Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Securian Frozen Half Marathon..Double and a Half
The Securian Frozen Half Marathon that I ran today was anything but frozen! I have run the race half a dozen or more times and never have I experienced the kind of weather we had today.
RAIN!
This morning it was 34F when I left the house but it wasn't raining. There was a thin layer of ice over the driveway and Tyler and Steve's vehicles but the roads were just wet. It had rained most of the night.
The roads to St Paul were just wet-not icy, thank goodness. As I approached St Paul the temperature went up to 36F. At least the route wouldn't be slippery.
I found a parking ramp nice and close, covered, so I wouldn't have to chisel my car out of ice when I was ready to go home.
As I waited in line to use the bathroom I watched the flagging twist itself around the posts, it was incredibly windy outside. Wind at 25 mph with gusts to 35. With the warm temps it would only bring the wind chill down to the 20s. Not bad!
Last year the Frozen Half was shortened because is was -20 with a -35 wind chill. Not today!
I walked out to the start line and saw Karen Gall and Wayne Nelson. We chatted at bit, I wanted to ask Karen about the Land Between The Lakes 50 Mile Race she did last year in Kentucky. I think I may go out and run it in March. It would be nice to have a 50 mile race training run in prep for Zumbro 100 in April.
We started to run down the steep hill to Shephard, not icy at all, just steep. It began to rain, just like an April downpour. Incredible.
As I was running along I realized my feet felt awfully heavy. Not tired, fatigued heavy but just heavy. I looked down and it dawned on me that I was wearing my heavy duty Inov 8 Gortex Trail shoes. Why? I could only chuckle at myself. I have been wearing then in the snow and ice each day and didn't even think about wearing my road shoes. How weird. I remembered that my road shoes were in my car, in my gym bag. After the race I was running longer so I would stash my finish things in the car and grab my road shoes for the rest of my run. I also had on my heavy wool smartwool snowshoe sock. So not necessary!
At mile 3 or 4 I saw Steve Quick cheering on the runners. A while later I think I recognized Helen's voice. I know I saw Les out there in his snazzy tights but I lost him somewhere before I could say hello!
It was a real fun race. I decided that I should stay between the 200-210 finishers so that I would not blow up during my half marathon to 50K portion of this run. I didn't want to run too fast and not want to run a long training run. The training run was the goal. The race was to get out of the deep snow and support the area run. Road running feels good by the time the end of January comes along. Snowshoeing is getting old for me about this time of year!
At the turn around I glanced at the clock and read 2:03. Just right. The wind now hit me full in the face. The cool off was welcome, but the added resistance, not so much! There were times when I might as well had been walking against the wind, it was so strong. Runners who had light wind jackets were completely billowed out. It was a funny sight.
Water was available at 4 and 8 miles. I took a bottle at 8 miles, went to the side of the road and refilled my Heed. I was glad that I decided to carry a bottle during the race.
I think going out a person runs up more hills that coming back. I seemed to be able to cruise along more efficiently on the way back once the wind was no longer a factor.
Pretty soon I had only a mile left of the race, running away from the river and up a final real steep hill, I could see the finish line. Wayne was cheering on the side of the road, having finished.
As I finished I heard my name on the loud speaker. I glanced at the clock and read 205. Just right. A volunteer removed my chip and off I went to grab a Caribou drop my trail shoes at the car. There was no ice on my car, just rain. It began to pour as I changed out my shoes while guzzeling down my coffee.
I decided to use my pack for the remainder of my run, 19 miles. My arms were so tired! Thursday I lifted bicep/tricep for 65 minutes and was feeling it. I didn't want to carry two handhelds. Some gels, some heed and I was on my way.
Heading back out along the race course most of the runners had come in. I followed along the river and noticed a few other runners out there that I had seen earlier at the race.
I turned on my iPod and imagined it was the end of winter, a cool spring rainy day.
I hoped I would finish before the parade.I wasn't sure where it began but I thought it was going to start around 3. Before I knew it I was running toward the stop lights where I would turn to lead me back up the very steep hill again..I knew I was almost done. I looked at my Garmin 50 and sure enough..31.5 miles..almost done.
A perfect way to spend a spring like day in January!
Now I really need to put together a race schedule for 2010. Is it really already 2010?
RAIN!
This morning it was 34F when I left the house but it wasn't raining. There was a thin layer of ice over the driveway and Tyler and Steve's vehicles but the roads were just wet. It had rained most of the night.
The roads to St Paul were just wet-not icy, thank goodness. As I approached St Paul the temperature went up to 36F. At least the route wouldn't be slippery.
I found a parking ramp nice and close, covered, so I wouldn't have to chisel my car out of ice when I was ready to go home.
As I waited in line to use the bathroom I watched the flagging twist itself around the posts, it was incredibly windy outside. Wind at 25 mph with gusts to 35. With the warm temps it would only bring the wind chill down to the 20s. Not bad!
Last year the Frozen Half was shortened because is was -20 with a -35 wind chill. Not today!
I walked out to the start line and saw Karen Gall and Wayne Nelson. We chatted at bit, I wanted to ask Karen about the Land Between The Lakes 50 Mile Race she did last year in Kentucky. I think I may go out and run it in March. It would be nice to have a 50 mile race training run in prep for Zumbro 100 in April.
We started to run down the steep hill to Shephard, not icy at all, just steep. It began to rain, just like an April downpour. Incredible.
As I was running along I realized my feet felt awfully heavy. Not tired, fatigued heavy but just heavy. I looked down and it dawned on me that I was wearing my heavy duty Inov 8 Gortex Trail shoes. Why? I could only chuckle at myself. I have been wearing then in the snow and ice each day and didn't even think about wearing my road shoes. How weird. I remembered that my road shoes were in my car, in my gym bag. After the race I was running longer so I would stash my finish things in the car and grab my road shoes for the rest of my run. I also had on my heavy wool smartwool snowshoe sock. So not necessary!
At mile 3 or 4 I saw Steve Quick cheering on the runners. A while later I think I recognized Helen's voice. I know I saw Les out there in his snazzy tights but I lost him somewhere before I could say hello!
It was a real fun race. I decided that I should stay between the 200-210 finishers so that I would not blow up during my half marathon to 50K portion of this run. I didn't want to run too fast and not want to run a long training run. The training run was the goal. The race was to get out of the deep snow and support the area run. Road running feels good by the time the end of January comes along. Snowshoeing is getting old for me about this time of year!
At the turn around I glanced at the clock and read 2:03. Just right. The wind now hit me full in the face. The cool off was welcome, but the added resistance, not so much! There were times when I might as well had been walking against the wind, it was so strong. Runners who had light wind jackets were completely billowed out. It was a funny sight.
Water was available at 4 and 8 miles. I took a bottle at 8 miles, went to the side of the road and refilled my Heed. I was glad that I decided to carry a bottle during the race.
I think going out a person runs up more hills that coming back. I seemed to be able to cruise along more efficiently on the way back once the wind was no longer a factor.
Pretty soon I had only a mile left of the race, running away from the river and up a final real steep hill, I could see the finish line. Wayne was cheering on the side of the road, having finished.
As I finished I heard my name on the loud speaker. I glanced at the clock and read 205. Just right. A volunteer removed my chip and off I went to grab a Caribou drop my trail shoes at the car. There was no ice on my car, just rain. It began to pour as I changed out my shoes while guzzeling down my coffee.
I decided to use my pack for the remainder of my run, 19 miles. My arms were so tired! Thursday I lifted bicep/tricep for 65 minutes and was feeling it. I didn't want to carry two handhelds. Some gels, some heed and I was on my way.
Heading back out along the race course most of the runners had come in. I followed along the river and noticed a few other runners out there that I had seen earlier at the race.
I turned on my iPod and imagined it was the end of winter, a cool spring rainy day.
I hoped I would finish before the parade.I wasn't sure where it began but I thought it was going to start around 3. Before I knew it I was running toward the stop lights where I would turn to lead me back up the very steep hill again..I knew I was almost done. I looked at my Garmin 50 and sure enough..31.5 miles..almost done.
A perfect way to spend a spring like day in January!
Now I really need to put together a race schedule for 2010. Is it really already 2010?
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Friday, January 01, 2010
Polar Dash 10K
My goodness, I knew it had been a long time since I've run a 10K but I didn't realize HOW long ago!
Ann Maser and I ran the Victory 10K 6 years ago. I can't believe that it has been that many years. Wow.
Today I ran the Polar Dash 10K. What a blast! I must say, this morning I asked Steve " why exactly am I driving an hour to run an hour, then driving back home for an hour ?" "Well, you haven't raced since Javelina 100 have you? You needed social interaction, you haven't run a road race since Twin Cities Marathon" Oh. I guess I had already asked him that question!
It was cold this morning. -6F in Big Lake. 5F at race start. The race didn't begin until 11AM! It gave me time to shower, clean house and run a few errands before race time.
I forgot about all of the people, parking, etc. Oh my gosh! I arrived near the race at 945-plenty of time! Well, not so. Parking lots were full and neighborhood streets were parking on one side only, narrow streets, homes very close together with driveway accesses onto the streets so you couldn't park along most of the street area. Boy, this sure doesn't happen at ultras..does it!
Finally I came across a church at Franklin Ave and River Road Terrace or something. Luckily there was one spot left! I added a few layers of clothing, changed out of my boots and into my shoes and was all set. I glanced at my Forerunner 50 and began jogging to the start. 1.4 miles I made it to the Shiners Hospital, race start. Lots of people!
Very nice start. Lots of room for everyone inside the facility plus a huge warming tent. Great organization, even pacing groups! I couldn't believe it. For a 10K?
It was even chip timed. I received my chip, an embroidered hat and gloves. Wow again. Nice stuff. Now had to jog back to my car to drop off my goodies! Out and back I went. At least I would now know the way back to the car after the race.
I lined up at the 9 minute mile group thinking I wanted to run in less than an hour. I tried not to think about tired legs and 45 miles of snowshoe running less than 24 hours prior.
The gun blared and off we went. For the most part the road was pretty clear of ice and snow and the course was plenty wide for all of the participants. There weren't too many spectators with the cold temperature! I ran along, each mile was marked with a mile marker on a huge feather-just like Twin Cities Marathon. Amazing. They spend some money to put together these Ortho races. They are really really nice.
Up hill, flatten out, up hill, when do we go downhill? I was breathing hard..well, gasping, and I wanted to go faster. How? I continued on just doing what I could.
Eventually I ran up to another pace group leader. He was leading the 852's I believe with a finish of 55. Well, I figured I'd hang here as long as I could. He began to talk about Trail Mix 50K and said that was his first ultra. I looked over and said that it was mine too, 6 years ago. We introduced ourselves and he recognized my name, my blog. He was talking and running effort sly. Me, not so much. As we made the turnaround I told him I couldn't really talk and run this pace at the same time. I told him I began ultras so I could slow down! At mile 4 I dropped back a bit, he turned around and said "Come on, famous ultrarunner, you aren't slowing down" Oh yeah, I'm slowing down.
I always kept him in my sights and wasn't too much farther behind. After mile 5 there was a huge hill. I decided to run it very slowly, not quite walking, but almost. Sheesh. Tired tired tired.
As I came into the finish I saw the clock turn to :57. My chip will show a bit less, not too much. Yippee! I made my goal of under an hour.
I walked past the finish line and saw that there were volunteers handing out medals. Medals! Medals at a 10K. I couldn't believe it. They are beautiful medals too. Huge, hanging on a lanyard with a clip. Ortho has put together 4 races and each race has a medal that will fit together into a holder, creating this big circle. Very cool. Makes me want to re look at the dates to see if I can run each race. Funny that a cool award would make me want to run the series. It does though.
What a fun race. I walked back toward the hospital, seeing Caribou Coffee, Cocoa, cookies, chips and bread on the way. Amazing.
I don't remember 10Ks being this organized and well done in the past. I'm looking forward to the next one!
I jogged back to my car, the lot almost empty. As I came up to my car a couple asked me to take their picture. They then offered to take mine. Why not?
Quickly starting my car I begin to strip off my wet clothing. I'm so glad I brought dry clothes along. Into dry clothes and heading on home. Smiling, happy that I decided to run this 10K! It really was nice to share the New Year with a big group of runners, doing what we love to do.
Happy New Year!
Ann Maser and I ran the Victory 10K 6 years ago. I can't believe that it has been that many years. Wow.
Today I ran the Polar Dash 10K. What a blast! I must say, this morning I asked Steve " why exactly am I driving an hour to run an hour, then driving back home for an hour ?" "Well, you haven't raced since Javelina 100 have you? You needed social interaction, you haven't run a road race since Twin Cities Marathon" Oh. I guess I had already asked him that question!
It was cold this morning. -6F in Big Lake. 5F at race start. The race didn't begin until 11AM! It gave me time to shower, clean house and run a few errands before race time.
I forgot about all of the people, parking, etc. Oh my gosh! I arrived near the race at 945-plenty of time! Well, not so. Parking lots were full and neighborhood streets were parking on one side only, narrow streets, homes very close together with driveway accesses onto the streets so you couldn't park along most of the street area. Boy, this sure doesn't happen at ultras..does it!
Finally I came across a church at Franklin Ave and River Road Terrace or something. Luckily there was one spot left! I added a few layers of clothing, changed out of my boots and into my shoes and was all set. I glanced at my Forerunner 50 and began jogging to the start. 1.4 miles I made it to the Shiners Hospital, race start. Lots of people!
Very nice start. Lots of room for everyone inside the facility plus a huge warming tent. Great organization, even pacing groups! I couldn't believe it. For a 10K?
It was even chip timed. I received my chip, an embroidered hat and gloves. Wow again. Nice stuff. Now had to jog back to my car to drop off my goodies! Out and back I went. At least I would now know the way back to the car after the race.
I lined up at the 9 minute mile group thinking I wanted to run in less than an hour. I tried not to think about tired legs and 45 miles of snowshoe running less than 24 hours prior.
The gun blared and off we went. For the most part the road was pretty clear of ice and snow and the course was plenty wide for all of the participants. There weren't too many spectators with the cold temperature! I ran along, each mile was marked with a mile marker on a huge feather-just like Twin Cities Marathon. Amazing. They spend some money to put together these Ortho races. They are really really nice.
Up hill, flatten out, up hill, when do we go downhill? I was breathing hard..well, gasping, and I wanted to go faster. How? I continued on just doing what I could.
Eventually I ran up to another pace group leader. He was leading the 852's I believe with a finish of 55. Well, I figured I'd hang here as long as I could. He began to talk about Trail Mix 50K and said that was his first ultra. I looked over and said that it was mine too, 6 years ago. We introduced ourselves and he recognized my name, my blog. He was talking and running effort sly. Me, not so much. As we made the turnaround I told him I couldn't really talk and run this pace at the same time. I told him I began ultras so I could slow down! At mile 4 I dropped back a bit, he turned around and said "Come on, famous ultrarunner, you aren't slowing down" Oh yeah, I'm slowing down.
I always kept him in my sights and wasn't too much farther behind. After mile 5 there was a huge hill. I decided to run it very slowly, not quite walking, but almost. Sheesh. Tired tired tired.
As I came into the finish I saw the clock turn to :57. My chip will show a bit less, not too much. Yippee! I made my goal of under an hour.
I walked past the finish line and saw that there were volunteers handing out medals. Medals! Medals at a 10K. I couldn't believe it. They are beautiful medals too. Huge, hanging on a lanyard with a clip. Ortho has put together 4 races and each race has a medal that will fit together into a holder, creating this big circle. Very cool. Makes me want to re look at the dates to see if I can run each race. Funny that a cool award would make me want to run the series. It does though.
What a fun race. I walked back toward the hospital, seeing Caribou Coffee, Cocoa, cookies, chips and bread on the way. Amazing.
I don't remember 10Ks being this organized and well done in the past. I'm looking forward to the next one!
I jogged back to my car, the lot almost empty. As I came up to my car a couple asked me to take their picture. They then offered to take mine. Why not?
Quickly starting my car I begin to strip off my wet clothing. I'm so glad I brought dry clothes along. Into dry clothes and heading on home. Smiling, happy that I decided to run this 10K! It really was nice to share the New Year with a big group of runners, doing what we love to do.
Happy New Year!
45 for 45
I decided not to drive into Minneapolis for my birthday run as I'm driving into Minneapolis this morning for the Polar Dash 10K.
Lindsey-I'm not doing the series, although I did think about it. I believe the marathon falls on the day of graduation for Tyler this year. Or the day after. I'll be volunteering at his all night grad party. I believe there was a conflict with another series I'm running as well. I love the award idea though. How cool!
So, the run. I decided to run 45 with Topaz near home. I called the Sandunes Gas station and Liquor Store to make sure they were open (duh, New Years Eve Day!) for water supplies. My friend owns the liquor store so I knew we could stop there for a while and thaw out/rehydrate and that he wouldn't mind Topaz being in the store.
We left the house on snowshoes at 4 AM. There was a full blue moon so it didn't seem that dark. I wore my headlamp, Topaz wore his booties. The moon cast shadows upon the snow. It was super beautiful. My iPhone battery charge was lost immediately in the cold temperature of 1F. Luckily I didn't need to call anyone!
We ran out of the neighborhood, down the County Road ditches onto the snowmobile trails. Every once in a while I'd remove my hat so that I could hear for any engines roaring. There weren't many snowmobilers out until mid day and they were all very nice to Topaz and I. They didn't mind us sharing their trails at all. At times we left the snowmobile trail for horse trail, cross county ski trail. The cross country skiiers were NOT very friendly. What is up with that? I made sure to stay off of their tracks, we foraged through the deep ditches. They still complained. Oh well.
As we were running into the Sandunes State Forest I saw Topaz's tail curl over his back and his hair stand up on his rough. What do you see? What do you smell? I stopped and looked around. He crouched into position and gave two coyote his eye. They were on top of a snow bank and began to follow us along, barking and yelping as we went. Topaz eventaully ignored them and we ran along.
Soon we were at the gas station where I refilled my bottles with Heed and gave Topaz water and biscuits. He was too excited to eat. He wanted to continue our run. I checked his booties, all fine. I used the bathroom and we were on our way out.
As we approached the turn around at 22 miles I looked at my watch. Only 4 hours. We'd be finished early than I anticipated if we kept this pace.
We soon came across some horse riders. They had been winter camping at Ann Lake. Brrr. They were having a great time and were very friendly. They told us that there was a pack of grey wolves along the trail but that they scampered away from the horses. Great. I didn't want to run into wolves. We would soon be on the snowmobile trails, maybe we wouldn't see them.
No, we saw them. Pretty soon I noticed BIG paw prints in the snow and blood. Jeeze. Freak me out. It was only bunny fur and blood, but still..ick. I saw the wolves across the frozen pond, the way we came through on the way out. I wasn't taking that route back. I tracked over the ditch and back onto the cross country ski trail. I decided I'd rather but up with crabby people than hungry wolves!
The temperature was cool, but I was toasty warm in all of my layers. My face was becomming sore as I was smiling and laughing so much. I would hollar out to Topaz "Topaz, look at the bald eagle!" He'd look back, 'yeah, Mom, we've seem them before". "Topaz, look at the sparkly snow!" He'd get excited with the excitement in my voice and curl his tail higher and run a little faster.
Just as I was becoming tired of my snowshoes we hit County Road 10; almost home. We walked the last mile, cooling down. I trudged through the ditches back onto Co Rd 15. Over the bridge, don't get hit by the cars, and into our neighborhood.
Home. Safe, sound and smiley! I love that I am able to run 45 miles at a drop of the hat. Fully fit and strong.
We made it home safe and sound at 9:20 hours. Only 120 PM and still a whole afternoon/evening left of the the day. Topaz ate heartily from his bowl, I took a hot shower and drank a hot cup of tea.
45 miles. Fun! Happy birthday to me.
I called Steve out at the lake to see if he wanted to see Avatar. He was up for it so when Tyler and Troy arrived home we all went to the movie. It was as good as everyone is saying that it is. Fabulous!
Well, today is the Polar Dash 10K. I better lok up directions and get dressed to run :) Have a Happy New Year!
Lindsey-I'm not doing the series, although I did think about it. I believe the marathon falls on the day of graduation for Tyler this year. Or the day after. I'll be volunteering at his all night grad party. I believe there was a conflict with another series I'm running as well. I love the award idea though. How cool!
So, the run. I decided to run 45 with Topaz near home. I called the Sandunes Gas station and Liquor Store to make sure they were open (duh, New Years Eve Day!) for water supplies. My friend owns the liquor store so I knew we could stop there for a while and thaw out/rehydrate and that he wouldn't mind Topaz being in the store.
We left the house on snowshoes at 4 AM. There was a full blue moon so it didn't seem that dark. I wore my headlamp, Topaz wore his booties. The moon cast shadows upon the snow. It was super beautiful. My iPhone battery charge was lost immediately in the cold temperature of 1F. Luckily I didn't need to call anyone!
We ran out of the neighborhood, down the County Road ditches onto the snowmobile trails. Every once in a while I'd remove my hat so that I could hear for any engines roaring. There weren't many snowmobilers out until mid day and they were all very nice to Topaz and I. They didn't mind us sharing their trails at all. At times we left the snowmobile trail for horse trail, cross county ski trail. The cross country skiiers were NOT very friendly. What is up with that? I made sure to stay off of their tracks, we foraged through the deep ditches. They still complained. Oh well.
As we were running into the Sandunes State Forest I saw Topaz's tail curl over his back and his hair stand up on his rough. What do you see? What do you smell? I stopped and looked around. He crouched into position and gave two coyote his eye. They were on top of a snow bank and began to follow us along, barking and yelping as we went. Topaz eventaully ignored them and we ran along.
Soon we were at the gas station where I refilled my bottles with Heed and gave Topaz water and biscuits. He was too excited to eat. He wanted to continue our run. I checked his booties, all fine. I used the bathroom and we were on our way out.
As we approached the turn around at 22 miles I looked at my watch. Only 4 hours. We'd be finished early than I anticipated if we kept this pace.
We soon came across some horse riders. They had been winter camping at Ann Lake. Brrr. They were having a great time and were very friendly. They told us that there was a pack of grey wolves along the trail but that they scampered away from the horses. Great. I didn't want to run into wolves. We would soon be on the snowmobile trails, maybe we wouldn't see them.
No, we saw them. Pretty soon I noticed BIG paw prints in the snow and blood. Jeeze. Freak me out. It was only bunny fur and blood, but still..ick. I saw the wolves across the frozen pond, the way we came through on the way out. I wasn't taking that route back. I tracked over the ditch and back onto the cross country ski trail. I decided I'd rather but up with crabby people than hungry wolves!
The temperature was cool, but I was toasty warm in all of my layers. My face was becomming sore as I was smiling and laughing so much. I would hollar out to Topaz "Topaz, look at the bald eagle!" He'd look back, 'yeah, Mom, we've seem them before". "Topaz, look at the sparkly snow!" He'd get excited with the excitement in my voice and curl his tail higher and run a little faster.
Just as I was becoming tired of my snowshoes we hit County Road 10; almost home. We walked the last mile, cooling down. I trudged through the ditches back onto Co Rd 15. Over the bridge, don't get hit by the cars, and into our neighborhood.
Home. Safe, sound and smiley! I love that I am able to run 45 miles at a drop of the hat. Fully fit and strong.
We made it home safe and sound at 9:20 hours. Only 120 PM and still a whole afternoon/evening left of the the day. Topaz ate heartily from his bowl, I took a hot shower and drank a hot cup of tea.
45 miles. Fun! Happy birthday to me.
I called Steve out at the lake to see if he wanted to see Avatar. He was up for it so when Tyler and Troy arrived home we all went to the movie. It was as good as everyone is saying that it is. Fabulous!
Well, today is the Polar Dash 10K. I better lok up directions and get dressed to run :) Have a Happy New Year!
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