Northwoods Winter Trail Marathon 1/2026

 My 7th running of the current model Northwoods Winter Trail Marathon (formerly  Snowshoe Marathon which I ran 6 times before it was cancelled)! The trails may have been in the best shape that I have seen them. They were packed, completely snow covered and beautiful!  

I left home at 600 so I'd have plenty of time to get to the marathon start in Duluth, about 2.5 hours away. I put Amity Chalet into my GPS and off I went. As I came through Duluth and was only a few miles from the start my GPS began to direct me using an unusual route. I thought maybe a road had been closed or something. Alas, I was brought to a new development called Amity Trails. A man in his front yard approached my vehicle and let me know that I and 15 others had gone the wrong way. He gave me a quick reroute and I found myself to the race start with 10 minutes to go. Jeeze. 

My friend Kim had met me at the start. I came up to her car window and she said she'd let me get ready would see me after the race. We had previously decided we'd meet at Dunn Brothers post race. 

I quickly ran into the chalet to get my race number and check in, back to my vehicle to change clothes and get my pack ready. I made it to the start with 1 minute to go. Not the way I like to begin a race, but hey, better than Chippewa 50K in April when I was 8 minutes late!

There were 22 entrants for the marathon, there wasn't any pinch point, we were all spread out, just enjoying the course. It was a beautiful day, 10F, a light snow still falling creating a bit of texture on the top of the trail, it was perfect.

The Lester River was frozen solid this year, in fact there were people skiing upon it. What a pretty sight. 

I was able to run a 'fast for me' pace. As I climbed Hawk Ridge I noticed that the lake view was fogged in. I hoped it would be clear upon my second lap.

As I came into mile 13 Andy let me know that I was second woman overall. I filled up my hydration vest, moved a few gels to the front pocket and headed off for loop 2.

I didn't see anyone on my second 13 mile loop. I didn't pass anyone, I wasn't passed by anyone. I enjoyed a truly peaceful meditation running along the smooth trail.

Climbing Hawk Ridge I was thrilled to see that the fog had lifted and the view was breathtaking. I could see the snow covered trees, the City of Duluth and Lake Superior. Magnificent!

Rolling into the finish line at 5:30 was a course PR for me and hung in for the 2nd woman overall. I felt great, still had plenty of energy and wondered if I should have left a bit more of it on the trail. I had a great run.

After changing clothes I went to Dunn Brothers to meet Kim for a coffee and a nice visit. It was a great day!

Northwoods Winter Marathon 2023

 If you remember, last year I took an incorrect turn and didn't make a check in after the first 13 miles. I continued on for another 13 miles but I did not get a finish. I was NOT going to do make the same mistake this year!

Andy emailed the participants that with 11" of new snow we could look forward to a slow soft course and encouraged us to drop down to the half marathon. I wasn't interested in that plan. I wanted a good long run so stuck with the marathon.

With a 930 AM start there was plenty of time for me to drive the 2.5 hours to Duluth, check in and still have time to get dressed in running attire and pack up my hydration vest.

I was surprised that as I drove to Duluth the air temperature kept going up. Normally the opposite takes place. By the time I arrived to the race start it was 23F!  We were going to have a warm day indeed.  

Andy checked in with me, letting me know that he added an arrow where I messed up last year. I told him that I did not hold him responsible for my snafoo at all-that was totally on me!  I must say though, when I came up to that arrow I gave it a pat and said thank you Andy!

The snow was soft and deep. There were some deep post holes where hikers and horses had travelled through but most of it was pretty decent. The course is just so beautiful. I enjoy the woods, the paths along the river, the hills. It really is stunning. Not many people enter the race, it is low key and you aren't coddled.  All plusses in my book.

I found myself running with Kate for almost the full first loop. The time went by too quickly!  Before I knew it we were running into the start/finish. I filled up my hydration vest which I had been wearing under my jacket to keep from freezing. As the volunteer filled it we noticed that I had completely drained it. I didn't realize that I had consumed 60 oz of tailwind during that 3 hours. It went down easy! 

I zipped back up and headed out for loop two. I picked up the pace as the course was a bit more packed down now with everyone having gone through once. It was foggy on the lookouts over the city/lake during the first lap but during the second lap the fog burned off, the sun came out and the views were fantastic!

I hadn't run a longer distance since Superior in September so it was good to learn that my hamstrings had healed, my legs were strong and I was back where I love to be. Effortless. I could run all day at this pace. 

Most of the second lap I ran solo. I'd come up on a person every once in a while but not very often. It was quiet, peaceful and meditative.

Running into the finish with a negative split, first in my age group and oldest finisher was a cherry on top of beautiful day spent running.

Northwoods Winter Trail Marathon

Back at it!

I was hoping I'd be back in running shape before January hit so that I could again run the Northwoods Winter Trail Marathon. Last year it was warm and soggy, post-holing through deep snow.  This year it was beautifully firm snow, perfect conditions, 25F and no wind. What a treat!

I made my way to the trail at a leisurely 800 AM Saturday morning. It was fun to help Andy out with setting up the race start, filling aid station jugs of water, assembling age group win awards and doing whatever I could to assist. There was plenty of time.

The course was absolutely beautiful. Stunning views of the river, running along it for miles, the views of the city from Hawk Ridge, frozen waterfalls, it is really spectacular. 

My ankle felt solid, my body strong and my heart filled with joy. I had an amazing day. I never felt tired or bored or like I wanted to quit. A  marathon is a joyous distance to feel nothing but happiness, to be out in the woods long enough but not too long. I wasn't wet, I wasn't cold, I was comfortable. I wasn't pushing my limits, I was strolling along, taking in all of the beauty that the Duluth trails offer. 

I finished the race 45 minutes faster than last year at 5:45. Like last year I won the 50-59 age group. No pain, all gain. It was a good test to my current level of fitness after breaking my ankle and I'm so happy that I am in a good place. I have a good base of fitness and don't seem to have lost anything after spending 12 weeks without very much movement.

Today I find myself wondering why I even want to run longer than 50K distance? Do I even want to push myself? Why would I want to be in pain and have to recover the next few days?  Perhaps I just stick to 50K again. I don't know. I still find myself thinking I'll put in for Superior 50 Miler. There were be pain and suckage but at least it is not the 100. Did I say that? Hmmm..interesting how my perspective may be changing, at least at this moment.

Yeah, I'll put in for the 50 Miler at Superior. I feel great. 

On the Come Back Trail!

I ran my  longest run since breaking my ankle last July: 10 miles. WOOHOO!  Sure feels good. Man, how I have missed you, running.

Looking forward to the Northwoods Winter Snowshoe Marathon in January.

Northwoods Winter Trail Marathon

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I was so excited to hear that Andy Holak was bringing back the Northwoods Snowshoe Marathon in Duluth. As the Northwoods Winter Trail Marathon.  I always loved that snowshoe marathon!

The new race would take place on different trails, with option of snowshoe or trail shoe. There would be a half marathon and full marathon option. I was all in. I was going to run in trail shoes.

I stayed at Fitgers on Friday night and attended the trail film festival/packet pick up at Iron Works. It was so much fun! 

The race didn’t begin until 930 so I had lots of time in the morning. In fact, I felt like I needed a second breakfast before start time!  I began with 2 bananas and an orange. At the start while waiting I ate a sweet potato.  I was all set!

The weather was uncharacteristically warm. The high the day before was 42 degrees and at the start it was already 32 degrees with a forecast of 40. Unbelievable. It made for very warm, wet conditions. The snow was deep and melting, it was so soft and hard to maneuver through. 

I was surprised that we were able to run on these trails as most are public use and fat bikers use them. I saw people skiing, biking, snowshoeing and running. We were making deep footprints on the trail. We were really messing it up.

The conditions were real tough. We were post-holing through the snow, up mid calf through some of the trail. The snow was too soft to run on top of, we just sunk. Within 2 miles I had to remove my windbreaker. I was glad I had a pack so I could just stuff extra clothing away. It was very warm.

There was an aid station at mile 7. It took me over 2 hours to get there!  I  didn’t need anything, I just trudged on through. I had plenty of Tailwind in my bladder and a good supply of gels.

The trails were just gorgeous. We ran along Hawks Ridge fat bike trail which is perched high above the Lakeside neighborhood with incredible views of Lake Superior and the City. It truly was amazing…yet incredibly difficult to run through.

As I was running back to the start I began to think about how long it was taking me.  It would be 3:30 hours before I finally got to the start/finish again. I began to worry about daylight. I began to worry that it would take me to dark to finish. I hadn’t brought a head lamp. I never dreamed it would take me so long. I began to listen to others complain about the conditions. Their feet were cold and wet. They weren’t going to continue. I began to take a self check. I felt good, strong. I wasn’t sore, I wasn’t cold. I was working hard but sure didn’t want to stop. My only concern was daylight.

I decided I wouldn’t worry about the light. I wasn’t going to stop because of something that may not even happen.

I ran into the start  and asked if anyone had a head lamp I could borrow..no one responded so I refilled my bladder with water and threw away my empty gels. I asked a group of women if they were ready to head back out with me but they were all dropping. I was so shocked.  I said so long and headed out.

I was hoping the trail would have been in a little better condition for the second loop but it really wasn’t. I was still sinking into the warmed snow and doing a lot of sliding.  I decided to make an effort to run faster so that I would finish in daylight.

I didn’t see ANY other runners for the whole second half. Not a one!  I began to wonder if anyone else was running the marathon.  I was running a good two minutes faster per mile, I figured if it was getting dark at the aid station, mile 20, I could stop there. I trudged on and made it to the aid station at 2:45PM. I had a good two hours to do 6 miles in the light…I figured I could go for it.

I continued on, picking up my pace as I neared the finish. I felt so good, so strong, so happy. I loved the trails, the beautiful views of the lake, the overlooks of the city, it really was incredible.

After 6:30 hours I came into the finish. It was a great effort. I was thrilled with my :30 negative split. It was daylight. I made it! 

After I finished a volunteer walked up to me with an age group award. I couldn’t believe it. 1^st Place 50-59 and 3^rd woman overall.

I had a spectacular time. A great day!

Winter Wonderland

The past few days we've received over 12" of snow. It's been a long time since we've seen that much snow in one snowfall. I don't think the boys have even seen such a large snowfall in one period. When I was their age, growing up in Northern Minnesota, we had snowfalls like this all of the time.

Between Steve plowing the driveway, sidewalk, shoveling the roof and ice fishing; the boys sliding, skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling; and me snowshoe running, skiing and shoveling it seems that we have a constant pile of wet winter clothing and boots out in the mud room. My dryer is constantly running while drying mittens, gloves and hats. I have to say though: we love it!

This morning Topaz and I headed out for a shorter 8 mile snowshoe run. The snow is so deep that I am doing more breaking trail via hiking than running I am afraid. My heart rate was through the roof and my legs were becoming tired from high stepping the snow. It felt like going through the root section (Sonju) during the Superior Sawtooth 100 mile run! Ah, not quite!

After breaking trail to the lake we turned around and headed the 4 miles back to the car. Again, covered with snow. After a quick removal of snow and ice we headed home. I stripped off my wet clothing and put on dry shorts, bra, socks and shoes so I could hop on my treadmill and actually run for 5 miles! Topaz laid at the treadmill and watched.

The Northwoods Snowshoe Marathon is in a few weeks. I haven't decided if I'm going to run it yet again. I think I've run it the past 8 years. Hard to believe that 2 of those years we ran it in trail shoes..there was no snow in Duluth! This weekend, Duluth received 26" of snow. Wow. I am going to run the Winter Carnival 1/2 Marathon and I'd imagine I'll be at Northwoods too. It's the final year for the race and I'll probably find myself there.

Pretty Trail

Start Line

Powerlines (Not Quite Voyageur!)

Running Through the Great Northwoods Snowshoe Marathon

Many people who run races run them to only to win, run them only for time, run them only to race. Most of these people are what I would call a higher caliber runner. The daily runs are training for a specific event, a specific race, a specific time. I've just never really run that way.

I truly run because I love to run. My daily runs are for pleasure and the races are the social outlet I sometimes need, or a goal that I need to see. Sure, once I began increasing my speed and my standings at races I certainly became excited to see what could happen at the next race, but I have never run only to race.

Now that my snowshoe marathon is over I will still snowshoe run. This morning Topaz and I hit the trails for 4 hours. There is no snowshoe marathon in the future. It was 16F outside this morning! I couldn't wait to enjoy the warmth, enjoy the snowshoe run. We did. Fully. It was fabulous. I had no aches or pains from yesterday's 'race'. All is well.

The Northwoods Snowshoe Races encompasses three distances: 10K, 1/2 Marathon and Marathon. Barb, the RD told me there were 60 in the 10K, 40 in the 1/2 and 27 in the Marathon.

For the marathon we run a short 'B' loop, then a large loop, back to the start/finish for short 'B' loop and the long loop again. You know I love a loop course!

I always misjudge the time it will take me to get to Duluth during the winter. I forget I'll be driving slower, roads are awful due to weather and I have to stop a zillion times to pee. I am always later than I'd like for this race.

I had a miserable Friday night. I am probably over estimating it when I say I slept 2 hours. Finally at 430 I came downstairs and began breakfast: 1 egg, 4 whites scrambled, 1/2 c oatmeal with splenda and cinnamon. I looked at the thermometer. Happy days! 16F. Wow. I looked up Duluth's temperature. 4F, high of 11F. Good deal.

Eventually I made my way to Duluth. At 915 I was at Lester Park. The two lots were full so I parked way down along the road and ran to the start to get my number and check in. Ran back to get my gels, iPhone and slather my feet with Foot Potion. Remember what happened last year when I didn't wear my Foot Potion? Yeah, I didn't want to have my foot doctored upon again during the race. I grabbed a snowshoe in each arm and ran back to the start line. Barb was giving her directions of the course to the runners. I put on my snowshoes and waited about 30 seconds before she said GO.

I watched everyone take off. The 1/2 and Marathon runners begin at 930; the 10K at 1000. I was dead last, as planned. I walked up the first hill, slowly, listening to others hack a lung as they forged up the first hill. Eventually I began a slow run and began to warm up. It was 4F, it felt great. One pair of pants, 1 shirt; it was nice not to feel like the Michelin Man for a change.

The first portion of the race is held in on groomed ski trails. The snow was well packed and in great condition for snowshoe running. There is one hill after another, rolling and lots of fun. I loved how the snowshoes could dig into the snow as I ran up the hill, propelling me forward, then down down down I'd run, gaining speed until the next hill. Too much fun!

Eventually I began to come upon others, passing them here and there, visiting and catching up. I really wasn't sure who was running the race as I wasn't at the start for more than 30 seconds. I have such a hard time recognizing faces and putting names to them.

Aid Station 1 is just out of the ski park, on our way to the private properties. Mike had sausage and bacon cooking, hot soup, cookies, pretzels, HEED, water and pop. I didn't bother to carry a pack with me. Before I know it I'm carrying a 24 oz ice cube. I left the pack at home. I drank 4 or 5 5 0z HEEDS and went on my way. All that I carried with me were 12 gels and my iPhone. I took a gel at each aid station.

The snow was really strange out of the park. Along an open field where the wind was really whipping up, the snow was like granulated beach sand that had been aerated. It was the weirdest snow I have run through. Up into the beautiful woods, along a steep hill and down back to a road and Aid Station 2. The volunteers are amazing. Here it is, cold and windy, they sit in their car until the runners arrive..jump out and help us out, always with a smile! I guzzled down another 4 little cups of HEED, sucked back a gel and headed out across the field into the woods. I climbed a beautiful wooded hill up up up to an open view of Lake Superior. Dazzling. Just spectacular. I was many deer during this section and a fox as well.

After climbing the trail I pop out onto another road and run down down down to Aid Station 3. A few more cups of HEED, a gel, and off through the hills and woods. It's fabulous. Great views, good outdoors, peace and quiet. I was having a fantastic time.

I don't wear my watch during this race. There are too many variables. Last year the course was a few miles longer, it was colder, this year the snow was funny and deep, two years that I ran the race there was NO snow, we ran on trail shoes, so I feel a watch is obsolete. I run this race to experience the outdoors, to revel in the beauty of the woods and to have a great time on a fun trail. That is exactly what I did.

By the time I hit the second large loop I wasn't running with anyone. The 1/2 marathoners were finished or almost so, the marathoners were wide spread. I came into Aid Station 1 again and was told I was first woman. I laughed and asked if I were the only woman. They told me no, that there were a few running the full marathon. I didn't know who or how many, and really didn't care. I was still going to run for fun. No pressure.

I continued on, enjoying all the beauty of mother nature. I was so grateful that it wasn't as cold as it had been, that I didn't have any blisters, I was in no pain and felt like I could run forever. I wasn't tired. I was feeling strong and full of bliss.

As I was coming into the finish I realized that I wasn't really ready to be finished. I had been enjoying this run so much that I really didn't want to be done. I wanted to continue running.

I saw the finish and saw the RD jump out of her truck to congratulate me on my finish. I stood there thinking I wasn't ready to be done. I wanted more. I stood at the finish for 25 minutes, waiting to cheer for another finisher but none came. I began to shiver and freeze. I told Barb I wasn't sure if I'd make it to the Award Party. I didn't know where to clean up. I wanted a hot shower. She told me she would mail me my award and sweatshirt if I didn't make it.

I ended up running 6:23, 1st woman; 9th overall. Barb thought there were still 10 runners out on the course.

I didn't have anywhere to shower and the party didn't begin for 3 more hours. I didn't know if I could hang out cold for 3 hours. I decided to try Dunn Brothers thinking I could use their sink to wash in. When I saw how small the bathroom sink was I decided against it. I was now completely frozen. I only wanted a hot shower and knew that a sink wasn't going to do the trick.

Back in the car I blew the defrost on high all the way home, trying to get warm, thinking about the hot shower awaiting me.I decided to go home. A few hours later I was cleaned up, in bed, warm and toasty!

Next year will be the 20th running of the Northwoods Snowshoe Marathon. It will be Barb's final race. I'll be there :)

Next up: Winter Carnival 1/2 Marathon. There isn't much for ultra running in MN in the winter. I don't think I have another race until McNaughton 100, in April.

Duluth Paper:http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/tag/tag/snowshoe%20marathon/

Northwoods Snowshoe Marathon (Ultra)

First of all, my Internet connection at home has been down since Friday afternoon. I stopped by the office today to pick up my Italian Lesson books and to use the computer. Hopefully I'll have a connection by Tuesday. I am not working tomorrow, as I have medical appointments scheduled, so will not be able to respond for a while. Thank for all of the well wishes for the Marathon. It was awesome fun!

Friday evening after work I wore all of the clothing I was planning on wearing for the race for a three hour snowshoe run. I had on two layers over my legs, and they felt cold. I decided to bring 3 layers for the race. I tried running with my snowboard goggles, Troy's goggles and Tyler's. I liked Troy's the best, so decided to take those to the race with me. My snowshoes felt good, my feet stayed warm, hands were good, I was ready for the race.

The boys went snowboarding with their club on Thursday night. Each Thursday they take the school bus from school at 230 and snowboard until they return to the high school at 1000. They had decided that Thursday evening was cold enough, they didn't want to try Spirit Mountain, in Duluth on Saturday while I did the race, at -60F wind chill. I didn't try to talk them into it!

Saturday morning I loaded my ton of clothing into the car and headed for Duluth. The race didn't begin until 930 so I didn't have to leave home until 6. Not bad. The temperature at home was -19F with a -34F wind chill. Duluth was supposed to be -22F with a wind chill of -47 to -63 for most of the day, but sunny!

I reached the race at 845, plenty of time to check in and pick up my race number, minimal visiting as it was WAY too cold to stand around and chat, and time to sift through the mountain of clothing I had in my car.

I decided to wear a very thin base layer of Patagonia silk bottoms, my heavy Hind drylite tights and a pair of Brooks baggy tights. On top I wore the Patagonia silk top, heavy Hind drylite top and an even heavier Hind drylite top. I also wore my Patagonia Spraymiser Jacket that I wear from fall to spring. I had on heavy smartwool socks, Inov 8 Gortex shoes, thick heavy mittens with a wind mitten over the top. A fleece hat and two Turtle Fur neck gaiters that pull up over my head if need be. I wore a one bottle pack stuffed with Cliff Blocks, some Advil and Hammer Gel. I was set to rock and roll.

Out to the start line with 10 minutes to spare. Strap on the snowshoes, take a picture. Ooops, too cold, battery pack drained, bring camera back to the car as it was useless in the cold. No pictures!

Barb, bless her soul, and her daughter Shannon, are the RDs for this race. Barb has put on this race for 18 years! She says she will do it for 20 years. They do a great job. The volunteers! Standing outside for HOURS on end, just to pour us some hot drink and offer us cookies, amazing. Just amazing.

OK, Barb says we are ready to start, tells us it is about the same course as usual, well marked, river is frozen and be safe, be smart, dress well.

GO!

The race begins in a race ski area. Lots of hills on a groomed ski path. The first section is straight up hill. I get off to the side so I walk up the hill. The marathoners and 1/2 marathoners began together. The 10K's begin at 1000. As I looked around I think I saw 5 women marathoners and 12 male marathoners. The rest of the pack were doing the 1/2.

My feet were cold instantly. This scared me. I kept making a conscious effort to move my toes back and forth, trying to keep them warm. Once I finally made it to the top of the hill I began to run fast. The snow was perfect. A thick, deep base. I didn't sink at all, it was frozen solid. The snowshoes had an easy time gripping the surface, even on the icy ups.

As I was running hard, I heated up quickly. After 45 minutes I removed my jacket, tying it to my waist. I was shocked! I was actually warm. There was ice in my jacket sleeves and my outer shirt was covered with frost. I had on Troy's snowboard goggles, they kept my face warm. I also had applied Aquafor all over my face so I wouldn't have to worry about frost bite.

Before I came into Aid Station 1 I was having pain on the back of my right heel. What the hell? I've run many miles in the same shoe/sock that I had on. What was going on with my heel?

We ran one loop around the ski area, then back to the start/finish and another loop to AS1. As I ran into AS1 (about 6 miles?) I asked Mike if he had some Vaseline. They had some type of lubricant that I jammed over my sock, hoping it would find it's way to whatever was chaffing the hell out of my heel. I didn't want to take the time to take off all my foot gear, I was only 50 minutes into the race!

I guzzled down 2 cups of broth and an Excel and headed out for the big loop. It was awesome. Clear, sunny day, the runners spread out and I found myself alone. I saw some deer, a fox, I just took in the sights and enjoyed the morning. I was so surprised that I wasn't freezing to death. Eventually I came upon Ed and would end up jockeying back and forth with him the first 13 miles.

My snowshoes were really giving me problems. This had never happened before. My buckle on the back strap disintegrated. It just broke, in like 4 pieces! Now my foot was swaying right to left, back and forth, making my heel hurt even more. Pretty soon the three rubber straps going over the top of my foot felt like they were cutting into my skin. I couldn't believe it. I tried to pretend like it didn't hurt. Just suck it up and run.

As I crossed the river from AS1 to AS2 I saw 3 deer run up ahead of me. They were so beautiful! They must have been wondering what we were doing invading their territory. I walked up a long hill, through the woods, protected from the wind, still plenty warm. The day really was beautiful. You just need to dress for the temperatures. Really!

I readjusted my snowshoe again at AS2. The excel was freezing while Shannon was pouring it. It was so cold! She wasn't able to keep anything fluid. My water bottle was a 24 oz ice block. It was totally useless. I couldn't get anything out of it. Pretty soon Shannon was able to get the excel to pour and I guzzled down a few cups worth, then headed on down the trail.

As I was turned out of the woods, onto a street, heading into AS3 the wind whipped up and reminded me that it was a cold day! I struggled back into my now frozen jacket and zipped it up quickly. I never took it off again during the run.

My face was warm, I put the goggles up on my head. About an hour later I reached up on my head to put them back over my eyes and they were frozen to my hat! I couldn't get them off my hat so I just didn't wear them anymore. I pulled my two gaiters up to my eyes. My eye lashes froze to my gaiter! I wondered if I would pull my eye lashes out? I put my mittens over my eye and eventually was able to get my eyelashes free. Crazy! Again, I was reminded that it was damn cold out!

Every step was beginning to hurt. I kept thinking to myself that I have run 100's with blisters and sucked it up. Here I was, with something hurting on my heel, and I only had to run probably 7 hours. Get on with it! Each step made me grit my teeth. It felt like something was cutting into my flesh.

As I came into AS1 again, almost finished with the first 1/2, I told Mike my heel was killing me and I couldn't suck it up anymore. He was surprised I admitted I was in pain, and immediately set me in a chair, under a tarp, sheltered a bit from the wind. He was frying bacon and sausage! As I sat down he quickly removed my snowshoe and my shoe. We saw the blood coming through the thick sock. I groaned. Maybe I had sucked it up too long. I should have taken care of it when it first began to hurt. Duh!

He gently removed the sock and there it was. A silver dollar sized, popped blister and the skin was hanging on by a thread. He looked at Larry, Larry said they'd duct tape it up. He placed the skin back over the raw exposed flesh and Larry heated the duct tape up so that it would stick. After they taped it up, Mike quickly replaced all my foot gear and made me promise to clean it up real well and place some antibiotic cream on it when I showered. I promised.

I left AS1 feeling SO much better! I could run without pain. I took 4 Advil for good measure and realized, happily, that I was going to reach the 1/2 way point in 3 hours. Yippee!

I came into the start/finish and proceeded to run back to AS1. Mike and Larry asked how I was doing, I stated I was fine and told them how grateful I was. They were the reason I was going to finish the race pain free. What a difference it made to have a good feeling heel!

By the time I reached AS3 the top of my foot was killing me. I couldn't believe it. I was trying to fix the straps when Matt Long blew by me. We had come into the start/finish at the same time twice, and now he was really moving well. I wasn't. I was stuck there on the trail having another equipment failure. I removed my snowshoe and put two of the straps under my trail shoe. I fastened one of the straps and began to run. It felt better, my foot was now swollen so it was good to only have one strap on. Except it caused my foot to again move back and forth. Oh well. Enjoy the day!

I kept thinking about how grateful I was to be able to run this race. To be able to be warm enough so that I didn't have to worry about the cold, to be fit enough so that I didn't have to worry about the distance. I was having a great day, all in all.

I didn't feel tired, I didn't have any stomach issues, no pain other than one foot and that wasn't hurting all that bad anymore. I was blessed.

I enjoyed being outside, in the clear blue sky, feeling my heart beat heavily, listening to my breathing, hearing the birds singing. It was spectacular.

As I came into AS1 for the final time I again thanked Larry and Mike for saving my day. I wouldn't have enjoyed the race so much without their help.

I ran the final loop, could hear the finish line in the distance. I was so happy to come to the pine trees, where I knew the finish line would be. As I approached the line, the few spectators began to clap and cheer. Someone took a finish picture, offered me a hot cocoa and Barb presented me with a real nice finishing fleece sweatshirt with a zipper neck.

The clock read 5:52. Wow. A PR.

I removed my snowshoes, sat at the table and enjoyed my hot cocoa. I introduced myself to Lynn Saari who told me I was first woman. Wow! When there is a high rate of attrition, I usually place quite well.

Barb asked me to attend the party following the race, at Fitgers, at 7:00 to collect my award. I told her I would. I called home to tell Steve I won, and that I was going to attend the party, so that I would be home later than I had anticipated. I called Kathy to see if I could come to her place to shower. Kathy, Lynette and Jo ran the 1/2 so they were all at Kathy's, all ready cleaned up.

At Kathy's home I showered, ate dinner and then we all went to the award ceremony. It was so much fun! Barb gave away 5 pair of Atlas snowshoes! They are much smaller than what I wear and lighter. I didn't win anything, though.

I did go home with a fabulous 1st Place Champion trophy, a great sweatshirt and some incredibly awesome memories!

Mike Most told me that he screws his trail shoes onto his Northern Lites Elites, the same snowshoes I have. If I ever get serious about this snowshoe running business, I think I will do the same. The bindings really worked me over.

Three people had on Garmins. Two of the Garmins showed the race was 29.98 miles and the other showed 30.11 miles.

After picking up a 4 shot espresso coffee I was ready to drive back home. I reached Big Lake, safe and sound, before midnight.

Today my foot is swollen and painful. Just the right foot. I have three strips of blisters and bruises where the straps were. The heel is a mess. I can't believe it. I haven't had blister problems in a whole year. The first thing Tyler asked me this morning was if I used my foot potion. I felt embarrassed to say no, I didn't! Duh again. I can't believe I forgot to use it!

Topaz was fixing for a run today, he didn't get anything yesterday. I put on Tyler's size 15 Sorel boot on my swollen foot, my Sorel size 9 on the other and hit the trail for 2 hours. I walked, Topaz got his run on :)

Now I need to head over to Target for some foot care supplies! Next up: Winter Carnival 1/2 Marathon. It has to be warmer, doesn't it?

Bonnie and Julie

This is I and Bonnie, my great ultra running friend, after the Snowshoe Marathon last year. I finished in 5:35. It was tough!

Bonnie and I ran our first 50K and 50 miler together. She now is ultra runner extrordinare. She has 5 100 mile finishers to her credit, plus she WON the woman's group in the 100 mile McNaughton last year. She talked me into making it my first 100 miler this year. April 16. Eeek!

Northwoods Snowshoe Marathon 2004