Saturday, July 05, 2008
Fun Frolicking Through The Park
Oh yes. I did have fun. I did frolic. I had fun frolicking through the park. I had fabulous fun frolicking through the park. Say that 10 times!
The Afton 25K/50K race is absolutely top notch. 2008 brought a new race director to the race. John Storkamp. He did a wonderful job. He was (he looked and acted) calm, cool and collected. He didn't seem stressed, he seemed to have fun. Not only did he direct the race; he also created the awards. The medals around our necks (which volunteers helped to create) and the prints he created for the top finishers. Amazing. Kudos to John and Cheri, and to the volunteers that manned the start/finish and all of the aid stations.
Today promised to be Afton-esque. Hot and humid with a nice breeze which later became a stiff wind. Perfect. It reached 89F.
Hammer Nutrition again provided a zillion packets of gel for each station and HEED, as they did at the Superior 25K/50K. This just makes the race so much easier for me! I didn't have to carry anything but a bottle and I didn't need a drop bag for HEED. Awesome. I didn't eat any solids. I consumed 240 ounces of HEED and 6 gels, 24 oz of water.
I've never had so much to drink during any race before. Ever. The aid stations were 3 miles apart and I filled my bottle at every one, draining it before the next one. My clothing was very white and salty post race. My skin looked like a salt mine. I had NO swelling as I didn't take any E/SCaps. I seem to get enough salt from the HEED. Something else I have finally figured out this year.
For the race I had a few goals going through my brain. First goal: A PR. My fastest Afton 50K time is 609. I wanted to run 608 for sure. Second goal: Break 6 hours. I thought I could. Third goal: PR Superior 50K time of 557. I wasn't sure of this. It's strange, but in the past I have run Superior 50K faster than Afton 50K and Superior is a tougher course. As I was running today I realized it must be because for Superior I am post McNaughton 3 weeks and have had a few days of light recovery running, then heavy training. For Afton I am deep into training for a summer 100 so I am tired. I use both of these runs as training runs so I don't taper. Well, my finish today didn't live up to that idea. Goal 4: AWARD. I wanted one of John's prints. How wonderful it would look on my wall of fame. Ha on the fame.
I did something I haven't done before. I looked at the entrants to see how many women over 40 were running. Hey, I wanted to see if I could win a print! There were 11 of us listed in the 40-49 age group for the Masters award. I knew John was giving 1, 2 and 3. I also knew that Eve Rembleski (ROCK ON EVE!) would win the woman's and as there were no doubling of awards the first master woman was still up for grabs. I figured I'd come in 4th in the batch which was too bad because 4 didn't get an award. Oh well. Onto Goal 1-3.
My god, people near my home shot off fireworks all freaking night. I went to bed at 11 and woke up every 35 minutes to boom boom boom. Topaz was a nervous wreck, Toffee was sleeping on my head, it wasn't a good night. 400 came too early.
I made it to Afton in plenty of time to get my packet from Tom and Nancy, my awesome Marmot shirt and had some time to visit with Deb, Maria, Pierre and many others. We lined up near the back and listened to John's go.
I wanted to really blast the downhills. I'm lacking in this area and with Leadville approaching, I figured this is a great place to do it. I had great success with the hills. I wore my Garmin 50 and saw that the downhills were sometimes a sub 7 minute mile pace. Granted, they only lasted a short time, but I'll take what I can get!
First loop I ran a bit with Pierre and Doug, talking Leadville. Doug has paced out there and Pierre has run it. I love listening to other's stories. Eventually I ran off and never really ran with anyone through the rest of the race. I didn't listen to my ipod until the last half of the last loop. I was just enjoying the warm air, all of the volunteers, the beautiful scenery that the Afton State Park offers.
I came into the 25K mark at 248. E Fisher Drew gave me a gentle pat and a 'go' to get out and get running. Thanks E! I needed that. I realized I could PR and break 6 hours. I felt fine, nothing hurt, I wasn't tired at all. I thought maybe I should have gone faster.
Second loop I had to go pee for the first time which is crazy in itself. I usually pee at least once an hour. As I walked into the bushes I fell! I tripped over a stump and cut my knee. I couldn't believe it. It was only bleeding a bit, but still. Fall while walking.
I walked up some of the huge monster hills, but otherwise I ran the race the best I could. When I didn't see anyone in front or in back of me I decided to play my ipod for a while. Nobody every came up on me. I began to pass some men but never saw any women out there. I began to wonder where I was in the field of girls.
As I came into the final aid station I gave Jefferey a quick hug and asked Tom for the time. I asked him if I was going to break 6 hours. Isn't that ridiculous. Me who is running the race, asking Tom, who is working the aid station if I am going to break 6 hours. How silly of me. Nancy yelled YES you can, go!
I went. I ran as fast as I could that last section. It is the most difficult section for me. It's the snowshoe trail and rooty and rocky. I need to watch where I am placing my feet. Most of the Afton course is runnable, but this section is a slow runnable for me. I still hadn't looked at my watch. I just wanted to run hard and break 6 hours. I didn't know if I could or not but I knew if I looked at my watch and thought I could, then I would let up. I didn't want to let up.
I finally heard some female voices in back of me. They turned out to be Pam and Kami. I asked Kami if she was from Monticello, as I recalled seeing her listed as a finisher last year, and Monticello is only a few miles from where I live in Big Lake. Yes, it was Kami from Monticello. We chatted and grinded to the finish line. I crossed the line in 5:50
I reached all four goals. I PR'd my Afton time, I broke 6 hours, I PR'd my Superior 50K time and I won an award: First Master Woman. I love it!
After I ran into the finish line it was time to catch up with everyone. I sat with Eve and Wynn. Eve BROKE her woman's course record set last year again. She finished in 413! Get this. She forgot to take today off, she is working right now. Yeah. After running a 413 50K!!
I had fabulous fun frolicking through the park.
The Afton 25K/50K race is absolutely top notch. 2008 brought a new race director to the race. John Storkamp. He did a wonderful job. He was (he looked and acted) calm, cool and collected. He didn't seem stressed, he seemed to have fun. Not only did he direct the race; he also created the awards. The medals around our necks (which volunteers helped to create) and the prints he created for the top finishers. Amazing. Kudos to John and Cheri, and to the volunteers that manned the start/finish and all of the aid stations.
Today promised to be Afton-esque. Hot and humid with a nice breeze which later became a stiff wind. Perfect. It reached 89F.
Hammer Nutrition again provided a zillion packets of gel for each station and HEED, as they did at the Superior 25K/50K. This just makes the race so much easier for me! I didn't have to carry anything but a bottle and I didn't need a drop bag for HEED. Awesome. I didn't eat any solids. I consumed 240 ounces of HEED and 6 gels, 24 oz of water.
I've never had so much to drink during any race before. Ever. The aid stations were 3 miles apart and I filled my bottle at every one, draining it before the next one. My clothing was very white and salty post race. My skin looked like a salt mine. I had NO swelling as I didn't take any E/SCaps. I seem to get enough salt from the HEED. Something else I have finally figured out this year.
For the race I had a few goals going through my brain. First goal: A PR. My fastest Afton 50K time is 609. I wanted to run 608 for sure. Second goal: Break 6 hours. I thought I could. Third goal: PR Superior 50K time of 557. I wasn't sure of this. It's strange, but in the past I have run Superior 50K faster than Afton 50K and Superior is a tougher course. As I was running today I realized it must be because for Superior I am post McNaughton 3 weeks and have had a few days of light recovery running, then heavy training. For Afton I am deep into training for a summer 100 so I am tired. I use both of these runs as training runs so I don't taper. Well, my finish today didn't live up to that idea. Goal 4: AWARD. I wanted one of John's prints. How wonderful it would look on my wall of fame. Ha on the fame.
I did something I haven't done before. I looked at the entrants to see how many women over 40 were running. Hey, I wanted to see if I could win a print! There were 11 of us listed in the 40-49 age group for the Masters award. I knew John was giving 1, 2 and 3. I also knew that Eve Rembleski (ROCK ON EVE!) would win the woman's and as there were no doubling of awards the first master woman was still up for grabs. I figured I'd come in 4th in the batch which was too bad because 4 didn't get an award. Oh well. Onto Goal 1-3.
My god, people near my home shot off fireworks all freaking night. I went to bed at 11 and woke up every 35 minutes to boom boom boom. Topaz was a nervous wreck, Toffee was sleeping on my head, it wasn't a good night. 400 came too early.
I made it to Afton in plenty of time to get my packet from Tom and Nancy, my awesome Marmot shirt and had some time to visit with Deb, Maria, Pierre and many others. We lined up near the back and listened to John's go.
I wanted to really blast the downhills. I'm lacking in this area and with Leadville approaching, I figured this is a great place to do it. I had great success with the hills. I wore my Garmin 50 and saw that the downhills were sometimes a sub 7 minute mile pace. Granted, they only lasted a short time, but I'll take what I can get!
First loop I ran a bit with Pierre and Doug, talking Leadville. Doug has paced out there and Pierre has run it. I love listening to other's stories. Eventually I ran off and never really ran with anyone through the rest of the race. I didn't listen to my ipod until the last half of the last loop. I was just enjoying the warm air, all of the volunteers, the beautiful scenery that the Afton State Park offers.
I came into the 25K mark at 248. E Fisher Drew gave me a gentle pat and a 'go' to get out and get running. Thanks E! I needed that. I realized I could PR and break 6 hours. I felt fine, nothing hurt, I wasn't tired at all. I thought maybe I should have gone faster.
Second loop I had to go pee for the first time which is crazy in itself. I usually pee at least once an hour. As I walked into the bushes I fell! I tripped over a stump and cut my knee. I couldn't believe it. It was only bleeding a bit, but still. Fall while walking.
I walked up some of the huge monster hills, but otherwise I ran the race the best I could. When I didn't see anyone in front or in back of me I decided to play my ipod for a while. Nobody every came up on me. I began to pass some men but never saw any women out there. I began to wonder where I was in the field of girls.
As I came into the final aid station I gave Jefferey a quick hug and asked Tom for the time. I asked him if I was going to break 6 hours. Isn't that ridiculous. Me who is running the race, asking Tom, who is working the aid station if I am going to break 6 hours. How silly of me. Nancy yelled YES you can, go!
I went. I ran as fast as I could that last section. It is the most difficult section for me. It's the snowshoe trail and rooty and rocky. I need to watch where I am placing my feet. Most of the Afton course is runnable, but this section is a slow runnable for me. I still hadn't looked at my watch. I just wanted to run hard and break 6 hours. I didn't know if I could or not but I knew if I looked at my watch and thought I could, then I would let up. I didn't want to let up.
I finally heard some female voices in back of me. They turned out to be Pam and Kami. I asked Kami if she was from Monticello, as I recalled seeing her listed as a finisher last year, and Monticello is only a few miles from where I live in Big Lake. Yes, it was Kami from Monticello. We chatted and grinded to the finish line. I crossed the line in 5:50
I reached all four goals. I PR'd my Afton time, I broke 6 hours, I PR'd my Superior 50K time and I won an award: First Master Woman. I love it!
After I ran into the finish line it was time to catch up with everyone. I sat with Eve and Wynn. Eve BROKE her woman's course record set last year again. She finished in 413! Get this. She forgot to take today off, she is working right now. Yeah. After running a 413 50K!!
I had fabulous fun frolicking through the park.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Summer Road Trip(s)
A few weeks ago I asked Steve and the boys if they had any interest in accompanying me to Colorado in August to run the Leadville 100 Trail Race. The boys were lukewarm to the idea and Steve was very interested as long as he had the vacation time. He checked with his employer and even after taking next week off for the 4th of July he still has plenty of vacation this year to burn.
I guess I'm planning another road trip! I'm glad they are going to come along. We haven't taken a drive vacation in quite some time. It's been years since we drove out to CA - a three week drive trip - we are overdue. We'll drive to Rapid City for night one, I better get out an atlas and begin to make reservations and create a plan. We'll probably take 10 days, I'll have plenty of time to acclimate and hike the peaks out there. What a great adventure :)
I'm making a few mini road trips in the next weeks. Up to the cabin on Lake Vermilion, back home to run Afton 50K, back to the lake, up to the Superior Hiking Trail for the Third Annual BETA run. Great fun.
Today's Beginning Run Group was wonderful. The gals walked 6 minutes, ran 4 minutes x 3 with a long walk for a cool down. They are doing fantastic. Next week we'll do a 5/5 with a longer finish walk. By walking longer at the end the bodies will be stressed and then recovered to a longer exercise session for when we are running more than walking and then lengthening our sessions. The all want to continue this through the fall and are asking about winter running. A good sign, isn't it! They are enjoying it as much as I.
I am trying Bread Bakers Apprentice Pain la Ancienne - a cold ferment baguette. My first try, I'm anxious to see how it turns out. While I bake this baby I spray water into the oven, creating a steam for a nicer crust. Learning learning learning..
I guess I'm planning another road trip! I'm glad they are going to come along. We haven't taken a drive vacation in quite some time. It's been years since we drove out to CA - a three week drive trip - we are overdue. We'll drive to Rapid City for night one, I better get out an atlas and begin to make reservations and create a plan. We'll probably take 10 days, I'll have plenty of time to acclimate and hike the peaks out there. What a great adventure :)
I'm making a few mini road trips in the next weeks. Up to the cabin on Lake Vermilion, back home to run Afton 50K, back to the lake, up to the Superior Hiking Trail for the Third Annual BETA run. Great fun.
Today's Beginning Run Group was wonderful. The gals walked 6 minutes, ran 4 minutes x 3 with a long walk for a cool down. They are doing fantastic. Next week we'll do a 5/5 with a longer finish walk. By walking longer at the end the bodies will be stressed and then recovered to a longer exercise session for when we are running more than walking and then lengthening our sessions. The all want to continue this through the fall and are asking about winter running. A good sign, isn't it! They are enjoying it as much as I.
I am trying Bread Bakers Apprentice Pain la Ancienne - a cold ferment baguette. My first try, I'm anxious to see how it turns out. While I bake this baby I spray water into the oven, creating a steam for a nicer crust. Learning learning learning..
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Tuesdays With Dorie
As most of you readers know, I love to bake. I love to bake cakes, sweet rolls, brownies, cookies and most recently slowly fermented breads.
I had been looking at a fabulous cookbook: Baking From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan. It is a huge hardcover beautiful book full of desserts to bake. After a search online I found a whole group of people baking to Dorie. I jumped on the bandwagon. Each Tuesday a different member of the group chooses recipe to bake.
Today Apple Cheddar Scones was the recipe to create. Now, I am not a scone girl. I have never baked a scone nor have I ever purchased one or tasted one. Give me ooey gooey chocolate and loads of sugar instead, please!
I really didn't know what to expect. They were very simple to create. 10 minutes in the kitchen and I was done. I did sub the dried apples for one whole fresh apple. Instead of cutting into 12 I cut into 8 because I like things big and chunky. Instead of finely diced dried apple I used big hunks and big hunks of cheddar instead of shredded.
They turned out beautifully. They are light and fluffy. Troy ate his with butter; Tyler ate his with apple preserves. I tasted Troy's but it just isn't anything I would want to 'waste' calories on.
I do look forward to baking through this book and creating something new each week.
Next Tuesday: Double Crusted Blueberry Pie. Troy's favorite pie is Blueberry :)
I had been looking at a fabulous cookbook: Baking From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan. It is a huge hardcover beautiful book full of desserts to bake. After a search online I found a whole group of people baking to Dorie. I jumped on the bandwagon. Each Tuesday a different member of the group chooses recipe to bake.
Today Apple Cheddar Scones was the recipe to create. Now, I am not a scone girl. I have never baked a scone nor have I ever purchased one or tasted one. Give me ooey gooey chocolate and loads of sugar instead, please!
I really didn't know what to expect. They were very simple to create. 10 minutes in the kitchen and I was done. I did sub the dried apples for one whole fresh apple. Instead of cutting into 12 I cut into 8 because I like things big and chunky. Instead of finely diced dried apple I used big hunks and big hunks of cheddar instead of shredded.
They turned out beautifully. They are light and fluffy. Troy ate his with butter; Tyler ate his with apple preserves. I tasted Troy's but it just isn't anything I would want to 'waste' calories on.
I do look forward to baking through this book and creating something new each week.
Next Tuesday: Double Crusted Blueberry Pie. Troy's favorite pie is Blueberry :)
Monday, June 30, 2008
Turtle Brownies
Because Steve and I celebrated our 24th Anniversary yesterday I asked him to pick out a dessert to go with the grilled 2" thick pork chops, strawberry-spinach salad and warm, homemade whole wheat bread I was making for dinner. He and Troy settled on Turtle Brownies.
They give my Oreo Crunch Brownies a run for the the best brownie ever. Troy told me that I will have to make both of them at the same time so he can taste test to see which brownies earns the best honor. In due time!
Today on the baking list: Apple Cheddar Scones
They give my Oreo Crunch Brownies a run for the the best brownie ever. Troy told me that I will have to make both of them at the same time so he can taste test to see which brownies earns the best honor. In due time!
Today on the baking list: Apple Cheddar Scones
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Just a Few Hills..at Hyland
On Monday I drove over to Powder Ridge in Kimball to get in another session of hill repeats. It wasn't meant to be. The ski area was closed due to a resurface project. Reseeding grass or something.
I decided to hook up with Paul over at Hyland this morning. We were to begin at 5 AM. I woke bright and early..well not bright..it was 330 AM. A couple of cups of Caribou Mocha Java from my French Press and I was good to go.
Luckily Paul sent me detailed directions as where to go once in the parking lot. I jogged along the dark, woodsy trail, hauling my cooler in one hand and looking at the detailed directions in the other. I found the hill and set up shop. Something must have come up because I never did see Paul.
This hill isn't a long as Buck or Powder Ridge. I began at 445 AM, running the dirt trail loop around the hill 3 times for a warm up, then ran 20 repeats, 3 more dirt trail loops, 20 repeats, 3 more dirt trail loops, 20 more repeats and one final dirt trail loop.
By the time I finished 20 repeats I was becoming bored with the hill and bored with myself. Luckily Carl Gammon spotted me and came over for a chat. He was meeting a friend at 730 at the visitor center, I was hoping they would be back to visit some more. Pretty soon, Carl and Deb Robinson showed up. I've known Deb for a few years; I think we first met at FANS, where I usually see her each year, as well as Afton 50K. She's a nice gal. Carl has talked her into pacing him at Superior 100. About an hour or so after Carl and Deb left, Kurt Decker arrived. We ran a few repeats, he broke up the tedium for me. We talked about Leadville, as Kurt is running too. Kurt left and right away Maynard Legace showed up. Maynard has run Leadville before and had some great stories and good advice to share. We laugh the whole time we run. We ran quite a few repeats together. I was getting tired. Just as I was near 60 repeats Steve Quick showed up. He was going to run hill repeats, too. As I reached 60 I told Maynard and Steve I was calling it a wrap. Maynard and I ran the final dirt loop where I packed up and hauled my cooler out. Maynard offered to carry it and I wouldn't have it. By the time we were half way to the lot he put out his arm to carry it for me. I gave it to him, no problem! I was tired!! 5:15 hours was good enough for me. Next hill session will be 6 hours.
Thanks for the company, boys.
I decided to hook up with Paul over at Hyland this morning. We were to begin at 5 AM. I woke bright and early..well not bright..it was 330 AM. A couple of cups of Caribou Mocha Java from my French Press and I was good to go.
Luckily Paul sent me detailed directions as where to go once in the parking lot. I jogged along the dark, woodsy trail, hauling my cooler in one hand and looking at the detailed directions in the other. I found the hill and set up shop. Something must have come up because I never did see Paul.
This hill isn't a long as Buck or Powder Ridge. I began at 445 AM, running the dirt trail loop around the hill 3 times for a warm up, then ran 20 repeats, 3 more dirt trail loops, 20 repeats, 3 more dirt trail loops, 20 more repeats and one final dirt trail loop.
By the time I finished 20 repeats I was becoming bored with the hill and bored with myself. Luckily Carl Gammon spotted me and came over for a chat. He was meeting a friend at 730 at the visitor center, I was hoping they would be back to visit some more. Pretty soon, Carl and Deb Robinson showed up. I've known Deb for a few years; I think we first met at FANS, where I usually see her each year, as well as Afton 50K. She's a nice gal. Carl has talked her into pacing him at Superior 100. About an hour or so after Carl and Deb left, Kurt Decker arrived. We ran a few repeats, he broke up the tedium for me. We talked about Leadville, as Kurt is running too. Kurt left and right away Maynard Legace showed up. Maynard has run Leadville before and had some great stories and good advice to share. We laugh the whole time we run. We ran quite a few repeats together. I was getting tired. Just as I was near 60 repeats Steve Quick showed up. He was going to run hill repeats, too. As I reached 60 I told Maynard and Steve I was calling it a wrap. Maynard and I ran the final dirt loop where I packed up and hauled my cooler out. Maynard offered to carry it and I wouldn't have it. By the time we were half way to the lot he put out his arm to carry it for me. I gave it to him, no problem! I was tired!! 5:15 hours was good enough for me. Next hill session will be 6 hours.
Thanks for the company, boys.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
FANS Funnies
Thank you for the congratulations and all of the comments; they are fun to read.
I'm doing great. I was a bit stiff yesterday, I had a vacation day so I slept in until 8, or tried to. Toffee, my Ragdoll cat is used to being fed at 430 AM every morning when I usually wake. He was kneading on my chest, (I later trimmed his claws!) purring in my ear and making a nuisance of himself. Eventually he curled up on my head and caused me to dream that I was running with a fur hat! Crazy.
Anyhow, Topaz and I headed for the trail for a slow walk. I was quite amazed to find that my shoes fit. This has never happened before post 100. Usually I am too swollen to fit into any footwear but Tyler's size 16 boots or shoes. Walking was difficult at first but after a half mile or so I was really clipping along. Right. 3 miles in 1:05! Felt good to move though.
The boys asked me if I was going to spend the day nesting again. Sunday I nested on the couch most of the day. Nope, I did some weeding in my gardens, read my bread books and watched the boys play ball. I didn't participate.
Today I went back to work..I only have three days left now! Woohoo. Topaz and I took another 3 mile walk, this time with a bit of jogging and we finished in :40. Feeling better.
I was remembering some fun things about FANS:
The Billion Dollar Bribe: Maynard (he did run a lap with me, I failed to mention that in my report), Ed and Gene were in a group crewing. As I ran by I said "there are the best three looking guys around today". They laughed and had comments. Maynard asked me to say that every time I ran past. I began too, every lap, I said something about how handsome they were. Maynard said he'd pay me $5 if I continued. Eventually Maynard came up to me with a Billion Dollar Bill. It was pretty hysterical.
Royal Dogs: As I was at about 60 miles I came across a woman and man, each holding a leash with the most beautiful, elegant yet masculine, long haired, dog. They had two of them. These dogs had backs that were up to my waist. They were majestic. I stopped dead in my tracks. I walked over to the people and fell over my words, telling them how beautiful and wonderful and exquisite their dogs were. The woman thanked me profusely. As I looked into the dogs eyes I felt like they could see into my soul. I'm not kidding. I could see intelligence and that the dogs had a keen understanding of what was going on with me. It was incredible. And freaky. Did you see these dogs? Anyone? Have I been reading too many Terry Goodkind novels? Maybe I didn't see them at all. They were magic dogs.
Crazy Cheers: The group of people in the grassy area before the start. They were amazing. Each time I ran past them they would spot me coming and would start screaming and yelling. I would smile and laugh and wave and thank them for being so kind to me. One time that I passed they asked me my name, another time they asked me if I was running the 12 or 24, they were such a lift, I found myself looking forward to seeing them each lap. Eventually as I came around I only saw one lone man left. He told me his runner ran the 12 hour, he was finished and he was leaving. He told me he felt like he was bailing on me and felt badly about it. He waited for me to come around to let me know! I told him no, no, no! Feel happy, you brought me joy every time I passed and I thank you. Yesterday Adam Harmer left the comment for me that this group was his, and I was their favorite runner.
Tattoo Tom: Tom Andrews wanted me to flash him my tattoo each time I passed. I don't know who told him I had a tattoo. He told me I should wear a backless shirt. I told him I may just take my shirt off with all of the heat and humidity. I never did.
Kissing and Tell Ed: Every time I passed Ed K. he had something smart to say to me with a smooch smooch sound. Finally, at the end of the race, when I was all dirty and grimy and sweaty and gross..he kissed my arm. Ewww!
Bob Who? I didn't recognize Bob Metzger! He was standing right next to me at the check in. I looked at him, said hello, but didn't know who he was. When he spoke in that smooth voice I was stunned! Short hair, dark glasses; it was very nice to see Bob and Chris again.
The Wave: Each time I passed the group of spectators past the start/finish, near the first beach, they gave me the wave. "Here comes the pink girl, let's wave her!" It was awesome.
Swag: I received the 100 Miles in 24 Hours sweatshirt, a 500 Miles Vest, the 3rd Place Woman plaque, the FANS Mt. Nokomis T shirt. Lots of goodies!
FANS really is a fun race. Everything is well organized from the packet pickup, the weigh ins, the post race breakfast, timing, the spectators are a riot, so many friends are out there running..give it a try!
I'm doing great. I was a bit stiff yesterday, I had a vacation day so I slept in until 8, or tried to. Toffee, my Ragdoll cat is used to being fed at 430 AM every morning when I usually wake. He was kneading on my chest, (I later trimmed his claws!) purring in my ear and making a nuisance of himself. Eventually he curled up on my head and caused me to dream that I was running with a fur hat! Crazy.
Anyhow, Topaz and I headed for the trail for a slow walk. I was quite amazed to find that my shoes fit. This has never happened before post 100. Usually I am too swollen to fit into any footwear but Tyler's size 16 boots or shoes. Walking was difficult at first but after a half mile or so I was really clipping along. Right. 3 miles in 1:05! Felt good to move though.
The boys asked me if I was going to spend the day nesting again. Sunday I nested on the couch most of the day. Nope, I did some weeding in my gardens, read my bread books and watched the boys play ball. I didn't participate.
Today I went back to work..I only have three days left now! Woohoo. Topaz and I took another 3 mile walk, this time with a bit of jogging and we finished in :40. Feeling better.
I was remembering some fun things about FANS:
The Billion Dollar Bribe: Maynard (he did run a lap with me, I failed to mention that in my report), Ed and Gene were in a group crewing. As I ran by I said "there are the best three looking guys around today". They laughed and had comments. Maynard asked me to say that every time I ran past. I began too, every lap, I said something about how handsome they were. Maynard said he'd pay me $5 if I continued. Eventually Maynard came up to me with a Billion Dollar Bill. It was pretty hysterical.
Royal Dogs: As I was at about 60 miles I came across a woman and man, each holding a leash with the most beautiful, elegant yet masculine, long haired, dog. They had two of them. These dogs had backs that were up to my waist. They were majestic. I stopped dead in my tracks. I walked over to the people and fell over my words, telling them how beautiful and wonderful and exquisite their dogs were. The woman thanked me profusely. As I looked into the dogs eyes I felt like they could see into my soul. I'm not kidding. I could see intelligence and that the dogs had a keen understanding of what was going on with me. It was incredible. And freaky. Did you see these dogs? Anyone? Have I been reading too many Terry Goodkind novels? Maybe I didn't see them at all. They were magic dogs.
Crazy Cheers: The group of people in the grassy area before the start. They were amazing. Each time I ran past them they would spot me coming and would start screaming and yelling. I would smile and laugh and wave and thank them for being so kind to me. One time that I passed they asked me my name, another time they asked me if I was running the 12 or 24, they were such a lift, I found myself looking forward to seeing them each lap. Eventually as I came around I only saw one lone man left. He told me his runner ran the 12 hour, he was finished and he was leaving. He told me he felt like he was bailing on me and felt badly about it. He waited for me to come around to let me know! I told him no, no, no! Feel happy, you brought me joy every time I passed and I thank you. Yesterday Adam Harmer left the comment for me that this group was his, and I was their favorite runner.
Tattoo Tom: Tom Andrews wanted me to flash him my tattoo each time I passed. I don't know who told him I had a tattoo. He told me I should wear a backless shirt. I told him I may just take my shirt off with all of the heat and humidity. I never did.
Kissing and Tell Ed: Every time I passed Ed K. he had something smart to say to me with a smooch smooch sound. Finally, at the end of the race, when I was all dirty and grimy and sweaty and gross..he kissed my arm. Ewww!
Bob Who? I didn't recognize Bob Metzger! He was standing right next to me at the check in. I looked at him, said hello, but didn't know who he was. When he spoke in that smooth voice I was stunned! Short hair, dark glasses; it was very nice to see Bob and Chris again.
The Wave: Each time I passed the group of spectators past the start/finish, near the first beach, they gave me the wave. "Here comes the pink girl, let's wave her!" It was awesome.
Swag: I received the 100 Miles in 24 Hours sweatshirt, a 500 Miles Vest, the 3rd Place Woman plaque, the FANS Mt. Nokomis T shirt. Lots of goodies!
FANS really is a fun race. Everything is well organized from the packet pickup, the weigh ins, the post race breakfast, timing, the spectators are a riot, so many friends are out there running..give it a try!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
FANS 2008; A Tough One
Earlier last week I was thinking about goals for FANS 2008. Goal 1: Run 100 miles no matter what. Goal 2: PR at 117 miles. Goal 3: 120 miles, why not?
I really believed I could run 120 miles. I'm in the best shape I have ever been in. I purchased a Garmin 50-the low end model as a pacing tool,without all the GPS that I probably wouldn't be able to figure out anyway, AND it has a 200 hour battery, I still can't believe the GPS's have a 14 hour battery. When I called my friend, Kevin, to ask him to help manually calibrate it for me, I told his as much, without thinking. He told me he had a Garmin I could use. I stated "it only has a 14 hour battery life, what good is it, who the hell runs only 14 hours?" Oops. He chuckled and let me off the hook. You know, when you are running with, hanging out with 100 mile runners, you forget that 14 hours is enough for most.
Anyway, I took the Garmin for a spin: it worked, I could calculate my pace, mph, etc.etc.etc. I mean, come on, how difficult is running an 11 minute mile for 24 hours? I figured for potty breaks, food, etc. I could get in 120. Or 100. Or 117; the three goals.
The day was beautiful. Remember, I love to run in the heat. The forecast said 80, humid, storms. I could do without the storms.
E Fisher Drew invited me last week to set up near she and John, the crew extraordinaire. I took them up on it immediately. I brought out my duffel and cooler, arranged what I needed. Gels, premixed Hammer Heed (last year it took so damn long mixing up my Heed I wasted huge amounts of time), I had PBJ, Turkey, Julie's Balls, Code Red Mountain Dew, Red Bull, ice, ready to rock and roll.
I pulled into the lot, parking next to Steve Quick, on a mission for his first 100. He realized he forgot a hat; luckily, I had a spare for him. It fit, too :)
Visiting is the best part! I saw lots of friends, I can't list them all because there are a zillion. They are the best. We talked, laughed and mingled. Great fun.
Monica, who I worked with at Berkley Risk, walked up to me as I was sitting in my chair, with her sister. Her sister points to my leg and says "Oh look, its fat". I just kind of looked at her, and again, she said "FATS" I was thinking what the hell? They walked off and I asked John Drew "did she just call me fat" He said "I think so. But she's wrong" The man next to us said " No, she said SPATZ" Apparently spatz are gaitors?? I had on my bright pink gaitors, which received many comments by the way. Most comments were very nice, a few of the older stodgier men thought they were goofy because I wasn't running trail. Guess what? I still took dirt out of my socks!
The sun was warm, the humidity was becoming oppressive. I was sweating early. After a few laps I stopped at camp to reapply sunscreen, get my sunglasses and refuel. I couldn't eat solids. Already. Too early to not have an appetite. My mantra is eat early and often. I was drinking 24 oz of Heed every hour. My turkey sandwiches gave me the queasies. Everything did. What the heck? On 100 mile trail races I eat whole sandwiches, potatoes, soups, what's up with this?
I was never able to stomach any solids the whole 24 hours. Thank goodness I had 30 Espresso Hammergels along with 3 gallons of Heed. I also had Recoverite mixed in another gallon. This is what allowed me to get through the race.
The day was beautiful; there was a nice breeze, a partly sunny, then all sunny sky, I was all smiles and feeling good. I felt strong. I felt like I could hammer. Why run 10-11 minute miles when I feel good at 9-930? Well, for one, because it is a 24 hour race, silly girl.
I ran a few loops with John Taylor, who was doing well, looking strong. The rest of the day I ran by myself. It was fun to watch the families at the public beaches. I was shocked to see so many dog owners DRAGGING their dogs along on leash, tongues dragging, obviously in distress. One little Chihuahua was laying down as this woman pulled him along. I said Oh my gosh, can't you carry him? She says 'oh I suppose' Well, come on woman! I saw exhausted warm dogs all day -not to mention runners!
15 miles in my lap counter began to ring a cowbell and say YOU DID IT! I was like ... me? Yeah, you got it! I thought he lost a marble and was talking to someone else. I asked the gal I was able to get ice from and she told me that someone must have just reached 500 miles. I looked at my bib and it said Julie Berg 485 miles. I said, oh, that was me! Ooops.
As I was running through the public beach lot I saw someone up ahead waving her arms over her head. I couldn't quite figure out who it was yet, she was a ways away. It was Donna Rae! Donna, thank you so much for comming out. I look forward to seeing you at FANS each year. Pat came long too, it was great to see her again. Thank you DR! Love yah :)
Duke, Eve and Wynn came out to cheer us on. Eve did her classic jumping jacks for me! John, Cheri and Emma came to visit; it was great to see friends along the course. A big lift!
We had to weigh in at 4 hours; I was down 4 pounds. Of course I had been hydrating all week and I ate a bowl of oatmeal before the race. I was up higher than normal. By the next weigh in I stayed at 130 and continued to do so for the remainder of the race. You know what? 2 years ago when I ran this race Paul Hasse was on the scale before me, 155, I weighed in, 155. He looked at me and said with a big nice smile "Hey! We weigh the same!" He didn't mean it to say I'm a fattie, he was just pointing out the cool point that we weighed the same. I can't tell you how good it felt to weigh in at 130, fully dressed and carbo loaded-hydrated.
Maria took over my lap counting duties; it was so wonderful to have a good friends cheery face each lap. I reached 50 miles in less than 10 hours and 100K in less than 12. I've never run so quickly at this race before. I was feeling excellent, strong, on top of the world. I was concerned that I wasn't able to take in solids, and I was concerned about the runners who were calling it a day at 50 miles, but I continued to hydrate and gel up. It was the best I could do.
Sara and Pam were running their first FANS. They looked great! Sara was having difficulty with blisters but once she had them taped up she was able to get back to running. The had lots of smiles.
After Maria was done with duty, Jan took over. Jan had filled me in on Leadville and I just saw her at the Superior 25/50K. It was fun to see her each lap.
My knight in shining armour comes to run with me each night during FANS from 10:00 to 1:00 or so. Jefferey says he comes in the evening so that I am already worn out and he can keep up with me. I was getting worn out. My legs were cramping, my stomach was upset, I kept passing gas, it was embarrassing, I was running 1130 minute miles. He told me Sue Olsen was 7 minutes ahead of me, on the same lap. I didn't have it in me to catch her. I was just running my own race, lap by lap.
We ran 3 laps together, then I told him I had to walk one. I hadn't walked at all yet during the race. We made it to 83 or so, then Jefferey was off for home. I sure appreciate him coming out each year! Thank you :)
It began to rain, a bit, then harder. I changed out of my tank into a short sleeved shirt. I was soaked, cold and sore. I just wanted 100 frickin' miles. Funny how you re-adjust. I ran 100 miles at 21 hours and then walked two loops. My quads were fried. I couldn't figure it out, there are NO hills, it is flat flat flat other than one concrete bridge. It had to be the heat..this is the first time I had run at anything over 68F. The two warm weekends here I was up north. It had to be the humidity. It had to be the constant pounding of the pavement, which I haven't run on at all. I was hoping for 80! I love to run in the heat. Yikes. I need to add: after I am acclimated I like to run a 100 in the heat. My quads hurt, my skin hurt, my waist hurt and I wasn't wearing a belt around it! I was using a hand held. I was a hurting until.
I finished my final lap with Les. He joked to Cindy that he was with me so that he could beat me. He said he was +only+ 26 miles behind me.
At the finish Tom and Nancy arrived. They are just the sweetest. They carried my things to the shower house, led me into the shower and Nancy promised to check on me in 10 minutes. A shower has never felt so good. All the salt, dirty, sun screen, bug spray, dirt and whatnot..I was a mess.
Don and Bonnie and Marie were at the finish line. I ate breakfast with Don and Bonnie, Angie and crew and Don D. I had my appetite back! Usually I am not hungry after a 100, but boy I was famished this morning. After I stopped running and showered, my stomach came around. I ate scrambled eggs, bagels, fruit and sausage. Bonnie even went up to get me seconds on the sausage! It was fabulous.
I only live an hour away from Minneapolis. I had to stop in Minnetonka at a gas station to snooze for 30 minutes before continuing home! I am beat.
I'm very happy with 105 miles. Very very happy. I ended up with 3rd woman; Debra Horn was first at 114.xx and Sue Olson was second with 114.xx A very close race for first and second!
Sue received her 2000 mile award AND a cake with candles. Super cool. She rocks, man.
Last year 26 runners ran 100 miles; this year..I believe 6. The weather had a lot to do with it.
The boys unloaded all of my gear and were very happy to find my salted nut rolls, Red Bull, Julie's Balls, Code Red and Coke untouched.
I filled a cold bath and soaked as they snacked.
I really believed I could run 120 miles. I'm in the best shape I have ever been in. I purchased a Garmin 50-the low end model as a pacing tool,without all the GPS that I probably wouldn't be able to figure out anyway, AND it has a 200 hour battery, I still can't believe the GPS's have a 14 hour battery. When I called my friend, Kevin, to ask him to help manually calibrate it for me, I told his as much, without thinking. He told me he had a Garmin I could use. I stated "it only has a 14 hour battery life, what good is it, who the hell runs only 14 hours?" Oops. He chuckled and let me off the hook. You know, when you are running with, hanging out with 100 mile runners, you forget that 14 hours is enough for most.
Anyway, I took the Garmin for a spin: it worked, I could calculate my pace, mph, etc.etc.etc. I mean, come on, how difficult is running an 11 minute mile for 24 hours? I figured for potty breaks, food, etc. I could get in 120. Or 100. Or 117; the three goals.
The day was beautiful. Remember, I love to run in the heat. The forecast said 80, humid, storms. I could do without the storms.
E Fisher Drew invited me last week to set up near she and John, the crew extraordinaire. I took them up on it immediately. I brought out my duffel and cooler, arranged what I needed. Gels, premixed Hammer Heed (last year it took so damn long mixing up my Heed I wasted huge amounts of time), I had PBJ, Turkey, Julie's Balls, Code Red Mountain Dew, Red Bull, ice, ready to rock and roll.
I pulled into the lot, parking next to Steve Quick, on a mission for his first 100. He realized he forgot a hat; luckily, I had a spare for him. It fit, too :)
Visiting is the best part! I saw lots of friends, I can't list them all because there are a zillion. They are the best. We talked, laughed and mingled. Great fun.
Monica, who I worked with at Berkley Risk, walked up to me as I was sitting in my chair, with her sister. Her sister points to my leg and says "Oh look, its fat". I just kind of looked at her, and again, she said "FATS" I was thinking what the hell? They walked off and I asked John Drew "did she just call me fat" He said "I think so. But she's wrong" The man next to us said " No, she said SPATZ" Apparently spatz are gaitors?? I had on my bright pink gaitors, which received many comments by the way. Most comments were very nice, a few of the older stodgier men thought they were goofy because I wasn't running trail. Guess what? I still took dirt out of my socks!
The sun was warm, the humidity was becoming oppressive. I was sweating early. After a few laps I stopped at camp to reapply sunscreen, get my sunglasses and refuel. I couldn't eat solids. Already. Too early to not have an appetite. My mantra is eat early and often. I was drinking 24 oz of Heed every hour. My turkey sandwiches gave me the queasies. Everything did. What the heck? On 100 mile trail races I eat whole sandwiches, potatoes, soups, what's up with this?
I was never able to stomach any solids the whole 24 hours. Thank goodness I had 30 Espresso Hammergels along with 3 gallons of Heed. I also had Recoverite mixed in another gallon. This is what allowed me to get through the race.
The day was beautiful; there was a nice breeze, a partly sunny, then all sunny sky, I was all smiles and feeling good. I felt strong. I felt like I could hammer. Why run 10-11 minute miles when I feel good at 9-930? Well, for one, because it is a 24 hour race, silly girl.
I ran a few loops with John Taylor, who was doing well, looking strong. The rest of the day I ran by myself. It was fun to watch the families at the public beaches. I was shocked to see so many dog owners DRAGGING their dogs along on leash, tongues dragging, obviously in distress. One little Chihuahua was laying down as this woman pulled him along. I said Oh my gosh, can't you carry him? She says 'oh I suppose' Well, come on woman! I saw exhausted warm dogs all day -not to mention runners!
15 miles in my lap counter began to ring a cowbell and say YOU DID IT! I was like ... me? Yeah, you got it! I thought he lost a marble and was talking to someone else. I asked the gal I was able to get ice from and she told me that someone must have just reached 500 miles. I looked at my bib and it said Julie Berg 485 miles. I said, oh, that was me! Ooops.
As I was running through the public beach lot I saw someone up ahead waving her arms over her head. I couldn't quite figure out who it was yet, she was a ways away. It was Donna Rae! Donna, thank you so much for comming out. I look forward to seeing you at FANS each year. Pat came long too, it was great to see her again. Thank you DR! Love yah :)
Duke, Eve and Wynn came out to cheer us on. Eve did her classic jumping jacks for me! John, Cheri and Emma came to visit; it was great to see friends along the course. A big lift!
We had to weigh in at 4 hours; I was down 4 pounds. Of course I had been hydrating all week and I ate a bowl of oatmeal before the race. I was up higher than normal. By the next weigh in I stayed at 130 and continued to do so for the remainder of the race. You know what? 2 years ago when I ran this race Paul Hasse was on the scale before me, 155, I weighed in, 155. He looked at me and said with a big nice smile "Hey! We weigh the same!" He didn't mean it to say I'm a fattie, he was just pointing out the cool point that we weighed the same. I can't tell you how good it felt to weigh in at 130, fully dressed and carbo loaded-hydrated.
Maria took over my lap counting duties; it was so wonderful to have a good friends cheery face each lap. I reached 50 miles in less than 10 hours and 100K in less than 12. I've never run so quickly at this race before. I was feeling excellent, strong, on top of the world. I was concerned that I wasn't able to take in solids, and I was concerned about the runners who were calling it a day at 50 miles, but I continued to hydrate and gel up. It was the best I could do.
Sara and Pam were running their first FANS. They looked great! Sara was having difficulty with blisters but once she had them taped up she was able to get back to running. The had lots of smiles.
After Maria was done with duty, Jan took over. Jan had filled me in on Leadville and I just saw her at the Superior 25/50K. It was fun to see her each lap.
My knight in shining armour comes to run with me each night during FANS from 10:00 to 1:00 or so. Jefferey says he comes in the evening so that I am already worn out and he can keep up with me. I was getting worn out. My legs were cramping, my stomach was upset, I kept passing gas, it was embarrassing, I was running 1130 minute miles. He told me Sue Olsen was 7 minutes ahead of me, on the same lap. I didn't have it in me to catch her. I was just running my own race, lap by lap.
We ran 3 laps together, then I told him I had to walk one. I hadn't walked at all yet during the race. We made it to 83 or so, then Jefferey was off for home. I sure appreciate him coming out each year! Thank you :)
It began to rain, a bit, then harder. I changed out of my tank into a short sleeved shirt. I was soaked, cold and sore. I just wanted 100 frickin' miles. Funny how you re-adjust. I ran 100 miles at 21 hours and then walked two loops. My quads were fried. I couldn't figure it out, there are NO hills, it is flat flat flat other than one concrete bridge. It had to be the heat..this is the first time I had run at anything over 68F. The two warm weekends here I was up north. It had to be the humidity. It had to be the constant pounding of the pavement, which I haven't run on at all. I was hoping for 80! I love to run in the heat. Yikes. I need to add: after I am acclimated I like to run a 100 in the heat. My quads hurt, my skin hurt, my waist hurt and I wasn't wearing a belt around it! I was using a hand held. I was a hurting until.
I finished my final lap with Les. He joked to Cindy that he was with me so that he could beat me. He said he was +only+ 26 miles behind me.
At the finish Tom and Nancy arrived. They are just the sweetest. They carried my things to the shower house, led me into the shower and Nancy promised to check on me in 10 minutes. A shower has never felt so good. All the salt, dirty, sun screen, bug spray, dirt and whatnot..I was a mess.
Don and Bonnie and Marie were at the finish line. I ate breakfast with Don and Bonnie, Angie and crew and Don D. I had my appetite back! Usually I am not hungry after a 100, but boy I was famished this morning. After I stopped running and showered, my stomach came around. I ate scrambled eggs, bagels, fruit and sausage. Bonnie even went up to get me seconds on the sausage! It was fabulous.
I only live an hour away from Minneapolis. I had to stop in Minnetonka at a gas station to snooze for 30 minutes before continuing home! I am beat.
I'm very happy with 105 miles. Very very happy. I ended up with 3rd woman; Debra Horn was first at 114.xx and Sue Olson was second with 114.xx A very close race for first and second!
Sue received her 2000 mile award AND a cake with candles. Super cool. She rocks, man.
Last year 26 runners ran 100 miles; this year..I believe 6. The weather had a lot to do with it.
The boys unloaded all of my gear and were very happy to find my salted nut rolls, Red Bull, Julie's Balls, Code Red and Coke untouched.
I filled a cold bath and soaked as they snacked.
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