Last night while attending a party given by Troy's football coach for all of the players and family, Steve told me that he and the boys were going to do some hunting today. They'd be home before the 530 wedding and reception we had to attend.
Oooh, I thought, I have a full day to myself..what shall I do? Shopping..ah, not much of a shopper-cleaning..nah, napping..too nice outside..
I'll be having many full days and even weekends to myself soon..deer hunting begins next weekend :)
I recalled when driving home from the Superior 100, I had stopped at the Holiday Gas Station in Duluth and saw on the shelf "Minnesota Running Trails", written by my friend, Kate Havelin. I hadn't seen it around yet, and was excited to purchase and read this book. I figured I'd read it and maybe hike some of the trails Kate writes about during my recovery from Superior.
I came home, read the book in two days, loved it, and became very busy with football/fall baseball and recovery ended up only taking a week. I hadn't visited any of the trails in this gem of a book.
Last night when we arrived home, I pulled the book back out, deciding Topaz and I would head out to a new trail.
I decided on the Kathio State Park; only a bit over an hour away, 35 miles of trails, wooded, open, grassy and hilly, it sounded wonderful!
It was wonderful! The park is the 4th largest state park in Minnesota. It is just west of Mille Lacs Lake.I can't believe that I didn't see anyone there for the full day! It is so beautiful. Minnesota is a wonderful beautiful state. This state park is fantastic. Miles and miles of dirt, grass, rocky and some gravel trails. Lots of rolling hills, it is very well marked, I never became lost; and I always become lost!
The trees, although past peak color, were still covered with leaves and still had much of their color left. I saw many oak, maple and birch.
There was a large Interpretive Center that had indoor bathrooms and pop machines. I was able to wash up before heading home.
We ran along ridges, up and down grassy hills, through meadows, through lots of swampy areas.I'm not sure how many miles we ran, but we ran for 8 hours, at least a 50K, probably more. 8 wonderful, quiet, beautiful hours.
I counted up to 35 deer, then quit counting. I counted 3 wolves, too. The wolves made me a bit nervous, but they were more shy of me then I was of them. They made Topaz's hair stand up on his shoulders as he let out a growl.
I will certainly head back out to Kathio again. I had an excellent day. I'm anxious to check out some of the other trails, too.
So much for a cut back in mileage this week. After running over 90 miles last week, I thought I'd aim for 70 this week. After today, I'm up to 82, planning 10 tomorrow.
The weather has just been fantastic. Sunny, mid 50's, too nice not to spend some long hours running. With the family hunting, I have plenty of time.
Next weekend I think I may drive up to Duluth to run the new section of the Superior Hiking Trail. I haven't run that portion and have heard that it is very well done.
I guess I need to get ready for a wedding now. Blech. Two nights in a row=too much social interaction for me. Maybe I'll pass.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Nerstrand Big Woods 1/2 Marathon
After having plenty of runs on the trails near home this week I was ready for a change of view and a faster pace. I decided to run the Nerstrand Big Woods 1/2 Marathon. I haven't run a 1/2 in 5 years. I ran this race before and a few Mora 1/2 Marathons as well as the Winter Carnival 1/2's which I really enjoy. There aren't very many races of at least 1/2 marathon distance in MN in the dead of winter.
I figured about a 2 hour drive to Nerstrand, that was correct. The sun was shining, the sky was beautiful blue, there was a nice stiff breeze. The temperature was 42F, a bit chilly, so I opted for shorts, gloves and a long sleeved shirt.
After registering for the race I milled around the church for a while but didn't recognize anyone, so headed back to my car until start time. I decided to grab my iPod before I went to the start line, I also grabbed a Cliff shot to put inside of my hand held bottle filled with Heed.
There was a 5K, 10K and 1/2 Marathon and we all had the same 900 start. We began on a dirt road near the church, where we would finish as well.
After the dirt road we were on asphalt county road for a very long time. I was surprised that we weren't turning into the state park. Where are the trails? Damn. It's hot. Within 2 miles I stepped off the asphalt, onto the dirt shoulder to remove my long sleeved top. To my amazement, I received good natured whistles. I tied my shirt upon my waist and continued to run on the asphalt. Within the next mile I came upon Dave Just. I asked him where the hell the trail was? He asked me if I hadn't read the Course Change bulletin at the church. Ah, no, I hadn't. He told me that the state park was closed to foot traffic because of all of the rain! The park was closed so the race was rerouted. ALL ROAD. At first I was bummed, then pissed, then decided whatever..enjoy the beauty of the day. And enjoy I did!
The miles clicked off, I had a gel and drank my Heed. I was listening to music, taking in the leave change and the other runners. It was a beautiful day. The course was all hills. Big hills. One hill after another. So much so that it reminded me of running Vermont 100, except during the second half of the run, we NEVER ran downhill. It was all uphill. I ran every hill, every step, telling myself this was *only* 13 miles, run as hard as you can, every mile. I did. I was panting and sweating and having a blast.
I kept leapfrogging with another gal. I would catch her, pass her and pretty soon she would be at my elbow. She had an iPod too, so I tapped her on her elbow and gave her a thumbs up "good running" I said. She said the same. We ran side by side up some god awful hill that lasted over a mile. I was losing steam, running as fast as my legs could carry me up hill. She said 'there's one mile left. Let's run a 730" Shit. I said 'you lead, I"ll follow'. She did, she kicked it up a notch and ran into the finish. Good lord, I hung on for dear life and felt every muscle in my body tighten up. 732. Wow. It was great, really. I haven't run so hard since I was breaking 10 hours at Ice Age this past May.
Thanks to the gal, I ran a 1:55. A PR for me, on one hell of a hilly course. Made me happy!
At the finish I watched Larry Pederson, Karen Gall, Mick Justin and Kate Havelin come it. It was an awesome day! I'm glad I decided to go at run the Nerstrand 1/2.
I figured about a 2 hour drive to Nerstrand, that was correct. The sun was shining, the sky was beautiful blue, there was a nice stiff breeze. The temperature was 42F, a bit chilly, so I opted for shorts, gloves and a long sleeved shirt.
After registering for the race I milled around the church for a while but didn't recognize anyone, so headed back to my car until start time. I decided to grab my iPod before I went to the start line, I also grabbed a Cliff shot to put inside of my hand held bottle filled with Heed.
There was a 5K, 10K and 1/2 Marathon and we all had the same 900 start. We began on a dirt road near the church, where we would finish as well.
After the dirt road we were on asphalt county road for a very long time. I was surprised that we weren't turning into the state park. Where are the trails? Damn. It's hot. Within 2 miles I stepped off the asphalt, onto the dirt shoulder to remove my long sleeved top. To my amazement, I received good natured whistles. I tied my shirt upon my waist and continued to run on the asphalt. Within the next mile I came upon Dave Just. I asked him where the hell the trail was? He asked me if I hadn't read the Course Change bulletin at the church. Ah, no, I hadn't. He told me that the state park was closed to foot traffic because of all of the rain! The park was closed so the race was rerouted. ALL ROAD. At first I was bummed, then pissed, then decided whatever..enjoy the beauty of the day. And enjoy I did!
The miles clicked off, I had a gel and drank my Heed. I was listening to music, taking in the leave change and the other runners. It was a beautiful day. The course was all hills. Big hills. One hill after another. So much so that it reminded me of running Vermont 100, except during the second half of the run, we NEVER ran downhill. It was all uphill. I ran every hill, every step, telling myself this was *only* 13 miles, run as hard as you can, every mile. I did. I was panting and sweating and having a blast.
I kept leapfrogging with another gal. I would catch her, pass her and pretty soon she would be at my elbow. She had an iPod too, so I tapped her on her elbow and gave her a thumbs up "good running" I said. She said the same. We ran side by side up some god awful hill that lasted over a mile. I was losing steam, running as fast as my legs could carry me up hill. She said 'there's one mile left. Let's run a 730" Shit. I said 'you lead, I"ll follow'. She did, she kicked it up a notch and ran into the finish. Good lord, I hung on for dear life and felt every muscle in my body tighten up. 732. Wow. It was great, really. I haven't run so hard since I was breaking 10 hours at Ice Age this past May.
Thanks to the gal, I ran a 1:55. A PR for me, on one hell of a hilly course. Made me happy!
At the finish I watched Larry Pederson, Karen Gall, Mick Justin and Kate Havelin come it. It was an awesome day! I'm glad I decided to go at run the Nerstrand 1/2.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
My Little Champ
Today was Troy's football Championship Game. The big one, the game that the whole season boiled down to.
His team, the Big Lake Blue Lightning, they decided to call themselves, won each and every regular season game. Then they went into the playoffs as first seed, every playoff game..they won too. Incredible. Just incredible.
Last night some of the football Moms got together to make banners for the game today. We decorated them, decorated cars, it was a blast.
Today was the game. A beautiful day, sunny, light breeze. The Championship Game.
Rock on Blue Lightning! They won 20-6. They won every game of the season, only having had three touchdowns scored upon them during the whole season.
Congratulations Blue Lightning!!
I've seen Troy develop a confidence within himself that wasn't quite there before. He holds his head a bit higher, he doesn't seem quite as unsure of himself. Working hard and watching his own level of endurance and progress has been beneficial for him.
I know that feeling. I'm glad Troy does, too.
Before the game, Topaz and I headed off for 15 miles at the trail. I was going to run 10, but man, the Rogers Boys Cross Country Team showed up at 900 as I was refueling at my car. They noticed my Twin Cities Marathon shirt, we began talking, and before I knew it, I was running another loop with them. They kicked my ass. Topaz loved running with the fast boys. Well, so did I!
Have a wonderful weekend!
His team, the Big Lake Blue Lightning, they decided to call themselves, won each and every regular season game. Then they went into the playoffs as first seed, every playoff game..they won too. Incredible. Just incredible.
Last night some of the football Moms got together to make banners for the game today. We decorated them, decorated cars, it was a blast.
Today was the game. A beautiful day, sunny, light breeze. The Championship Game.
Rock on Blue Lightning! They won 20-6. They won every game of the season, only having had three touchdowns scored upon them during the whole season.
Congratulations Blue Lightning!!
I've seen Troy develop a confidence within himself that wasn't quite there before. He holds his head a bit higher, he doesn't seem quite as unsure of himself. Working hard and watching his own level of endurance and progress has been beneficial for him.
I know that feeling. I'm glad Troy does, too.
Before the game, Topaz and I headed off for 15 miles at the trail. I was going to run 10, but man, the Rogers Boys Cross Country Team showed up at 900 as I was refueling at my car. They noticed my Twin Cities Marathon shirt, we began talking, and before I knew it, I was running another loop with them. They kicked my ass. Topaz loved running with the fast boys. Well, so did I!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Twin Cities Marathon: A Blast :)
Yes, I had a complete blast! Wait a minute, who was that woman that wasn't looking forward to Twin Cities Marathon yesterday? Who was that woman that wasn't looking forward to the crowds, to the spectators and all of the marathon hullabaloo?
I guess the reason I have run the TCM for the past 7 years is because IT IS FUN!
I knew it was going to be a good day when I looked at the thermometer at 4 AM and it was 72F. Wow, nice. No long sleeves, no jacket, just a singlet and shorts. Rocking. The forecast told me 85 and sunny, maybe some clouds near 12. Wow, rocking again. I mean, I've been running in heat for what..5 months now? Woohoo.
Second good omen: I decided to risk it and see if I could get as close to the Metrodome as the Jerry Huff Parking Ramp. We always park here for the Twins/Vikings game and then I wouldn't have to park and bus. OK, score again. The roads were blocked just past the Ramp. AND parking was free. Woohoo.
I arrived to the Dome at 6 AM, yeah, for an 8 AM start. Oh well. Walked around the circumference of the Dome many times, used the potties, lubed up my feet and hung out on a bench.
It was fun to run into friends; as I first entered the Dome I saw Karen, then as I was waiting outside for a porta pottie here comes Kevin and Jason. Awesome!
I headed for the drop bags at 730 and made my way to the start, walking up to the Wave 2, near the 430 pace group. I figured I'd run about a 430, grabbed a 430 pace chart and really didn't want to run over 430.
Today was my 20th marathon. My first 3 marathons were 457, 445 and 441. All of the others have been less than 430.
A spokesperson told us that today was the HOTTEST TCM marathon start in it's history, 26 years. He told us that it was 74F and the high would be 85 with maybe a bit of cloud cover around noon. People were kind of freaked by this. I wasn't, and was perplexed why so many were. What have you been running in all summer? I suppose most aren't pushing the marathon pace in training, so the exertion is greater in the marathon. I had SCAPS, gels, was going to drink allot, I was ready.
GO! We were off. I loved running downtown, I saw the office building I used to work in, the restaurants I used to lunch in, running down Hennepin is a trip. The spectators were great all throughout the start.
I was digging this. No pressure, just run, enjoy the morning. I peed when I needed to, I hardly looked at my watch at all, I was totally soaking in the views, I didn't run hard. I took it nice and easy.
Eventually, about 10 miles I began to get warm. I noticed my feet, ears and face were warm. I decided I better take my first of 2 Scaps. Many residents along the course had their hoses out for us to run through, very nice. Alan Page was playing a horn on the corner, as always.
I spotted Toni and then Tom along the course, it was fun to see them. At about mile 12 I saw Valeria fly by. I saw Jefferey, who I had been looking for, I saw Kevin, in the bright yellow shirt he told me he'd be in! I saw him right before the finish line, too. It's amazing to me that a person can actually spot friends along the course in 300,000 spectators! I saw the whole Crocker family and I didn't even know they'd be out there.
The lakes were beautiful. Isle, Calhoun and Harriet. The trees were spectacular in their full color. Especially the last 6 miles along Summit Ave, wow!
As I ran up to Lake Nakomis I felt the tug of FANS hit me. I ran up the concrete bridge, almost thinking I should walk the bridge as I do at FANS each lap..I didn't. I ran, thinking that I would be done this same day, not running for 24 hours as I do at FANS each June. This felt easy today in comparison to FANS.
The whole marathon seemed pretty easy today, just because I can compare it to my other races this summer, it was a nice little mind game.
I saw Maynard of the Dogs along the course, it was fun to see him, too.
I reached the 13 mark in 205. Damn, that will do just fine, I thought.
The miles clicked by, I was still digging the whole vibe. I danced along, listening to the spectators for a while, listening to my music, listening to the music along the course. It was great.
At mile 22 I heard a band playing IRON MAIDEN. I couldn't believe it. FEAR OF THE DARK. Holy freaking crap, man, one of my favorite songs, that I had just been listening to on my iPod. Tyler even plays it on his guitar and I love it. I turned my iPod off, looked at the guitar player and said FEAR OF THE DARK? He was like yeah! I began doing a dance, he grabbed my arm and I did a little jig right there at mile 22. Woohoo. I was stoked. I danced until the song was done and said I had to finish the job. Off I went. He probably thought I was a crazy old lady, getting off on Rock and Roll.
I was now looking for John and Cheri. I knew there were going to be on Victoria, thought Victoria was near 22 then thought maybe I missed it because I was so excited about the band. Dang. I kept looking.
People were dropping like flies. I mean, a guy was running in front of me, and boom! Down he'd go, the medics were right on him, dragging him off the course. I saw people laying along the grassy ways, with medics over them. I saw numerous ambulances. The volunteers were outstanding. Water, Poweraid, ice, they were really on it.
Pretty soon I saw Victoria. Yeah, I didn't miss John and Cheri! I was looking for them and pretty soon there they were, with Alicia! I ran up to them and hugged them each, I was all gross and sweaty, after I left them I thought I probably shouldn't have slimed them that way. I was just so super excited to see them! So excited that my next mile was a 748. NUTS!
I ran on down the hill, under the huge flag, across the finish line, in 417. It was all awesome fun.
After collecting my drop bag and heading to the changing tent, the talk was all about the heat. It was hot, I drank a ton, but I don't think I suffered any from it. It's been hot all summer, perfect training conditions.
I changed clothes, jumped on the bus heading for the Dome and arrived to my car by 130. Back home and showered, I'll head off to Tyler's 4:00 baseball game soon.
Congratulations Twin Cities Marathon runners!! Oh yeah, I'll be back next year..hey, maybe it will be a training run for a resurrected Ed Fitz 100K. If not, I'll just run it because it's a rocking good time :)
I guess the reason I have run the TCM for the past 7 years is because IT IS FUN!
I knew it was going to be a good day when I looked at the thermometer at 4 AM and it was 72F. Wow, nice. No long sleeves, no jacket, just a singlet and shorts. Rocking. The forecast told me 85 and sunny, maybe some clouds near 12. Wow, rocking again. I mean, I've been running in heat for what..5 months now? Woohoo.
Second good omen: I decided to risk it and see if I could get as close to the Metrodome as the Jerry Huff Parking Ramp. We always park here for the Twins/Vikings game and then I wouldn't have to park and bus. OK, score again. The roads were blocked just past the Ramp. AND parking was free. Woohoo.
I arrived to the Dome at 6 AM, yeah, for an 8 AM start. Oh well. Walked around the circumference of the Dome many times, used the potties, lubed up my feet and hung out on a bench.
It was fun to run into friends; as I first entered the Dome I saw Karen, then as I was waiting outside for a porta pottie here comes Kevin and Jason. Awesome!
I headed for the drop bags at 730 and made my way to the start, walking up to the Wave 2, near the 430 pace group. I figured I'd run about a 430, grabbed a 430 pace chart and really didn't want to run over 430.
Today was my 20th marathon. My first 3 marathons were 457, 445 and 441. All of the others have been less than 430.
A spokesperson told us that today was the HOTTEST TCM marathon start in it's history, 26 years. He told us that it was 74F and the high would be 85 with maybe a bit of cloud cover around noon. People were kind of freaked by this. I wasn't, and was perplexed why so many were. What have you been running in all summer? I suppose most aren't pushing the marathon pace in training, so the exertion is greater in the marathon. I had SCAPS, gels, was going to drink allot, I was ready.
GO! We were off. I loved running downtown, I saw the office building I used to work in, the restaurants I used to lunch in, running down Hennepin is a trip. The spectators were great all throughout the start.
I was digging this. No pressure, just run, enjoy the morning. I peed when I needed to, I hardly looked at my watch at all, I was totally soaking in the views, I didn't run hard. I took it nice and easy.
Eventually, about 10 miles I began to get warm. I noticed my feet, ears and face were warm. I decided I better take my first of 2 Scaps. Many residents along the course had their hoses out for us to run through, very nice. Alan Page was playing a horn on the corner, as always.
I spotted Toni and then Tom along the course, it was fun to see them. At about mile 12 I saw Valeria fly by. I saw Jefferey, who I had been looking for, I saw Kevin, in the bright yellow shirt he told me he'd be in! I saw him right before the finish line, too. It's amazing to me that a person can actually spot friends along the course in 300,000 spectators! I saw the whole Crocker family and I didn't even know they'd be out there.
The lakes were beautiful. Isle, Calhoun and Harriet. The trees were spectacular in their full color. Especially the last 6 miles along Summit Ave, wow!
As I ran up to Lake Nakomis I felt the tug of FANS hit me. I ran up the concrete bridge, almost thinking I should walk the bridge as I do at FANS each lap..I didn't. I ran, thinking that I would be done this same day, not running for 24 hours as I do at FANS each June. This felt easy today in comparison to FANS.
The whole marathon seemed pretty easy today, just because I can compare it to my other races this summer, it was a nice little mind game.
I saw Maynard of the Dogs along the course, it was fun to see him, too.
I reached the 13 mark in 205. Damn, that will do just fine, I thought.
The miles clicked by, I was still digging the whole vibe. I danced along, listening to the spectators for a while, listening to my music, listening to the music along the course. It was great.
At mile 22 I heard a band playing IRON MAIDEN. I couldn't believe it. FEAR OF THE DARK. Holy freaking crap, man, one of my favorite songs, that I had just been listening to on my iPod. Tyler even plays it on his guitar and I love it. I turned my iPod off, looked at the guitar player and said FEAR OF THE DARK? He was like yeah! I began doing a dance, he grabbed my arm and I did a little jig right there at mile 22. Woohoo. I was stoked. I danced until the song was done and said I had to finish the job. Off I went. He probably thought I was a crazy old lady, getting off on Rock and Roll.
I was now looking for John and Cheri. I knew there were going to be on Victoria, thought Victoria was near 22 then thought maybe I missed it because I was so excited about the band. Dang. I kept looking.
People were dropping like flies. I mean, a guy was running in front of me, and boom! Down he'd go, the medics were right on him, dragging him off the course. I saw people laying along the grassy ways, with medics over them. I saw numerous ambulances. The volunteers were outstanding. Water, Poweraid, ice, they were really on it.
Pretty soon I saw Victoria. Yeah, I didn't miss John and Cheri! I was looking for them and pretty soon there they were, with Alicia! I ran up to them and hugged them each, I was all gross and sweaty, after I left them I thought I probably shouldn't have slimed them that way. I was just so super excited to see them! So excited that my next mile was a 748. NUTS!
I ran on down the hill, under the huge flag, across the finish line, in 417. It was all awesome fun.
After collecting my drop bag and heading to the changing tent, the talk was all about the heat. It was hot, I drank a ton, but I don't think I suffered any from it. It's been hot all summer, perfect training conditions.
I changed clothes, jumped on the bus heading for the Dome and arrived to my car by 130. Back home and showered, I'll head off to Tyler's 4:00 baseball game soon.
Congratulations Twin Cities Marathon runners!! Oh yeah, I'll be back next year..hey, maybe it will be a training run for a resurrected Ed Fitz 100K. If not, I'll just run it because it's a rocking good time :)
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