ZZZZumbro is a race all unto its own. There really isn't anything quite like it, it is a three ring circus. There is the 100 mile, the 50 mile, the 17 mile and now after the Covid year, the 34 mile. It's rather nuts-in a good way!
I hadn't run the 50 (54) mile since 2014 or so...it's been a while between cancelled years, snowstorm years, covid, etc. Poor Zumbro weathers it all but still comes out shining.
I do dislike the midnight start but it's good for me to embrace things I dislike, to become comfortable with the uncomfortable, you know?
I worked Friday until 4, went home to pack up whatever I might need for an overnight run-hydration vest, lights, gloves and hat as it was going down into the 20's and there was snow on the ground the previous night, roasted potatoes, shoes, extra socks. That's about all I'd need, I was ready to roll.
I arrived to Zumbro by 7, ate my potatoes and hummus, tried to nap but really wasn't able to, tried to stay warm and waited until 1145. At 1145 I picked up my bib, said hello to a few people and stood around for the countdown to begin! At midnight we began the trek toward morning.
The first loop I found myself with Maria and Kim, I was happy to have the company as we navigated the trail in the dark. It's tough for me to begin at midnight as I can't see well so I can't go very quickly and then by the time the sun rises I'm tired and can't move very quickly. Ha, poor me!
We chatted the whole loop, I enjoyed their company immensely. My feet were horribly wrecked already so I knew I'd be taking a lot of time at the start to change socks, lube, shoes, etc. I'd probably add a layer too because I was freezing. My hose from my hydration vest was solid ice and I hadn't been drinking. Oh for shame. I ran to my car and began the long process of removing clothing so I could remove my shoes and socks, retape and lube my feet, change socks and shoes, add gaitors back to the mix, pants, another vest, thaw out my tube and get out of there. I took up SO much time! Like 20 minutes, seriously. I never do that but I've been trying to really figure out my feet, which I didn't. So .. onto loop 2.
Loop 2 and the soils began to soften, the mud began to thaw and it was quite messy. My water was flowing though, my feet weren't getting worse and it was becoming light..win win. I didn't run with anyone after the first loop, I didn't see many people out at all, I just kept moving on. I enjoyed the sunrise, removing my lights and thinking about changing into shorts when I returned to my car.
I ran to my car, ditched gloves, hat, changed socks and fixed feet again, grabbed gels, a sandwich and then water from the aid station. I was too lazy to remove my pants for shorts-and then I became too warm. Ugh. I didn't use any aid from the stations except for water at the start/finish. I've become quite self sufficient.
Loop 3 was super muddy. Slip sliding away muddy. The sun was up, it was nice and warm, it felt cozy. I loved it. I continued with the same pace during most of the race, I felt very good. My feet were no longer blistering, I was moving well. As I ran into the final aid station I had to laugh. A man yelled out ' you are so bad ass you don't need to stop for water ' it was hilarious! He was right, I never did have to stop there. I laughed hard and kept on trucking. I was able to run hard into the finish line and felt really really good.
I quickly changed clothes, milled around visiting a short while, dug into my cooler for my roasted potatoes and a protein shake and headed for home with a deep smile on my face. What a great way to spend a day. Thank you Zumbro!
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