December 22-23, 2020
The Dumpster Fire Virtual 100 Mile Run Complete!!!
100 MILES!!! ð♀️ð
36 hours, 36 minutes.
Ready to eat all the Christmas cookies!
Ok, ok... I had to finish up the year 2020 with one more backyard/at home 100 mile run!! HA. It seemed appropriate! It was so much fun too! Yes, I did say fun. So what?! Ha! Thank you, Kim for putting on this virtual race and for the hilarious medal!!
YES, I DID run around my backyard while wearing the Christmas tree sweatshirt. There were several people who passed by & drove by, and they got a good laugh & smile. Harry wore his bear suit too. Hilarious!!! ð
ðĪĶ♀️ððĪ·♀️ðĪĐð♀️❤ðĪŠ
And yes, I know I am goofy, quirky, creative, and an oddball. I do things my way. Yes, I know my backyard/at home 100 mile runs are goofy and weird. So what. I have been criticized and shamed for being me for years (and recently with rumors & humiliation) because I think "outside the box" and I am unique... BUT, I am me, and I am proud, and I will not feel badly for who I am anymore.. Be who YOU are and be proud. Dare to be yourself. Dare to be different. YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH. You can do anything. I hope I have inspired someone to go out there and do something great, too. ❤
LONG POST, but worth reading... ⬇️⬇️
I accomplished a lot of cool things this year, changed careers, and I am extremely proud of overcoming so much. I really stepped out of my comfort zone. I refused to give up, and I made the best of many icky and bad situations.. It was a tough year, but I was determined to keep moving forward and determined to make it a good year. I did. Now, tell me something you did this year that you are proud too!! Any accomplishment is worth celebrating. Share it!! Share an accomplishment. Be proud of yourself and something you did, too. It's ok if you accomplished a lot, and it's ok if you didn't accomplish a lot. There's no need to shame someone for what they accomplished or didn't accomplish. I know there's a lot of meme about 2020 being a bad year, but it's ok if you made it a good year or if you had good moments. It's ok if you had good and bad moments. I struggle with bad anxiety all the time, so I have good and bad moments. If you had a good year, great! If you had a bad year, that's ok.. Sometimes bad things happen. Don't let a meme on social media dictate how you should feel. Don't let a meme on social media make you feel badly about accomplishing something... You are worth celebrating, no matter what. You are awesome! You are good enough!! Be proud. ð
It all started in March 2020, and life got crazy and the world shutdown. I ran thousands of miles in my backyard and inside my house during the Stay at Home Order of the pandemic in the spring. It caught attention in the news all over the world. That was SO cool being in the news all over the world!!! I was featured on Fox17 news, the Aravaipa Running YouTube show, Running 4 Sole podcast, Canadian Running Magazine, Insider news, Run Society Magazine in Asia, and Ultrarunning Magazine! I was honored to bring joy to others. It also led to horrible rumors and humiliation from a group of runners. That was rough and emotionally draining. ðĪĶ♀️ People can be cruel, but choose kindness. Don't be a hater. It is not cool to bully someone.. Then, I continued to run in my backyard and in my house throughout the summer, along with many other cool adventures! (Literally, thousands of miles in the spring and summer in my backyard and inside my house. Ha!!) So, it seemed appropriate to finish up the year with another backyard/at home 100 mile run. I feel like a pro at this now. HA! Only regret, I didn't do a backyard marathon or 100 miler in the fall, so I only did this in 3 out of 4 seasons. HA HA! ð Next year, all 4 seasons?!?! ðĪð
Lessons learned throughout the years, a lot this year: ⬇️⬇️
1. Keep moving forward. Seriously, keep moving forward.
2. Don't give up, keep fighting.
3. Life isn't always rainbows and butterflies. That's ok. Make the best of the bad situations, but just know it's ok to feel all emotions. It's ok to be sad, but keep fighting. It won't last forever.
4. It won't be easy, but it's worth it. Hold on.
5. Goals are reachable and changeable. The plan can change and get messy/ugly, but you can still achieve anything. Your dreams are reachable, make something great happen. Just don't give up.
6. Dare to be yourself and do it without apologizing. BE YOU, and seriously, don't ever apologize for who you are. You are unique and amazing. Everything about you special in its own way. The right people will love you, and the haters don't matter.
7. Ignore the doubters, trolls, and haters. Their opinion doesn't count, and it doesn't matter. There will always be someone waiting to "throw a stone" at you. Be the bigger person and walk away from the negativity. Walk away from those who don't see your worth. Say no to hate...
8. Live your life, step out of your comfort zone, and do something amazing. Stop waiting for things to be perfect or for perfect conditions, go be awesome anyways. "Make the lemonade." Your future self will be glad you did!!!
9. No one is YOU, and that is a beautiful thing. YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH.
10. Show compassion to other people because you have no idea what someone else is going through. Stop judging and stop being so mean. Don't throw the stone. Kindness matters.
11. It's never too late to be who you were meant to be, and it's never too late to make a new goal. It's never too late to be yourself.
12. Sometimes certain doors/chapters should be closed, but it's ok to miss things and people in the past. Just don't live in the past.
13. Be inspiring and be inspired.
14. Any day is a good day for a celebration. Enjoy dessert every now and then.
15. Don't forget to explore and have fun!
The Dumpster Fire Virtual 100 Mile Run: ⬇️
So anyways, I did it the same way I did the previous backyard/at home 100 mile runs! Ha! Laps up and down my driveway and laps in my living room. I did add the treadmill too. (Note: I am saving our grass because we are trying to fix the yard. The previous owners left a mess. So, I decided against running on the grass after the first backyard 100 mile run in April. Ha) Anyways, it was an adventure as usual. I can make anything an adventure. No need to pick on someone for what they find fun or for what they find adventurous either. ð
The terrain-- VERY FLAT. HA! Treadmill, living room, and backyard for this 100! Ha!! Why the treadmill this time?? Well, I teach English online to kids in China very early in the morning, sometimes 3am. I have a portable desk treadmill, so I incorporated this into my 100 miles run. So, I could work and run at the same time. Perfect, multitasking! Ha.
Yes, I know this is boring and weird to some people/runners, but I enjoyed it. There's absolutely nothing wrong with finding joy in what you do and nothing wrong with loving what you do. BE YOU. No need to shame someone for what they love or what love they find fun. Own your joy and be proud. ð
Plus, Harry and I had so much fun hanging out together. He made me a cool poster & hop scotch/obstacle course, and we played games while I ran. Coolest kid ever!!
Details: ⬇️⬇️
Start: Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 at 3:00am
Finish: Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 at 3:36pm
Total hours: 36 hours, 36 minutes
(I took a nap. I am planning on training for another sub 24 hour and hopefully a sub 20 hour 100 miler soon, perhaps in 2021!)
Total mileage: 101 miles
Total mileage on treadmill- 30 miles
Total mileage in my backyard- 30 miles
Total mileage in my living room- 41 miles
Total laps- 5,276 laps!
Total laps in my backyard- 930 laps
Total laps in my living room-4,346 laps
Lap Measurements: ⬇️⬇️
Inside Living Room Laps: ⬇️⬇️
I measured the distance around my living room with a tape measure. It is about 16 feet long and 9 feet wide. That is 50 feet is perimeter, which means 106 laps per mile!! ðð
(Math problems-
Perimeter, 16+16+9+9= 50 feet. 5,280 feet in a mile. 5,280÷50= 105.6, round up to make sure, 106! 106 laps for a mile!! ðð)
Backyard Laps: ⬇️⬇️
It is 0.032 miles and 172 feet in perimeter around my driveway. I measured the driveway out with a tape measure and watch. 75 feet long and 11 feet wide, 172 feet in perimeter.. That's 31 laps for a mile.
(Math problems-
Perimeter- 75+75+11+11= 172 feet. 5,280 feet in a mile. 5,280÷172= 30.7. Round up to make sure, 31 laps per mile. ð)
Calculations: ⬇️⬇️
Same format as my previous backyard and indoor 100s in the spring.
I used my watch for tracking mileage and step count. Harry and I also kept track with tally marks on paper. We counted the laps, and then we put a tally mark down for each mile. (Example- 1 for 1 lap, 2 for 2 laps, etc. When we counted to 31 for 31 laps, then we knew that was one mile in the backyard.)
(If you knew my son, you would know that he is exceptionally talented in math!! Wow!)
Background information: ⬇️⬇️
BE KIND. BE RESPECTFUL.
**WARNING, because of the rumor that was started about me in the spring and summer... I will no longer defend my truth, but I don't need to waste my energy on people who do not see my worth. I know my truth. Those close to me know my truth... If you don't like me, I don't care. That's ok, not everyone will like you. Not everyone will see your worth. If you want to make up a bizarre lie about me, fine, but I don't need it. I am too busy being ME and loving the people who love me. I refuse to let the rumors and humiliation stop me from being me. I refuse to let it stop me from running because it almost did, in all honesty. I refuse to give up. I don't always fit in with the crowd, but I am better at being me. I know I am good enough, and I don't need approval from people who are going to tear me down. JUST BE YOURSELF. The right people will love you, and that's all that matters. Also, I don't need to prove myself by showing off every single time I exercise, work out, or run because let's face it, that would get annoying all day, everyday. Ha ha. I train/exercise on my own, without the approval of others because I don't need it. Again, I am good enough, and I know it. You don't need the approval of others either because you are good enough, too!! You don't need to prove your worth to others. If you run slowly, you are amazing. If you are a fast runner, you are amazing. Any type of runner is a good runner. If you walk, you ARE still amazing. Nothing wrong with walking. You are good enough.
SO, JUST KNOW-- If you read this post, and it upsets you that another runner accomplished something, check your attitude, and GROW UP!! (Also, WHY would you even care that I ran 100 miles in my backyard/my house??? Again, grow up! Come run with me! Or don't, I talk and sing a lot. I will probably annoy you. Ha ha) If you read this post, and you feel the need to humiliate me (and my 8 year old son again) or start a new rumor, please think before you speak. Actually better yet, if you need stoop this low/this childish to destroy someone you hardly know, unfriend me or unfollow me. No need to make a dramatic exit, just go. You have no reason to be on my page if you are going to troll and find ways to shame me.. Actually, NO ONE DESERVES THIS TREATMENT. GROW UP. Be nice.. If you think this shaming behavior is acceptable, please think again. If you think it's cool to bully someone, think again. It is not.. This behavior is absolutely disgusting and sickening. Don't throw the stone. Build people up instead of tearing them down. BE KIND. The shaming says more about the type of person you are, and I don't need anyone like this in my life. I am still disbelief by how evil people can be.. Please, BE KIND instead. Don't succumb to hate. Again, be kind. If you see someone shaming another person or bullying another person, stand up and do something about it. Say no to the hate. Being kind is cool. It is not cool to make fun of someone... Show compassion and kindness to others. Make someone's day better, not worse. Be nice. I'll continue to live my life, run crazy long distances, do fun things, and I'll continue to enjoy life. You can't stop me. I'm busy being me. You should probably do the same thing too. Maybe not running long distances, but you get the idea, enjoy your own life and focus on yourself.. Ha! Instead of starting rumors and humiliating others, take care of yourself and become a better version of YOU! You can do anything, too!!! I believe in everyone!!
Again, I WILL proudly continue to run crazy long distances, continue to bike crazy mileage, take thousands of pictures, enjoy life, be creative, be unique, and I will proudly continue to accomplish things! I will continue to be ME with all my goofiness, quirks, and weirdness!! Don't like it?? Don't look! Simple. I am busy being me!! I happen to think my quirky self is cool. ðĪ·♀️ Just so you know though, your candle doesn't get brighter when you try to put someone else's candle out. That says more about who you are too.. Just saying... Build people up instead of tearing them down!!!! BE KIND. BE RESPECTFUL.
Good reminder to anyone who has been insulted: ⬇️⬇️
"When people insult you, don’t take offense, don’t take it personally, but do listen to their words. They are telling you how they see the world, and they are telling you the exact negative qualities that they possess.
“The Law of Mirrors” states that one can only see what’s in them, regardless if it is what is actually present in reality or not.
Release the need to defend or try to explain to them that you’re not being whatever-nasty-insult-they’ve-thrown-at-you, but evaluate instead all of these insults, and realize that this is who they are.
Then, decide if a person with those qualities is one who you’d like in your life or not." --Doe Zantamata ðð
I said before that the song "My Way" by Frank Sinatra reminds me of myself. Well, I still think that. He sings about how he lived his life his own way. (This is the way I interpreted the song. If you think I am wrong because you interpreted it differently, that's ok. This is the beauty of music.) Well. I do the same. I do things my way, and I am proud of always thinking "outside the box" too. I don't really follow the trends or the popular things, I do things my way. (I ran with a fanny pack. Ha ha.) I don't always fit in with the crowd, but that's ok. I appreciate who I am.. So yes, for this backyard/at home 100, I did it my way again. Dare to be yourself. Dare to be different. ❤
Also, I am not a fast runner and don't claim to be either... Trust me, I often look down on myself, but I know I am a good runner and a fantastic coach. I am proud when I run my version of "fast" though, and that's ok! I am proud to run crazy long distances, and why shouldn't I be proud?? You should be proud of yourself and your accomplishments, however big or small they might be... Be proud!! Be proud of yourself and be proud of others. Even if you don't win races, you should still be proud!! It doesn't matter if you run fast or slow, and it doesn't matter if you run short or long distances. It doesn't matter if you walk either! Be proud!!!! You ARE good enough.
As a reminder... I truly believe that you can do anything! You can achieve anything. You are good enough. You are possible. I believe in you, and I am cheering for you all!! I hope to inspire you to achieve your goals, too. I believe in you and all your goals, big or small. You got this.❤
Running has taught me so much. Running shows that anything is possible. Running shows that you can do anything. People are capable of so much more. I want people to see that. I want people to want to achieve their goals. I want people to want more, to go out and be the best they can be. I want people to want to be kind. I want people to stop bullying too... Achieve your goals, be kind, stop bullying.
Bottom line.... BE KIND. Again... Build people up instead of tearing them down!! You can do anything, I believe in you all. ❤
My crazy running (and biking) challenges in 2020: ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Stay at Home Order (of the pandemic) Running Challenges: ⬇️
March 15th to June 7th. 1,631 miles
Week #1: 5 marathons
Week #2: 7 marathons in 7 days
Week #3: 100 mile run in my backyard/house
Week #4: 100 mile run in my backyard/house
Week #5: Staircase Mt. Everest climb and 50 miles
Week #6: Aravaipa 100 mile run inside my house
Week #7: Covid-19 mile run inside my house
Week #8: Mother's Day Backyard Ultra, 50 miles
Week #9: Roll the Dice, 131.53 mile run
Week #10: Head Goat 50k (31 miles)
Week #11: Double Mt. Everest climb and 120 miles
Week #12: Sasquatch 100 mile run
July Mileage Challenge: ⬇️
945 MILES in 30 days!!!!! ðŪðŪ
50k a day for 30 days!!
Running, walking, hiking, and biking!!
(Then an additional 25 mile bike ride on day #31, so 970 miles in July!!!)
Diameter of Mars Challenge: ⬇️
4,222 MILES in 8 months!!!
(It takes 8 months for a spacecraft to reach Mars, so I decided to complete the diameter of Mars in 8 months! Running, walking, hiking, and biking!)
Every Damn Street Virtual Challenge: ⬇️
November 12-14, 2020
182.13 MILES
I biked every single street and trail in the city East Grand Rapids, MI and two neighborhoods in the city Grand Rapids, MI. (My neighborhood) So cool!!
Final backyard/at home 100 for the year 2020!! ⬇️
Dumpster Fire Virtual 100 mile run!
December 22-23, 2020
Believe in yourself!!! You ARE possible!!! YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!!! ❤❤❤
KEEP MOVING FORWARD. ❤
