Anything boys can do, girls can do better.
The LPTR women really proved it this weekend, outlasting the tough conditions to put up some impressive results.
The weather was a factor early with warm and humid conditions that made hydration and electrolyte intake critical. Christine Crawford managed her race well as the only LPTR entrant in the 100k. Only one man avoided getting chicked as she won the women’s race and finished second overall. (See Christine’s race report below!)
In the 100 mile, rain became a factor as it started up in late afternoon and didn’t let up until after 9pm. Flash-backs to the deluge in 2008 had to be fresh on the minds of many, but this is when the LPTR women really shined!
Julie Treder led the way by winning the women’s race! Even more impressive is that she didn’t take the lead until 97 miles and buried a late re-challenge on route to the win. WOW! Digging deep so late in the race is a tough thing to do and of course Julie did it with her usual “aw-shucks” humility. Don’t let that perpetual smile and easy laugh fool you – This chick is TOUGH!!!!
Deb Vomhoff says she ran for “redemption” as she tackled her first 100-miler since 2004. Any doubts that she had it in her were erased as she powered to a second place finish in the Masters Division! Deb’s sister paced her through the finish and watching them cross the line together was awesome!
So the women ROCKED it! The men… well… It was a short day for all. The only LPTR men who managed to finish their intended distances were Todd, Jeff and Marcel who headed out in the rain at 8pm for the 38 mile “fun-run”. This was a distance PR for Marcel who continues to impress us all as he dives into the sport. Another distance PR was set by Aaron Schneider who made to 100k before abandoning his first 100-mile attempt.
I bailed out early when the rain persisted and found out I wasn’t alone. Dave Dehart, Craig Swartwout, Robert Wehner, Brad Birkholz, & Chris Derosier all were casualties on the day. Many made it through to the 100k but not one managed a 100-mile finish. It was great to see the women pick us up - Gutsy performances all the way around!
Bonus Report by Christine Crawford: Forgiveness and Respect
Another KM100 has come and gone! We are growing up so fast kids. I don't have much detail on my run. It was hot and humid, I had a very rough patch from mile 31 to mile 46 but got over it, I finished with lots of chaffing, blisters and tired legs and feet. That's about it. Oh, and it rained pretty hard. Ooooo, and I blew out the tops of both of my shoes! So for those who didn't finish the 100 miler, nothing but respect for attempting the distance. Running 100 miles is hard (even though Julie makes it look easy; she really does). I respect anyone who puts in the training and shows up with the intent to finish. Respect for the trail. The Ice Age trail is tough! I run and think the trail wins every time so nothing but respect for you trail. On occasion, I even lay prone on the trail and kiss it. Or is that called biffing it? How about the weather? RESPECT. If you can emerge from a 100 miler with respect for those things in addition to respect for the volunteers, family, friends and pacers, you win. If you can take a DNF and forgive yourself because you ARE only human (except for Kevin - I haven't figured out his life-form yet) you are a better person. Ultras are humbling events. A big THANK YOU to Cobbie for volunteering the entire weekend. You inspired all the LPTR's on the trail. It seemed that no matter how we looked, how slow we were moving or how many of us DNF'd, you had nothing but respect for us.
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