Well, my first year of ultrarunning is in the books. This
isn’t necessarily a race report review, more of an ‘experience’ review. Race
reports can be found on previous ramblings.
Holy balls, I am blown away that this month marks the ending
my first year running ultra. I had no idea when I said “what the hell, why not..”
to my first 50k trail ultra 12 months
ago, that I would have become so incredibly addicted and passionate about it.
Coming off my Ironman debut last September, I know I needed something to help
ease the post-race depression and carry on the fitness that I had already
established. I have always had interest in Xterra, but given the time of year,
targeting trail running was an easy fit.
I had no idea I was embarking on a journey that would open doors to new
challenges, lifestyle changes, epic friends…and even a new tattoo.
October, 2013
kicked off my adventure in this fresh, intriguing sport. The Running Village
50k was my maiden voyage into the world of ultra and I am so glad it was. The
RD, volunteers, and runners were absolutely chill and welcoming. This
acceptance and sense of family was the first thing I noticed about the
ultrarunning community and continues to be one of the most prized aspects to me
in the sport. Ultrarunners are a different breed. We’ve all been called
multiple names and molded stereotypes. I have come to recognize that being
called a “freak”, among other things, is a term that I proudly own. Some of my
biggest ultra heros look like unshaved, homeless dudes, living out of their
beat up trucks, eating humus and tortillas. These successful athletes really
place on spotlight on what is important in life. They aren't all rolling up in
Cadillac's or returning home to mansions. The focus is on the mountains, on the
hills, on the breath-taking scenery and the simple fact that they are alive and
taking it in, moment by moment. I feel we all could learn a lesson or two about
what we value in life and how much joy materialistic spoils run and ruin our
focus on life.
Race morning, I arrived at the RV 50k with no clue what the
hell I was doing. I purchased my first pair of trail shoes two weeks prior and
barely broke them in. I had no hydration pack or nutrition, and no sense of
comprehension on what I would need. As we lined up for the start of the race, I
remember thinking that I was the most relaxed that I have ever been for any
race. Pre-race conversation often highlighted the light topics (so different
from what I was used to with triathlon)—including which brewery/bar will be hosting
awards and socializing. The course and race was masterfully established, leaving
little to worry about and so much to look forward to. Maybe my mind was at ease
because I had no expectations whatsoever and strategy was nonexistent, a
refreshing change from triathlon. I was just a clueless little blond chick high
off of my recent Ironman preparing to run in the woods with some friends I drug
to the race with me.
RD, Scott, had a few words..we all laughed…and before you
knew it we were off, conversing and laughing as we were lead by mountain bike
to the trail portion of the course. Taking off on the course quickly educated me
to the differences of road and trail running-I felt like I was at home, and I
was in love. Technical portions, winding trail, and that incredible atmosphere
encouraged a sense of freedom and appreciation for that very place, at that
very moment. I was lost in focus of
surveying the course for roots, rocks, and the occasional fallen tree..and
smiling the whole damn time. Poor nutrition planning (I had done none) and poor
hydration planning (again..nada) was the only thing that discouraged this
feeling of utter utopia. Aid stations eased this a bit, but I clearly didn’t
utilize them as I now know I should have. I just wanted to run.
The multiple loop course seemed to change as the sun moved
across in the sky. Mid-race, while
running with the lead female, I encountered another first: I bit dirt...completely
wiped out. I tried to leap a log but that damn thing reached out and grabbed my
foot. Bastard log. I gracefully (not at all) did a tuck and roll and came to a
screeching halt, picking weeds out of my teeth. Ouch to the ego. My faith in
humanity was renewed when my running partner and competitor stopped briefly and
ensured I wasn’t dead. I dropped a few choice words at my throbbing knee,
thanked her for her concern and encouraged her to take off and I was going to
be ok. She did and I respect her for it. The rest of the race was a bit slower
but I still managed to finish well-for my rookie race.
RV 50k RESULTS: 4hr 30min, 1st Age Group, 2nd
Overall female, 7th OA
Following the race there was plenty of fabulous craft beer
and great time friends, old and new. Wandering semi-sober downtown post-race
with one of my best friends made the day even more epic. The ultragods shone
their mercy on me that day and opened my eyes to more than I could have
imagined. This was just the beginning.
Fourteen days later I was at it again..but I thought that a
50 mile race was an obvious transition. This may have been a bit premature, but
that’s just how I roll. I’m not a fan of wading in the shallow end on things, I
dove it headfirst…
October 26th,
2013: Surf the Murph 50 miler, Savage, Minnesota
“What? 50 miles? Why???”
Ultrarunning wasn’t/isn’t horribly common back home so my sanity was questioned
routinely (still waiting for that to cease). 50 miles after a 50k seems to be a
natural progression in my warped mind, but further research dictated that I
probably jumped the gun a bit on increasing mileage. I have never ran 50 miles;
the 50k a couple weeks prior was a distance PR at that time. Jumping mileage
with no comprehension of training regimens, nutrition needs, and strategy was a
shot in the dark..but it was sexy as hell. Mama likey. My own curiosity and
thirst for challenge dominated my decision-making and there was no turning back.
What can I really do? How far will my body allow me to go? Game on
bitches-bring on 50 miles.
Pimping an Ironman race shirt, apparently a no-no in ultra,
I showed up with my support crew (mom, daughter) and my brand new headlamp. The
same incredible environment and athletes surrounded me and I was ignorantly
ready to rock and roll. A quick low down from the RD and the gun shot us into
the cold Minnesota pre-dawn air. The sea of headlamps was one of the most
beautiful things I had ever seen. We took off on the 50 mile adventure of
rolling hills in the pitch black and once again I was clueless. I hadn’t
studied the course and I was naive to the hills that beckoned several DNFs. I
just ran, that’s what I signed up for. I got into a group of dudes (as usual),
killer athletes pushing a sub-8 pace hill after hill. I struggled early but
once I warmed up I held my own comfortably with these veteran ultra-fellas-even
took lead a few times. This is when I had one of my first lessons in strategy
and pace conservation. I went out too fast and it caught up with me. I laughed
at my own ignorance, cursed it a bit, and used my self-loathing attitude to
encourage my determination to punish me to the finish line..or until I dropped.
I was pissed that I was so stupid and now finishing the race on sheer will was
my plan. Mission accomplished. I learned so much about myself and about racing
that day and was completely humbled. I learned the importance of strategy and the
imperativeness of nutrition management. It finally sunk in that walking/hiking
hills in ultra doesn’t make you a pussy and, most importantly, I learned that I
have under-estimated myself for years. Crossing the finish line to the open
arms of my family was incredible and emotional. I clearly remember looking at
my mom in her eyes and saying “I’m NEVER running a 100-miler, that’s
ridiculous.”
Finished respectably for my first 50-miler:
8hrs 45min: 2nd Overall female, 13th
OA
So, naturally I signed up for my first 100-miler. It was
another natural progression for me after completing one 50k, and a 50-miler a
couple weeks later. Makes sense, no?
Winter was a mean, nasty witch in Iowa which presented
multiple training challenges which resulted in a ton of education. This is when
I researched and educated myself on anything ‘ultra’. I learned so much about
the human body and its potential. I was absolutely entranced by what I learned.
I studied neuroscience and pain management; I focused on improving my
nutritionally-depleted performance (aka running on fumes) and introduced my
body to running on desire when the fuel was low. It was a painful, draining
experience but the results astonished me…and I still have SO much to learn.
My nutrition changed. I introduced a regimen that focused on
raw food consumption for portions of my week, carb management, and replaced
dairy with soy while continuing my pescetarian-based lifestyle. I slowly began
to realize that the government-fed BS called the "Food Pyramid" which
was being marketed to every adult and child was completely off. Nutrition
management is not a one-size-fits-all concept and America is being fed that
crap.
I welcomed more sleep and two-a-day training plans that took
on a world of their own. It felt good to train for something epic again. I
learned that I am definitely happier in all aspects of my life when I have a bitch
of a race on the calendar and a goal that questions its own achievability.
More lifestyle changes emerged. Strategy replaced ‘winging
it’; eating for fuel replaced eating for entertainment. These are probably the
two biggest game-changers that resulted in lifestyle changes (for the most part
anyways..).
Prior to my first 100miler, I had the pleasure of running a
few shorter courses including the Hawkeye 50k.
March 15, 2014:
Hawkeye 50k, Solon, IA
Fabulous Iowa always leave the springtime forecasting a
guessing game. This year was no exception which invited course changes and a
nightmare for the RD and fellow runner, Tim. Not sure how he did it, but it
pulled off an amazing race and incredible experience. I was thoroughly
impressed on how his countless hours of planning and re-planning the course was
a completely hidden by his inviting attitude and overall excitement for the
event. In true ultrarunning fashion, the atmosphere was killer and a hell of a
good time. Despite the mud sliding and struggling to find comfortable race
attire, I was able to pull off a win which encouraged my confidence to my
greatest challenge less than a month away.
Made it into
Ultrarunning mag on this one..score!
Hawkeye 50k results: 4hr 32min 1 Overall Female, 7th
OA
April approached and plagued me with a little fear and
nagging injuries. More crap weather encouraged long hours on the treadmill. My
current PR is 40 miles straight on that damn machine of pain but I plan to
crush that number in Year 2.
The calendar soon announced my century sexy nemesis and I
jetted to Illinois for my first 100 mile trail race.
April 5, 2014:
Potawatomi Trail 100 -Pekin, Illinois
To me, this was the big dawg-the ultimate test of endurance
for my body and mind. My strategy had matured and plotted the race down to the
mile. I counted calories, mapped aid stations, cringed at the incline changes,
and learned everything I could about the course. YouTube videos highlighted
water-crossings, Golf Hill, and even the food at aid stations. My training plan
that marked weekly mileage and hill work, dreaded rest days, and cross training
was my bible. Nutrition was pretty solid (excluding some, ok-SEVERAL,
cocktails, including the Thursday night before. Duh-thanks DLS!). Supported by
family and friends and a sick desire to rock the course, I executed what I had
studied.
Pott 100 demanded more mental strength than anything and I shined
there. Ten 10-mile loops provided 10 opportunities to quit and I knew that. I
liked that. Nearing the end of each lap marked my scheduled self-assessment and
‘gut check’. The miles in between were filled with socializing with fellow
freaks and amazing pacers (thank you Darvish, Connie, and Gus!), day dreaming
and self-talk-all positive. Even the bitter cold and passing runners who were
limping, lying down, hallucinating, and crying didn’t break this…except on mile
99. Unexpectedly I balled like a baby-not from pain, not from exhaustion-but
from sadness. I hated that it was over but loved that fact that I had proven
something to myself that I questioned. In less than 6 months, I went from
running my first 50k ultra with no concept of strategy and racing whatsoever to
running, winning, and setting a course record at a challenging 100 mile trail
ultra. Yes, it ended well. Baffled..I got my first buckle.
Pot 100-miler results: 22
hours 34 minutes 1st overall female, NEW FEMALE COURSE RECORD, 3rd OA
Recovery from this race was not easy. Physically I was a
mess, injuries reared their ugly-ass heads forcing me to temporarily hang up my
trail shoes. Mentally, I was worse. Not running, not getting my endorphin
release, and feeling less than average did not sit well with me. I started to
question everything and insecurities dominated my mind. Clearly this was an
eye-opener and it forced a self-reflection that was painful..worse than mile 99
of Pot. I hate being sidelined; I hate being restricted from one of the few
things that encourage my sanity. I depend way too much on running and I know
this. This realization demanded me to acknowledge more flaws that I didn’t know
existed and humbled me immediately. I'm disgusted that is takes something as
simplistic and insignificant (to most people) to have such an epiphany. It’s
not easy to acknowledge aspects of life than minimize us, challenge us, and
cripple our egos. However, I learned that if we look the other way and fail to
address these short-comings, we are no better than the over-weight average
American who sits on their ass and scarfs down a bag of potato chips…so to
speak. I could win race after race, but without acknowledging the issues that
are a cancer in my road to personal betterment, the wins don’t mean jackshit. There
is no sufficient success.
I found myself myself-medicating, masking the chore of
seeking improvement for my flaws by creating others. Immediate gratification is
golden…until the hangover the next day (and I mean this literally and
figuratively). However, the ending of
this chapter has not yet been written and I own the fact that I am the author;
stay tuned my friends.
A couple months later I was back running, although not at my
likeness. "Fun run" was scheduled for June…
June 21st,
2014: The Dizzy GOAT 6 hr, Nebraska
Running mid-June in Nebraska was eventful. This was my first
taste of ultra-distance running in the heat. My mental fortitude was challenged
and the challenge was met for the most part. Running as laps as possible in 6
hours was also new, but it was fun running with friends (something I struggle
with), and good for the ego. And, the post-race beer tasted amazing!
Running with Darvish was a blast! He's been such a great
addition to my running and cherished asset to my life. He is one of the many
great people in my life who "get it".
Dizzy Goat results: 32.5 miles in 6 hours TIED the
distance with the lead female, 4th OA
July 12th,
2014: Psycho Psummer 50k, Kansas
Psycho owned me-this clear to anyone who witnessed me
passing out of the course, vomiting, convulsing from heat strokes, and acting
like a goddamn wuss. I truly would find it easier and enjoyable to forget it
ever happened but the experience demands attention. Firstly, the course was
amazing and the RD/vols were the same. I can’t say enough about how well we
were cared for-this includes the doctor who pretty much carried me into the ice
trailer to attempt to lower my body temp post-race. I was very grateful. Much
was learned that day making my worst finish in ultra probably one of my best
learning experiences. For this alone, I am glad I it happened. Again I learned
what my body can handle, but I also learned that there comes a point where
pushing the body isn’t beneficial. I have nothing to prove yet I refused to
quit. The battle between mental perseverance and physical tolerance teetered
multiple times that day
Pyscho results: 6hrs 28mins 8th overall
Female, 31st OA (UGH!! I
really wanted to leave this out but it’s good for me to own it). Attempts that
don't result in victories are simply opportunities for future success (quote me
on that, put that sh!t on a bumper sticker).
A couple weeks later I took on my second 50miler; I had
hoped for Psycho redemption but…
July 26th,
2014: Minnesota Voyageur 50 Mile
In true warrior spirit, I battled death once again on this
bad boy. I had a horrible fall-headfirst on a rock- (still literally experience
PTSD from this) on mile 23 left me with two broken ribs, a concussion that
knocked out my vision and hearing for a bit, bloody and now scarred shoulder,
mangled quad, displaced jaw, etc. However, what I chose to take away from this
is that I didn’t stop. I still see the faces of terror from runners who came
across me, blood running down my head and shoulder; I still recall seeing it
“snow” on a hot 94 degree July day, and remember having to recite what my name
and what I was doing to myself so I wouldn’t forget when I stopped at the aid
stations for medical to approve me to go on. I had to convince quite a few to
let me press on. Limping for 27 miles to the finish line took my focus, pain
tolerance, dedication, and ability to find humor in horrible situations to a
whole new level. Luckily my motivation was partnered with the thought that I
was running on Scott Jurek’s course. His life wasn’t necessarily cake either,
yet me moved on to be one of the most inspirational and exceptional
ultrarunners to date. Granted, ultrarunning success (although nice) is not my
ultimate goal-- Overcoming obstacles, growing from challenges, and conquering
my own demons is however. Thanks to Voyageur, my journey continues.
Voyageur results: 10 hrs 29 mins of hobbling (ha!) 6th
Overall Female, 60th OA
Recovering from two beatings in July only could encourage
one thing: sign up for my second 100 miler…
September 13, 2014: Hawk Hundred, Kansas
Pulling the trigger to sign up for this one came easier than
the first. I was hungry for vengeance and I after several months of learning
and enduring, I had to put myself to the test again. Planning for Hawk’s 25
mile loops was new for me. Strategy changed and was curious and excited to see
what the results would be from making gradual modifications from lessons
learned in previous races. Planning and execution resulted in a success that
floored me, even after my mile 80 ankle sprain and bonking (due to poor
nutrition intake resulting from being so sick to my stomach from the pain).
That success was short-lived by my split time disgust and constant self
diagnosing “what if’s”. I learned that I love 100 mile distance and everything
that goes into strategizing and executing. I will do more..and I’d like to do
them well.
Hawk results: 21hrs 33 min, 1st Overall
Female, NEW FEMALE COURSE RECORD, 4th
OA, NEW PR
In less than I year, my handful of 50ks, two 50 milers, and
two 100 milers opened doors and sparked interest in areas that I never thought
existed. I can’t help but question what else is out there that would be so
impactful to my life. The people I have met and continue to meet are solid and
mean more to me than they realize. I came into this year an anal-retentive,
serious triathlete and now I’m closing out 2014 as a tattooed, craft-beer loving
ultrarunner that is more confident, more social, and FREE from some of the demons that discouraged interest
in self-actualization and personal betterment. I have so many people to thank
and I’m working on doing better about ensuring they get their credit.
I plan on carrying over these race strategies, nutrition
awareness, and ton of other emerging assets to all areas of my life. I am
comfortable knowing that I will face challenge and fall on my ass; there will
be days where I need to welcome outside assistance and I need to be open to it.
However, my greatest realization and strength is knowing that my potential and resilience
is not written in stone. I’m the author and plan on writing of hell of a novel.
No comments:
Post a Comment