Savage 100 Mile Trail Run: Race Report

Savage 100 Mile Trail Run: Believing in Myself Gives me an Edge

I wear this necklace all of the time. I wore it for the race, too.

Where to begin? It’s been a long haul but I feel like I’m finally breaking through the injury, the menopause and the depression. I feel as though I am coming out on the other side.

When I learned that Les Martisko was creating The Savage 100 Mile Trail Run so that he could finish a 100 mile ultramarathon as a way to celebrate his 70^th birthday I wanted to be a part of the celebration.  Les and I have run many many miles together over the years.

When I first began Ultra I was fighting the cut offs and Les would patiently coach me during our races, letting me know that we were in fact going to finish.  He was always correct. He was always steady. I’ve learned so much from him.

Happy Birthday to Les, may we all be running 100 mile ultramarathons for our 70^th birthday! 

Going into The Savage 100 I felt very confident that I could finish. Zumbro 50 was a dream come true five weeks prior. I had been having NO ankle pain, I believed in myself. Believing in myself gives me an edge.

The race course was held at Murphy-Hanrehan Park, a Dakota County Park located in Savage MN. It was a 16+ mile loop-plenty of hills, beaver dam water crossing, woods  and open prairie areas. It was all trail but for a short-maybe .50 mile tops each lap was dirt road.   It reminded me of McNaughton 100 in more than one way.

I chose to begin the race at 300 AM. We could start at 300 AM or at 600 AM. The race was finished at 1 PM Sunday for a total of 34 hours.  I figured I could use every spare hour I could take. My ‘goal’ was to  finish each loop in 5 hours-giving me a 30 hour finish.

Because gels, water and electrolyte worked 100% at Zumbro I was going to use the same plan. I'm so grateful to Karl for getting me off of the solid food leading to  stomach aches, gas, bloat and energy crashes and making such a strong case to me to try gels, only gels!  He always says to me IT IS WHAT THE BODY NEEDS, Jule! I had multiple changes of shoes, socks and clothing. Batteries, gels, electrolytes, foot potion, etc. I loved that I could use my car as my drop bag, reaching it every 17 miles. Woohoo.

I pulled on my Nathan Vest, filled one 20 oz bottle with water, my headlamp and handheld flashlight and walked toward the start area. I didn’t recognize anyone at first out of the 60 entrants. I didn’t know who was going to begin at 300 or 600 so wasn’t sure who to look for. Eventually Misty and Victoria meandered to the start and Bob took photos of us.  Let’s get this party started. Seriously. That was my thought. Party on the trail.

Misty, Me and Victoria <3 br="">

Kim Martin, our RD, gave us a lowdown on the course, the markings, the beaver dam, etc. and told us to go. We went! 

Interesting way that we began..all looking down!

As I began to run up the trail I looked up to the full moon, the stars and just felt such deep gratitude for being able to start this 100 miler. My ankle had been feeling solid, my training leading up to the race had been spot on. I was so grateful to be right where I was. Other than my nutrition for the week prior I had been 100%. I was going to be OK. I was going to finish. Those were my thoughts.

I picked my way along the trail, looking for the first crack of dawn. Pretty soon I could see the sky becoming  a bright pink, then deep purple and light blue. So beautiful. We were going to have a great day.

At each aid station I made sure I had an adequate supply of gels and filled my water bottle. The stations were amazing. As I approached I’d be asked what I wanted: do you want a burrito, a pancake, soup, potato? Um, no, gel and water please! Simple.

I caught Anjanette along the first loop and ended up running the first 53 miles with her!  We’ve never run together before. I first met Anjanette at Superior 100 last fall and I don’t think I had seen her since.  She told me she was going to try to hang with me for the next few loops but that she would run her own race. I told her that was fine. I was going to do what felt good, no pressure. 

As I finished up loop1 I headed to my car to wash my feet, lube them up, change socks. I dropped my jacket, changed out of long sleeved shirt into short sleeves, dropped my gloves, exchanged headlamp for sunglasses. I was ready to go after 6 minutes.  I believe loop one was less that 4 hours. I thought that was probably too fast.

Loop 2 went very well. It was fun to see the surroundings in daylight.  Again, the aid stations were amazing-lots of variety-lots of welcoming smiles. All I needed was a gel and water.

Loop 2 ended up taking under 4 hours too. I needed to slow down but I didn’t feel overtaxed or anything, so maybe I’d just go with it. I again washed my feet and changed socks. The rocks were chewing up my feet along with the mud. The bottoms of my feet were becoming raw and my stupid little toes were covered in callus with blister wanting to form. Honest to god, they end up smushed up in my shoes into the shapes of little wedges with deep points. My socks had a ton of grit in them even though I was wearing gaiters. All I could do was wash them down and clean them off. I had two jugs of water at my car so I’d just pour water over them, dry them off and lube them up. Hoping for the best!

During Loop 3 I began to feel antsy. I was changing my plan. I was feeling the endorphin rush. Screw the 5 hour laps! I felt like I should try to get in as many miles as I could before the darkness of night arrived. I felt like stretching out my legs and running hard! Anjanette said that she would probably walk Loop 4 so I thought that would be when I’d put the hammer down.

We reached 50 mile in 11:40. Great pace, I was feeling good. After Loop 3 I walked up to the start/finish and finally recognized a few friends. I gave E a big hug and yacked with Jeff for so long that when I took off to run away from the aid station I realized I had forgotten to fill my water bottle!  Oops!  Oh well, the next aid station was 4 miles away and I didn’t feel like it was a do or die situation. After running a few miles I told Anjanette was going to listen to my tunes and peel out. I was going to get as many miles in as I could before night fall.  Off I peeled.

Once I was by myself I was able to think deeply about where I was and what I was doing. I was feeling my strength, my weaknesses, my emotions. I was moving along so well and was quite surprised at how great this race was going.

As I ran into Natchez Arika, Jim, Ryan, Vickie, BJ  and Bob began to clap and cheer. Every time I ran in to Natchez Arika was there yahooing me!  I heard Hey Sugar, what can I get you? Oh, water and gel will do. Well, I think you should try a Red Bull. Oh, really? Well, I never have. Oh, you need to. OK, I will. Shall I drink it with moderation or guzzle it down? Well, I don’t really do moderation…yeah, we’d make a great pair..I don’t either. I guzzled down that Red Bull and grew wings!  I couldn’t believe the quick energy it gave me.

Before I knew it I was running with a pep in my step and a goofy grin on my face. I figured I might as well get a full bump of energy  so took down an espresso hammergel and a few advil. Might as well get a big bang!  I did! I felt like I was flying and I was nothing but pure positive in my mind. I have been practicing positive thinking for a long time.

I began to think about Superior 100, where I broke my ankle in September. I really want to go back and get another finish. As I felt like I was flying down the trail I said aloud “Ok, Superior Sawtooth..I’m coming after you and I am going to make you my bitch!” I had to laugh at myself, I don’t normally speak that way!  It was hilarious. I was totally enjoying myself.

Each time I ran into Horse Camp Aid Station the captain would exclaim 'Here she comes again, smiling as always!' I was. I was truly beaming, full of euphoria.

I hadn't listened to any music yet. I decided to turn on my iPod and enjoy, running along the trail, loving the solitary moment. I needed to be by myself, to think deeply. I love the social aspect of ultrarunning-the training with others, the races with friends, but I also crave the solitary moments. I mostly train by myself. I need the time alone where I can go deeply into my mind, my soul, for hours on end.  It’s good medicine.

I hit 68 miles at 15:30 and felt on top of the world.  At my car I refilled my gels, an electrolyte caplet, a bandana for my head, headlamp. It was still relatively warm -55F-so I would wait until the next lap to change into pants if necessary.

The 5^th loop just amazed me. I couldn’t believe that I had been running so well for so long. I knew that when darkness arrived I would slow down miserable. I have horrible night vision. Even with two lights and brand new batteries my eyes fail.

The sunset was glorious. Deep magenta with purple streaks across the sky. I stood there with tears in my eyes. I was so thankful to again be able to do what I love. To  do what fills me up. 

The moon and stars popped out, lighting the way. So gorgeous. I stood still, turned my lights off and extended my arms to the moon. I cried. I was so thankful.

For the final 17 I added a pair of pants and gloves. I was getting really cold. I turned on my car along with the heat and thawed out for a few minutes. Some more gels, a bottle refill, change of batteries, wash of feet and I was on my way. I noticed that my Garmin 310 XT had died. I decided I’d consume a gel every other mile by the mile markers on the course. I was sticking with the gels for my nutrition and it was proving to work 100% again. No stomach upset and plenty of energy.

I couldn’t believe I was on my final loop. I reminded myself how a 100 mile race can be much like life. Ups, downs..many emotions. I had felt them all.

I had wished my family had an interest in coming out to check in during the race. It was only an hour from home and I thought maybe they would. I had extended the invitation to family and friends.

My perception of the enormity of running 100 miles has changed since my hysterectomy. Prior to that I ran 14 100 milers in 5 years. Since hysterectomy I’ve taken on one battle after another head on.  Recovery from hysterectomy, herniated discs, avulsion fracture, break, depression. All related to hysterectomy-of this I am certain. I may have been knocked down but never knocked out. I’ve come out on the other side and I am getting there, back to where I want to be.  To the person I will be.

As I posted earlier, May is my RECONNECT. It’s become my RESET as well. I truly felt like I pressed my reset button. I had made the recovery, I was ready to stop dwelling on the past and I was ready to move on to the future. A bright, bright future!  RESET.

As I ran into the final stretch I wasn’t sure of the time. The sky was beginning to lighten, the moon went away. I made a final pit stop and guessed it to be about 26 hours.  I began to get choked up, to speak my gratitude out loud. I had made my peace.

I ran into the finish line, there was a lone woman standing there to take my bib and hand me my finish time. 26:07. I was totally thrilled. I wasn’t injured, I wasn’t tired, I was strong, happy and healthy.

Swag

I walked over to my car, stripped out of my wet muddy stinky clothes. Mixed up a shake and began to dress. It was  a long process.  My body felt that old, yet familiar, feeling…100 mile pain and fatigue. Yes, I had missed it.

I placed First Master Woman, 13^th Overall.  Not bad for my comeback! My endurance is back-my speed and body composition will follow. I’m working on it, I’m bringing it!

I'm looking forward to a summer of training hard, reaching my goals. Up next is the Afton 50K, Voyageur 50 Mile, Superior Sawtooth 100 and TBunk. I got this.

The Zumbro 50 Mile Midnight Trail Run: Euphoria

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Yes. Total Euphoria and Bliss.

I don’t know where to begin. I guess I’ll begin  a few weeks out from Zumbro. I had been healing well, running mostly pavement because my beloved trail was under 4’ of snow and ice. Trail made my almost healed ankle feel loose and painful.  I hoped for the best.

A few of my worries:  The midnight start was a bit of a concern as I knew this meant I’d be up for hours.  I am not a napper. I would awake at 5 AM on Friday, run a few errands, arrive to Zumbro and hang out until the midnight start. I ended up  awake for 41 hours. I wasn’t tired! On the other hand, the midnight start was perfect for my next goal: Savage 100Mile Trail Run.

I knew I’d have a slow first 6 hours in the dark. I have horrible night vision so I had a headlamp and handheld flashlight to light my way. I haven’t worn a headlamp since I herniated my discs. The last time I tried my spine became very fatigued and pained. Some time has passed so I was again hoping for the best.  I step gingerly during the dark hours, dodging rocks, roots and mud, trying to navigate foot placement.

I figured with a slow first 6 hours I would be stiff by the time daylight approached, and possibly fatigued. Maybe I worried too much about that which I can’t control.

My goal was to finish, without a time goal. I figured 15 hours was a reasonable amount of time. 5 hours a loop. 5 for loop 1, during the dark, 5 for loop 2 half dark and then tired and 5 for the final exhausting loop. This was going to be a good long run for the Savage 100.

While packing up on Friday I couldn’t find my ugly grey Nathan vest anywhere. I don’t like bladders-I over drink. I like using handhelds so I can track what I drink per hour -and a light vest with pockets to stash my gels. I probably tossed it after the grossness that permeated it while running at Superior Sawtooth 100 in September.

On the way to Zumbro I swung into TCRunning Company in Maple Grove. I knew that there was a nice colorful Ultimate Direction vest with my name on it! I made my purchase and ventured on to Zumbro.

It was pretty quiet when I arrived to the Zumbro River Bottoms. It was warm, in the 60s and the snow – blizzard – that we had the previous week was all gone!  Woohoo!

The 100 milers began at 8 AM Friday, there were 60 of them out on the course. The course is a 17 mile loop full of steep climbs, lots of mud and  rock. It’s challenging.

I milled about the check in, connecting with awesome friends. It was a party atmosphere and I was ready to get my party on.

At 1130 PM I took inventory of what I needed to bring with me and began to pack up. I attached my iPod to my nifty new Ultimate Direction vest, I placed 4 gels into each pocket-my plan was to eat a gel every 30 minutes, drink water and do Scaps for electrolytes. Lucky for me HammerNutrition was a sponsor so I would find gels at each aid station. I placed 7 AA batteries in a pocket for my lights-they would dim in the cold night and need replacement battery-I had some wipes for cleanup in another pocket.  I lubed my feet, my armpits, my waist, my bra line. Affixed my gaitors and went back and forth wondering if I should wear shorts or pants. I decided on a light weight pair of pants, long sleeve shirt and windbreaker. Rain was forecast in a few hours. I had shorts, socks and a sleeveless top unpacked and ready to reach for upon my next loop. I’d be back in 17 miles.

1150 PM I heard John on the loudspeaker rounding up the 50 milers. I sucked down a gel and removed myself from my car.

I lined up in the back of the pack. This was going to be a long training run for the Savage 100 Mile Trail Run. Woot! I was back in my element which I have missed so much. Oh my gosh, let’s do this!

I was so excited!  As I was running with almost 200 others at the start I realized how much fun I was going to have, how much I’ve missed ULTRA and how far I have come…again. I was laughing out loud as I passed John on his ladder telling us to get this party started.

Loop 1: The loop began with a steep climb up the ridge. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t killing me. There are many many steep up and downs, with beautiful views on top, even in the dead of night. My calves didn’t blow up. They stayed strong. I looked out over the ridge and could see headlamps climbing up the hill, I could see the start/finish lights way down below. What an awesome adventure I was going to embark on.

There was quite a bit of mud on the trail from the quick snow melt during the week. I could feel it go up and over the top of my shoes. I was grateful that I was wearing my gators! 

During the first loop I was running near Robin and Mike-it was fun to recognize them and have enjoyable conversation while we caught up!

I had to change batteries after a few hours.  I was glad I had extras on board.  I was making sure to eat a gel every 30 minutes, I was staying on schedule, drinking 20 oz of water each hour.

I returned to the start/finish at 4:45. I felt awesome!  It was still dark-there wasn’t any light in the sky. I ran to my car, removed and washed my feet, lubed them up and changed socks and shoes. I didn’t like the feel of one of my toes in the Inov-8s I was wearing so swapped out for another pair of the same model. I changed out of pants and put on a pair of shorts, was sad that I still had to use lights, filled up my bottle, grabbed a few gels and moved along. Elapsed time: 4 minutes. Sweet!

Loop 2: I ran back into the darkness, up the bluff, thinking to myself ‘wow, only one more visit to this bluff, one more visit to this downhill, one more visit to…’ etc. It seemed like time was moving quickly.  I was feeling so good I actually found myself excited about running the 100 miler here next year instead of lamenting and wishing I would have run the 17 miler instead. Whoopie!

I could overhear people talking about the rain that was forecast to arrive soon. I felt sprinkles on and off, but nothing that I was concerned about at this time.

About half way through Loop 2 the sun began to rise. I could finally pull off my headlamp and put away my handheld light. What a relief!  That headlamp was giving me a headache and I just can’t see in the dark!  I had surgery years ago and now wear glasses in the evening when it becomes dark. I have never run with them, though.

At about mile 26 I came up to Robin again. I was feeling super!  We checked in with one another-I shared with her that I had been eating 1 gel every 30 minutes, no solids and that I felt super. I told her my theory was that it took my untrained body 4 hours to began to burn fat, whereas when I was in tip top shape it took about 1. Oh well.

Waves of euphoria were flowing through me! I was feeling so good, so strong and so shocked!  I could now SEE the trail, I could move faster, my ankle was solid. No pain!  Woohoo. I wasn’t tired. I was in new mileage territory. I hadn’t run 50K since last September so as I crossed that threshold I let out a whoop! Not long after that whoop I’d think to myself ‘ok, don’t get too excited, you know how the bonk is’ then ‘oh, just enjoy it, flow with it and ride it while it is here!’  So I did.

As I was running along I thought of my conversation with Topaz before I left. I told him to think of me, to send me good strong running thoughts. I told him that I would run for him since he could no longer run for himself. I told him I would run for me, for all of the times that I wasn’t able to run. I could feel his good karma while I was running upon the trail. Tears began to flow from my eyes.

I thought of myself in a ball of pain, on the floor,  in the kitchen. The herniated discs so painful that I didn’t know if I should scream or cry, two years ago. I thought of my broken ankle and being told that I would never run again, last September.  I thought of the beginning of this downward spiral: the  hysterectomy, the menopause that immediately followed and then began to break down my body, my mind.  Changing it into something I didn’t recognize. I almost let it take me down. I almost became tired of fighting it. I was ready to give in. Almost.

I could hear thunder in the distance. I saw the lightening. The winds began to strongly blow cold air. Mother Nature let loose!  Hail, torrential rain. So much for my easier run during Loop 2 in the daylight!  Holy Shit.

I composed myself. I wasn’t going to panic. I could do this. I have run in rain, in storms before.

I was climbing the ridge to Ant Hill. On that  ridge the wind was blowing leaves at me, branches were falling from trees. The  rain was pummeling my face. I could taste the salt from my face. I couldn’t see!  I pulled my windbreaker from my waist and put it on, pulling my hood over my head. It was soaked within minutes.  I gingerly began to climb down Ant Hill. Luckily there were rocks strewn about so it wasn’t quite as slick as some of the other mudified areas. I began to laugh, hysterically!  What else could I do? Keep on moving, one foot in front of the other.

The mud was so deep that it pulled off my shoe! My gaitors had been pushed up from the Velcro in the back from the mud but they were still attached by the hook in front, so it was dangling from my toe. I went straight down!  Ick. I had to laugh, it was a riot!  I was having a mud bath. A stinky slimy mud bath.

Now I was getting cold. I was soaked through, in shorts. As I ran along a long dirt road section to the aid station I saw Rick and Jordan. Jordan was running his first 100. He was freezing. Rick told me they would get a garbage bag at the aid station. I ran into the aid station and asked the kind folks from TCRunning Company if they had any garbage bags. Yes!  A life saver. The kind volunteer popped a hole in the top and two holes for my hands. Matt came to tell me many had dropped. I couldn’t. I was not hurt. On I went. The rain was coming down in buckets. I grabbed a few gels and carried on, running up the trail.

I tried to navigate the mud. It seemed best to go straight up the middle. When I tried to run along the side I ended up sliding into the middle anyway. WOW!  I still felt fabulous though, I was riding the endorphin rush.  I hoped it would last.

I had heard that many were dropping. Of the almost 200 50 milers there were less than ½ of us still out there. Of the 60 100 milers there were less than 1/2 as well. There was a high rate of attrition.

Loop 3. Final. As I ran into the start/finish at 34 miles I just couldn’t believe how great I felt. Sure, I was a cold wet dog but I didn’t have any ankle pain, no pain at all, no blisters, no chafing, I was golden man, golden! I really couldn’t believe it.

I was going to change, but then decided why bother. It was still pouring, I’d still get soaked.  I went up to the aid station and everyone asked how it was going. When I replied oh fine, it’s an adventure, it’s not that bad!  I received a few eye rolls and one person began to ridicule my response, explaining to me why he and many others had dropped. It was unsafe. What would happen if I fell, etc. I wasn’t putting anyone down for dropping, I was just having an awesome time and as long as my ankle didn’t hurt I was good to go! They had asked how I was doing so I just responded.

I decided to listen to my iPod for Loop 3. I still couldn’t believe it was the final loop!  I was beginning to wonder when the low would come? Maybe it wouldn’t!  I had been eating a gel ever 30 minutes, I was still on task, I was ahead of my projected 15 hours. WOOfrickingHOO!

The rain stopped!  I was still foraging a deluge of mud and water but the rain had stopped!  I was having so much fun. SO MUCH FUN!  I was a bit over the top, coming up on people and just bubbling over with happiness while so many were suffering. I tried to hold it back, but I wear my emotions on my sleeve and it really was hard for me to do. I was bubbling over with joy.

Climbing another ridge I came upon Jim Wilson. I just love Jim!  He was moving along. I gave him a hug and moved on.

I was doing what I love to do. Doing what had been taken away from me. I was reveling in the movement of my body, the joy that it was bringing to me. I was thinking about Savage 100 and the fact that I was excited about it, excited to dig deep and to see what I still had inside of me. It’s been a long time.

I began to get choked up. I began to hold my hand to my face and sob. I was here, I was running under these horrible conditions and having the time of my life. I went from moments of sobbing with joyful emotion to holding back, trying not to get too excited. Holding back was futile.

2 more miles. I couldn’t believe it. I felt great, strong. I was doing this. I ran along, under my 5 hour loop goal, under my 15 hour total goal. I began to do the math. I’d finish in under 1450, possibly 1430. Wow.

I ate 30 gels!  THIRTY GELS!!! Nothing else. I drank water, had two SCaps.  THIRTY GELS!  I took two Advil for good measure. Just because. Wow. Stellar.

As I hit the field to the start/finish someone yelled out GO JULIE!  Another yelled, COME ON, RUN THROUGH ONE MORE MUD PUDDLE, as he pointed to the huge body of water sitting in the field. I did it!  I splashed through that last mud puddle and laughed crazily. They laughed and cheered!  I heard Cheri say IT’S JULIE! IT’S JULIE BERG! A group of people came together and cheered and yelled as I came into the finish line. I couldn’t contain myself. She’s smiling!  She’s still smiling!  I was. I was euphoric. I did it. I could still do it.

I gave John and Cheri each a hug. John and I stood there, laughing at one another. I whispered – ‘it’s been 5 years, John, 5 fucking years’- ‘I know, but you’re back now’. Yes. Yes I am.

I visited with others, drank my super recovery drink and changed into clean clothes. I learned that I was First Master Woman.  I left that party with a huge smile on my face. I am still wearing it.