Another Bonnie! Coming up the deer trail
Monday, November 28, 2005
Afton Fat Ass Fun
Saturday morning was the Third Annual Afton Fat Ass. As I explained in an earlier post, a 'fat ass' run in ultra lingo is a run that is low key, not certified or timed; just fun with friends.
Saturday's run/hike was all of that.
There were roughly 15 of us participating in the morning romp through the woods. About an inch of snow had fallen through the night; making the trail very slippery. The snow was covering a thick layer of oak leaves.
Now, Scott didn't lead us along the 'regular' Afton State Park trails that the 'normal' people would use. Oh, no, no, no; Scott led us on the DEER TRAILS. For real. They are the trails that the deer use. The trails go up and down the deep deep ravines, through the creek crossings, you feel like a billy goat hanging on the side of a cliff. It was crazy fun!
Scott was the leader and we all followed him. He even set up two aid stations for us. He had a cooler with grapes, cheese, chocolate and sparkling pear juice for those of us who don't drink alcohol, and champagne for those that do! Yes, Champagne at the aid stations! He had two of these set up for us. Incredible!
We were out traipsing through the woods for 3:45 hours. It was fabulous. I think we covered 10 miles. Seriously! Crazy, hu?
After the run we changed and became cozy in the visitor center. There were different soups, chili, breads, fruit, veggies, sweets, etc. It was wonderful. We just visited and had a good time.
As we were sitting near the fire, with plates of food on our laps, guess what we saw? 9 deer, coming up out of the woods, on the deer trail that we had just run upon! Way Cool.
We had a card for Ann and an amazing amount of donations were received. I brought over $1000 to Ann on Sunday morning. What a great group of friends!
Saturday's run/hike was all of that.
There were roughly 15 of us participating in the morning romp through the woods. About an inch of snow had fallen through the night; making the trail very slippery. The snow was covering a thick layer of oak leaves.
Now, Scott didn't lead us along the 'regular' Afton State Park trails that the 'normal' people would use. Oh, no, no, no; Scott led us on the DEER TRAILS. For real. They are the trails that the deer use. The trails go up and down the deep deep ravines, through the creek crossings, you feel like a billy goat hanging on the side of a cliff. It was crazy fun!
Scott was the leader and we all followed him. He even set up two aid stations for us. He had a cooler with grapes, cheese, chocolate and sparkling pear juice for those of us who don't drink alcohol, and champagne for those that do! Yes, Champagne at the aid stations! He had two of these set up for us. Incredible!
We were out traipsing through the woods for 3:45 hours. It was fabulous. I think we covered 10 miles. Seriously! Crazy, hu?
After the run we changed and became cozy in the visitor center. There were different soups, chili, breads, fruit, veggies, sweets, etc. It was wonderful. We just visited and had a good time.
As we were sitting near the fire, with plates of food on our laps, guess what we saw? 9 deer, coming up out of the woods, on the deer trail that we had just run upon! Way Cool.
We had a card for Ann and an amazing amount of donations were received. I brought over $1000 to Ann on Sunday morning. What a great group of friends!
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Thanksgiving Day Run
This morning on the news KARE 11 was showing the entrants of the Northwest 5K Run in Downtown Minnepolis getting ready to run.
As I was pulling on mittens over gloves, hubby asked me "Didn't you always do that run?" "Yeah, I used to .." We then had a conversation about how my running has, well, grown..become a bit more extreme.
The 5K run was a 108 mile (round trip) drive into Minneapolis to run 3 miles. I drove for more minutes that I ran. Now that just seems wrong. I have a new rule. I need to run for more minutes than I drive to get to the run. Unless, of course, it is a 50 Mile or a 100 mile run. Then it is worth the ride.
Well, today it was a 20 mile (round trip) drive to run 15 miles. Plenty more running minutes than driving minutes.
PLUS I was able to run with my Topaz. As I was looking like a stuffed sausage, pulling on a second pair of pants, I realized he runs in the same attire all year long. Of course his fur coat he is sporting is a bit thicker, but how amazing nature is.
It was cold. 10F with a 35 mph wind which makes for a windchill of -17F. Yeah.
I just finished creating a super fruit salad: 4 apples, 4 oranges, 4 kiwi, 1 bag of green grapes, 1 bag of red grapes, 4 pears, 4 bananas, 1 can of unsweetened pineapple because it is out of season right now, 2 pounds of strawberries. YUM! Chop into BIG chunks (I only 1/2 the strawberries and leave the grapes whole), squeeze the juice of two lemons onto fruit and add 1/4 c honey. Stir well.
DIVINE!
Must get to the grocery to get some veggies for the awesome veggie tray.
Enjoy the turkey and get your RUN IN!
Happy Thanksgiving.
As I was pulling on mittens over gloves, hubby asked me "Didn't you always do that run?" "Yeah, I used to .." We then had a conversation about how my running has, well, grown..become a bit more extreme.
The 5K run was a 108 mile (round trip) drive into Minneapolis to run 3 miles. I drove for more minutes that I ran. Now that just seems wrong. I have a new rule. I need to run for more minutes than I drive to get to the run. Unless, of course, it is a 50 Mile or a 100 mile run. Then it is worth the ride.
Well, today it was a 20 mile (round trip) drive to run 15 miles. Plenty more running minutes than driving minutes.
PLUS I was able to run with my Topaz. As I was looking like a stuffed sausage, pulling on a second pair of pants, I realized he runs in the same attire all year long. Of course his fur coat he is sporting is a bit thicker, but how amazing nature is.
It was cold. 10F with a 35 mph wind which makes for a windchill of -17F. Yeah.
I just finished creating a super fruit salad: 4 apples, 4 oranges, 4 kiwi, 1 bag of green grapes, 1 bag of red grapes, 4 pears, 4 bananas, 1 can of unsweetened pineapple because it is out of season right now, 2 pounds of strawberries. YUM! Chop into BIG chunks (I only 1/2 the strawberries and leave the grapes whole), squeeze the juice of two lemons onto fruit and add 1/4 c honey. Stir well.
DIVINE!
Must get to the grocery to get some veggies for the awesome veggie tray.
Enjoy the turkey and get your RUN IN!
Happy Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Afton Fat Ass
Excuse the language! In ultra running a "Fat Ass" run is one which is free, where there are no shirts or aid and usually a pot luck dinner afterwards.
Scott Wagner, Race Director of the Afton 50K, has held an Afton Fat Ass for the past three years on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Well, this Saturday will be the third year.
It's a blast! There are usually 20 or so runners who participate. We meet at the Afton State Park visitor center and run 'follow the leader' style, through the woods, through culverts, up and down hills, for 3-5 hours.
Scott says this year the route is 4-5 hours. A good enough run to wear off the Thanksgiving Pecan pie!
After a good run we'll converge on the visitor center for waffles, fruit salad, venison chili, multiple cake and cookie items and whatever else is brought along.
Most of all, we'll enjoy some very good company.
Do you know that I met all of these ultra runners on line? Yup. 3 years ago I wanted to run more than just marathons. I did a search and found the Minnesota Dead Runners list. I began to participate in online discussions and one day a woman (who turned out to be Bonnie!) invited me to a 'beginning ultra runner' discussion in St. Paul. Well, I was a bit nervous to meet a group of people that I had only conversed with online and had never seen in person. Thank goodness I did. This group of people have become some of my best friends.
After a few meetings..we met every Thursday night on Lake Como..Bonnie asked me to ride along with Bonnie and Marie to run the Ice Age 50 Mile. I had never even left home for a weekend!
I'm sure glad I attended that first meeting.
Scott Wagner, Race Director of the Afton 50K, has held an Afton Fat Ass for the past three years on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Well, this Saturday will be the third year.
It's a blast! There are usually 20 or so runners who participate. We meet at the Afton State Park visitor center and run 'follow the leader' style, through the woods, through culverts, up and down hills, for 3-5 hours.
Scott says this year the route is 4-5 hours. A good enough run to wear off the Thanksgiving Pecan pie!
After a good run we'll converge on the visitor center for waffles, fruit salad, venison chili, multiple cake and cookie items and whatever else is brought along.
Most of all, we'll enjoy some very good company.
Do you know that I met all of these ultra runners on line? Yup. 3 years ago I wanted to run more than just marathons. I did a search and found the Minnesota Dead Runners list. I began to participate in online discussions and one day a woman (who turned out to be Bonnie!) invited me to a 'beginning ultra runner' discussion in St. Paul. Well, I was a bit nervous to meet a group of people that I had only conversed with online and had never seen in person. Thank goodness I did. This group of people have become some of my best friends.
After a few meetings..we met every Thursday night on Lake Como..Bonnie asked me to ride along with Bonnie and Marie to run the Ice Age 50 Mile. I had never even left home for a weekend!
I'm sure glad I attended that first meeting.
Ann Maser 8K
The 8K I am putting together for Ann is coming together nicely. Today I received the entries all printed and folded up nice and neat; ready for labels and postage.
For those of you that live in the Twin Cities area please contact me for an entry! I'd love to meet you all.
The race will be held in Big Lake, 54 miles NW of Minneapolis on January 14 @ 9:00. Get this: The Minnesota Twins donated 4 executive seating tickets along with some merchandise for door prizes. I also received 4 30 minute certificates for massages, various business certificates and running store certificates. Very cool.
Today was a good workout day. 3 miles on the treadmill in the AM and 7 miles on the trail after work. Troy's basketball isn't until 730 tonight so I had a bit of free time :)
Run On!
For those of you that live in the Twin Cities area please contact me for an entry! I'd love to meet you all.
The race will be held in Big Lake, 54 miles NW of Minneapolis on January 14 @ 9:00. Get this: The Minnesota Twins donated 4 executive seating tickets along with some merchandise for door prizes. I also received 4 30 minute certificates for massages, various business certificates and running store certificates. Very cool.
Today was a good workout day. 3 miles on the treadmill in the AM and 7 miles on the trail after work. Troy's basketball isn't until 730 tonight so I had a bit of free time :)
Run On!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Wednesday Night Run Club
When I went out at lunch today I could not believe how windy and cold it was! 15F and 35 mile per hour winds makes for one cold temperature.
It wasn't any better come 5:00 tonight. I wanted to run 10 miles so figured I'd begin an hour early and run one loop myself and another with the fellow run club members.
Out came the fleece tights, under the wind pants. The two long sleeved shirts, the jacket, the fleece gloves, under the wind mittens, the wool socks and the fleece hat. All set.
I know that I've never had a run I haven't enjoyed and knew that I would enjoy this one too...once I began. I just had to get out there.
The hardest part was the first 1/4 mile..right into the wind. I had to pull my hands-covered with two layers of mits-into my jacket sleeves. Eventually I was able to pull them out and pull down my fleece face mask onto my neck.
The moon was big and full, beautifully reflecting upon itself upon the lake. Magical.
I misjudged my timing and was finished before the other runners had arrived for the 6:00 run. I was beginning to get cold so headed out for loop two on my own.
I finished by myself and was able to cheer and yell as the 5 men finished.
We stood around for only a few minutes. Enough time to stand in a circle, hold hands and offer a prayer for Ann.
Cold and wind blown, we all headed home.
It wasn't any better come 5:00 tonight. I wanted to run 10 miles so figured I'd begin an hour early and run one loop myself and another with the fellow run club members.
Out came the fleece tights, under the wind pants. The two long sleeved shirts, the jacket, the fleece gloves, under the wind mittens, the wool socks and the fleece hat. All set.
I know that I've never had a run I haven't enjoyed and knew that I would enjoy this one too...once I began. I just had to get out there.
The hardest part was the first 1/4 mile..right into the wind. I had to pull my hands-covered with two layers of mits-into my jacket sleeves. Eventually I was able to pull them out and pull down my fleece face mask onto my neck.
The moon was big and full, beautifully reflecting upon itself upon the lake. Magical.
I misjudged my timing and was finished before the other runners had arrived for the 6:00 run. I was beginning to get cold so headed out for loop two on my own.
I finished by myself and was able to cheer and yell as the 5 men finished.
We stood around for only a few minutes. Enough time to stand in a circle, hold hands and offer a prayer for Ann.
Cold and wind blown, we all headed home.
Friday, November 11, 2005
A Run For Ann
I'm planning an 8K race for Ann.
Yes. It is Ann who has lymphoma. Ann; whose face graces these many pages of my blog. Ann is one of the healthiest people I know, and for her to come down with cancer, is simply shocking to me.
I still haven't been able to wholly grasp the fact.
She'll fight this cancer. She'll fight it off and come back healthier than ever. Yup, I know it as fact.
The Big Lake Run Club is helping me to set up the details. We have Debbie, who is an artist, and does fabulous work. She will design the T-shirts.
The company for which George works is going to sponser us and pay for the shirts.
I've contacted local businesses to donate for food and drink, I've contacted running stores to donate merchandise for door prizes.
We'll use the clock and finish chute that we use for our summer race.
The date: January 14.
Ann is in for the race of her life. We'll be there to help her win this race.
Yes. It is Ann who has lymphoma. Ann; whose face graces these many pages of my blog. Ann is one of the healthiest people I know, and for her to come down with cancer, is simply shocking to me.
I still haven't been able to wholly grasp the fact.
She'll fight this cancer. She'll fight it off and come back healthier than ever. Yup, I know it as fact.
The Big Lake Run Club is helping me to set up the details. We have Debbie, who is an artist, and does fabulous work. She will design the T-shirts.
The company for which George works is going to sponser us and pay for the shirts.
I've contacted local businesses to donate for food and drink, I've contacted running stores to donate merchandise for door prizes.
We'll use the clock and finish chute that we use for our summer race.
The date: January 14.
Ann is in for the race of her life. We'll be there to help her win this race.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Wednesday Night Run Club
Minnesota experienced a wonderful fall day today. The sky was clear and blue; the wind light and the temperature..a balmy 71 degrees F! Spectacular!!
The only bummer is that it is now dark at 530 PM. We turned out clocks back on Sunday. I hate that, why can't we just enjoy the night light and keep the morning dark? I don't get it; but, I digress.
As I pulled my reflective vest over my short sleeved shirt I realized this was the first time I had worn the vest over anything other than a jacket. I didn't need a jacket today, or pants. Shorts and a tee on November 2. That hasn't happened before.
Run club was fun. It was only 1 and 4 of the guys. They actually ran at my pace tonight. We finished the 5 miles in 39:40.
I ran 2.5 miles on the treadmill this morning too. I'm finding that I don't like to start the day without a couple miles on the treadmill. It's becomming my cup of coffee-so to speak.
M1: Oat Pancake
M2: Banana/cottage cheese
M3: Tuna pouch, green salad, apple
M4: (Pre run) 1/2 Myloplex Bar
M5: (Post run) 2 c. ff pop corn (no appetite)
The only bummer is that it is now dark at 530 PM. We turned out clocks back on Sunday. I hate that, why can't we just enjoy the night light and keep the morning dark? I don't get it; but, I digress.
As I pulled my reflective vest over my short sleeved shirt I realized this was the first time I had worn the vest over anything other than a jacket. I didn't need a jacket today, or pants. Shorts and a tee on November 2. That hasn't happened before.
Run club was fun. It was only 1 and 4 of the guys. They actually ran at my pace tonight. We finished the 5 miles in 39:40.
I ran 2.5 miles on the treadmill this morning too. I'm finding that I don't like to start the day without a couple miles on the treadmill. It's becomming my cup of coffee-so to speak.
M1: Oat Pancake
M2: Banana/cottage cheese
M3: Tuna pouch, green salad, apple
M4: (Pre run) 1/2 Myloplex Bar
M5: (Post run) 2 c. ff pop corn (no appetite)
Monday, October 17, 2005
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Edmund Fitz 100 K . . . ROCKS!
On Friday I arrived to the DECC in Duluth for the mandatory pre race briefing. I was going to meet Scott and Alicia and attend the meeting, then follow them to a mutual friends' home who was going to put us up, or put up with us, for the weekend. It was really nice not booking the hotel and spending a wad of cash, that whole scene. I was looking forward to staying at K's home.
Scott was running the 100K solo and Alicia was going to crew for us. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she was planning on doting on me every bit as she was going to be there for Scott.
We attended the meeting, picked up our race packets and headed over to K's. We hadn't had dinner yet so we stopped at CUB FOODS and did a fair amount of shopping.
The three of us were able to have the guest house to ourselves. It was very nice; we set the alarms for 2 AM and dozed off to sleep.
2 AM and the wind was whipping! I could hear it blowing outside. Oh man, I just didn't want that. Luckily, the temperature was 48F, it was temperature was warmer than I had thought it would be.
We packed up all of our junk and headed off to the start line, in Finland, MN.
It was REAL windy. But REAL beautiful. The stars were so bright, up in the beautiful north woods. The moon was almost full; just spectacular. We were watching shooting stars. I asked the stars to guide me to the finish line without an injury. They obliged.
At 4 AM the sky was so bright that I didn't need a flashlight. I put in back into my bag and never did use it.
As I went to the port-a-potties I realized that I was definately going to put my wind pants on over my shorts. It was freezing! That wind was crazy, I'm glad I didn't know what the wind chill was, but I bet it was in the 20's.
5AM and were ready to roll. I had my iPod, food, clothes, etc. with Alicia in her car; she would follow us along the 62 mile course to the finish. She was going to pull over before each 5K aid station to see what we needed.
This is an interesting race. There are 100+ relay teams, consisting of 5-8 people. Each team has a vehicle, one person runs a 'leg' of the race at a time, hands off a baton to the next person, and so on. The team, in the vehicle, drives along the course.
For the solos; if you are lucky, you have a crew. That person will drive along the course and cater to your every whim. Alicia even bought us hot coffee at one point..just because we thought it would taste good at that moment. And it did!
You would think there would be a ton of traffic and chaos; but there isn't. It is very well run and quite organized. If one isn't up to the solo, I would certainly suggest one try the team relay.
OK, so 5AM and we are off! The solo runners are offered a 5 AM or 7 AM start. If you can finish in 10 hours, you are encouraged to take the 7 AM start.
As I was running along someone introduced himself as Brent. Here it was Brent from WI who posted on my blog a week or so ago. It was real neat to actually meet him in person. Brett finished in 11:15! An awesome first finish at the 100K distance! Congratulations, Brent.
I really struggled with my running the first 4-5 hours. My right thigh was hurting, it's never ached before and I was worried about having had the flu earlier in the week. My legs were dead. Just tired dead. I was thinking about all of the miles I have run this summer, all the races, TCM was just 2 weeks ago, well, duh, I should have tired legs. But I didn't want them this early in the day. I didn't feel like I had eaten enough carbs the night before, I didn't have my usual pasta feast. All of these things kept nagging at me.
Around 1.5 hours into the race I fell in back of Scott and just couldn't catch him. It was making me mad; not that he was in front of me, but that I could not catch him. He would run, then take a good long walk break, run again, walk break. I could make NO gain on him. I wasn't taking a walk break, I was running consistantly and could not catch him. Up the hill he'd go and I'd be trudging along trying to catch him.
I was lucky, eventually he waited for me to catch up. I think he was stretching and just decided to wait. I ran the next 45 miles with him! We would run a while, then walk, 'run to the passing sign', then take a walk break. He told me this is how he has always run this race-I figured I'd run along with him, he has 5 finishes here!
I think the walk breaks saved my legs. By miles 25-30 I was coming back, getting into what I call "The Julie Zone". I get into a place where nothing hurts, I have only happy thoughts and yeah, I'm going to finish this thing.
My Big Lake Run Club was doing the relay race out there. I was SO happy to see them along the course. It was awesome. They all piled out of their van, ran around me with hugs and candy, gave TONS of encouragement and piled back into their van, continuing up the road. I saw them out there a few times. Once I was so happy to see them I did a little dance.
I was feeling awesome.
Eventually it warmed up, I was able to give Alicia my pants, gloves and ear band. Thank goodness!
Just before 50K the 7AM starters began to catch us. It's so cool to see them. The winner from last years race was the first to pass us (he won this race, too). He moved along like a well oiled machine. I just can't imagine to be able to hold that pace. He finished in like 7 hours. Gah.
Somewhere along the course Scott told me his favorite part was coming up. We turned the corner and there was like a one mile rolling downhill. The sun was shining, the leaves were in their full color, the road went down, down, down; and you could see Lake Superior in all her splendor. It was beautiful. It took my breath away.
We ran and ran and ran..down, down and down. It was awesome. I think I smiled the whole way.
Scott has run the course .. and finished .. all five times. He knows it very well. He told me when each aid station was coming up, etc. It made it very nice. It was like I had a tour guide!
Alicia, as I said, was just fantastic. I told her at one stop that I'd like a sandwich, she'd pull ahead to the next 5K check point, walk across the highway and stand there, sandwich in hand, asking me what I'd like at the next check point. It truly was a treat.
At one point, near the end of the race I asked her for a potato chip. I and Scott had grabbed a handful from her earlier and they were really good. Sure enough, at the next aid point she had a baggie chips for me to carry along the course!
The last 18 miles of the course is run on Grandmas Marathon. I know that course very well, so it really surprised me that the course seemed so hilly yesterday! Of course, after running 50 miles I guess anything seems hilly.
I and Scott hit 50 miles at 9:45 or so. You know, when I run FANS, on pavement as well, it takes me almost 12 hours to get 50 miles. And there aren't any hills! This makes no sense to me. I suppose since I usually enter FANS for the 24 hour option, maybe I run slower. I don't know.
Shortly after the 50 mile mark Scott began doing calculations and figured maybe we could break 12 hours. I was feeling really good. I thought maybe we could. We ran/walked a while longer and Scott told me I should go ahead and break 12 hours. I thought about it a while and decided yeah, I'd give it a try.
I ran ahead, I felt sad to break away from Scott, I had really enjoyed running with him and he saved my legs. But I wanted to break 12. Off I went.
I asked Alicia for my iPod at the next station and rocked on for the finish line.
The relay runners make the ultra runners feel like rock stars. I had one group of relayers stand along the shoulder and do the WAVE as I ran by. They yelled and screamed at me and told me how awesome I was. It was incredible.
It was one big ego trip, those last 5 miles in.
Rick; an ultra runner friend of mine appeared around 55 miles. He ran the Glacial Trail 50K last week so wasn't running. It was so neat to run with him for a while. I had no idea he would be out on the course. He just wanted to offer his support.
I had 5 miles left. If I ran 11 minutes miles I would make it. I had been running 11 minute miles; I could do it. Maybe. If I didn't fall or puke or who knows. Anything could go wrong at this point.
Alicia parked her car and ran over to my side of the road. "Right here, this spot is 4.5 miles to the finish" I told her I might be able to break 12 hours. If I ran my ass off.
I ran my ass off.
The relayers were SCREAMING! "Woman solo! Woman solo! Your an inspiration! How do you do it? GO GO GO GO GO GO!" It was crazy fun. I was smiling so much my face was hurting!
I turned into the wooded finish area, about .5 mile left and knew that I was going to do it. Woohoo!
Oh my gosh, as I'm running into the finish, there is Bonnie. I couldn't believe it! She was clicking off pictures and clapping and yelling. She and her daughter had driven up and were able to watch Scott and I finish.
The announcer: And here's a solo..Julie Berg..from Big Lake..just ran 100K..congratulations!
11:53! Yeah hoo! I ran this race 2 years ago in 12:40.
It was awesome.
I felt really good. 4 minutes later, here came Scott, in 11:57! He broke 12 hours; a PR for him too. Woohoo!
We walked into Lake Superior and soaked our feet and legs. It had warmed to about 55 degrees, but by 5 PM it was cooling back down.
Bonnie went back to Minneapolis and I and Scott were treated to massages. It was fantastic.
What a wonderful day in the beautiful Minnesota northern woods.
***I brought along my camera; I didn't realize the battery was low. I did get 2 before pictures I'll post. Bonnie will be emailing me many that she took. I'll post those when they arrive.
Scott was running the 100K solo and Alicia was going to crew for us. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she was planning on doting on me every bit as she was going to be there for Scott.
We attended the meeting, picked up our race packets and headed over to K's. We hadn't had dinner yet so we stopped at CUB FOODS and did a fair amount of shopping.
The three of us were able to have the guest house to ourselves. It was very nice; we set the alarms for 2 AM and dozed off to sleep.
2 AM and the wind was whipping! I could hear it blowing outside. Oh man, I just didn't want that. Luckily, the temperature was 48F, it was temperature was warmer than I had thought it would be.
We packed up all of our junk and headed off to the start line, in Finland, MN.
It was REAL windy. But REAL beautiful. The stars were so bright, up in the beautiful north woods. The moon was almost full; just spectacular. We were watching shooting stars. I asked the stars to guide me to the finish line without an injury. They obliged.
At 4 AM the sky was so bright that I didn't need a flashlight. I put in back into my bag and never did use it.
As I went to the port-a-potties I realized that I was definately going to put my wind pants on over my shorts. It was freezing! That wind was crazy, I'm glad I didn't know what the wind chill was, but I bet it was in the 20's.
5AM and were ready to roll. I had my iPod, food, clothes, etc. with Alicia in her car; she would follow us along the 62 mile course to the finish. She was going to pull over before each 5K aid station to see what we needed.
This is an interesting race. There are 100+ relay teams, consisting of 5-8 people. Each team has a vehicle, one person runs a 'leg' of the race at a time, hands off a baton to the next person, and so on. The team, in the vehicle, drives along the course.
For the solos; if you are lucky, you have a crew. That person will drive along the course and cater to your every whim. Alicia even bought us hot coffee at one point..just because we thought it would taste good at that moment. And it did!
You would think there would be a ton of traffic and chaos; but there isn't. It is very well run and quite organized. If one isn't up to the solo, I would certainly suggest one try the team relay.
OK, so 5AM and we are off! The solo runners are offered a 5 AM or 7 AM start. If you can finish in 10 hours, you are encouraged to take the 7 AM start.
As I was running along someone introduced himself as Brent. Here it was Brent from WI who posted on my blog a week or so ago. It was real neat to actually meet him in person. Brett finished in 11:15! An awesome first finish at the 100K distance! Congratulations, Brent.
I really struggled with my running the first 4-5 hours. My right thigh was hurting, it's never ached before and I was worried about having had the flu earlier in the week. My legs were dead. Just tired dead. I was thinking about all of the miles I have run this summer, all the races, TCM was just 2 weeks ago, well, duh, I should have tired legs. But I didn't want them this early in the day. I didn't feel like I had eaten enough carbs the night before, I didn't have my usual pasta feast. All of these things kept nagging at me.
Around 1.5 hours into the race I fell in back of Scott and just couldn't catch him. It was making me mad; not that he was in front of me, but that I could not catch him. He would run, then take a good long walk break, run again, walk break. I could make NO gain on him. I wasn't taking a walk break, I was running consistantly and could not catch him. Up the hill he'd go and I'd be trudging along trying to catch him.
I was lucky, eventually he waited for me to catch up. I think he was stretching and just decided to wait. I ran the next 45 miles with him! We would run a while, then walk, 'run to the passing sign', then take a walk break. He told me this is how he has always run this race-I figured I'd run along with him, he has 5 finishes here!
I think the walk breaks saved my legs. By miles 25-30 I was coming back, getting into what I call "The Julie Zone". I get into a place where nothing hurts, I have only happy thoughts and yeah, I'm going to finish this thing.
My Big Lake Run Club was doing the relay race out there. I was SO happy to see them along the course. It was awesome. They all piled out of their van, ran around me with hugs and candy, gave TONS of encouragement and piled back into their van, continuing up the road. I saw them out there a few times. Once I was so happy to see them I did a little dance.
I was feeling awesome.
Eventually it warmed up, I was able to give Alicia my pants, gloves and ear band. Thank goodness!
Just before 50K the 7AM starters began to catch us. It's so cool to see them. The winner from last years race was the first to pass us (he won this race, too). He moved along like a well oiled machine. I just can't imagine to be able to hold that pace. He finished in like 7 hours. Gah.
Somewhere along the course Scott told me his favorite part was coming up. We turned the corner and there was like a one mile rolling downhill. The sun was shining, the leaves were in their full color, the road went down, down, down; and you could see Lake Superior in all her splendor. It was beautiful. It took my breath away.
We ran and ran and ran..down, down and down. It was awesome. I think I smiled the whole way.
Scott has run the course .. and finished .. all five times. He knows it very well. He told me when each aid station was coming up, etc. It made it very nice. It was like I had a tour guide!
Alicia, as I said, was just fantastic. I told her at one stop that I'd like a sandwich, she'd pull ahead to the next 5K check point, walk across the highway and stand there, sandwich in hand, asking me what I'd like at the next check point. It truly was a treat.
At one point, near the end of the race I asked her for a potato chip. I and Scott had grabbed a handful from her earlier and they were really good. Sure enough, at the next aid point she had a baggie chips for me to carry along the course!
The last 18 miles of the course is run on Grandmas Marathon. I know that course very well, so it really surprised me that the course seemed so hilly yesterday! Of course, after running 50 miles I guess anything seems hilly.
I and Scott hit 50 miles at 9:45 or so. You know, when I run FANS, on pavement as well, it takes me almost 12 hours to get 50 miles. And there aren't any hills! This makes no sense to me. I suppose since I usually enter FANS for the 24 hour option, maybe I run slower. I don't know.
Shortly after the 50 mile mark Scott began doing calculations and figured maybe we could break 12 hours. I was feeling really good. I thought maybe we could. We ran/walked a while longer and Scott told me I should go ahead and break 12 hours. I thought about it a while and decided yeah, I'd give it a try.
I ran ahead, I felt sad to break away from Scott, I had really enjoyed running with him and he saved my legs. But I wanted to break 12. Off I went.
I asked Alicia for my iPod at the next station and rocked on for the finish line.
The relay runners make the ultra runners feel like rock stars. I had one group of relayers stand along the shoulder and do the WAVE as I ran by. They yelled and screamed at me and told me how awesome I was. It was incredible.
It was one big ego trip, those last 5 miles in.
Rick; an ultra runner friend of mine appeared around 55 miles. He ran the Glacial Trail 50K last week so wasn't running. It was so neat to run with him for a while. I had no idea he would be out on the course. He just wanted to offer his support.
I had 5 miles left. If I ran 11 minutes miles I would make it. I had been running 11 minute miles; I could do it. Maybe. If I didn't fall or puke or who knows. Anything could go wrong at this point.
Alicia parked her car and ran over to my side of the road. "Right here, this spot is 4.5 miles to the finish" I told her I might be able to break 12 hours. If I ran my ass off.
I ran my ass off.
The relayers were SCREAMING! "Woman solo! Woman solo! Your an inspiration! How do you do it? GO GO GO GO GO GO!" It was crazy fun. I was smiling so much my face was hurting!
I turned into the wooded finish area, about .5 mile left and knew that I was going to do it. Woohoo!
Oh my gosh, as I'm running into the finish, there is Bonnie. I couldn't believe it! She was clicking off pictures and clapping and yelling. She and her daughter had driven up and were able to watch Scott and I finish.
The announcer: And here's a solo..Julie Berg..from Big Lake..just ran 100K..congratulations!
11:53! Yeah hoo! I ran this race 2 years ago in 12:40.
It was awesome.
I felt really good. 4 minutes later, here came Scott, in 11:57! He broke 12 hours; a PR for him too. Woohoo!
We walked into Lake Superior and soaked our feet and legs. It had warmed to about 55 degrees, but by 5 PM it was cooling back down.
Bonnie went back to Minneapolis and I and Scott were treated to massages. It was fantastic.
What a wonderful day in the beautiful Minnesota northern woods.
***I brought along my camera; I didn't realize the battery was low. I did get 2 before pictures I'll post. Bonnie will be emailing me many that she took. I'll post those when they arrive.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
ED FITZ 100K
I ran my yesterday run today. I was scrunched for time yesterday so ran 5, today had more time so ran 10. The rivers are real high; Topaz went for a swim instead of just laying in the water. We've had torrential rains this past week.
It's a beautiful day today in Minnesota. When I hit the trail it was 40F, now it is up to 56F and sunny. The smell of fall is in the air, the leaves are changing, it is truly wonderful.
So while I was running this morning I began to think about Ed Fitz 100 K. The race is taking place next Saturday. I'm feeling good and recovered from Twin Cities Marathon last Sunday. Next week I'll feel even better.
I ran Ed Fitz 2 years ago; I had a crew of Ann and Bonnie. They met me at most of the aid stations every 5K to cater to my every whim. It was a great day. It was my first 100K and I finished in just under 13 hours. I ended up taking 3rd woman and won $150. Go figure!
Last year I caught a cold right after running Superior 50 Mile, I still had it while running TCM and by the time Ed Fitz came around it had turned into bronchitis so I never ran Ed Fitz. Bummer.
This year I'll be at the start. I don't have a crew though so that's the pits. I can have a drop bag at 50K so I'll put a few Myloplex bars and gels, maybe a sandwich or something in there for the half way point. I'll probably begin the race in pants, over shorts, then I can just pull the pants off and tie them around my waist until I get to my drop bag. That's kind of a pain. I'll have gloves, ear band, etc. I'll feel like a damn pack mule. I've even been thinking about wearing my camelback just to carry stuff, but oh, how I hate wearing that.
When I first began running ultras I used the camelback and I packed everything but the kitchen sink. During Ice Age 50 Mile it weighed 27 pounds. That's crazy!
I've since pared down a bit.
I really like my Nathan Sports 2 24 oz water bottle carrier. I'll probably just use that.
The aid stations at Ed Fitz mainly cater to the relay runners. They are many teams that run the 100K. My Big Lake Run Club will be up there with a team.
If you don't have anything to do next Saturday and would like to go for a drive in the great north woods, hey, maybe you want to spend 12 hours driving around, crewing for me?
I better check the weather forecast for next Saturday.
Enjoy today!
It's a beautiful day today in Minnesota. When I hit the trail it was 40F, now it is up to 56F and sunny. The smell of fall is in the air, the leaves are changing, it is truly wonderful.
So while I was running this morning I began to think about Ed Fitz 100 K. The race is taking place next Saturday. I'm feeling good and recovered from Twin Cities Marathon last Sunday. Next week I'll feel even better.
I ran Ed Fitz 2 years ago; I had a crew of Ann and Bonnie. They met me at most of the aid stations every 5K to cater to my every whim. It was a great day. It was my first 100K and I finished in just under 13 hours. I ended up taking 3rd woman and won $150. Go figure!
Last year I caught a cold right after running Superior 50 Mile, I still had it while running TCM and by the time Ed Fitz came around it had turned into bronchitis so I never ran Ed Fitz. Bummer.
This year I'll be at the start. I don't have a crew though so that's the pits. I can have a drop bag at 50K so I'll put a few Myloplex bars and gels, maybe a sandwich or something in there for the half way point. I'll probably begin the race in pants, over shorts, then I can just pull the pants off and tie them around my waist until I get to my drop bag. That's kind of a pain. I'll have gloves, ear band, etc. I'll feel like a damn pack mule. I've even been thinking about wearing my camelback just to carry stuff, but oh, how I hate wearing that.
When I first began running ultras I used the camelback and I packed everything but the kitchen sink. During Ice Age 50 Mile it weighed 27 pounds. That's crazy!
I've since pared down a bit.
I really like my Nathan Sports 2 24 oz water bottle carrier. I'll probably just use that.
The aid stations at Ed Fitz mainly cater to the relay runners. They are many teams that run the 100K. My Big Lake Run Club will be up there with a team.
If you don't have anything to do next Saturday and would like to go for a drive in the great north woods, hey, maybe you want to spend 12 hours driving around, crewing for me?
I better check the weather forecast for next Saturday.
Enjoy today!
Monday, October 03, 2005
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