tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53942478372425369032024-02-26T04:08:00.504-06:00Lapham Peak Trail RunnersLAPHAM PEAK TRAIL RUNNERS - Trail Ultra Running Groupbrothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.comBlogger302125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-64830826649013386102015-03-08T16:41:00.002-05:002015-03-08T16:41:43.582-05:00Bunk House Trail RunsWith funding for Phase one of the Bunk House almost complete, we want to keep the ball rolling and continue fund raising to add bathrooms to the base shelter. <br />
<br />
The Bunk House Trail Runs will offer 50K, 30K, and 10K distances
for runners of all abilities. This event
is dedicated to the legacy of Tom and Loraine Bunk, who have been a cornerstone
of the trail running community in Wisconsin for a long time. <br />
<br />
All proceeds
from this event will be donated to the Tom Bunk Memorial Fund.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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For more information, check out the Race Blog-site at:<br />
<a href="http://bunkhousetrailruns.blogspot.com/">http://bunkhousetrailruns.blogspot.com</a>brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-39657558381543412312014-12-05T06:18:00.002-06:002014-12-05T06:18:18.067-06:00The Bunk House...<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>A message from LPTRunner, Kristine Hinrichs...</i></div>
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Hello everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
sending emails to several groups of Tom and Lorraine Bunk’s friends so
(unfortunately) some of you will receive more than one of these notices –
forgive me, it IS for a good cause!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Many of you know that Craig Swartwout and a bunch of us have
been working on a suitable memorial for Tom and recognition of what Tom and
Lorraine have done for the running and “outdoors” community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Working with the DNR, we have identified a
special project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We will raise funds to build a heated shelter at Scuppernong!!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shelter will be similar to the one at the
Nordic and almost identical to the ones at Zilmer and under construction at
McMiller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be in the clearing
near the bench that Tom constructed in Gardar’s memory – the area where we set
up the KM100 aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<pre><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In order to do this we need to raise $40,000 – yep that is a lot but we know that we can do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We already have $16,000 committed with donations from the tBunk Endurance Challenge, Badgerland Striders, Kettle 100, and just a few individual donors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jeff Mallach will also be offering Ice Age runners the chance to get their contributions matched up to a total of an additional $5,000 (thanks also to the Striders).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></pre>
<pre><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If we can raise this $$$ by March, 2015 we can get this done in 2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is where YOU come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please consider this project for your 2014 charitable giving and consider a gift in early 2015 as well.<o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></pre>
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The Kettle Moraine Natural History Association (a 501(c)(3))
is the “Friends” group for the Southern Kettle and was identified by the DNR as
the appropriate charitable organization to receive the funds for this
project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This ensures that your
contribution is tax deductible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope
that you are able to make a significant donation to this project so ask that
you do it via check to save the PayPal fees – every $ sent to PayPal is one
less $ to this project.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Checks should be made out to the Kettle Moraine
Natural History Association with a notation that it is for the Tom Bunk
Memorial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anything with Tom’s name will
get it into the correct account.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your acknowledgement
will come from them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Send the contribution to:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Kettle Moraine Natural History
Association<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Tom Bunk Memorial<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S91W39091 Hwy 59<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eagle, WI 53119<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is the address
of the Forest HQ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For those who need to make the donation
on-line, we will have a PayPal link soon and that will be posted on Facebook
and on the tBunk Endurance Challenge site </span><a href="http://www.tbunk.breezellp.com/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.tbunk.breezellp.com</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Facebook Page will be live soon – Bunk
House: Tom and Lorraine Bunk Scuppernong Shelter -
https://www.facebook.com/TomBunkScuppernongShelter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We CAN do this – just think of
everything that Tom and Lorraine have done for all of us and our running
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think if Tom’s courage in
that final ultramarathon of his life. And, think about a warm spot to start our
winter runs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We know that you’ll help us with this
important project!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-21426752068369381692014-09-21T18:44:00.003-05:002014-09-21T18:44:27.002-05:002014 Ultra Race Of Champions (UROC) 100k – Not just a check in the box...
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><b>Race report from LPTRunner Nick Weid...</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigAWX3Ef3iy9L0qCZaOSVIBrlSglQGAwVEJw5Fy6AvqKeDs6l8l_v-X3Kmxa3O_qqd7mRKc2a_Ct4hpM4RMhQI23AmhQ4unZtEVow4S1aVI5dQR7Zwk3nLdVHak7c6J86PJSL9h00Uks/s1600/Copper+Mtn+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigAWX3Ef3iy9L0qCZaOSVIBrlSglQGAwVEJw5Fy6AvqKeDs6l8l_v-X3Kmxa3O_qqd7mRKc2a_Ct4hpM4RMhQI23AmhQ4unZtEVow4S1aVI5dQR7Zwk3nLdVHak7c6J86PJSL9h00Uks/s1600/Copper+Mtn+Sign.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here I am, standing as far back as possible from the
starting arch at the 2014 UROC 100K.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though it is pitch black out I have not turned on my headlamp,
there is enough light from those around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though there are almost 200 people around me, all I
hear is silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though it is
35 degrees (F) out I don’t feel cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact I don’t seem to feel, hear, or see anything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is as if I am in a dream, a dream
which began as a nightmare on a hospital bed in February.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I had knee surgery in late February to repair several
genetic issues in my right knee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the anesthesiologist finished and I began to drift off, my last
thought was of me quickly descending a mountain, and then my legs seemed to no
longer work properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell, or
more precisely crashed, then nothing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I realized before surgery that I may not be able to qualify for the
Western States 100 Lottery this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Later after some research I learned that UROC, 6 months away, was a
qualifier and it seemed that I might be able to recover from surgery in time to
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus began my time running
up and down Copper Mountain in Colorado.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
[First let me take a second to do something most race
reports do at the end and thank a few people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason I am doing this first, is even though running by
itself is an individual sport, without the love and support of others a runner
would never succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First I want
to thank my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my wife,
you are not a runner and may not understand ultras, but your support is
awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my two girls, thank
you for inspiring me with your ability to find joy in everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Trae and Jessica at Performance
Running Outfitters, though I am the “weirdo” ultra guy on the team, your
enthusiasm and support for my racing dreams never ceases to amaze me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To Peter Defty of VESPA thank you for
the sage nutritional advice, I truly value your counsel and support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To Liza Howard of Team Red White and
Blue, thank you from the bottom of my heart for first allowing me to represent
Team RWB and second for all that you do to aid my fellow brothers and sisters
in the military, they are the true heroes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally to Adam McRoberts, Logan Polfuss, Ashley Erba, &
Heather Moore my hosts in CO, your generosity and friendship will never be
forgotten! ]</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Copper Mountain Colorado a beautiful mountain, a skier’s
mountain, as it is very steep and very technical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well it is no less steep or technical if you plan to run up
and down it six times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>UROC is an
exceptionally beautiful course put on by Bad to the Bone racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B2B did an amazing job and I would
highly recommend this or any other race they direct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Francesca, Gill, Shannon, Mike, and all the others were
nothing but amazing both before and during the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 100k course had us running the same roughly 50k’ish loop
twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing what’s coming the
second time around doesn’t make it any easier ;).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This course had over 11,000ft of vertical gain, according to
my watch, and the same amount of descent totaling over 22k of vertical change
in 100k (62 miles).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The race
starts at an elevation of 9800ft and goes up to the summit at 12,441ft, we then
spent the rest of the day going up and down between 10,000 and 12,000ft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me there was not much oxygen.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As Francesca counted down from 10 to start the race, I
suddenly could hear again, I could feel, I could see, and I was scared, really
scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been telling
everyone the only reason I was doing UROC was to “check the box” for the
Western States 100 lottery (A sub 15 hour finish would allow me to enter the
2015 lottery).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a lie,
well sort of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did want to be
able to enter the lottery, but more importantly I wanted to, desperately needed
to, feel like a trail runner again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had a lot of questions and no answers at the start of this race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I even be able to run, as I had
only run for 5 weeks 3 times a week prior to the race?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would my knee hold up to the long
assents and descents, as I had only been running flat trails in my runs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I be able to finish, as my
longest single run had been 2.5 hours?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Would I be able to breathe and how would I handle being at altitude all
day, since I was coming from sea level?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most importantly would I be able to let go of racing, expectations, and
my fears to be able to enjoy my time in the mountains?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The race started pretty easy, with us running first along
a golf course path, then a trail along the base of the mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These early miles seemed to flow by
pretty quickly and I noticed that my knee/legs seemed to be holding up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to focus on the beauty of
the course, and the amazing sunrise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Normally I would be talking to anyone and everyone nearby during these
easy first miles, but today I went into my own head pretty early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really nervous and decided I
needed to focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About mile 7ish I
met Matthew Young (See his awesome race video here), a West Virginia
runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We jogged together sharing
where we were from (sea level), and what our current fitness level was (mine =
surgery and no running, his=severe head cold).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both made unspoken promises to each other that, as Matt
put it, the brotherhood of flatlanders would prevail in the mountains of
Colorado.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwywRYVjIm-rH4VsXE8adk8b6sbCbQC0xPw1vqrrIxLrNvHQFuTNCLcjJ3TqvEdDZnMYZO6CKqo5DaXwxyP6rbiFnT8kCiOe8uQPmxN0AYtkdCtui2wRVjIzXTi67dUF-HfrkdTG4bEg/s1600/Skyline+from+Copper+Summit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwywRYVjIm-rH4VsXE8adk8b6sbCbQC0xPw1vqrrIxLrNvHQFuTNCLcjJ3TqvEdDZnMYZO6CKqo5DaXwxyP6rbiFnT8kCiOe8uQPmxN0AYtkdCtui2wRVjIzXTi67dUF-HfrkdTG4bEg/s1600/Skyline+from+Copper+Summit+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Soon enough the “flat” running was done and it was time
(1 of 6) to head up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hit the aid
station and got into a great hiking rhythm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rolled through the mile 9 aid in about 100<sup>th</sup>
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the course wound up to
the summit of Copper Mountain at 12,441ft I began to feel great and I started
to pass people, quite a few actually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I was passing people I was talking to them and most of them were from
places at altitude, this gave me a huge boost of confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This carried over all the way up the
summit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 900ft and 1.5 miles
from the summit was the “Fat Marmot” aid station, manned by non-other than
Geoff Roes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The final approach to
the summit was a lot of icy scree.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Coming down the scree, for my first sustained decent of
the day, I decided I felt good enough to really push it (test the knee). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came to CO wanting to feel like a
runner and sometime during that decent off the scree, I began to feel the run,
feel the trail, become one with the mountain, and I started to fly down the
hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Descending has always been a
strength, and I guess not even knee surgery could change that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up and down we went, first the summit,
then Union Saddle, then up the back side of Copper Mountain, and back to the
start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time to do it all again!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwywRYVjIm-rH4VsXE8adk8b6sbCbQC0xPw1vqrrIxLrNvHQFuTNCLcjJ3TqvEdDZnMYZO6CKqo5DaXwxyP6rbiFnT8kCiOe8uQPmxN0AYtkdCtui2wRVjIzXTi67dUF-HfrkdTG4bEg/s1600/Skyline+from+Copper+Summit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwywRYVjIm-rH4VsXE8adk8b6sbCbQC0xPw1vqrrIxLrNvHQFuTNCLcjJ3TqvEdDZnMYZO6CKqo5DaXwxyP6rbiFnT8kCiOe8uQPmxN0AYtkdCtui2wRVjIzXTi67dUF-HfrkdTG4bEg/s1600/Skyline+from+Copper+Summit+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The miles started to pile up and I entered the mile 38
aid station ready to refuel and push back up to the summit for round 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately I entered the aid station
at the exact wrong time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
fresh out of everything, even water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The truck that had all of their resupply had to take someone off the
mountain (Altitude issues) and there would be a delay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All they had was some energy
drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not, and have never
done well with any energy drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
decided the stack of saltines and Nutella I grabbed with both hands plus the
12oz of water I had in the bottle stuck in my shorts would have to get me back
up to Geoff at the summit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I
almost made it; with about a half mile to go I went completely dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What ensued was a pretty massive dehydrated
bonking mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stumbled into Geoff’s
aid station, massively dehydrated, low on calories and energy, and having small
back pains (in the kidney area).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was concerned as I was really dehydrated and had not relieved myself in a long
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned against, first Geoff,
then the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Geoff worked on
getting me hydrated and fueled (lots of water and broth), while I surveyed this
pristine mountain environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was here that I came to realize why I truly run these races, what drives me to
find my limits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, standing
next to Geoff, I began to ramble on about why I was running this race, TRULY
running this race, and what I wanted to do in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Geoff listened and then uttered one
small sentence that would carry me through the rest of the day and night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I told Geoff I will detail later,
but what he said was simply this; “That was the most coherent thought process I
have heard all day at this altitude, there is no way you are not going to
finish this race.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well when Geoff
Roes tells you that you are going to finish a race, you have no other option!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Well Round two of UROC went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hiked a lot and managed to stay
strong the rest of the day and night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My pace never really slowed much, which was encouraging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also the altitude, although I had dizzy
feelings and a slightly elevated heart rate, never really adversely affected
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My stomach was strong all day
and night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to run
whenever I wanted which was a huge confidence boost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One major benefits of maintaining a solid pace, hiking, and
running downhill strong was that I was not passed all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I managed to move from about 100<sup>th</sup>
at mile 8 to 40<sup>th</sup> by the end of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s right I went to Colorado, to altitude, to a 100K race
up and down a mountain, from WI, with zero specific training, more questions
than answers, and I found myself and my answers.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazO5RO87MpqjHO-1CD27Kb80f0AqIcz8kDpP-0Hn31shy_Q8LOuvUOjMCxNbKJF9TPrlvh26xj2NNJG444sgO4ZUTudsKqC4fJyKX7DFIuQnPZA9QSmGsbPHW-QJeSkBGxQ6QYWExvkY/s1600/Goeff+Roes+Fat+Marmot+AS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazO5RO87MpqjHO-1CD27Kb80f0AqIcz8kDpP-0Hn31shy_Q8LOuvUOjMCxNbKJF9TPrlvh26xj2NNJG444sgO4ZUTudsKqC4fJyKX7DFIuQnPZA9QSmGsbPHW-QJeSkBGxQ6QYWExvkY/s1600/Goeff+Roes+Fat+Marmot+AS.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here was my answer, what Geoff and I talked about near
that summit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized that this
race, which I thought was a box checker, was so much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the past three years I have focused
on Western States 100 as my ultimate goal for a 100 race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that there is anything wrong with
this, Western is awesome, the race and environment are incredible and someday I
will run that course whether it’s as a pacer or for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I realized climbing up to that
summit for the second time was that I had wanted “in” to States because
everyone else did too, not because I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What truly motivates me is to push my limits, in the mountains, in
places I haven’t been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I BELONG in
the mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told Geoff that I
wanted to take my family to races like UROC, to immerse them in the remote
beauty of these courses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listed
off some of the races that truly inspired me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right there with Geoff offering me a hug, (Yes I’m sure I
smelled awesome ;) I decided I didn’t care about the States qualifier; I was
going to enjoy the hell out of the rest of UROC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Wf0y7b8Ui_O-CUwcmEq2jj1KcIsfq1T5UuVw7tHizpvKFXMB26UWN3V4Z9qb_1bBzTG2Qr35EN8BzxCI6HdXR1rxsJz6-KkvAdc36Yjp_gLcL9YLNscAAPTdSY4WzQ8-2thS5B0iO-U/s1600/Skyline+From+Copper+Summit+Climb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Wf0y7b8Ui_O-CUwcmEq2jj1KcIsfq1T5UuVw7tHizpvKFXMB26UWN3V4Z9qb_1bBzTG2Qr35EN8BzxCI6HdXR1rxsJz6-KkvAdc36Yjp_gLcL9YLNscAAPTdSY4WzQ8-2thS5B0iO-U/s1600/Skyline+From+Copper+Summit+Climb.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Just for fun I made it to mile 57 in 15 hours, that’s
right had I wanted to run harder, which my body could have handled, I would
have made it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking with Geoff my plan going forward
is this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Number one, I need to
rebuild all of my lost aerobic capacity from so much time off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My aerobic pace last year was
comfortably 6:45.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to lower
that to 6:15-6:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan on
taking a long time to do this. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
I plan to add in a lot of hills both ups and downs in separate weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the last minute I will add in speed
in the form of fartlek and progressive long runs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I plan on taking this training, picking a 100 mile
course that motivates me, and exploding all over it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not going to hold back, I AM going to find my limits,
and if I don’t finish, it still will be a success!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will still be a success because I will be able to look my
daughters in the eye and know that I have shown them there are no limits to
your dreams and achievements if you want it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others may say, in my case, you should focus on a race that
fits your strengths or those that you can replicate in your training area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say screw that, I am going to train
for and race what I want, when I want, if I fail it will be video worthy, and
if I succeed hopefully it motivates my girls!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was where Geoff told me to keep moving. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1fUk48Ol4oVNnjWkY75ukZzXPMpUQV3IROrNQMayXa2xAmcjlrjMTqPQt2A3HJyROCOgqfm1WRq22Vs3H2bvYQtY61TC5l7vMVjnCW1e5ZAaIpYYjRMHq_2eQHSaOPbLHIzB5tZk89k/s1600/Skyline+from+Union+fork+saddle+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1fUk48Ol4oVNnjWkY75ukZzXPMpUQV3IROrNQMayXa2xAmcjlrjMTqPQt2A3HJyROCOgqfm1WRq22Vs3H2bvYQtY61TC5l7vMVjnCW1e5ZAaIpYYjRMHq_2eQHSaOPbLHIzB5tZk89k/s1600/Skyline+from+Union+fork+saddle+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here is my race placement as well as all of the gear and
nutrition info.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always this
gear came from Performance Running Outfitters. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can never tell people enough just how much PRO means to the
local Milwaukee area running community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The work they do is incredible and without them the running scene would
not be the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have the
opportunity please support your local running store rather than buying online!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Gear</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
MB – PRO Race Singlet</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
North Face No Hands Arm Warmers</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Craft head band</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Under Armour ColdGear® Infrared Storm Extreme Run Glove </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Pearl Izumi Ultra 3/4 Tights</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dry Max Trail Running Socks</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Altra Paradigm shoes</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Nike Lunarracer3 Shoes</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Amphipod 12oz Hand Held x2</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Petzel Headlamp</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Garmin Fenix2 GPS watch</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Nutrition</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
VESPA – 1 Ultra concentrate <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 hours before race</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 JR 45 min before start</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 JR every 2-2.5 hours</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Coke mixed with water during the race</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Crackers with nutella</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Snack size snickers</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Placement</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">40
Nicholas Wied 16:37:45 <a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>M<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>35 Wauwatosa WI<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Out
of 140 starters</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As always find your own inspiration!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-56639636584106390422014-09-10T10:54:00.003-05:002014-09-10T10:54:51.475-05:00Superior 2014 was calling me back...
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Race Report from LPTRunner Jodie Taylor...</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I finally
returned to Superior. It’s been three years since my debut at the Superior 50
mile. It was my first 50 mile race and I was just as nervous with butterflies
this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My last long race was
in 2012. I hardly ran in 2013 and this year I had planned on running more but
injured my hamstring at the NK50K last winter. Prior to the NK50K, Marcel and I
had been training in the snow every weekend and were feeling great. Of course
we had runner’s high and immediately signed up for Superior when registration
opened in March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did the same
thing the year before and ended up not going, but this time we were determined
to go no matter what!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It took me 2
½ months for my hamstring to feel almost normal again, so my running was light.
Needless to say, I was feeling set back in my training. By June I was ready to get
back into training and started it with a good 1,000 stair climb on Wilson’s
trail in Hong Kong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then Marcel
and I then got serious about our training and made a 10 week training cram
(plan). He did what he could in the little free time he had each week. I am
fortunate that I work for a company that encourages us to work out sometime
during the work day. Thus, I decided that I wanted to have “fresh legs” for
Superior. I have gone into every race over trained and had some type of
tendonitis or mild strain that I’d just brush off and pay for it afterwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My training
involved a lot of road cycling and mountain biking with some trail running and
stair repeats. At first I was doing lunges for 40 min but decided that wasn’t
working the right muscles. Stair repeats at Atwater Park became the go to spot
(as Marcel stated in his race report). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In addition,
I completely changed my eating habits this past January. At first it was an “OMG
I’m approaching 40” response; but now my new eating habits feel like the normal
way and my old eating habits just feel wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we neared
the race date, the more nervous and doubtful I became.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The question kept running through my
head, did I train enough? Did I get enough miles in? Did I run up enough
stairs? Did I ride my bike too much? Do I have the mental toughness that I had
2 years ago? (@ Hellgate). But at the same time, I was excited about going back
to Superior and running on the beautiful Superior Hiking Trail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jodie, just have the willpower of when
you were 16 plus the wisdom of when you’re 50” (hopefully I’ll be a little
wiser, but I dunno).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had to
remind myself not to panic and do something rash that would cause injury before
the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So my race strategy was
to have “fresh legs” for the race. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And keep a sane mind and eat/drink right and NOT wash my face
with HEED at mile 39.5 and NOT have rocks in my socks (aka blisters). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My plan was to go slow and steady and get
it done. I was determined to finish so I could wear the T-shirt!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Marcel took
off from the start as expected; I can’t hang with him in long races. In fact, I
haven’t been able to run with him in a race or beat him in a race since 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran with Deb and Mary off and on
throughout the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are a
lot of fun and keep moving. Mary was awesome with setting the pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were several times she kept me
going. (And if you didn’t already know, Mary Gorski is a bad ass ultrarunner!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most of the
trail seemed new to me because apparently I had repressed my memories of the
race in 2011 other than a few painful and torturous ones and the photos I took.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus to my surprise there were a lot of
runnable sections! Aside from the many giant mud pits that slowed me down, I
think I could have finished the race a little sooner. However, I did have a
Superior 50 mile PR, by about 1 minute. Ha! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But the best
thing about the race this time, other than finishing it, is that I finally had
a 2<sup>nd</sup> wind, 3<sup>rd</sup> wind, 4<sup>th</sup> wind and so on. In all
of my other races I usually burn out and really struggle towards the end. This
time, I kept getting little surges of energy in each section of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Anyway, I
have never felt this physically good after a race, and am excited to return to
Superior in 2015 (this could be runner’s high talking).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Congrats to
Marcel, Mary and Deb for running great races on tough terrain and many thanks
to Angela, Tina and Matt for their awesome support and volunteering at the aid
station. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And thanks to Mary’s
Mantra that kept me laughing “Jodie’s got fresh legs, Marcel draws pretty
pictures, Deb bakes, [Mary’s got jokes]” I altered the last part </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><a href="" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-6686504375996703802014-09-10T10:46:00.000-05:002014-09-10T10:46:09.910-05:00Superior 50 mile ...
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Race Report from LPTRunner Marcel Uttech...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Superior
2014 called me back to Lutsen, with the 50 mile training absorbing every free
weekend and evening hour available once school let out in late May. I had not
done a 50 mile race since Bighorn in 2012, and I was plenty due. After getting
the itch again and deciding that yes school is important but running long
distances in the woods is what keeps me sane and relatively in good spirits, I
signed up for Superior (probably after a long run went really well). Pre
September training consisted of running pretty much in the Northern Kettle all
winter breaking trails and getting my mileage back up, I signed up for the NK
50k in Greenbush and had a pretty good race. (Nic puts on a great one,
wonderful spring race).Then came Chippewa (not to be missed EVER) and then
summer online classes came along. Those put a hiccup in my training plans but
nonetheless I pretty much continued to get in a decent long run on Saturdays
(3x blackloops) and then a long bike ride on Sunday to flush the legs and get
another workout. I would run once or twice during the week as well whenever I
could to try and get my mileage up. Oh, and lets not forget the standup desk at
work (which I believe was a huge help all the way around).<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, as the
race drew nearer and I became a little worried that my mileage just wasn’t
where it ought to be, I thought about doing stair repeats. The stairs at
Atwater beach here by Lake Michigan are very steep and number about 200, plus
they come with a GREAT view of the lake, accompanied by occasional cool winds
off the lake. So, the first Wednesday I did them for about 35 minutes, or 15
reps. Next day I could barely walk and I knew I had found a weak link. A couple
of sessions and lots of foam rolling later I was up to an hour with minimal
soreness the following day. Long story short, I was able to run pretty much all
the hills (except for the little mountain climbs) at Superior and never really
got tired from them- this was pretty much a break-through for me although
runners from the group (Kevin) always swore by them (stair repeats). They
(stairs) REALLY make a difference for your ascents/descent muscles and calves.
Put in the work, you will love it (at the race, probably not while you are
doing the stairs </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>While there
was probably only a tenth of our 2011 group up there at Superior this year, the
event was just as awesome as I remember it. Starting a half hour earlier
enabled me to see the stars shining so bright up there while on the bus ride to
the start…Jodie and I ended up sitting next to Deb and Mary on the bus, so it
was nice to catch up with them! Seeing Tina and Angela at Crosby Manitou along
with Matt ‘Come Get Me’ Patten was such a pick me up! <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUgieUFBgVcu8z1jVktQxyPuv6WDigFnf4IcEr4Ax7lx3mYrN3JE3fuPdfORLM_i-559ftWbrMG0Xp0RkSz3YKk1PCeK_0H060ClJaAjlsJAM8TuVw8B-UTFdLgD-FoWE9MFqa8kAFLY/s1600/1894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUgieUFBgVcu8z1jVktQxyPuv6WDigFnf4IcEr4Ax7lx3mYrN3JE3fuPdfORLM_i-559ftWbrMG0Xp0RkSz3YKk1PCeK_0H060ClJaAjlsJAM8TuVw8B-UTFdLgD-FoWE9MFqa8kAFLY/s1600/1894.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>I stuck to
perpetuem and potatoes pretty much the whole race, except for the last 10 miles
I switched to Heed. Vitamin B12 every 2 hrs after the first 6, and scaps and
enduralytes 1 each every hour after the first one or so. Pretty smooth sailing
through some of the most scenic trails this side of Canada.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>The weather
was perfect, and while there were some pretty muddy sections of the trail due
to a wet summer and some previous rain, there were virtually no bugs and the
dry sections were great. I felt perfect the first 20 miles, and then had the
usual ups and downs for a bit before getting another surge around mile 35. Met
some great new friends, caught up with some old ones and just had a fantastic
time. Strangely enough, the hills seemed a little shorter this time around,
probably because of doing Bighorn but don’t get me wrong the course is still as
tough as ever. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My finish time this
year was 13:33 and I felt pretty good the whole way (besides getting stuck in
the woods bottlenecked for the first 1-2 hours in the morning- note to self,
don’t start too far back). <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNJNyR9paXmiGMa0-deM_EpjRHYBzSsV6ky5RjCCJMHxvc1I-45_GzRNk9YVcBDhkyqJyYVqCVUxO1ed1tQMLqtMTbtSK2sHemIpOxrWfltktg14wiQ1w_4iLhOrZ4-LT0ia3BkwzqTw/s1600/superior+wide+river+rapids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNJNyR9paXmiGMa0-deM_EpjRHYBzSsV6ky5RjCCJMHxvc1I-45_GzRNk9YVcBDhkyqJyYVqCVUxO1ed1tQMLqtMTbtSK2sHemIpOxrWfltktg14wiQ1w_4iLhOrZ4-LT0ia3BkwzqTw/s1600/superior+wide+river+rapids.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>To simply
get up there for a couple of days and spend it running those trails is worth
whatever those rocks/roots/stones throw at you, and if you get a chance to make
that trip, take it. You will not soon forget it. I am still washing Superior
mud off my feet I think…even so, every wince as I walk today brings a knowing
smile. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-39710887233013874202014-08-03T18:50:00.000-05:002014-08-03T18:50:00.454-05:00Run Report from Colorado, South Dakota and Indiana
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Run Report from LPTRunner Steve Hartman Keiser...<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You know we mostly run not for races but just for the fun of
being outside in the woods exploring nature and the limits of our stamina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And also so we can stop running and
keep having fun eating, drinking, and whatnot. Maybe mostly whatnot.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Anyway, I’m just contributing an entry about running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And thanks to a couple family reunions,
I’ve been lucky to run in some pretty cool places this summer.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>First, Snow Mountain just south of Rocky Mountain National
Park in Colorado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was pretty
much a hike from 9000’ to the top at 12000’, then some runnable parts along the
summit ridge with amazing views, and running back down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m always glad when I don’t fall.</i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9ImR59uHZnfOfc-99nfiia_ZY4u8mpvDDJQh0BVhSdLZDWqmN0jArOHgSw0S0-DmQ9KauLbpQLD-PV_wzkK7AgO4Ijl5g98WMICYbz3343YrJF-maTndxON9W7a9rMYS2fxHaerXPu0/s1600/Snow+Mtn+sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9ImR59uHZnfOfc-99nfiia_ZY4u8mpvDDJQh0BVhSdLZDWqmN0jArOHgSw0S0-DmQ9KauLbpQLD-PV_wzkK7AgO4Ijl5g98WMICYbz3343YrJF-maTndxON9W7a9rMYS2fxHaerXPu0/s1600/Snow+Mtn+sunrise.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunrise on Snow Mountain</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFORn0s-lmVMsLAlGtHwRQtbEBqLFscGcwdjp3DxcUVQb1k0tduBppjSCqmqQekjenMtXc4SqyLbkttPtMKoRHo43K6XyVd_iLmXhfdLCRwI8AL63VfwJSw1vL64IzRHUJkIjc24D7mY/s1600/Gore+Range+from+Snow+Mtn+summit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFORn0s-lmVMsLAlGtHwRQtbEBqLFscGcwdjp3DxcUVQb1k0tduBppjSCqmqQekjenMtXc4SqyLbkttPtMKoRHo43K6XyVd_iLmXhfdLCRwI8AL63VfwJSw1vL64IzRHUJkIjc24D7mY/s1600/Gore+Range+from+Snow+Mtn+summit.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gore Range from Snow Mountain summit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uzPh8f8zLuGbj6FbD34Fuv_xsPv4F2f5EF90HcI6iP1MA-Bf72HgLtqBCbCyiJfMU_HCVkY2PnbYrFqH2Mel9PAeotvqxJTCK4wOOkm9SwHvy1gkuXAnI9BeGJDTJqqkhCZLyOX6YGU/s1600/Rose+on+Snow+Mtn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uzPh8f8zLuGbj6FbD34Fuv_xsPv4F2f5EF90HcI6iP1MA-Bf72HgLtqBCbCyiJfMU_HCVkY2PnbYrFqH2Mel9PAeotvqxJTCK4wOOkm9SwHvy1gkuXAnI9BeGJDTJqqkhCZLyOX6YGU/s1600/Rose+on+Snow+Mtn.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tiny rose (?) on Snow Mountain</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i>Second, the Black Hills in South Dakota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here I got to run on the Centennial
Trail for 3 hours and saw no one except this bison steaming in the morning
mist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to go off trail a bit
to give him some room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And an hour
later when I came back he was actually lying down right in the middle of the
trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only in South Dakota!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My bison buddy next to the Centennial Trail</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO7fWZTEahDh8TIo4xJ5Df29m6bLafCqyMoLfvG_lcR5OddN5_JXmEYSaZpPOXqDzaXQp1xrDTuvmNZl9JBxQPF15qRThJqDbGC5jspe0MwYUAfolvEROjajHHu9-mwOEASVZ1GVQdko/s1600/Black+Hills+meadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO7fWZTEahDh8TIo4xJ5Df29m6bLafCqyMoLfvG_lcR5OddN5_JXmEYSaZpPOXqDzaXQp1xrDTuvmNZl9JBxQPF15qRThJqDbGC5jspe0MwYUAfolvEROjajHHu9-mwOEASVZ1GVQdko/s1600/Black+Hills+meadow.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Hills meadow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiXnX-cEYr8p9R4miBwEyKqAGY4sucLYjB0K8ADn0SSm11OxFFk_f2vcTuJ_qUCpiJU6b0A8Vgob63WSY86Hhc74RrjhLmdUaTVRE0tSbCco8jloBruMjpCQ320-4odLI8DnxPrVPOQ8/s1600/Black+Hills+vista.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiXnX-cEYr8p9R4miBwEyKqAGY4sucLYjB0K8ADn0SSm11OxFFk_f2vcTuJ_qUCpiJU6b0A8Vgob63WSY86Hhc74RrjhLmdUaTVRE0tSbCco8jloBruMjpCQ320-4odLI8DnxPrVPOQ8/s1600/Black+Hills+vista.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Hills Vista</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I will say that the signage on the Centennial Trail is not
nearly as good as our own Ice Age Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I took the wrong fork a couple times and had to backtrack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while the single track parts of the
Centennial were awesome, there was quite a bit that was on forest roads, which
wasn’t as interesting.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>So we should be really really thankful that we have the Ice
Age Trail!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Finally, last weekend I ran the trails at Potato Creek State
Park near South Bend, Indiana which included one nice almost kettle morainish
hill and a fun single track mountain bike trail.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I’d love to hear where else people are running this summer!</i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-8480768408414273272014-06-10T06:06:00.001-05:002014-06-10T06:06:30.309-05:00Kettle Report from Alison...
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A race report from LPTRunner Alison Wiedmann...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My dear LPTRs,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two years ago this past weekend I ran my first ultra! I
would have never thought I would be able to accomplish such a distance,
especially when not long before I thought 5 miles was a long run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still have memories of that first
ultra…talk of squishy beds and trolleys with your favorite beverage to take you
to the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Random chairs
placed on the trail, but NO sitting down! Nutter butters and good friends made
it possible to make it to the finish. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LKd825seY30ccPN7-qGD-765HZKnHwQaUYVcKp32tlmlerSPnaXZ0non8n0iXHg5Nm8J2DBp9_AHCnHzqtV7QlN4iOlr40mo5lU-7-6ofnCPEXpJb-NCPNplw7CjkR5xEjMC3QG3Ozw/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LKd825seY30ccPN7-qGD-765HZKnHwQaUYVcKp32tlmlerSPnaXZ0non8n0iXHg5Nm8J2DBp9_AHCnHzqtV7QlN4iOlr40mo5lU-7-6ofnCPEXpJb-NCPNplw7CjkR5xEjMC3QG3Ozw/s1600/a2.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now 9 ultras later, it wasn’t all that
different. Talk of being on a happy train, but no getting off till the finish,
3 teachers trying to teach the proper use of good and well - (Apparently 38 miles
isn’t long enough for some students!). Glow sticks and headlamps flying through
the air, olives and nutter butters, two new ultra runners and an amazingly fast
last mile and a half and we made it to the finish line!</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned
and grown so much during these past two years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just in becoming a better runner, but in many ways. Although
I do now know what drop bags and s-caps are, the importance of staying
hydrated, and that I better not have too much of a kick at the end of a run or
I’ll be accused of sandbagging the rest of the way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Do they<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a> realize it’s just fun to make
boys suffer once in awhile?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On more
than one occasion when runs get long, hills get taller or the snow gets deeper,
Todd reminds me that it only makes me stronger. You’re so right, Todd! (Did I
really just say that?) I am a stronger person- mentally, physically and
emotionally! </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve also been
told many times- while running with boys who make me work harder than I wish to
be- you’ll thank me later. I usually give a “look” and say – yayaya. But I
think that later is right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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And
so I thank each and every one of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you for your friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you for your conversation on and off the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for making me laugh and
smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for your
encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
giving me something to look forward to in the middle of the week in the middle
of the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
helping me be a better person. Thank you for running amazing races and amazing
distances that continue to inspire me! And yes, thank you for making me run
when I don’t want to!</div>
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Sadly, in the next month I will be saying good-bye to Lapham
Peak and Wisconsin and the LPTRs and heading to new unknown trails of
Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that each of
you has helped me become a stronger person, a better runner and this will help
me on my new race in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will
be a long ways from LP, even for ultra-runners, but you will stay close in my
heart. I will certainly be smiling when I think of each and every one of you! </div>
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Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!</div>
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Ali</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-40983234885594074182014-04-27T21:30:00.001-05:002014-04-27T21:30:08.156-05:00Boston: The common person's OlympicsRace Report from LPTRunner Steve Hartman Keiser...<div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">We knew we were into something special walking down the middle of Boylston Street toward the packet pickup on a sunny Saturday afternoon. People were everywhere, taking pictures at the finish line, bright orange official marathon jackets dotting the crowd. There was little sign of last year’s tragedy. Perhaps intentionally. Everyone seemed to want to move on and honor the past by making this year’s marathon the best ever. </span></div>
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<br />The Boston Athletic Association runs an amazingly complex and efficient event. Every step of the 118th edition has been planned and communicated to us runners via email and snail mail updates for the past several months, so I knew where to go and what to expect. Every stop along the way had plenty of super friendly volunteers, so there was no wait to pick up the race packet or to leave the drop bag or to board the buses. They’ll do just about anything except maybe stand in line for you at the port-o-potties. <br /><br />And it is not just the official volunteers who take such pride and joy in the Boston Marathon—it’s the entire city. <br /><br />From the bus driver early Monday morning who waved me on so I didn’t have to pay (“Hey, he’s a runner!” she said) to the random Bostonian at the bus stop on our way home later that day who congratulated me and wanted to hear all about my race. It is clear that the entire city loves this day, the marathon, and all of us runners who come to run it. <br /><br />The phrase “Boston Strong” was everywhere on shirts, signs, posters, and on lips. Overused? Sure. A cliché? Never. <br /><br />The most special sign of the deep connection between the people and the race was the scarf. Mary (see her story below) got hers at the Old South Church, “the church of the finish line” which initiated the Scarf Project to wrap runners in love, hope, and peace. I got mine—and a hug—directly from a friend of a friend who had missed the deadline to send it in, and for that reason she said I was meant to have it. After the horror and fear that all Boston lived through in the days after the bombings last year, this scarf is healing and hope for her, the city, the marathon, and now for me. I was deeply touched. </div>
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I could have used the scarf at 6 a.m. Monday waiting for that first bus. But the sun was warming things up 45 minutes later as I walked out of the subway at Boston Common and found Rich, Pete, and Jose, all runners from Milwaukee. We walked past a quarter mile of double-parked buses filled with runners before finding an empty one. <br /><br />That was a looooong bus ride: almost an hour. Like probably half the people on the bus I was thinking, “Man, I’ve got to run all this way to get back to Boston!” The other half was thinking, “I’ve gotta pee now!” So when we got out at the athlete’s village in Hopkinton it was straight to the end of the line for a port-o-potty. Turns out that even 790 port-o-potties is not enough. <br /><br />The half-mile walk to the starting line is down a residential street. The neighbors were standing outside cheering. For us! The race hadn’t even started yet, and they were cheering us! Several had set up stands offering water and sunscreen (that one was really popular). Then there the guys handing out donuts, beer, and cigarettes. Really. <br /><br />I find corral 5, show my bib to the race attendant, and squeeze in with 1000 very fit people. Everyone around me has run a marathon in 3 hours or less. It’s sunny and getting warmer, so I finally shed my Goodwill sweats and shirt. There are volunteers collecting all the left behind clothing to donate to benefit Big Brothers/Sisters. <br /><br />I line up next to Meb. Okay, I’m actually lined up about a quarter mile behind the elites. When the gun goes off I hardly hear it, but we shuffle ahead and 3 minutes later we’re passing by news cameras and across the start line. We are underway. Downhill past crowds of people. A little girl and boy are holding out their hands, and I reach over for my first high-fives of the race. <br /><br />Someone has said that the Boston Marathon is the common persons’ Olympics. I couldn’t agree more. For miles upon miles there are people lining the course. Some places in the early miles there are just a few standing by their driveways, but soon it is the driveways and the yards and the spaces between yards. The cheering is nonstop. Kids are handing out oranges, water, twizzlers. And we are just the first wave. The first 9000. There are over 20,000 more runners coming behind us over the next hour or more. <br /><br />I find myself smiling. There are a pack of Harley Hogs standing next to their bikes outside a bar and raising their beers to us as we run by. There’s a dozen senior citizens all wearing cow hats (as in Holstein cows, not cowboy hats) for no apparent reason. There’s a Willie Nelson cover band singing “On the Road Again”. There’s lots of Boston Strong signs. And always always there are lines of children holding out their hands for high fives. I’m smiling again. <br /><br />As we get into towns, the crowds are deep on both sides. They cheer anyone with a name on their shirt. I happened to be running by Rob and Henk and a guy from Australia, because I heard those names a lot. If you wave to the crowd, they go nuts and cheer louder. <br /><br />I know it’s 11 o’clock, because some guy has a sign out giving updates of the score of the Red Sox game (it’s 0-0 in the 1st inning). <br /><br />Wellesley College at mile 12 is famous for the screaming coeds and their signs. “Kiss me I’m kosher”, “Kiss me I’m from Iowa”, “Never been kissed!”, and scores of others on the theme of kissing. But my favorite sign had a Lord of the Rings theme: “Fly you fools!” Loved it! I might have kissed someone, but I was too busy smiling, and everyone knows you can’t kiss when you’re smiling! <br /><br />I guess I haven’t said much about the running. I was in fact running. Pretty steadily at just under 7 minutes per mile. But those first miles didn’t feel nearly as easy as they did in Indianapolis in November. This was going to be a tough race. And it was getting hot. Thank goodness for the makeshift water stations—I grabbed water from kids a couple times when I needed it between the official aid stations. </div>
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<br />The family was going to be on the course in the last part of Wellesley, so I kept to the left side of the road and kept looking, past mile 14…15…and then right at the mile 16 marker someone started waving wildly—Lydia! And there they all were! I stopped smiling long enough to give Lori a salty kiss. High-fived some big kids for a change, and then kept going. </div>
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<br />Miles 17-21 include the Newton Hills, the last of which is the infamous Heartbreak Hill. And as the road goes uphill, things start going downhill for my race. It’s not dramatic. In fact, I handled Heartbreak pretty well actually, passing a number of people. <br /><br />But it was getting harder to smile even though the crowds were thicker and louder than ever. There was an awesome fifty-person drum circle banging away halfway up the hill! Then it’s downhill again past screaming Boston College students. <br /><br />Here’s where I hoped to kick into an extra gear to speed toward the finish, but there was nothing left in my tank except to try and maintain a 7:30/mi pace over the last 5 miles. <br /><br />And then I was at the final landmarks. The gigantic Citgo sign at 1 mile to go. The underpass. The right on to Hereford. The left on to Boylston. The roar. <br /><br />The roar! It’s about 5 blocks from Hereford to the finish line. 1/3 mile. About 2 ½ minutes at my pace. And the entire length of this canyon-like street is packed with people roaring. For me. For us. I’m just a guy from Wisconsin who likes to run long distances. I crossed the finish line with a 56-year-old Dominican guy from New York. And the crowds were roaring for all of us. <br /></div>
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If I felt like a champion just for finishing, I was quickly humbled by the looooong walk back to Boston Common. It took a couple blocks just to get to the water, then bags of food. I was thirsty and my legs were very very weary. But every step of the way there were volunteers congratulating us, asking if we were okay (yes, I’m just really thirsty and tired). </div>
<br />It took me a half-hour to cover the mile to the family gathering area in Boston Common. That last 30 minutes was almost as hard as the last few miles of the race! Lori and the kids weren’t there when I arrived, so I lay down on the grass in the sun and listened to the chatter of the runners around me. <br /><br />An elderly Sikh gentleman came up and awkwardly hugged his son who was sitting on the ground. A chorus of “ohhhhs” burst out when one guy took off his shoes to reveal bloody socks. I drank 3 bottles of water and a protein shake and started to feel better. <br /><br />Then the family arrived. They were having so much fun out on the course that Lori couldn’t get them to leave! Hugs! And hot dogs. Then the subway home. And along the way nods of respect and words of congratulations from perfect strangers. The guy at the bus stop who wanted to hear all about it. <br /><br />My time? I had a good time, an unforgettable time really. Oh, you want a chronological time? A number? At the Boston Marathon that kind of time doesn’t seem to matter so much. Look it up on the BAA website. I’m bib number 4333. One of those ordinary runners who for one day felt like an Olympian. <br /><br />Thanks Boston.</div>
brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-13380985067331410362014-04-23T11:01:00.000-05:002014-04-23T11:01:10.308-05:00BOSTON 2014
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><b>Race Report from LPTRunner Mary Gorski...</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Screaming, tears…</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">They sure are a lot better to hear when they are based in joy
rather than in shock and terror.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Coming into the last miles of the Boston Marathon this year I
could barely hear my own thoughts over the screaming cheers of marathon fans
along the course. I was in the third wave – many of the spectators had been
cheering their lungs out for a couple of hours before I got there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">It was incredible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">And then there were the tears. Making the final turn I saw the
finish, the backdrop to last year’s bombs; the stage for horrific videos and
photos of pain and suffering; screaming, tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Remembering what was, and celebrating what is… my eyes weren’t
the only ones welling up with tears in the final stretch on Boylston Street.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Last year was my first at the Boston Marathon. A bucket list
item, it was a 50</span><sup><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">th </span></sup><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">birthday gift. The plan was to enjoy the experience and then
mark it off the list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">The bombs changed all that. “You have to come back!” In the two
days after the race Dave and I heard it from Bostonians everywhere we went: the
bellhop at our hotel, the servers at meals, the store clerks and streetside
hawkers. Even the security officials at the airport genuinely wanted to know
“Were you able to finish?” “Will you come back?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">How could I not?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">And what a delight it was, starting with Dave’s own race on
Saturday: the Boston 5K. After losing most of a foot last summer to a nasty
infection, the race would be his first attempt at getting back into sports.
Slow and steady, he walked the course, coming in after the official finishers.
But organizers still had a finisher’s medal waiting for him when he came across
the line, cheered by friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">It was a good start to the weekend. A birthday gift for him this
year, just a few days before the date itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Saturday evening we were at a dinner with others who had
contributed to a book that running guru and legend Hal Higdon wrote about last
year’s marathon: “4:09:43.” I was apprehensive going, expecting sad rehashes of
the day, but instead it was a fun evening of laughter, food and a couple of Sam
Adams beers. It was good to put names and faces together and share our
individual stories of the experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Sunday: Easter Sunday. Last year Dave and I went to the early
service at the Old South Church, a UCC congregation. In 2013 the 9 a.m. service
was a small, intimate gathering in the side chapel of the church. We
experienced a wonderfully welcoming community, good music and a great sense of
worship. When we realized that the marathon this year would coincide with
Easter weekend there was no doubt that we would go back to the Old South Church
to celebrate it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Easter is a busy day at any church, but at Old South, it was
record-breaking. Located just past the finish line, it spent several days
behind crime scene tape after last year’s bombing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Because of its location, the church has a special connection to
runners. One of the ways the church reached out to them this year was through
the Marathon Scarf Project. The“Old South Knitters,” a group of about 30
knitters, chrocheters and weavers, got busy making scarves to, “wrap each
runner of this year’s race in love, hope and prayer,” said the church’s pastor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">With an anticipated 36,000 runners coming to Boston, they were
going to have to do a lot of knitting so they invited anyone to join them in
their efforts. Knitters sent their donated efforts from all over Massachusetts,
and a few states beyond. Each scarf had the name of the knitter attached to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Mine was from Cynthia in Beverly, MA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">During the Easter service, runners were asked to stand for a
blessing. Members of the UCC congregation came through with the scarves.
However, they did not simply had them out. Runners had the scarves placed on
them by another. Funny how a bunch of knotted yarn brought so many to tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">But again, tears of joy. Tears of happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Race morning. Time to finally lace up the shoes and go. No bags
would be allowed at the start area, so runners dressed in their hobo best to
keep warm. Whatever clothing you left behind would be donated to charity.
Though I think that my 25-year-old saggy tights and Helly Hansen polypro shirt
with the permanent stink of 25 years’ of running probably (hopefully) was
donated to the trash.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">I wondered how chaotic it would be to travel in a herd of 36,000
runners. Surprisingly, it wasn’t bad. Race organizers did a great job with
logistics, moving us to our starting areas like expert cattle ranchers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">And then the start, and the screaming began. Screams of joy from
the runners; screams of encouragement and solidarity from the volunteers and
spectators. There were a few spots on the course that weren’t too crowded, but
not many. Each town welcomed you as if they were waiting just for YOU.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">“Boston Strong, Boston Strong!!!” You saw it on shirts, on banners,
in windows and you heard it from every direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">I wore my race shirt from 2013 (a long-sleeved shirt, it wasn’t
necessarily the best choice for the quickly warming weather). People saw it and
yelled “Welcome back to Boston! We’re glad you came back!! Boston Strong!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">And every mile or two I heard that wonderful Boston accent
letting me know that “waTAH is just ahead.” BAHston volunteers always serve up
waTAH, not water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">The Boston course is a tease. It starts with gentle downhills,
giving runners a false sense of confidence. But then, just as the
temperatures were getting toasty, the hills made their appearance. I
forgot that there was more than just Heartbreak Hill. “Is this it?” I
thought, but then there would be another. “Is this Heartbreak?” said a woman
next to me, but "no," she was told by a veteran, “this one is just a
‘regular’ hill, it doesn’t have a name.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Finally, after 20 miles we came to Heartbreak. I’d run all the
other hills, might as well run this one too. I put my head down and went up the
middle, never looking ahead, figuring that my huffing and puffing would let me
know when the hill was over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">At the top my legs were toast. But again, the cheers, the
screaming from spectators urging runners to keep moving, to keep running to Boylston.
To finish strong, Boston Strong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">And so I did. Even came in a few minutes faster than last
year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WP3bp8-vM0NY9YY4McjoMucUGdgGbwHLtTsa88QtomMrYVfm0TS3uLOmYu3hWGcEQQABoEEJdhQzS9KaFsHkAuZKps1FtPlJU2svAR1V-qZExkrGPz20Mwbh8RzwybavYOVhkhMEMx4/s1600/Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WP3bp8-vM0NY9YY4McjoMucUGdgGbwHLtTsa88QtomMrYVfm0TS3uLOmYu3hWGcEQQABoEEJdhQzS9KaFsHkAuZKps1FtPlJU2svAR1V-qZExkrGPz20Mwbh8RzwybavYOVhkhMEMx4/s1600/Finish.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Weather had been warm for running, but wonderful for lounging
around post-race in Boston Commons. But eventually all good things come to an
end. The Li’l Mister and I headed to the subway for the ride back to the hotel.
Time for a shower and dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">And then there was one more treat. A subway worker pulled me
away from the ticket machines and led me to an open gate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">“Congratulations on your finish! Thanks for being here. The ride
is on us!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">The cherry on top of the sundae.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Boston, I'm glad that I
came back. </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-81501006425772930182014-04-01T21:33:00.002-05:002014-04-01T21:33:51.798-05:00Northern Kettle 50k<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaizHKucCpYX0rL0TSE1AZn3L5jJdP4bsY_icei81okLn9ms8aRM7swdh9mOlZh38vAVMvllQgLGqs2fdk7HUBQnQxv570qyO4Ea4Ks1gcv6Zq4EHUAfXngi6_kCkU_dpGdub479Q4n4/s1600/NK50k+Group+Photo+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaizHKucCpYX0rL0TSE1AZn3L5jJdP4bsY_icei81okLn9ms8aRM7swdh9mOlZh38vAVMvllQgLGqs2fdk7HUBQnQxv570qyO4Ea4Ks1gcv6Zq4EHUAfXngi6_kCkU_dpGdub479Q4n4/s1600/NK50k+Group+Photo+2014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the start...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Race Report from LPTRunner Marcel Uttech...<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>
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<i>I had almost forgotten the familiar feeling…the anxiety before, the rush leading up to the start, the headlamps bobbing into the dark...the laughter and cursing excitement shared by all as they ran through the woods, leaving it all out there.</i></div>
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<i>This was my first ultra after an intensely busy school year. I had decided sometime after the season had pretty much wrapped up last summer that I needed to start training again, running long again. In fact, since architecture school was SO intense, I needed it more than ever. Running kept me grounded, and I was really just not myself without those long afternoons in the woods. So after training all winter on the trails of the Milwaukee River and the Southern Kettle I had decided to of course sign on for Chippewa, one of my all-time favorite races and the course where I ran my first one in 2010. Then there was talk about another 50k, perfectly positioned 4 weeks before Chippewa…sold! The race fee was a donation toward the RACC (Racers Against Childhood Cancer) which Amanda K. put together with Nic Giebler. Pain has never been so cheap!</i></div>
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<i>The last few weeks leading up to the NK50K Jodie Taylor and I began running the trails in the Northern Kettle to get more time on the hills and to learn the trails better. Deep snow, quiet woods and abundant ice was free for anyone who wanted a helping. In fact, if you didn’t get enough of the ice then, you got plenty on race day since the trail was about 70% covered in the stuff. During the first half it was pretty decent, cold enough to not have the water slick sitting on top. Still some pretty slick spots anywhere the pines were blocking out the sun, and I got a REAL good look on my back of one of those, thankfully no harm done.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy60hmZciF3WOXxdINr0K3dPBPH7fAFyacV9HN0GuLcF7fFva_XZ5cQRBlv1WJW_yOORqMhqrcyeAM9M5oplG8nOI1YVsC0Ih7VOQy0_RZpvWObgWq70fQgXPemhU6QFrPz3i0bowdXo/s1600/Robert+running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy60hmZciF3WOXxdINr0K3dPBPH7fAFyacV9HN0GuLcF7fFva_XZ5cQRBlv1WJW_yOORqMhqrcyeAM9M5oplG8nOI1YVsC0Ih7VOQy0_RZpvWObgWq70fQgXPemhU6QFrPz3i0bowdXo/s1600/Robert+running.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert!</td></tr>
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<i>The race started at 6:00 sharp, which was pretty amazing since Nic and a few others shuttled everyone from the southern tip to the northern. After a couple of group shots they gave the go ahead and everyone set out. I was glad to be able to run with Robert and Logan for the first few miles or so and catch up a bit with them. <strike>Until Robert dropped me</strike> I was able to average 10 minute miles for the first 20 miles which I was extremely happy about with the ice everywhere. Only real bumps along the way were some leg cramps that came on about that time reminding me that I really didn’t get enough speed training in to sustain those speeds/effort for that long. Ran into Nic at Mauthe Lake and he had EVERYTHING you could need in his truck! Couple of S-caps later and I felt better. He informed my Logan was about a minute ahead but I never caught up to him. <strike>In fact pretty sure he lied</strike> Figured he could smell the barn and was stretching it out a little in the home stretch. Came in at 5:50, plenty tired and just <strike>glad it was over</strike> thrilled to get a race in finally!</i></div>
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<i>The people organizing the race were great, it was low key and helluva lot of fun. In all honesty, I had a great time out there.</i></div>
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<i> Next year the tentative date is the first Saturday in April. Although there was plenty of LPTR’s up there this time around, this is too close to pass up and is a perfect peak run/race/excuse/whatever before Chippewa…just putting it out there.</i></div>
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<i>It’s been a few days now, I’m sore and finally feel like myself again…looking forward to Chippewa 50k!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-1296701346458717922014-02-15T06:15:00.001-06:002014-02-15T06:26:41.527-06:002014 John Dick Memorial 50k<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i>Race Report from RD and LPTRunner Robert Wehner... </i></div>
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On February 1<sup>st</sup> we had the 26<sup>th</sup>
running of the John Dick Memorial 50K, named after a long-time Badgerland
Strider member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This winter ultra
is held on the trails in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we’ve been able to use the same
layout the past few years, the weather and trail conditions have varied
greatly, so the challenge is never the same.</div>
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This year has been one of the coldest and snowiest winters
on record for southeastern Wisconsin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It certainly has made recent training more difficult, and contributed to
the tougher conditions runners faced on race day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>125 runners headed out on the course, in single digit temps,
and 3” of fresh snow on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our multi-loop course brought everyone back to the start/finish area 4
times during the race, before heading out on the final out-n-back segment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There, a great group of volunteers
attended to their needs (and the door to a heated shelter awaited those
finished for the day).</div>
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The deeper packed snow, with the fresh on top, made
conditions harder than usual; it was evident early on that it was not going to
be a PR day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could take some
solace though in the fact that it was nowhere near as bad as 2011; a blizzard a
few days before the race that year resulted in the TOUGHEST CONDITIONS
EVER.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the mantra became: Hey,
it’s much better than 2011!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaZBlN3eU6MVh6hnbK2USpPnWwbA2Skc7X-Xg3izws0XlgM6VrdKu2Ze2RvjQjbbc0DxBtVU_wrVMtE8iT4zmKMVx9BqGDOBlNEL6bS6LFNaxG12cKbECj9-45spDC9Ei9BzUyuQN1kg/s1600/jdphoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaZBlN3eU6MVh6hnbK2USpPnWwbA2Skc7X-Xg3izws0XlgM6VrdKu2Ze2RvjQjbbc0DxBtVU_wrVMtE8iT4zmKMVx9BqGDOBlNEL6bS6LFNaxG12cKbECj9-45spDC9Ei9BzUyuQN1kg/s1600/jdphoto.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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As he did last year, Kevin Grabowski took the lead from the
start, and repeated as our champion with a time of 4:34:38; Gardiner Rynne was
not too far behind in second, in 4:41:35.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the women, Jessica Garcia ran steady and won in 5:27:30, with
Jennifer Rolfing a close second in 5:31:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall, we had 77 runners complete the full 50k, so it had
to be much better than 2011; the finish percentage of 61.6% far exceeded the 32.4%
of that year!</div>
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Despite how tough the race, and this winter has been, there
was nothing but smiles and good cheer all around for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many runners stayed long afterwards,
enjoying the post-race spread and the warm shelter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to all the great volunteers who helped with the
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now all we need is to make
it through the rest of this winter, to the warm spring that has to come
eventually (it will come, won’t it?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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Robert Wehner, RD<br />
<br />
Full results available at the race web-page: <a href="http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/home/Races/JohnDickMemorial50K.htm">http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/home/Races/JohnDickMemorial50K.htm</a></div>
<!--EndFragment-->brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-4100270279421480792013-10-27T21:48:00.001-05:002013-10-27T21:48:30.237-05:00Door County Fall 50!
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAusjDOGvrwWhzqtviWlhrFvL2V7coLUYkbIk1nqGA2fnSDQf9G6T7A_7jWNoAiY2CPWZQNUvWtLzPPPPEig335OgzWHoMD0Mprj8I2hVdeFs8xtBAfboh-NIBipKyXbswRy4HIo0EeU/s1600/Crawford+and+Gorski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAusjDOGvrwWhzqtviWlhrFvL2V7coLUYkbIk1nqGA2fnSDQf9G6T7A_7jWNoAiY2CPWZQNUvWtLzPPPPEig335OgzWHoMD0Mprj8I2hVdeFs8xtBAfboh-NIBipKyXbswRy4HIo0EeU/s320/Crawford+and+Gorski.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine and Mary</td></tr>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAusjDOGvrwWhzqtviWlhrFvL2V7coLUYkbIk1nqGA2fnSDQf9G6T7A_7jWNoAiY2CPWZQNUvWtLzPPPPEig335OgzWHoMD0Mprj8I2hVdeFs8xtBAfboh-NIBipKyXbswRy4HIo0EeU/s1600/Crawford+and+Gorski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 26px;">Mary Gorski's LPTRunner Race Report...</span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 26px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 26px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 26px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 26px;"><i>Unexpected gifts are often the best gifts of all.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>Door County's Fall 50 was certainly an unexpected gift for me
yesterday. And like a kid the day after Christmas, the first thing that I
thought of this morning was my favorite gift from the day before.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>And then I took my first steps out of bed.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>OUCH! <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>It was a gift that came with a bit of a kick.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>Two weeks ago I did the Glacial 50K in the Northern Kettle
Moraine. Perfect weather, beautiful fall colors and a surprisingly good race on
legs that have not been getting a lot of mileage in recent months. That was a
good gift too, but more of a stocking stuffer. A nice little something to put a
smile on my face for a day or two.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>The day after Glacial I thought, "Well, if one race went
well, might as well do another." I went online to sign up for the
Lakefront Discovery run, a 15K race just a few miles from home along
Milwaukee's lakefront.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>But no room at the inn. The race was full. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>Criminey.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">I went to my favorite race calendar – </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runningintheusa.com&h=tAQHie6BD&s=1"><span style="color: #2e4985; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; text-decoration: none;">www.runningintheusa.com</span></a><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> -- and started hunting. I found a few things -- a marathon
in Middleton, a few 5Ks -- but nothing that really caught my attention... until
I saw a listing for the Fall 50.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>I remembered hearing about the event, a 50-mile race from Gills
Rock at the tip of Door County to the last bit of land on the southern end of
the peninsula in Sturgeon Bay. But when I went to the site the first thing that
I saw was "FULL." <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>Criminey again.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>Then I looked a little closer and realized that it was the team
event that was full. There were still openings in the solo category. Being an
only-child I don't always play well with others so going solo was more to my
liking. I pulled out the credit card and signed up.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>I meant to do the Discovery Run, which is a race along Lake
Michigan of a distance divisible by five. In Door County yesterday I did pretty
much the same thing: ran primarily on the shore of Lake
Michigan (technically, Green Bay) but in a race of 50 miles instead
of 15 kilometers. Still divisible by five.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>A little after 5 a.m. on Saturday morning the Li'l Mister and I
made the quiet drive to Gills Rock. I don't know who the heck Gill was but he
must have been quite a blowhard. His namesake had winds that could rival
Dorothy's Kansas. However, except for the wind, the weather wasn't too bad. Upper
40s for the start, a couple of raindrops but no downpour. Later in the day the
sun even poked out to check up on the runners. But never for long. Must have
been the sun's day off. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>Before the start I said hello to a few of my LPTR friends
including Aaron Schneider and Christine Crawford. Aaron grew up in Sturgeon Bay
so the Door County 50 was his home field. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>Christine and I started off together, gabbing away until a I
heard a porta-potty call my name. Usually 50 mile runs are on trails without
the luxury of such civilized things as private little johns with toilet
paper. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>I was living large in Door County!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>The Fall 50 course is primarily on quiet roads decorated in many
spots with peak fall colors. The race advertises itself as the "Most
Scenic Run in the Midwest" and they aren't bragging. Along the lakeshore,
wind-driven waves splashed across the rocks. On the roads, beautiful canopies
of yellows and oranges surrounded us. When the winds from the lake found their
way inland the leaves swirled around us like a golden snowstorm. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>I wasn't the only Gorski getting a workout in yesterday. After a
summer of illness that led to the amputation of a good part of his foot, the
Li'l Mister was crewing me for the first time in months and it was no easy
task. With hundreds of teams added to the solo division, there were a lot of
vehicles wandering around the Door Peninsula. Well managed with different
routes for cars and runners the race course was rarely congested but the aid
stations often had field-based parking lots that could rival those of a county
fair. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>But Dave was determined to return to his crewing duties.
Bundled up in his winter gear and armed with a cane for balance, he made
his way to most of the aid stations and stood for hours on end only to have me
quickly pass through saying "feeling good, see you down the road!"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>I'm sure that after a few stops he was ready to toss that race
bag he had been hauling around right into Lake Michigan. You know the bag, the
one filled with all of those "just in case" supplies that the runner
rarely ever uses. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>I was feeling good. Surprisingly good. After about 30 miles I
saw some familiar gaits ahead of me. Runners can often identify each other from
afar by running style. I came up first on Thao Hoang, a member of our
"Turned Away From the Grand Canyon Because of Government Shut-Down"
group. Talking with him I learned that he was eventually able to do from the
North Rim what several us could not -- run from one end of he canyon to the
other… and back. He said it was fantastic. My guess was that he still had some
Grand Canyon dust in his legs. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>Up ahead was Christine. Before the race we talked about
expectations. I said that I was looking at finishing the race in 9 to 9.5
hours. When we saw each other that was still my plan. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>"But you are on a pace to finish under 8:30," she
said. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>"Oh no, I'll fall apart. Don't worry; we are still in double
digit mileage before the finish line. The wheels are going to fall off any
minute."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>I had never run 50 miles under 8:30. I can't even remember the
last time I ran under 9 hours. A road course is going to be faster than trails,
but still, 8:30 hadn't been in my reach for years. I'm a "senior master"
now, surely my PRs are behind me.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>At the halfway point I was at 4:11. Double that and you have
8:22. "That gives me a nice cushion to slow down and come in under nine hours"
I kept thinking to myself. But even with a few more pit stops and a newly
placed hill that brought me down to a slow walk for about a half mile I was
still maintaining a steady pace. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>The last aid station was less than five miles from the finish. I
told the Li'l Mister that my legs were getting tired. My hip flexors didn't
feel like flexing a lot any more. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>"What did you expect? You've run over 45 miles. You are
supposed to be tired. See you at the finish!"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>And off he went. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>I saw the 46 mile marker sign and realized that I was still on a
pace to come in under 8:30. Actually, I was on a pace to do an even race:
second half in the same time as the first.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>But I still thought that the wheels would fall off. "At
least now if I have to, I can walk it in and probably still finish under 9
hours," I kept saying to myself. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>I thought this up until I made the turn into Sunset Park and the
last half mile of the race. By then I could have stopped, taken a short nap and
still made my time goal of 9 hours. And at the start of the race it really
wasn't a goal, it was just a hope. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>Coming through the finishing chute I looked at the race clock
because I no longer believed my wristwatch. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>8:21 (and a lot of change, but still, it wasn't yet 8:22).<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>I ran the second half faster than the first.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>I ran a personal best by… I really don't know. It's been so long
since I have run anything under 9 hours that I haven't a clue. But I do know
that I've never clocked a 50-miler under 8:30.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>What a wonderfully unexpected gift. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>I saw Aaron, who finished about 15-20 minutes ahead of me. I
thanked Ashley for cheering me on as I trudged up the longest hill of the
course. Got some warm clothes on and saw Christine come in. Cheers and hugs.
Finish photos. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>And then the shivers. That gosh darn wind still hadn't let up
and I was turning into a popsicle, as was Dave. The party tent looked like a
lot of fun but I desperately wanted a hot shower. It would be the bow on top of
my most wonderfully unexpected most wonderful gift of a race. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>This morning my legs are whimpering. My back is a little stiff.
My shoulder has a kink from carrying a waterbottle all day. There is a blister
on my foot that could use a pop.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><i>And I couldn't be happier.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-102593158122294082013-10-25T20:21:00.000-05:002013-10-25T20:21:03.349-05:00Enter My Racing Mind: My North Face Endurance Challenge (Madison) 50K ReportLPTRunner Nick Wied's race report...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have
the same conversation weekly. It usually takes place while in some
non-trail running social setting. Casual banter with others who run
usually leads to questions of what races I have run, places I like to train, or
distances covered. My response, that I run ultras and specifically trail
ultras, always elicits the same reaction; disbelief, curiosity, awe, and fear.
Several responses are; “You ran how far?”, “That’s INSANE!”, “I don’t
even like to drive that far!”. My favorite two though are “How much do
you run to train for that?” and “What the HELL do you think about for that long
on the trail?” Well I will answer both of these in the context of my last
race, The North Face Endurance Challenge (Madison) 50K.<br />
<br />
First, “How much do I run to train for ultras?”! I will cover this in a
future post detailing my training for this season as well as nutrition and
recovery! There 1st question answered. I know procrastination right!<br />
<br />
Second, “What the Hell do you think of for that long on the trail?”! I am
going to use my most recent race to answer this. TNF Madison is a really
easy ultra to wrap your brain around, as you can break it into distinct
sections. The first 7 miles are road and hilly ski trails, the next 5 are
hilly and sand filled horse trails, followed by 9 miles of fast Ice Age Trail
running, and the final 10 miles on the sandy horse trails. Now here is a
breakdown of how I mentally handled the race and its challenges. For a
similar take, for a much longer effort, on race reporting check out Adam
Condit’s (3rd place) Podcast “TNF 50Mile Audio Recap”<br />
<br />
I arrived at the race about an hour early, which gave me time to warm my legs
up a bit and head to the first aid station to watch the lead 50 Mile racers as
they came through. The first two through, Tyler Sigl and Brian Condon, were
moving insanely quick for a dark mile 7 with 43 to go. No worries for these two
though, Tyler would go on to finish 1st in 5:38 setting a new course record,
with Brian right behind in 2nd with a 5:55. Anyways back to my race, I
got to the start line so let the fun begin, welcome to my mind! (It will be in
italics and underlined!)<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Wow this is cold, good thing I brought
this crappy old long sleeve shirt to stay warm! Wait what did that guy
just say?</u></i> As I was lining up a guy, looking like he stepped
directly out of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Trail Running
Magazine,</u></b><u> </u>was laughing at the individual in front of him,
wearing only Hokas, shorts, a head band, a torn up long sleeve shirt, and no
bottle, stating “This joker should be farther to the back!”. Well that
guy was me, and my bottle was tucked into my shorts so I could keep my hands
warm. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <u>Oh yeah buddy, we’ll see
what good all that compression and anchor</u></i>(Hydration Pack)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>are doing you out at mile 25! Is that
Dean Karnazes, huh why is he talking about Francis Scott Key? A
history lesson?? Whatever, I guess he did write a book! </u></i>
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, GO! <br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Alright we are running, man this road
sucks I am so glad it is only1.5 miles till the trail and that 1st hill.
Man I just went from guy #20 to guy #120 look at these fools running at
5k pace. Hmmm, Maybe I should be running faster, nope, I feel like crap!
Man I need to get off of this road. Look there’s ANTON! No
wait just some guy with long hair, beard, and full ANTON kit, funny! Wow
when will this road end, oh wait there’s the trail and that first hill, time
for some power hiking!</u></i> I dropped down a gear as this first hill
is pretty lengthy and steep enough that hiking it at mile 2 is preferable. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Holy shit, what the fuck! Why are
these people running this hill at 5 min pace, am I really moving that slow, man
I feel like crap, come on legs loosen the hell up!</u></i> I glanced down
at my watch for the 1st of only 3 times the whole race to learn that I was in
fact “hiking” this hill at 9 min pace, so no I wasn’t moving slow they were
just going way too fast for mile 3. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Screw
these hosers! I’ll catch them later, WHAT is going on with my MOTHA F’N
LEGS!!! My grandpa could move up this hill faster than me! Oh well screw
it, it’s gonna be one of those days. Maybe if I think a happy thought
they will loosen up, man maybe I should have warmed up a bit more. Wait
here’s the down hill.</u></i> This was the thought process that would
accompany me for pretty much the first 7 miles. Early on about mile 4 I met up
with Andrew Hollatz, from Madison. He was running his first ultra, and
had a few questions regarding the course and how it raced. The
conversation was flowing smoothly and he and I were running similar paces,
though he was pushing the climbs while I would catch him on the descents.
We ran through the mile 7 aid station in 30something place, not bad for
crappy tight legs that refused to climb.<br />
<br />
Let the 5 mile loop on the Horse Trail begin. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Man these legs are finally starting to work, I must be getting old
it now takes me 5+ miles to warm up. Hmmm I’m getting hungry must be time
for some honey. Man I LOVE running!</u></i> For this race I
simplified my nutrition plan to consist of a flask filled with honey that was
diluted with coconut water. I planned to use this, VESPA, and the odd
orange or potato chip at an aid station until mile 22 AS then switch over to
coke in my water bottle for the remainder of the race. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Man that honey was good, and so easy. Who says never try
anything new on race day, this was a great idea. Maybe I should have
tried it in a long run. Ahhh who cares I have a stomach of steel I could
eat dirt if I had to. Wow these hills are coming easier, and the downs are
really starting to heat up! BLAMO buddy, yeah that’s right, you there, guy who
was making fun of me at the start line, why are you running 10 min pace down
this hill! SWEET the final long hill into the aid station before we hit
the Ice Age Trail, my legs feel awesome, it’s time to pick it up! Man
this hill is insane awesome I frickin love running down hills!</u></i>
For the second time during the race I glanced down at my watch to see
that I was holding 4 min pace down this hill. I blasted through this aid station
to learn Andrew and I were now in 20 something place. Now it was time to run
fast.<br />
<br />
The Ice Age Trail Section of this race runs really fast, similar to a fire
road. There are a few hills but they are rollers and you can really fly
through the open meadows with the cool AM temps. I was able to move
through this section and maintain 6:50-7 min pace pretty easy. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Hell yeah, I am killing this trail.
Hey, I know this guy he went screaming by me on that first hill, why is
he walking, this is flat? Oh man I feel awesome. Wait it’s starting
to get hot I might have to loose this jersey soon. MAN AM I HUNGRY, where
did that come from. Hmmmm, crap this honey is almost gone. How long
have I been running, ahhh that’s why it time for more VESPA! Whew! Now I
feel better, I hope the honey will last, I only have a bit more to go
till aid. Where is this aid damn station? Oh here we go, I am starting
the horse trail. MAN, I hate this sand where the hell does it all come
from!</u></i> <br />
<br />
As the 9 mile fast Ice Age Trail ends you are introduced to the horse trails by
a long climb that seems like 2 hills but is really just 1 long one with a false
top. Andrew and I were still running together at this point, but my
season of racing was catching up with me. My body and mind were tired.
I would be hiking all the rest of the ups, and running the downs and
sandy flats as fast as possible. Andrew told me he was feeling strong, I
encouraged him to go smash it and catch as many as he could! HE did!
Andrew ended up finishing 3rd 6 minutes ahead of me! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Man, this stupid sand, this is why I said I would never run this
race again! Where is this mile 22 AS? Why is it so hot? Man I
feel like crap, I am so tired I just want to sit down! That tree looks
pretty comfortable! Oh there’s someone, crap I should try to pass.
AHHHHH why do my legs hurt so much, passing was not a good idea.
CRAMP!!!! FUCK!!! Where are my S Caps. Man those taste like shit
when you chew them! Sweet no more cramp, works everytime. </u></i>Through
experience I have found that when I start to develop a cramp if I chew salt
pills or drink a super salty liquid, pickle juice, my cramps will abate within
a few seconds. No real science to back this one up, just my personal
experience. <br />
<br />
As I ran through the mile 22 Aid I learned I was now in 12th place, and I was
feeling pretty good and ready to finish my last race of the season! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>There is the 22 mile AS, man I can’t wait
for that coke! Man I am so hot this jersey is coming off now! WHAT,
PEPSI, who the hell drinks fucking PEPSI!!!! Fine who cares its sugar and
caffine, it can’t taste any worse than chewing these damn S Caps! Alright
I feel so much better without out that jersey. Man if only this carbonated
Pepsi in this stupid bottle would stop spraying all over my like some jungle
shower! Sweet there is the lead women, I am not going to be chicked today!
Man I am moving ok through this sand. It is time for some tunes.
That’s right bitches I am rocking Aerosmith and now you all get to enjoy
my lovely voice as I run down this trail. Man I love running. WOW,
it is getting hot again, crap I can’t pour this stupid Pepsi over my head.
Is that a water faucet, it is ahhhh, sweet relief!!</u></i> At mile
24ish there is a water faucet a few feet off of the trail, and it makes for a
great cool off station. <br />
<br />
Just a few more miles of sand and then you come upon the final hill that leads
back out to the road and the finish. It was running down this final hill
that I check my watch, for the third time, to learn that I was running another
4 min mile! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Man I CAN NOT
WAIT FOR THIS SAND to END!!!!!. I hate sand!!! Man this music is awesome, I
hope this mp3 player doesn’t die. Arrrgghhh!! When will this sand
end! Oh wait I am coming up on that final hill. Holy sweet mother
of GOD I only have 2 miles left!! ARRGGGHHH, I will run this hill, I will
run this hill, I… I am running this hill. There’s the top time to let it
rip!!! Kamikaze!!!! Is that Dean K running at me, look out Dean I am
going too fast to stop. Right on that’s another 4:30ish mile!! Holy smoke
this feels awesome! Wait what’s that cop doing down there at the bottom.
WHAT, wait here WHAT!!! I don’t have time to wait I want to be done with
this race.</u></i> <br />
<br />
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcg5TgraA7E_B-FskFlkMuyEHraRtAITQGtscszo-NoPbFWKusAuz4TNXeR4bdnpLh8Pa1RLuDlaHSgeAop0g_-Juh0qiDGw23c6Ipj1ppLCww-qtmYpt98UDIGuKPnZVFMK6hah720Gg/s1600/photo+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcg5TgraA7E_B-FskFlkMuyEHraRtAITQGtscszo-NoPbFWKusAuz4TNXeR4bdnpLh8Pa1RLuDlaHSgeAop0g_-Juh0qiDGw23c6Ipj1ppLCww-qtmYpt98UDIGuKPnZVFMK6hah720Gg/s320/photo+1.PNG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The final 2 miles are back on the road to the finish, unfortunately you can
hear and see the finish but it always seems to be just too far away. I
just have one final stumble through a ditch to the finish arch, and the
announcer trying his hardest to pronounce my city’s name, Wauwatosa, then
giving up and just saying Milwaukee. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Yes,
I can see the finish! Yes I can hear the finish! Man I must be crushing
this pace right now!</u></i> I was only running 6:55 pace but it felt more like
5 min effort! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>I can see the
finish! I can see the, WHAT THE…. when does this damn thing end. Screw
you cramps I am just going to keep running! Where is the
damn…ooooffff…who the hell puts a ditch right before the finish! Finally,
the END! Smile nice for the camera, make it seem easy! What the
heck is the MC saying, ha ha he can’t pronounce Wauwatosa! Oh man am I glad to
be done. I NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN! Well we’ll see how I feel
tomorrow ;)!</u></i> <br />
<br />
I was pretty pleased with my race, my pacing, and my nutrition. I started
off slow and only got faster. I was never passed the entire race and
worked my way up the field from somewhere around 40th to 7th overall and a 1st
place in my age group! As for not trying something new on race day, the
diluted honey worked great. The rest of my nutrition plan consisted of
VESPA, salt, water, and Pepsi. Keep it simple, right! I want to
thank my family who always support me no matter how crazy my next adventure is.
I also want to thank my sponsors VESPA and Performance Running Outfitters, your
support and advice allow me to pursue and conquer great challenges. I had
a great racing season and cannot wait to start planning for next year. <br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed the report, I know it was different, but I hope it gave you
a feel for how my mental state changes throughout a race, and how important it
is to keep a good mental outlook when things are starting to go wrong.
For those of you still racing this year, let it rip! For the rest
of us, sit back have a drink, and enjoy the rest!<br />
<br />
<br />
RESULT<br />
4:20:41 (7th Overall) (1st Age Group)<br />
<br />
GEAR<br />
Hoka One One Bondi 2<br />
TNF “Better than Naked” Shorts<br />
Drymax Trail Socks<br />
PRO Sugoi Race Singlet<br />
Ultimate Direction Hand Bottle<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">N</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ike Head Band<br />
<br />
<br />
NUTRITION<br />
Pre Race<br />
2 hours before<br />
2 Justins Chocolate Hazelnut packets<br />
1 Green Tea with coconut oil<br />
1 VESPA Ultra Concentrate<br />
1 Multi Vitamin, 2 Fish Oil, 1 Vit D, 1 Magnesium,<br />
6 Capra Flex<br />
<br />
<br />
45 min before <br />
1 VESPA JR<br />
<br />
<br />
Race<br />
1 VESPA JR<br />
6oz honey diluted with coconut water<br />
2 UD bottles of pepsi<br />
Water<br />
S caps<br />
<br />
<br />
Post Race<br />
1 Guinness<br />
<br />
1 recovery smoothie<br />
1 hard cider<br />
1 Large meal followed by several more large meals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span></div>
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brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-28021331662506830502013-10-10T07:33:00.000-05:002013-10-10T07:33:03.050-05:00Birkie Trail Marathon
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Race Report from LPTRunner Joe Fitzgibbon...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
On Saturday I
made it back to the start line of my favorite marathon. I love running
the Birkie. Here’s why</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tough - With
4500 ft of elevation in 26 miles, it is not too different from running 4
consecutive black loops at Lapham.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Small - The
race is growing in popularity. Now in its 4<sup>th</sup> year, there were
around 130 runners at the start (and 109 that would cross the finish).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Point to point - I just like a straight line
course. Start in Hayward, first one to Cable wins.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Beautiful - I
wish I could spend more time in the Chequamegon Forest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Well run - Good
aid stations, bike patrol on the course, multiple events plus a kid’s race,
great food and beer at the end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In short, I had
a great race for the shape I am in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I ran this race faster in 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This year I got a late start on training due to a foot injury in
spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran the race in 4:51
with a very even pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are
the highlights;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What worked / what went well<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pacing - I
started the race with the mindset that I was racing a 10k – and the starting
line is 20 miles down the trail. It worked for me. I held as even a
pace as I ever have in a marathon or ultra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ice Bath – I am a believer. 6 minutes
of soaking in a tub full of ice after the race, and my ankles felt springy
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What didn’t go well / what to improve for
next year<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hill Training -
Didn't get nearly enough. I ran about 9 black loops total in the weeks
leading up to the race. More would have been better. Next year I plan to
run 40 in the 18 week span between Ice Age and Birkie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Taper - Like always, I screwed it up.
I just have a hard time passing up a ride, or run, or Spartan-fit class.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lucky breaks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Weather - Starting
line temperatures were in the 40’s and there was cloud cover most of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Chafing - It started mid race and not every aid station
had petroleum jelly. Fortunately I found a tube of brand-name healing
ointment on the trail around mile 17 (dropped by some unfortunate faster
runner).</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Door prize - I won a subscription to a
reputable trail running themed magazine! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Favorite Moments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The last 6
miles - I am going to paraphrase a quote from one of the LPTRs, and I really
believe this. "We put in all the hours of training just for that
brief feeling of invincibility that you sometimes get late in a race."
I got that feeling this time and it was AWESOME!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Crossing the finish - My daughters were
waiting for me, and we all crossed the finish together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The feeling of competition - anticipation at
the start, the lift you get when someone cheers for you at an aid station,
utter exhaustion lying on the ground 10 minutes after the finish, and the reborn
fervor for next year as you mind turns over ideas to do it better next time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrDl147Ij7vUp5tCoq-f9e0S4rVOP4Kn1VnZrcrUCek5kbWpuTcubbK5lfguThF86MfBBhOBCGrZd_UUw4mlNqrB1lTcxpck3WYGDYyBFTbv1KbVOPgoJv3yKlqdm610_Ohzc-yCtuek/s1600/finish+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrDl147Ij7vUp5tCoq-f9e0S4rVOP4Kn1VnZrcrUCek5kbWpuTcubbK5lfguThF86MfBBhOBCGrZd_UUw4mlNqrB1lTcxpck3WYGDYyBFTbv1KbVOPgoJv3yKlqdm610_Ohzc-yCtuek/s320/finish+line.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Not catching my wife - She ran the half
marathon again. Last time I caught her at mile 24. This year she
beat me to the finish. Nice work Sarah!<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-46425102195842819942013-08-15T14:18:00.000-05:002013-08-15T14:18:45.979-05:00T-Bunk Endurance Challenge!<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">50k? 50Mile?? 100Mile??? 150Mile???? 200Mile????!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">There has got to be a distance that fits YOU!! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Save the Date: November 1-3, 2013</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> All the details right here: </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 15px;"><u><a href="http://tbunk.breezellp.com/">http://tbunk.breezellp.com/</a></u></span>brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-76340003955317525642013-07-30T08:32:00.002-05:002013-07-30T08:32:44.616-05:00Teva Review...
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Shoe Review from LPTRunner, Todd Egnarski...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">After running as a heel
striker for over 10 years, I was finally able to transition to a midsole runner
two years ago. So when I received a pair of Tevasphere Trail shoes that had
been engineered to prevent supination and pronation (“change your shoe, not
your stride”), my first thought was “it’s too late for me, but maybe not for
others.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Nonetheless, I gave them a
good test, running and hiking in the Smokey Mountains during my vacation there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">TheTevas are heavier than
minimalist shoes, but lighter than a trail shoe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The comfort they provide may actually be worth the
additional weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a
week-long workout, I didn’t experience any hot spots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">They have what Teva calls
support pods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pods look a bit
strange – protuberances built out from the middle of shoe – but the ride is
more stable and they do seem to straighten out your foot and you roll through
your stride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Traction was good and the
waterproof upper appears well-built and durable, with decent ventilation – a
must for avid trail runners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I would highly recommend
these shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are stable and
comfortable – and the rubber tread keeps you on the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My only criticism after running almost
exclusively in minimalist trainers is that they are a bit on the heavy side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-90446499199227557882013-05-29T15:22:00.001-05:002013-05-29T15:22:40.468-05:00The Massanutten Mountain 100<br />
<div id="ygrp-text">
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
Race Report from LPTRunner Brenda Bland...</div>
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<i>The Massanutten Mountain 100. I signed up for this race, as I had heard so much about the beauty, and it is one of the older races at 19 years old. I like races with character, and this one has it in spades! The motto is "Massanutten Rocks". This is because the trails are indeed covered in rocks. They range in size from a small mouse to a huge barn. They have a glowing beauty in the early spring when the MMT is run, and feel like another type of living organism. They give this race its' character, and are what make it one of the harder hundreds.<br /><br />The race itself is indeed hard. There is sufficient elevation gain for those who love climbing, but it is done on rocks. The rocks give the ankles and lower legs a beating. In addition, all the down-hills are fairly steep and again on rocks, so the quads get trashed as well. My quads were shot by mile 45, and I could only kind of shuffle-run. Fortunately, this worked well on the terrain and allowed me to keep moving at a decent pace.<br /><br />Being a middle of the pack runner, I tend to be a back of the pack runner at hundreds. I think this is because most hundreds have a 60 to 67 percent finishing rate, so all the slower runners behind me don't finish. Either that or I'm just slow at hundreds. Either way, I don't have room for any kind of issues at these events or I won't make it. My strategy is to plan for everything and prevent all issues before they happen. This means I don't wait until that hot spot hurts. I stop on the trail and take care of potential blisters right then and there. This prevents lost time tending to my feet or slowing down from the pain. Same way, I don't wait until I'm hungry, but have a food schedule. I have learned from my failures that I need to address issues immediately, or they will only grow exponentially. Boy, have I learned from my failures!!!<br /><br />That said, I had a really great race day. I was very lucky to come to MMT on a good year. MMT was almost magical with how much good luck I had! For example, there was a 50 percent chance of rain that day. It did rain, but only enough to minimally sprinkle and cool us off. The rain really didn't cause any mud or slippery rocks at all. Lucky me. The temperatures a week before the race were supposed to be a high of 85. Fortunately, the forecast dropped to a high of 73 and that is what we got. The lower temperatures made all the difference, and contributed to the extraordinarily high finishing rate of 76 percent this year. Lucky me! To be honest, I really felt good all the way through. One bad patch in early morning, and then I was fine after pounding calories. I was still singing on the last few miles into the finish. Oh yes, Lorraine Bunk would have been proud. Just before I turned the corner for the last 100 feet to the finish, I cleaned my face with a wet wipe, undid my hair, fluffed it, and dumped my pack on a tree stump. Photo opp ready!</i></div>
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<i>I do these events partially for the challenge, but also for the people. Part of the fun for me is to chat up other runners and learn their story. I ran with various folks and was even able to keep up with the famous Gary Knipling in the first few miles. He was very positive and encouraging to everyone, and freely dispensed race advice which I took to heart. This was Gary's 16th MMT, so he knows of what he speaks. At 69, Gary was one of the older participants and was telling me about his running group who are all going out to The Black Hills 100 this June. Gary did indeed finish the MMT this year, keeping the legend alive.<br /><br />I saw only one old friend there at MMT, Liza Howard. Many of you met or heard about her at Leadville in 2010. Since Liza was 5 months pregnant, she 'only' paced a friend of hers for around 40 miles or so. I chatted with her after the race, and was sorry I missed her on the trails. Imagine Liza and her cute belly traipsing down the trail! She'll be pacing again at Western States when she will be 7 months pregnant. That'll keep folks on their toes!<br /><br />RD and aid station review:<br />Kevin Sayers is the Fabulous RD for MMT, and is old school.<br />1. Old school means the trails are marked fantastically. I never had the slightest worry about being lost.<br />2. Old school also means the aid stations were fully stocked and very attentive. You wouldn't need to carry any food at all!<br />3. Old school also means that each aid station had the GPS coordinates provided for crew in the race packet. That was so great. My patient and long suffering husband simply entered the coordinates, and our GPS took him right to the aid station. If you've ever driven in the dark on back roads looking for an aid station, hoping you don't miss your runner, you'll see the value of this immediately.<br />4. Old school also means that Kevin greets each finisher personally. When you cross the finish line, Kevin high fives upi. That means the last finisher gets the same treatment as the first finisher. If you run the Kettle, Timo Yanacheck will give you the same welcome. Well played Gentlemen!<br /><br />Massanutten Checklist:</i></div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">1. Hallucinations-Check. I had many auditory and visual hallucinations. This time they were all about runners, including a fully stocked aid station. I could see the runners in their white hats standing around the aid station and hear the murmur of talking. Turned out to be a mud puddle.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">2. Millipedes-Check. Race reports describe these as all over the place. I didn't see that many, but I swear I saw one that was 6 inches long!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">3. People complaining of urinating blood – Check. At least two guys complained of this, and were out. Most likely they were low on water and food and so the bladder banged against the pelvis as they ran on the rocks. Better to be safe though.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">4. Eat a peanut butter bacon brownie – Check. Each aid station vies to be the best one, and they ARE! However, the bacon aid station stood out. One of my buddies ate several pieces of bacon here, and went on to finish. You just never know what will work at an ultra!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">5. Get off trail to pee in the bushes, come back to the trail and go the wrong way – Check. Fortunately two guys found me before I went too far. Boy, was I confused when I saw them running towards me!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">6. Take your time and enjoy the beauty, majesty and mystery of Massanutten Mountain – Check.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">That was my Massanutten. I had a great day, enjoyed the run, and found the area incredibly beautiful. If you decide to do this race, do your homework. The elevation change is nothing to take for granted, and you'd better get those Quads and lower legs ready to run on rocks and downhill. Prepare for heat and rain, but get ready to enjoy it if you get weather like I did.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Thanks for listening. Now get out there and run!</span></i><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
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brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-47582114172493600312013-05-24T20:24:00.001-05:002013-05-24T20:24:11.528-05:00“You Run To Find Quiet” – Ice Age Trail 50 Mile Race Report<span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">LPTRunner - Nick Wied's Race Report...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i> – <span style="color: #114499;">Ice Age Trail 50 Mile</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.iceagetrail50.com/site/">http://www.iceagetrail50.com/site/</a></u></span>> <br />
“Daddy I know why you run for so long in the woods!” This was how my daughter started a facetime conversation with me while I was in NJ, the morning before the race. I asked her why and she responded; “When you run in nature your heart is talking to God.” I was shocked, as I usually am, by the crystal clarity my daughter’s statements can provide during hectic times. The days leading up to the <span style="color: #114499;">Ice Age Trail 50 Mile</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.iceagetrail50.com/site/">http://www.iceagetrail50.com/site/</a></u></span>> race had been truly hectic. I believe that racing ultra-distance events prepares you for the challenges of life, and I was about to fully test this theory.<br />
It started three weeks earlier when I raced the <span style="color: #114499;">Mad City 50K</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.madcity100k.com/home.php">http://www.madcity100k.com/home.php</a></u></span>> . I had a great race but had really punished my legs. I have never raced 2 ultras so close together before so I was entering uncharted territory. Then a week before the race my boss called to ask if I was busy the following week, race week. I told him my birthday was on Wednesday and Saturday I was racing 50 miles. His response was, “good you are free Thursday and Friday, we need you in NJ.” Finally the winter in WI had been exceptionally brutal and had not really dissipated until the prior 2 weeks. This meant that I had zero race specific training for a hilly, trail, 50 mile race. As I was flying home Friday evening the guy next to me asked if I had plans for the weekend, after telling of the race he commented that I seemed really relaxed for someone about to run 50 miles. I was, deep down I needed this race, the trails, the challenge, and the quiet of nature so my heart could talk to God! Well, let the challenge begin, it was time to find my quiet.<br />
Racing the <span style="color: #114499;">Mad City 50K</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.madcity100k.com/home.php">http://www.madcity100k.com/home.php</a></u></span>> had left my legs tired, but I was pretty sure they had recovered enough to finish and possibly race the 50 miles. Keeping this in mind I lined up in the middle of the crowd, and decided to take the first 9 mile loop extremely easy. I say crowd because there were over 400 starters for the 50 Mile race. Due to my starting position as well as the slower beginning pace (11-12 min miles) I got to run with some incredible individuals. One such gentleman was Mike Price from Salt Lake City, UT. Mike is 62, started running ultras in the early 80’s, and has run almost all of them (over 200). Clicking off early miles with him involved an awesome game of name that race. I named them, he told me how many times he finished, DNF’d, or DNS’d, and how to train for them. This was awesome and the early 9 mile loop flew by. As I came into the aid station (mile 9) I decided my legs felt good so I would gradually pick up the pace. I made the decision here that I would not be passed by ANYONE in this race, I would only pass people. I normally run ultras on water and gels, well I surveyed the aid table and there were no gels. The volunteer apologized, I smiled, thanked them for everything, and told them; “No worries, you guys are awesome, time to run my first ultra on ginger ale.”<br />
The next 14 or so miles down to Rice Lake (mile22) went pretty smoothly. I took the technical sections closer to the lake pretty easy, especially the climbing. I had mentally prepared for this eventuality as I had zero specific trail hill training for this race due to the disaster that was the WI winter. I power hiked most of the hills, where I ran them last year. (A great article regarding specific race training and it effects is <span style="color: #114499;">Zach Bitter’s</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://zachbitterrunning.blogspot.com/2013/05/ice-age-trail-50-mile-race-recap.html">http://zachbitterrunning.blogspot.com/2013/05/ice-age-trail-50-mile-race-recap.html</a></u></span>> (3rd place).) A holdover benefit I received from my speed training for Mad City, similar to Zach’s, was my enhanced ability to descend the technical trails. My descending, normally strength, was enhanced by the speed work which increased my foot turn over allowing me to “fall” down the hill more efficiently. I had slowly picked up the pace, and by the turn at mile 22 was running pretty quick. I was really feeling connected with the trail and my surroundings and was about to have even more time to acquaint with them.<br />
I had been waiting for some deep hidden fatigue in my legs to slow me. It was a driving rain/hail storm that got to me first. Luckily I had kept my arm sleeves on and rolled them back up, right on hypothermia averted! Then right after leaving the mile 26 aid some deep fatigue in my left quad, a hold-over from Mad City made itself known. While descending a small hill I felt a small hot bomb explode inside my quad, ending my ability to descend quickly. What I found truly amazing was that when this happened instead of causing my mood to sour, I suddenly began to enjoy the trail even more. I ran mostly alone, other than passing people, till the next turn at mile 40. During this time I reflected on just how lucky I am to be able to run in such a beautiful environment, and how truly blessed I am to have the ability to enjoy it in a manner that, as my daughter told me, allowed my heart to talk to God! I was finding my quiet. I was keeping good on my plan to only pass people and not be passed. Filling my bottles shirtless, in 50 degree temps, and with 10 miles to run I had huge grin on my face that really fired up some of the volunteers. I was suddenly ready to run hard. I left and let my body float down the trail.<br />
The final 10 miles to the finish were some of the most exhilarating miles I have ever run. My quad had either gone numb due to effort, or my mind had shut the pain out, and suddenly my ability to descend returned. I took full advantage of this and my euphoric mood to push the pace to the finish. I ran truly feeling the trail, becoming one with my environment. I ran hard. I ran fast. I danced down the descents like a child running to a playground. I ran because I needed to, I had found my quiet on the trail. I cannot really explain why I felt so at peace 7+ hours into a run, but 50 miles suddenly didn’t seem long enough. During some of the flatter sections I glanced down at my watch to see that I was holding 7 min pace, and on a few of the descents had dipped into the 5 min range. This fast running allowed me to finish the race in 53rd place. I was never passed the entire race!<br />
I crossed the finish smiling. I was truly happy; not to be done, not because I had achieved some great race result or time, Just Happy! I had found my quiet, my heart truly had its chance speak with God, and my body had a chance to be rejuvenated by nature. I am truly thankful to Jeff Mallach, the RD, and his exceptional crew of volunteers form making the 2013 a great race, and great experience. Thank you also to my family who supports my desire to push my body and discover just how far I can go! Thank you also to my sponsors; <span style="color: #002a77;">Performance Running Outfitters</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.performancerunning.com/">http://www.performancerunning.com/</a></u></span>> and <span style="color: #114499;">VESPA</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.vespapower.com/">http://www.vespapower.com/</a></u></span>> , your gear, support, and advice make racing and self discovery so much fun! As a side note now that my mind thinks 50 mile/ 6-8 hour runs are business as usual, it may be time to increase distance and stretch to a new challenge!<br />
Race Gear & Nutrition<br />
<b>Nutrition<br />
</b><u>Pre-Race<br />
</u>1 <span style="color: #114499;">VESPA</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.vespapower.com/">http://www.vespapower.com/</a></u></span>> Concentrate<br />
1 multi vitamin, fish oil, vit D<br />
4 <span style="color: #002a77;">Capra Flex</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.mtcapra.com/capraflex/">http://www.mtcapra.com/capraflex/</a></u></span>> <br />
3 <span style="color: #002a77;">Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.justins.com/">http://www.justins.com/</a></u></span>> packets<br />
1 Green Tea w 1 TBSP of coconut oil<br />
1 <span style="color: #114499;">VESPA</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.vespapower.com/">http://www.vespapower.com/</a></u></span>> JR<br />
<u>Race<br />
</u>48oz coconut water<br />
1 <span style="color: #114499;">VESPA</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.vespapower.com/">http://www.vespapower.com/</a></u></span>> Concentrate<br />
4 <span style="color: #114499;">VESPA</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.vespapower.com/">http://www.vespapower.com/</a></u></span>> JR's<br />
3 Gels<br />
Ginger Ale<br />
Coke (Final 10 Miles)<br />
7 S-Cap salt tabs<br />
<u>Post Race<br />
</u>Guinness and good food!!!!<br />
8 <span style="color: #002a77;">Capra Flex</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.mtcapra.com/capraflex/">http://www.mtcapra.com/capraflex/</a></u></span>> <br />
1 multi-vitamin & fish oil<br />
<b>Gear<br />
</b>The North Face - Better than Naked shorts, & arm sleeves - <span style="color: #002a77;">Performance Running Outfitters</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.performancerunning.com/">http://www.performancerunning.com/</a></u></span>> (PRO)<br />
Hoka One One Bondi 2B - <span style="color: #114499;">iRunFar.com </span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.irunfar.com/">http://www.irunfar.com/</a></u></span>> <br />
Ultimate Direction - uno waist pack (1st 25 miles) & hand held (final 25 miles) - <span style="color: #002a77;">PRO</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.performancerunning.com/">http://www.performancerunning.com/</a></u></span>> <br />
Drymax - Trail runner socks - <span style="color: #002a77;">PRO</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.performancerunning.com/">http://www.performancerunning.com/</a></u></span>> <br />
Salmon S-Lab Hydro Set (2 8oz flasks) -<span style="color: #002a77;"> PRO</span> <<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.performancerunning.com/">http://www.performancerunning.com/</a></u></span>> </i><br />
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brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-77565188533635820762013-05-22T13:10:00.001-05:002013-05-22T13:10:11.357-05:00LPTR Slideshow...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-87476015048276827322013-05-13T19:56:00.000-05:002013-05-13T19:56:03.601-05:00My First Ice Age 50 Miler!
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Race Report from LPTRunner Tom Schiessl...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjla9roFkn3IbXiEEEEYzWztq0Bqc4IPOX6H8H9MSLaY3jAspfUwOuhFFh_MOmGSeyzmJEB-jWBJuSHSCVz3rG_XBR58QGHJbPZjeXVIaPTBIT_2sPf_5TXIdHI3W_NudZUnnw5GCwUIY/s1600/IA+50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjla9roFkn3IbXiEEEEYzWztq0Bqc4IPOX6H8H9MSLaY3jAspfUwOuhFFh_MOmGSeyzmJEB-jWBJuSHSCVz3rG_XBR58QGHJbPZjeXVIaPTBIT_2sPf_5TXIdHI3W_NudZUnnw5GCwUIY/s1600/IA+50.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Schiessl and Mary Gorski</td></tr>
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<i>I signed up for this not really sure what I was getting
into. Up to this point I had run six 50K’s in the past year (my first year of
ultra looniness) and figured, what the hell.</i></div>
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<i>I spent a lot of time training<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at Lapham, Muir trails, and Scuppornong with a variety of
friends from LPTR but mainly Laura Reinders, Trish Diaz, and Jose’. The support
from this group was fantastic, and the fact that Laura and Trish successfully
navigated the 50K, as well as myself finishing the 50 miler (with Jose’
sweeping) is a testament to that.</i></div>
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<i>Chippewa 50k with its freaky 70 degree weather and snow
covered trail was my last long run prior to IA 50, but it didn’t prepare me for
this. After some pre-race comments and a great rendition of the National
Anthem, Jeff sent us on our way. </i></div>
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<i>My plan was to run with my friend Dawn Chavez, which I did
for about 18-20 miles. The time flew by as we yapped about all kinds of stuff.
I had a sense we were going a bit fast, but I felt good, so I slapped that
thought out of my mind. Mistake! I drew away from Dawn when I should have
stayed right where I was. Idiot. I felt great and took off, thrilled to see
friends on the way back, at the aid stations and road crossings. The wind kind
of sucked at points, and the hail was flat out unexpected.</i></div>
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<i>I bumped into the wall around mile 32 (I knew I should’ve
run the 50K!). I slowed my pace but rarely walked, and really tried to eat. I
trundled along until I got back to Horseriders, which is about 7 miles from the
finish. From here I ate nothing, had zero urge, but oh did the ginger ale taste
good. I pretty much death marched it in after that, running (shuffling) a mile,
walking a ½, repeat. I hurt bad, but wasn’t about to give up. Especially with
Deb closing in and giving me wonderful encouragement! As I got close enough to
hear the cow bells and the crowd cheering, I picked up my pace with a surge of
excitement! I was going to get this done, 50 miles! I came to the finish alone,
with the place going nuts, saw my lovely wife and nearly broke into tears. The
friends that ran over to congratulate me was overwhelming. Handshakes,
back<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>slaps and hugs from everyone,
you would have thought I won. And in a way, I guess I did.</i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-51596423652266014922013-05-12T13:22:00.000-05:002013-05-12T13:22:23.818-05:00Very lucky and always grateful at Ice Age...<br />
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Race report from LPTRunner Mary Gorski...</div>
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Yesterday I got to thinking about how lucky I am.</div>
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The Ice Age 50 (50 miles, 50 kilometers or a lovely little half marathon for the less compulsive among us) was held yesterday, May 11, on the trails of the Southern Kettle Moraine near Whitewater, WI.</div>
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For ultrarunners in Wisconsin, the Ice Age trail run is a ritual of spring, like opening day of baseball season for MLB fans. There are other events throughout the year but this is THE ONE, the real start of the new season.</div>
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Ice Age has the status of old home week; it’s an ultrarunners’ reunion. Veterans with 20 or more finishes under their belt toe the line with newbies doing an ultra for the first time. Icons of the sport, including those who have represented the US on international teams, come back – if not to run, then to cheer on others.</div>
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Even former race directors are on the trails, taking photos, cheering runners, and helping the current RD (Jeff Mallach) with the two million details that putting on such an event requires. </div>
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For me, this would be my 11<sup>th</sup> finish at the IAT 50-miler. Added to that have been a few DNFs and one or two years of doing the 50K.</div>
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But while I love the race, the Ice Age race has often been one that has been accompanied by <i>a bit</i>of bad luck for me.</div>
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Note the emphasis on “a bit.” I’m not talking full-scale disaster; instead, just little twists in the luck continuum that add a few wrinkles that I’d rather not bother to iron out.</div>
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I hate ironing.</div>
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Getting to the tenth finish was a tough one for me. I DNFed my first attempt two years ago with a bad case of the flu. Coughing and wheezing, I called it a day at the end of the first nine-mile loop.</div>
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A few days before last year’s race my back went out without me. Three days before Ice Age I could barely walk.</div>
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But as is usually the case, more good luck than bad seemed to be with me and I slowly made my way through the course. I was a member of the 500-mile club.</div>
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This year I’ve again had some incredible luck at races, most notably in Boston where my finish time had me close to but not too close to the horrific events of theday.</div>
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I can’t think of a race in which I’ve had more luck. I walked away unharmed while many right behind me did not.</div>
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I had been saving my Boston Marathon shirt for a special event and I couldn’t think ofanything more special than Ice Age. Yesterday was the first time that I ran in the shirt.</div>
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Every time there was a wrinkle in my good luck I looked at the shirt to remind myself that there was always more good luck than bad.</div>
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More simply– there is always more good than bad PERIOD.</div>
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As usual, there were wrinkles for me this year. Once again I was trying to get over a nasty cold (a tradition in spring that seems to go hand-in-hand with Ice Age for me). And then without any prior warning my right knee ached from the first step on the course (WTF?).</div>
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The weather… we all had that crazy wrinkle to deal with. Mother Nature was in a whacky mood yesterday. Sun and 50-degree temps, then face-stinging sleet and hail, then sun again coupled with high winds, a little rain, and then repeat. WTF again.</div>
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But even crazy Mother Nature couldn’t shake the good luck of the day. Though it had been a wet spring, most of the trail was dry (except for those lusciously slippery sections on the way to Emma Carlin).</div>
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Though my equilibrium seemed to fly out the window every time I blew my nose I managed to stay upright on the trail all day.</div>
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And the crabby knee didn’t really start to whine too loudly until the last three miles. By then this horse knew that it was close to the barn and had plenty of time to walk it in before Farmer Jeff closed the barn doors.</div>
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Eleven hours into the race I made that last turn and came in for finish No. 11. Lucky 11, as with all of my other finishes.</div>
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This morning – the day after – I feel grateful again. Grateful for a lot of good fortune.</div>
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And I also feel… a little bit like shit.</div>
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Hell, I ran 50 miles on a gimpy knee with a head full of snot. I mean I’m grateful, and happy, and lucky and all those other very sweet things, but my body still feels like it has been run over by a truck.</div>
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But even fort hat, I am grateful. Not everyone has the opportunity to run 50 miles – even with the sniffles and a gimpy knee. Not everyone has the choice. I am grateful that I do.</div>
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Finally, some highlights:</div>
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- Relocated LPTR Cassie Scallon blowing the previous women’s course record out of the water by almost 20 minutes to win the race.</div>
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- Seeing long-time running buddy Jim (Jacques) Blanchard come in for his 25<sup>th </sup>consecutive Ice Age finish. As someone who has DNFed a few of my starts, I have incredible respect for Jim’s accomplishment. The level of respect ranks right up there with Cassie’s amazing win.</div>
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- Getting the number “123” because it was so darn easy to remember whenever I came into an aid station. “What’s your number?!” “1,2,3!!!” Loved it! Thanks Jeff.</div>
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-Celebrating the first 50-mile finish of Tom Schiessl. I remember Tom’s first night running with the Lapham Peak group about two years ago. Then, the idea of a 50-kilometer race seemed out of his range, much less 50 miles. “Really, you guys meet out here to run in the winter too?” Thanks for joining our merry little crew Tom.</div>
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- Spending a little time on the trail with JoDeen Hettenbach, who constantly reminded me that “This is such a fantastic day, isn’t it?” regardless if it was sleeting or sunny.</div>
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- Seeing Tom and Lorraine Bunk, the king and queen of the Kettle Moraine, cheering us on in the first mile of the race. Tom has a much tougher ultra to deal with right now than most of us; it was great to see both he and his lovely bride where they belong – on the trails.</div>
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- Getting home and remembering that I had apple pie waiting for me. Mmmmm… excellent refueling.</div>
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I am lucky. And grateful.</div>
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Time for more pie. </div>
brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-28433783403017767182013-05-08T10:01:00.000-05:002013-05-08T10:01:29.557-05:00Day of Challenges - Mad City 50k<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Race Report from LPTRunner Nick Wied...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i>It is just running everyone can do it, some are fast and others slow. But there are a select few that can really embrace the suffering required to run for a long time. One of the reasons I love ultra-running is that it is a challenge. Most often the challenge is 90% mental and 10% physical. This mental challenge, the willingness to suffer to persevere, is one of the reasons I went from racing 5 miles to 50 miles. The other reason was my love for and need to connect with nature. Well with that in mind I decided to step, way, outside my comfort zone and attempt to race an early spring road ultra, the Mad City 50K. For me this would mean running at an extremely uncomfortable pace, for a long time, in circles, on pavement, fully clothed, and in some really cold weather.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Mad City course for both the 100K (USATF National Championships) and the 50K is the same.<span> </span>A 10K loop around Lake Wingra in Madison, WI.<span> </span>This is a faster course with the men’s 50K CR a stout <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617959752" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">3:03</span></span>(Zach Bitter) and the 100K <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617959753" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">6:56</span></span> (Michael Wardian).<span> </span>Do not let the times or the fact that it is pavement fool you; each loop has an elevation gain close to 1200ft.<span> </span>That is right around 6k of vertical gain for the 50K and 12K for the 100K, not too shabby for a fast “flat” WI course.<span> </span>The RD Tim “Timo” Yanacheck creates an environment befitting a National Championship race.<span> </span>There are two aid stations; one at the start/finish and another right before the 4 mile mark.<span> </span>Timo’s dedication to the race and its participants allows the runners to focus solely on running.<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Focus is indeed what I should have been doing right before the start of the 50K.<span> </span>After jogging to warm up I ran into Eric Senseman, the eventual 50K winner, and we began to catch up.<span> </span>Well the next thing I heard was someone stating that they called 30 seconds to the start of the race.<span> </span>So as I ran to drop my sweatshirt the race started.<span> </span>My first thought was, “What the hell, how do you miss the start of a race you showed up an hour early for!”<span> </span>Followed closely by, “Oh well I have 31 miles to catch everyone.”<span> </span>Well it is just another challenge, right?<span> </span>The 10K loop rolls out pretty quickly around the lake to right around mile 2ish where the first bigger hill is.<span> </span>This hill is runnable, as they all are, but taking them too fast early on will really fatigue your legs.<span> </span>From there the path follows the lake past the University’s arboretum and up the other large hill near mile 4 right before the 2<sup>nd</sup> aid station.<span> </span>From this aid station you run downhill following the lake to zoo.<span> </span>From there you have a quick flat shot to the start/finish to start your next loop.<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>It is sometimes tough to remember that this is an ultra when you are running 10K loops, since you can so easily wrap your mind around that distance.<span> </span>I was taught this lesson at mile 29 right as I passed the backside aid station for the last time, when my left hamstring seized due to fatigue, now that’s a challenge!<span> </span>Up until that point all of my miles had been consistently in the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617959754" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">6:40-7:00</span></span> range.<span> </span>Well not mile 29 that was near <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617959755" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">17:00</span></span>, but what can you do when you can’t really walk, but wait for the cramp to relax.<span> </span>As soon as that happened I pushed back into the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617959756" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:00</span></span> range and finished the race for a total time of 3:51:38 and a 7<sup>th</sup> overall.<span> </span>“Timo” put on a fabulous race, and really made running on pavement in 28 degree, windy, weather enjoyable.<span> </span>I would highly recommend the 50K as a spring tune up race to prepare for an Ultra summer.<span> </span><u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Speaking of making you feel awesome, my friends who run shorter distance races always ask me what kind of swag (gifts) you get for running “crazy” ultras.<span> </span>Well Timo and his fabulous sponsors do not disappoint, the bag I received at check in was jam packed.<span> </span>Plus there was a huge bonus!<span> </span>I was a little fatigued after the race so I was not quite sure what the giant box I received along with my medal and plaque contained.<span> </span>Well it was a giant box of dark and milk chocolate truffles, 60 of them, NOW that’s SWAG!<span> </span>I love chocolate so I had my final challenge for the day, for this one I would need to enlist the help of my two little girls though!<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><a href="http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=13110WI1&tab=a4&results=4697#dRlt">RACE RESULTS</a><u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>50K <span> </span>3:51:38 (PR)<span> </span><span> </span>7<sup>th</sup> Overall<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Nutrition<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(3 hours pre-race)<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>3 Packets Justin’s Chocolate Almond Butter<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1 Green Tea with Coconut oil added<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1 VESPA ultra-concentrate<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Multi vitamin, fish oil, 4 Capra-Flex<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(Race)<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>3 VESPA junior’s<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1-20oz Chocolate Coconut Water with 3 TBSP of honey<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>2-20oz (Mexican) Coke-Cola<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(Post)<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Salmon, avocado, sweat potato, & kale salad<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Multi vitamin, 4 Capra-Flex<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1 AWESOME Hard Cider!</i></span></div>
brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-72714609366924353052013-04-24T08:56:00.001-05:002013-04-24T08:56:23.694-05:00Zumbro 100 - LPTR Gnarly Bandits survive!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Link to a great article about Zumbro 100 - Note only half of the Gnarly Bandit series runners survived the first test and 3 of them are LPTR! Yea Angela, Tina and Jennifer! Great Job to Logan who also finished but is not part of the Gnarly Bandit series (that darn high-school thing really gets in the way!!)</span></span><br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><a href="http://www.snowshoemag.com/2013/04/21/one-tough-race-100-miles-of-muck-at-zumbro/?fb_action_ids=528169170583538&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%22528169170583538%22%3A445601445530395%7D&action_type_map=%7B%22528169170583538%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D">http://www.snowshoemag.com/2013/04/21/one-tough-race-100-miles-of-muck-at-zumbro/?fb_action_ids=528169170583538&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%22528169170583538%22%3A445601445530395%7D&action_type_map=%7B%22528169170583538%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D</a></u></span></span></span>
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brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-82628300300095215452013-04-22T08:16:00.002-05:002013-04-22T08:16:42.662-05:00Cassie Wins Lake Senoma 50mile!LPTRunner Cassie Scallon won the 2013 Lake Senoma 50 miler and set a course record in the process! It wasn't all smooth sailing though - Get the details at her interview here on the irunfar website...<br />
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<a href="http://www.irunfar.com/2013/04/cassie-scallon-2013-lake-sonoma-50-mile-champ-interview.html">http://www.irunfar.com/2013/04/cassie-scallon-2013-lake-sonoma-50-mile-champ-interview.html</a><br />
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This also gives her an auto bid to Western States 100, which would be her first attempt at racing that distance - Congrats Cassie!<br />
<br />brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394247837242536903.post-48620003072705563572013-03-22T10:26:00.002-05:002013-03-22T10:26:44.243-05:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">From LPTRunner Eric Beaver...<br />
<br /><i>This week for the Wed run I brought homemade energy bars - Several people asked me to post the recipe for on the website - I adapted this from a recipe I found on the Trailrunner website.<br />
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So, for what it's worth:<br />
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Erik's Real Easy (Real Food) DIY Energy Bars<br />
<br />
3 cups rolled oats<br />
1 cup honey<br />
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter<br />
1 cup raisins, coursely chopped<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
<br />
Heat the honey, peanut butter, salt and raisins over medium low heat in a pot big enough to accomodate the oats. Stir occasionally until well blended and liquid. Remove from heat, add the oats, and stir until well blended. Press into an 8X8 baking dish lined with wax paper. Let cool. Cut into 16 bars.<br />
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Nutrition Info:<br />
Calories 199<br />
Fat 5 g<br />
Cholestrol 0 mg<br />
Sodium 185 mg<br />
Potassium 142 mg<br />
Total Carbohydrate 37 g<br />
Fiber 2.4 g<br />
Sugars 24 g<br />
Protein 4.3<br />
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<br />
Erik Beaver</i></span>
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brothergrubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06456676968507300891noreply@blogger.com0