Wild Duluth 50K

Wild Duluth lived up to her wild name!  A few days before the race the weather reports were looking dicey. Lots of snow, freezing rain and wind. It was going to be an interesting day.

Due to Covid restrictions we were going to have a staggered start between 7 -10 AM, only 10 to a bus, no aid other than water at aid stations. Masks at start/finish/water stations. I was so excited to be able to run WD again. So grateful to the Holak's for allowing us to run.

I spent Friday night at Fitgers. I usually stay at Fitgers when not driving up race day. It's quiet, clean and I can always pick up last minute supplies at Trail Fitters. I picked up some gloves this visit.

Saturday morning I headed for Bayfront Festival Park to make my 630 AM bus departure, for a 700 start time wave. It was a beautiful morning. I had many layers packed into my hydration vest along with a PB&J, gels, sweet potato and rice. I was all set. 

I lined up with one other person at the start and Andy yelled go!  Off we went. In the darkness I could see the big wet flakes slowly falling to the ground.

My headlamp was only necessary for 30 or so minutes. I removed it and placed it into my pack. I was very comfortable in fleece tights, long sleeved medium weight top and light jacket, gloves and ear band. I pulled up my mask when I came upon a few runners, passing. The sunrise was gorgeous, making the snow flakes shimmer orange. Beautiful.

Every so often I stopped to take a few photos. The St Louis River, the large pine forest, the foggy lake. Spectacular.  

I felt good. Well rested, strong, enjoying each step. I noticed the snow was sticking to the ground, alarmingly so. I thought with the warmed ground that it would melt on contact. Not so. It was piling up on the grassy areas, the rocks and the boardwalks. The boardwalks were pretty trecherous.

As I ran along through the day a few of the faster runners from the later waves would catch and pass me, but for the most part it was a very quiet day. I was deep in thought, fully immersed in a day by myself, running away from the world and it's problems. 

The snow began to pile up. 3" in total by the end of the race. 

I came into mile 16 and was filling up my bladder which was empty. I had drained it during the first 4 hours. As I was filling it up, Doug Barton walked up. He was volunteering while Maria ran. It was good to see Doug, a friendly recognizable face, even through his facemask!  Maria began an hour after me so I never did see her out there. That was the only bummer of the race-with Covid and all of the precautions were weren't able to see one another nor hang out at the finish. It was so good that they took all of the precautions though, so that we could race.

I said goodbye to Doug and continued to scamper along the trail. The freezing rain began to fall. I could feel my arms were beginning to get wet. I didn't feel like stopping to pull my windbreaker out of my pack. I ran on. 

The beautiful trail. My quads were starting to get tired at about mile 27, a few  miles to the finish. I reflected on how grateful I was to check out of real life for a day and just enjoy myself, running down the trail. 

Eventually I popped onto pavement, following the next few miles to the finish. I felt tears upon my cheeks, trying to hold back. I couldn't. I was so happy and feeling such gratitude.

Pulling on my mask I came into the finish. I again saw Doug (yay), collected my shirt and cup, gave a million thanks to Kim and headed for my car. I drove home, smiling all of the way.

No pain, no tiredness, no low points. Just one hell of a lovely day to run.

Up next: Chesterwoods 50K November 8.

Twin Cities Marathon 2014: My 40th Marathon!

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Twin Cities Marathon 2014: My 40^th Marathon! 

I can’t even believe that I’ve run 40 marathons. I remember when I first decided that I was going to become a runner. I wrote out my plan. I was going to quit drinking, quit smoking, begin to drink water, to walk, to change my diet, to lose weight and become a runner. In that order. It was the day I became a goal setter.  I wanted the lifestyle that I believed a marathoner would live.

I created that life. I am living that life. I love every day.

This recovery from Superior 100 has been a bit longer than not only my other hundred mile finishes but longer than the other two Superior 100 mile finishes as well.

I didn’t have any of the body fatigue or soreness that sometimes follows a 100 but I did / still do have very sore feet. My poor feet-both were painfully blistered and swollen. After the inflammation subsided and the blisters had dried I was still having foot pain. I described the symptoms to Karl  and he was pretty sure I was suffering from Morton’s Neuroma –as he suffers from the same.  Sure enough, it is the diagnosis I received. I then had a shot of cortisone which I don’t believe did  anything to better than pain.  I posted my dilemma to FaceBook and learned of others suffering from the same problems and the ‘work arounds ‘ they are implementing.

I went into Twin Cities Marathon  not knowing if I could finish due to the foot.  I decided I’d start and then stop if the pain became unbearable. I should have remembered I’m not really sure what unbearable is!

The ride down to Minneapolis was a treat. I rode down with my group of friends that I did RAGNAR as well as Get Lucky and Grizzle Grind together. We’ve had a lot of fun running together this year!  We had a perfect parking spot a few blocks from the start.

The marathon implemented a wave start this year. It really worked well. There was NO congestion, no walking for the first mile. Very slick.

It’s really cool to run down Hennepin Avenue-normally a high traffic area.  Marathon morning it is closed to just the runners. Fabulous!  About a mile from the start I had to stop to go pee.  Instead of waiting in line for a port a pottie near the Walker Art Center I opted to pee with the guys and just stood near the fence, thrusting my hips forward and pulling my shorts to the side. Genius!

The volunteers were amazing! I carried a handheld so each time I needed a refill I stopped at the aid table and the volunteer was very happy to fill my bottle with either water or Gatorade. When asked what I’d like I said whatever is in your jug.

I hadn’t run Twin Cities Marathon since 2012. Many memories came back to me of the past 9 TCM’s I’ve run. People along the route, aches and pains, joys of Boston Qualifiers, tripping over a rake..running Ann’s first TCM where she noticed her tumor in the bathroom stall next to me..…I miss her so. RIP sweet friend, 9 years this February. I was going through the snippets of memories as they were flashing before my eyes.

After Hennepin we ran up the hill through Kenwood and onto the Lakes. Lake of the Isles, Calhoun and Harriet. As I was running Calhoun I looked over and saw Bonnie’s apartment of years gone by towering above the tree line.  I remembered the morning we met at her place  and ran 10 hours around the lakes in prep for McNaughton 100.  The trails were too icy so we ran the roads. Good times. Great memories. Man, we’ve shared a lot. I miss it.

Running around Harriet I thought about all of the fat ass 50Ks I ran with so many friends who no longer run. I never thought those days would end. We are now only a few. Wonder who will be there this December?

I looked to see if Jeffrey would be standing in the spot that I’ve come to see him so many years running TCM.  Nope..I didn’t see him there. No Cowbell.

My foot began to bark at me. Not badly, but it was getting there.

Minnehaha Parkway. A nice long stretch before we hit the River.  Lake Nokomis-too many memories to list!  Forefront in my mind was my FANS 116 mile run. What a day! I thought of the people I shared that day with. I love them so.

By the time I hit  West River Road I was a hurting unit.  I tried to stretch out my toes, give them a bit of space. I had just purchased a brand new pair of my favorite road shoe in a wide this time for more space. Ascis Kayano. I had plenty of support and cushion. I popped an Advil. It took the edge off.

Well, I wasn’t going to stop at 18 miles. No thanks. I’d finish this.  Put the pain away. Disconnect. Ignore. I’m good at this.

I was realizing about this time that I wasn’t really having that much fun. I really wasn’t digging the asphalt and I remember thinking hmmm…this might be my last marathon. I realized I much rather spend my time on trail. I was tired of buildings and concrete and crowds of people whom I didn’t know.

As I neared Summit Avenue I looked for John. I normally see him here. Sure enough, I managed to yell out to him!  It was really nice to see a friendly face.

I continued down Summit, taking in all of the people and their signs, tiring of the large crowds. I knew I was approaching Mile 24 where the TCRC (Twin Cities Running Co)crew would be.

My eye caught Nancy and Alicia in the crowd!  I couldn’t believe it. I ran over for big hugs. So nice to see them along the course! More memories!! So many, too many to list!

I could see the TCRC RV up ahead.  I waved to Kurt, shouted out and moved on.  Two more miles!

The final push is so much fun at TCM. The bells were ringing in the St Paul Cathedral, the flags were flying out about the finish line, the State Capital in view.  I looked at my watch: 4:38. 

We all met at the “O” Sign for our finish photos and our ride home. It was so much fun to hear the adventures each had. What a splendid finish!  I was so spoiled, I had a ride home, too! 

My foot is still not right. It isn’t too bad with a shoe on, but barefoot it feels like I am walking on an acorn.

I’ve had a great come back year for 2014 and the goal was Superior 100.  I did it! A year ago I was walking around with a boot upon my broken ankle.  I feel so blessed. I may just take some time off and heal my running body, lift heavy stuff, recoup and recharge for my next training cycle

After Wild Duluth on Saturday? Not sure, yet.

5 Weeks Post Hysterectomy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wild Duluth 50K

Andy and Kim Holak have jumped into the Race Directing business with a fabulous race. If you don't know Andy and Kim I'll make a brief introduction. Andy and Kim live in Duluth and are very experienced, very talented ultra runners. They both nearly always win their races including the Superior races, Ice Age races as well as winning in other portions of the US. Kim has finished Hardrock twice.

The first time I ran Voyager and was past the cut off I was embarrassed as I met Andy for the first time, upon the trail. He was first coming back and I was last going out. He cheered for me and I turned red. After the race I told him how embarrassed I felt still being out upon the course and there he was, heading home for the finish. He set me straight. He was super supportive and told me that the ultra marathon sets an equal playing field. It doesn't matter where we place, we are all out there running and that he looks at the back of the pack runners with amazement. We are out there for nearly double the hours and don't stop. We persevere to the finish. He told me he was proud of me. I couldn't believe it at the time. I do now.

The race began at Chambers Park in Duluth. I haven't run this portion of the Superior Hiking Trail in the past. This is a section that was finished recently..in the last year or two. I had run from the third aid station on, so I was very excited to see this new portion of the trail.

I went into the race as I did Twin Cities Marathon a few weeks ago: tired and using it as a training run. This would again cap off a 100 mile week in preparation for Javelina. I was able to recover from TCM easy enough. I only hoped the outcome would be the same here. I ran a 50K at Afton on Friday with Topaz and here I was again, going to try back to back 50Ks. Topaz and I took it very easy Friday, taking 8 hours to get in the complete course. I didn't feel sore..just tired.

Apparently the thought of a training run caused me to go into the race unprepared. As I couldn't find Bay Front Park in the dark I ended up at a Starbucks on Superior St. looking for directions. A customer gave me great directions, I was at the Park but couldn't find access to the bus that I could see parked ahead. Crazy. I looped around over and over and eventually jumped a curb and made it to the lot with a minute to spare. As I was juggling through my bag, applying lube, looking for gloves, grabbing gels..I could have used 6 hands, Joann arrived at my window. I tried to talk and get ready at the same time and it wasn't working. Where's my bottle? How can I be so unprepared? Um, because you had the training run syndrome pounding through your head. Oh. Yeah.

Eventually I found one of my four gloves, a hat and some gels and such. I followed Jo to her van to see her pups. She has an old pup that isn't doing so well and a brand new puppy that was with her as well as her hubby. We ran to the bus and Andy asked if I had collected my bag. No. We ran back to Andy's car, collected my bag and number, Andy placed my bag into my car and back to the bus. Whew! Thanks Andy. All set. It was really nice to have a bus to take us to the start so that our vehicles would be at the finish. Ah, the little niceties.

On the bus I saw near Jo and Rick. Rick gave us a tour of the city on the way to the start. He pointed out the pedestrian bridge going over 35 and said we would run upon it into the finish. Cool. He pointed out West Duluth, where he grew up, the aid stations along the way, some of the Voyager course and eventually we were at the start of the race.

Brr. It was 33 degrees, clear. I had on wind pants that are sizes too big, long sleeved top, vest. Fleece hat, one glove..good to hold my bottle with.. I couldn't find any of the other three which I knew I packed and were in the car.., iPod, gels. I didn't have on a watch. I didn't know how far apart the aid stations were, I didn't know how many there were...I guess I was a bit too lacadasial about it all. Training run was all I was thinking.

As we lined up my other hand was cold. I must have mentioned it to Shelly because before we began, Mike came up to me and offered a glove! How sweet. I graciously accepted it, thanks Mike!

As we lined up at the start..me in the way back..Andy gave a course description. He was very descriptive of the course, and before I knew it he was giving a blow by blow of each section. I couldn't remember all of what he was saying. I could hear the love of the trail and the excitement of sharing the race with us in his voice. It was fun to listen to him but I couldn't retain it all.

Andy was going to begin the race by clanking two rocks together but in practice they cracked..or was that a joke..so he said GO!

I saw Wynn blazing ahead of us as we circled the lot before hitting the deer trail. I asked Maria : who is that in the Afton shirt running with Wynn? I couldn't think of who would be running with Wynn that quickly except Andy..who was directing. Well, here it WAS Andy, he was running with Wynn to get him around the lot and direct to the trail.

In a few minutes we were at the deer trail. It went straight up. STRAIGHT. UP. People in front of me were running up this path. I fell in along with them and nearly coughed up a lung. I couldn't breath. The hill went up up up. Maria stated that it looked like an Afton Fat Ass trail. I agreed. But why are we running and more importantly why am I running? Stop this insanity. I had this conversation with myself. Why are you running this hill? Because Maria and everyone else is. Does it matter? Can you breathe? No. I'm gasping and sweating and coughing and I can't breath. STOP IT! Ok. I began to walk. And gasp. And worry about the cold that I still have. Maybe this was too much. Oh my god, it's the first freaking mile. Scary. I walked and sweat and coughed and gagged. I removed myself from the deer trail and walked to catch my breath. Holy crap. Jo and Rick came up behind me. I was trying to catch my breath.

At the top of the hill I rested and took my time going along the ridge which eventually intersected with Mission Creek Trail. I was able to take normal breaths as I was ridiculing myself for running up the damn hill. Peer pressure, how stupid to succumb too.

By the time I was at the first aid station I had removed my (borrowed) gloves, hat and my vest was off of my arms and bunched at my waist. My pants pockets both had broken zippers..yeah, they are the first pair of running pants I ever purchased, so I had all of my gels and stuff in my vest pockets. I felt like a bag lady. I had stuff all over the place. In my haste to leave my car I forgot to unattach my keys to the ring so was carrying the whole damn thing with me! Ring, remote starter, keys, fobs to work and the gym. Nice. It was warming up quickly. I should have worn shorts. I had to take off my top and tie it around my waist adding to the bag lady effect. Enough of my unprepared- ness.

The trail was absolutely gorgeous! As I was running along it reminded me so often of the sections further north that I be surprised when I realized I was in the City of Duluth! The whole 50K was within the Duluth city limits! Totally amazing.

Outcrops of rock near aid station 2 were so much like the section of Bean/Bear Lake further north. We climbed forever and a day, then were rewarded with spectacular views of Duluth and Lake Superior. Just amazing. We seemed to climb for a very long time.

There were awesome sections of pine forest. Soft needles to run upon, the smell of pine profuse in the air. Such a treat. I was so happy. So happy to be running within myself, so happy to be enjoying the sun, the trail, the peace and quiet. This trail run was everything I had hoped it would be: a wonderful day on a fabulous foot path.

I kept thinking about how much I love running in the woods. How I enjoy the smells, the feel of the different terrain under my feet. Climbing the rock, taking in all of the views, running upon the soft needles of pine, enjoying the color of the leaves changing.

I kept realizing the stark differences between Twin Cities Marathon and Wild Duluth 50K! TCM was an assault of the senses. The noise, the people, the City. Wild Duluth was sensuous to the senses: the silence, the woods, the lake, soft footfalls. I enjoy trail running so much more than road running. To think I didn't know trail running existed..

At aid station 2 Helen and Val were manning the station. It was fun to see both gals helping us out. I grabbed a few gels, filled my bottle and was on my way. I asked Shelly how far along we were and she estimated 10 miles. What a great way to spend the first few hours of the race.

The next section was every bit as beautiful and I even recognized a few sections from the Voyager 50 mile race. The highlight was climbing Ely’s Peak. I climbed and climbed upon rocks just like the Carlton Peaks section. Wow. Rocky outcrops through an oak and maple forest and then up to Skyline Parkway.

Shelly and I were running along together and both commented that it seemed this whole section was a climb. It was amazing! So beautiful.

Pretty soon we came into aid station 3 where Zac greeted us with his camera! Bonnie and Jim were here too, helping us with food/fluids. I stuck to water during the run with gels. At one point my stomach was grumbling like it was hungry so I grabbed a corner of peanut butter and jelly here. About 15 minutes later I had a raging headache. It may have been due to the jelly/sugar. I’m not sure. I don’t carry Advil along any more so I just sucked it up.

As I left the aid station Bonnie told me to follow the road for a while and take a right into the woods, hitting the trail. I ran along along along, looking for the flags. I spotted them on the left, continued on.. here I saw someone running toward me. At first I thought she must be a 100K runner, but then saw realized it was Dawn. Oh oh. She told me that she had missed the turn as had I. I turned around and followed Dawn, eventually seeing the flags marking the right turn in all of their glory. I don’t know how I missed it, but I sure did. Even after being told by Bonnie that it would be there and there they are, plainly marked. Oh well. I turned into the woods, thankful that I didn’t have a watch on and that I was still happy, enjoy the day.

Pretty soon it was time for aid station 4, the Voyageur 50 Mile turnaround at the zoo. Again, I managed to miss a marker that was plainly marked. I ended up following a river for a long while until a man with a very nice border collie that I spent way too much petting, talking and being kissed by (the dog, not the man), told me I should get going and pointed me in the correct direction.

One of my pet peeves is runners complaining about course markings. Stating that the course is poorly marked, that the course wasn’t marked, etc. I know darned well the course was marked well and that I missed the turns that I did. It was not the marker’s fault or the RD’ fault. It was my fault. Always is. I never complain about markings and wasn’t going to say anything about missing the course. I ran into the aid station and Shelly stated “you must have missed the turn into the woods, I noticed you weren’t in front of my anymore” busted! Yeah, I confirmed that I missed the turn and yet another. Oh well.

I filled my water bottle and told that I was already at mile 19. Unreal! I was having so much fun I couldn’t believe that 20 miles were about in the bag. I didn’t want this to be over yet!

I ran on, toward the next aid station, enjoying the trail. I ran past the Spirit Mountain Ski Hills, under a few bridges, along 35N. It was a reminder that I was in Duluth and not out miles deep in the forest as I kept on thinking that I was.

Pretty soon I saw Dawn up ahead and my competitive side wanted to take over. Before I knew it I was running faster, thinking about catching her. No. You aren’t racing. Slow and easy. No hard recovery for Javelina. Enjoy. Enjoy. OK. I ran on, through the forest when an outcropping of rock appeared. I climbed the rock and peered over the side-there was the City of Duluth, the big green football field, Lake Superior. Fabulous views.

At the next aid station someone stated “You finally caught me, it only took you 22 miles, Julie, see you at the finish” I don’t know who it was but I don’t recall seeing him at the finish. There are so many people that I don’t recognize at races. I often wonder if the ‘know’ me from my blog or if they know me from real life. I ran with a man from WI, who knew me via my blog and I don’t even know his name! He knows all about me, though. That is the disadvantage of introducing oneself via a blog.

The next section was pretty cool. Entering more city running, the Enger park which had this super huge bell ringer thing. Andy later told me I should have rung it. It was a beautiful park. With a climb of over 1300 feet elevation the views were fantastic.

Running into the final aid station I saw Jim and his son, Jeff. It was so great to see so many familiar faces at the aid stations. Jim filled my bottle and told me I only had a 5K to the finish! I couldn’t believe it. Too short! I wanted more. Really, I was going slow enough that I wasn’t taxing myself at all. I was truly enjoying a great day in the woods. Topaz would have loved it. There were plenty of rivers for him to lay in,I’ll be taking him to run those trails.

As I ran the final segment I couldn’t help but wonder what my time would be. I kept thinking it must be near 8 hours, but then with Shelly not to far in back, I didn’t think she would run that slowly. I took Superior 50K easy in May and finished in 630. I was running about the same pace here but this course seemed a little more difficult. Superior 50K has a few long climbs that you do 2x, but this trail is continuous shorter steep ascents and descents. This course reminded me much of Glacial Trail 50K, too.

The final section was so much fun, mostly running downhill - finally - as I had to finish near the lake at Bay front Festival Park - passing through city neighborhoods, birch woods, rock boulders and downhill with more rock outcroppings and a whole mess of jack pines; the fragrance was wonderful, even with a stuffed head cold.

Down down down rock steps with amazing views of the harbor. Before I know it there is the pedestrian overpass going over 1 35. What a trip! Over the traffic, waving to the drivers underneath me, laughing all the way. Down the concrete ramp and under I 35 now. Cool. Running along the street turning into Bay front Festival Park. What a great day, a fantastic trail and an awesome run. I felt fabulous. As I ran into the finish I saw the clock blink to 6:59.

A beautiful brown Border Collie greeted me at the finish. He wanted to go for a run. Lots of kisses and pets, I had to pull myself away from him.

This race was such a treat. Andy and Kim did a great job planning the start/finish, the aid stations, everything. It was perfect.

The park had a huge warm center where I was able to change, our hosts had various chili's and drink to offer. I lounged around a bit, taking in all of the conversation until it was time to head on home.

Thanks Andy and Kim for putting on a great race! I can’t wait to run upon those trails again!

October = Racing

It is hard for me to believe that it is already October first tomorrow, but by the temperature this morning it is quite apparent. Today was the first fleece hat run day for me. Topaz and I left our driveway at 430 AM this morning to a beautiful sparkling sky full of stars. Before I turned on my headlamp I gazed at all of the different formations that I could recall. What an awesome morning.

It was brisk! The digital thermometer I have in my kitchen showed my a cold 33F. I switched out my inov8 hat for my fleece and I was glad that I did. Long sleeves and pants for the first time as well.

October brings a full race calendar for me. This Sunday is Twin Cities Marathon. I am looking forward to it very much. It is the only marathon I usually enter each year, other than the Northwoods Snowshoe Marathon in January. I like to support the local marathon by entering it each year. I don't really have a time goal. I've changed my thoughts since the last time I posted. I have been having such great track workouts that I thought I should go for a 330 or 335 but TCM really isn't a goal race for me, it is more of a support the local running community race and a fun run. I'm going to run hills on Saturday, as Javelina Jundred is only a few weeks out. I can use some more hill training. I imagine I'll have tired legs on Sunday due to the hills, which will be good training for the 100 mile race on the 31st!

October 17 brings the Wild Duluth 50K and 100K. This race is on the Superior Hiking Trail, a section that runs through Duluth. I haven't run this part in its entirety so I am really looking forward to the race. Because the race begins/ends in Duluth I don't need to spend a night, take vacation time or anything else. A nice drive up north in the early morning, a nice run and a drive back home before evening. No problem. No time goal for this either..just a nice long run in preparation for Javelina.

October 31 brings Javelina Jundred 100 Mile Halloween Party! I love this race. Held in beautiful Scottsdale Arizona, I can't wait to go back. 80 degrees, sun, fabulous! At this point I'm going to try PRing at 100 mile distance. I may change my mind, but I'm thinking a 22:35 would do nicely.

I'll be coming home November 1...then I suppose winter begins. I may plan a trip to TX in February for Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Trail Run. I think I may need something to look forward to in the dead of the winter.