I have quite a few Zumbro race reports on this blog. They go back to the first Zumbro Fat Asses in the early 2000s, through the races and up to this past weekend.
If you click on the Zumbro label on the far right side a whole lot of Zumbro will show up!
Zumbro was cancelled last year due to Covid, was cancelled in 2019 and 2018 due to blizzards. I last ran the 50 M in 2014 when it rained and hailed. The final rain measure was 7" in 12 hours. Crazy for sure.
2021 Zumbro had a different format. Both a 17 mile and 34 mile option were offered. I signed up for the 34 and was so excited to get down there. Covid races this year have been a silver lining during a dark dark time. The races are small, there are no spectators or lavish aid stations and many hours are spent running upon the trail, alone. Definitely my jam.
The race would take place over 4 days with only 100 or entrants per day. I signed up for Saturday at 800AM.
I left home by 5AM and arrived to the race start at 740. I had enough time to change, pack my hydration pack and start my day. I very easily walked up to the start, squeeled with delight at seeing some friends whom I haven't seen in a very long time, heard shouts of GO JULIE as I started my day, running across the start line with a huge smile on my face. I don't think I stopped smiling the remainder of the day!
As I ran along the course it became apparent to me that this course was very similar to the old fat ass runs Larry would mark out for us so many years ago. I would come across certain lookouts and recall certain memories with old friends. A lookout that John and I stepped off of the trail to witness, a path that Rick and I ventured down, a conversation that I had with Bonnie. So many emotions. Many additional climbs were added to the course and there was the nice flat road section to open up the hips and let 'er rip! It felt good to run a few 10 minute miles after all of the slow miles slogging through all of the mud.
Oh, the mud! The course was covered with mud. Some of the soils were wet clay like, sucking shoe mud, as I tried to stay upright, calling upon my core to keep me steady. I didn't fall, just kept on trudging forward.
I came into the first aid station and nearly broke into tears when I saw Donny Clark helping out. Don helped me run my first 50K training run at Afton State Park in 2001. It was great to reconnect again, it's been a while. Covid has put a lot of time and space between so many of us.
At the next aid station I saw Bill and Chris, so great to see their friendly faces again, too! I refilled my pack with water and moved on toward the finish of loop 1. 4 more miles of road to go for the first lap.
I came into start/finish at 3:55, feeling really great. Heard others holler out my name and encouragement, giving me a lift. I ran into the start and ran back out. I didn't have a drop bag and didn't need more water. I was out on the second loop, smiling all of the way. The second pass around seemed to go more quickly, mentally. I had settled down, knew what was coming up, was finding my run nice and relaxed and was feeling fabulous. As I climbed a super hilly section I removed a PB&J sandwich from my pack and had lunch. My stomach was growling and wanted real food. I had been consuming a gel each hour, and drank 200 calories of Tailwind the first loop. I wasn't feeling Tailwind for the second, I'd stick with water.
I came upon Brian and Joshua and ran a few miles with them, then opened up on the last section to the finish line and ran as fast as I could. I thought I may make 8 hours but I came into the finish at 803. Pretty darn close. I ran hard into the finish, I left it all out there.
It was so great to see a handful of people that I haven't been able to see this past year or more. I lingered as long as I dared and then headed for home, basking in joy and a deep deep sense of gratitude. I'm so thankful to John and Cheri, all of the volunteers and the runners at Zumbro. What a delicious day!
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