Winteriffic 30K Snowshoe Championship

I have entered The Winterrific Snow Show Race each year for the four that it has been held. Due to hysterectomy, herniated discs and then a cancellation due to ice, I have never been able to run the race. This year there was a different story.

I loved running the Northwoods Snow Shoe Marathon that was held for years in Lester Park, in Duluth MN. AfterI ran the race for 8 years, it was discontinued a few years ago.

Winterrific is a Minnesota State Championship and Nationals Qualifier that is held at Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve in Scott County, in Savage. I found it interesting that as I pulled up to the race start I recognized the trail head as the first place I had every snowshoed before with the exact same pair of snowshoes and with one of the same people that was at this race. Melancholy. Scott Wagner, Bonnie Riley and Bob Metzger introduced me to snowshoe running 13 or 14 years ago. I'll be forever grateful to this bunch for the patience they showed a newbie running/ultra runner/snowshoer!

We had a very small group. Half dozen 30K, half dozen for the 20K and maybe a dozen for the 10K. Sweet!  I have to say, I just love the small trail races. I've learned to be careful for what I wish for!  As a founding member of  UMTR, we were trying to encourage more people to run trails. We certainly  succeeded! Many (ultra) trail runs now fill well before race date in MN. FB has increased the participation of group runs ten fold on the metro trails, it's crazy busy on many trails. Good .. and not so good.

When I awoke on Saturday morning I could hear the wind and snow beating on my window. The race didn't begin until 930 but after listening to whatever was happening out there I thought it best to get on my way..taking the regularly 75 minute drive slow and easy.

I pulled out of the garage and saw roughly 7" of fresh snow!  Wow!  This was not in the forecast!  The winds were howling, causing near white out conditions as I drove ever so slowly down Highway 10. Nothing had been plowed yet but I was hoping as I drove south into the more populated areas that the road conditions would improve.

In 45 minutes I finally made it to 101. Oh boy. This was going to be long. At least 101 was plowed and  I knew 94 and 494 would be better. I crawled along, making my way, thinking about turning around and going back home once or twice.

There is nothing worse than seeing cars in the ditches, semi trucks askew and trying to stay calm. Ugh. Drive slow and safe. Much like my run: slow and steady.

I made it to the race start in 2.25 hours. I was so glad I began the drive early!  I still had 20 minutes to spare.

I shuffled out into the snowy path which led to the warm up tent. Collected my packet and headed back to my car. I visited with Paulette a bit and then needed to decide what I was going to wear. It was 11F, new deep snow, warming to 20F, wind gusts of 35mph. Hmmm. I learned not to dress to wind chill temp or I get to warm. OK. Stick with that. I wore one pair of pants-Skirt Sports with skirt. I love the extra layer that skirt has on my butt for warmth. I decided not to wear the tights underneath. If I was freezing I could swing back to the car to add them later. That made me feel better. Tank top, long sleeved top, gortex inov-8, snow shoe gaiters, gloves, wind mitts, winter Patagonia Storm jacket, neck gaiter and fleece hat. Northern Lights Snowshoes. OK then. Clothes good. 10 gels (no gels at aid stations), iPod (never did turn on), Garmin 310XT, 1 hand held. HammerHeed was on course. OK. Back down to the warm up tent/start finish.

We were going to begin a little late, due to the poor road conditions are that Mike was out on course making sure the markings were not buried in the deep snow. While waiting I realized Scott Wagner was running :) Maria stopped by after her run to say hi and give hugs, I saw E and John as they were running the 10K. Maynard was there, too.  Phillip was running the 30K. Dan was running the 30K. Good friends that go way back.

Mike returned and gave us the run down of the course. They added an aid station, there would be one at 2 miles, 4 miles and then start/finish at 6.25. We'd loop 3x for the 30K.

He led us to the start and we were off!  The snow was DEEP!  Deep, fluffy, fresh snow. It was spectacular and gorgeous. The snow had stopped falling, the sun was now shining brightly, what a day!  I didn't know what was in store for me. I popped two Aleve before starting as my recovering broken ankle is still cranky on trail. I'd do what I could and would NOT damage it further. If I felt 'that' pain, I'd stop. End of story.

I was glad that there were some speedy runners to break trail for us slower ones (Dan and Joseph)  I hung out near the end, plowing my way. The 10K started a half an hour later so only the 20K and 30K snowshoe runners were out at this time.

When I spotted the first course marking I was relieved! They weren't going to be under snow, they were just clearing the deep new fluff. I was going to be able to find my way!  We shared a portion of the trail with snowmobilers but each time I came across them, they were kind and allowed me the right of way.

The first aid station was approaching. I ran up to it and recognized Lynette!  I don't know the last time I saw her. What a treat!  She filled my bottle and sent me on my way. I was really having a good time.

Most of the race I ran solo..every once in a while I would run into another racer and exchange pleasantries, but 80% of the time I was alone and deep in thought.

I was filled with gratitude. Grateful to be healthy enough to be able to sign up for a 30K snowshoe run. Grateful that my body could carry me that far. Thankful that my ankle was feeling strong. I wasn't feeling it at all.

As I ran into the start/finish 1:25 had passed. I was feeling coherent, pain free and just content. So happy to be out in the woods, in the deep snow, feeling the sunshine upon my face. Spiritual.

The single pair of pants was fine, I didn't need to add a layer. Often times I unzipped my jacket. I was eating a gel every 3 miles, drinking 40 oz of Heed every loop.

When I came in at 2:57 for my second loop I was surprised at how consistent my running was. Would I finish the race in 4:30? That would be as consistent as I've ever been. I was smiling brightly and so happy to carry on down the trail.

The last loop already!  Be sure to take it all in, enjoy every step. No iPod necessary. I was listening to the soft snow under my snowshoes, my breathing, the birds in the sky. I felt euphoric.  I thought about how I need running. It allows me to be in the moment, to think about the right now, the present. I need to clear my head..running does this. It lets me rid myself of any negativity, to feel the positive. The gratitude. It allows me to remember to trust myself. Not the doctors who told me I wouldn't run again. It reminds me that when I am knocked down..to climb back up. To try hard, to fight.

This was no fight. This run was a result of the fight. I felt euphoric. I felt waves of emotion bubbling down deep in my stomach, then working their way up into my heart, feeling my heart swell with joy. Bubbling out of my mouth in large gasps. Laughter. This wasn't the anxiety and panic I have been feeling the past year. These weren't tears of sadness that were falling from my cheeks. This was true joy.   As the tears of joy were falling from my eyes  I could feel my eyelashes freeze.  I could feel my nose run. I was still two miles out from the finish. What would the finish line feel like?

I didn't want it to end. I wanted to run another lap..and another. I felt strong, my ankle felt strong!  It was a glorious day.

I was coming close to the finish line, I could see the blue tent up around the corner. I saw the clock. 4:29. I tried to compose myself but I knew better. I was feeling so much joy, it couldn't be contained. I felt the bubble down deep in my stomach, the joy into my heart as I ran into the finish and yes, it all come to the surface as Mike and Colleen congratulated on my finish. I sobbed.

"Are you OK"?  "Yes, I'm better than OK. I'm euphoric. I was told I would never run again after breaking my ankle at Superior 100. I ran joyfully and strongly and I feel amazing" . Mike and Colleen gave me big hugs and my award. I sat down as Mike removed my snow shoes, trying to compose myself, it was futile. I wear my emotions on my sleeve. My sleeve shows happiness and joy.

25K Donut Run

The Donut Day 25K is a fun run put on by Jordan Hanlon in Minneapolis. It’s free! Runners run from bakery to bakery and eat donuts…ending at a donut shop.  I  really wasn't sure what to expect for the Donut Run, just that it sounded like fun! 

I knew that there was a 5, 10 and 25K mile version. My longest run was 5 miles coming in. I ran a 5 in the AM and a 3 in the PM, I suppose 8 miles technically.  I knew that we were running through the Minneapolis area and stopping at local bakeries. Fun!!

The weather was forecast to be cold. -20F and -35F Wind Chill. I wasn't worried about that. Layers of good running clothing is all that is necessary.

We were starting at 800 at Lake Nokomis. I stopped for gas and had to wait for a train, before I knew it I was running late. I approached Lake Nokomis at 755 so opted to park in the pay lot so I didn't have to scurry around looking for parking.

I wasn't sure if I'd know anyone running. I walked slowly to Jordan giving the directions to the group  and was excited to see Maria and Doug nearby. Maria was running the 25K and Doug the 5 mile. I still wasn't sure what I was going to run. When Maria asked I told her 10 for sure, hopefully 25K, but still not sure. I'd see how the ankle felt.

Before I knew it we were moving. There were probably about 30 of us  in total. Last year there were 150 but the cold temps must have been cause for bail out.  I don't know why. Seriously. It was just a joyful time.

I ran by myself from Lake Nokomis to A Bakers Wife-at 4200 and 28th Ave South. This was only a few miles so I didn't go in for water .. or a donut .. I had to pee. Jordan suggested I go next door to the bike shop. It was very nice to use their warm bathroom!

At this point, so lucky for me, John Taylor and Maria were standing outside of the bakery, deciding not to enter, either. I was able to hook up with them and stayed with them the whole run. SO blessed!! SO excited to run with my two buddies again.

Maria knows the area well-she knew right where we were going to go so she just led us along. Our next stop was Glam Doll Donuts at 2605 Nicollet. We went Right instead of Left on Nicollet-I had a map in my pocket so a quick glance showed us our error. We trotted down to Glam Doll-I could smell the fragrance of hot oil and sugar as we approached! Glam Doll was a hoot. Pretty sparkly pink Christmas tree in the corner, girls all glammed out, a huge array of donuts, warm bathrooms, water for the runners. I downed a gel and a bottle of water here and noticed that

The end of my pony tail was a rats nest.   As I was trying to pull the knots out a kind woman, Lisa was her name, took out my pony tail holder and braided my hair. Yay!  I wouldn’t have to worry about it all breaking off.

Maria found a bacon covered donut here. I think they may be the new rage. We seemed to spot bacon pastries at each stop.

We began to catch a chill so headed out for our next stop: Angel Food Bakery. The route was so much fun on the way. We were now downtown Minneapolis, running past my old working grounds. I worked in the Piper Jaffrey building on Marquette, 11 years ago. We ran right past it. Ran past the Metrodome, the Guthrie, good times. 

By now the wind was blowing in our faces. The air temperature was -11F and the wind chill -25F. I kept warm. I was wearing a pair of heavy tights, the Skirt Sports pants with skirt, a tank top and two long sleeved tops, my winter running jacket. Two pair of gloves, a pair of wind mitts, a neck gaitor and heavy fleece hat. There were points where I took off my mitts but for the most part I dressed perfectly. I wasn't cold a bit. 

At Angel they had a tank of water with lemons for us. It was fabulous and so wonderful that I didn't have to carry around a bottle of water that would end up freezing anyway. Not to mention warm bathrooms with hot running water! 

I was blown away by the cake above!  Maria had a cronut here. A cross between a crossiant and a donut. It looked pretty cool.  I sucked down another gel and some more water. 

We left Angel and headed for our final leg to Mel O Glaze. By now I had decided that I was going to run the full 25K. My ankle was so awesome and I was so happy that I couldn't stop smiling. I ran at the mouth and caught up on everything with Maria. We listened to John stories-I have mentioned before that John Taylor has the most interesting things happen to him while racing. I can listen to him for a very long time!

As we were running along the Parkway we heard cheering and saw an aid station set up! Here Club Run had set up a wonderful aid station with HOT Caribou Coffee!  What a treat. We stood around, took pictures, laughed and had a blast..while sucking back two cups of coffee.

                           ?, John, Me, Lisa, Maria and Dan We ventured on until we hit Mel O Glaze, which was only .5 miles from our finish at Lake Nokomis. A quick check in with friends Misty and Thad, a glance at the huge donuts and we were on our way to the end.

As the three of us finished up the run I explained to Maria and John how wonderful it was to be out running again. I felt empowered, joyful, strong. Just how I want to feel.