The end of an era. The McNaughton Trail Races are complete, a 9 year run from 10 to 150 mile races at the McNaughton Park are history. History as in Andy Weinberg as director; of course someone else may pick up the race but it will never be the same.
Andy put together a series of events that changed racing in the Midwest. He had a personal stamp on the events; cheering for every single person that raced, giving a pat on the back, asking what the runner would need, amazing. A very personal approach to race directing.
After adding the 100 miler a few runners asked about doing 150. Sure, we can add a 150 .. and he did, and they came to run 150 miles!! Simply amazing.
This year Ryan Dexter blew the 150 mile course away with finishing in 34 hours. Way to go, Ryan. Amazing. Simply stunning.
As Regis was running his 150 mile race, finishing up, or going out for even more than 150, I heard him say "Hey Andy, what about 200 miles?" Andy was on top of it immediately. He ran from the table, off to the course and said to Regis "YES, 200, in Vermont!" No problem. You want it? Andy will have it for you. He's an Ironman TRIPLE. Yeah, 1 Ironman wasn't enough, either was 2. Andy does Ironman TRIPLES.
A few years ago Andy visited Vermont and fell in love with the state. Last year he and his wife packed up their family-without jobs-and moved to Vermont. Both of them found teaching jobs and Andy, again a coaching job. They are very happy there. Thankfully he came back to Pekin IL for one final farewell to the McNaughton Trail Races.
When I think of McNaughton I become nostalgic. I feel like I grew up into an ultrarunner at this race. I had been running ultras for 1.5 years when I went to run my first 100 at McNaughton. I didn't know anything about running 100 miles other than what I had read and asked of others. I traveled with friends Bonnie, Donny and Larry, who I met through ultrarunning. My racing of ultras wasn't too fine; a few 50 milers where I missed one cut off but was still able to finish over an hour later and just made the other two cut offs by seconds. Nonetheless, I was willing to give it a try.
I finished that McNaughton in 29 some hours and took first woman. I couldn't believe it. I learned so much about racing, about myself, about others. I learned that I needed to find a solution for my blisters. They were atrocious and almost caused me to drop from the race. I learned how to run during the night, how to fuel for a race. I learned that ultra runners make great friends. I met Doug Hansel here; a winner of 100's, including the Superior 100. I was afraid of the dark and he ran the night with me. His slowest 100, my first finish. What a guy. I learned that I had a bit of competitiveness within me. When I learned I was in first place my blisters no longer mattered. I ran like hell. Fun.
My second McNaughton, and second 100, I went with friends again. I had the most fun road trip ever, traveling with John, Scott and Alicia. It was crazy fun. The race was incredible as well. The people, Andy introducing me as last year's champion, it was nuts. I finished faster than the previous year but took 3rd or something. I still hadn't figured out what to do with my feet. They were hamburger.
My third McNaughton I traveled with Maria, who ran the 50. She helped me out by figuring out my damn flashlight problems and to dress for the cold night. Karl Melzer and I were top boy and girl. It was incredible to watch him run through the mud, effortlessly. Maria had to bring me to the ER on the way home as I couldn't breathe. Two nebulizer treatments later and I was OK.
My fourth McNaughton I went solo. I would have never been able to go alone in the past. I would have been afraid of getting lost, of not taking care of myself while running, of feeling sad by being alone, of not knowing anyone. I've come a long way. I met Jim Wilson from Minneapolis who stood at the start/finish for almost every lap I ran and asked me how he could help me. The people at these races are amazing. I finished top girl again, 2nd overall and Andy made sure he said so at every lap I came across. I gave up swearing at the mud that is always at McNaughton. I finally learned to mix my foot potion and had NO blisters. What a relief. It made all the difference.
I ran my first 100 finish at McNaughton and +almost+ my 13th finish. I didn't get it. I was part of the high attrition rate, yet again, at McNaughton. Last year 19% finished the 100! I'm not sure what this year was, but know it was low again. I don't know why McNaughton carries the lowest finishing rate other than Barklay. I think people underestimate the course. The constant short steep hills, the mud that is always out there.
2009 McNaughton. I again travelled alone. This year I had decided to sleep in my car at the race and it worked out well. I was snug as a bug in a rug; stayed nice and toasty with my pillow and down comforter from home.
My iPhone woke me at 500, I reached into my cooler for breakfast. Cold fried egg whites + one yolk were fine, but the oatmeal, not so much. I ate the eggs and then a banana. Little carb, little protein. Got dressed and followed my nose to the coffee percolating at the race start.
The 150 milers began at noon the previous day so I watched some of them come and go, cheering madly for them. Just awe inspiring and jaw dropping. 150 freaking miles. 11 finished, I believe. They had to start the race in the rain so the course was pretty muddy. Well, more than pretty muddy. Ugly muddy. If you have run McNaughton you know what I mean.
We started out with dawn just approaching, I only needed my flashlight for a short while. It was 40F; warm enough for shorts and a jacket. My plan was 230 loops for as long as I could and whatever it took to finish.
By the second loop I left my jacket at the start, dropped off my flashlight and changed into a tank top. It was feeling good! The sun was bright and wonderful. I felt good, waiting to get into the zone which usually hits about 40 miles for me. My laps were all under 220.
The mud was taking its toll. Kind of think of skiing down mud hills-with big muddy puddles that are shoe sucking up to the ankle and over, deep. The mud stinks and I could smell it before I would approach it. Blech. It was just a waste of time to try to get around it, I was going to get muddy and then wet by crossing the two rivers that were knee plus high anyway so tramp tramp tramp through the mud. Oh, my pretty pink gaitors and Inov-8's that had only 8 miles on them pre race.
I ran with Travis for many miles, like half of the race I think. He was doing well, except for one loop when he became sick, so walked for a while. He did catch me the next loop however and looked very strong.
It was so incredible to see the 150 milers on the course. I could tell who they were immediately when coming upon them. They had the '100 mile shuffle' going on and more clothing than the 100 or 50 mile racers. When running for 24 + hours they are slowing down and becoming depleted and the chill is on. I patted Tracy Thomas, who was running the 150 on the back and told her she was a Rockstar, as she is. She told me 'you might as well take the win today, too, Julie' I told her the conditions were getting too good for a first. I didn't think the attrition rate was going to be so high as the mud was beginning to dry out and it was sunny as could be.
This course is odd in that it can be drenched, soaked with mud but as the day dry outs it kind of turns over with all of our foot traffic and the sun and becomes tacky, which is much better than all mud. There were still huge mud holes that you still had to wade through but at least the mud skiing down ALL of the hills was in the past.
30 miles in I was finding my groove. No blisters, I was able to eat and drink. I drank Hammerheed which was on the course and ate peanut butter jelly 1/4's at each aid station. Eventually I was hitting the sugar: jelly beans, easter candy and at Totem Aid a woman had made homemade gingerbread cookies that she rolled out and cut with a cookie cutter into easter eggs and a shark with a pair of legs coming out of his mouth with bright red 'blood' frosting! It was tasty and funny, too :)
At 50 miles I was just under 12 hours, grabbed my jacket and long sleeved shirt, hat, gloves, flashlights, etc and headed out knowing it would be dark soon.
As I was running down the hill after the rope rock ( a rocky hill that actually has a rope to help the runner get to the top) I noticed my right quad muscle contracting and then releasing. I've never felt that before. During the next few miles this continued and as I was again running down a steep, muddy hill I felt it contract, release, contract and POP. It felt like it expanded much larger or with much more pressure release than the release I was feeling the last few miles. I knew this wasn't normal 100 mile muscle fatigue or normal DOMS that sets in during a 100. I knew this was something else. There was a sharp intense pain.
I took the first Advil of the day, hoping it would cut the pain. It didn't. There was a sharp constant pain reaching up along my quad and down into my calve, coming from the inner quad muscle. Not good.
I continued to drag it along, I wasn't able to pull my leg forward as was necessary. My hamstrings were working hard, trying to push the leg forward without the quads help. Going uphill was OK, I could move up the hill with my hips but down hill was miserable. At Buffalo aid station they taped me up and I felt better for a few more miles. The muscle was stable and not as painful. I hit 60 miles and told myself I was just going to take the race aid station by aid station. I wanted to finish, I couldn't imagine not finishing but that possibility was staring me in the face. I went through all the scenarios. What if I did more damage?What if I tore the muscle? What if I finished the race but did so much damage I couldn't run for weeks? Would I rather run with Topaz each day for 8 miles or finish the race and not run again? It was miserable being in my head.
At 60 miles my leg was so swollen that the duct tape was cutting off my circulation. When I arrived at the stream I pulled the tape off and put it into my pocket, then stood there soaking my quad for a while. It felt good to let it soak.
60-70 miles was a battle mentally. I had to decide what to do. I realized that I had grown up as an ultra runner. In the past I would have belittled myself, beating myself up for thinking about stopping. Now I know better. Now I knew I had to take care of myself and made the decision myself. Nobody else could make the decision for me. I now knew the difference between 100 mile fatigue pain, mental tiredness just wanting to stop and injury pain. As I came into the two aid stations I decided to continue to 70 miles and would make the final decision there.
As I hobbled into 70 Andy had taken a nap and had another person posted to check in on us. He asked what my problem was, I told him, and told him I was going to made a decision now as whether to continue or stop. He told me his opinion: quit. I told him I was going to go to the fire to make the decision myself. As I approached the fire many questions were asked and advice given. Jim brought me icy hot and rubbed it into my leg, John offered to find biofreeze for me and another man said he could make a brace for me. I didn't think I should go back out there but wasn't 100% sure as of yet. As I pushed myself out of the chair I realized I couldn't bear weight on my leg. I walked around, hobbling, as the pain sliced through my quad. I shouldn't go back out. It wasn't worth it.
So I didn't. Jim removed my chip and gave it to the time man. I was done. I was part of the high rate of attrition at McNaughton.
I made the right decision. I have always told myself if and when, as it is going to happen, an injury comes along, I would rather drop a race than not be able to run my daily run with Topaz. I don't want to lose that, ever.
After commiserating at the fire I went off to my car to sleep again. At dawn I went back out to the start to watch the runners come in and around. I was able to see Travis finish 4th overall! I saw Ollie come in at 90 miles, onto his 100 mile finish. Fabulous stuff.
Our Minnesota contingent at McNaughton consisted of 1 50 mile runner, Jim Wilson, who finished and 4 100 mile runners: myself, Al Holtz, Karen Gall and John Taylor. None of us finished.
Again, when I look back on McNaughton I am filled with nostalgia. I feel like I grew up at McNaughton, like I cut my baby teeth there and developed into a more experienced ultra runner upon that trail. I've learned so much. I think about how I felt about DNFing at Superior Sawtooth 3 years ago and how I enraged I was at myself, for being weak and not finishing. I didn't get it. I do now. I get it.
Each race is different, with different obstacles and that is part of the challenge, even when upon the same course, you don't know what may happen out there. It is all a learning process. I have to know when to say when.
McNaughton is filled with wonderful memories. All of the people that I met at McNaughton, and would return each year, to see again. Ollie, Juli, Joe, Tracy, Ryan, Beth, Travis, Jess, Charlotte, Hans, Casey and of course Andy. What a great run.
After some coffee and packing up the car I headed for home. I stopped for some ice, taping it to my leg, adjusting the cruise so I didn't have to use my right leg too much. I made it home safe and sound before my family arrived home from Easter dinner. They came home with a plate of dinner for me and the rest of the Southern Coconut Cake I had made for them to bring along. I eased their fears of me being horribly injured and stated I was just fine, all would be fine.
They wanted to play Guitar Hero so I played a few songs with them. When I received a score of only 50% on Ozzy's Bark at the Moon they looked at each other and said "Mom has ultra brain" Life is good :)
I have an appointment with a sports doctor this afternoon. My quad is all bruised and when Topaz and I went for our post race walk, my inner quad just doesn't feel right. I know what quad soreness feels like post 100, this is something else.
A big congrats to all of those who toed the line at McNaugton and a huge thank you to Andy-for making it all possible! All of my memories of McNaughton are just fabulous!
Showing posts with label McNaughton 100. Show all posts
Showing posts with label McNaughton 100. Show all posts
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
McNaughton Park 100 Mile Trail Run for FUN
5 Day Taper: McNaughton Park 100 Mile Trail Run
Here it is already, the week of the McNaughton Park Trail Runs. When Andy first began this race 6 or 7 years ago there was a 10, 30 and 50 mile option (I believe). The next year he offered a 100 mile option. Pretty soon he dropped the 10 and 30 and offered a 50, 100 and 150. Yes, 150! There are over 60 people entered in the 150 this year and like 80 in the 100. Amazing!
I’ve run McNaughton 100 4 times. I've won the woman’s race 3 times, but with my fastest time on the course I came in third. It always seems to depend on the conditions of the course. Rainy and muddy, I place higher; dry and fast, I place lower. This will be my 5th and final. Andy has moved from Pekin, IL to Vermont so the future races will be held in Vermont.
The course is held at the McNaughton Park, just out of Pekin, on a 10 mile wooded loop. I always enjoy the race, it is a nice way to kick off the running season. Nothing like kicking it off with a 100 miler when I haven’t had a chance to run fast on trail. All winter I am on snowshoes, moving rather slowly! I took the snowshoes off a few weeks ago. For this reason McNaughton is usually my slowest 100 of the year, even though the course isn’t the most difficult, it is just early in the season!
This year McNaughton again falls on Easter weekend. It has once in the past as well. This year it also falls on the weekend of the inaugural Zumbro 100 Mile Race, near Rochester. In the future I’ll be running Zumbro.
I began a taper yesterday. I am not waking up at 4 AM to run my AM treadmill run. I am still running the trail after work with Topaz, albeit a bit shorter than usual and getting the lifting in. My weight will increase by more than a few pounds as the glycogen stores fill and I add another carb meal to my daily diet.
When I spoke with Tony last week about my diet and bbing he told me ‘stop losing weight!’ I can’t say that I have heard that before!! He told me to hold steady, focusing more on the gaining of .25-.40 pound of muscle every 6 weeks. I told him with the McNaughton Taper this week I wouldn’t be losing anything! 12 weeks out from the show I’ll again focus on losing fat. The only other changes made in my diet are fish oil caps-increasing by quite a bit and trying glutamine for sugar cravings. I add glutamine to my protein shakes, now will be trying for my sugar cravings as well.
I’ll be heading out Friday morning, I have decided to spend the night in my car at the race start. Last year I had reservations at the hotel from hell and ended up sleeping in my car anyway at the start. It was quiet and comfy. I’ll head out Sunday after the race and arrive home early in the evening for a left over Easter meal.
I don’t have a goal time for this race; I typically finish in 27-29 hours and that is just fine with me. There is a 36 hour time limit if necessary.
Woohoo!! Off to McNaughton Park.
Here it is already, the week of the McNaughton Park Trail Runs. When Andy first began this race 6 or 7 years ago there was a 10, 30 and 50 mile option (I believe). The next year he offered a 100 mile option. Pretty soon he dropped the 10 and 30 and offered a 50, 100 and 150. Yes, 150! There are over 60 people entered in the 150 this year and like 80 in the 100. Amazing!
I’ve run McNaughton 100 4 times. I've won the woman’s race 3 times, but with my fastest time on the course I came in third. It always seems to depend on the conditions of the course. Rainy and muddy, I place higher; dry and fast, I place lower. This will be my 5th and final. Andy has moved from Pekin, IL to Vermont so the future races will be held in Vermont.
The course is held at the McNaughton Park, just out of Pekin, on a 10 mile wooded loop. I always enjoy the race, it is a nice way to kick off the running season. Nothing like kicking it off with a 100 miler when I haven’t had a chance to run fast on trail. All winter I am on snowshoes, moving rather slowly! I took the snowshoes off a few weeks ago. For this reason McNaughton is usually my slowest 100 of the year, even though the course isn’t the most difficult, it is just early in the season!
This year McNaughton again falls on Easter weekend. It has once in the past as well. This year it also falls on the weekend of the inaugural Zumbro 100 Mile Race, near Rochester. In the future I’ll be running Zumbro.
I began a taper yesterday. I am not waking up at 4 AM to run my AM treadmill run. I am still running the trail after work with Topaz, albeit a bit shorter than usual and getting the lifting in. My weight will increase by more than a few pounds as the glycogen stores fill and I add another carb meal to my daily diet.
When I spoke with Tony last week about my diet and bbing he told me ‘stop losing weight!’ I can’t say that I have heard that before!! He told me to hold steady, focusing more on the gaining of .25-.40 pound of muscle every 6 weeks. I told him with the McNaughton Taper this week I wouldn’t be losing anything! 12 weeks out from the show I’ll again focus on losing fat. The only other changes made in my diet are fish oil caps-increasing by quite a bit and trying glutamine for sugar cravings. I add glutamine to my protein shakes, now will be trying for my sugar cravings as well.
I’ll be heading out Friday morning, I have decided to spend the night in my car at the race start. Last year I had reservations at the hotel from hell and ended up sleeping in my car anyway at the start. It was quiet and comfy. I’ll head out Sunday after the race and arrive home early in the evening for a left over Easter meal.
I don’t have a goal time for this race; I typically finish in 27-29 hours and that is just fine with me. There is a 36 hour time limit if necessary.
Woohoo!! Off to McNaughton Park.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Back in the Saddle Again
What a difference 8 hours of sleep can make! Every night this past week I had something I had to attend to. Township Board of Equalization, County Planning and Zoning, Gun Safety with Troy, Tennis, Coaching. Last night I only ran, brought Tyler home from tennis, brought Troy to the Middle School Activity Night and picked him up..and stayed home. It was wonderful. I dozed on and off while reading my book, I went to bed at 10 and slept until 6. Wonderful. I normally rise at 4; the two extra hours were needed. I had decided that I wasn't going to make it the the Trail Mix 25K/50K to volunteer. I was too tired.
I and Topaz hit the trail for 10 miles. It was fabulous. No aches and pains, no stiffness, all of the swelling is gone, thanks to 101 cold baths. I feel great. Topaz took off after a group of 19 deer..yes, I counted them! He was gone for a good 5 minutes before he finally reappeared. I saw Bald Eagles, the Sandhill Crane, Trumpeter Swans and two Coyotes. Lots of wildlife enjoying the woods.
Most of the snow is off of the trail now. It felt so great not to be running in snow shoes. What a treat!
Now I am going to head over to the gym before I do some grocery shopping and other errands.
Thanks for all of your comments and well wishes. I appreciate each and every one of them.
I must be feeling good..I find myself planning my FANS 24 hour run in June. I will run the Superior 50K in May, but just for fun. FANS is going to be more of a goal oriented race. I'm looking forward to it.
Inov 8 keeps me in trail shoes, but for FANS training I'll need to cough up $130 for a new pair of Asics Gel Kayano's. The ones that I have been running treadmill repeats are the same I wore at Vermont 100 last summer. I guess I need to shop tomorrow, before I head over to PF Changs to meet Bonnie and Marie for lunch :)
I and Topaz hit the trail for 10 miles. It was fabulous. No aches and pains, no stiffness, all of the swelling is gone, thanks to 101 cold baths. I feel great. Topaz took off after a group of 19 deer..yes, I counted them! He was gone for a good 5 minutes before he finally reappeared. I saw Bald Eagles, the Sandhill Crane, Trumpeter Swans and two Coyotes. Lots of wildlife enjoying the woods.
Most of the snow is off of the trail now. It felt so great not to be running in snow shoes. What a treat!
Now I am going to head over to the gym before I do some grocery shopping and other errands.
Thanks for all of your comments and well wishes. I appreciate each and every one of them.
I must be feeling good..I find myself planning my FANS 24 hour run in June. I will run the Superior 50K in May, but just for fun. FANS is going to be more of a goal oriented race. I'm looking forward to it.
Inov 8 keeps me in trail shoes, but for FANS training I'll need to cough up $130 for a new pair of Asics Gel Kayano's. The ones that I have been running treadmill repeats are the same I wore at Vermont 100 last summer. I guess I need to shop tomorrow, before I head over to PF Changs to meet Bonnie and Marie for lunch :)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
McNaughton Musings
- The man who said "I know I could finish this damn race in 24 hours if it weren't for the mud" I found that hilarious; I didn't realize he was serious and I responded "yeah, I could finish Leadville in 24 if it weren't for the elevation" I mean, come on, dude!
- Andy, voice booming, each and every lap "..and here is Julie Berg, McNaughton Woman's Champion for 2005 and 2007"..it was embarrassing, but still felt good!
- Last lap, singing at the top of my lungs to Ozzy "I keep running but I'm getting nowhere..." the man around the corner in front of me said "oh yeah, you are getting somewhere chicka.."
- Watching the men climb the fallen tree, over the river crossing and jumping off on the other side to stay dry. No way! I would have fallen off of the tree into the river, getting more wet than just trudging through each time.
- The cookie balls during the night at Heaven's Gate. They were chocolate and coconut and peanut butter I think. I don't believe they were cooked. I think they were refrigerated and oh so delicious. What were those balls of goodness?
- After heading out on a night loop, deciding I had to return because I couldn't see and needed better lights. Asking Andy if I had to re-do the first part of the loop, so happy when he told me no, I could continue where I left of. Thank goodness.
- The Joy. The pure Joy of the race. Loving the run, loving the race, loving each and every step I put into it. The race was the party that I had been training for.
- Andy, voice booming, each and every lap "..and here is Julie Berg, McNaughton Woman's Champion for 2005 and 2007"..it was embarrassing, but still felt good!
- Last lap, singing at the top of my lungs to Ozzy "I keep running but I'm getting nowhere..." the man around the corner in front of me said "oh yeah, you are getting somewhere chicka.."
- Watching the men climb the fallen tree, over the river crossing and jumping off on the other side to stay dry. No way! I would have fallen off of the tree into the river, getting more wet than just trudging through each time.
- The cookie balls during the night at Heaven's Gate. They were chocolate and coconut and peanut butter I think. I don't believe they were cooked. I think they were refrigerated and oh so delicious. What were those balls of goodness?
- After heading out on a night loop, deciding I had to return because I couldn't see and needed better lights. Asking Andy if I had to re-do the first part of the loop, so happy when he told me no, I could continue where I left of. Thank goodness.
- The Joy. The pure Joy of the race. Loving the run, loving the race, loving each and every step I put into it. The race was the party that I had been training for.
Monday, April 14, 2008
McNaughton Fun Fest
Where to start? This is going to be l o n g. With thank yous. Thank you to all of you, for thinking of me this weekend and sending emails and comments while I was gone. Thank you to Andy, the Race Director of McNaughton. He dotes on his runners from the time first time I see him at packet pickup on Friday to the final hug when I leave Sunday morning. He is incredible. The volunteers are wonderful, the Heaven's Gate aid station welcomed me back each lap just like I was a part of the family. Of course I'm thankful to my family who puts up with me and to Topaz, who ran almost all of my training miles with me, most of them while I was on snowshoes (see Steve Q, snowshoeing CAN be training!) and he (Topaz) was foraging through miles of snow.
Early last week Karen graciously offered to ride along to Pekin IL with me, as I was going solo this year. Most of the Minnesota contingent was doing Wynn's 50K in WI this past Saturday. I told Karen that I was now planning to leave Thursday, to meet my sister in law in IA, flying from San Francisco, as well as my parents, who were coming back from wintering in TX. Well, none of that panned out. SIL's flight was cancelled (American Airlines) and parents were ahead of schedule, arriving at my home to spend Thursday-Sunday. So, solo I was.
Thursday night it began to snow. And snow and snow. There was a 2 hour late start at school, so I hung out with the boys Friday morning, thinking I'd leave after I dropped them off at school. Well, the late start ended up being a cancellation for the day, so at 9 AM I was finally on the road.
I arrived at the Concorde Motel, $49 a night, around 6PM. The motel gave me the chills. There was a bar with a band and the doors opened to a parking lot, no into interior halls. My room faced the back lot where there was a Subway drive up window. I could hear the cars and the Subway speaker lady. Not a good thing. My room smelled like a smoking room that had been sprayed with Lysol. It irritated my throat and eyes.
I went to the race start to pick up my packet and made introductions. Andy gave me a big hug and welcomed me. I received a very nice red jacket and a woman's fit black/white running top, hat. Very nice.
Back to the motel of doom. I packed my drop bag, had my french press and beans, grinder all set. Crawled into bed with my Terry Goodkind series. The band began. The Subway girl was talking. Someone was pounding on the door. Oh, it was the door next door that sounded like it was in my room. I had a room that at one time connected to both rooms on the sides of me. Oh god. I could hear two men speaking like they were in my bathroom. Talking of women and drugs and money and guns. Good lord. One man left, another came, more money and drug talk, again and again, over and over. I was freaked out. I didn't make a sound. If they heard me, they would know I heard them. The hair on my neck stood on end. I was scared. Truly scared.
I decided to get out of there. It was 10 PM. I grabbed all my stuff, in the dark, packed it all and went to my car. I drove to the race start at McNaughton Park and slept peacefully and safely in my car until 5 AM. Whew!
I had just purchased a new vehicle last week. I didn't know where anything was. The dome lights, the back heater, etc. I do now!
I turned on the heater a few times during the night, it was cold and I hadn't packed for camping. I always carry my red down blanket, and it kept me fairly warm.
Managed to scrape up a cup of coffee, suck back a Hammergel and start the day.
As I waited at the start I was freezing. It was 34F. I wore heavy long pants, a top, jacket, fleece hat and gloves. I never changed during the race. I couldn't believe that this was my 4th McNaughton 100 and that 4 years ago I was standing at this very line scared to death, about to run my first 100, wondering what would happen out there. The fear was gone, I knew I could finish, there are 34 hours to do so. I was a bit concerned about the trail conditions. It had rained in IL for days and was drizzling and snowing off and on. It was going to be pretty mucky, I figured...I was right. It was more than pretty mucky...
I didn't see many familiar faces. The Minnesota's that were there were Al Holtz, running the 150, John Taylor, running the 150 and Jim Wilson running the 50 mile. Jim had finished the 50 mile on Friday.
Andy said go and off we went. By 6 the sun was beginning to rise so I didn't need lights. I had a Fenix handheld in my drop bag for later. I tried to just get into a rhythm and enjoy the first few loops. I have come to realize that I just don't get into my 'zone' until 30 or 40 miles. Before that my mind is worrying about the evening, the dark, my lights, tomorrow..blah blah blah. I kept telling myself to enjoy myself, this is the party that I have been training for. Enjoy the people.
The trail really was a mess. My first loop was just over 2 hours, my plan was to run the daylight loops in 240 or so and night was whatever I could muster. I'll have to look at my splits but I think each daylight loop was 210-240 or so.
I was a bit concerned about the amount of mud. It make the ups and downs crazy slippery. I thought of Karl Meltzer last year, how he just tramped up the muddy hills without a slow down. Someone asked me how I could get up the hills so quickly. I didn't think that I was!
During my 3rd loop I came across Al and John. Al was on his 9th and John was on 8. They both looked great. Al told me he went the whole night without lights; for a challenge. He challenged me to the same. I couldn't understand why? But he did just that! He ran 3 loops in the dark with a light to only illuminate his watch. Wow. I didn't want that challenge. But it came true, anyhow.
I saw Ryan Dexter. Man, he had finished 100 miles at 20 hours and was going on to finish up his 150. He looked fabulous, yes, Ryan, you did! He was moving well with his pacer and ended up finishing second to David Goggins. I never saw David.
I came across Ollie, who wasn't feeling too well. His stomach had gone south, but he was still moving forward.
Two gals that read this blog introduced themselves to me: Jess from Seattle was running her first 100. She became very cold and wasn't able to finish, but did get in 7 laps, I believe. She came to chat after I finished and looked very good! Good job, Jess. Ellen from IN was running the 100, too. I did see Ellen on the course in the morning. She looked good! You guys will have to post a comment and let everyone know what you thought of the race.
At miles 40 everything came together for me. I was eating well, which was a concern for me in the beginning. I haven't run a 100 since I have been cutting weight and pretty much eating Paleo, via Leanness Lifestyle. I have been eating only 1 carb meal a day, post run, and really didn't know how, or if, this would affect my race. I ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich almost every 3 hours for the first 50 miles or so. I also sucked back over 20 Hammergels, I had 20 bottles of Hammer Heed. I was all carbbed up during the race. But still, I had to have something to worry about, so I worried about the way I had been eating. Which wasn't necessary. I used my blister potion at Heaven's Gate, every three loops, I didn't have ANY blisters. NONE. All race! Blisters have been the bane of my existence during 100 mile events. Not any more. Now flashlights are. I didn't have any upset stomach ache, no pains, I was in the zone. Finally.
I hadn't used my iPod yet, I was 'saving' it for the half way point. I was just producing endorphins, feeling incredibly exhilarated and full of fire. John Storkamp told me to Be the Warrior. I was. I was running hard through the mud, my legs held up. Has to be from squatting 210x12x10 each week during my weekly 2 hour leg weight session, as well as stair stepping 2 sessions a week. My leg strength has surprised me. My quads never felt tired, I felt great. I felt bad for some of the runners. Some were really struggling through the mud. One man was in front of me going up a hill, a muddy mess. All of a sudden he stopped and I was like WTF? I almost banged into him. Then I realized his SHOE WAS SUCKED OFF HIS FOOT. Right in the quagmire of mud. Stuck there. I told him he now had a great story, that his shoe was actually sucked off. He didn't think it so amusing. I didn't laugh; I just thought it was a good story. I guess not. I shut up and moved on.
The rivers were refreshing. It felt good to cross them, get all of the mud off my shoes and feel my toes chill. The crossings were mid calf high.
I was feeling so damn good I didn't want night fall to come. I knew that during the night I would slow due to the fact that I am as blind as a bat in the darkness, and I suck with lights. I have spent a small fortune in head lamps, all which sit in a drawer. They give me headaches, they are uncomfortable, heavy, etc. I knew that the night would cause me to slow, to stiffen, to lose my endorphin high.
At lap 5 Andy told me I had first woman. I was surprised, as I hadn't seen any women on the trail for a while and assumed it was because they were ahead and we were travelling the same speed. I was happy, giddy, is more like it. I grabbed my iPod and rocked on. I was euphoric, having so much fun, frolicking through the mud, enjoying myself, enjoying only having to concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other.
Loop 6 and Jim reminded me to grab my flashlight. I have a little Fenix I use. Jim helped me with batteries and such, took my empty gels, filled my Heed and I was off. I ran the first section and then went back to the start. I couldn't see. It sucked. It was too dark and my flashlight was not doing much. Jim gave me his handheld and Andy took the headlamp off of his head for me to use. He found it amusing that I didn't have a headlamp. I found it stupid. I thanked them both, and headed back out.
I ran when I could, trying not to stiffen up by moving too slowly. I felt so good, I wished I had a few more hours of daylight to really move. I switched out the batteries in the handheld once and continued to the start.
Then came the lap from hell. I was running along, noticing all the bright lights runners had, questioning them about their lights, when Jim's handheld went out. I replaced the batteries again, and it still wouldn't go on. A runner from Norway (I think) helped me out, but couldn't get the flashlight to work. Shit. I ran on, worrying about the headlamp of Andy's that was getting more and more dim. I had AAs with me as that is what I understood the lamp to need. Before it died on me, I was at the Totem aid station and began to change batteries. Oops, it took AAA. Oh man. Screwed. No one had batteries. I went off in the complete dark. I berated myself. Told myself how stupid I am. How can I have run 9 100s and still have not figured out the damn light thing? What was I thinking? So what if the headlamps at home give you a headache, bring it along and strap it on your waist or your wrist..hello..you need a freaking lamp you know? I slowly navigated the trail. Hoping for a runner to come up so I could follow along. No luck. Suckage. I picked my way through the trail, ever so slowly, bitching at myself and putting myself down the whole way. FINALLY I realized that this is a learning opportunity. This is a time to say OK, I will never be without lights again, I will figure something out to work in the future. I am learning from this mistake. Yes, I may lose the lead, I may not finish when I wanted to, but look, I am running a 100 mile race, I have the fitness to be able to do this, that is pretty awesome. ENJOY, Julie. Enjoy the next lap that will be in the daylight, you can embrace the next lap, enjoy the sun, enjoy the rest of the race. OK, glad I have myself under control now.
I continued on, at times feeling like I should just curl up in a ball on the trail and cry. But it was too cold and I'd freeze to death. It was snowing and windy. I kept on.
At 530 I was so excited that the sun would slowly rise. I was coming down the hill of hell after Golf hill, in the muddiest section of the race, trying to get down without killing myself, trying to follow the ribbons in the darkness when I saw the lightness in the sky. THANK god. Happiness! I could see. Could I run?
Oh yeah. I ran as hard as I could back to the start. I lamented my problem for a quick moment, then got over it. I was ready to party. Andy told me I was First Woman/Second Overall. What? No way. Where are all of the boys? He told me sleeping or home. I could not believe my ears. After the slow lap from hell I had, and I'm Second Overall? Nutzo Cookoo.
I had a great last 10 miles. I ran as fast as I could. I rocked out to Ozzie, Black Sabbath and Megadeath. Runners asked me what I was on? Can I have some? I laughed, I'm just running..just enjoying the party. The endorphins came back in I finished the last loop in 240 or so. Great way to finish a fine race.
As I came in Andy had another hug for me, Jim as well. Andy presented my award, as well as some clothing from North Face, reserved for the first woman, pretty cool.
We took photos, had fun. Drank Diet Pepsi. I was able to see Charlotte, the 150 woman winner come in. WOW. All I can say is WOW. I can't imagine 150. I just don't have the want to do that.
I changed out of my wet muddy gross clothes, put dry clean clothes over my gross body. Visited an hour or so and headed for home .. with a smile on my face. What an awesome fun weekend.
Oh, Jim Wilson, a huge thank you! I just met Jim last weekend at Zumbro. He ran the 50 at McNaughton, on Friday and helped me out ALL weekend. I can't believe what he did for me. He was at the start for me every lap, bue one, while he caught some sleeip, he filled my bottle with Heed, he brought me sandwiches, he helped me with my lights, he even brought me a wad of Vaseline, he asked for my garbage each lap, he was incredible. Thank you, Jim.
Today I feel very good. I brought the boys to school and have the day off. Unfortunately, in my haste to leave the motel room of doom, I left behind my book, so I'll be heading to Maple Grove's Barnes and Noble soon. I am reading Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series 18 nice big fat 1000 page books, and can't miss number three! There is about 4" on snow on the ground, I and Topaz will hit the trail for a nice brisk walk this afternoon and I'll just be chilling today.
Congratulations to all the McNaughton runners. It was a tough day to be out there, for sure. To those of you running your first 100, it isn't always that rough. Come again, it won't always be that muddy!
I'll post some pictures later.
Early last week Karen graciously offered to ride along to Pekin IL with me, as I was going solo this year. Most of the Minnesota contingent was doing Wynn's 50K in WI this past Saturday. I told Karen that I was now planning to leave Thursday, to meet my sister in law in IA, flying from San Francisco, as well as my parents, who were coming back from wintering in TX. Well, none of that panned out. SIL's flight was cancelled (American Airlines) and parents were ahead of schedule, arriving at my home to spend Thursday-Sunday. So, solo I was.
Thursday night it began to snow. And snow and snow. There was a 2 hour late start at school, so I hung out with the boys Friday morning, thinking I'd leave after I dropped them off at school. Well, the late start ended up being a cancellation for the day, so at 9 AM I was finally on the road.
I arrived at the Concorde Motel, $49 a night, around 6PM. The motel gave me the chills. There was a bar with a band and the doors opened to a parking lot, no into interior halls. My room faced the back lot where there was a Subway drive up window. I could hear the cars and the Subway speaker lady. Not a good thing. My room smelled like a smoking room that had been sprayed with Lysol. It irritated my throat and eyes.
I went to the race start to pick up my packet and made introductions. Andy gave me a big hug and welcomed me. I received a very nice red jacket and a woman's fit black/white running top, hat. Very nice.
Back to the motel of doom. I packed my drop bag, had my french press and beans, grinder all set. Crawled into bed with my Terry Goodkind series. The band began. The Subway girl was talking. Someone was pounding on the door. Oh, it was the door next door that sounded like it was in my room. I had a room that at one time connected to both rooms on the sides of me. Oh god. I could hear two men speaking like they were in my bathroom. Talking of women and drugs and money and guns. Good lord. One man left, another came, more money and drug talk, again and again, over and over. I was freaked out. I didn't make a sound. If they heard me, they would know I heard them. The hair on my neck stood on end. I was scared. Truly scared.
I decided to get out of there. It was 10 PM. I grabbed all my stuff, in the dark, packed it all and went to my car. I drove to the race start at McNaughton Park and slept peacefully and safely in my car until 5 AM. Whew!
I had just purchased a new vehicle last week. I didn't know where anything was. The dome lights, the back heater, etc. I do now!
I turned on the heater a few times during the night, it was cold and I hadn't packed for camping. I always carry my red down blanket, and it kept me fairly warm.
Managed to scrape up a cup of coffee, suck back a Hammergel and start the day.
As I waited at the start I was freezing. It was 34F. I wore heavy long pants, a top, jacket, fleece hat and gloves. I never changed during the race. I couldn't believe that this was my 4th McNaughton 100 and that 4 years ago I was standing at this very line scared to death, about to run my first 100, wondering what would happen out there. The fear was gone, I knew I could finish, there are 34 hours to do so. I was a bit concerned about the trail conditions. It had rained in IL for days and was drizzling and snowing off and on. It was going to be pretty mucky, I figured...I was right. It was more than pretty mucky...
I didn't see many familiar faces. The Minnesota's that were there were Al Holtz, running the 150, John Taylor, running the 150 and Jim Wilson running the 50 mile. Jim had finished the 50 mile on Friday.
Andy said go and off we went. By 6 the sun was beginning to rise so I didn't need lights. I had a Fenix handheld in my drop bag for later. I tried to just get into a rhythm and enjoy the first few loops. I have come to realize that I just don't get into my 'zone' until 30 or 40 miles. Before that my mind is worrying about the evening, the dark, my lights, tomorrow..blah blah blah. I kept telling myself to enjoy myself, this is the party that I have been training for. Enjoy the people.
The trail really was a mess. My first loop was just over 2 hours, my plan was to run the daylight loops in 240 or so and night was whatever I could muster. I'll have to look at my splits but I think each daylight loop was 210-240 or so.
I was a bit concerned about the amount of mud. It make the ups and downs crazy slippery. I thought of Karl Meltzer last year, how he just tramped up the muddy hills without a slow down. Someone asked me how I could get up the hills so quickly. I didn't think that I was!
During my 3rd loop I came across Al and John. Al was on his 9th and John was on 8. They both looked great. Al told me he went the whole night without lights; for a challenge. He challenged me to the same. I couldn't understand why? But he did just that! He ran 3 loops in the dark with a light to only illuminate his watch. Wow. I didn't want that challenge. But it came true, anyhow.
I saw Ryan Dexter. Man, he had finished 100 miles at 20 hours and was going on to finish up his 150. He looked fabulous, yes, Ryan, you did! He was moving well with his pacer and ended up finishing second to David Goggins. I never saw David.
I came across Ollie, who wasn't feeling too well. His stomach had gone south, but he was still moving forward.
Two gals that read this blog introduced themselves to me: Jess from Seattle was running her first 100. She became very cold and wasn't able to finish, but did get in 7 laps, I believe. She came to chat after I finished and looked very good! Good job, Jess. Ellen from IN was running the 100, too. I did see Ellen on the course in the morning. She looked good! You guys will have to post a comment and let everyone know what you thought of the race.
At miles 40 everything came together for me. I was eating well, which was a concern for me in the beginning. I haven't run a 100 since I have been cutting weight and pretty much eating Paleo, via Leanness Lifestyle. I have been eating only 1 carb meal a day, post run, and really didn't know how, or if, this would affect my race. I ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich almost every 3 hours for the first 50 miles or so. I also sucked back over 20 Hammergels, I had 20 bottles of Hammer Heed. I was all carbbed up during the race. But still, I had to have something to worry about, so I worried about the way I had been eating. Which wasn't necessary. I used my blister potion at Heaven's Gate, every three loops, I didn't have ANY blisters. NONE. All race! Blisters have been the bane of my existence during 100 mile events. Not any more. Now flashlights are. I didn't have any upset stomach ache, no pains, I was in the zone. Finally.
I hadn't used my iPod yet, I was 'saving' it for the half way point. I was just producing endorphins, feeling incredibly exhilarated and full of fire. John Storkamp told me to Be the Warrior. I was. I was running hard through the mud, my legs held up. Has to be from squatting 210x12x10 each week during my weekly 2 hour leg weight session, as well as stair stepping 2 sessions a week. My leg strength has surprised me. My quads never felt tired, I felt great. I felt bad for some of the runners. Some were really struggling through the mud. One man was in front of me going up a hill, a muddy mess. All of a sudden he stopped and I was like WTF? I almost banged into him. Then I realized his SHOE WAS SUCKED OFF HIS FOOT. Right in the quagmire of mud. Stuck there. I told him he now had a great story, that his shoe was actually sucked off. He didn't think it so amusing. I didn't laugh; I just thought it was a good story. I guess not. I shut up and moved on.
The rivers were refreshing. It felt good to cross them, get all of the mud off my shoes and feel my toes chill. The crossings were mid calf high.
I was feeling so damn good I didn't want night fall to come. I knew that during the night I would slow due to the fact that I am as blind as a bat in the darkness, and I suck with lights. I have spent a small fortune in head lamps, all which sit in a drawer. They give me headaches, they are uncomfortable, heavy, etc. I knew that the night would cause me to slow, to stiffen, to lose my endorphin high.
At lap 5 Andy told me I had first woman. I was surprised, as I hadn't seen any women on the trail for a while and assumed it was because they were ahead and we were travelling the same speed. I was happy, giddy, is more like it. I grabbed my iPod and rocked on. I was euphoric, having so much fun, frolicking through the mud, enjoying myself, enjoying only having to concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other.
Loop 6 and Jim reminded me to grab my flashlight. I have a little Fenix I use. Jim helped me with batteries and such, took my empty gels, filled my Heed and I was off. I ran the first section and then went back to the start. I couldn't see. It sucked. It was too dark and my flashlight was not doing much. Jim gave me his handheld and Andy took the headlamp off of his head for me to use. He found it amusing that I didn't have a headlamp. I found it stupid. I thanked them both, and headed back out.
I ran when I could, trying not to stiffen up by moving too slowly. I felt so good, I wished I had a few more hours of daylight to really move. I switched out the batteries in the handheld once and continued to the start.
Then came the lap from hell. I was running along, noticing all the bright lights runners had, questioning them about their lights, when Jim's handheld went out. I replaced the batteries again, and it still wouldn't go on. A runner from Norway (I think) helped me out, but couldn't get the flashlight to work. Shit. I ran on, worrying about the headlamp of Andy's that was getting more and more dim. I had AAs with me as that is what I understood the lamp to need. Before it died on me, I was at the Totem aid station and began to change batteries. Oops, it took AAA. Oh man. Screwed. No one had batteries. I went off in the complete dark. I berated myself. Told myself how stupid I am. How can I have run 9 100s and still have not figured out the damn light thing? What was I thinking? So what if the headlamps at home give you a headache, bring it along and strap it on your waist or your wrist..hello..you need a freaking lamp you know? I slowly navigated the trail. Hoping for a runner to come up so I could follow along. No luck. Suckage. I picked my way through the trail, ever so slowly, bitching at myself and putting myself down the whole way. FINALLY I realized that this is a learning opportunity. This is a time to say OK, I will never be without lights again, I will figure something out to work in the future. I am learning from this mistake. Yes, I may lose the lead, I may not finish when I wanted to, but look, I am running a 100 mile race, I have the fitness to be able to do this, that is pretty awesome. ENJOY, Julie. Enjoy the next lap that will be in the daylight, you can embrace the next lap, enjoy the sun, enjoy the rest of the race. OK, glad I have myself under control now.
I continued on, at times feeling like I should just curl up in a ball on the trail and cry. But it was too cold and I'd freeze to death. It was snowing and windy. I kept on.
At 530 I was so excited that the sun would slowly rise. I was coming down the hill of hell after Golf hill, in the muddiest section of the race, trying to get down without killing myself, trying to follow the ribbons in the darkness when I saw the lightness in the sky. THANK god. Happiness! I could see. Could I run?
Oh yeah. I ran as hard as I could back to the start. I lamented my problem for a quick moment, then got over it. I was ready to party. Andy told me I was First Woman/Second Overall. What? No way. Where are all of the boys? He told me sleeping or home. I could not believe my ears. After the slow lap from hell I had, and I'm Second Overall? Nutzo Cookoo.
I had a great last 10 miles. I ran as fast as I could. I rocked out to Ozzie, Black Sabbath and Megadeath. Runners asked me what I was on? Can I have some? I laughed, I'm just running..just enjoying the party. The endorphins came back in I finished the last loop in 240 or so. Great way to finish a fine race.
As I came in Andy had another hug for me, Jim as well. Andy presented my award, as well as some clothing from North Face, reserved for the first woman, pretty cool.
We took photos, had fun. Drank Diet Pepsi. I was able to see Charlotte, the 150 woman winner come in. WOW. All I can say is WOW. I can't imagine 150. I just don't have the want to do that.
I changed out of my wet muddy gross clothes, put dry clean clothes over my gross body. Visited an hour or so and headed for home .. with a smile on my face. What an awesome fun weekend.
Oh, Jim Wilson, a huge thank you! I just met Jim last weekend at Zumbro. He ran the 50 at McNaughton, on Friday and helped me out ALL weekend. I can't believe what he did for me. He was at the start for me every lap, bue one, while he caught some sleeip, he filled my bottle with Heed, he brought me sandwiches, he helped me with my lights, he even brought me a wad of Vaseline, he asked for my garbage each lap, he was incredible. Thank you, Jim.
Today I feel very good. I brought the boys to school and have the day off. Unfortunately, in my haste to leave the motel room of doom, I left behind my book, so I'll be heading to Maple Grove's Barnes and Noble soon. I am reading Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series 18 nice big fat 1000 page books, and can't miss number three! There is about 4" on snow on the ground, I and Topaz will hit the trail for a nice brisk walk this afternoon and I'll just be chilling today.
Congratulations to all the McNaughton runners. It was a tough day to be out there, for sure. To those of you running your first 100, it isn't always that rough. Come again, it won't always be that muddy!
I'll post some pictures later.
Monday, April 17, 2006
McNaughton Park Trail Runs: The 100
McNaughton was another excellent adventure.
I feel so very fortunate to have met such wonderful people, to be able to call these people my friends. I wouldn't have so many incredible friends if I hadn't met them through running.
I left home early Friday to pick up Scott Wagner, then Alicia Gordon and finally John Storkamp, before we headed out for Pekin, IL. For a while at John's were weren't so sure when we'd be leaving. My car keys were lost. John eventually suggested we look on the roof, and yes, there they were, we were off and running.
I think the road trip was as much fun as anything else during the weekend. We laughed and laughed..all the way there and all the way back. My abs hurt today. It was fantastic fun..
After numerous stop breaks we managed to arrive at our hotel by 4:00 PM; checked in, and headed over to packet pick up. John and Alicia hadn't seen the trail before so we walked a few miles out and back. We realized how hot and humid it was..instantly. I mean, it was humid and sweat rolling down your chest hot...and we were only walking. Pekin broke a record 89F Friday.
We then chatted with Andy, the Race Director, who I must say puts on a fabulous production. The race is friendly, well organized and fun to run. He had very nice apparel again for the runners. The 30-50 milers received red shirts kind of similar to last year's technical shirts and the 100 milers received a red/black Brooks jacket and hat. Awesome.
By 8:00 we were back in our room, ready to sleep. That was a nice thought, but not one to come to fruition. I couldn't fall asleep. All night long I lay there, awake. I don't think anyone else slept much either. It was a sleepless evening.
4 AM arrived. We packed up the last of our gear, filled bottles and packs, and headed out to the race start. It was warm out already, but the humidity seemed to have vanished. The forecast showed a high of 85F with an 80% chance of night time thunderstorms. I was OK with the heat, but I really didn't want the thunderstorms.
John and Alicia were running the 30 mile, this would be Alicia's first ultra; Scott was pacing me for 50 and I was running the 100. The 30, 50 and 100 all began at 6 AM.
Note: next year there will the 50 and 100 option, only. Andy will not be holding the 30.
Maria Barton was running the 30 mile as well. We chatted with her a bit as we began the first loop but fast as she was, we never saw her again! Maria finished the 30 mile in just over 6 hours..I believe.
I and Alicia were able to run the first loop together. It was cool because at the first section we could see John running fast across the field from us. He was in second place. Speed.
The sun came up, the long sleeved shirts came off and temp rose..within the first loop. The wild flowers were beautiful, the rivers were full and I and Alicia just enjoyed the sights and the conversation around us. It was awesome. We ran along with smiles on our faces...wondering what the day would bring.
In 2:05 we were back at the start and I knew I needed to go out a bit slower than that. It just felt so good, I figured I'd run a few 2:15's then settle into 2:30's and try to eek out whatever I could during the night.
John flew by me, as anticipated, on his way to the finish. I can't imagine to be able to run like that. It looks as though he moves effortlessly and so fast. He finished in 4:15; good for 4th. Congrats, John.
I just kept moving forward, running with Chrissy (XY) Weiss who creates Dirty Girl Gaiters. It was so much to talk with her, this was her 10th 100. She is running Kettle Moraine, Badwater and Wasatch this year. Go girl. We ran together quite a bit during the whole race.
Alicia finished her run in just over 7 (congratulations)! so she, John and Scott went back to the room to clean up. I was worried about them coming back to the race as someone had to drive us home on Sunday. They needed some rest, I wanted them to sleep. They came back to the race though, and catered to my every whim.
Scott began to pace me at mile 50. I came in at 11:45. Alicia filled my bottles, John gave me some potatoes and I and Scott were on our way. He ran up ahead of me and I'd follow, always keeping him in my sights. He pointed out the logs for me and anything else I might trip over. He'd run up ahead at each aid station and get whatever I needed. It was wonderful to have Scott to guide me.
We grabbed our lights for the 60-70 mile loop. John went to get my batteries and guess what? I packed AAA's instead of AA or vise versa. I couldn't believe it. I didn't even have extra batteries. Scott had an extra pack somewhere so I used his. How stupid of me. I did other stupid things as well.
During the 70-80 mile loop my feet were really beginning to blister badly. I had removed the elasticon I wrapped them with earlier because there was so much sand stuck to the tape. The sand was rubbing my skin off. They had been blistering for most of the day, per usual, but the river crossings, the sand, it was all too much for my feet. I don't know why I have such blistering problems. There were 100 miler runners out there who didn't have ANY blisters. Believe me, I asked around. At times it was all that I could think about.
Scott told me we were going to take longer than the usual 1 minute stop at the main aid station. We were going to get food and sit down to eat, he was going to have John and Alicia fix my feet. I figured it was hopeless and I'd just tough it out. I really didn't want to waste time sitting in a chair at the aid station. Alicia brought me food, John removed my gaiters and socks. He applied Vaseline to each toe and across the bottom and told me I'd be fine. He went to get a pair of dry socks that I told him were in my bag. Well, gee, guess I forgot to bring along spare socks too. Good grief. Scott, again, came to the rescue and had a spare pair. After eating and having my feet fixed I felt very good. It was a 20 minute stop, but well worth it. The next loop I was able to move along.
I found out later that John just told me that my feet were fine; in reality he knew they were falling apart, but didn't want to freak me out any more. Good move on his part.
Next loop and the thunderstorm hit. It was cold and windy and the rain fell hard. The trail turned to a muddy mess. The hills that were difficult to get up and down while dry were almost impossible for me. I would usually get off the trail a bit and find a way next to the trail to navigate that was covered in leaves and sticks. My feet were throbbing. The blisters were popping and new ones were arriving.
The aid station volunteers were all smiles, offering us whatever we could possible want. Andy was at the start finish, high fiving us every time we ran through. He'd announce our arrival each loop. It was incredible fun. The endorphins were at an all time high. It was one huge party, if running is your kind of fun!
The sun finally came up and we were running our last loop. Thank God. This 100 mile run was all fine and fun, but it would be awesome to just be finished. My feet hurt more than they ever have. 7 blisters popped that last loop. I knew I had to just suck it up and stop complaining about them. Complaining wasn't going to make the blisters feel better. Scott told me to disassociate with the pain, let it go. I did. I pretended that they no longer hurt.
Chrissy had hung with us for a few more loops. Scott told me I could finish in 27 something and could probably place third but that I had to hammer. I told him I didn't have any hammer left and I didn't care where I placed. I just wanted to finish. He knows me better than that. I had told him months ago that my goal was to beat my PR prior and that 27 something would be incredible.. After I pouted a few minutes I realized that I did need to hammer. He was right. I did want 27 something, I wanted a PR and last year I ran this in 29:07. I got it together, told myself my feet were fine, hell, it was only blisters, not a stress fracture of PF or anything. Get moving girl and stop whining. Run on.
I did. I ran as fast as I could. Scott ran up ahead of me and told me to hammer harder. OK, I'm thinking, I'm hammering harder!! Finally, we were at the last section. 3 miles to the finish. I felt a huge blister across the ball of my foot and just prayed that it wouldn't pop before I got there. Just let it hold on until I reach the end. The popping is too painful.
As I came into the finish Scott told me to remove my pack, jacket and garbage bag for a rain jacket. I felt like a pack mule; I was so tired of carrying all of this stuff around my waist for the past 27 hours. Scott collected my things and I ran on in, Scott following. Tears ran down my cheek as I realized I was finally done. I had made it, I was able to finish in 27 something and the blister on the ball of my foot was still in one piece.
Andy announced my arrival; John and Alicia were right there, it was incredible. John and Alicia barely slept all night. They were there to cater to Scott and I, each time we came into the start finish. Just so I could run a 100 miles at McNaughton.
Friends like this don't get any better.
Scott was correct, he did get me in at 27 hours and I did get woman's third. I think my time was 27:27 or 27:37 but I could be wrong. I didn't really look at the clock. Thank you Scott.
We took pictures and hung out, I drank multiple Diet Pepsi's and coffee. Eventually I was shaking so much so we went back to the hotel for a shower before heading home.
Alicia removed my socks and shoes. My feet are shocking. I've never seen them this blistered and beat up. We were still laughing though. John took pictures of the 101 blisters and Scott said I needed to send them to Jon Vonhoff ( Book: Fixing Your Feet) to teach me how to care for my feet! But seriously, I need to know how to beat this whole blister thing. It could cost me a 100.
What a crazy road trip home. We realized that I had been awake over 70 hours but I was just too ramped up to doze off. The endorphins were still flowing freely. After dropping off John, Alicia and Scott; I did arrive safely at home last night. I didn't have the energy to climb the stairs to bed so camped out on the couch.
I'll probably be hitting the couch quite a bit today.
Alicia, Scott and John: Thank You.
I have a few pictures to post; John is going to send me some more. When I receive I will post.
I feel so very fortunate to have met such wonderful people, to be able to call these people my friends. I wouldn't have so many incredible friends if I hadn't met them through running.
I left home early Friday to pick up Scott Wagner, then Alicia Gordon and finally John Storkamp, before we headed out for Pekin, IL. For a while at John's were weren't so sure when we'd be leaving. My car keys were lost. John eventually suggested we look on the roof, and yes, there they were, we were off and running.
I think the road trip was as much fun as anything else during the weekend. We laughed and laughed..all the way there and all the way back. My abs hurt today. It was fantastic fun..
After numerous stop breaks we managed to arrive at our hotel by 4:00 PM; checked in, and headed over to packet pick up. John and Alicia hadn't seen the trail before so we walked a few miles out and back. We realized how hot and humid it was..instantly. I mean, it was humid and sweat rolling down your chest hot...and we were only walking. Pekin broke a record 89F Friday.
We then chatted with Andy, the Race Director, who I must say puts on a fabulous production. The race is friendly, well organized and fun to run. He had very nice apparel again for the runners. The 30-50 milers received red shirts kind of similar to last year's technical shirts and the 100 milers received a red/black Brooks jacket and hat. Awesome.
By 8:00 we were back in our room, ready to sleep. That was a nice thought, but not one to come to fruition. I couldn't fall asleep. All night long I lay there, awake. I don't think anyone else slept much either. It was a sleepless evening.
4 AM arrived. We packed up the last of our gear, filled bottles and packs, and headed out to the race start. It was warm out already, but the humidity seemed to have vanished. The forecast showed a high of 85F with an 80% chance of night time thunderstorms. I was OK with the heat, but I really didn't want the thunderstorms.
John and Alicia were running the 30 mile, this would be Alicia's first ultra; Scott was pacing me for 50 and I was running the 100. The 30, 50 and 100 all began at 6 AM.
Note: next year there will the 50 and 100 option, only. Andy will not be holding the 30.
Maria Barton was running the 30 mile as well. We chatted with her a bit as we began the first loop but fast as she was, we never saw her again! Maria finished the 30 mile in just over 6 hours..I believe.
I and Alicia were able to run the first loop together. It was cool because at the first section we could see John running fast across the field from us. He was in second place. Speed.
The sun came up, the long sleeved shirts came off and temp rose..within the first loop. The wild flowers were beautiful, the rivers were full and I and Alicia just enjoyed the sights and the conversation around us. It was awesome. We ran along with smiles on our faces...wondering what the day would bring.
In 2:05 we were back at the start and I knew I needed to go out a bit slower than that. It just felt so good, I figured I'd run a few 2:15's then settle into 2:30's and try to eek out whatever I could during the night.
John flew by me, as anticipated, on his way to the finish. I can't imagine to be able to run like that. It looks as though he moves effortlessly and so fast. He finished in 4:15; good for 4th. Congrats, John.
I just kept moving forward, running with Chrissy (XY) Weiss who creates Dirty Girl Gaiters. It was so much to talk with her, this was her 10th 100. She is running Kettle Moraine, Badwater and Wasatch this year. Go girl. We ran together quite a bit during the whole race.
Alicia finished her run in just over 7 (congratulations)! so she, John and Scott went back to the room to clean up. I was worried about them coming back to the race as someone had to drive us home on Sunday. They needed some rest, I wanted them to sleep. They came back to the race though, and catered to my every whim.
Scott began to pace me at mile 50. I came in at 11:45. Alicia filled my bottles, John gave me some potatoes and I and Scott were on our way. He ran up ahead of me and I'd follow, always keeping him in my sights. He pointed out the logs for me and anything else I might trip over. He'd run up ahead at each aid station and get whatever I needed. It was wonderful to have Scott to guide me.
We grabbed our lights for the 60-70 mile loop. John went to get my batteries and guess what? I packed AAA's instead of AA or vise versa. I couldn't believe it. I didn't even have extra batteries. Scott had an extra pack somewhere so I used his. How stupid of me. I did other stupid things as well.
During the 70-80 mile loop my feet were really beginning to blister badly. I had removed the elasticon I wrapped them with earlier because there was so much sand stuck to the tape. The sand was rubbing my skin off. They had been blistering for most of the day, per usual, but the river crossings, the sand, it was all too much for my feet. I don't know why I have such blistering problems. There were 100 miler runners out there who didn't have ANY blisters. Believe me, I asked around. At times it was all that I could think about.
Scott told me we were going to take longer than the usual 1 minute stop at the main aid station. We were going to get food and sit down to eat, he was going to have John and Alicia fix my feet. I figured it was hopeless and I'd just tough it out. I really didn't want to waste time sitting in a chair at the aid station. Alicia brought me food, John removed my gaiters and socks. He applied Vaseline to each toe and across the bottom and told me I'd be fine. He went to get a pair of dry socks that I told him were in my bag. Well, gee, guess I forgot to bring along spare socks too. Good grief. Scott, again, came to the rescue and had a spare pair. After eating and having my feet fixed I felt very good. It was a 20 minute stop, but well worth it. The next loop I was able to move along.
I found out later that John just told me that my feet were fine; in reality he knew they were falling apart, but didn't want to freak me out any more. Good move on his part.
Next loop and the thunderstorm hit. It was cold and windy and the rain fell hard. The trail turned to a muddy mess. The hills that were difficult to get up and down while dry were almost impossible for me. I would usually get off the trail a bit and find a way next to the trail to navigate that was covered in leaves and sticks. My feet were throbbing. The blisters were popping and new ones were arriving.
The aid station volunteers were all smiles, offering us whatever we could possible want. Andy was at the start finish, high fiving us every time we ran through. He'd announce our arrival each loop. It was incredible fun. The endorphins were at an all time high. It was one huge party, if running is your kind of fun!
The sun finally came up and we were running our last loop. Thank God. This 100 mile run was all fine and fun, but it would be awesome to just be finished. My feet hurt more than they ever have. 7 blisters popped that last loop. I knew I had to just suck it up and stop complaining about them. Complaining wasn't going to make the blisters feel better. Scott told me to disassociate with the pain, let it go. I did. I pretended that they no longer hurt.
Chrissy had hung with us for a few more loops. Scott told me I could finish in 27 something and could probably place third but that I had to hammer. I told him I didn't have any hammer left and I didn't care where I placed. I just wanted to finish. He knows me better than that. I had told him months ago that my goal was to beat my PR prior and that 27 something would be incredible.. After I pouted a few minutes I realized that I did need to hammer. He was right. I did want 27 something, I wanted a PR and last year I ran this in 29:07. I got it together, told myself my feet were fine, hell, it was only blisters, not a stress fracture of PF or anything. Get moving girl and stop whining. Run on.
I did. I ran as fast as I could. Scott ran up ahead of me and told me to hammer harder. OK, I'm thinking, I'm hammering harder!! Finally, we were at the last section. 3 miles to the finish. I felt a huge blister across the ball of my foot and just prayed that it wouldn't pop before I got there. Just let it hold on until I reach the end. The popping is too painful.
As I came into the finish Scott told me to remove my pack, jacket and garbage bag for a rain jacket. I felt like a pack mule; I was so tired of carrying all of this stuff around my waist for the past 27 hours. Scott collected my things and I ran on in, Scott following. Tears ran down my cheek as I realized I was finally done. I had made it, I was able to finish in 27 something and the blister on the ball of my foot was still in one piece.
Andy announced my arrival; John and Alicia were right there, it was incredible. John and Alicia barely slept all night. They were there to cater to Scott and I, each time we came into the start finish. Just so I could run a 100 miles at McNaughton.
Friends like this don't get any better.
Scott was correct, he did get me in at 27 hours and I did get woman's third. I think my time was 27:27 or 27:37 but I could be wrong. I didn't really look at the clock. Thank you Scott.
We took pictures and hung out, I drank multiple Diet Pepsi's and coffee. Eventually I was shaking so much so we went back to the hotel for a shower before heading home.
Alicia removed my socks and shoes. My feet are shocking. I've never seen them this blistered and beat up. We were still laughing though. John took pictures of the 101 blisters and Scott said I needed to send them to Jon Vonhoff ( Book: Fixing Your Feet) to teach me how to care for my feet! But seriously, I need to know how to beat this whole blister thing. It could cost me a 100.
What a crazy road trip home. We realized that I had been awake over 70 hours but I was just too ramped up to doze off. The endorphins were still flowing freely. After dropping off John, Alicia and Scott; I did arrive safely at home last night. I didn't have the energy to climb the stairs to bed so camped out on the couch.
I'll probably be hitting the couch quite a bit today.
Alicia, Scott and John: Thank You.
I have a few pictures to post; John is going to send me some more. When I receive I will post.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
I made the Newspaper..
I guess the photo won't copy, here is the link:
http://www.westsherburnetribune.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=3322&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=&S=1
And, no, I didn't lose 70 pounds from walking and the race I'm doing on May 21 is a 50K not a 50 Mile and I am doing another 100 on June 4/5 at FANS..www.fans24hour.org
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Saturday, April 30, 2005
Berg first in 100-mile race
By Jennifer Edwards
Staff Writer
JULIE BERG won the 100 mile McNaughton Trail Run in Pekin, IL. (Photo by Jennifer Edwards).
Julie Berg competed in her first 100-mile ultra-marathon race in Pekin, Il. and placed first among the women.
Berg completed the McNaughton 100-Mile Trail Run in 29 hours, seven minutes, running a 10-mile looped trail 10 times.
“In addition to the sheer magnitude of actually running 100 miles the race within which she competed is also known as a killer for its constant up and down terrain,” said fellow Big Lake Runners Club member George Wallin. “Hill after hill.”
Berg, who lives in Orrock Township and once served as township supervisor, works as an office specialist at Big Lake High School.
“The race was set in a state park and there were three river crossings,” said Berg. “The course was spectacular. The foliage was green and the wild flowers were incredible.”
The course passed through the start and finish area where there was food and drink available. As it began to get dark, Berg pulled out a headlamp and flashlight and kept running through the woods.
“Bats were attracted to the light and kept flying at me,” she said. “It was freaky. I could hear wolves howling in the distance. I pretended they were dogs and kept going.”
She walked from midnight until around 4 a.m., she said, following the course with her flashlight and reflector ribbons marking the trail. During that time, she seemed to be the only one out there.
“At the river crossings there were grab ropes stretched across to hang on to so you didn’t get swept away,” she said. “One was knee deep and another was waist deep. It was pretty scary in the dark, but I loved it. I’d do it again in a second.”
Berg describes her passion for running as an addiction.
“It replaced alcohol,” she said.
She started by walking and lost 30 pounds.
“Then I would walk for seven minutes and run for two,” she said. “Then I walked for six minutes and ran for three and kept building up like that. I’ve lost about 70 pounds running. I joined the runners club. I competed in the Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth and in the Twin Cities Marathon in 1999. Then I found these ultra-runners online three years ago. I thought they were crazy.”
Berg competed in her first ultra race, the Ice Age, in Whitewater, WI. She had to complete the 50- mile course in 12 hours to qualify. She barely made it, finishing in 11:59.58.
“I was hooked,” she said. “But training was tough, especially this last winter.”
With the blessing and support of her family, Berg began running 80 miles a week and 10 hours a day on the weekend, training with her border collie, Topaz, who ran with her.
Berg, who turned 40 this year, plans to run another 50-mile ultra race May 21.
“I’m down to only running 30 or 40 miles a week,” she laughs. ‘I know it sounds crazy but now I’m hanging out with these ultra runners it just seems normal.”
For winning the race, Julie was presented with a plaque and a silver belt buckle. She also won free admission to next year’s race.
“I’m definitely going back to defend my title,” she said.
Big Lake, MN
Software © 1998-2005 1up! Software, All Rights Reserved
http://www.westsherburnetribune.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=3322&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=&S=1
And, no, I didn't lose 70 pounds from walking and the race I'm doing on May 21 is a 50K not a 50 Mile and I am doing another 100 on June 4/5 at FANS..www.fans24hour.org
------------------------
LOCAL NEWS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Print this Article
Email this Article
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Berg first in 100-mile race
By Jennifer Edwards
Staff Writer
JULIE BERG won the 100 mile McNaughton Trail Run in Pekin, IL. (Photo by Jennifer Edwards).
Julie Berg competed in her first 100-mile ultra-marathon race in Pekin, Il. and placed first among the women.
Berg completed the McNaughton 100-Mile Trail Run in 29 hours, seven minutes, running a 10-mile looped trail 10 times.
“In addition to the sheer magnitude of actually running 100 miles the race within which she competed is also known as a killer for its constant up and down terrain,” said fellow Big Lake Runners Club member George Wallin. “Hill after hill.”
Berg, who lives in Orrock Township and once served as township supervisor, works as an office specialist at Big Lake High School.
“The race was set in a state park and there were three river crossings,” said Berg. “The course was spectacular. The foliage was green and the wild flowers were incredible.”
The course passed through the start and finish area where there was food and drink available. As it began to get dark, Berg pulled out a headlamp and flashlight and kept running through the woods.
“Bats were attracted to the light and kept flying at me,” she said. “It was freaky. I could hear wolves howling in the distance. I pretended they were dogs and kept going.”
She walked from midnight until around 4 a.m., she said, following the course with her flashlight and reflector ribbons marking the trail. During that time, she seemed to be the only one out there.
“At the river crossings there were grab ropes stretched across to hang on to so you didn’t get swept away,” she said. “One was knee deep and another was waist deep. It was pretty scary in the dark, but I loved it. I’d do it again in a second.”
Berg describes her passion for running as an addiction.
“It replaced alcohol,” she said.
She started by walking and lost 30 pounds.
“Then I would walk for seven minutes and run for two,” she said. “Then I walked for six minutes and ran for three and kept building up like that. I’ve lost about 70 pounds running. I joined the runners club. I competed in the Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth and in the Twin Cities Marathon in 1999. Then I found these ultra-runners online three years ago. I thought they were crazy.”
Berg competed in her first ultra race, the Ice Age, in Whitewater, WI. She had to complete the 50- mile course in 12 hours to qualify. She barely made it, finishing in 11:59.58.
“I was hooked,” she said. “But training was tough, especially this last winter.”
With the blessing and support of her family, Berg began running 80 miles a week and 10 hours a day on the weekend, training with her border collie, Topaz, who ran with her.
Berg, who turned 40 this year, plans to run another 50-mile ultra race May 21.
“I’m down to only running 30 or 40 miles a week,” she laughs. ‘I know it sounds crazy but now I’m hanging out with these ultra runners it just seems normal.”
For winning the race, Julie was presented with a plaque and a silver belt buckle. She also won free admission to next year’s race.
“I’m definitely going back to defend my title,” she said.
Big Lake, MN
Software © 1998-2005 1up! Software, All Rights Reserved
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Friday, April 22, 2005
Recovery
It's hard to believe that one week ago I was travelling to Pekin, IL; not knowing what the future would bring. I was so worried, so anxious, so scared. I'm sure glad everything turned out OK; more than OK.
This week I've been riding bike with the boys in order to get my LL cardio minutes in. We've been riding 1-1.2 hours an evening. It's been nice too, Topaz has come along on most jaunts with us. He's missing his runs, as am I, I am sure.
Get this: I'm down to 138 pounds. WOW. My lowest in over 10 years. That is so awesome. 14 pounds of ugly fat gone. It is finally leaving my butt and thighs now too. The first 10 pounds was all upper body, now the lower is burning off.
My feet are healing, still ugly, bruised and blistered but not as painful as earlier this week. I'm able to walk well and am hoping to go out for a jog on the trail with Topaz tomorrow!
Thank you for all of the kind words; I appreciate it!
This week I've been riding bike with the boys in order to get my LL cardio minutes in. We've been riding 1-1.2 hours an evening. It's been nice too, Topaz has come along on most jaunts with us. He's missing his runs, as am I, I am sure.
Get this: I'm down to 138 pounds. WOW. My lowest in over 10 years. That is so awesome. 14 pounds of ugly fat gone. It is finally leaving my butt and thighs now too. The first 10 pounds was all upper body, now the lower is burning off.
My feet are healing, still ugly, bruised and blistered but not as painful as earlier this week. I'm able to walk well and am hoping to go out for a jog on the trail with Topaz tomorrow!
Thank you for all of the kind words; I appreciate it!
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
McNaughton 100 Mile Trail Run..Report
I was running with some friends at the Zumbro River Bottoms this past
December, when Larry Pederson told me he thought I was ready for the 100
mile distance. He had been telling me this for the past year, that I
should move up to the 100, I kept telling him no, never, not me, no way.
This day was a bit different than the prior times that I said no, not me.
I told him I was contemplating trying the Kettle Moraine 100 Mile race in
June, but they were able to persuade me to run the McNaughton 100 Mile Trail run in
April, instead. Part of the reason was because my friend, Bonnie Riley,
who had won the Woman’s Champion the previous year, was going back in
2005. She jumped right in and helped Larry persuade me to try McNaughton.
I have run many miles with Bonnie; we ran our first 50K and our first 50
Mile race together. I knew that just having her out on the course during
my first 100 miler was one very good reason to choose McNaughton as my
race. I was very worried about getting in the long runs, as the trails
were covered in deep snow and there were no 50K/50 mile races in MN
before the April 16 McNaughton date. But once I said 'yes, I’ll run
McNaughton', everything else fell into place.
As race day drew near we began to make our travel plans. I would ride
along with Bonnie, who was running the 100, Larry Pederson, who was running
the 30 mile and Don Clark who would be pacing Bonnie during the race.
We had a long car ride to Pekin, IL. I left my home at 5:45 AM and
arrived in Pekin, IL at 7:00 PM. We attended the packet pick-up where I
met many others who would be taking part in the race the next day. I
walked over to the start of the course, it was a steep downhill and then a
sharp uphill. Others at the packet pick-up told me the course was tough.
One person told me the elevation change during the 100 mile distance was a
total of 16,000 feet. I don’t know if that is true or not. Two women told
me they were running the 30 mile distance because that was all that was
necessary on this course. They told me the downhill and uphills were
constant and a killer. Great.
As we left the packet pick-up, my doubts were beginning to subside; I
began to focus on the race and what I needed to do tonight: get my pack
ready, my drop bag, clothes out, etc.
The McNaughton race is run on a 10 mile loop so we were able to leave drop
bags at the start/finish area. This was a great help in planning what to
bring. I wouldn’t need multiple drop bags placed strategically along the
course. I could dump everything into one bag at one location.
4 AM Saturday morning arrived. We dressed, ate breakfast and packed up the
car. This was it. This was the day that I had been looking forward to and
training for, for four months. We arrived at the race start in plenty of
time to chat with other race participants. I sat at the fire, trying to
warm up. It felt chilly since I was just sitting around. I began to chat
with someone named John, who sat next to me. I ended up seeing him quite a
bit on the trail, and he finished in 2nd place! Only 3 minutes after
1st place in 18 hours and some change. Can you imagine?
Race Director, Andy, gave us the word and we were off. Tears were flowing
from my eyes. I was running my first 100 mile race. This was it, what was
going to happen? I said a prayer and was on my way.
The course was just spectacular. The foliage was green, the wildflowers
were incredible. There were fields of Virginia Blue-Bells and many other
wild flowers. The sky became clear and it warmed into the 70’s. What an
awesome day.
I was surprised, and worried, by the multiple hills. The hills were one
after another, up and down, up and down. There are also 3 stream
crossings. I didn’t bother trying to keep my feet dry; I figured they were
going to become wet eventually and the cold water felt quite good on them
.
My first ten mile loop was 2:06; my goal pace was to run the first 4 loops
at 2:20 each. I changed my pace after the first loop and the second 10
mile stretch was finished in 2:16, right where I wanted to be. I held this
pace during most of the race, except for the dark hours of midnight to 4
AM where one loop took me 4 hours!
During the second loop I began to run with ‘Steve from Missouri”, we ended
up running 50 miles together. He was a fan of Rocky movies, I haven’t seen
any Rocky movies, so he narrated Rocky 1 to 5 for me. I just listened and
enjoyed the conversation. It took my mind off of all the hills and the
pain of my blistering feet.
Each loop that I finished brought me closer to my goal. I began to get a
bit nervous (well, more than nervous) about running during the night. I
had lights, but not very much experience with them. Bonnie had purchased a
head lamp for me and I had a hand held, with extra batteries, so I was
prepared; but mentally, I was afraid of the night. It was inexperience
and just not knowing how I would deal with running (or walking) through
the night-time hours. Would I become scared, lost, I didn’t know.
I came into the start/finish just before 6PM, finishing my 50 miles. I
told Don and Larry I felt great, I hadn’t hit my bad patch yet, that I was
waiting for it. I kept thinking “I feel so good, when is this going to
change? When is the bad patch going to hit? It has to come soon.” They
told me to keep eating, that maybe the bad patch just wouldn’t come, that
I didn’t have to go through a rough spot. Well, this was news to me. It
was so strange, just because they told me that I didn’t HAVE to have a
rough spot, I was able to put that out of mind, to put that doubt to rest
and to focus instead, on finishing this race. I don’t know why I needed
them to say those words to me.
I grabbed my lights and told Steve from Missouri that I would head out, as
was our practice. He liked to spend more time at the aid station, I wanted
to get out of there and start ahead, then he’d catch me and we’d run the
rest of the loop together. I only needed my light for a bit of this loop
as the sun was just setting as we finished up 60 miles. I still felt
really good. Steve was slowing down so I headed out again without him. I
didn’t see anyone else on the trail at all for a very long time. He didn’t
catch up to me that loop so I was out on my own. The darkness freaked me
out. I could hear wolves in the distance, I pretended that they were dogs
but I knew they were wolves. I could hear all kinds of things in the
woods. I saw bats and one almost hit my head! I was afraid they were
darting toward my head-lamp.
The course was very well marked. There was really no way that I could
become lost, thank goodness! I continued to eat a good amount of food. I
had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, baked potato, chicken noodle soup,
grilled cheese sandwiches, etc. I felt like I was at a buffet, I was
eating and drinking and all was well. But I was by myself and I didn’t
like that.
As I was reaching the 70 mile mark I came up to the Heaven’s Gate aid
station and a runner that I recognized as Doug Hansel was filling his
bottle. I had met Doug at the Superior races in 2003; he was the winner
of the 100 mile race. I had run the 50 mile, and after waking up, walked
down to the finish line. Doug just happened to win the race as I was
sitting there watching. Nobody was around when Doug finished so I stoop up
and yelled “You just won the Superior 100 Mile Trail Run and all you get
is Julie Berg clapping for you” I re-introduced myself to him as the only
spectator as he finished Superior. He remembered me and we began to chat.
He told me he was going to drop, that he was sick and not having a good
run. I told him this was my first 100, that I was feeling great but afraid
of running in the dark by myself. He told me he’d run with me to the 70
mile mark; but once there, he might drop out.
It was so nice to have Doug to run with! I told him that I had been
running with Steve from Missouri but hadn’t seen him for quite some time.
Doug told me that there was a Steve at the previous aid station that had
dropped. As it turned out, it was a different Steve.
Doug and I came into the 70 mile point. We ate and filled our bottles and
Doug went to the fire. I didn’t think I’d get him going again. I thought
he was finished. Andy came up to me and asked if I’d like to know where I
was placing in the race. I told him it didn’t really matter, that I wasn’t
very competitive, that I just wanted to finish this thing in under 36
hours and that 30 hours would be awesome. I had been telling Doug that I
wasn’t competitive and that I couldn’t imagine what it must be like for
him, to have won races, to be in the hunt for a win. Well, Andy told me
that I was in 2nd place and that the 1st place woman wasn’t feel very
well, but was out on the course, about 30 minutes ahead of me. Well,
something happened to me when I heard that. I wanted to catch her! All of
a sudden I began to imagine what it would feel like to take 2nd place in
my first 100 miler..and I began to think about what it would feel like to
take 1st place. Wow, what a feeling that would be. I told Andy that I had
been running with Doug, Andy told me that Doug was done. He wasn’t going
to run anymore. Bummer for me. I finished my sandwich and asked Andy to
let Doug know I was heading out and would see him later. As I was trotting
down the hill, Doug showed up! He told me Andy told him I was in 2nd place
and that he would help me through the night. I was so grateful.
Doug just chatted up a storm. He would talk talk talk and I only had to
listen and throw in a word here and there. He talked about previous races,
about movies and he did a great Spongebob impersonation. I had a truly
good time running with Doug. I eventually talked him into finishing the
race with me. What did he have to lose? It could be his PR for his slowest
100, why not? He told me he’d try. He was having real bad stomach problems
and wasn’t able to eat anything. Here I was, eating so much, not having
any problems. I felt badly for him, but was so very grateful that I had
found him.
As we were coming near to the 80th mile, we came upon the 1st place woman.
She was feeling badly and was going to take a rest for a while at the
start/finish. I couldn’t believe that I was in 1st place. As we ran into
the 80th mile Andy confirmed to me that I was in first. I told him that
this was asinine. I couldn’t be. He said I was. This changed my
perspective of the race. I was no longer going to slog through the next 20 miles to finish; I was going to work myhardest wo win. WIN. Me? Win a race..and a hundred miler? Good lord. Crazy. I yelled out "Doug, I'm in FIRST place! We have to go! Hurry!" I borke into a run and flew down the hill.Well, it felt like I was flying, I probably wasn't though. He caught me a few minutes later and we ran that next 10 miles as fast as I could go.
Every time I came into the start/finish area Andy was right there, congratulating me on each lap I finished. He would ask what I needed, would tell me what food was available (potato, pizza, soup, sandwich) would then get a vollunteer to put together the meal and fill my bottle. It was amazing. I flet like a queen each time I came into an aid station. A dirty, smelly, tired queen!
90 miles in, Larry Pederson was back at the race to finish with me. ANdy told me I was still in first but htat there were 4 other women back there, he wasn't sure where. Oh my gosh, I had to get moving. Doug was getting some cookies, Larry was going to get his pack, I said “I’m going. I’m out of here, you guys will catch me!” I flew on down the hill for my last lap.
I wasn’t flying of course, but I was doing all I could do to get this
done. Larry and Doug caught up, Doug joked that I was a sand-bagger,
that after walking the 12 AM-4AM loop, he couldn’t believe I could move.
Larry and Doug were giving me a very hard time about ‘not being
competitive'. We ran most of that last loop, even some of the uphills; I
gave it my best. I was still leery of the bad patch coming through to
claim me, but boy oh boy, I was going to finish this thing, and under 30
hours, too. Unbelievable.
As we were running to the finish, I gave Larry my camera to run ahead to
get a picture of me finishing this race. I couldn’t believe it. I finished
my first 100 miler race in 29:07..and took 1st woman to boot. What a
day…or two.
I and Larry sat at the finish line, watching the runners finish the race.
It was such an awesome sight, to watch these runners finish their 100 mile
races. Everyone was so grateful to be finished. To have met the challenge
of a 100 mile race. I had tears in my eyes every time a runner came in.
As Bonnie and Don reached the finish line I felt such gratitude toward
both of them. Bonnie has been such a wonderful friend, Don has given me such guidance. To see them cross the finish line was spectacular.
All four of us climbed into the car; dirty and sweaty and tired and
smelly. I arrived home at 3:30 AM; having not slept since Friday evening!
Well worth a 100 mile finish.
I'll post some pictures soon!
December, when Larry Pederson told me he thought I was ready for the 100
mile distance. He had been telling me this for the past year, that I
should move up to the 100, I kept telling him no, never, not me, no way.
This day was a bit different than the prior times that I said no, not me.
I told him I was contemplating trying the Kettle Moraine 100 Mile race in
June, but they were able to persuade me to run the McNaughton 100 Mile Trail run in
April, instead. Part of the reason was because my friend, Bonnie Riley,
who had won the Woman’s Champion the previous year, was going back in
2005. She jumped right in and helped Larry persuade me to try McNaughton.
I have run many miles with Bonnie; we ran our first 50K and our first 50
Mile race together. I knew that just having her out on the course during
my first 100 miler was one very good reason to choose McNaughton as my
race. I was very worried about getting in the long runs, as the trails
were covered in deep snow and there were no 50K/50 mile races in MN
before the April 16 McNaughton date. But once I said 'yes, I’ll run
McNaughton', everything else fell into place.
As race day drew near we began to make our travel plans. I would ride
along with Bonnie, who was running the 100, Larry Pederson, who was running
the 30 mile and Don Clark who would be pacing Bonnie during the race.
We had a long car ride to Pekin, IL. I left my home at 5:45 AM and
arrived in Pekin, IL at 7:00 PM. We attended the packet pick-up where I
met many others who would be taking part in the race the next day. I
walked over to the start of the course, it was a steep downhill and then a
sharp uphill. Others at the packet pick-up told me the course was tough.
One person told me the elevation change during the 100 mile distance was a
total of 16,000 feet. I don’t know if that is true or not. Two women told
me they were running the 30 mile distance because that was all that was
necessary on this course. They told me the downhill and uphills were
constant and a killer. Great.
As we left the packet pick-up, my doubts were beginning to subside; I
began to focus on the race and what I needed to do tonight: get my pack
ready, my drop bag, clothes out, etc.
The McNaughton race is run on a 10 mile loop so we were able to leave drop
bags at the start/finish area. This was a great help in planning what to
bring. I wouldn’t need multiple drop bags placed strategically along the
course. I could dump everything into one bag at one location.
4 AM Saturday morning arrived. We dressed, ate breakfast and packed up the
car. This was it. This was the day that I had been looking forward to and
training for, for four months. We arrived at the race start in plenty of
time to chat with other race participants. I sat at the fire, trying to
warm up. It felt chilly since I was just sitting around. I began to chat
with someone named John, who sat next to me. I ended up seeing him quite a
bit on the trail, and he finished in 2nd place! Only 3 minutes after
1st place in 18 hours and some change. Can you imagine?
Race Director, Andy, gave us the word and we were off. Tears were flowing
from my eyes. I was running my first 100 mile race. This was it, what was
going to happen? I said a prayer and was on my way.
The course was just spectacular. The foliage was green, the wildflowers
were incredible. There were fields of Virginia Blue-Bells and many other
wild flowers. The sky became clear and it warmed into the 70’s. What an
awesome day.
I was surprised, and worried, by the multiple hills. The hills were one
after another, up and down, up and down. There are also 3 stream
crossings. I didn’t bother trying to keep my feet dry; I figured they were
going to become wet eventually and the cold water felt quite good on them
.
My first ten mile loop was 2:06; my goal pace was to run the first 4 loops
at 2:20 each. I changed my pace after the first loop and the second 10
mile stretch was finished in 2:16, right where I wanted to be. I held this
pace during most of the race, except for the dark hours of midnight to 4
AM where one loop took me 4 hours!
During the second loop I began to run with ‘Steve from Missouri”, we ended
up running 50 miles together. He was a fan of Rocky movies, I haven’t seen
any Rocky movies, so he narrated Rocky 1 to 5 for me. I just listened and
enjoyed the conversation. It took my mind off of all the hills and the
pain of my blistering feet.
Each loop that I finished brought me closer to my goal. I began to get a
bit nervous (well, more than nervous) about running during the night. I
had lights, but not very much experience with them. Bonnie had purchased a
head lamp for me and I had a hand held, with extra batteries, so I was
prepared; but mentally, I was afraid of the night. It was inexperience
and just not knowing how I would deal with running (or walking) through
the night-time hours. Would I become scared, lost, I didn’t know.
I came into the start/finish just before 6PM, finishing my 50 miles. I
told Don and Larry I felt great, I hadn’t hit my bad patch yet, that I was
waiting for it. I kept thinking “I feel so good, when is this going to
change? When is the bad patch going to hit? It has to come soon.” They
told me to keep eating, that maybe the bad patch just wouldn’t come, that
I didn’t have to go through a rough spot. Well, this was news to me. It
was so strange, just because they told me that I didn’t HAVE to have a
rough spot, I was able to put that out of mind, to put that doubt to rest
and to focus instead, on finishing this race. I don’t know why I needed
them to say those words to me.
I grabbed my lights and told Steve from Missouri that I would head out, as
was our practice. He liked to spend more time at the aid station, I wanted
to get out of there and start ahead, then he’d catch me and we’d run the
rest of the loop together. I only needed my light for a bit of this loop
as the sun was just setting as we finished up 60 miles. I still felt
really good. Steve was slowing down so I headed out again without him. I
didn’t see anyone else on the trail at all for a very long time. He didn’t
catch up to me that loop so I was out on my own. The darkness freaked me
out. I could hear wolves in the distance, I pretended that they were dogs
but I knew they were wolves. I could hear all kinds of things in the
woods. I saw bats and one almost hit my head! I was afraid they were
darting toward my head-lamp.
The course was very well marked. There was really no way that I could
become lost, thank goodness! I continued to eat a good amount of food. I
had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, baked potato, chicken noodle soup,
grilled cheese sandwiches, etc. I felt like I was at a buffet, I was
eating and drinking and all was well. But I was by myself and I didn’t
like that.
As I was reaching the 70 mile mark I came up to the Heaven’s Gate aid
station and a runner that I recognized as Doug Hansel was filling his
bottle. I had met Doug at the Superior races in 2003; he was the winner
of the 100 mile race. I had run the 50 mile, and after waking up, walked
down to the finish line. Doug just happened to win the race as I was
sitting there watching. Nobody was around when Doug finished so I stoop up
and yelled “You just won the Superior 100 Mile Trail Run and all you get
is Julie Berg clapping for you” I re-introduced myself to him as the only
spectator as he finished Superior. He remembered me and we began to chat.
He told me he was going to drop, that he was sick and not having a good
run. I told him this was my first 100, that I was feeling great but afraid
of running in the dark by myself. He told me he’d run with me to the 70
mile mark; but once there, he might drop out.
It was so nice to have Doug to run with! I told him that I had been
running with Steve from Missouri but hadn’t seen him for quite some time.
Doug told me that there was a Steve at the previous aid station that had
dropped. As it turned out, it was a different Steve.
Doug and I came into the 70 mile point. We ate and filled our bottles and
Doug went to the fire. I didn’t think I’d get him going again. I thought
he was finished. Andy came up to me and asked if I’d like to know where I
was placing in the race. I told him it didn’t really matter, that I wasn’t
very competitive, that I just wanted to finish this thing in under 36
hours and that 30 hours would be awesome. I had been telling Doug that I
wasn’t competitive and that I couldn’t imagine what it must be like for
him, to have won races, to be in the hunt for a win. Well, Andy told me
that I was in 2nd place and that the 1st place woman wasn’t feel very
well, but was out on the course, about 30 minutes ahead of me. Well,
something happened to me when I heard that. I wanted to catch her! All of
a sudden I began to imagine what it would feel like to take 2nd place in
my first 100 miler..and I began to think about what it would feel like to
take 1st place. Wow, what a feeling that would be. I told Andy that I had
been running with Doug, Andy told me that Doug was done. He wasn’t going
to run anymore. Bummer for me. I finished my sandwich and asked Andy to
let Doug know I was heading out and would see him later. As I was trotting
down the hill, Doug showed up! He told me Andy told him I was in 2nd place
and that he would help me through the night. I was so grateful.
Doug just chatted up a storm. He would talk talk talk and I only had to
listen and throw in a word here and there. He talked about previous races,
about movies and he did a great Spongebob impersonation. I had a truly
good time running with Doug. I eventually talked him into finishing the
race with me. What did he have to lose? It could be his PR for his slowest
100, why not? He told me he’d try. He was having real bad stomach problems
and wasn’t able to eat anything. Here I was, eating so much, not having
any problems. I felt badly for him, but was so very grateful that I had
found him.
As we were coming near to the 80th mile, we came upon the 1st place woman.
She was feeling badly and was going to take a rest for a while at the
start/finish. I couldn’t believe that I was in 1st place. As we ran into
the 80th mile Andy confirmed to me that I was in first. I told him that
this was asinine. I couldn’t be. He said I was. This changed my
perspective of the race. I was no longer going to slog through the next 20 miles to finish; I was going to work myhardest wo win. WIN. Me? Win a race..and a hundred miler? Good lord. Crazy. I yelled out "Doug, I'm in FIRST place! We have to go! Hurry!" I borke into a run and flew down the hill.Well, it felt like I was flying, I probably wasn't though. He caught me a few minutes later and we ran that next 10 miles as fast as I could go.
Every time I came into the start/finish area Andy was right there, congratulating me on each lap I finished. He would ask what I needed, would tell me what food was available (potato, pizza, soup, sandwich) would then get a vollunteer to put together the meal and fill my bottle. It was amazing. I flet like a queen each time I came into an aid station. A dirty, smelly, tired queen!
90 miles in, Larry Pederson was back at the race to finish with me. ANdy told me I was still in first but htat there were 4 other women back there, he wasn't sure where. Oh my gosh, I had to get moving. Doug was getting some cookies, Larry was going to get his pack, I said “I’m going. I’m out of here, you guys will catch me!” I flew on down the hill for my last lap.
I wasn’t flying of course, but I was doing all I could do to get this
done. Larry and Doug caught up, Doug joked that I was a sand-bagger,
that after walking the 12 AM-4AM loop, he couldn’t believe I could move.
Larry and Doug were giving me a very hard time about ‘not being
competitive'. We ran most of that last loop, even some of the uphills; I
gave it my best. I was still leery of the bad patch coming through to
claim me, but boy oh boy, I was going to finish this thing, and under 30
hours, too. Unbelievable.
As we were running to the finish, I gave Larry my camera to run ahead to
get a picture of me finishing this race. I couldn’t believe it. I finished
my first 100 miler race in 29:07..and took 1st woman to boot. What a
day…or two.
I and Larry sat at the finish line, watching the runners finish the race.
It was such an awesome sight, to watch these runners finish their 100 mile
races. Everyone was so grateful to be finished. To have met the challenge
of a 100 mile race. I had tears in my eyes every time a runner came in.
As Bonnie and Don reached the finish line I felt such gratitude toward
both of them. Bonnie has been such a wonderful friend, Don has given me such guidance. To see them cross the finish line was spectacular.
All four of us climbed into the car; dirty and sweaty and tired and
smelly. I arrived home at 3:30 AM; having not slept since Friday evening!
Well worth a 100 mile finish.
I'll post some pictures soon!
Monday, April 18, 2005
I DID IT!
For real, I did it! I haven't had time to write my full race report, I will within the next day or so. Short story is that I finished my first 100 mile race in 29 hours and 7 minutes. Yahoo!! Guess what? I won FIRST WOMAN! Unreal..unreal..I can't believe it. Yup, I'm sore and my feet are at their worst..but I finished that buggar and that shows me that we can all do whatever we set our mind to.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
..on my way...
Tomorrow morning I'll be leaving for Pekin, IL to run the first 100 mile trail run of my life. Hopefully the first of a number of them. Hopefully this is a great experience. Hopefully this is a finish. Hopefully I don't injure myself. Hopefully I come back on Sunday and write up a successful race report.
The doubts are getting to me. This is just how I felt before my first marathon, my first 50K, my first 50 mile and my first 100K. A person just doesn't know what they are capable of the first time. Once I finish this baby, some of those fears will disapate as I prepare for the next 100.
I can do this. I am prepared. I have trained my a$$ off. I have logged the miles. I will be successful. Yes, my feet will be sore, they will blister, I will be tired and depleated..but I am strong. I am woman, hear me roar! Ha.
Yesteday a recovering meth addict came into the HS to speak with the students. Meth is taking over our community in a scary way. This addict has been clean for 2 years. After the presentation - which was very well done - and hopefully will give the students the courage to say NO to meth - he had a question/answer discussion. I had so many questions. I asked him if he had replaced the meth addiction with something else. He looked at me and smiled, asked if he was speaking with another addict, I told him yes, I'm a recovering alcoholic. He said 'well, this speaking engagement has become a part of my passion, my obsession, going into schools and communties telling of the horrors of meth use and the way it will kill every user..that and I play an awful lot of online cards" I was like ,WTF? Online 'cards?' I guess there is another addiction out there for everyone. He then asked me what mine was. In front of the whole damn school I told him that I'm an ultra runner and have a 100 mile race coming up on Saturday. Sh+t. Nobody knew. Only a few teachers who are in my run club knew I was doing this race. Now they all know, and think I'm nuts.
I believe that all recoving addicts will replace that addictive behavior with another. Be it food, running, gambling; some obsession will come along the way to replace the addictive behavior.
I asked this addict who has seven children "how will you get it through to your children, not to use meth" he said that by being honest, showing his children what meth abuse will do to you, showing them warning signs, keeping a communicative realtionship with them, telling them of the horror he went through, that this will have to be enough to keep them from trying. That's my question. How do you get your children to NEVER use. Not once. They can't try meth, they will be forever addicted. Plus, my children have the 'compulsive/addictive' genes.
He gave a presentation to the Middle School, so Tyler saw it. I asked Tyler what he thought. He said he would have said no to meth before, now he will really say no to meth. Good.
I know a few families whose lives are being torn apart because of meth addiction. It's damn scary. Let your children know all about meth, if you don't know, find out.
Hey-on the weight loss front: down 13 pounds yahoo! I finally reached the 130's today. 139.7 to be exact! I'll be adding carbs back in now for the race and will be doing pb&j, cliff bars, etc. during the run as well as salt tablets. I'm expecting an increase in weight for Monday's weigh in, but it will leave too.
For LL BCI-2, our team is down 29.9 pounds, we are in first place..get this..I've lost the most on the team so far. Unbelievable!
Over and Out-
The doubts are getting to me. This is just how I felt before my first marathon, my first 50K, my first 50 mile and my first 100K. A person just doesn't know what they are capable of the first time. Once I finish this baby, some of those fears will disapate as I prepare for the next 100.
I can do this. I am prepared. I have trained my a$$ off. I have logged the miles. I will be successful. Yes, my feet will be sore, they will blister, I will be tired and depleated..but I am strong. I am woman, hear me roar! Ha.
Yesteday a recovering meth addict came into the HS to speak with the students. Meth is taking over our community in a scary way. This addict has been clean for 2 years. After the presentation - which was very well done - and hopefully will give the students the courage to say NO to meth - he had a question/answer discussion. I had so many questions. I asked him if he had replaced the meth addiction with something else. He looked at me and smiled, asked if he was speaking with another addict, I told him yes, I'm a recovering alcoholic. He said 'well, this speaking engagement has become a part of my passion, my obsession, going into schools and communties telling of the horrors of meth use and the way it will kill every user..that and I play an awful lot of online cards" I was like ,WTF? Online 'cards?' I guess there is another addiction out there for everyone. He then asked me what mine was. In front of the whole damn school I told him that I'm an ultra runner and have a 100 mile race coming up on Saturday. Sh+t. Nobody knew. Only a few teachers who are in my run club knew I was doing this race. Now they all know, and think I'm nuts.
I believe that all recoving addicts will replace that addictive behavior with another. Be it food, running, gambling; some obsession will come along the way to replace the addictive behavior.
I asked this addict who has seven children "how will you get it through to your children, not to use meth" he said that by being honest, showing his children what meth abuse will do to you, showing them warning signs, keeping a communicative realtionship with them, telling them of the horror he went through, that this will have to be enough to keep them from trying. That's my question. How do you get your children to NEVER use. Not once. They can't try meth, they will be forever addicted. Plus, my children have the 'compulsive/addictive' genes.
He gave a presentation to the Middle School, so Tyler saw it. I asked Tyler what he thought. He said he would have said no to meth before, now he will really say no to meth. Good.
I know a few families whose lives are being torn apart because of meth addiction. It's damn scary. Let your children know all about meth, if you don't know, find out.
Hey-on the weight loss front: down 13 pounds yahoo! I finally reached the 130's today. 139.7 to be exact! I'll be adding carbs back in now for the race and will be doing pb&j, cliff bars, etc. during the run as well as salt tablets. I'm expecting an increase in weight for Monday's weigh in, but it will leave too.
For LL BCI-2, our team is down 29.9 pounds, we are in first place..get this..I've lost the most on the team so far. Unbelievable!
Over and Out-
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