The Final Stretch

Checking out the HURT site this afternoon I noticed the countdown clock read 30 days, 19 hours, 57 minutes.  I am down to the final month of training which includes 12 days of "real" training and 18 days of tapering.  Shit is getting real here!  I am nervous, excited, and just want to be at the start line already.  I look forward to the conch blow and for this adventure to begin.

I've done some pretty tough training runs the past couple of months including Farmdale, McNotagain, Tecumseh, and Lookout Mountain.  I didn't get in as many back-to-back long runs as I would have liked but I think I found some of the tougher terrains in the area to train on.  My confidence level at this point goes up and down.  I feel great about the recent races I've run.  I feel I've got nutrition down.  I felt physically strong and mentally focused throughout these races.  I set time goals for myself going into each race and was able to achieve those goals.  What makes me most nervous is the amount of elevation gain at HURT.  This past weekend was Lookout which has a stated gain of 6,300 ft. (though I'm going with Matt Treter's garmin which said 7,700 ft).  When I finished I asked myself if I could go out and do it again.  The answer was definitely yes.  If I was in the 100 mile mindset, there's no doubt in my mind I could have gone back for more.  BUT...could I do that if the elevation gain was double?  That shakes my confidence a bit lot!  The other thing that has negatively affected my confidence is the Ultra Signup predictor which is projecting me to finish over an hour after the cutoff.  I don't know how this is calculated but I don't like it one bit.

Lookout

Lookout 50 miler was my last big long run.  I went into that race with a plan to 1.) beat last years time  2.)  go sub-12  3.)  push and leave it all out there  4.) practice game day nutrition.  I will not try to kid myself, that was a tough course.  I did curse the leaves and the uphills once or twice.  For the most part though, I felt great.  I accomplished goals 1 and 2 with a finish time of 11:31 - 1:47 faster than last years time.  Goal 3 I found to be difficult.  I always wanted to push harder but didn't want to empty my tank too soon.  So, when is it the right time in a race to give it all you got?  Goal 4 worked like a charm.  I followed my plan using Vespa every 3'ish hours.  As far as food consumption goes, I had a couple hands full of trail mix along the way, a few mike & ikes to rid my mouth of the stale taste, 1/4 banana, 1/4 pb&j, and a cup on ramen before the final stretch.  I didn't feel the need to eat until my stomach started growling around lunchtime.  That's when I went for the pb&j and banana.  I drank nuun for hydration.  Salt every couple of hours.  Oh right...and a cup of beer that was offered by some spectators around mile 34 - that was delicious!  Once again, no fatigue, no bonking, just a nice consistent flow of energy.  I am really digging the Vespa!  It has worked so well for me in these races.  Lookout was a great race with awesome friends and I look forward to making this an annual road trip!    

The HURT Plan

I need to keep in mind that I was looking for a race that would break me down...chew me up and spit out a better version of who I am.  I'm betting it'll make me hurt, make me cry, yell at the sky, question life, challenge me physically and emotionally.  Bring it!  I wasn't looking for easy, I was looking for a life changing experience that will hopefully end with a new level of clarity. 

I need to show up ready to go head-to-head with the toughest thing I've ever faced.  I need to throw all fear and doubt out the window.  There will be no quitting.  I will give this thing all I've got and hope for the best.  My goals going in are:  1.)  show up at the start healthy and confident  2.)  take it slow  3.)  keep a nice cutoff cushion  4.)  finish within the 36 hour limit.  That is it.   Simple.

Until then, I'm going to run two more 50k's and then start my taper.  I'm going to be way more disciplined with diet until race day.  I'm going to work on my mental game and try to visualize the race.  I'm going to spend some time in the sauna and hope that helps with the acclimation to the climate change.  That is it.  Go time will be here before I know it.  YIPPEE!!!!

Peace!

            


 

Tales from Tecumseh

The Tecumseh trail marathon was a fantastic experience for me.  As always, many lessons learned, new friends made, and a great day spent running through the woods.

I was going to fly solo for the weekend. Use the time to just be alone and decompress. I did drive down alone and used that time to practice my singing...I can almost rap Beastie Boys Brass Monkey!  I might take that on the road.  Tara called while I was driving and talked me into meeting her and others for dinner...at dinner they convinced me to stay with them in this beautiful house in the woods. I had the best time ever - I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. Maybe this was the decompression I needed!  Thanks girls (and John) :-)

Had a great time with these people!  Thank you all for the laughs!

Race morning we are up at 5:30 getting ready for this adventure which will not begin for another 5.5 hours.  There was an hour delay due to some bus issues.  Fine - we have more time to talk with friends and pee another 3 or 4 times.  Finally, go time, 500+ of us take off into the woods for 26.2 miles of tough and beautiful trails.

First lesson of the day, and this is a lesson I "learn" over and over and always forget, the first 3 - 5 miles are the hardest for me!  Getting the muscles loose, getting into a good rhythm, getting caught up with the speedsters and realizing I'm not one of them, and dealing with wardrobe issues.  Lesson two, do not tie my shoes so tight!  I had a new pair of trail shoes I was trying out (loved them) but they were too tight and caused major shin pain.  After a couple of miles I pulled over, loosened them, and was good to go.  NOW, I was ready to tackle these trails.

They warned us to wear bright colors because it's hunting season.

  Hello hunters with big guns!

Tunes on, loosened up, shoes adjusted, and ready to go.  Yes, I'm 4.5 miles in and finally ready to run this race.  I've got some ground to make up now.  I take off, feel great and realize that my third lesson of the day is going to be patience.  With 500 people running single track and not starting my race until 4.5 miles I got stuck many times running a pace slower than I was hoping.  The trail in many places is not passable unless people stop and step off.  I split the difference.  Half the time I would pass and the other half I practiced patience.  I slowed down, thought about HURT and how I should run that race at a nice easy pace.  So to practice this patience thing I would stay at the back of the pack until we hit the next aid station and then move ahead.  This turned out to be a fun game for me.

It's tough to capture the hills on film...this was one of the "little" ones

 

At mile 13 there was the never ending climb.  Just before the climb there were a couple of gentlemen sitting on chairs with a cooler full of ice cold beer.  As I was passing I said something about how good that beer looked...and they handed me one :-)  Saints!  I power walked up that beast with a beer in my hand and a smile on my face.  I felt super strong tackling that hill - like the stairmaster and the workouts with Jeff are really paying off!  What a great confidence boost!  13 miles to go and I feel fantastic!  Somewhere between 18 - 19 I feel some toenail pain.  Like when you catch your toenail on the front of your shoe - especially on the downhills.  I have no other pain in my body and I am taking the downhills with caution because of silly toenails.  Discouraging and laughable at the same time.  Lesson four is another I've "learned" time and time again and never remember - cut the toenails short before a race!   Drats - I will get this one of these days!  I finished the race feeling strong with no problems to report.   After I stopped moving my tummy was icky for a bit but it was fine after I got some food and big diet coke in me.  My legs felt the effects of the climbs - I just needed to give them a little stretching and TLC.  I was walking just fine with a little residual soreness in the hammies and quads on Sunday.

As far as nutrition, at 6 am I had a piece of cinnamon toast, I had a protein bar, and used VESPA an hour before and at miles 9 and 18.  On the course I had NUUN in my camelback, a fudge stripe cookie around mile 9, and some chips around 18.  I did not experience muscle or brain fatigue at all during the race.  No bonking.  Lesson five - keep using the VESPA, it works!

The Tecumseh marathon was a success.  Finish time 5:38.  I'll be back for the repeat in 2013.  Next up - the Lookout Mountain 50!             

http://youtu.be/7aWprb4y7CE - this is a fly over video posted by New Leafer Kevin Kwilinski.  

 

 

The St. Pat's 24 Hour Race

I have to say this was one of my favorite races to date.  So much that this will be on my annual don't miss list.  The race directors, Sara and Jeanne, were so wonderful.  Not a single detail missed.  Not a name forgotten.  They were so attentive to every runner and spectator, and so accommodating to every need.  The St. Pat's Park grounds are beautiful this time of year.  The 3 mile loop course provides so much variety that I never got bored.  The location only 2 hours from home made it a very easy trip.

I was using this run as training for the HURT.  My focus was on nutrition and sleep deprivation.  I feel the nutrition part worked out very well.  The sleep deprivation part, not so much.  I ran for 15:27 and covered 64 miles in that time.  It was 11:30 pm and I was getting cold...and tired.  I just wanted a little break.  My super pacer, Leah, let me sit by the fire and would nudge me every 20 minutes.  I was not sleeping, but enjoying the warmth and giving my heavy eyelids a rest.  After a few pokes I decided to lay on a cot inside for while.  I was going to go back out later.  I changed out of my sweaty clothes and into nice, dry, warm clothes and that was it.  I was not going back.  I was enjoying the feeling of these uber comfy, super warm clothes around me.  I had to convince Leah that I was happy with 100k and I was REALLY okay to sit the last 8.5 hours out.  We "get" each other and she knew exactly where I was coming from.  Could I get more mileage - sure.  But I chose not to.  I went home on Sunday feeling like a million bucks.  Legs a little sore...but I didn't have to take the stairs one at a time.  Today I feel they are at about 90%.

I've been trying to follow a lower carb / higher fat diet in my everyday life.  Friday night while everyone was chowing down on the wonderful pasta dinner, I was just sitting there fighting the urge to make myself a plate.  I have a serious love for pasta.  BUT, I waited and then headed to a restaurant with Matt and Tif.  We (they) miraculously found this cute little place in South Bend.  The main drag was filled with restaurants - fast food, pizza joints, more pizza joints, and shady looking pubs.  But hidden back behind a hotel there it was.  The perfect place for us to hang, eat, and enjoy some beverages.  I ordered a burger - no bun - no fries - side of french onion soup - and cabernet ( can't cut it all out ).  I spent the week making a conscious effort to cut the carbs where possible.  It's not all that difficult and I haven't missed it too much.

This barn was transformed into sleeping quarters and staging area.

The morning of the race I downed my first VESPA mixed with some cranberry juice.  I ate a piece of ham off of a breakfast sandwich.  I was ready to go.  I felt good going out and was trying to come up with a strategy to use that would allow me to keep going for 24 hours.  There was one hill - which got bigger every time - that I decided I would walk each loop.  I don't even know if it was runnable.  I'll have to ask Joe Ventura.  Early on I got into my own head and was figuring out the hours remaining.  That is never a good idea for me.  I do best when I approach a long race with an attitude of "I'm going to be out here for a long time so I'll just run til it's over."  Instead I started doing math and trying to figure out how many more hours and how many more times I'd run this loop.  After a little pouting I dusted myself off and got on with my race.  I came up with a strategy where I would run 3 walk 1.  That worked for a total of 8 laps.  Then I went into overdrive.  I had a ton of energy, I experienced muscle fatigue for a loop somewhere in the 40's but then it went away.  I did end up going into ultra-walk mode during the night.  The roots were tricky in the dark and well hidden under the leaves, even with my super duper 200 lumen headlamp.  That thing was AMAZING btw!  After 21 loops I threw in the towel and took a rest on the cot.  I got up to find my warm clothes and change.  I was expecting to feel cramped and sore.  NOTHING.  I felt no physical signs of what I'd just done.  There was a tiny voice in my head that questioned my quit as I was doing the walk of shame to my things.  I quickly hushed the voice knowing that  I didn't want to be cold anymore.  And that was it.  The rest of my night was spent cheering on my awesome friends as they continued on - many setting PR's for time and distance.  Big Joe, Little Joe, Tif, Rita, Art, Jeremy - as well as the many new friends - all kicked ass out there!

I didn't over think my nutrition.  I used NUUN in my camelback - took an S-Cap every couple of hours - took 2 Aleve because my feet hurt - and VESPA every 3 hours.  I didn't try to shovel in the calories.  I ate based on my hunger.  During the 15+ hours I ate an uncrustable PB&J, a few boiled potato pieces, a sugar free pudding cup, a few bites of a turkey sandwich, some oranges, a sugar-free red bull, and a lot of blackberries.  Coming off of a tough 30 last weekend and a marathon the weekend prior, I was really shocked at how fantastic I felt.  The lack of fatigue was unreal.  Muscle fatigue and soreness is something I always experience during long runs.  The recovery, unless something has yet to hit, WOW!  The RD's, my pacer, and other friends were surprised how well I moving 30...40...50 miles in.  I was shocked myself.  They were chalking it up to the "Wasp Juice" ie:  VESPA.  Was it?  I don't know.  I do know that it was the first time I've experienced going that distance while giving a decent effort and not feeling the effects.  For the moment, I am going to attribute it to 1.)  VESPA  2.)  Shifting the Diet  3.)  Training / Strengthening program.  I am going to continue doing these three things because right now they seem to be working for me.

Next up...pacing Jack Cook to a 100 mile finish at Ozark!       

My new friend Gene.  76 years old.  This was his 33rd race of 2012.  Over 500 marathons under his belt.  Can't wait to see him at Lakefront 50/50 this weekend!  #INSPIRATION!

  

               

Less Carbs...it makes sense

I learned of a product called VESPA from a friend.  I am distrustful of most things, so I've been reading about the product, talking to others who use it, and talking to Peter from VESPA not only about the product, but the health benefits of a low-carb lifestyle.  The idea behind VESPA is that it works by encouraging your muscles to metabolize fat, rather than depleting your stored glycogen.  I'd like to burn the hell out of my fat stores!  The benefits are said to be that you will not hit the wall, you will have more mental clarity, and faster recovery with lower levels of muscle soreness.  This all sounds good to me.

When Peter started talking to me about the benefits of a low-carb higher fat diet what came to mind was the Atkins diet fad.  But, I've been reading the studies and science behind the idea and it kind of makes sense.  Though, it is a lifestyle change, not a "diet".  I have a lot more reading to do and many more questions to ask, but the one thing Peter said that stuck was this:

Glucose is one of the most tightly controlled substances in our bloodstream. If one does the math the body likes to have what amounts to 1 teaspoon of free glucose in circulation when blood sugar is normal and stable......eat a bagel and you just dumped 8 teaspoons into your blood and that is a toxic level your body has to deal with...it does so using insulin as the primary modulator to facilitate this but by doing so you turn off fat burn and then are dependent upon the glucose......over time this insulin load rises creating insulin resistance and even more dependence upon glucose and less ability to burn fat so not only are you finding your energy levels all over the map and needing to eat every few hours when sedentary but also things like weight gain and mood swings...

I am no scientist but I am going to experiment with this low-carb / higher fat lifestyle for a bit to see what comes of it.  I recently had my annual blood work done - maybe I'll have it re-done after a few months of this to see if there are any noticeable differences.  I am going to use the VESPA during my upcoming runs and see how I feel.  I'll be starting this weekend at the St. Pat's 24 hour.

I feel like I have been at a stand still with my weight and fitness level for some time now.  I am excited to learn and try new things in order to move ahead.  These dietary changes, along with the coaching and ass kicking from Jeff and his ILP, will hopefully be the kick start my body needs.  I will put it all to the test come January 19th.  Bring on the HURT!

Elevation profile of the 20 mile loop.

    
    

Lifestyle Changes in Order

102 days until my awesome crew and I depart for Hawaii.  There is a lot of work to be done during these days.  Training is going alright - but I really need to step it up over the next three months. 

I've started working with a trainer who is going to help me get on track with my overall fitness and diet.  We went through a strengthening routine last week and I could not believe just how weak I am, how much it hurt, and how long it took me to recover.  I was a gymnast for years and held the school record for sit ups in a minute and pull ups.  I was lean and strong and flexible...but I guess I worked at it every day.  Years went by and here I am, "able" to do 2.5 push ups, zero pull ups, and unable to touch my toes.  Time to start working at it every day again.  I will come out on the other end lean, mean, and ready to tackle the mother effin' mountain, thanks to Coach Jeff Lung and the ILP (Iron Lung Program).

Diet.  BLECH!  I've started logging everything I eat and drink.  It is seriously a wake up call when I look at that at the end of the day.  It is EASY to consume 2,000 calories - and that's without eating too much junk food.  We now have mini tootsie rolls in the office and every time I stroll past the front desk I grab 1 or 2.  No big deal, right?  Until I add them up...8, 9, 10...holy hell, that's over 200 useless calories consumed not out of hunger but habit.  Time to break the bad habits and make good healthy choices.  Challenge accepted.

I have a lot of races lined up that will be used as training runs for HURT.  Sleep deprivation training with St. Pat's and pacing Ozark100.  Climbing and technical training with Farmdale, McNotAgain, Tecumseh, and Lookout Mountain.  I've been hitting the gym and spending time on the stair master.  I'd also like to add one day per week where I focus on hill repeats.  Mt. Trashmore or Big Bertha would be good.  I'd like to get my weekly mileage up to about 75 - 80 miles by December and start the taper the first week of January.  That's the goal.

Looking forward to this transformation and lifestyle change...   
    

Assessing the Fitness

I kicked off my official training on August 25th with a 20 mile run along the fox river with the Fox Valley Marathon training group. During my first official training week, I logged 34 miles of running, an hour on the stair master, and an hour of hill repeats.  Not too bad. 

The start of week two I decided to do a very unscientific assessment of my current fitness level by running the closest thing to HURT one can find around here, the McNaughton, home of the Potawatomi races.  Ten mile loops, 1,600 feet of elevation gain per loop, stream crossings, technical single track, and I think it's always muddy there.  Compared to the HURT 20 mile loop we are short only 1,800 feet of elevation.

The conditions during this run were perfect, and by perfect I mean conditions closely mirroring HURT, not ideal running conditions by any means. 80 degrees, 95% humidity, scattered showers.  BJ came out for loops 1 & 2.  The trails were nice and mostly dry on loop 1 - though our clothes could have been wrung out within 10 minutes. The humidity was a killer, made breathing hard!  Lap 1 done, 2:15.  Eat pb&j, brownie, refill Nathan and head out for loop 2.

Loop 2 was a lot harder!  We had some showers, the cool off was a welcome relief, but the rain turns that course into a slippery mess!  Climbing and descending the hills was quite comical - though there were surprisingly no spills to report for anyone that day.  A couple of close calls, but no men down.  Lap 2 done, 2:30.  Eat pb&j, brownie, refill water, drop BJ, pick up Jack and Spencer.

My legs feel trashed.  My goal was 4 laps and I am already saying no to #4.  I am even considering sitting this one out.  But, I didn't drive all this way to run 20 miles.  Lap 3 was interesting.  Legs heavy in the beginning, the climbing sucked, and the runnable sections and downhills felt like I was on a rollercoaster.  Some were easy to run and felt great...other times I felt slow and weak and just like walking.  It'd be interesting to know just why that happens.  Lap 3 done, 2:28.  This "assessment run" done.  Thank you BJ, Spencer, and Jack for joining me, pushing me, and keeping me company out there.

What did I learn?

I LOVE running with all the deer!  I've never seen so many deer in my life.  Absolutely beautiful!

Never talk about how your feet do not blister and how chafing is a rarity.  You might just end up with blisters and chafing.

VESPA - some sort of running nutrition that helps convert your stored fat to energy.  Great concept.  But it apparently tastes like wasp piss.  Thank you for the honest review BJ.

I am completely directionally challenged in the woods.  Without fail, this happened about 50 times...
BJ:  "Which way do you think we go here"  Me:  "Left"  BJ:  "No, right"  I may have gotten 2 out of 50 correct.  Take away, do not run McNaughton alone.

I have a lot of work to do!  My goal before HURT is to be able to run back to back 40's out at McNaughton and feel good while doing it.

130 days and counting...   
   



        

Bigger Challenge - Accepted

After finishing the KM100 and waiting for the tears to fall and emotions to take over...none of which happened...I declared that I might need a bigger challenge.  Not that KM100 wasn't plenty tough.  EVERY 100 mile race is tough.  It's 100 miles!  Whelp, I found the next challenge.  It is called the HURT100.  I will start this journey on January 19, 2013 at 6 am in the mountains above Honolulu.  100 miles in a semi-tropical rainforest, 24,500 feet of elevation gain, 20 stream crossings, terrain like I've never seen before, and 36 hours to complete this task.  If this doesn't bring me to tears...

Course Photos - here is a link to some photos of the course taken by Robert Smith.

Profiling HURT - here is a link to a video clip from the course

I am not looking to cry just to cry, I could watch Lifetime for that.  I am not looking for the holy hell I hurt so bad I have to cry kind of cry.  I am looking for something big.  Something that that will break me down and build me back up.  Something life changing.  I want it to chew me up and spit out a better version of who I am.  Self-discovery.  We'll see what happens.

In the meantime, I have a little less than 5 months to train.  Plenty of time if I don't procrastinate.  I have watched videos, read tons of race reports, talked to people who have run the race to get perspective and training tips.  Now I just need to put together a plan and execute.

I am extremely lucky, and feel my chances of finishing this beast are increased significantly, to have an amazing pacer and crew come out with me.  Leah will be there to pace me.  Gosh I trust her like nothing else in this role.  She is simply the best!  Tifanie will be there with her calming demeanor and infinite knowledge about everything outdoors to crew.  My dad will be there for his very first running event to crew and help Leah and Tif with whatever they might need.  Words can not express how grateful I am to have these people with me.

Let the training begin!

Elevation Profile

Got roots?

          
        

100 Miles

Saturday morning 4:30 am the alarm rings and it's finally go time.  I've been waiting for this moment for what seemed like forever.  I was feeling a little bit jittery and very excited.  So I put on my clothes and head for the door with my awesome crew and pacer.  We arrive at the start around 5:30 to take care of last minute preparations.  I felt like a princess - in an ultra running sorta way.  Instead of hair spray it was bug spray and sunscreen, instead of a broach being pinned on on my outfit it was my bib, instead of a corsage on my wrist it was a timing chip placed around my ankle, my pedicure consisted of a vaseline rub down.  It was GREAT!

My Honey Badgers...Leah & Eric. I LOVE you guys!

Now the waiting.

While waiting I got to see my mom, brother, and son who came to cheer me on and work the Scuppernong aid station.  I was so happy to see them!  I also got to see so many friends who were about to embark on this journey with me and wish them well.  This felt like the longest 10 minutes of my life!

I was so happy to find mom and Elias before the start of the race.

And we're off...

I was expecting the jittery feeling to subside the moment I started running - but it didn't.  It was there full force.  My mood was surprisingly sour.  I couldn't figure out how to pull out of this mental hole.  I found myself running in the middle of a pack of friends I've run with many times before.  I am a very quiet runner.  I like to listen to conversation with minimal participation, and typically I enjoy the distraction.  Not this time.  We stayed in this pack for a while and I was telling myself I just need some time to settle into a pace and I'll start to feel better.  It took 20+ miles to pull out of this funk.  Finally!  I found myself happy to be running and able to visualize my race - what an incredible feeling!  What happened?  I don't know.  I think I just needed some time alone to clear my head and visualize my day and night.  My life has been so "noisy" lately - I think I just needed a little quiet time.

Move on through those aid stations.

My plan with Leah and Eric was to spend as little time as possible in the aid stations and boy did they stick to this plan.  I would come in and they were there with a plate of food they knew I'd like (blackberries, potato chips, PB&J), camel back stripped off, refilled, chapstick, sunscreen, hydration...GO!  And it all happened that fast.  It was like a well oiled machine.  They were extraordinary.  Having them there to support me was just a blessing.  They gave me the confidence I needed to press on - they could read my every move and sluggish step - they knew exactly what to do and when.  Gosh I love those guys!

Crew and pacers get a little down time.  They worked hard and earned this little break.

So in sync with my crew.  Eric walking me out of the aid station giving a pep talk I'm sure.

Struggles.

One hundred miles does not come without it's share of struggles. I've written about the first 20.  Twenty through sixty-seven was surprisingly easy with no physical or mental pain.  I picked up my rock star pacer, Leah, at 62 and we headed out into the night.  I felt great!  It only took 5 miles for that great feeling to turn into doubt.  Quit.  Just typing that word makes me cringe!  At Tamarack (67) I sat down, on the verge of tears questioning my ability to go on.  Why?  I was physically able to go on.  I think I got scared.  Scared of the night, of failure, of the what if's.  What if I get hurt out there, what if I need medical attention and we have no quick way to get help, what if I'm not ready for this?  Leah, Ian, and Carol huddled around and assured me that I would not die.  They joined together and gave me the strength I needed to get out of that aid station and continue on.  Luckily, this was the one and only time I doubted my ability and was lucky to be surrounded by an amazing group of friends to help me through.

There were other small struggles through the night that Leah was able to pick up on and address before I was even aware of the potential problem.  At one point she noticed that I was getting tired and loopy.  I don't take the caffeine pills or 5 hour energy or anything like that.  I remember her handing me a water bottle that tasted "funny" - funny like grape.  I asked about it and she said, I must have put my nuun (or something like that) in your bottle by accident...now lets run.  Later she told me about my sluggish ways and how she had to sneak some caffeine into me.  She knows me well because sneaking is the only way that was going to happen. 

Best aid station ever!  Thank you Carol for your support throughout.  Especially when I came in at 67.  You, Ian, and Leah were the best in helping me through my little "hiccup". 

Special Moments.

Seeing my kids was such a lift for me - this made me smile and want to cry each and every time.  Elias, my 16 year old, made his way out onto the trail at some point. I wish I could remember when, but it was before Scuppernong.  I was running and there he was walking toward me.  It had already been such an emotional day and holding back these tears was SOOOO hard.  Having a teenager is tough.  There is normally a good amount of friction between us.  Out on the trail that was all gone.  He had an appreciation for what I was doing.  We talked more during these miles on the trail than we have in months.  It was a dream come true.  If I could have that with my kid every time I run 100 miles - I'd do it every damn weekend.

Elias surprised me and met me out on the trail.  Best moment ever!

Need a pick me up?  Hugs from kids do the trick:-)

On the way out to Rice Lake when we reached the top of the stairs - tired, exhausted - Leah pointed out the beautiful view.  There was a bench and we sat silently for a few minutes looking at what we just climbed under the full moon.  It was like stopping to smell the roses.  It gave me the energy to make it to the next aid station.  And soon the sun would be rising.

The last 7 miles I "ran" with Leah, Eric, and Elias.  It hurt like hell - but it is weirdly like childbirth in the way that you forget the bad and the good takes over.  I remember the powerful feeling of "I'll never do this again" which quickly changed to "Yeah, that hurt but the good was so much better than the bad."  This stretch was so special because I had these people by my side.  And then the final stretch Michael and Jack were there to run it across the finish with me.  Melt my heart!  I could cry just writing about it.

I had a vision in my head about crossing the finish line and it being a highly emotional event.  It was a great feeling - it was special - it felt like I accomplished something big.  But, it wasn't nearly the emotional charge I had anticipated.  Maybe this just means I need a bigger challenge.  We'll see.  To be continued...

100 Miles and done...thank you Leah & Eric for your amazing friendship and support.  Thank you mom, Elias, Jack, and Michael for being there for me, seeing you gave me tons of strength.  Thank you Jeff for your support in teaching our children about supporting family and achieving goals.  I love you all.  

Bad Ass buckle!  Thank you, Leah!

Finish time 27:40:18

Checkpoint Mileage Time Pace   Distance Time Pace  Nordic Center Start  0.000  28.1 seconds     Emma Carlin Outbound  15.800  3:12:31.5   12:11.1  Scuppernong Turnaround  31.600  7:00:34.3   13:18.6   15.80  3:48:02.8   14:26.0  Emma Carlin Inbound  47.400  11:02:44.8   13:58.9   15.80  4:02:10.5   15:19.7  Nordic Center 100K  63.200  15:18:02.3   14:31.6   15.80  4:15:17.5   16:09.5  Hwy 12 - Outbound  77.500  19:41:48.5   15:14.9   14.30  4:23:46.2   18:26.7  Rice Lake Turnaround  81.900  21:19:54.1   15:37.7   4.40  1:38:05.5   22:17.6  Hwy 12 - Inbound  86.300  23:08:02.2   16:05.0   4.40  1:48:08.1   24:34.6  Nordic Center Finish  100.600  27:40:18.4   16:30.2   14.30  4:32:16.1   19:02.4

The 5 Week Taper

What's one to do with an injury 5 weeks prior to the big dance?  What are the choices?  a.) continue to run and risk further injury  b.) cry like a baby and use it as an excuse to withdraw from the race  c.)  enjoy some extra taper time and show up at the start line nice and rested and hopefully injury free.  I am going with "C" all the way.

I don't know exactly what happened.  I've trained for this race for months injury free, symptom free, pain free.  Last weekend at Horseriders, out of the blue, I started experiencing pain in my Achilles and calf.  I finished the 27 miles I signed up for and I'd say about 20 of the miles were pretty painful.  Good practice pushing through the pain for KM or stupid move on my part - I'm not sure yet.  I knew I didn't want to practice quitting.  I ended up with a lot of swelling and bruising so decided to give it a rest for a bit.  I've been icing, elevating, and popping anti-inflammatories.  I am taking a break from running until it feels fully recovered or June 2nd, whichever comes first.  Only 31 days away! 

Though it's difficult not running, I feel surprisingly at ease.  I feel physically ready for KM, well aside from this little injury.  I feel mentally prepared for the challenge.  I know that I am going to wake up on June 2nd, pin on a bib, and move forward for 100 miles or 30 hours.  I understand a lot can happen over the course of 100 miles and I will address those things as they're thrown at me.  Self-doubt or worrying about what might happen is not an option right now.  I have complete confidence in, and am so thankful for, my rock star crew and pace team - Eric and Leah.  I have run many miles with them and have an amazing level of comfort in their ability to keep me moving and focused on the goal.

I am really looking forward to this day.  There will be so many people from our little running community out there running or supporting or cheering - but I think mostly running!  It's going to be a 100 mile long party - WOOHOO!!!  Bring it on. 


             

Single Digits

The "weeks til go time" countdown is now in single digits.  WOW!  Nine weeks left to train - three of those weeks in taper mode - which means I have six weeks of hard core, no wimps allowed, go hard or go home training ahead of me.  I've given up on being nervous and have thrown myself into terribly excited about this 100 mile adventure.

Until recently I had a coach mapping out my plan and monitoring my progress.  Though I love the idea of having this person to help me and hold me accountable, I learned that my lifestyle isn't conducive to following a rigid plan.  I require a fair amount of flexibility.  I didn't want to let the coach down week after week so we parted ways.  I would say that I successfully completed most of the workouts she planned for me, but it added an element of stress.  So, now I am going to spend some time pulling these last 9 weeks together and hope for the best.

I am thrilled that two of these weekend training runs will be pacing some great friends.  I feel honored that they are sharing their journeys with me.  I will pace Leah at Umstead 100 this weekend and ring in her birthday out on the trail.  I will pace Eric at Pottawatomie 150 and be out there running through the nights.  Yes, plural!  I don't know for sure, but I feel that using pacing as part of the overall training can be very beneficial for the big day.  While pacing I get to witness what happens physically and mentally in the later miles of the race, I get to brainstorm coping strategies, run through the night, practice walking, get lots of time on feet.  And the best part, I get to witness the sweet reward of the finish line through these amazing athletes.  So my new plan has two weekends covered, now to fill in the rest:-)


And my ADD will take this post in another direction now...

Last weekend I ran the Gorge Waterfalls 50k in Oregon.  I have never in my life seen something so amazingly beautiful.  I have shared Tara's pictures on FB - but here are just a couple of shots.  I would absolutely recommend this go on every runners bucket list.  Enjoy!

This is something out of a storybook...stunning beauty all around

Waterfalls everywhere - over 70 falls on the 50k course

And great friends to share the adventure with - priceless!

    Time to start planning!

      

Lucky 13

Thirteen weeks until the gun goes off and this 100 mile race gets underway.  The butterflies are starting to flutter around when I think about how this time is going to fly and how much work I have yet to do to prepare.  The nervousness hasn't brought me to tears yet but, I bet it will before the big day gets here.

During my training I am experiencing runs that build my confidence and others that knock me flat on my ass.

Knock me on my ass run:  A couple of weeks ago a group of us went out to Kettle to run 20 on a Saturday morning.  I was very excited to go out and experience a 10 mile stretch of the actual course...until I got there and started running.  The trails were covered in deep snow, my water was frozen, the climbs were tough, the pace was pitiful, my attitude couldn't have been worse.  I felt terrible for Brian because he had to listen to me em eff the course for 10 miles until we met up with the others.  Turning around at mile 10, knowing that we were more than half way done, picking up some friends who were extremely positive and happy to be out there, really helped my spirits.  When we finished the run it was such a great feeling...great to be done...great that I finished what I set out to do...again, great to be done.

The lesson learned from this run is that my mind can make or break the big race.  If I go into KM with the attitude I had during this training run, there's no doubt that I will fail.  Something to work on over the next 13 weeks.

Confidence builders:  The good news is I've had more in this category than the other.  I had a weekend where I ran long at VA and then ran long on the IPP the following day.  Felt great - not a stitch of soreness.  I paced the Snickers Marathon while feeling under the weather and finished on target.  I've been getting in some hill work and following the schedule the coach set out for me.  The mileage is increasing and I'm excited to work hard in order to make this happen.  I can only hope for many more of these confidence builders in the coming months.  I have a great group of running friends whose company during these runs helps keep me on track and make the miles just fly by.

I think that maybe we are supposed to experience these difficult runs during our training so we can learn something about ourselves and reflect back during tough times in a race.  Though I hope that my good runs outnumber the bad runs by A LOT - I will make sure to try and find the lessons from  the bad and learn from them.








 

                   

The race calendar

I was looking at my google calendar to make sure that all of the races I am aware I've signed up for have been entered.  Then cross referenced that with the events I am attending according to Facebook.  Then went through my email race registration confirmations to make sure nothing was left out.  Phew...I think all is in order now.  I hope it is all in order. 

Unfortunately I've discovered that there's not a lot of extra time to add more races to this schedule. There are so many fun / cool / beautiful races out there I'd like to run...but only so many weekends in a year and only so many of those that can be spent away from home racing.  So what does one do?  There are certain races that I just love and couldn't see not doing year after year.  But I will make some tough choices and eliminate a favorite for a bucket list item or two each year...starting next year.

My 2012 race schedule:

14-Jan	Frosty 50	31
3-Mar	Pacing Snickers	26.2
25-Mar	Gorge Waterfalls	31
14-Apr	Potawatomi	50
2-Jun	KM100	100
15-Jun	Chatt Stage Race	60
14-Jul	Dances with Dirt	50
28-Jul	Sunburn 6/12 hour	50
16-Sep	Pace Fox Valley	26.2
7-Oct	Pace Lakefront	26.2
27-Oct	JJ100	100
1-Dec	Tecumseh	26.2
14-Dec	Lookout Mountain 50	50
Total Race Miles:		626.8

         
Looking forward to each and every one of these adventures.  I love the physical challenge, the race atmosphere, the amazing trails, the ultra aid stations with cookies and chips, the great friends, and ahhhhh - the finish.

Oh, and the training for KM100 is going great!

Balls in the air

Sixteen weeks and 4 days until the big day.  Time is flying so fast I feel like I'm riding in an X43.  When did we enter February?  I had an invitation from Jack's classmate hanging on my fridge...I looked at it yesterday and was going to RSVP...ooops, the party was on Sunday, February 5th. 

Juggling kids, home, career, running...with multiple to-do's under each of the categories has been quite challenging lately.  I can easily prioritize these 4 categories but struggle with the lists within the categories and mingling them all together to come up with a work/home/run/family balance that keeps everyone affected happy.  Though, the only one complaining is me so I should probably just spend this time and energy being productive ;)

Last weekend I made plans to meet Tifanie at the Arb for a morning run.  I woke up early, got all of my gear together, dressed, and ready to go.  Michael walks up to me and asks if I am going running and am I running outside or downstairs.  I told him outside.  He gave me the sad eyes and asked me if I could run downstairs instead.  Normally I would stick to the plan, give him a kiss, tell him mommy will be back soon.  This day I decided to drop the ball.  I kicked off my shoes, took off my coat, sent my apologies to Tif, and snuggled on the couch with that sweet little angel.  No regrets!  His excitement and smile was so worth it!  (I got my run in later...guilt free) 

My snuggle bug...how could I resist?

Dunkin Donuts...the greatest place on earth when you're 3 & 5

Mikey and his monkey...love his style!

  
Training is going well - I am getting in most of my miles - feeling good - injury free.  We have had perfect running weather so far this winter.  Last Tuesday at EPIC it was so nice we got to enjoy a parking lot post party- summer style.  Good times! 

Looking forward to kicking this week off right with an EPIC Tuesday run tonight.

    


          

Oh My Aching Abs

I do not know where the time goes.  I was going to write about my training on a weekly basis and as I sit here looking at the calendar I realize that last week came and went.  Where did it go?  Can you get time back if you've no recollection of it at all? 

In summary for last week - I had 37 miles on the calendar and ended up cutting my 20 down to 10.  Though, there was so much snow on the ground it felt like 20!

This week is all new for me.  I've started training with a coach.  Her approach is much different than mine and it is taking some getting used to.  What do you mean I can't do 20 milers yet?  My heart about stopped when I heard that.  But, she is the professional and trains some great ultra runners so probably knows a little more about this ultra stuff than me.  When I ask "why?" there's always a logical reason.  And I ask why a lot!

What's new?  Hmmmm...speed work, running more days, running less miles, paying attention to heart rate, tracking calories and nutrition, and CORE work!

Last night I did some speed work followed by a 20 minute time trial.  My last two 5k's were run at about a 7:30 pace.  It's been a while since I've paid any attention to speed and it's amazing how quickly that can be lost.  I am kind of embarrassed to even document this but I will because the next time it will be much better.  20 minutes - 2.31 miles = 8:39 pace.  WHAT?  I want a re-do!  That's over a minute per mile slower than I was expecting!  I am not out to win races and a nice easy pace is one of the things I love about ultra running.  But, I will work on building some speed for these shorter distances and PR a 5k and 10k this year.

Calorie tracking - what an eye opener!  I wondered how I could be an ultra runner and not lose any weight.  Let me tell you...it's called M&M Peanuts.  I think I could have easily been consuming 500 calories of the sweet goodness on a daily basis.  Every time I walked past the front desk at work I'd grab a handful.  I will not ruin it for those of you who love M&M's - but I will be limiting myself to 10 pieces per day instead of 10 hands full.  I am really excited about this part of the training.  If I can go into the 100 with 15 less pounds to carry I'll be a happy camper.          

And lastly, my aching abs!  I did my first ab/core workout this week and it hurts to sit up straight.  But I like the pain - I think it means I did it right and there are some muscles building up under my protective "winter layer".  Quite excited about that. 

Happy Friday!

 

   

Three of my favorite things this week...

Training week 2 was a huge success!  Forty-seven miles on the training plan - forty-seven miles run.  Not a moment of hesitation or procrastination.  I was extremely happy with the week and look forward to keeping this momentum going.

I feel the success this week was attributed to the following three things: 

1. Starting the week off right with the EPIC Tuesday run.  The temperatures were mild, the company was amazing as always, and the run just felt great.  It's extrememly encouraging to feel like..."I can do that again"...after a run. 
2. The snow!  I had a 6 mile run on Thursday that I didn't get to until the kids were tucked in bed.  I ran the first 4 on the treadmill and then headed outside with the pup for the final 2.  It had snowed all day and Henry and I had a great time creating two miles of footprints in the fresh powder.  The moon and lights reflecting off the snow made it so bright and magical!



Henry admiring our footprints in the snow

3. Frosty 50 & the Treter's.  What an amazing day at VA!  The trails were beautiful and snow covered, hilly, and tough!  The people - WOW!  I love ultra runners!  50+ people standing outside in the freezing cold...running some long tough miles...water bottles freezing...wet feet...climbing hills in the snow...telling stories which made the miles fly by (thank you Brandi :)...all as happy as could be encouraging one another along throughout the day.  Then there were the volunteers (saints!).  These extraordinary people marked the course...taxied the crazy running crowd to and from our cars...cooked us chili, soup, hot dogs, etc...kept the fire going for us...took our pictures...entered our times...lent a helping hand where ever one was needed.  THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!  And the Treter's.  I stuck with Matt and Tif throughout the 50k.  At first I had to leave by 2:00 but then was able to get a time extention.  When I hit 25 miles my legs were tired and I said I was just going to run the last 6 on the treadmill at home.  Tif encouraged me to go out for the LAST loop and I was so glad I did!  It really felt great to put the Woodal around my neck after completing the full 50k.  It was also nice to get home and not have 6 miles hanging over my head...if that were the case this blog post might be about a week two fail instead of this huge success story.  So, if you ever have  the opportunity to push someone along and help them accomplish their goal, do it!  Thank you Tif for the nudge:-)    

It is almost time for EPIC Tuesday once again...excited to kick off another successful week of training.

   

Beautiful trails...



Snow covered trees...perfect day....

My running buds for the day...Matt & Tif