just like a quiet, secluded place in nature with a decent path to run on.  Amazingly, God's "nature" always supplies the beauty of the course, so I would say a relatively small amount of maintenance is actually required for a good running trail (not to overlook the hard work the volunteers put in to working the trails--I know they put in a lot--and I'm very appreciative of it).

Since I've been in Iola (about 5 years), I've looked for just the right place for training, as well as a place to just relax and enjoy God's nature.  The Prairie Spirit trail (as well as the Southwind Trail) provides much of that.  Being a "rail-trail," it gives trail runners a nice flat course to just "put in the miles" in a peaceful environment...but the technically challenging aspect of trail running is admittedly missing from the PST and the SWT. 

A few months ago, however, I heard from a mountain biker about a trail he and some other volunteers had been working on that I might enjoy.  I was eager to find it, but on my first search I had no luck.  I had been waiting to find someone who could direct me there, but since no one I knew seemed to know about it, I decided to look again...and this time I drove right there.  Boy was I pleasantly surprised at what I found!

As of this post, I'm still getting familiar with the course.  I've been on it two times in as many days, and can get a good 4 miles or so in without getting lost, but sometime when I'm feeling a bit more adventurous, I might check out a few of the paths I've missed.

As much as I want to share this gem with others, I have to admit I really hope it doesn't become too popular.  I know it's selfish of me, but I'd hate for it to lose its feel of being this "little hidden treasure" in the middle of small town Kansas.  Kansas has some great trails, but this one is only a few miles from my house, and it is just what I've been waiting for to bump up my ultra training.

There will certainly be future posts about this trail, but for now, I'll just share a few pictures I took with my phone (sorry about the poor quality) to give you a feel of the course.

Starting from the east trail head, a wide (maybe 12'), gravel trail becomes a single-track path into the woods.

Guess which direction I chose?!

Both times I've been out there I have decided to run instead of hike, so I've missed a lot of scenery due to watching the trail closely so as not to trip over any obstacles.  But there is even beauty in the little things on the trail...like this mushroom.

It is hard to show the incline or level of difficulty in a picture, but there are some fairly challenging hills.

My running companion...because I'm just about that slow!

I've never really mountain biked, but this looks very rough for a bike... I think I prefer to stay on my feet!

I'm not even quite sure where this is, but this was my turn-around point on one of the trails.

I love fall foliage on soft dirt.  As long as it isn't hiding any dangerous rocks, roots, or holes, it provides a pretty soft path for your feet.

there is this one little bridge crossing I thought was pretty nice.

I vote that they never mow this!  It is a nice addition to the course, in my opinion, to have to run through this tall grass.

For part of the trail, you run along this river (or creek, or whatever it is).  This was one of the few brief glimpses I got of how beautiful the trail actually is.

 So there you have it!  If you like to run, hike, or mountain bike, you should give this one a try.  If you go today, you probably won't have problems with spiders and cobwebs.  I think I cleared every one of them out with my face!  You're welcome.

A Couple Days Of Rekindling My Running Flame

 

Day 1.  I knew I was out of shape, but what a better time to start pushing myself to get back in shape than our trip to Oklahoma City.  There, I have some running spots that sort of "started it all" for me.  When I first got into running seriously, I discovered Bluff Creek Trails behind Hefner Lake.  This is where I ran my first trail run.  It was a 12K (twice around the trail).  After that, I was hooked.

So, on a recent trip we took for a preaching conference.  I decided I would at least get one run/hike around Bluff Creek.  I did, and I thouroughly enjoyed every minute of it (even though it paid it's toll on my lazy lungs and leg muscles.  It took me way longer than it should have, but I made it around and was very satisfied!

Day2.  The next day I was feeling pretty good.  3.5 miles of pretty technical trails hadn't really done any damage.  So, I was ready to hit my second favorite run--Hefner Lake.  I suspected I would feel this one, simply because it is 9.5 miles.  I have hardly had a 9.5 mile week in the last couple months, let alone a 9.5 mile day after running Bluff Creek the day before.  Nevertheless, I went for it.  I had about 20 oz. of water to drink (got me through about 7 miles before I ran out), and so I laced up my truck key to my shoe laces, grabbed my bottle, and headed off into to sun.  It was a nice enough day, I half way suspected a little burn on my face, but I didn't burn...well, my face didn't, but my legs were sure burning at the end.  I took it slow, but like I said, "Out. Of. Shape!"

Over all, I didn't need much recovery for my legs, and so I suspect I'm ready to up the mileage to about 20 per week for a while.  I'm not sure when my next ultra will be (it might not even be an official ultra), but I'm ready to get "ultra fit" again!

PST-50 Race Update

Well, I finished.  That is what ultras are all about, finishing.  Of course I had to keep reminding myself that as I watched people much older than me pass by.  It is amazing the condition some of these guys are in...well into their sixties and seventies I might add.  And I can't leave out the ladies. Plenty of female runners passed by, too.  And to think, there was a day when women didn't run in any organized foot races.

I kept asking myself, "Should I be going faster?" and then saying, "Remember your training.  You trained to run slow and take walk breaks." Then I would remind myself, "You have two metal plates in your leg and sixteen screws...the doctor didn't even think you would run again.  Just finish!"  Quite honestly, I really wasn't sure how I would hold up, so it was quite an honor just to be able to finish.

But it gets better.  Around the half way point, the predicted (and dreaded) storm came in...apparently even worse than anyone expected.  In fact, the only preparation I had made for the storm was to bring a wind breaker to put over my fleece pullover if it got windy or started to sprinkle.  How could I know I would be pelted in the face by sleet coming at me sideways?  And don't forget it was supposed to be Spring. 

My face froze and went numb.  Soon the sleet turned into giant flakes of snow that were accumulating quickly.  At one point, I felt like I had a brain freeze.  I started thinking I should have worn a hat.  Then I felt my head, and there was a hat there...of sorts.  It was about an inch of snow that had accumulated on top of my hair (thus the brain freeze).

I guess the snow did provide some positives, however.  The landing was a bit softer on my Planters Fasciitis I had acquired a week or two earlier.  My feet and toes were numb so I couldn't feel the usual pain that comes in that region after twenty five miles or so (okay, I felt it plenty, but maybe it would have been worse if had not been for the snow!)

I have got to say, it was pretty terrible to run in when you got to pavement.  Immediately my feet were drenched and soggy in the slushy snow.  Every time I lifted my feet out of the slush, my hip flexors were yelling "Mommy!"  But anyway...

My mind really went to the fact that I was originally going to try the 100-miler.  Many of these guys would still be running ten hours or so after I finished.  By the way, after I finished the snow really started coming down.  On my way home, I could see little lights bobbing up and down in the snowy darkness as the brave runners pressed on.  As it turns out, only five of the sixty 100-milers finished before their race was called off.  I guess there was six, but it turns out one of them was disqualified (I don't know enough details to speak about that situation).

This was my first ultra with Epic Ultras. I will tell you right now, if you are an ultra runner or interested in your first ultra marathon, Eric Steele and his crew have got what it takes to make your experience...well, epic.  Perhaps that is an overused word, but it actually fits here.  One definition of the word "epic" is simply "Extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope."  Well, by that definition, all ultras are epic, and Epic Ultras goes beyond the ordinary in other ways.

Everything that I saw in this race was very well thought out and organized.  Each worker at the aid stations were very helpful and polite.  All provisions seemed to have been made.  I only apologize that I couldn't think clearly enough to communicate well with the workers, but they did a good job interpreting my frozen tongue language.  I hope they understood that I was thanking them profusely for being there.

I plan on being back next year for the 100...and perhaps I won't be able to make it that long before I find myself signing up for another grueling ultra...but let's make it a warm one this time, without the snow!

Running with a pebble in your shoe

One of the first things I realized when I started running on the Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail is that the limestone grading, though it may be comfortable to run on, causes one little dilemma--pebbles in the shoe! One little pebble can be irritating on so many levels. If it is the right shape or size, it feels like it is stabbing you. You begin running kind of goofily (if that is a word). Shaking your foot every couple steps to re-adjust the pebble.

Even if you try to ignore it in hopes that it will work its own way to the front of your shoe and no longer be a problem (which it usually does), it can cause you to totally lose focus as you begin to concentrate on the little booger. If you are running for time, you certainly don't want to stop and dump out your shoe, put it back on, and re-lace it.

I suppose that if you try to ignore it, and it ends up in the right place, it can cause some blistering or some sort of rash or something. Some runner's feet are more sensitive than others, and it may depend on how long you are running, but suffice it to say, pebbles can be annoying.

Personally, I usually don't mess with it. If anything, I will come to a good resting point, dump out my shoe, take a drink of water, and keep on going. If it were really a problem I would wear some gaiters (I have a really flashy pair that is red with black Zebra stripes...one reason I don't ever mess with them).

In our lives, we have lots of "pebbles" that work their way into our shoes, so to speak. Be it a coworker or family member who has done us wrong, a minor ailment that keeps getting the best of us, a financial hardship, or any number of situations that cause us a little irritation and threaten our great mission in life.

Here are some things to ask yourself when you notice one of those little rascally pebbles has finagled their way into your shoe:

1. How serious is it?

If it is not causing great pain and you don't think it is going to keep you from reaching your goal, you might not want to worry about it. So often we get distracted and let little situations get the best of us instead of just letting them go. Yet, obviously there are times when something must be done, no matter how much it slows you down or sets you back, in order to make sure we can keep going later on down the road. You need to analyze each pebble before you act on it.

2. What are you running for?

If I am out leisurely jogging and have no time restraints, you better believe I'm removing the pebble. I've got plenty of time, and I want to enjoy the run. This is true in life, too. There are certain points in our lives where it is perfectly reasonable to slow down a little and focus on enjoying the things in our life. It is important to enjoy our family, and sometimes this requires that we remove anything that interferes with that. But this doesn't exclude us from having goals and responsibilities. Eventually you are going to have to go all out and accomplish something. During those times, the little things need not distract you.

3. How sensitive are you?

Perhaps you are the type that should just go ahead and put on some gaiters because every little pebble is a huge ordeal. I personally don't like the idea of babying myself. I like the idea of running barefoot every once in a while, enduring some pain, and making myself tougher. Have you ever noticed that the picky eater always gets the wrong order, the germaphobe who sprays everything with Lysol and washes 92 times a day is always sick, sniffing and coughing. I enjoy food that everyone else thinks is nasty--I guess it started as a kid when I was taught to go ahead and eat everything on my plate. I have a great immune system--maybe it's because I don't obsess about dirt and have even been known to pick up food that dropped on the floor and eat it. And I don't worry about pebbles--perhaps I've endured blisters and cuts long enough to have developed calloused feet.

I hope you can make the application here. Pebbles in the shoes can truly be a problem for runners, and little situations can definitely affect our lives. I just want to encourage everyone to consider the little things and decide if they are really worth us getting all bent out of shape or not.

Bluff Creek Trail

This time of year, when things begin to freeze, I often think back to the start of my "running addiction." After I signed up for this particular race, The first Sooner State Winter Trail Run (a 12k trail run at the time) I began running on the trail quite a bit, although the race would have us running the course twice, and before then, I had never ran it more than once.



The area has changed a lot over the years, but still remains largely the same on the trail itself. They have added a large parking area, a bridge, a paved trail, and much more since then, but if you get out there on the trails you forget all that. The hills are still hills, the roots (stubbed my toes and/or tripped on those many times) still look like roots, the pine trees still smell like pine trees, the squirrels, birds...and snakes still scurry around you; and if you are lucky, you will still see a deer or two.

But after signing up for the race, it was getting cold, and I began to realize I would be running in the coldest part of the year. The beginning of February is usually snowy, icy, or just miserably cold in Oklahoma. This is why, on race day (which was almost cancelled due to the ice and snow on the trail) only the hard core and down right "nuts" showed up to run. It was then that I was first introduced to the world of totally insane athletes...which I was soon to become.

While some stayed in their cars with the heaters on before the race began, others stretched and jumped around to stay warm. Others even ran on part of the trail to stay loose. Whereas I remained outside in order to warn my body of the torture it was about to experience, I wasn't about to go running around. I was concerned about even being able to finish 12k on these hills and in these conditions, so why add anymore distance than I had to?

Long story short, I made it 12k that day. I didn't have an impressive time (finished somewhere in the middle), but to me this was a huge accomplishment. It got me looking ahead. I was ready to try a half marathon (more on this later).

A little discouraged, but not hanging my head yet

This week has not been good for the hiking/jogging. I'm not sure I can blame the weather anymore; I just don't think my leg is quite there yet. There is just no "normal" about this kind of injury; some recover fine, and some don't. I was hoping for the former, but apparently I am not Superman. That is okay, I am determined to keep giving it a try. For now, I will have to cut my hikes back to an hour because, after that, I really start feeling it. But the trail is so relaxing and it really feels good to be out there. Perhaps I will give the biking a try for a while, I just haven't been too motivated for that. I would much rather hike (or, more preferably, RUN).