Monday, April 16, 2007
McNaughton, Men and Medical
Where to start? This will be a l o n g race report, as most of mine usually are. I think this report may be longer the the norm.
I left home after Troy was on the bus headed for school. It took me longer than expected to arrive to Maria's home with accidents along the freeway and rush hour traffic. I finally arrived around 915. After unloading my endless duffel bags and stuff into her car, visiting with Doug and new pup Tahoe we headed to Starbucks and then were on the road to Pekin, IL; hopeful to arrive in 8-9 hours. The ride was safe and uneventful. We had both been hydrating all week so had numerous pottie stops and lunch.
We arrived to McNaughton Park 45 minutes before the 150 milers would be taking off. I could feel the excitement in the air! Andy (RD) saw us coming and yelled out a hello and had a hug for me. This years swag was a blue bird blue technical short sleeved shirt and a heavy fleece vest. Nice. The 150's also received a hat and the 50's the technical shirt. Two of my Minnesotan friends: Al Holtz and John Taylor were taking a crack at the 150. I spoke with them, with Chrissy Weiss, Doug Hansel, said hi to Dallas, met Jahmid from Seattle (and asked him if he knew Olga..yes!), whom were all entered in the 150. Wow, I was in awe.
We met up with Karen from MN, who was running her first 50 and visited with Don Clark a bit who was running the 100. Lots of friends to say hi to and lots of people to meet. Lots of fun. A woman named Tanya introduced herself and her daughter to me. Tanya was running the 50 at McNaughton and had left me a message on this blog. It was fun to meet her in person. I hope you had a fun run, Tonya!
The 50 that were running the 150 lined up at 6:00, I snapped a few shots and I had a feeling of "maybe another 5 loops wouldn't be too bad. Maybe next year..."
They were off!
Maria and I said goodbye to Andy and headed off to find our hotel and search for food. It was past our dinner time and we were hungry.
4AM and the alarms went off. Time to wake up and get this party started! Maria found the weather channel and it looked like rain soon. We had some breakfast, filled our bottles, made last minute adjustments and were heading to the race start.
Andy had a nice warm fire going but the wind was blowing smoke at me. Maria picked up her ankle chip, we checked in and headed back to the warm car. It was cold out. I decided to wear wind pants with a long sleeved shirt and jacket, hat and gloves. I didn't see a whole lot of runners with shorts on. I had plenty of clothing in my drop bag so I could change as necessary as temperatures changed.
About 545 we headed back out. The 150 milers had been out running for 12 hours and the 50/100 would begin at 6. Andy had some big name runners out there: David Goggins was running the 150 and Karl Meltzer was running 100. Wow. You just don't see these guys at the Midwest races. After only seeing photos and reading about these guys it was pretty cool to see and speak with them in person. They look damn good too :)
OK, so 600 and we are off and running. It was congested for almost the first 10 miles, eventually thinning out and then at times I swore I must have been the only runner as I was totally alone for hours!
During the second loop the rain began to fall. Oh man, here comes the muddy mess. There were already mud holes-big ones-on the trail before it rained, but as the rain fell the trail turned slick. Many runners went sliding down the hills on their butts.
I came up to Chrissy, we began going down a hill and she started to laugh. She asked me if I remembered what she said last year while we were running the 100. Oh yea, I said..you were going to begin making Butt Slide Gaitors (Chrissy is THE woman behind Dirty Girl Gaitors. She reminded me that as we were sliding down the hill her butt was becoming impacted with mud and the Butt Slide Gaitors would be perfect. I asked her if she had created any and no, she hadn't..yet. Funny! Chrissy was having a tough time, you know, to begin the 150 at 6 PM, and only have an hour or two of daylight before you have the night upon you has got to be so very difficult. I just couldn't fathom. Most of the 150's that I came across looked pretty beat up. Whenever I felt an ache or pain I thought about those guys and gals out there running for 150 freaking miles. The 150 wasn't looking so good to me anymore!
I ran with Beth Simpson for a long while. I enjoy talking with Beth as she has so much running experience, is so kind AND SAVED MY FEET! Yes, last year, at this race, she is the one that told me about the foot potion. Guess what? Only ONE blister this year. It's a honker, fully engulfed my big toe and is all nice and filled with blood but it is ONE and it didn't hurt THAT much. Last year I had 101 blisters. I re lubed my feet and changed socks every 40 miles. I couldn't believe all of the mud and dirt that was in my socks. Ugh.
Travis from blogging recognized me and we ran a few loops near one another. This was his first 50! He finished in fine form, under 12 hours. I was at the main aid station, having just finished my first 50 when he came in. It was great to see. See you at Ice Age, Travis!
I ran hard. Harder than I have in a 100. I felt good, I've never hit the 12 hour split at 11:39, as I did here, so I was pretty pumped. I listened to my iPod all but the first 30 miles and that kept me going. I had my eyes set on a 25-26 hour finish and it looked like I might pull it off.
While I was lubing up my feet at 80 miles Diane Van Deren was heading out for her 120 I believe. She yelled over for me to join her for a while. I was stunned. You know, I have this 'star fear'. These great runners, I feel inferior you know? I feel like I might be wasting their time by striking conversation. My problem, I guess. I couldn't believe she wanted me to go out with her. I did and it was incredible to speak with her. You know, ultras strip you down to who you are at heart. It doesn't matter what your employment, your family history, the size of your car, home or the jewelry that you wear. It you: pure as you are running with all the social stuff detached from you. I need to remember that as I run and to not be quite so afraid to speak with the runners that are so incredible in my eyes. I think it was Travis who told me that running with the David Goggins, the Karl Meltzers is like playing basketball with Michael Jordan. You know? We are all there..together..getting the run done. Fantastic. Every day basketball players don't play with Michael.
Doug Hansel was running the 150; he took a 5 hour nap and then joined me on the trail for a 10 mile lap. He was doing pretty well. We power walked a lot, getting through the cold, oh so COLD night. It was freezing! There was big time frost on the ground and I could see my breath. The rivers made my feet numb and I am not kidding. As I left the park yesterday at noon to go home, Doug was heading out for his 130th mile. I know he finished 150. I just know it!
After all of the 50 milers, or most of them, were finished, I began to notice that the only women I was seeing on the trail were the 150 woman. Where were the 100 milers? There were 8 of us registered, but I didn't know if they all showed or not. I made a mental note to remember to ask Andy about it when I came through the start/finish again.
As I was at about mile 70 I began to slow through the darkness. I noticed that I was having difficulty breathing. I turned off my iPod and could hear myself wheezing. Wheezing loudly. I'd stretch my neck up to the sky try to get big breathes. I couldn't. I slowed down some more, which really was pissing me off since I had been running so fast (well, fast for me, you know) and this breathing thing was costing me time. I noticed that when I ran downhill I was OK, but running the flats and hill climbing was making my breathing erratic. I thought maybe it was because it was so cold out. It was 27F at this time and maybe the cold air was doing something to my airways. Who knows. I kept going and put it out of my mind for a while. At mile 80 as I walked up the rope rock I told myself that if I couldn't get up that rock without gasping and choking that I would call it a day. Damnit. But I was afraid; I'm used to ultra pain but not this breathing shit. I took two steps up the rope rock and rested, two more steps and rested..it took a long time, and the only person in back of me I had passed quite some time ago, he was a 150 miler who finished 3rd, Ryan Dexter, I figured if I passed out and went into a coma it would be a long time before Ryan would come upon me. Luckily I went slowly enough where that didn't happen and I didn't need to drop.
I began to have flashlight problems. I had 4 flashlights and tons of batteries. Each time I put in new batteries, in like 30 minutes I was dim again. This was not a good thing. I came into the aid station, panicked because I was tight in the chest and couldn't breathe and mad because of my flipping lights. Marie and Karen both finished their 50's (yeah!), had showered and become pretty and were helping me out. Maria took my flashlights and a handful of batteries to her car, I was walking around the aid station asking if anyone had batteries; I didn't DARE go out without lights. Scary. No one had any! Maria had her lights and everything in her van, I was crabby for sitting around with f*cked up lights for 20 minutes so I asked Karen, as Marie was going to her van, if they could meet me on the big hill about a mile or two from the start. They agreed and thankfully they fixed my lights. I wasn't closing the end piece on tight enough, the battery wasn't making the connection and I was being stupid. The batteries still didn't last very long in that little Fenix-I had 3 of them with me this time and they were really pissing me off. Some people had lamps that I could see a mile away! I need to re look at lights again.
The sun came up and warmed the frost up. I was able to drop my lights with Maria and head out for my last loop. The last one! I told Maria it would probably be 3 hours for me to do the last 10. I had slowed big time. I was clawing at my neck feeling the tightness in my chest wondering what was going on. I took it slow and easy.
After Doug and I finished mile 90 he was going faster, I was going slower so we split up. Every time I came to a river crossing or a mud pile I'd think "oh, this is the last time" what a delicious thought at this point. I just wanted to be done. My breathing was tight and my chest hurt. I wasn't going to make my goal but what the hell..I was going to finish and that was pretty awesome in itself.
As I was finishing up my final Heaven's Gate loop, Paul, who reintroduced himself at the start, whom I've met at Superior and prior McNaughtons came thundering down the trail. He had left the start/finish and would have to run a 215 loop to make 28 hours. I told him I wanted to make 28 hours. I tried to follow him for about 5 steps and had a coughing fit, plus I was just plain old tired. I probably couldn't have hung with him if I could have breathed normally. He was flying! I was amazed at the will he had to make that goal. He did too: 27:57 or so he finished. I find that incredible. To be able to push like that in the last 10 miles. Wow.
I didn't push it. I pretty much walked the last loop, taking in the beautiful sunny morning, removing my jacket, hat, gloves and a heavy shirt. It was great to see people again, the 150 milers had woken up and were back out on the trail. I never did see any other 100 mile women. I guess they all dropped.
The finish line. Andy, Karen, Maria all whooping and hollering; I ran in at 28: something. Less than 28:30 I know but I don't remember how many minutes past 28. I was delighted. I finished the race, I felt pretty good and was doing fine.
"Here is 100 Mile Stud, Julie Berg. Julie won the McNaughton 100 two years ago and she's done it again" said Andy.
Andy presented me with First Woman plaque and my buckle, we took pictures and had a party. It was really so very much fun.
I sat down and smiled, thinking about all that I went through over those 100 miles and how much I was grateful for. All of the friends around, everyone was so nice. Pure bliss.
As we sat around we watched the 2nd place male 150 come in, David Goggins and then 3rd, Ryan Dexter. Way to go, I can't fathom. And no, I no longer want to do the 150. It's just too much. Remind me that I said that when McNaughton comes near next year! We watched John Taylor come in, he finished 100 and decided to not go for the 150. 100 is a pretty respectable distance!
Karl Meltzer was there, all fresh and clean. He broke the course record in 17 hours. He passed me THREE times! He went up the hills effortlessly, he was wonderful to watch, but was gone too quickly!
Andy asked to take Karl and my picture together. Ohhhh yeah...gotta like that! Men all over the place. Then picture with Andy, picture with David, I'll post them soon. A ton of fun.
I didn't have time to run (ha) to the hotel to clean up before leaving so I just changed into clean running clothes from my drop bag. Clean clothes on a filthy dirty body. Ick.
Maria and I said our goodbyes 2 hours later and headed out of Pekin. Something began to happen to me. Something that scared me.
I couldn't breath. I had been wheezing at the finish line, but tried to get deep breaths and wasn't real concerned now that the race was finished. I coughed a croup type cough, but wasn't too worried.
As Maria drove out of Pekin my breathing was was more of a gasp and she mentioned that I sounded like Darth Vader. I was becoming nervous. We stopped at a rest stop about 1/2 hour out of Pekin and I had a coughing fit, I couldn't breathe, I was gasping. Maria asked if I though I should go to an ER, I though about it, went pee, had another coughing fit and said yeah, something is wrong here. This wasn't ultra pain this was scary stuff.
Maria called her husband and he looked online for an Urgent Care near where we were. We found the little itty bitty city and stopped at Urgent Care, I had a coughing fit, wasn't breathing well and the told me to go to the Emergency Room at the Hospital instead.
Off we went.
Luckily there was not another patient in the whole ER! I explained what was going on, explained that I had just finished an 100 mile race (WHAT???), and that I was out of town, blah blah blah. They put me on a heart monitor, asked 101 question and I'm sure figured I was insane because who the hell runs 100 miles. The Dr. asked me if I ran this over a period of 6-7 days. Um, no, 28 hours, you know? I think they thought I was originally there for foot surgery because I couldn't walk at all, but that is normal ultra pain. I explained to every medical person that came in and touched me that I had been running for 28 hours, had not showered and I stunk. I was full of sweat and mud and my fingernails were horrific. Among other things. They didn't seem to be worried about my state of freshness. They did a lung xray, which was clear, had me spit my cough substance into a bag and describe what it looked like! Um, green, yellow, gross, come on! They did an albuterol treatment and I instantly felt relief. I could feel my passage ways open up and I could take deep breaths. Oh thank goodness! I began to shake, didn't like it, my heart began to race, apparently this is a reaction from the albuteral. They did another treatment with something that didn't cause the tremors and now I was all opened up and breathing magnificently. They listened to me and said I was still wheezing, but better than prior. He told me it was probably "exertion induced bronchial spasm' but then also prescribed an antibiotic called levequin ? and an inhaler. Maria is concerned about the levaquin and runners, let me know if you know anything about it. Why an antibiotic anyway? I don't know if this came on from the flora in Pekin, the cold air or what but it scared the hell out of me. Maria and I were stuck there for over 2 hours by the time they were finished with me. As I hobbled out of ER a nurse told me I was her hero. She had never heard of ultra runners before. How nice, hu?
I had a few coughing fits on the way back to Minnesota but my breathing was much much better. I left Maria's at 952 PM and arrived safely at home at 1052. I couldn't get out of my car. I was stuck. My body had swelled so that my sandals were too tight, my feet felt like they were round as I hoisted myself out of the car. Luckily the garage opens into the laundry room, bathroom and living room without a stair. Topaz was very excited to see me, tried to knock me down with paw hugs but I leaned against the wall for support. I hadn't been able to sleep at all on the ride home; I just can't fall asleep in a car, even after being awake for 50 hours. I laid my sweaty, salty, stinky self on the couch, pulled on my down blanket and slept until 6 for the boys school wake up time.
I couldn't get off of the couch! I didn't move all night, I was stiff as a board. To get off the couch I rolled onto the floor, stabilizing myself with my arms until my legs could put my full weight upon them. Egads.
You know what though? This ultra pain is much better than that breathing scare!!
I have the day off today; Tyler has a baseball game at home at 430 and Troy has a 7 PM practice. As I hobble to the fields the parents will speak of me in hushed tones. Oh well. I love what I do!
I'm going to run a hot bath now! I hope I can hobble up the stairs :)
I have a ton of pictures I'll post later today.
I left home after Troy was on the bus headed for school. It took me longer than expected to arrive to Maria's home with accidents along the freeway and rush hour traffic. I finally arrived around 915. After unloading my endless duffel bags and stuff into her car, visiting with Doug and new pup Tahoe we headed to Starbucks and then were on the road to Pekin, IL; hopeful to arrive in 8-9 hours. The ride was safe and uneventful. We had both been hydrating all week so had numerous pottie stops and lunch.
We arrived to McNaughton Park 45 minutes before the 150 milers would be taking off. I could feel the excitement in the air! Andy (RD) saw us coming and yelled out a hello and had a hug for me. This years swag was a blue bird blue technical short sleeved shirt and a heavy fleece vest. Nice. The 150's also received a hat and the 50's the technical shirt. Two of my Minnesotan friends: Al Holtz and John Taylor were taking a crack at the 150. I spoke with them, with Chrissy Weiss, Doug Hansel, said hi to Dallas, met Jahmid from Seattle (and asked him if he knew Olga..yes!), whom were all entered in the 150. Wow, I was in awe.
We met up with Karen from MN, who was running her first 50 and visited with Don Clark a bit who was running the 100. Lots of friends to say hi to and lots of people to meet. Lots of fun. A woman named Tanya introduced herself and her daughter to me. Tanya was running the 50 at McNaughton and had left me a message on this blog. It was fun to meet her in person. I hope you had a fun run, Tonya!
The 50 that were running the 150 lined up at 6:00, I snapped a few shots and I had a feeling of "maybe another 5 loops wouldn't be too bad. Maybe next year..."
They were off!
Maria and I said goodbye to Andy and headed off to find our hotel and search for food. It was past our dinner time and we were hungry.
4AM and the alarms went off. Time to wake up and get this party started! Maria found the weather channel and it looked like rain soon. We had some breakfast, filled our bottles, made last minute adjustments and were heading to the race start.
Andy had a nice warm fire going but the wind was blowing smoke at me. Maria picked up her ankle chip, we checked in and headed back to the warm car. It was cold out. I decided to wear wind pants with a long sleeved shirt and jacket, hat and gloves. I didn't see a whole lot of runners with shorts on. I had plenty of clothing in my drop bag so I could change as necessary as temperatures changed.
About 545 we headed back out. The 150 milers had been out running for 12 hours and the 50/100 would begin at 6. Andy had some big name runners out there: David Goggins was running the 150 and Karl Meltzer was running 100. Wow. You just don't see these guys at the Midwest races. After only seeing photos and reading about these guys it was pretty cool to see and speak with them in person. They look damn good too :)
OK, so 600 and we are off and running. It was congested for almost the first 10 miles, eventually thinning out and then at times I swore I must have been the only runner as I was totally alone for hours!
During the second loop the rain began to fall. Oh man, here comes the muddy mess. There were already mud holes-big ones-on the trail before it rained, but as the rain fell the trail turned slick. Many runners went sliding down the hills on their butts.
I came up to Chrissy, we began going down a hill and she started to laugh. She asked me if I remembered what she said last year while we were running the 100. Oh yea, I said..you were going to begin making Butt Slide Gaitors (Chrissy is THE woman behind Dirty Girl Gaitors. She reminded me that as we were sliding down the hill her butt was becoming impacted with mud and the Butt Slide Gaitors would be perfect. I asked her if she had created any and no, she hadn't..yet. Funny! Chrissy was having a tough time, you know, to begin the 150 at 6 PM, and only have an hour or two of daylight before you have the night upon you has got to be so very difficult. I just couldn't fathom. Most of the 150's that I came across looked pretty beat up. Whenever I felt an ache or pain I thought about those guys and gals out there running for 150 freaking miles. The 150 wasn't looking so good to me anymore!
I ran with Beth Simpson for a long while. I enjoy talking with Beth as she has so much running experience, is so kind AND SAVED MY FEET! Yes, last year, at this race, she is the one that told me about the foot potion. Guess what? Only ONE blister this year. It's a honker, fully engulfed my big toe and is all nice and filled with blood but it is ONE and it didn't hurt THAT much. Last year I had 101 blisters. I re lubed my feet and changed socks every 40 miles. I couldn't believe all of the mud and dirt that was in my socks. Ugh.
Travis from blogging recognized me and we ran a few loops near one another. This was his first 50! He finished in fine form, under 12 hours. I was at the main aid station, having just finished my first 50 when he came in. It was great to see. See you at Ice Age, Travis!
I ran hard. Harder than I have in a 100. I felt good, I've never hit the 12 hour split at 11:39, as I did here, so I was pretty pumped. I listened to my iPod all but the first 30 miles and that kept me going. I had my eyes set on a 25-26 hour finish and it looked like I might pull it off.
While I was lubing up my feet at 80 miles Diane Van Deren was heading out for her 120 I believe. She yelled over for me to join her for a while. I was stunned. You know, I have this 'star fear'. These great runners, I feel inferior you know? I feel like I might be wasting their time by striking conversation. My problem, I guess. I couldn't believe she wanted me to go out with her. I did and it was incredible to speak with her. You know, ultras strip you down to who you are at heart. It doesn't matter what your employment, your family history, the size of your car, home or the jewelry that you wear. It you: pure as you are running with all the social stuff detached from you. I need to remember that as I run and to not be quite so afraid to speak with the runners that are so incredible in my eyes. I think it was Travis who told me that running with the David Goggins, the Karl Meltzers is like playing basketball with Michael Jordan. You know? We are all there..together..getting the run done. Fantastic. Every day basketball players don't play with Michael.
Doug Hansel was running the 150; he took a 5 hour nap and then joined me on the trail for a 10 mile lap. He was doing pretty well. We power walked a lot, getting through the cold, oh so COLD night. It was freezing! There was big time frost on the ground and I could see my breath. The rivers made my feet numb and I am not kidding. As I left the park yesterday at noon to go home, Doug was heading out for his 130th mile. I know he finished 150. I just know it!
After all of the 50 milers, or most of them, were finished, I began to notice that the only women I was seeing on the trail were the 150 woman. Where were the 100 milers? There were 8 of us registered, but I didn't know if they all showed or not. I made a mental note to remember to ask Andy about it when I came through the start/finish again.
As I was at about mile 70 I began to slow through the darkness. I noticed that I was having difficulty breathing. I turned off my iPod and could hear myself wheezing. Wheezing loudly. I'd stretch my neck up to the sky try to get big breathes. I couldn't. I slowed down some more, which really was pissing me off since I had been running so fast (well, fast for me, you know) and this breathing thing was costing me time. I noticed that when I ran downhill I was OK, but running the flats and hill climbing was making my breathing erratic. I thought maybe it was because it was so cold out. It was 27F at this time and maybe the cold air was doing something to my airways. Who knows. I kept going and put it out of my mind for a while. At mile 80 as I walked up the rope rock I told myself that if I couldn't get up that rock without gasping and choking that I would call it a day. Damnit. But I was afraid; I'm used to ultra pain but not this breathing shit. I took two steps up the rope rock and rested, two more steps and rested..it took a long time, and the only person in back of me I had passed quite some time ago, he was a 150 miler who finished 3rd, Ryan Dexter, I figured if I passed out and went into a coma it would be a long time before Ryan would come upon me. Luckily I went slowly enough where that didn't happen and I didn't need to drop.
I began to have flashlight problems. I had 4 flashlights and tons of batteries. Each time I put in new batteries, in like 30 minutes I was dim again. This was not a good thing. I came into the aid station, panicked because I was tight in the chest and couldn't breathe and mad because of my flipping lights. Marie and Karen both finished their 50's (yeah!), had showered and become pretty and were helping me out. Maria took my flashlights and a handful of batteries to her car, I was walking around the aid station asking if anyone had batteries; I didn't DARE go out without lights. Scary. No one had any! Maria had her lights and everything in her van, I was crabby for sitting around with f*cked up lights for 20 minutes so I asked Karen, as Marie was going to her van, if they could meet me on the big hill about a mile or two from the start. They agreed and thankfully they fixed my lights. I wasn't closing the end piece on tight enough, the battery wasn't making the connection and I was being stupid. The batteries still didn't last very long in that little Fenix-I had 3 of them with me this time and they were really pissing me off. Some people had lamps that I could see a mile away! I need to re look at lights again.
The sun came up and warmed the frost up. I was able to drop my lights with Maria and head out for my last loop. The last one! I told Maria it would probably be 3 hours for me to do the last 10. I had slowed big time. I was clawing at my neck feeling the tightness in my chest wondering what was going on. I took it slow and easy.
After Doug and I finished mile 90 he was going faster, I was going slower so we split up. Every time I came to a river crossing or a mud pile I'd think "oh, this is the last time" what a delicious thought at this point. I just wanted to be done. My breathing was tight and my chest hurt. I wasn't going to make my goal but what the hell..I was going to finish and that was pretty awesome in itself.
As I was finishing up my final Heaven's Gate loop, Paul, who reintroduced himself at the start, whom I've met at Superior and prior McNaughtons came thundering down the trail. He had left the start/finish and would have to run a 215 loop to make 28 hours. I told him I wanted to make 28 hours. I tried to follow him for about 5 steps and had a coughing fit, plus I was just plain old tired. I probably couldn't have hung with him if I could have breathed normally. He was flying! I was amazed at the will he had to make that goal. He did too: 27:57 or so he finished. I find that incredible. To be able to push like that in the last 10 miles. Wow.
I didn't push it. I pretty much walked the last loop, taking in the beautiful sunny morning, removing my jacket, hat, gloves and a heavy shirt. It was great to see people again, the 150 milers had woken up and were back out on the trail. I never did see any other 100 mile women. I guess they all dropped.
The finish line. Andy, Karen, Maria all whooping and hollering; I ran in at 28: something. Less than 28:30 I know but I don't remember how many minutes past 28. I was delighted. I finished the race, I felt pretty good and was doing fine.
"Here is 100 Mile Stud, Julie Berg. Julie won the McNaughton 100 two years ago and she's done it again" said Andy.
Andy presented me with First Woman plaque and my buckle, we took pictures and had a party. It was really so very much fun.
I sat down and smiled, thinking about all that I went through over those 100 miles and how much I was grateful for. All of the friends around, everyone was so nice. Pure bliss.
As we sat around we watched the 2nd place male 150 come in, David Goggins and then 3rd, Ryan Dexter. Way to go, I can't fathom. And no, I no longer want to do the 150. It's just too much. Remind me that I said that when McNaughton comes near next year! We watched John Taylor come in, he finished 100 and decided to not go for the 150. 100 is a pretty respectable distance!
Karl Meltzer was there, all fresh and clean. He broke the course record in 17 hours. He passed me THREE times! He went up the hills effortlessly, he was wonderful to watch, but was gone too quickly!
Andy asked to take Karl and my picture together. Ohhhh yeah...gotta like that! Men all over the place. Then picture with Andy, picture with David, I'll post them soon. A ton of fun.
I didn't have time to run (ha) to the hotel to clean up before leaving so I just changed into clean running clothes from my drop bag. Clean clothes on a filthy dirty body. Ick.
Maria and I said our goodbyes 2 hours later and headed out of Pekin. Something began to happen to me. Something that scared me.
I couldn't breath. I had been wheezing at the finish line, but tried to get deep breaths and wasn't real concerned now that the race was finished. I coughed a croup type cough, but wasn't too worried.
As Maria drove out of Pekin my breathing was was more of a gasp and she mentioned that I sounded like Darth Vader. I was becoming nervous. We stopped at a rest stop about 1/2 hour out of Pekin and I had a coughing fit, I couldn't breathe, I was gasping. Maria asked if I though I should go to an ER, I though about it, went pee, had another coughing fit and said yeah, something is wrong here. This wasn't ultra pain this was scary stuff.
Maria called her husband and he looked online for an Urgent Care near where we were. We found the little itty bitty city and stopped at Urgent Care, I had a coughing fit, wasn't breathing well and the told me to go to the Emergency Room at the Hospital instead.
Off we went.
Luckily there was not another patient in the whole ER! I explained what was going on, explained that I had just finished an 100 mile race (WHAT???), and that I was out of town, blah blah blah. They put me on a heart monitor, asked 101 question and I'm sure figured I was insane because who the hell runs 100 miles. The Dr. asked me if I ran this over a period of 6-7 days. Um, no, 28 hours, you know? I think they thought I was originally there for foot surgery because I couldn't walk at all, but that is normal ultra pain. I explained to every medical person that came in and touched me that I had been running for 28 hours, had not showered and I stunk. I was full of sweat and mud and my fingernails were horrific. Among other things. They didn't seem to be worried about my state of freshness. They did a lung xray, which was clear, had me spit my cough substance into a bag and describe what it looked like! Um, green, yellow, gross, come on! They did an albuterol treatment and I instantly felt relief. I could feel my passage ways open up and I could take deep breaths. Oh thank goodness! I began to shake, didn't like it, my heart began to race, apparently this is a reaction from the albuteral. They did another treatment with something that didn't cause the tremors and now I was all opened up and breathing magnificently. They listened to me and said I was still wheezing, but better than prior. He told me it was probably "exertion induced bronchial spasm' but then also prescribed an antibiotic called levequin ? and an inhaler. Maria is concerned about the levaquin and runners, let me know if you know anything about it. Why an antibiotic anyway? I don't know if this came on from the flora in Pekin, the cold air or what but it scared the hell out of me. Maria and I were stuck there for over 2 hours by the time they were finished with me. As I hobbled out of ER a nurse told me I was her hero. She had never heard of ultra runners before. How nice, hu?
I had a few coughing fits on the way back to Minnesota but my breathing was much much better. I left Maria's at 952 PM and arrived safely at home at 1052. I couldn't get out of my car. I was stuck. My body had swelled so that my sandals were too tight, my feet felt like they were round as I hoisted myself out of the car. Luckily the garage opens into the laundry room, bathroom and living room without a stair. Topaz was very excited to see me, tried to knock me down with paw hugs but I leaned against the wall for support. I hadn't been able to sleep at all on the ride home; I just can't fall asleep in a car, even after being awake for 50 hours. I laid my sweaty, salty, stinky self on the couch, pulled on my down blanket and slept until 6 for the boys school wake up time.
I couldn't get off of the couch! I didn't move all night, I was stiff as a board. To get off the couch I rolled onto the floor, stabilizing myself with my arms until my legs could put my full weight upon them. Egads.
You know what though? This ultra pain is much better than that breathing scare!!
I have the day off today; Tyler has a baseball game at home at 430 and Troy has a 7 PM practice. As I hobble to the fields the parents will speak of me in hushed tones. Oh well. I love what I do!
I'm going to run a hot bath now! I hope I can hobble up the stairs :)
I have a ton of pictures I'll post later today.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Kind of Freaking..
Well, I went to the grocery store after work today and loaded up on pizza, TV dinners, pot pies, chips and pop. Yeah, the family loves when I leave town. It's junk food city. I did make up a big batch of pizza casserole tonight so they can have leftovers as well during the weekend.
I've set up rides to and from baseball, school and birthday parties. I've washed laundry for the family as well as my running jacket, gloves, hats, gaitors, etc. It's nice to put on freshly laundered clothing during a race. Anything to give a little lift!
I've mixed up another batch of my foot potion. If you haven't read here long you may not know of my blister problem. Oooohhh..real horrific.
While running McNaughton last year I had the worst blisters ever. As blisters were popping new blisters were forming. It was awful. I asked the other 100 milers how in the world did they take care of their feet? Beth Simpson shared a recipe with me: 4 oz vaseline, 4 oz A&D, 4 oz aloe vera, 4 oz vitamin E, 4 oz Desitin. Oh yeah. It works. I slather on a layer each 25 miles or so and have only had a few blisters since. It will be interesting to see how my feet hold up at McNaughton. The course has river crossings and lots of sand as you exit the river. It tears my feet up.
I have charged up my iPod, as well as Tyler's iPod. We have the same music and I'm not sure how long my battery will last. He's offered his to me for the weekend. What a guy. I've charged my camera, have to have pictures!
I'm packing long pants, long sleeved shirts, short sleeved shirts, shorts, two pair of shoes. I am wearing Inov 8 Roclites. I have a size 10 and 11 to bring along.
I don't think I'll get to wear shorts. The forecast is still a high of 45 with rain/snow and high winds. Low of 29 during the night. Brrr. But crossing the rivers in pants will feel gross. I suppose I can unzip the legs and roll up over my knees to keep them dry.
I'm riding with my friend, Marie Barton, who is running the 50 mile. She ran the 30 at McNaughton last year. I'll head over to her place in the morning and we'll be on our way.
Goal: PR of 25-26 hours. 2005: 29:07 2006: 27:37
Woohoo! Over and Out..
I've set up rides to and from baseball, school and birthday parties. I've washed laundry for the family as well as my running jacket, gloves, hats, gaitors, etc. It's nice to put on freshly laundered clothing during a race. Anything to give a little lift!
I've mixed up another batch of my foot potion. If you haven't read here long you may not know of my blister problem. Oooohhh..real horrific.
While running McNaughton last year I had the worst blisters ever. As blisters were popping new blisters were forming. It was awful. I asked the other 100 milers how in the world did they take care of their feet? Beth Simpson shared a recipe with me: 4 oz vaseline, 4 oz A&D, 4 oz aloe vera, 4 oz vitamin E, 4 oz Desitin. Oh yeah. It works. I slather on a layer each 25 miles or so and have only had a few blisters since. It will be interesting to see how my feet hold up at McNaughton. The course has river crossings and lots of sand as you exit the river. It tears my feet up.
I have charged up my iPod, as well as Tyler's iPod. We have the same music and I'm not sure how long my battery will last. He's offered his to me for the weekend. What a guy. I've charged my camera, have to have pictures!
I'm packing long pants, long sleeved shirts, short sleeved shirts, shorts, two pair of shoes. I am wearing Inov 8 Roclites. I have a size 10 and 11 to bring along.
I don't think I'll get to wear shorts. The forecast is still a high of 45 with rain/snow and high winds. Low of 29 during the night. Brrr. But crossing the rivers in pants will feel gross. I suppose I can unzip the legs and roll up over my knees to keep them dry.
I'm riding with my friend, Marie Barton, who is running the 50 mile. She ran the 30 at McNaughton last year. I'll head over to her place in the morning and we'll be on our way.
Goal: PR of 25-26 hours. 2005: 29:07 2006: 27:37
Woohoo! Over and Out..
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
German Chocolate Cake.. My Version
I've used three different German Chocolate Cake recipies. This is the best one, I've combined all three, taking what I like best from each of them. This is what I came up with:
One big, tall 9 inch cake, about 16 servings:
For the cake:
2 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
6 T water
8 oz unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 C + 1/4 C sugar
4 large eggs, separated
2 C flour
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 C buttermilk, room temperature
1 t vanilla
For the filling:
1 C heavy cream
1 C sugar
3 large egg yolks
3 oz butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 t sald
1 C pecans, toasted and finely chopped
1 1/3 C unsweetened coconut, toasted
For the syrup:
1 C water
3/4 C sugar
2 T dark rum
For the chocolate icing:
8 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 T light corn syrup
1 1/2 oz unsalted butter
1 C heavy cream
1. Butter two 9 inch cake pans, then line the bottoms with rounds of parchment or wax paper. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Melt both chocolates together with 6 T water. I microwave. Stir unti lsmooth, set aside until room temp.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer bet the butter rand 1 1/4 C of the sugar until light and fluffy, 5 minutes. Beat the melted chocolate in, then the egg yolks, one at a time.
4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
5. Mix in half of the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mix, then the buttermilk and the vanilla, then the rest of the dry ingredients.
6. In a metal or glass bowl, beat the egg w hites until they hold soft, droopy peaks. Beat in the 1/4 C of the sugar until still.
7. Fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the cake batter to lighten it, then fold in the remaining egg whites just until there is no trace of egg white visible.
8. Divide the batter into the 2 pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 45 minutes.
Cool layers completely.
While the cakes are baking and cooling, make the filling, syrup and icing.
Filling:
1. Mix the cream, sugar and egg yolks in medium saucepan. Put the 3 ounces of butter, salt, toasted coconut and pecan in a large bowl.
2. Heat the cream mixture and cook, stirring constatnly until the mix begins to thicken and coats the spoon. DON'T BOIL. You'll cook the yolks. Not good for cake!!
3. Pour the hot custard immediately into the pecan-cocunut mix and stir until butter is melted. Cool.
Syrup:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and water until sugar melts. Remove from heat and add rum.
Icing:
1. Place the 8 oz of chopped chocolate in a bowl with the corn syrup and 1 1/2 oz of butter.
2. Heat cream until just barely boiling, remove from heat and pour over chocolate. Let stand 1 minute and stir until smooth. NOTE: One time my icing didn't thicken. I don't know why. I added 2 C of powdered sugar to thicken and it was fine. Strange but true.
To assemble:
Remove cake layers from the pans and cut both layers in half horizonatly (I use dental floss)
Set the first cake layer on a cake plate. Brush will with syrup. Spread 3/4 C of coconut mix over the layer, reaching edges. Set another layer on top and repeat.
Ice the sides with chocolate icing, then pipe decorate with pastry bag and tips - my favorite part - encircle the coconut topping, pipe along sides and bottom of plate.
YUM
One big, tall 9 inch cake, about 16 servings:
For the cake:
2 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
6 T water
8 oz unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 C + 1/4 C sugar
4 large eggs, separated
2 C flour
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 C buttermilk, room temperature
1 t vanilla
For the filling:
1 C heavy cream
1 C sugar
3 large egg yolks
3 oz butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 t sald
1 C pecans, toasted and finely chopped
1 1/3 C unsweetened coconut, toasted
For the syrup:
1 C water
3/4 C sugar
2 T dark rum
For the chocolate icing:
8 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 T light corn syrup
1 1/2 oz unsalted butter
1 C heavy cream
1. Butter two 9 inch cake pans, then line the bottoms with rounds of parchment or wax paper. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Melt both chocolates together with 6 T water. I microwave. Stir unti lsmooth, set aside until room temp.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer bet the butter rand 1 1/4 C of the sugar until light and fluffy, 5 minutes. Beat the melted chocolate in, then the egg yolks, one at a time.
4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
5. Mix in half of the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mix, then the buttermilk and the vanilla, then the rest of the dry ingredients.
6. In a metal or glass bowl, beat the egg w hites until they hold soft, droopy peaks. Beat in the 1/4 C of the sugar until still.
7. Fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the cake batter to lighten it, then fold in the remaining egg whites just until there is no trace of egg white visible.
8. Divide the batter into the 2 pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 45 minutes.
Cool layers completely.
While the cakes are baking and cooling, make the filling, syrup and icing.
Filling:
1. Mix the cream, sugar and egg yolks in medium saucepan. Put the 3 ounces of butter, salt, toasted coconut and pecan in a large bowl.
2. Heat the cream mixture and cook, stirring constatnly until the mix begins to thicken and coats the spoon. DON'T BOIL. You'll cook the yolks. Not good for cake!!
3. Pour the hot custard immediately into the pecan-cocunut mix and stir until butter is melted. Cool.
Syrup:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and water until sugar melts. Remove from heat and add rum.
Icing:
1. Place the 8 oz of chopped chocolate in a bowl with the corn syrup and 1 1/2 oz of butter.
2. Heat cream until just barely boiling, remove from heat and pour over chocolate. Let stand 1 minute and stir until smooth. NOTE: One time my icing didn't thicken. I don't know why. I added 2 C of powdered sugar to thicken and it was fine. Strange but true.
To assemble:
Remove cake layers from the pans and cut both layers in half horizonatly (I use dental floss)
Set the first cake layer on a cake plate. Brush will with syrup. Spread 3/4 C of coconut mix over the layer, reaching edges. Set another layer on top and repeat.
Ice the sides with chocolate icing, then pipe decorate with pastry bag and tips - my favorite part - encircle the coconut topping, pipe along sides and bottom of plate.
YUM
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Friday, April 06, 2007
Too Cold For Gramma
My Mom and Dad arrived from Texas last night. They spend November to April in Southern Texas each year, returning to Minnesota for the summer months.
They arrived during a cold spell! Last night they pulled into my sister's place, this morning I gave Mom a call to see if she and Laurie, maybe Dad wanted to meet me and Topaz for a run on the trail. They were all for it, they'd meet me out there in twenty minutes or so. I told her I was already at the trail head but would run hill repeats until they arrived.
The hill leaves the trail head, goes up short of 1/2 a mile and there is a view of the lot most of the way down. I ran 10 hills and couldn't figure out why they hadn't arrived. She only lives a few miles away from the trail! I went to my car and saw that 52 minutes had passed. Well something was wrong. I called Laurie's and Dad answered. Mom went outside and it was too cold for her to hit the trail! It was too, it was 15 F with a windchill of -8F. Hello! It's April 6th!
I headed back to the trail and did a 5 mile loop. I figured since I was warmed up I might as well run a bit more, and Topaz was raring to go.
We spent the rest of the day carousing the mall and hanging out like we did the day before they left for TX. It was probably about the same temperature too! Back to long pants, gloves and gators for running. Good grief.
Tonight I'm making a German Chocolate Cake. It's exquisite. Layers of toasted coconut-pecan custard, filling and chocolate icing. She's a beauty. I've taken the best parts of three different recipes and put it all together into one lovely beauty. She's baking now, the custard is finished and tomorrow I'll assemble and ice her. It's steak and cake on the menu for dinner tomorrow. I'll post pictures and directions tomorrow.
In the meantime..damn, it's cold.
They arrived during a cold spell! Last night they pulled into my sister's place, this morning I gave Mom a call to see if she and Laurie, maybe Dad wanted to meet me and Topaz for a run on the trail. They were all for it, they'd meet me out there in twenty minutes or so. I told her I was already at the trail head but would run hill repeats until they arrived.
The hill leaves the trail head, goes up short of 1/2 a mile and there is a view of the lot most of the way down. I ran 10 hills and couldn't figure out why they hadn't arrived. She only lives a few miles away from the trail! I went to my car and saw that 52 minutes had passed. Well something was wrong. I called Laurie's and Dad answered. Mom went outside and it was too cold for her to hit the trail! It was too, it was 15 F with a windchill of -8F. Hello! It's April 6th!
I headed back to the trail and did a 5 mile loop. I figured since I was warmed up I might as well run a bit more, and Topaz was raring to go.
We spent the rest of the day carousing the mall and hanging out like we did the day before they left for TX. It was probably about the same temperature too! Back to long pants, gloves and gators for running. Good grief.
Tonight I'm making a German Chocolate Cake. It's exquisite. Layers of toasted coconut-pecan custard, filling and chocolate icing. She's a beauty. I've taken the best parts of three different recipes and put it all together into one lovely beauty. She's baking now, the custard is finished and tomorrow I'll assemble and ice her. It's steak and cake on the menu for dinner tomorrow. I'll post pictures and directions tomorrow.
In the meantime..damn, it's cold.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Run Club=Fasties
Originally I thought I would bring Topaz out to the trail for the scheduled 1:30 easy 8/2 run today. But, alas, eventually I realized that I needed to pick up Tyler from baseball at 430 AND deliver the boys to youth group at 615.
I realized I could make run club if I could get the boys to youth group earlier than scheduled. Topaz and I took a 5 mile spin around the neighborhood so he could stretch his legs too.
I fandangeled my way into bringing the boys' to friends homes who would bring them to youth group so I could at least join run club and then run a double by myself.
There were about 10 of us tonight. As I pulled into the lot 3 of the runners were finishing a loop, ready to begin miles 6-10. These guys also finished first on their second (our first) loop. They are so fast, crazy fast. You know what, they are in their 50's too, late 50's for a few. Good deal.
Well, I didn't do an easy 1:30 as scheduled. Even with stopping to re-tie both of my shoes, and a bit later, stopping to remove my jacket I still finished in 39:05 for the first 5 miles. Yeah, that is fast for me. No wonder I had a side ache and I was breathing deeply!
After visiting for a few minutes the chill began to set in and runners were heading home. I was ready to begin round 2. This time I did take it a bit easier. I placed my iPod in my pocket and was on my way. The second five miles was finished in 43 minutes.
My 1:30, in reality, was 2:32 with the earlier Topaz run. Oh well, a little extra never hurt anyone!
I realized I could make run club if I could get the boys to youth group earlier than scheduled. Topaz and I took a 5 mile spin around the neighborhood so he could stretch his legs too.
I fandangeled my way into bringing the boys' to friends homes who would bring them to youth group so I could at least join run club and then run a double by myself.
There were about 10 of us tonight. As I pulled into the lot 3 of the runners were finishing a loop, ready to begin miles 6-10. These guys also finished first on their second (our first) loop. They are so fast, crazy fast. You know what, they are in their 50's too, late 50's for a few. Good deal.
Well, I didn't do an easy 1:30 as scheduled. Even with stopping to re-tie both of my shoes, and a bit later, stopping to remove my jacket I still finished in 39:05 for the first 5 miles. Yeah, that is fast for me. No wonder I had a side ache and I was breathing deeply!
After visiting for a few minutes the chill began to set in and runners were heading home. I was ready to begin round 2. This time I did take it a bit easier. I placed my iPod in my pocket and was on my way. The second five miles was finished in 43 minutes.
My 1:30, in reality, was 2:32 with the earlier Topaz run. Oh well, a little extra never hurt anyone!
Friday, March 02, 2007
Snow. City.
Today is day 2 of Snow Days. Yup, no school yesterday and no school today. Yippee!! I don't recall the last time we received two snow days in a row. We are enjoying it.
We have received all of our winter snow in a week. Last week it as a storm of 15" and from Wednesday night to today - it's still snowing - we are at about 20". It's crazy.
Yesterday I couldn't get out of the driveway. I ran on the treadmill for 90 minutes at 80% heart rate. I was surprised at the sweat pouring off of me as it wasn't a hard effort. Felt good.
Yesterday I shovelled my decking, sidewalks, etc. and today went out and did it all over again. Steve plowed the driveway with the 4 wheeler last night upon returning from work. Today I decided I'd give it a try. Tyler showed my how (how in the world does he know-he's never plowed the driveway?) and I was on my way. Two hours later I had it cleared. Man, it takes forever and I became cold sitting on the 4 wheeler. I didn't get it as 'neat as a pin' as Steve does, but at least he won't have to work on it for hours upon returning home from work. I was becoming bored outside.
Before shoveling and plowing, Topaz and I took an hour snow shoe run around the neighborhood. The roads weren't plowed yet, a few people had cleared snow in front of their driveways but mostly it was deep deep deep. Lots of fun! Today is a cross training day. I will head over to the gym later this afternoon for an elliptical, step and weight workout. I suppose a few hours of shovelling counts too.
Troy is a leap year baby. We will have his birthday tomorrow when his 11 year old friends arrive for sledding, bon fire and sleep over. Oh joy. I keep telling myself it is only one night a year I can do it! I will need to shovel out the fire pit and uncover some wood as well. We are REALLY snowed in! He want so have hotdogs and smores on the fire. I'll have to shovel a pathway down to the fire pit and up to the deck. Guess I better get started.
We have received all of our winter snow in a week. Last week it as a storm of 15" and from Wednesday night to today - it's still snowing - we are at about 20". It's crazy.
Yesterday I couldn't get out of the driveway. I ran on the treadmill for 90 minutes at 80% heart rate. I was surprised at the sweat pouring off of me as it wasn't a hard effort. Felt good.
Yesterday I shovelled my decking, sidewalks, etc. and today went out and did it all over again. Steve plowed the driveway with the 4 wheeler last night upon returning from work. Today I decided I'd give it a try. Tyler showed my how (how in the world does he know-he's never plowed the driveway?) and I was on my way. Two hours later I had it cleared. Man, it takes forever and I became cold sitting on the 4 wheeler. I didn't get it as 'neat as a pin' as Steve does, but at least he won't have to work on it for hours upon returning home from work. I was becoming bored outside.
Before shoveling and plowing, Topaz and I took an hour snow shoe run around the neighborhood. The roads weren't plowed yet, a few people had cleared snow in front of their driveways but mostly it was deep deep deep. Lots of fun! Today is a cross training day. I will head over to the gym later this afternoon for an elliptical, step and weight workout. I suppose a few hours of shovelling counts too.
Troy is a leap year baby. We will have his birthday tomorrow when his 11 year old friends arrive for sledding, bon fire and sleep over. Oh joy. I keep telling myself it is only one night a year I can do it! I will need to shovel out the fire pit and uncover some wood as well. We are REALLY snowed in! He want so have hotdogs and smores on the fire. I'll have to shovel a pathway down to the fire pit and up to the deck. Guess I better get started.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Let It Snow..Let It Snow..Let It Snow
Interesting that my last post was all about heat and sun and warm running. Not so today. The forecasters had been talking about a storm for our area all week long. I figured it was all hype and we'd be lucky to get a few inches.
I ran the Monticello hilly asphalt yesterday; luckily the snow was only starting and the roads were fine. The route didn't beat me up quite as much as it normally does. I finished in less than 4 hours and felt OK.
Spent the afternoon at the movies and relaxed the evening away, watching the snow accumulate.
Today as I stepped out the front door I couldn't see our front steps. We received 15" of snow. Yippee! No, I don't really care for winter, but it is near the end of the season and a good old fashioned snow storm is just fun.
I had to wait for Steve to plow the drive before I took off to the trail. I grabbed my snowshoes and headed out. It was a bumpy ride but well worth it. Topaz and I ran 10 miles in deep deep snow. No one had broke the trail, I was wading through the snow with my snowshoes. Topaz had to jump-run and consumed copious amounts of water as I offered it to him. Normally he doesn't want any water while winter running. Today was hard work! After arriving home I jumped on the treadmill for another 10..and promptly felt exhausted! I reached my weekly mileage though..snowstorm and all.
This afternoon I became one of my children. We went outside to play, following Topaz' tracks on our hands and knees, through the woods and brush. It was crazy fun! I held my tongue and didn't complain about my cold knees.
McNaughton 100 is only 7 weeks out. I need to get in a 50 mile training run-probably in two weeks.
I am not able to get June 1 off (the last day of school) for Kettle 100 so I will be running FANS again this summer. This year I am not afraid of the race though, that is a nice change!
Now I think I will take a cat-nap.
I ran the Monticello hilly asphalt yesterday; luckily the snow was only starting and the roads were fine. The route didn't beat me up quite as much as it normally does. I finished in less than 4 hours and felt OK.
Spent the afternoon at the movies and relaxed the evening away, watching the snow accumulate.
Today as I stepped out the front door I couldn't see our front steps. We received 15" of snow. Yippee! No, I don't really care for winter, but it is near the end of the season and a good old fashioned snow storm is just fun.
I had to wait for Steve to plow the drive before I took off to the trail. I grabbed my snowshoes and headed out. It was a bumpy ride but well worth it. Topaz and I ran 10 miles in deep deep snow. No one had broke the trail, I was wading through the snow with my snowshoes. Topaz had to jump-run and consumed copious amounts of water as I offered it to him. Normally he doesn't want any water while winter running. Today was hard work! After arriving home I jumped on the treadmill for another 10..and promptly felt exhausted! I reached my weekly mileage though..snowstorm and all.
This afternoon I became one of my children. We went outside to play, following Topaz' tracks on our hands and knees, through the woods and brush. It was crazy fun! I held my tongue and didn't complain about my cold knees.
McNaughton 100 is only 7 weeks out. I need to get in a 50 mile training run-probably in two weeks.
I am not able to get June 1 off (the last day of school) for Kettle 100 so I will be running FANS again this summer. This year I am not afraid of the race though, that is a nice change!
Now I think I will take a cat-nap.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
50K Minneapolis Lakes Run
When I registered for the Physco Wyco 50K in Kansas I thought 'yippee, I won't need to do a 50K AND a 50 Mile around the Minneapolis Lakes in preparation for McNaughton 100' Well, that didn't hold out, as I wasn't able to take part in the PW.
I'm ok running about 20 miles on the Blue Hill Trail this time of the year. It is snow covered and icy; very uneven. Over 20 miles and I am just wore out from trying to navigate the trail. It is slow going and takes forever. For my Bday I did 42 miles out there and it took forever. I can't get any leg turnover on the snow and ice.
So this morning I headed off to the Minneapolis Lakes for a 50K training run. Maria offered to join me for 10 miles, so we met up at the Lake Harriet Bandshell at 8 AM. Luckily I left home in plenty of time, as I wasn't paying attention and ended up in Eden Prairie on a frontage road next to the Minnesota Vikings training center. Good grief.
The wind was whipping. On the way to Harriet I heard on the radio that it was 13F with a -4 wind chill. I was thankful I brought around my Turtle Fur neck gaiter that stretches to my hair line and wondering if one pair of pants was going to be enough. Thankfully, one pair was fine.
At 8:00 we headed into the wind. Brrr! There weren't many other runners out today, there were a good number of couples, walking hand in hand around the lake. Maria and I chatted around the first loop of Harriet-Calhoun-Isles, quite quickly, before I knew it we were back at Harriet. Luckily for me, Maria felt amazingly well, only a week after PW and decided to run Harriet with me again. Yeah! After the loop we parted way. Maria headed for home, I headed for my car for a refill of Heed and my iPod. I had only consumed 12 oz for the 2.5 hours we were out there, not nearly enough. I am just not thirsty in cold weather. I know that I should be drinking more, but I do not. I wasn't hungry at all either. I had ONE gel the whole damn 50K.
For the second loop of the three lakes I became bored. Mentally. I struggled. I knew part of it was because I wasn't fueling as I should be, I wasn't drinking as I should be. I was watching people in love holding hands and talking and smiling..and I was all alone. God, I felt lonely! How odd that I was thinking this way. Finally I switched on my iPod and quit grumbling to myself. You know, a big part of ultra running is mental. Really. My body wasn't tired, wasn't in pain, but my mind wanted negative thoughts. At one point, at Lake of the Isles, I was watching two Border Collies run as fast as they could in front of their human, who was skiing across the lake. I cried. I missed Topaz. See, crazy..and low fuel will bring on sadness. Finally I quit crying and laughed at myself.
I let Ozzie Osbourne and Black Sabbath occupy my head. I sang along and cruised back to Harriet, ready to begin loop three. I ducked into the biffy for a few minutes, out of the wind, sucked back a gel and was thankful that I didn't head back to my car and drive away. I had actually entertained the thought, back on loop two. I told myself that I was here to run a 50K, that training for an ultra at this point is more mental than physical and how great I would feel when I was finished. Did I want to run well at McNaughton or did I want to pack it in now. The choice was mine.
I bucked up, smiled and laughed at myself and off I went, around Harriet, around Calhoun and up to Isle. I like Lake of the Isles best. There is a dog park, a skating rink and a ski path across the lake. The scenery is very pretty and the homes, my gosh, who lives in those mega million dollar homes? I can't imagine.
I was feeling good. Mentally I was back in, glad the bad patch was over. As I came back up to Calhoun I could smile again. In order to make it a 50K I ran two more Harriets and called it a day.
Only 60 oz of Heed today, my biceps are a bit tender to the touch, as they are whenever I am dehydrated. My jacket had a layer of ice in it and my face was numb. But I was happy! I did what I had planned to do. I'm a bit closer to my goal.
If the trail doesn't clear in a few weeks I'll be doing a 50 mile around the lakes. I hope the trail clears!
I was back at my sister's in Zimmerman by 4:00, in time to pick up Troy. Then he let me know he wanted to spend the night. Oh well. We had a nice visit.
Tomorrow Topaz will get in his run.
I'm ok running about 20 miles on the Blue Hill Trail this time of the year. It is snow covered and icy; very uneven. Over 20 miles and I am just wore out from trying to navigate the trail. It is slow going and takes forever. For my Bday I did 42 miles out there and it took forever. I can't get any leg turnover on the snow and ice.
So this morning I headed off to the Minneapolis Lakes for a 50K training run. Maria offered to join me for 10 miles, so we met up at the Lake Harriet Bandshell at 8 AM. Luckily I left home in plenty of time, as I wasn't paying attention and ended up in Eden Prairie on a frontage road next to the Minnesota Vikings training center. Good grief.
The wind was whipping. On the way to Harriet I heard on the radio that it was 13F with a -4 wind chill. I was thankful I brought around my Turtle Fur neck gaiter that stretches to my hair line and wondering if one pair of pants was going to be enough. Thankfully, one pair was fine.
At 8:00 we headed into the wind. Brrr! There weren't many other runners out today, there were a good number of couples, walking hand in hand around the lake. Maria and I chatted around the first loop of Harriet-Calhoun-Isles, quite quickly, before I knew it we were back at Harriet. Luckily for me, Maria felt amazingly well, only a week after PW and decided to run Harriet with me again. Yeah! After the loop we parted way. Maria headed for home, I headed for my car for a refill of Heed and my iPod. I had only consumed 12 oz for the 2.5 hours we were out there, not nearly enough. I am just not thirsty in cold weather. I know that I should be drinking more, but I do not. I wasn't hungry at all either. I had ONE gel the whole damn 50K.
For the second loop of the three lakes I became bored. Mentally. I struggled. I knew part of it was because I wasn't fueling as I should be, I wasn't drinking as I should be. I was watching people in love holding hands and talking and smiling..and I was all alone. God, I felt lonely! How odd that I was thinking this way. Finally I switched on my iPod and quit grumbling to myself. You know, a big part of ultra running is mental. Really. My body wasn't tired, wasn't in pain, but my mind wanted negative thoughts. At one point, at Lake of the Isles, I was watching two Border Collies run as fast as they could in front of their human, who was skiing across the lake. I cried. I missed Topaz. See, crazy..and low fuel will bring on sadness. Finally I quit crying and laughed at myself.
I let Ozzie Osbourne and Black Sabbath occupy my head. I sang along and cruised back to Harriet, ready to begin loop three. I ducked into the biffy for a few minutes, out of the wind, sucked back a gel and was thankful that I didn't head back to my car and drive away. I had actually entertained the thought, back on loop two. I told myself that I was here to run a 50K, that training for an ultra at this point is more mental than physical and how great I would feel when I was finished. Did I want to run well at McNaughton or did I want to pack it in now. The choice was mine.
I bucked up, smiled and laughed at myself and off I went, around Harriet, around Calhoun and up to Isle. I like Lake of the Isles best. There is a dog park, a skating rink and a ski path across the lake. The scenery is very pretty and the homes, my gosh, who lives in those mega million dollar homes? I can't imagine.
I was feeling good. Mentally I was back in, glad the bad patch was over. As I came back up to Calhoun I could smile again. In order to make it a 50K I ran two more Harriets and called it a day.
Only 60 oz of Heed today, my biceps are a bit tender to the touch, as they are whenever I am dehydrated. My jacket had a layer of ice in it and my face was numb. But I was happy! I did what I had planned to do. I'm a bit closer to my goal.
If the trail doesn't clear in a few weeks I'll be doing a 50 mile around the lakes. I hope the trail clears!
I was back at my sister's in Zimmerman by 4:00, in time to pick up Troy. Then he let me know he wanted to spend the night. Oh well. We had a nice visit.
Tomorrow Topaz will get in his run.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
I LOVE Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentine's Day!
I love red, I love chocolate, I love cake...all of it. It's not just receiving these items..it's about giving them, too.
The boys woke up to heart shaped pancakes .. yes, I'm silly .. with whipping creme and chocolate shavings. They only snickered, but I know they like it. I've created Valentine breakfasts for them since they could chew.
Then it was chocolate for breakfast dessert, and the cake will wait until after school.
Last night we created Valentine bags for all of Troy's classmates. It will be the last class Valentine party, as he moves onto Middle School next year.
Topaz received a heart shaped milk bone biscuit and Toffee received his smelly salmon breakfast shaped as a heart. I'm a geek, but a romantic one!
Steve left me a gift certificate for a full body massage at Aveda, I think I'll schedule that appointment soon!
Enjoy Valentine's Day today.
I love red, I love chocolate, I love cake...all of it. It's not just receiving these items..it's about giving them, too.
The boys woke up to heart shaped pancakes .. yes, I'm silly .. with whipping creme and chocolate shavings. They only snickered, but I know they like it. I've created Valentine breakfasts for them since they could chew.
Then it was chocolate for breakfast dessert, and the cake will wait until after school.
Last night we created Valentine bags for all of Troy's classmates. It will be the last class Valentine party, as he moves onto Middle School next year.
Topaz received a heart shaped milk bone biscuit and Toffee received his smelly salmon breakfast shaped as a heart. I'm a geek, but a romantic one!
Steve left me a gift certificate for a full body massage at Aveda, I think I'll schedule that appointment soon!
Enjoy Valentine's Day today.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
The Northwoods NO Snowshoe Race
I wasn't sure if I would be wearing snowshoes or not at the race yesterday. The forecast for Duluth had shown a 50% chance of snow for Thursday, but I didn't know if any or how much had fallen.
I placed my snowshoes into the truck just in case. I was thinking that if there wasn't any snow, I would probably drive home after the race, not spending the night, I probably wouldn't be too terribly tired since this would be more of a training run, and well, *only* a marathon.
That's crazy thinking, really. A marathon is still a very long distance and on hilly ski trails, covered with ice and a dusting of snow, very difficult. Still, I was in the *only* a marathon thinking mode.
Last year I arrived to the race location two minutes before the start. Barely enough time to strap on my snowshoes. This year I left my home at 530 AM. I was not going to be late for the 930 start.
As I approached Duluth I could see very plainly that this was going to be a NO snowshoe race. Oh! Easy Peasy. I was looking forward to running in plain old trail shoes.
I had no time goals; I just wanted to spend hours on feet. I thought probably 6-6:30 I would finish, depending on conditions of the trail. Some of the half marathon entrants had moved up to the full marathon as they realized there were no snowshoes involved. There was a record 21 marathon entrants. I didn't ask about the entrants for the 1/2 marathon or the 10K.
After talking a bit to some friends and adding another layer of clothing I sat in my car and waited for the start. The Duluth radio told me it was 5F with high of 20F. Not too bad, hardy any wind, perfect!
As it neared 930 I made some last minute changes in clothing (three shirts, jacket, two pair of pants, hat, neck gator, gloves and mittens) and was ready to start.
The race begins in the Lester Park ski trail area. There are many many hills. After a small loop in the ski park we go through some private properties, some single track, some open meadow, around a big beaver pond, over a few river crossings, many high high hills with a magnificant view of Lake Superior. This truly is a beautiful area for a race. The volunteers are fantastic. I think they are the same volunteers every year. I was shocked when they recognized me. One man asked where my entourage was. I told him since there wasn't any snow here, some of my friends had stayed behing to pull their sleds at Afton. This is the first time I ran the race by myself. I normally hook up with Scott and we run together. He was sled pulling for the Arrowhead 135, as was John and Pierre.
The course was changed a bit this year. Man, we took this one hill that went straight up, up, up, up. My hamstrings were screaming. Luckily, this hill was grass covered and there wasn't a lot of ice on it. I was happy to make it to the top and look out over Lake Superior. What a view! I was glad Barb had added this hill into the race. I was looking forward to repeating the loop so I could scale it again.
I was surprised that I didn't seen hardly any other runners after the race began. I ran with Jo and Rick for a few miles and then didn't see another soul until the last 3 miles of the race. I did have my iPod with me, but was enjoying the peace and quiet and never did turn it on.
At 6 hours, I ran into the finish. Barb, (race director) and a few others were mingling around. Mike brought me a hot cup of hot chocolate! What a great way to end a winter race. Yum. I told Barb that I wouldn't be staying for the banquet, I was going to head home. I collected my very nice sweatshirt, blue this year, with a pair of snowshoes and a red x inside of a circle stating NO snowshoe races, and headed off for home. After stopping to change clothes at a Dunns Brothers and grabbing a Skim Latte, I was off. I arrived home by 7:00 and it sure was nice sleeping in my own bed last night!
I and Topaz are off to head out for 15 miles now. It'll work out some of the stiffness in my legs!
I placed my snowshoes into the truck just in case. I was thinking that if there wasn't any snow, I would probably drive home after the race, not spending the night, I probably wouldn't be too terribly tired since this would be more of a training run, and well, *only* a marathon.
That's crazy thinking, really. A marathon is still a very long distance and on hilly ski trails, covered with ice and a dusting of snow, very difficult. Still, I was in the *only* a marathon thinking mode.
Last year I arrived to the race location two minutes before the start. Barely enough time to strap on my snowshoes. This year I left my home at 530 AM. I was not going to be late for the 930 start.
As I approached Duluth I could see very plainly that this was going to be a NO snowshoe race. Oh! Easy Peasy. I was looking forward to running in plain old trail shoes.
I had no time goals; I just wanted to spend hours on feet. I thought probably 6-6:30 I would finish, depending on conditions of the trail. Some of the half marathon entrants had moved up to the full marathon as they realized there were no snowshoes involved. There was a record 21 marathon entrants. I didn't ask about the entrants for the 1/2 marathon or the 10K.
After talking a bit to some friends and adding another layer of clothing I sat in my car and waited for the start. The Duluth radio told me it was 5F with high of 20F. Not too bad, hardy any wind, perfect!
As it neared 930 I made some last minute changes in clothing (three shirts, jacket, two pair of pants, hat, neck gator, gloves and mittens) and was ready to start.
The race begins in the Lester Park ski trail area. There are many many hills. After a small loop in the ski park we go through some private properties, some single track, some open meadow, around a big beaver pond, over a few river crossings, many high high hills with a magnificant view of Lake Superior. This truly is a beautiful area for a race. The volunteers are fantastic. I think they are the same volunteers every year. I was shocked when they recognized me. One man asked where my entourage was. I told him since there wasn't any snow here, some of my friends had stayed behing to pull their sleds at Afton. This is the first time I ran the race by myself. I normally hook up with Scott and we run together. He was sled pulling for the Arrowhead 135, as was John and Pierre.
The course was changed a bit this year. Man, we took this one hill that went straight up, up, up, up. My hamstrings were screaming. Luckily, this hill was grass covered and there wasn't a lot of ice on it. I was happy to make it to the top and look out over Lake Superior. What a view! I was glad Barb had added this hill into the race. I was looking forward to repeating the loop so I could scale it again.
I was surprised that I didn't seen hardly any other runners after the race began. I ran with Jo and Rick for a few miles and then didn't see another soul until the last 3 miles of the race. I did have my iPod with me, but was enjoying the peace and quiet and never did turn it on.
At 6 hours, I ran into the finish. Barb, (race director) and a few others were mingling around. Mike brought me a hot cup of hot chocolate! What a great way to end a winter race. Yum. I told Barb that I wouldn't be staying for the banquet, I was going to head home. I collected my very nice sweatshirt, blue this year, with a pair of snowshoes and a red x inside of a circle stating NO snowshoe races, and headed off for home. After stopping to change clothes at a Dunns Brothers and grabbing a Skim Latte, I was off. I arrived home by 7:00 and it sure was nice sleeping in my own bed last night!
I and Topaz are off to head out for 15 miles now. It'll work out some of the stiffness in my legs!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Happy New Year!
For our Happy New Year treat we received 5" of snow! Yippee! I didn't really mind that we didn't have any, but now that it is here, it's pretty darn nice.
Once I worked out the aches and tiredness in my legs this morning I dressed into running clothes and donned my snow gaiters for the first time, put the snowshoes into the car and headed off to the trail.
Topaz loves the snow! He doesn't need ponds to cool off, he can just roll around in the snow. I still bring water for him though, the snow that he munches isn't enough.
We snowshoed for 5 miles and I was exhausted. Each year I am amazed at the workout snowshoeing gives. My heart rate was extremely high. Of course, I had a 90 mile week last week so that was part of it as well.
Tomorrow I begin another fat burning block. Since October 15 I've cut back on running, well, from my summer 80+ mile weeks to 40 mile weeks (except last week), increased lifting to 5 x a week and increased calories. I had my body fat tested last Friday and found that I gained 2.8 pounds of muscle (can a person really gain almost 3 pounds of muscle in less than 3 months? I'm skeptical..) and 4 pounds of fat. Yeah, I knew that would happen. I don't like it, but am not suprised. I knew to gain good muscle that fat would come along with it. I had basal metabolic testing, maximum oxygen consumption testing and underwater body fat analysis. I'll go back in April to see how the numbers change.
I'll begin 3 sessions of 30 minute intervals each week, then increase to 4 and 5 on top of my 50-60 mpw running. 3x a week lifting, sometimes 4 on back off running weeks. 40/40/20 on the macros with a zig zag of 1400(low) and 2000 (high). I'm hoping that since I've increased my calories the past few months that I can burn some fat without lowering to a constant low of 1400. I just don't want my metabolism to crash and burn again. As I increase my big weeks of running mileage I'll increase my calories as well. No more of this 1200 calories a day and running 80 miles a week habit.
Happy New Year!!
Once I worked out the aches and tiredness in my legs this morning I dressed into running clothes and donned my snow gaiters for the first time, put the snowshoes into the car and headed off to the trail.
Topaz loves the snow! He doesn't need ponds to cool off, he can just roll around in the snow. I still bring water for him though, the snow that he munches isn't enough.
We snowshoed for 5 miles and I was exhausted. Each year I am amazed at the workout snowshoeing gives. My heart rate was extremely high. Of course, I had a 90 mile week last week so that was part of it as well.
Tomorrow I begin another fat burning block. Since October 15 I've cut back on running, well, from my summer 80+ mile weeks to 40 mile weeks (except last week), increased lifting to 5 x a week and increased calories. I had my body fat tested last Friday and found that I gained 2.8 pounds of muscle (can a person really gain almost 3 pounds of muscle in less than 3 months? I'm skeptical..) and 4 pounds of fat. Yeah, I knew that would happen. I don't like it, but am not suprised. I knew to gain good muscle that fat would come along with it. I had basal metabolic testing, maximum oxygen consumption testing and underwater body fat analysis. I'll go back in April to see how the numbers change.
I'll begin 3 sessions of 30 minute intervals each week, then increase to 4 and 5 on top of my 50-60 mpw running. 3x a week lifting, sometimes 4 on back off running weeks. 40/40/20 on the macros with a zig zag of 1400(low) and 2000 (high). I'm hoping that since I've increased my calories the past few months that I can burn some fat without lowering to a constant low of 1400. I just don't want my metabolism to crash and burn again. As I increase my big weeks of running mileage I'll increase my calories as well. No more of this 1200 calories a day and running 80 miles a week habit.
Happy New Year!!
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