tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103214192012-02-13T09:37:36.129-05:00Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.comBlogger581100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-36235101907967386932011-07-20T07:15:00.002-05:002011-07-20T07:17:22.328-05:00

Yesterday I was at Umstead State Park for the mid-week longer run. The park was fairly empty on a weekday evening. The summer heat was a little stuffy but the overcast sky offered some relief from the 90+  F temperature. Not too bad. Off I bounded onto the bridle trails with all the luxuries of my smart phone playing music and recording the miles by GPS. I felt pretty good considering the

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-61054063945665582132011-06-25T17:46:00.028-05:002011-08-07T18:06:39.358-05:00

mile 4 My knee has been bugging me for the last couple of weeks. I’ve pondered on different reasons for the pain and tightness, maybe recurring IT band problems,  new shoes, road running and/or all of the above. Of course the problem would flare up right before a race. At any rate, I was not sure if I could run the Boogie 50 mile or even 10 miles at this point and was frustrated as to what

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-45313233038570993352010-12-04T19:37:00.000-05:002010-12-04T19:37:23.499-05:00

Well, Slacker that I am, I have many reports to share of the year's adventures. From the many NC races, Florida's Gasparilla Challenge to Juneau, Alaska's Frank Maier Marathon,  a bonus adventure in Italy... I plan on sharing the miles and kilometers of them all! Previews of things to come before 2010's end: First to catch up with Grandfather Mountain Marathon in July 2010. (Every year is the

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-17981403984349300952010-10-30T17:43:00.004-05:002011-05-30T08:04:34.837-05:00

View from Riva Shortly after returning from an amazing trip to Juneau, Alaska, my friend Margo asked if I had an interest in a marathon in Italy in October called the International Lake Garda Marathon. I have never been out of the United States and just returned from the trip to Alaska. I could not imagine visiting another country !! With some convincing from my husband (are you kidding? a

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-48832447099665144382010-09-26T22:41:00.001-05:002010-12-29T22:44:03.222-05:00

Nestled in Rockingham, NC, Hinson Lake City Park offers a pleasant lake view all around with a path covering over a mile around the lake. What better spot to hold a 24 hour run. The landscape and locals are supportive and down home cool. Tom Gabell along with his family and friends put on this event I prefer to call a family reunion.  So many familiar faces that I see all year long at races and

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-4065702342765097472010-08-28T20:59:00.001-05:002010-12-28T21:06:55.000-05:00

Last year’s Medoc Meltdown resulted in a half melt for me. I was hot, tired and injured and went home before the real fun of summer thunder storms started. Those who finished were and continue to be amazing athletes in my book. They kept on going despite the pouring down rain and threat of lightening. The Meltdown is a fat ass 50K run organized with permission from Medoc Mountain State Park

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-72441953648792629842010-08-07T16:58:00.000-05:002010-09-19T18:54:53.651-05:00

View from Mt. Roberts:Sandy Beach & Savikko Park on left/ right side is Juneau Juneau, Alaska July 31st, 2010 History- I found an article in the local paper, the Juneau Empire, along with a write up from the race web site sharing the history of the Juneau Marathon. This race is the only marathon local runner Frank Maier  cared a damn about. His widow, Judith, said that Frank always felt that

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-38318542160976094042010-08-01T22:52:00.001-05:002010-08-01T22:58:59.919-05:00

Photos here

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-43844178313841491142010-07-23T04:59:00.000-05:002010-07-23T04:59:41.897-05:00

This year I managed to convince myself that the Bear Run would be the best way to view the landscape from the top of Grandfather Mountain a couple of days before the marathon. I had visited the mountain years ago and couldn't think of a better way to get to the top. The run is only 5 miles, how bad could it be? The Bear Run starts in Linville, NC. The course goes through the HIghland Games and

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-49858269015945222662010-07-18T18:52:00.000-05:002010-07-18T18:52:11.054-05:00

Still pondering on a race report or two Finally posted photos

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-28530540134510306062010-07-16T05:15:00.000-05:002010-07-16T05:16:12.022-05:00

A view from the Bear Challenge near the top of Grandfather Mountain. Race Report soon!

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-68382979557768760042010-07-11T18:15:00.066-05:002010-12-26T18:35:14.423-05:00

The annual ritual of the Grandfather Mountain Marathon is a habit that’s hard to break. Each year I proclaim it’s the last year but end up back at the start line on the ASU track.  The course is a beautiful tour of back country roads beginning at Kidd Brewer Stadium at Appalachian State University to McRae Meadows, with Grandfather Mountain overlooking the Highland Games. The course offers

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-67402645873323741102010-07-05T15:09:00.001-05:002010-07-05T15:12:58.925-05:00

The Bethel Hill Moonlight Boogie race is composed of a repeated 10 mile loop of hilly country roads complete with the great outdoor companions of NC bugs, snakes and late night wildlife sounds of the evening; not to mention the locals traveling through the area. The course is tough even without the influences of June weather- consisting of a warm and juicy atmosphere with the threat of late

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-40604487122493966422010-04-29T06:11:00.003-05:002010-04-30T06:07:30.899-05:00

This journey started at the Gator Trail as several ultra running friends discussed how much they liked the run. The race starts early so camping is advised. Camping? No problem- sleep in your car! I rolled this idea around for a bit then found myself on the entrant list receiving e-mail updates from race director, David Horton or  one of his students, in regards to race details. Worrying about

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-91503336544857032362010-04-27T19:01:00.000-05:002010-04-27T19:01:46.134-05:00

This year I am planning on attempting the Boogie 50 mile Run in June. I am excited and realize this is quite a challenge I have decided to attempt. I was feeling pretty pumped up about my next adventure until my friend Rhonda sent an e-mail about an ultra athlete running 50 miles in 50 states for charity. Here's the scoop: From April 19th to June 19th, 2010, Lisa Smith Batchen, one of the

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-38034009249241164862010-03-28T08:55:00.001-05:002010-03-28T09:19:46.716-05:00

Once again I found myself lured to my "first marathon" distance event. Lake Waccamaw State Park is the location for the Gator Trail 50K directed by Grant and Donna Egley.  The trail is mainly flat,  with sand, pine straw and many roots to kick around. 6 loops covers the entire 50K ending with the final half mile on a long boardwalk and through the parking area. This year I stayed with my aunt

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-6784805982527902822010-03-11T19:11:00.002-05:002010-04-11T19:21:33.415-05:00

Less than one week following the Gasparilla Challenge, I was preparing for the traditional run of the Umstead Marathon. This marathon is local for me at Umstead State Park in Raleigh, NC. I have run this marathon every year but the first year and it either eats me alive or I thrive and conquer. The marathon is a wonderfully organized race by the Carolina Godiva Track Club with great sponsors,

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-8745317369786666802010-03-03T17:20:00.000-05:002010-04-11T19:13:35.640-05:00

Spring is on the way! I'm out of hibernation and enjoying some warmer temperatures. The cold winter is soon to be over. Despite the ongoing weekly storms and bone chilling temperatures, training for my February marathon is complete and the next round of training can begin. Stories to follow. Since tackling the Medoc Marathon in October, I ran the Dash-for-Cash 10 miler in Greenville, NC in

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-56794146273581086442009-10-18T13:05:00.001-05:002009-10-18T13:23:35.259-05:00

Medoc Mountain State Park is nestled away northeast of Raleigh. The park offers camping, canoeing, fishing, and hiking trails with a lovely creek accenting the park, providing a delightful landscape getaway. The Medoc Mountain Trail run is 2 races, a marathon and 10 miler with a 350 person cap. The marathon route consists of 3 figure eight type loops- one part about 6 miles and the other

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-65644709346909323402009-08-23T11:00:00.007-05:002009-08-23T12:04:55.617-05:00

State Parks are a delight to visit and appreciate. We are fortunate to have Umstead State Park so close to Raleigh along with Falls Lake, Eno River, Jordan Lake, Raven Rock and Medoc Mountain. Each weekend hundreds of runners, bikers, and hikers visit the parks to enjoy the great outdoors.This weekend, I decided to visit Medoc Mountain State Park. The Medoc Meltdown 50K is a Fat Ass run (that

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-44340260577171827652009-08-23T10:30:00.000-05:002009-08-23T13:25:57.280-05:00

Well hello there!It's been a while since touching base with the rambling blog. Nice to be back after a long hiatus.After early 2009 proved to be less than inspiring and more like frustrating, I buckled down and decided that training was in order. The Umstead Marathon back in March was the defining moment. 15 second shy of the 15th lady finisher, I had wallowed long enough as the "show up and run"

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-80098919520664803342009-02-21T17:41:00.006-05:002009-03-01T03:47:54.677-05:00

Coach Bubba 20K & 4 miler runDurham, NCStarted the day this morning late- woke up late and realized I had little diva time to prepare for the morning run. The drive to Durham was an hour and if the run is under a marathon, surprisingly, I really don’t think about it much. Despite all that, I was rushed to meet a few diva demands and arrive 45 minutes early instead of an hour early.Today, little

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-32697551955814666032009-02-07T19:48:00.003-05:002009-03-16T05:28:40.874-05:00

Uwharrie Mountain Run 2009Thoughts and notesMy promise to Alan- run the 20 miler and stick together- that was the deal we made as we signed up for the 2009 run way back in November. No 40 miler for me this year, something different, something a lot less grueling. Alan had supported me for the Umstead 100 and the Hinson Lake 24 hour run. It was time to return the favor. The Uwharrie Trail Run is

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-88582820767995519472009-01-03T22:05:00.002-05:002009-02-22T19:37:43.011-05:00

First Ultra for Many at Frosty Fifty 50KIt's that time of year, the new year, to start with the annual Frosty Fifty 50K. After completing the Carrboro 50K a few days before, I headed into this run without a race goal in mind.I arrived at the start a bit earlier than usual. Seems the commute from Raleigh to Winston-Salem is shorter than remembered. My friend Rhonda and I huddled in her car to stay

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-39293827392374088342009-01-03T21:19:00.002-05:002009-01-04T15:24:27.685-05:00

The morning was interesting. Temperatures at my home were comfortable but cool and the weather was foggy. I loaded the car to head an hour northwest to Carrboro to return after several years away to the Carrboro 50K. Since Scott Brockmeier left to pursue his next big adventure several years ago, I had not made it to the event. This year I wanted to go and hopefully bring Crystal and Lori with me

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-56050239365759369602008-12-07T08:27:00.000-05:002009-01-20T10:23:14.468-05:00

Tears of Terror to Smiles of SkiingTime to hop back on the horse so to speak, after my last experience skiing. Only 20 years earlier I had tried the sport and disliked the cold wet fast frustrating time. I prefer running as you might of noticed but the time had come to return to the slopes and make peace.For my husband’s upcoming 40th birthday, he would like to go to Utah to snowboard, I was

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-82102011915325391392008-09-28T20:35:00.004-05:002009-01-20T10:33:47.950-05:00

Along with the fact that Tom Gabell’s 24 hour run would be on my birthday weekend, a couple of good friends would also be at this event on their debut for their first official ultra runs. Alan, who ran/ walked 37 miles with me at the Umstead 100 miler and Lori who was ready to give the ultra the 31 mile try.My husband wanted to make sure I had a place to stay before hand and reserved a room at

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-78946494648951249332008-07-22T21:23:00.001-05:002008-11-23T12:07:03.630-05:00

back to warm and humid Julythe Beaufort 5k , 10k and 1 mile runphoto of Heidi Tucker and Kimberlie FowlerSo after a different kind of marathon finish, tradition has been to travel to the NC coast to run a hot and flat 10 or 5 K. I had signed up for the 10k for some crazy reason and didn’t know what to expect. I didn’ t have a good feeling about this run since I was still weezy and recovering from

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-25470513410761369762008-07-15T19:42:00.004-05:002008-11-23T12:23:42.862-05:00

Have a good run!Famous last words as I headed to Boone for the Grandfather Mountain Marathon. Defining a good run for this 26.2 would end up describing a whole new kind of good.For the last week or so before the marathon I had strugged against a weird summer virus and managed to lose a lot of steam and power while working through the symptoms. None the less, I could not keep myself away from the

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-33231344189147783122008-06-20T06:02:00.001-05:002008-09-20T07:24:53.259-05:00

Boogie once again- a smarter raceJune brings all sorts of things. Summer, lots of sunlight and the Boogie Marathon and 50 mile Run. I couldn’t resist signing up and fighting the hills of Ellerbe for another 26.2 mile workout. Although I didn’t prepare for the event, I was none the less looking forward to seeing good friends as we all arrived for the Evening Boogie. The Boogie is a marathon and a

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-76520828396170449072008-03-30T20:38:00.001-05:002008-05-22T20:39:52.030-05:00

And then the next dayAfter a day at Lake Waccamaw, I gave back by volunteering for the Raleigh Inside-Out Half Marathon and 10K. I had run that race before in the rain, in the cold. The course is and out and back, hilly and on roads, greenway and part of the Umstead bridle trail. Runners could sure use some help as NCRC Volunteer Coordinator requested some assistance. I was there with Alan and

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-81446866651061274952008-03-29T20:19:00.004-05:002008-11-23T12:25:23.896-05:00

How exciting to return to the Gator Trail at Lake Waccamaw! This was my first long run- 2 years before I ran a marathon back in 1999. The Gator Trail showed me that I could accomplish the distance. I was excited to be back to the loops at the Lake Waccamaw State Park, to see Grant and Donna Egley, hosts to the run, and friends Herb and Laling.I was awake way to early on Saturday morning in order

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-32019476477076025712008-03-12T19:47:00.000-05:002008-05-22T20:40:57.262-05:00

March 8th 2008a few days before the Umstead Marathon, our old dog was too sick to move on, we took him to the vet to say good bye. Never a good time but much needed to end the old dog’s suffering and sadness. He had long since been the dog we knew from long ago. Lost most of the time and a terror for food and water since he had been on seizure meds. We both took the day off to say goodbye and

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-27216450935117565882008-03-10T20:13:00.000-05:002008-05-22T20:19:01.636-05:00

Dreary morning just a few weeks after a not so fun run at Myrtle Beach, the time had arrived to begin the next 26.2. Just a few miles from home, the Umstead Marathon is a hilly run through the woods. In years past, the weather has been hot and humid, very cold and this year, possible showers and cool. Katie had decided to be the smart one after a fast race at Myrtle Beach and spectate our run

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-62245212173727837572008-02-17T19:11:00.003-05:002008-12-20T19:50:21.078-05:00

Once again, off to the coast but this part of the Atlantic is Myrtle Beach, home of the Myrtle Beach Marathon- one of the last chances to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Thousands sign up for the weekend of activities, bike races, a 5k, half marathon and marathon. This would be my 4th consecutive time running the full marathon. The lure of a 6:30 am start in chilly weather was one I could not

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-91508755436380547362008-02-02T19:38:00.003-05:002008-03-01T14:10:26.528-05:00

The Uwharrie National ForestNestled in central North Carolina, the lovely and weary Uwharrie Mountains lift the ground to lovely views of the landscapes through miles of North Carolina wilderness. Although nothing in height like their younger cousins, the Appalachian Mountains, the area is beautiful reaching ridges and valleys of the trails throughout this national forest. In February, the

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-44477128014557979812008-01-26T13:55:00.001-05:002008-11-23T12:27:02.796-05:00

Shirt RunThe end of January a couple years ago, Joey and Karla invited me to run the Shirt run in Ellerbe, NC. I was excited about the opportunity to join the Mangum Track Club. I had met several members and enjoyed their outlook on running. I ran the run with Doom aka, Fred Dummar, who this time was running the double shirt run.The shirt run is a 15 mile run through Mangum, NC flat then way

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-70543011780374659402008-01-06T19:38:00.000-05:002008-01-27T13:32:14.544-05:00

Frosty Fifty 50KCrystal and I met at dark 0 thirty on a cold January 5th to drive to Winston-Salem. We hit Interstate-40 and headed west to run our first race of the year. Last year’s Frosty was not so Frosty with temps unusually warm but the morning’s temperature was 28 degrees Fahrenheit, typically of the time of year. We were discussing the lack of training that we both suffered. She has

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-73491845488029162662007-12-15T12:16:00.000-05:002008-01-27T12:17:05.783-05:00

The Kiawah Island Half Marathon was not as much about the run as about time with my Sister. She’s great support not just to me but to everyone. She will cheer you to the finish line and meet you at mile 10 when you need a boost. One year, after running the marathon with a head cold, she met me at the finish with a couple of cold tablets and a big grin, big hug and “great job” despite my cold

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-56446405082185176402007-12-08T20:24:00.001-05:002008-03-01T22:41:06.604-05:00

November Notes So what’s been up around here lately? November is traditionally the month of marathons and many of us have completed Richmond, Philly,OBX and City of Oaks. It’s been pretty dry and warm for this time of year and I’m sure everyone has rejoyced and reflected on the results from their commitment to training all summer and fall. Congrats to all finishers of the 26.2 as not so many

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-5194552052709326992007-11-04T19:03:00.000-05:002007-11-06T06:27:00.916-05:00

City of Oaks MarathonVOLUNTEERthis weekend it was the first in several years of a marathon and half marathon in Raleigh, NC. Like the first so long ago, I chose to volunteer to help in the success of such an event. The weather was in our favor this year and the course went through my favorite training ground at Umstead State Park. I immediately decided to be part of the event as a volunteer

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-35304195087792117362007-10-28T13:49:00.000-05:002007-11-02T18:00:39.308-05:00

Should I start with It was a dark and stormy night? or LISTEN to your race director. He knows for what he speaks!Ridge to Bridge 2007 was different for me than last year but demons still hover as I did not heed the warning- take it easy on that downhill or you will pay! The race brought about some similar familiarities. The drive from Raleigh, NC was dark, stormy and full of Friday traffic and

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-34469593301140788482007-10-07T12:28:00.001-05:002008-11-23T12:29:24.638-05:00

In August I was half looking at running this trail run and was finally reeled in when the price went up on September 1st. My check went out on the 30th and I didn't think much about it afterwards. 40 miles. I had run that far before and thought of it as a day in the woods. October hit and the biggest concern I had was getting up earlier than I wanted to drive 2 hours to Greensboro. 4 am would

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-18788202824170290772007-09-09T12:58:00.000-05:002007-09-14T05:21:49.979-05:00

First Half Marathon of the year.It might be the end of summer but race time is here. Joey and I headed out to Danville, VA to check out our running legs at the Danville Half Marathon. We were awake early Saturday morning before sunrise and met at 5:30 to head across the border to Virginia. I was wiped out after a day trip to Boone, with 8 hours of quality road time with my hubby and our 2 dogs

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-76931675464872376002007-08-31T19:07:00.000-05:002007-08-31T19:26:17.862-05:00

Well, the end of August is here and to me brings more thoughts to the cooler days ahead. But first - remembering the warm days The Mangum Track Club shirt run was last weekend and was the hottest on record! We suffered and shuffled 15 long miles through Richmond county to the finish in order to welcome new members. Always a treat to run near Ellerbe but always an adventure. HOT HUMID HEAT

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-52396559372081244672007-08-05T17:48:00.000-05:002007-08-05T18:30:17.561-05:00

Wake up and grab the morning!Tim really pushed that I should share this story. I hope it is as entertaining as it was to him. I have mentioned we have an old dog that suffers due to old age, seizures and deafness, bad arthritis and sight. Dumptruck was part of our relationship shortly after we began dating. I suggested he not get a puppy and he did. The most pushy and dominate one.Truck, as we

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-29170411304209877282007-08-01T20:29:00.000-05:002007-08-04T15:53:48.856-05:00

Seems like the days fly during the summer months. I can hardly believe it's August! Already thinking of fall runs and races- which events, where and when dominate July and August. More than anything, I've noticed the light of day decreasing, the crepe myrtles losing their blooms and the piedmont heat and humidity, sticky and hot, finally settling in for a month or two. The sunsets and sunrises

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-41726654459624517172007-07-24T18:40:00.001-05:002009-02-22T19:31:57.115-05:00

Weekends are usually filled with running and NPR- in my world. If I'm not racing, my husband, Tim, and I spend Saturday listening to the radio and working around the house. Well, while I was busily running a race one weekend (Grandfather), Tim was intrigued with one of the shows that runs on Saturday. Weekend America was wanting to hear about experiences for those up during the night or working

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-29894284001547452832007-07-22T17:11:00.000-05:002007-07-22T17:21:50.475-05:00

Sitting here in the middle of July on a hot Friday afternoon. I decided to take a vacation day from work and along the way pause to write a note or two. June and July are busy running times for me and feel like I haven’t stopped moving for quite some time. This is the last hurrah of my summer races. From the mountains to the coast. Grandfather Mountain Marathon leads to the Beaufort 5 or 10k the

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-86271291888004630542007-05-12T09:00:00.000-05:002007-06-12T09:15:34.085-05:00

Capon Valley 50KA Hike in the WoodsAs mentioned earlier, what was the next adventure? I had not planned on anything but after volunteering at Run for the Roses 5K, Joey somehow managed to stir my brain about signing up for the Capon Valley 50K. Anita had tried to convince a few of us last year but I couldn’t bring myself to making the long drive. So after sifting the thought around that afternoon

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-28769152718566596702007-04-28T06:16:00.000-05:002007-04-28T08:03:11.567-05:00

Finally! after 26 days of rest I decided to give the old legs a try with a few miles. I met with the NCRC April Series on Thursday for a 9k run on greenway trails. The excitement, the thrill, to see what, if anything, was going to fall apart or not. At 6:30pm we were off and running after crossing a busy street. It felt great to move but my lungs and legs quickly reminded me that it had been

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-87938776362790782842007-04-15T12:36:00.000-05:002007-04-15T13:18:38.158-05:00

The recovery time for running so long and so far is moving along fast. The blisters have faded and the sleep deprivation has disappeared with plenty of rest. I have enjoyed sitting still absorbing the budding spring season and chilling out with the spouse in his backyard shop. However, after 2 weeks time, I am beginning to yearn for the run. Something about rising early on the weekend and

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-75130070521628906712007-04-06T12:55:00.000-05:002007-04-14T17:37:25.030-05:00

Umstead100March 31st-April 1st 2007First tryThe highest highs and the lowest lows.The wheels started turning a year ago when Jay Finkle, and that knowing smile of his, mentioned after finishing my first 50 miler at Umstead 100 that I could do the 100. My good running buddy David Wood ran with me and ended up finishing 100 after I stopped at 50. They both inspired me, along with the ever so

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-28787668393651040172006-11-23T20:23:00.000-05:002006-11-23T20:32:14.147-05:00

The holidays are officially here with the celebration of Thanksgiving. Visiting families and enjoying the spread of holiday feast accent the day. For me, I look forward to a long quiet run in the woods and a day away from the office. While running today, I found only a few fellow runners and bikers. It was almost like having the woods to myself. I found a few families wandering the paths and

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-1162739784494439252006-11-05T10:11:00.000-05:002006-11-05T10:33:13.650-05:00

how refreshing to find my blog information long lost after a year! The blog entries were short and limited but nice to find they were still out there. My friend Joey has started his blog recently and has inspired me to give this anther try. His thoughts on running and his perspective on the world are worth checking out.Here's to dusting off the web site and sharing with the world!

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-1115473029025265622005-05-07T08:16:00.000-05:002006-11-05T10:33:13.523-05:00

After a long hibernation, I feel awake again and ready to write. Spring is such a mystery at times. The great outdoors turns all lovely shades of green and dusts everything with pollen for a while, but the weather is unpredictable. Deceivingly warm-looking from the inside and chilly on the outside. Daffodils and tulips decorate suburbia tempting the urge to pull out shorts and flip flops.

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-1106537919727877812005-01-24T01:29:00.000-05:002006-11-05T10:33:13.465-05:00

Ahh.... mother nature gave her best to our gathering yesterday, but only frozen rain and drizzle raided many miles of running. We arrived to train for an upcoming 40 miler and enjoyed the fine food that Scott, who organized the event, prepared. Complete with cookies, potatoes, hot chocolate, muffins, donuts, coffee, cider, chips, pbj and chocolate, the table was most impressive. After completing

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10321419.post-1106390689253153982005-01-22T08:50:00.000-05:002006-11-05T10:33:13.397-05:00

Weather in winter brings all spectrums of water from a cold rain to quiet snow to mysterious fog. Up and at em this early morning headed to a long trail run with good friends. The forcast from the local meteorologists covers the range of falling precip. So off to see what the great outdoors has to offer complimented by friends and the lure of hot homemade soup.

Laura MacLeanhttps://profiles.google.com/102007850900657518734noreply@blogger.com0