Ice Age 50 Mile Ultramarathon

I just spent an awesome weekend in Hustisford Wisconsin for the Ice Age Trail Races. I have run the Ice Age 50 Miler 4 different times, the last time in 2007, and decided it was time to run upon the trail again. This year the race offered a half marathon, 50K and 50 Mile option. I was in for the 50.

We were a group of four traveling to Hustisford Wisconsin. Bill offered to drive us, we had a ‘cabin’ for the weekend on Lake Sinissippi for free. Our weekend cost was going to be minimal. We were able to fit all of our gear into the back of Bill’s Toyota Prius, I had my cooler between Alicia and I.

Our drive down was fun, joking and telling stories on the way. While Matt and Bill navigated the way to our destination Alicia and I just sat back and enjoyed the ride. We almost stopped to visit an establishment called Cruisin’ Chubbies. We decided against it.

As we approached the cabin we all had our mouths wide open as we took in the view. Our ‘cabin’ was a beautiful home set upon the lake. A sweeping deck around the outside, fireplace, Jacuzzi, drive through garages, it was crazy beautiful. We felt like royalty entering the front door. Wow.

We visited and made preparations for the morning. I retired to my huge bedroom and big bed. Read for an hour and called it a day.

At 340 we woke up to ready ourselves for the day. Matt brought Peet’s coffee along as well as traveler cups so we were super spoiled. A quick breakfast of oats for me and we were off to Ice Age.

We arrived the start by 515, a good 45 minutes before the race start. Plenty of time for collecting number, chip, visiting and photos. About this time I noticed that my GPS wasn’t working. I had charged it on Friday but must have left it on. I like to use it, at minimum, to direct me as to when to take gels. Ugh. Matt had mentioned earlier that he wasn’t going to wear his watch so let me wear his instead. It wasn’t a GPS but did have a running time, I was thankful!

Before the race our RD told us that Tom Bunk was running his 26th in a row and that as a finisher Lorraine would be solo in her age group of 70+. They both finished! I ran with them for a few miles during the race and am just in awe of the two of them.

It rained and the wind was blowing like crazy all night long but amazingly the course was in pretty good shape on Saturday. I have seen it much, much worse. I enjoyed myself so much, running along the trail, saying hello and catching up to others that I haven’t seen in some time.

I drank Hammer Heed from the stations and was able to pick up Hammer gels. I just love that so many races are now sponsored by Hammer Nutrition. I haven’t had to haul along powder in baggies to mix my drink along the trail in quite some time. I always carry Hammergel along just in case, but took them back home with me. I was able to refill on gel at every aid station. I even tried a new flavor: Colorado Mulberry or Huckleberry. It was quite good but not as good as my favorite Espresso.

I was feeling good, running along the course at mile 13 when I felt a cramping of some sort. I had never felt it before so thought maybe it was due to nerves, breakfast, or who knows what. I continued to run along and these cramps were starting to come every 5 minutes or so. I stopped to stretch out my core, massaged my lower abs. I noticed that when I walked I didn’t have cramps. By mile 15 I was starting to have some spotting. I hadn’t spotted at all during my hysterectomy recovery, this was very alarming to me. I told myself I’d just run to the next aid station and drop if I was still spotting.

I walked for a while, the cramping and spotting stopped so I began to run along, feeling pretty good. At 20 miles I told Vicky and Wayne what was going on. They reassured me by letting me know they would be at the aid stations for the duration of the day. This really helped me mentally, knowing they would be there. They were crewing for Rick, who was ahead of me, as was Alicia and Matt. I figured I might as well go to the next aid station, 23.

By mile 23 the spotting was heavier and the cramping felt like contractions. What the hell? I wasn’t going to chance this and end up with a big problem. There wasn’t crew access at 23 so I decided at 26 I’d call it a day. A marathon is a good distance to call it a day I told myself. But 50K is better.

Well, eventually the spotting had turned to bleeding and contraction like cramps were causing a lot of pain. I told Vicky and Wayne I was finished because of this. It was the pits. I felt fine otherwise. They let me know that Bill had dropped a while back and was in the car. I collected my drop bag and did the same.

I didn’t feel to bummed about dropping, I was more concerned. Once I was off of my feet and sitting the cramping began to go away. The bleeding was back to spotting. Thank goodness.

We drove to the start/finish, they dropped off Bill and I. We changed into dry warm clothing and headed off to find Alicia and Matt along the course. I really enjoyed watching the runners come through the aid station. I don’t often see this side of the race. We set up at outbound mile 37/inbound mile 43. I watched many of the people that I had been running with come in and run out. Matt was coming back and looked good even though he said he was tired and felt crabby. He looked strong and fast to me. Drank a few mouthfuls of coffee and we told him we’d see him at the finish.

The clock was close to the cut off time. Rick came in only a few minutes after the cut off and Alicia a bit after that. She had been suffering a sick stomach for many miles and continued to stick it out on the trail. Amazing.

We drove back to the finish for Alicia to change and for all of us to eat. We mingled and watched the finishers come in. It was so much fun to cheer and whoop it up for them. Matt came in just after 10 hours, our single finisher in our traveling group. Way to go, Matt!

I was freezing. Even with three shirts, a sweatshirt, two jackets I was still cold. It was raining and blowing. Alicia and I went to wait in the car and just hung out, drinking the Peet’s coffee that Matt brought along 12 hours ago. It was still warm. Yum!

Eventually we headed off to our house of beauty for rest and relaxation. What a nice place. We totally enjoyed ourselves before turning in for the night.

I’m feeling just fine today. No cramping or spotting. I called my surgeon and he told me that this normally takes place when one does too much too soon. He stated that he doesn’t have any other ultra runners as patients, that normally too much is an aggressive walk at 6 weeks. He thought I would have felt these after effects of hysterectomy earlier, during my 1/2 marathon or 50K. He commended me for actually listening to my body and stopping when I did. I’m sure thankful that I did!

He advised me against running Bighorn but stated the Minneapolis Marathon June 5 should be fine.

Chippewa 50K Ultramarathon

I did it! I was able to finish the Chippewa 50K in fine form. Yes, I had some doubt three weeks ago but as race day approached I told myself there wasn't any reason I couldn't run a 50K 10 weeks post hysterectomy. Right? Right!

I've only been training for a month and that month has been spent building endurance, not speed, that is for sure. I have no speed in these legs unless I train hard, diligently and run speed sessions twice a week with a weekly minimal mileage total of 75 miles. That's how this body works. Running fast(er) doesn't come easy for me.

With a few weeks to train I really wasn't certain how the endurance was going to pan out either. I did run 2 20 milers, so was hoping the next 11 during the race would be OK. It was.

I arrived to the race start with 4 minutes to spare. Yeah, thanks mapquest. Even though I have volunteered before I certainly didn't remember where in the world New Auburn WI was, somewhere out in the middle of the Chippewa National Forest. I was tossed and turned around, finally realizing hey, I have an iPhone and that has a GPS. So DUH! I have had an iPhone for 3 years and never used the GPS. I pulled it out, entered in the address and bingo! Even though there was no cell/internet service the GPS still works. It had me to the race start before the race started.

Quickly stuffed gels into my pocked, grabbed my Garmin, fixed my feet and hightailed it up to the visitor center where Jeff was calling all of the runners to the start. He helped me to find my chip and number and we were off!

The course was beautiful! Nice rolling ups and downs, deep woods, so many lakes, it was incredible. The trail was soft, nice and well..muddy. We ran through pine, oak, along ridges, through fields, a few road crossings-even some obstacles such as fence climbing and bridge crossings were involved. It was fantastic and SO GOOD TO BE RUNNING AN ULTRA AGAIN!

I saw my long lost friends! I didn't have any time to visit at the start so was able to catch up on the trail. Maria and I started out together for 5 minutes we chatted but at the first hill I had to let her go. I had to let a whole bunch of friends that I normally run with go. I was breathing heavily up that hill and knew it would mean trouble if I was gasping for air this early. I told her to go ahead and I'd visit at the finish.

I walked the hill and then found John T, ran a few hundred feet and had to stop to pee. I didn't have a chance to pee after the long ride with only 4 minutes to start. Off went the group. Scott W was out running! So happy to see him, it's been years since we've run together. It was a nice HI and BYE! He was long gone before I stepped back onto the trail.

For a few moments I was bummed that I was at the back of the pack, where I used to be when I first began ultras. I quickly changed my mindset and became grateful that I was even out running. Here I was, healthy, able to run a 50K deep in the woods. It's a great way to spend the day!

I ran along, enjoying Mother Nature. The course is an out and back, with 2 manned aid stations along the way, two self serve with water and an aid station at the turn around.

At each aid station I filled with Heed, grabbed a few gels and scampered on down the trail. I was totally enjoying the views. This course is on the Ice Age Trail, it is just beautiful

Eventually the leaders were coming back, I was going to be able to see all of the runners. John S was in third place, running strong. Helen was third woman, also looking strong. I love out and backs, so nice to see everyone!

Pretty soon I saw the group I had been racing with before my hiatus: John T, Jim, they were like 5 miles ahead of me. Wow. For a moment I thought: I suck. Then I changed that thought. No, I'm just fine. I'm having a blast, I'm getting my money worth!

At the turn around I felt famished! I was running slowly and knew I wouldn't have any trouble digesting food. I ate 3/4 of a fresh peanut butter jelly sandwich and refilled on heed and gels. The sandwich tasted wonderful!

Lynn was taking pictures, I'll post a few, and off I went, back toward the start.

Along my way back I still felt good. I had been running a very cautious pace for fear of crashing. I was probably too cautious but better to error on the side of good judgment!

I ended up passing 13 people on the way back, yeah, I counted. It made me feel good about my run. I ran a negative split of 1:24! Ha, that's one minute and 24 seconds! Pretty consistent pace!

At the end of the race is a huge grassy hill leading to the visitor center. John S and Joe were up there cheering and yelling. They finished in 424 or some crazy fast speed and this was Joe's first ultra. Yeah. Wow! Great run.

I walked up that last hill and crossed the finish line in 7:10. A good 45 minutes or so slower than my 50K time but hey, I did it and I'm good with it! My goal was 8 hours so I was golden.

A quick visit with others and I hurried to my car to change into dry clothes and gobble up a shake of berries, juice, Udos and protein powder. I had leftover lentil patties and greens for the drive home.

I'm trying to be diligent with recovery foods. Too many times I don't eat post run because I don't feel hungry. A shake is easy to get down the hatch and digests easily.

I visited with wonderful friends whom I have missed so much, for an hour or so and then it was time to move on home to color Easter eggs and bake the Bun Bun Cake.

Thanks to RD Jeff, the volunteers and all of my friends out there. You all rock. A few more weeks and I'm off to WI again, this time for Ice Age 50 Mile Ultra. Woohoo!

5 Weeks Post Hysterectomy

Here I am at five weeks post op. Thank goodness! I'm glad to have this whole scene in my past and to move on. I was so nervous before the procedure, nervousness that was not necessary but I didn't know that of course. I'm just glad to move on.

I am doing so well. I have had an uneventful recovery which is much better than I ever imagined. I haven't had any pain, no swelling, haven't needed any narcotics since I left the hospital, quit the Tylenol/Motrin 3 weeks ago. Really. All is well. I feel 100%.

My surgical pathology report arrived last week. It was interesting to read. I learned that I had 17 tumors upon my ovaries and fallopian tubes. 13 cysts and polyps in the endometrium and fibrous adhesion to the rectum and bladder. I had moderate to severe endometriosis. The pathology report is negative for cancers. Amen!

I had to chuckle at this: General: A very pleasant thin female, she is very healthy and is an ultra-marathon runner. Her resting heart rate is 35, upon examination 43.

I had forgotten that while I was in the hospital an alarm kept sounding, coming from one of the gadgets I was hooked up to, right after surgery. Steve looked at me in alarm and went out into the hallway to let a nurse know. She came back and told us the alarm was set to ring when my heart rate went below 50. She reset the monitor. I didn't pay attention. A few minutes later the alarm began again. She came back and again reset it, asking if I was OK. She explained again that the alarm would ring when my HR dropped below 50. This time I paid attention. I told her that if it was over 50 something would be wrong with me. I told her my resting heart rate was 35 and all I was doing was laying in bed, it wasn't going to get much higher. She was stunned. She called my surgeon and told him this info. He told her that I was an ultra runner and she could safely disconnect the heart rate monitor. It was kind of funny

I can't wait to run again! Walking is becoming boring. I am walking 40-50 miles a week. Yeah, I have time on my hands that is for sure. A few weeks ago I was walking to help with the healing. Moving the gas, strengthening my limbs, stretching my body as I had been laying around so much. After feeling pretty good I was walking for Topaz's sake. He could run and get some exercise..although he never really left my side. I guess he decided he would walk too. Now I am becoming bored with walking. I mean, I am grateful that I can at least walk, but obviously I am feeling super well since I am ready to R U N!

I am no longer walking in the neighborhood, I am now hiking the trails at the State Park. After 13" of fresh snow last week I was the first to trudge through the snow. That was quite a workout! Now the snowshoe trail is pretty well packed. Today I told myself the 8 mile walk was training for Bighorn 100. It gave the walk more meaning-a mind game of mine.

I began a puzzle that has 3000 pieces. I started last week and have made some progress.

I have been doing a bit of baking and trying out new recipes. We celebrated Troy's 15th Birthday - as a leap year baby he didn't get a 29th of February this year - so we celebrated Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He decided I should try Cafe Latte's Turtle Cake. It was a hit and tasted as good as Cafe Latte.

Food Network catches my eye every once in a while. I tried the braised brisket on Sunday with potato patties and it turned out very good. I normally don't create heavy meat meals, so Steve and Troy felt this was a treat. I had a large green salad with a bit of braised beef upon it. It was very tender.

I've been planning trips, races, etc. I've entered Chippewa 50K, Ice Age 50M and Bighorn 100. One race will cover training for the next race. I'm running Lucky Half Marathon in two weeks. I can't wait. I decided it wasn't a good idea to rush into Zumbro 100 in early April. I will be a moderate person and run the Chippewa 50K instead. See, I can be moderate :) I'll see if Larry needs me at an aid station or something else for Zumbro. I'm planning on Afton 50K, BETA VI and Voyager 50 Mile in July, need something for August, Superior Sawtooth in September, October is TC Marathon and Wild Duluth.

Friday is my 6 weeks post op appointment at Mayo. I will then be released to run, to work, to do anything my little heart desires. Thank goodness!! I am SO ready. I am SO done with this hysterectomy business.

Enjoying the trail

Pondering all the Pasta

Alicia, Me, Maria

Tom, Alicia, Me

Travis, Julie, Tom, Jason, Kevin

Packet Pickup: Alicia, Tom, Kevin, Julie, Nancy, Jason and Jeffrey

Kevin, Julie, Jason

FInally!

AMEN!

Another Fine Ice Age 50 Mile Trail Run Adventure

All week long I've been excited to run Ice Age, for many reason. One reason: most of my friends would be running too and we were all going to be staying in the same hotel; Second Reason: I had a time goal, I didn't know if I could pull it off; 10 hours? Shit man, never done that. 10 hours for 50 miles was my 'gold standard' since I first began this crazy world of ultras. Remember, my first 50 was at Ice Age took me 11:59, my second 50 which was at Voyaguer took me over 14 freaking hours. So, in my mind, since my first 50 in 2003, 10 hours for 50 miles was as incredible as a Boston Qualifier for me. 3: This was 50 miles, not 100. The McNaughton 100 was only a few weeks ago and was still very fresh in my mind. The cold, the rain, the mud, the messed up breathing, the pain, the pure exhaustion, all of that. I was looking forward to *only* (and how messed up is that thinking) 50 miles and no nighttime running, no flashlights, not having to eat a meal while running, oh yeah, it was looking very good in the weather forecasts too. High of 67 and SUNNY. Perfect. Perfect.

I did worry about whether or not I was recovered from McNaughton 100. I tried not to think about it too much. Until later in the race, I thought about nothing BUT that.

I left after Troy hit the bus on Friday morning for Tom and Nancy's. We then picked up Alicia at her place and met up with Jason, Jeffrey and Kevin. We headed on down to Whitewater WI and arrived near 430 to check into our hotel and head over to packet pickup. I saw Maria's van in the lot at the hotel but when I called her room she and Doug had already headed over to packet pick up.

I didn't recognize any faces at the pick up. We headed over to a restaurant in the town where we were staying. It wasn't very good. I ordered a pasta sampler that was as huge as could be with spaghetti, bow ties and rigatoni and three buttery oily sauces. Blech.

Back to the hotel where Alicia and I put together our drop bags and clothing for the next day. This is where I always begin to get nervous. As I put together my things for the race, and think that I have to wake up at 330 AM, yeah, it makes me nervous.

At 2 AM I woke up to a funny sounding alarm. I looked at the clock, nope, not time to wake up yet, I looked at my watch, no, not my watch. I looked at Alicia in bed, hey! That is where the sound was coming from, her watch! After a bit her watch stopped and Alicia never woke up! 330 came quickly. We were up milling around, eating our breakfast and getting ready to head out.

Tom, Nancy, Alicia and I headed over to the race. Pretty soon Doug and Maria arrived, then we saw Jeffrey, Jason and Kevin arrive. It was cold out, well, it was 43, it felt cold out. We huddled in the car, keeping warm, Alicia and I sitting on the car seat warmers. Nice! 545 and we decided we needed to place our drop bags in the appropriate place and get in line. Brrr.

1 2 3 go! And we're off. All the doubts and worries go away and I'm left running. Running hard. I was hoping to make the 9 mile stretch and arrive back to the start/finish at 1:35, so push, run hard, go girl. I did. I didn't talk much, I saw Travis and talked a bit, but was trying to focus and work out my fears and kinks and trying to get into my rhythm. I didn't have my iPod on yet, I had it in my bag to pick up at 9 miles. I was ready for it already. Travis went on and I didn't see him again until I reached the out and backs. We had a great time talking and hanging out after the race. I was even able tomeet his wife before the race start. Blogger has made a smaller world for ultrarunners!

As I approached the start/finish at 9 miles I looked at my watch. I'm such a bad pacer. Watch read 1:23. Well, that's a little too fast. It made me a little nervous, but, I figured if I began to slow I would just have a slower race. I never make up any time by going out slowly, and picking it up later. I'm tired later. I thought back to the last two Voyaguer's where Jeffrey has paced me quickly through the first sections. We fly through there and it has never bit me in the butt. I just get a faster finishing time. OK, not worried anymore. Just take off the long sleeved shirt, get iPod, a few gels and move on out.

I didn't recognize anyone. I did notice that the people I was running with were much leaner and quicker than groups that I sometime run with at races. Am I going too fast again? I haven't a clue. I didn't make any pace chart or figure out where I wanted to be when. I figured I wanted to be at the 26 mile mark in 5 hours and that was the end of my thinking this out.

I was surprised to see Nancy, who was crewing for Tom, at the aid stations. I thought Tom would be way ahead of me and figured Nancy would leave the AS shortly upon his going through, to meet him at the next stop. Am I ahead of Tom? Do I dare think so? I knew Tom was going to run sub 10. Am I on target for that?

I saw Matt and told him I wanted to run 10; he told me I was going faster than 10, no problem. Well, yeah, but it's like 20 miles in, you know, a hell of a long way to go.

Well, low and behold as I turned around at the second out and back stretch, I caught my first glimpse of who was where. Tom was a few minutes in back of me. This gave me hope. I knew that he knew how to run this thing. I knew he knew pace perfectly. He's run many many Ice Age's and almost all under 10 hours. I spoke with Tom at the next aid station and vowed to keep him in my sights. We had a great time for many miles. I began with him in front of me, maybe 20 feet in front, and I just kept him in view. I was listening to music and wasn't up to talking, so I just kept him in view. Jason was up ahead of Tom for quite some time. Eventually I turned my iPod off and Tom and I began to talk. I asked him about our pace and he told me we were right on. He had no doubts about breaking 10 hours IF WE KEPT THE PACE. That was the big question.

We ran into 26 miles at 4:50 or so. THAT made me happy. 1/2 way to go, I felt good, I hadn't pooped yet so was a bit concerned about that. When would I have to go and would I lose Tom? I began to notice other things as well. My hands. They were not puffy at all. This has never happened to me. They are always puffy when racing. I was drinking SUCCEED. At first I had to plug my nose to drink the first two bottles, the water was soft, sulferey or something. I'm sure that my MN well water would taste horrible to some, and the SUCCEED didn't hide what I thought was a bad water taste. I continued to sip on my 26 oz bottle; making sure to drain almost a whole bottle every hour. I wasn't peeing like usual either. Usual I over-pee. I pee every hour at least and in the final hours every 15 minutes. Well, that wasn't happening with the SUCCEED. Hmmm, maybe Hammer Heed will be replaced with SUCCEED? We'll see.

It was great to run with Tom; he had Nancy at the aid stations and she was a great cheerleader. She had Jason's big professional camera and was taking pictures at every station. I was running bare bellied and a bit self conscious, but who cares? I was hot. I hadn't run with the tattoo I had done last summer without a shirt before so I was getting a lot of comments on that. I was becoming self-conscious but wanted to be comfortable foremost.

Pretty soon we were catching Jason. We plugged along and eventually were running with him. He was running strong. The three of us kept moving. Tom had us running up hills-lots of hills, it was very seldom that Tom walked a hill. I was getting tired. We were 37 miles into the race. We were still on sub 10 hour pace. I was worried about blowing up. I was worried about not holding the pace. I felt like I was going to puke. Do I really want 10 hours? Who the fuck cares? Maybe 10:10 is ok. So, it is still a PR. Hell, 1025 would be a pr, you could do that without killing yourself out here. This is dumb. Maybe I'm not recovered from McNaughton. Yeah, that's a great excuse. Shit. This sucks. I'm a horrible weak runner. 10 hours my ass. What the hell was I thinking?

Then I began to fall. Bam. Down on the roots. Back up. Run a bit more. Play Ozzie Osbourne Crazy Train loud in my ears. So loud that Jason heard it as he was in back of me. Sing loudly to Crazy Train. Take my mind off the tiredness. Shit. Fell again. Jason helped me up. My confidence is going in the tank. Turn off music, concentrate on hitting 40 miles. Where the hell is 40? This is the longest fucking 4.5 miles ever.

Finally. 40 miles. Oh my gosh, 10 miles left. I am so tired. Can I hold on for 10 more miles? We're still on 10 hour pace. Oh my gosh. Keep running, following Tom, he'll help me. If I don't follow Tom I am going to slow down and walk and say fuck this shit.

I have to crap. Damn. Now with all of this falling I have scared the shit out of me. Tom, I have to pull over and finally poop. I go into the woods and am instantly covered with mosquitoes. I haven't even seen a mosquito yet this year. Gee, fine time to find them. I do my business and head back out on the trail. I know that 43 mile aid station is soon, then it is back toward confusion corner. I'll see all my friends again on this little out and back. This lifts me. I'll see my friends. OK, run now. If you were still with Tom and Jason you would be running. They don't walk. OK, run. God, I'm tired. God help me, please, help these negative thoughts to go away and let me hit 10 hours. I really want 10 hours. Tom told me if I didn't hit 10hours I had nothing to blame it on. The weather is perfect. I'm running strong. I've been doing the pace. Go Julie. Go.

TOPAZ!! I yell out loud. I'm struggling. Topaz, all the training miles we've done together. Give me strength. Give me a paw hug and tell me to stop whining and get this done. Topaz! Tears run down my cheeks and I realize I'm almost at the aid station. Thank God.

I'm disoriented. I recognize a woman that comes to me from the aid station but who is she? Lora she says, and this is Bubba. Bubba is running. Lora. I knew someone named Lora was going to be at the 40 mile aid station. She asks someone to take our picture. Lora. I grab some pretzels, more SUCCEED. I look for Tom and Jason and they must have already left. How? I never saw them on the path. They must have left while I was getting my pretzels. I must catch them.

As I run away I remember. Lora Runs! Blogger friend. Oh my gosh, how did I forget? I knew she was going to be working the 40 mile aid station. Good grief! I was able to meet her in person. And Bubba. Run Bubba Run! Ironman blogger going ultra runner. Now it all clicks in place. I am getting ultra brain.

OK, 7 more miles. I run and run and run, trying to catch Jason and Tom. Finally I can see Tom running up a hill in the distance. Of course. He's running a fucking hill. Can I do this anymore? 7 miles. Yeah, you can run 7 miles any day. A man following me asks me if I am falling for him? What? Falling for you? Yeah, you were really falling on the way to the aid station. Oh. Yeah. BAM. I go down again. See, your falling for me again. Shit. I cry again. I can't run. I keep falling. I suck. I'm a sucky weak slow fat runner.

I finally catch Jason and Tom. I'm so happy. Jason is struggling now. He's shuffling his feet, raising lots of dust. How does he not catch his foot on a root? I've lost confidence in my footing and can't believe he isn't falling. Eventually Jason tells me to pass him. Are you sure? Yeah, he's sure. I'm feeling a little better. I know I have to run fast to stick with Tom. Can I? He's running up the damn hills again. Ugh.

If you want 10 hours you have to stick with him. He's going to make it. Tom tells me how many more miles we have to the aid station, then 2.5 miles to the finish. How good does 2.5 miles sound? I want the aid station.

Tom pulls away from me. I can't keep up. He runs up another damn hill. He's strong. Go Tom Go! Go get that 10. I'll try. I try. I try. I keep chugging along. I play my music loud. I listen to Guns N Roses and Black Sabbath. Rock on. Run on. I am strong. I am woman. Hear me fucking roar. ROAR.

The aid station. I fill up a bottle and tell the volunteer "the last Hurrah!" I'm so happy. 2.5 miles. Woohoo! I see Tom running away from the aid station. I follow. I run hard. 28 minutes to go 2.5 miles. Can I? I won't know unless I try. I can smell the barn. Damn, it's coming. GO JULIE. GO. I run, I run as fast as I can. These tired legs are flying. Confusion Corner. I thank the woman who is standing there for her volunteering, I run. I run up the damn hills. This is it hunny. Now or never. I don't have another 50 mile race this year. I have a few 100's a 50K, a 24 hour run. This is it. The day is perfect. Nothing hurts. No advil today, nothing swollen. NO BLISTERS. I pulled a brand new pair of Inov 8 Flyrocks from the box the morning of the race. No Blisters.

I'm with a group of 6-7 people. We're running our asses off. It all comes down to this last mile. We all want a sub 10. I look at my watch. Time is ticking away. How much farther? Don't know. Only 8 minutes left. I can hear the cheering. I turn off the music and run. Run hard. Up another hill. Run it.

Oh my god. The finish line. Oh my god. I have under a minute. I cross one batch of carpets for the timing device and think I'm done. No! Run! Go up to the finish line. Shit. Am I going to break 10?

Julie Berg from Big Lake, MN. 9:59:19.

Oh yeah :)

Tom and Nancy are cheering. The buckle is placed in my hand. I let out a whoop. I did it. Damn, that feels good. Reaching a goal that I didn't know if I had any business in being able to reach.

Lisa Smith Batchen had sent me an email with my workouts and my race strategy. I had rehearsed her tips in my mind. They worked. All of them. Thanks Lisa!

We sat in the sun of the finish line and watched all of our friends finish. Kevin finished in 910! Crazy fast. Pierre and Paul finished a bit later than that, after Tom and I finished Jason came in, and Alicia came in, then Maria and then Jefferey, we had a blast. It was so wonderful to sit there and swap race stories.

I spoke with Travis some more, some people that were at the race came up and introduced themselves tome as they read this blog, I was able to meet Juli Aisters, who I had been emailing earlier. She came in second at the Transcendence 6 day. It was incredible to meet her in person.

Too much fun. As much as running these ultras can suck at times, in those dark moments when you doubt yourself, you dig deep and you get the job done. You keep moving forward, believe in yourself, even when you don't think you deserve to believe in yourself. It's a crazy mental game. Your mind has to be able to reign in the negative thoughts that you will feel during an ultra and change them to the positive. The bad times during the race will make you realize how incredible the good times are.

Friends are a big part of this. What a great weekend. After the 600 finish time we rounded up all of our things, headed to the hotel and went out to a fabulous restaurant. I had a wonderful grilled chicken cesar salad. And a whole lot of fun with my friends :)

Pictures to follow..