2015 Superior 100 Race Report

Wow.  What a weekend.  It’s taken me a few days to decompress and review what actually happened between Friday & Sunday & Gooseberry State Park & Lutsen Mountain. 

First and foremost I have to take a moment to thank my crew and pacers.  You guys rock.  Coming into aid stations, my crew worked like a well-oiled machine – filling my pack, refilling my snacks, and attending to my needs.  My pacers pushed me and kept me focused on the trail so I could reach goals that I didn’t even think were possible.  A big thanks go out to: My wonderful hubby, and number 1 fan, Matt Leis; John Magner who is 3 for 3 crewing/pacing for my Superior Races, I am so grateful for your support; my In-law’s, Jerry & Sandy who were eager to lend a hand at aid stations & kept me well fed post-race; my parents, John & Ellen, who drove for 2 days to be a part of this crazy adventure, and entertained all of us at the camper for dinner Thursday night; to Annemarie Arzenti, who keeps us laughing & made sure we didn’t take ourselves too seriously; and to Katie Leslie who joined me through the night during the hardest sections of the course, may the stories, laughs, and f-bombs we dropped along the way go down in history. 

Race Morning

I stayed in Two Harbors with my parents on Thursday night in their camper.  I actually slept remarkably well & woke moments before my alarm at 5:30 ready to get going.  The usual morning routine – coffee, pre-race breakfast (chocolate shakeology & a slice of toast with peanut butter,) a shower, and dressed for the race.  At 6:50am we left for Gooseberry State Park, Mom, Dad & Mr Patch, the Jack Russell. 

Pre-race coffee!

At the race start, I ran into lots of friends, and hung out with my trail buddy, Stephanie Hoff, for a little while.  Before we knew it, it was time to get lined up.  I felt ready.

Mom, Dad & Mr Patch

Pre-race pic with Stephanie Hoff

Gooseberry State Park to Split Rock Aid Station (Mile 9.7)

This year the course started out a little different due to some changes on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT).  We now had 4+ miles of bike trail before we connected with the SHT.  My plan was to run 9:30 min/mile for the 4 miles.  I looked at this as a 4 mile warm up before the race actually started.  I wanted to stay relaxed & not go out too fast.  At 30 minutes in my watch beeped cuing me to eat – I would continue to eat every 30 minutes for the rest of the race.  I had part of a Lara Bar while I jogged along.  During this section I had an opportunity to catch up with my friend, Kamie, who I had raced much of last year’s event with.  Kamie, Stephanie & I enjoyed some light conversation. 

Pretty soon the course turned under the highway, and connected with the SHT.  It was go time.  I continued to work on staying relaxed, walking the technical sections and the climbs and just getting into the rhythm of being on the trail.  Soon enough we arrived at the Split Rock Aid Station.  The spur trail down to the aid station is a fun place to see where you’re seeded in the pack, since it is only one of 2 places that is an out and back.  There is no crew access here, so I was in and out rather quickly.  Grabbing half a peanut butter & jelly sandwich to eat on the climb back out of the aid station.  I was 10 minutes ahead of my projected pace at this time.

Quick selfie before getting down to business!

Split Rock to Beaver Bay Aid Station (Mile 20)

Beaver Bay is the first opportunity to see your crew, and I was looking forward to seeing them.  I was moving well and at about 16 miles came to this long section of standing water.  At first glance, there wasn’t a clear way to go around it, so I opted to go right through the middle. That probably wasn’t the wisest decision… It was nearly knee deep in spots & filled my shoes full of mucky, nasty water.  I don’t get grossed out by much, but this totally grossed me out.  The next four miles I spent trying to decide if I was going to change my socks when I got to the aid station.  I wasn’t planning a sock change this early in the race, but this was disgusting.  I could feel the mud in my socks & shoes, and even though they were starting to dry, the grit was not going to do me any favors over the long haul.  I made the decision that I would change socks at Beaver Bay. 

I rolled into Beaver Bay at 12:25pm, a full 30 minutes ahead of my plan.  I quickly got fresh socks on, and my pack refilled, and by 12:30 I was back on the trail.

 

20 miles in with my #1 crew member!

Beaver Bay to Silver Bay Aid Station (Mile 25)

This is a seemingly short section, I don’t recall much here except for the fact that I found myself in the middle of a pack of runners I couldn’t shake.  After spending so much time on the trail training by myself, being in a large line of runners was a little stressful.  I was hoping the approaching aid station would spread people out a bit more.  I arrived at Silver Bay at 1:40pm, 40 minutes ahead of schedule.  I felt good, and in 4 minutes I was back on the trail.

Silver Bay to Tetttegouche Aid Station (Mile 34.9)

This nearly 10-mile section can feel long, but luckily I trained on this part of the course on 2 separate occasions, so knew what to expect.  I know that this helped me manage my expectations.  This section is also quite beautiful, as you climb up to the ridge overlooking Bean & Bear Lakes, pass Mount Trudee & then navigate the uber technical downhill known as the “Drain Pipe.”  Then it’s lovely single track for a couple miles as your cruise into Tettegouche State Park.  I found myself alone for most of this section, and didn’t mind it at all.  I continued to eat every 30 minutes, and I felt good.  Strong.  Confident. 

 

Coming into Tettegouche.  Robin Wirth photo

I arrived at Tettegouche at 4:20pm, 50 minutes ahead of schedule.  I was happy to see my parents here as well as the rest of my crew.  I picked up my headlamp here, just in case I didn’t make it to the next aid station before dark (I had needed it in previous years, and being stranded without a head lamp will really slow you down!)  I was back on the trail 5 minutes later.

Mom helping me out at Tettegouche

Tettegouche to County Road 6 Aid Station (Mile 43.5)

This is another long section – 8.6 miles – and can be mentally draining.  At County Road 6, you can pick up your first pacer, so that is always a pick me up after running all day alone.  I found myself mostly alone again in this section.  I passed a few folks on the way out of the aid station, and had a guy a little way behind me, but not close enough to really talk to.  I kept moving well, and having run this section a few weeks ago in training, I knew what to expect.  I also know that you can see/hear the aid station at least a mile before you get there.   I rolled into County Road 6 at 7pm feeling strong, and ready to continue without a pacer until Finland if needed.  I was still 50 minutes ahead of schedule.

Running into County Road 6 aid station

 

Lots of laughs!! You can't take yourself too seriously!

County Road 6 to Finland Aid Station (Mile 51)

Matt paced me this section, and I was grateful for some company.  We cruised along, and chatted about our day.  I was still feeling good, and I knew I was pushing the pace a bit more than what he was planning on.  It was here that it started to get dark & my headlamp with its high-powered battery pack was working great.  This section wasn’t too technical, but it started to wear on me as we got closer to the aid station, and the battery on my headlamp started to die.  I don’t think I’d even been using it 2 hours.  I knew at Finland I’d need to switch to AAA batteries in it.  I kept thinking that the aid station was just around the corner.  The trail dragged on.  FINALLY we crossed a bridge and saw the sign pointing to the left that signaled the spur trail to the aid station.  My headlamp was nearly dead by now.

We jogged into the brightly lit aid station in the little town of Finland at 9:30pm.  55 minutes ahead of schedule.  It was a perfectly clear night, and the temperature was starting to drop.  My main order of business here was gloves.  My hands were ice cubes.

 

Katie & I ready to go into the night!

Finland to Sonju Lake Road Aid Station (Mile 58.7)

Katie was now pacing me, and we rolled out of Finland at 9:35pm after finding gloves, batteries, and sipping on some hot chicken broth.  I had the first caffeine of the night at this point.  After feeling dumpy towards the end of the last section, I knew it was time.  I was starting to ride the energy roller coaster, and as long as the peaks didn’t get too high & the valley’s too low, I was ok.  It was all about managing my energy.  I started to anticipate my 30-minute feeding alarm because I would start to feel sluggish.  I’d eat, and I’d feel better.  Just like magic.

Katie and I would spend the next 21 miles together.  This first section felt ok.  A little slow due to the rocks & roots, but we made it to the next aid station feeling pretty good.  My headlamp was starting to fade, so I knew a battery change was going to be in order.  There are no crews allowed at Sonju Aid Station so Katie & I would be in and out fairly quickly.  Some hot soup & fresh batteries and we were ready to go.

Sonju Lake Road to Crosby Manitou Aid Station (Mile 62.9)

I don’t remember much of this section – it was dark, my headlamp wasn’t great, and we were getting frustrated by the roots.  I knew it was only 4 miles to Crosby, and the road into Crosby was a great place to check out the stars and stretch the legs.  Pretty soon we made it, the stars were impressive, and we slowly jogged up the gravel road to the aid station.

We arrived at the Crosby Manitou Aid Station at 1:45AM, still nearly 50 minutes ahead of my planned schedule.  I had told my crew not to meet us here, so they could get some sleep, and I had a drop bag with food, dry clothes, and more batteries.  The aid station volunteers were great, as they retrieved my drop bag, and got me “the best - worst “ hamburger ever.  The hamburgers here taste bad, but they work miracles!!  So I always have one!  After putting in more new batteries in my headlamp, we were off.

Crosby Manitou to Sugarloaf Aid Station (Mile 72.3)

I know that this is probably THE hardest section of the course.  Katie, on the other hand, didn’t know what she was in for.  A few minutes after leaving the aid station the course drops down, down, down, to the Manitou River. Then it climbs back up, up, up to Horse Shoe Ridge.  For me, there is nothing runnable about the first half of this 9.4-mile section.  Shortly after leaving the aid station, I was having more trouble with my headlamp.  It just wasn’t bright enough.  I was getting so frustrated.  Luckily, Matt had sent a “backup” headlamp with me, so I retrieved that and wore both headlamps together.  This helped some, but was barely enough light to move efficiently. Katie and I would mumble about the rocks, and challenges of this section, it was hard.  I knew there was a runnable section towards the end, but it seemed like it took forever to get there.  Finally we crossed another river and the trail opened up.  My legs were fried, but it felt good to change from hiking to jogging – or shuffling, as the case may be.  It was still pitch black dark, and I knew we were getting close to Sugarloaf where I was looking forward to meeting my crew again and changing my shoes and socks.

We finally arrived at Sugarloaf at 5:45am, an hour and 45 minutes ahead of my original plan and a solid 45 minutes ahead of when my crew was expecting me.  They were nowhere to be found.  The aid station volunteers helped me refill my pack, and I struggled changing the batteries in my headlamps (darn headlamps!!) my fingers were cold, and I just couldn’t get them changed.  Luckily Katie’s husband had met her there, and he gave me his headlamp to use.  Katie had survived the night with me, but was done pacing.  I told her not to worry, I would continue on alone.

Sugarloaf to Cramer Road Aid Station (Mile 77.9)

I left the aid station and turned on my ipod for the first time.  I knew this section was fairly runnable, the sun would be coming up and it was only 5.6 miles to the next aid station.  I felt good, and was actually happy to continue on by myself.  Plus I knew my crew would FOR SURE be at the next aid station! As I ran alone, I could hear voices of a pair of runners behind me, but I couldn’t see them, and I hadn’t seen any runners in front of me since early in the Crosby section.  I was perfectly happy.  I knew I was moving well & the light on the horizon added a little spring in my step.  I watched how the morning light danced through the trees, and I wished I’d had a camera to capture the magic of those early morning hours, but I'd given up my phone back at Beaver Bay.

As I rolled into the next aid station, the start of the marathon distance event, I wondered what time it was “in the real world.”  The marathon would start at 8am, and no doubt I would get caught up in the mass of runners.  I tried not to worry, and looked for my crew as I came into the aid station.  As I did, a marathoner that I knew ran up to me & gave me a big hug.  That was such a highlight to my day.  Thank you Jayne!!

I arrived at 7:40 AM, a quick shoe and sock change, a couple chocolate chip pancakes and with Annemarie by my side, I was back down the trail.

Annemarie & I ready to rock & roll!

Cramer Road to Temperance Aid Station (Mile 85)

I managed to leave Cramer Road ahead of the marathoners, and enjoyed a nice runnable section of trail.  I had ran this section a few weeks back, so knew that it was pretty easy to start, one or two big climbs and then a long downhill stretch to Temperance State Park.   It didn’t take long to start to see the marathoners.  They all wished me luck & cheered for me as they passed.  I’d have to stop & step aside on the narrow trail to let them by, and we’d exchange some words.  I’d try not to trip them with my hiking poles.  Sometimes I wasn’t as organized with them as I could have been.  But we all laughed & I told the marathoners that they needed to keep up the pace so I didn’t pass them later.  It was a really fun section.  I saw a number of runners I knew and that really helped perk me up.  I rolled into Temperance at 10 am and feeling good.

BACON!!! Pancakes and bacon never tasted so good!

Temperance to Sawbill Aid Station (Mile 90.7)

At this aid station I picked up my friend, John, and he and Annemarie both paced me this section.  It was fun to have both of them to talk to and keep me moving.  After leaving the aid station you run down one side of the Temperance River, cross the bridge and then start a gradual 4-mile climb up to Carlton Peak.  I kept moving right along, and shuffling faster than a hiking pace when I could.  It wasn’t long and we came to the technical part of the climb that is the last bit up Carlton.  I kept pushing and ended up passing a few marathoners.  I looked over my shoulder to find John right behind me, but Annemarie nowhere to be seen.  One of the things I love about Annemarie, is I don’t have to worry about her.  I knew she’d catch up once she got over the climb.  I started the descent down towards the aid station and one of the marathoners came up behind me and said, “Annemarie wanted me to tell you, ‘she’s not dead’.” We all laughed and kept moving.  I knew she’d be fine!

Coming into the Sawbill aid station you run across some wooden boards before you cross a road and come into the aid station.  That section of boards was the longest section ever! I don’t think it was more than ¾ of a mile or so, but it dragged on and on.  I just wanted to get to the last aid station!! I finally rolled into Oberg at somewhere around 2pm. 

Oberg to the Finish Line (Mile 103.3)

I needed to sit down at Oberg for a few minutes.  The final push over Carlton Peak and then running the boards into the aid station had taken a bit out of me.  It was warmer than it had been, and I found myself feeling a little wonky.  Plus I had neglected to eat when my alarm went off the last time because I thought I was only a few minutes away – it ended up being more like 15 minutes.  Someone brought me the best chocolate chip pancakes ever and after a couple minutes I was ready to hit the trail again.

My awesome hubby, Matt, and John decided to pace me together the last 7.1 miles to the finish line.  By this point I was tired and definitely ready to wrap this thing up.  I told the guys that I would be putting in one ear bud.  Listening to music can really add a spring in my step and take my mind off the nagging pain that accompanies a race of this distance.  It isn’t long into this section that you climb up Moose (or is it Mystery?) Mountain – it just goes up and up, and when you think you are done, it turns and goes up some more.  I just wanted to cry.  For some reason this climb really got to me.  Keep putting one foot in front of the other, listen to the music, tune out the boys behind me, keep your eye on the prize, are just a few things I kept telling myself.  I finally made it to the top.  I knew this was the worst climb of the section. 

At one point when John & I were chatting earlier we talked about me finishing in the 33 hour range.  He had thought that was doable.  I agreed, but then after that climb, I wasn’t sure it was.  I knew my 3 mph pace had slipped, and I wasn’t confident I had it in me to get it back.  I was tired.  I was tired of eating, but my alarm kept beeping every 30 minutes, and I’d reach blindly into my pack and find something to eat.  I tried not to get emotional about it – calories are calories.  Even if I didn’t “want” what I pulled out, I ate it anyway. 
Pretty soon, my energy level was increasing, and I was within the last 5k or 3.1 miles.  I can do 3.1 miles in my sleep.  I could “smell the barn.” An incredibly upbeat song came on my ipod & I spotted a runner up the trail.  That was all I needed – a carrot – I turned to John, and said, “he’s mine.” I would pass him.  It wasn’t that I wanted to beat that person, or finish ahead of him; it was literally just a carrot to get the lead out of my ass and get me moving a little faster again.  When that song would come to the end, I’d just repeat it.  It had the same rhythm as my shuffle, and I found my groove.  It wasn’t long, and I passed that runner – the same marathoner I had been leap frogging most of the last section.  After a little bit, John reported that I just “ran” a 17 min/mile uphill in the last 5k!  Yes, I was ready to wrap it up.

It wasn’t too much longer that I passed some other runners.  We were within the last mile and a half or so. And then came the bridge over the Poplar River!! My favorite spot on the trail!! I knew I was close and from there I ran the rest of the way in.  I thought I was flying, I’m sure I wasn’t in actuality.  You turn off the trail onto a paved road through Lutsen Resort.  I kept running.  I wanted to walk, but there was no way that I came this far to walk it in to the finish line.  There was no point in leaving anything in the tank.  I kept running.  Pretty soon, Matt & John peeled off for me to run the last section around the pool of Caribou Highlands to the finish line.  And I could hear them announce, “In her second Superior 100 finish…”

 

John and I crossing the Poplar River!!

Finish line smiles!

Finish Line

I crossed the finish line to see my parents (and Mr Patch) and my crew and pacers.  I couldn’t believe it.  I did it! Another finish, and way ahead of my time goal!! My friend, Stephanie was there and she came over to give me a hug.  She asked what my time was, I said, “33 something.” I was quickly corrected by my crew that I had finished in 32 hours and 29 minutes.  A 3 hour and 45 min personal best over last year’s time!! I couldn’t have been happier!

Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement of my adventures! Until next time, Happy Trails!!!

Voyageur 50 Mile Trail Race Report

This last weekend I ran my 4^th Voyageur 50 Mile Trail Race.  In 2012, this was my first 50 miler. Every year I keep going back because it has become one of my favorite events.  It is a no-frills event, one of the oldest ultra marathons in Minnesota, and it has maintained a down to earth, small town feel. 

The race starts at 6am on Saturday, so Matt & I made the 2+ hour drive up on Friday evening, got my packet, and set up camp at Jay Cooke State Park, which is only about 10 minutes from the start/finish area at the Carlton High School.

We camped right next to my friend, Stephanie, and her family.  We swapped stories and hung out while my amazing hubby cooked a yummy dinner over a single burner stove.  We had prepped a few things at home to make cooking faster, and before long, I had chicken, roasted sweet potatoes & asparagus ready for dinner. 

My #1 fan, crew chief, head cook, best friend, and true love :)

DINNER!

About 9:15pm we decided it was time to make preparations for bed, and set the alarm for 4:30am.  The campground was a little noisy, but I didn’t stress about it, and actually slept ok for the night before a race.

At 4:30am the campground was very quiet, and we got up and got organized for the day.  I had my liquid breakfast of Vegan Strawberry Shakeology & a cup of coffee.  At 5:15am we head to the race start.

After checking in, using the bathrooms, taking a traditional pre-race selfie, and visiting with other runners it was time get this race started.

Pre-race selfie!
M. Leis photo

Excited to get going!
M. Leis photo

Stephanie and I ran together for the first ¾ of mile on a paved bike trail before the course made a right turn on to some technical single track.  We had both agreed that we would run our own races this year.  Within a few minutes, Stephanie had pulled ahead, and I told myself to be patient & run intuitively.  At 3.4 miles I came to the first aid station at Jay Cooke State Park, and the course opens up into some wide, grassy, cross country ski trails.  I arrived there in 42 minutes, feeling good, and sweating a lot already.  I passed through this first aid station without stopping, I was carrying enough water to get me to the next one which was only a couple miles up the trail.

As I left the first aid station, I fell in line with a guy named, Terry.  We would end up running much of the first half together.  We chatted and enjoyed having the company to pass the miles.  The second & third aid stations arrived quickly.  I was definitely sweating, and trying to make sure that I was eating and drinking enough.  I popped salt tablets every hour or so along with eating potato chips and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at the aid stations.  I was still feeling pretty good. 

Hanging out with my new friend!
M. Leis photo

The powerlines are really what Voyageur is known for – you run through this section of power lines that are exposed and incredibly hilly – probably 200-300 feet straight up & then straight back down.  If they are dry, it’s tough but doable.  When they are wet, it is like a giant slip and slide.  On the outbound direction, they were wet this year.  On the first one going up you would step and then slide back, and grab onto whatever vegetation you could find – some of those bushes were thorn bushes, so I brought home some scrapes and scratches, too.  But I finally made it through the section without any falls and still feeling ok.

The rest of the outbound course is pretty runnable – some technical down hill switch backs, a creek crossing or two (enough to soak your shoes enough that they never really dry) and a nice downhill gravel section to the turn around at the zoo.

As I was approaching the turn around at the Duluth Zoo, I would count the women in front of me.  I like to know about where I stand in the pack, and I was looking for Steph to see how far ahead she was.  She is so strong on courses like this, I was confident she’d be in the top 10.  When I saw Steph coming up the trail, she was 7^th or 8^th woman and maybe 20 minutes in front of me, looking good.  I was sitting in 10^th or 11^th place.

I refilled my pack at the turnaround and quickly headed back up the trail.  It is a long up hill grind.  I ran-walked up the gravel trail & passed a couple women along the way.  This felt good, and I knew I had cracked the top 10.  I was feeling confident.

Leaving the turn around aid station at the Zoo.
M. Leis photo

Confidence in an ultra event can be short lived.  A short while later I was starting to crack – and needing to find that special place inside my head where I can grind out the miles and continue to move forward.  I had started to experience some chaffing on the inside of my left thigh.  At one of the aid stations I asked for vasaline, but it didn’t help.  I noticed a hot spot on the bottom of each foot.  I worked on keeping my feet dry through the creek crossings on the way back, but all I really wanted was a fresh pair of socks. 

 

Coming into the Beck's Road Aid Station 31 miles.
M. Leis photo

I saw Matt at an aid station at 31 miles, along with his friend, Jason.  That definitely made me feel better.  I got a 5 hour energy drink from him that I put in my pocket for later.  I knew I’d need a caffeine kick before the power lines a second time.  More uphill hiking.  My thighs were on fire. My feet were hurting.  And soon enough I was back in the power lines.  This time they were dry, but it was so hot. When you’d crest the top, I’d feel a breeze and that would offer a slight reprieve.  Onward.

As I came into the next aid station, I got some ice for my hat, potato chips & filled my pack with ice and water.  Keep moving forward.  Then I saw another woman just ahead of me, I passed her and offered a word or two of encouragement.  I knew I was in the top 10 now.  I had to keep moving and not get passed back.  Shortly after that I saw another woman ahead of me.  She was pretty far up the trail and moving well.  I told myself to be patient, and stay strong, and not worry too much about it.  My competitiveness got the better of me, and I was pushing hard.  Too hard for having 10 miles left to go.

I ended up catching and passing her and she told me I was now in 9^th place.  I thanked her for the information & told her she was moving well.  I was thrilled.  I knew I wouldn’t run a personal best time, but to finish in the top 10, that would be awesome.

A lot can happen in the last 10 miles of a race…. Remember that chaffing I mentioned, I kept pulling my shorts down to cover it, but it wasn’t helping.  My feet felt like the bottoms of were disintegrating.  I was having a much harder time keeping my body from over heating.

I came into the 2^nd to last aid station, 5+ miles from the finish needing water and ice.  As I arrived, and as the aid station volunteer was filling my pack, the woman I had recently passed, blew through aid station and was out in front of me.  I didn’t have my pack on to even try to chase her down.  I sighed and told myself that 10^th was ok, too.  I knew I couldn’t catch her. 

I left the aid station not feeling great.  I knew the next section was pretty runnable, and to try to run what I could without over heating.  I passed a few guys along the way, and offered words of encouragement.  I had been running alone since 20 miles or so.  I was getting tired of the conversations in my head.  I was really wanting to be done.

Leaving the 2nd to last aid station.
M. Leis photo

At the last aid station, Matt & Jason were there, and a volunteer asked me what I wanted – “Ice & chips,” I responded.  Ice in my hat, and a handful of chips to go, I was on my way.  I wanted to be done and the only way that was going to happen was if I kept moving.

 

On the Swinging Bridge headed towards the finish line.
M. Leis photo

I crossed the swinging bridge and onto the technical trail.  I was struggling.  I was walking, and not power walking, just walking.  A few guys passed me, and then 2 women passed me… So much for that top 10 finish again this year.  I was starting to see things – rocks that didn’t look like rocks, trees that didn't look like trees, and feeling very much like I did at Superior 2013.  I just kept telling myself to keep moving, and the faster I move the sooner I'd be done. I was no longer having any fun.

My thoughts moved to my friend, Toni, who is fighting cancer.  I hadn’t had the opportunity to visit with her before I left for the weekend, and I wanted to dedicate this race to her.  I knew that her battle is so much harder than any chaffing, blisters or heat rash I was going to experience.  I thought about her a lot those last 3 miles.  I prayed for her and for her family.  I knew the last .7 mile was on a hot paved trail leading back to Carlton and the finish line at the high school.  I prayed for a breeze.

I finally got to the paved trail.  I told myself that I had to run.  Just get this over and done with.  I was running and all of a sudden I felt it – a cool breeze.  I looked up to the sky and said “thank you!” It was a magical moment.

Soon, I turned the corner and had the school in sight.  I didn’t have a finish line kick, but I jogged it in and received my finisher’s mug.  I finished in 11 hours and 25 minutes.

Almost there!

I had nothing left to give. 

Matt, Jason & Stephanie were all waiting for me at the finish.  I am so blessed to have such a supportive husband & amazing friends that support these crazy adventures.  And I can't wait to go back next year for #5!!

4 years of Voyageur :)

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!!

Until next time!!

Eau Claire Marathon

“Everything you ever wanted to know about yourself you can learn in 26.2 miles,” as quoted by Lori Culnane.  I learned a few lessons today.  I’ll share those with you as we go along, but let’s start by saying today’s marathon did not go as I had hoped.

The Eau Claire Marathon is held in Eau Claire, WI, which is exactly 120 miles from my house.  When I registered, I didn’t give the location, race course or logistics much thought.  The timing fit my schedule, and it seemed like a nice low-key event.  I don’t care for big city marathons, the crowds, and lines give me the heeby-geebies, so this seemed like a nice road marathon to attempt a Boston qualifying time at.

As the week lead up to race day, I realized that logistically, it being 2 hours away, and a 7:30am start time wasn’t ideal.  Do I get up early, drive to the start or pay for a hotel nearby?  After a few nights of discussing our options, Matt & I decided that I’d just drive over race morning, and meet up with my friends, Steph & Joy.  The last few weeks I’ve been getting up at 4am anyway, so that shouldn’t be an issue. 

Race morning comes, and the alarm goes off, I hit snooze – maybe this should have been my first warning.  I NEVER hit snooze on a race morning.  I’m usually cranked to get up and get moving.  So when I do get up I’m about 15 min behind “schedule.”  Not a huge deal because I had worked in some additional time, just in case.  I brewed some coffee, got dressed, said good bye to Matt, grabbed my race breakfast and hit the road.

Pre-race selfie!

4:30am on a Sunday morning, there is NO traffic.  Awesome! Smooth sailing!  I got across town and into WI in record time.  One pit stop on the way, and I was there, finding a nice parking spot right on schedule.

Steph had warned me that the park start/finish area sat on top of a hill.  I grabbed a few things out of the car, and headed up.  It was about a 10 min walk… mostly up hill, to the start/finish area.  I easily found Steph & Joy & we picked up our race packets.  A quick stop at the porto-potty, which there were a ton of, luckily, and we headed to the start to line up.

Steph & I lined up together & soon we were on our way.  Music in my ears, plan set, mantras ready, I started the first mile.  There were some crowds & I was slightly behind the 3:45 pace group.  I checked my watch, and I was dead on 8:20.  That pace group went out too fast… Mile 2, still behind the 3:45 group, 8:10.  I backed it down a little.  The first 10k, was right on 8:20 pace average.  I was thrilled.  I was breathing a little hard, but if I turned up my music, I couldn’t hear myself panting, so therefore, I was fine, right??  The 3:45 group was behind me, and all was good.

Or was it… my pace started to falter with some hills, ok, no big deal, I’m fine, I told myself.  I started working on my mantras.  “Stay relaxed,” “keep your cadence high,” “pop!pop!pop!” as I marched up the hills.  But by mile 9, and this enormous hill that ended near the airport, I was spent.  I was over a 9min/per mile pace… “I didn’t come this far not to work,” I told myself, I tried to pick it up, another mile, 9:30.  Finally, I came to the conclusion I’d just do what I could.  Keep it under 4 hours? That seemed like a reasonable goal.

I hit the ½ marathon at 1:54.  Ok, that works, I told myself, just maintain this pace & you’ll break 4 hours.  It was getting hot.  I really was struggling.  I had no energy.  We turned into the wind, which on one hand was nice, as it kept you cooler, but on the other hand, it felt like it was literally sucking the life right out of me.  I contemplated sitting down in the shade, but kept pushing on.  I was carrying a hand held bottle, which I’m really grateful for, as I could drink between aid stations.  I refilled my bottle a total of 4 additional times.  I made sure I popped some salt tabs, and had a gel every hour or so (It ended up being miles 8, 14, 18, 22 for gels.)

I watched the 3:45 pace group move on by.  They were on track now.  Then shortly the 4:00 pace grouped moved past me.  I tried not to let that get to me.  I had pulled ahead of Steph, who was battling a cold, around mile 2 or 3.  She passed me too, definitely fighting the heat, about mile 16 or 17.  I tried to keep her in my sights, but that was a lost cause.  I kept moving, running, or walking when I was light headed and nauseous.  I was drinking well, but the heat was beating down on all the runners.  You could see it take it’s toll on many people today.  I just wanted to finish, standing up and breathing, at this point. 

At this point too, I changed my mindset.  It was no longer about meeting my goal of a Boston qualifying time, it was simply about finishing, and being grateful for this opportunity to run.  To be able to run, injury free, in a safe place, with gas in my car to drive me home, and food waiting for me at the finish.  I love running, and that’s what I was doing! This helped me get through a few more miles.

Mile 22 meltdown...

My lowest point was mile 22, it still felt like I had so far to go.  I texted Matt, and was on the verge of tears.  I talked myself out of crying, just wasted energy anyway, and I knew that the low point would pass.  Experience teaches you that if you wait it out, it will get better.  And it did.  Around mile 23, we came into the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire campus, and all the students were out.  There was so much energy, and it really helped pull me out of my slump.  Then it was only a 5k to go anyway.

I ran to the base of the hill at the park, and was starting to overheat after running the last couple miles without walking (not fast, mind you, but faster than walking!)  I walked/jogged up the final hill & into the finish area.  I was SO grateful to be done!   I found Steph, Joy & some additional friends that had ran the ½ marathon distance.  The heat blew us all up. I was in good company!

Finish line with Steph.

My official finish time was 4:16.  Not a personal best or a personal worst either, just another run on a hot day on a fairly hilly, and windy course.

Race Swag

Today’s marathon reminded me to respect the early season heat, wear sunscreen & use more body glide than you think you need.  :)

I don’t know if I’ll run another road marathon this year.  I may just stick to the trails for summer; my next events on the calendar include a 50k on July 4, a 50 miler the last weekend of July, and then the Superior 100 in September.  I have plenty to work towards, so we’ll see if it makes sense to do one once I’m recovered.

Thanks for taking the time to read my race ramblings.

Remember to:
*Be grateful.

*Respect the heat.

*Wear sunscreen.

*Use more body glide than you think you need.

*Thank your race volunteers.

Psycho-Wyco 50k 2015

Psycho-Wyco was my first trail and ultra-distance race of 2015.  I wasn’t sure what to expect regarding my performance.  Mostly, I was looking to enjoy myself, and I prayed for warmer temperatures and no ice.  I ran solid mileage in January, but only one 20 miler, which I did on snow covered trails at my local park.  I had been doing regular workouts with weights along with my running, but my nutrition the last couple weeks leading to race day had suffered.  I had no idea how the day would play out.

Kansas City is about a 7 hour drive from where I live.  I worked a few hours on Friday morning, and then we hit the road about noon.  I had packed a small cooler with some snacks, but nothing substantial.    It wasn’t quite dinner time when we cruised through Des Moines, Iowa, and we weren’t really hungry anyway.  It was still another couple hours to Kansas City.  I had hoped that we’d find something decent along the way.  As the sun went down and we started to get hungry, the towns got farther apart, and the food options got slimmer. I had been doing all the driving and I was ready for a break, I found an exit that looked promising… The signage at the exit pointed to a gas station, and a couple restaurants 2 miles off the interstate.  So we headed in that direction, the signs were somewhat misleading… There was a Pizza Hut, a local pizza place & the smallest Hy-Vee grocery store I’ve ever seen.  We opted to check out the grocery store.  We left with wraps, deli turkey, and some baby carrots.  This would have to do.  Matt took over driving, and I started putting our “dinner” together.  We made it into Kansas City about 9pm.  We were staying with some of Matt’s family, and we were welcomed into their home with hugs and the smell of something wonderful in the oven. 

We spent some time getting settled in and catching up and found that the wonderful smell from the oven was coming from stuffed jalapeños baking.  So at nearly 10pm on the night before my race I enjoyed stuffed jalapenos and a slice of chocolate cake.  Maybe not ideal, but certainly delicious! I hoped those jalapeños wouldn’t come back to haunt me!  It was nearly 11:30 before we hit the sack.  Morning would come early.

Morning did come early, but there always seems to be enough pre-race adrenaline to offset the lack of sleep.  Matt and I had our breakfast and headed off to the race.

I mingled with a few friends from Minnesota before the start, and it wasn’t long before we were off.

I found myself in a pack of runners early on, but it only took a mile or so before everyone started to get spread out.  After about 5 miles, I found myself running completely alone.  The course is a 3-loop course of just over 10 miles.  The first half is easier than the back half in my mind.  On the first loop the trail was frozen, but there was no snow, and it was really uneven. You had to be extra careful to watch your footing because there were so many frozen foot prints, and rolling an ankle became a very real hazard.  Add to that lots of leaves and rocks on the trail, and it made for some tricky places.  But this is why I love trail running. You just have to take what the trail gives you.  I found the most runnable sections were those areas on long up hills.  Now most ultra runners hike or walk the hills, I do too, on most days.  But because some of the areas that I’d have normally run, I needed to walk so I didn’t roll an ankle, I found that even if it was a hill and the footing was good, I ran it. 

Hiking up Dam Hill, this was a significant climb to an aid station.  Photo curtesy Matt Leis 

I finished the first loop in just over 2 hours, and I was pleased with that.  After a quick stop at the aid station, I started the second loop.  This was a whole new game.  The sun and earlier runners (there are 3 races, 10 mile, 20 mile & 50k on the same loop) had warmed up the trail, so now it was a mucky, slippery mess… The places that were frozen before were like grease.  So now I walked some of these same areas so I didn’t end up on my butt! Even on some of the hills that I had ran in the first loop, I was back to walking because it was so slippery.  I was starting to get frustrated, and my hips were starting to hurt from all the uneven terrain. 

The hills were starting to get to me on the second loop, but I just kept smiling! Photo curtesy Matt Leis

Every mile I watched my pace drop.  I didn't let it bother me, and just enjoyed the day for what it was.  I was running dirt trails, my body basically felt good, the sun was out, my wonderful hubby was out on the course taking pictures, life couldn’t be better!  I just kept reminding myself of all those blessings when I was slipping and sliding around.  Soon enough, lap 2 was done, and I was starting the third loop.

On the bridge to start the final loop.  Photo curtesy Matt Leis

There is something about the third loop that makes it special.  First of all, the trail had dried up a ton in the 2 plus hours I’d been making my way around it.  There was a little greasy mud in the first couple of miles, but then it was really nice.  I found myself running more, and running more of the hills.  Secondly, it’s the last loop.  You know you don’t have to climb those hills again; you won’t pass through that aid station again.  You’re like a horse headed for the barn.  Or at least I was.  I felt great.  With the better trail conditions, I could run, and running felt awesome.

 

Making my way down one of the many hills. Photo curtesy Mile 90 Photography

Headed for the finish line.  Photo curtesy Matt Leis

I ran it in as hard as I could.  I felt good.  I could hear the finish line before I saw it, and the music was pumping.  Finishing a race, whether it’s your first or your 100^th is something special.  That feeling never gets old.  I even did a little dance at the finish line.  Trail running is so much fun!! Being in nature, pushing yourself, and the thrill of a race simply makes me smile; I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

Finish line!! Photo curtesy Mile 90 Photography

I am so blessed to be able to do what I love.  To have been able to take a short get away, enjoy a weekend with family, and run trails in the sunshine is a recipe for happiness.  I hope that you can find something that you enjoy, that makes you smile, and enjoy it as much as possible.

Finish line dance :)  Photo curtesy Mile 90 Photography