Race #8/17 Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon

I went into this race mentally prepared but I have to wonder about being physically prepared. The last time I ran 20+ miles was the Chippewa 50k the end of April. I had heard many stories about this race and how difficult it is. Mostly I heard about the dreaded Power Lines. I think being that I was expecting it to be hard I was prepared to be challenged. In fact I was fine all week at work and did not seem to be worried at all. Having just completed the Afton 25k the week before I tapered during the week with only one 5 mile run on the roads around the house. I figured it was more important to go into this race well rested as no amount of miles I would run that close to race day would help.

I started this run out by car camping at the Munger Bike Trailhead in Carlton, MN as this was to be the finish line. They were providing shuttle buses to the start line but we needed to catch the bus by 4:45 am and the thought of getting up at 2 am to then drive roughly 3 hours did not sound appealing, let alone wise with 26.2 hilly miles to complete. I could have stayed in a hotel but the thought of the cost for such a short use of the room I thought I would instead rough it. I met two other runners, Alex Eichman and Cheri Ryba, doing the same thing and it turns out there were others with the same plan. I did not arrive until around 9:30 pm so a few hello's to others and then try to get to sleep for that 4 am alarm clock. It was tough to sleep despite the roomy accommodations. I drove the minivan with the back seats removed and had some sleeping pads for comfort. It was quite humid at first and due to the bugs/mosquito's I could not have the car windows open at all. I first had to kill all the mosquito's that had snuck into the van and then with the almost full moon shining in my windows attempted to sleep. This did not go so well but even at home sleep the night before a long run is always difficult.

As is my nature I scoured the website to get all the information I could on the race the week before. This race director does an excellent job of giving you all the information about the trail and aid station locations. I even went as far as writing down the aid station distances to bring along with me so that I knew how far I needed to go between aid stations while on the trail. I thought that info may be useful when I started struggling in the race and my next goal became the aid station rather than the finish line. This proved to be very helpful. This race is well supported and as always the volunteers are wonderful! There were seven aid stations and the furthest one apart was about 4 miles. Knowing this I still ran with my Nathan hydration pack well supplied with calories and water. I also brought along the Ultimate direction 10oz small bottle to be able to fill with heed to supplement. I was expecting it to be hot but the weather was nice as it was cloudy and as the day progressed the humidity dropped.The clouds were nice when we hit the power lines and the open trail.

We arrived at the start line with plenty of extra time to spare. I got my race bib and then chatted with those around me. After a few trail marking instructions and a short history of the race we were sent on our way. As with all trail races when you start anywhere other than in the front there is some walking as we funnel onto the trail. And as it seems with most trail races it was not long before we started up our first hill. The first part of the race was running to and across the Spirit Mountain Ski Slopes. The first 3 miles with most of my races is spent getting warmed up. I was pleasantly surprised that my calves were feeling pretty good. I did not experience my normal 3 miles of difficult running. That must mean that my legs benefited from the extra rest.

Heading up to Spirit Mountain ski slopes

Spirit Mountain

 The next section of the trail was 'running' down Jarrow's Beach. I had not spent much time thinking about this section up to this point. It was interesting hiking through this area and my main goal was to just make it through without spraining my ankle. As with most difficult sections of trail I seem to get fewer pictures as I am trying to get through without injury and concentrating on taking pictures and staying upright aren't always compatible. I was happy to get back onto runnable trail. (this is of course subjective)

Jarrow's Beach

After Jarrow's Beach there were many hills, both steep and rolling, single track trails, pine forest trails, streams to cross (these felt great as the water was cold and the shoes were cleaned of all the trail mud) This section also included a very steep decline that required ropes in order to get to the bottom. I also added an extra 1/2 mile to my distance when I missed a turn and had to backtrack to find the trail again. There were a few others that followed me so I was not the only one that missed it!

One of several stream crossings, this one being the widest

Fun wide trails where we had to outrun the mosquito's.

Very narrow trail along the top of a rise on both sides.

This is only half way down looking back up at those behind me.

Don't think we could have made it down this without the ropes

Not everyone made it down on their feet

 Here is a video, not very good quality. I was getting eaten alive standing in one place in the middle of a pine forest!

After all these fun trails we arrived at the Seven Bridges Aid station which is right before you hit the Power Lines. These volunteers were checking on runners to make sure they had plenty of water, were handing out Salt tablets and had everything they needed before heading out to tackle the next section.

Power Line Trail

And more Power Line trail

There were flat sections between the inclines

The mud was very slick. If we tried to walk straight up our feet would slide back down. We ended up walking up this sideways using our hands and the grass/weeds as leverage. With Victoria Aney and Misty Swanson.

After having just climbed up one hill, oh look there is another one in the distance

The first few inclines and declines along the power lines the mud was very slick. As we progressed through them the trail got drier the farther up we got. Coming out of the Power Lines we hit the Grand Portage Aid station where our drop bags were. I had decided to pack a drop bag for just in case I needed it. I am glad I did as I had packed a Dr. Pepper and this race was not supplying any soda. I wanted the caffeine kick and started to look forward to that after getting through the power lines. I don't know what I was thinking though as I forgot to put more Cliff Bloks into my pack from my drop bag. I realized this too late though.

Munger Bike Trail

Very happy to finally get off the bike trail!

After one last big hill there were several miles of runnable cross country trails. The bugs were thick through much of this section. It was at about mile 19 that I hit my lowest point in the race. I started to question my sanity and why I was running this race. I was starting to get tired at this point and was actually wanting to see some walkable hills as I felt that I needed to keep running. I even got as low as cursing at the bugs that would not leave me alone. They were buzzing around my head and seemed to be taunting me. I kept myself going with the thought of how many miles to the next aid station. I could not think beyond the aid station at that point. I finally arrived and was at about mile 22.8 according to my chart. Up to this point I had been eating at every aid station but in this race I could only make myself eat about three fig newtons and could not stomach the thought of any more. I ate more of the Cliff Bloks I had brought and then switched to consuming the Hammer gels from the aid stations.

Much of the next 6.5 miles or so I was anxious to be finished. More cross country trail and then into the final aid station. I made sure to consume more gels and refill on heed to get me through the final 3 1/2 miles. These final 3 1/2 miles are run on the Carlton trail and are narrow, rocky and rooty trails. Normally I enjoy this kind of trail but after running 23 miles this part of the trail was difficult on sore feet. At this point in my run my feet were burning and telling me they were done for the day. As I told another runner, Shay, whom I had been leap frogging with for most of the run, there was no stopping now except at the finish line.

Swinging Bridge after the Jay Cooke aid station. Only 3 1/2 miles to the finish.

Very technical trail following the river, got much rockier in sections closer to the river

Great views of the river as we ran the trail

 When we exited the Carlton trail we came out onto the Munger Bike trail. Oh no!  More paved trail. The thought of running that last 1/4 mile or so on the pavement was depressing. I was lamenting running this when Shay got me going with encouraging words and running with me. I fully expected to run in with her but she dropped back (or I sped up, not quite sure) as I shuffled my way to the finish. It was nice seeing a friendly face at the finish as Bill Pomerenke called out my name. I am not sure what my official finishing time is yet and will update with those stats later but my Garmin has me finishing in 7:53:51. This was my first official Marathon distance race and the first time running this race so I am happy with that finishing time. My goal was to finish sub 8 hours and that is what I accomplished.

Nice shirt to show off my efforts

Cool Finishers Medal

Gear:
Compression shorts
Tank top
Nathan Hydration Pack
10 oz. Ultimate direction bottle used for Heed

Sunglasses
Chester Woods Hat (probably did not need as it was cloudy. I only wore this for the power lines and when the bugs would not leave me alone on a section of the trail)
Half Buff (used around wrist to wipe sweat at first then as a headband when I removed my hat)
Bandanna (used this wet around neck going into Power Lines)
Mizuno trail shoes
Gaitors
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Cliff Bloks
Hammer Gels
Dr. Pepper in drop bag
Fig Newtons (could not eat many of these)
S-Caps

Race #7/17 Afton Trail Run 25k

This year was my first year running the Afton Trail Race 25k. I have ran out at Afton about a dozen times and felt the most comfortable going into this race as I knew what to expect on the course. The only variable that was unknown was the weather as I have heard stories of how hot and humid this race can be. The weather turned out great! It was hot but not humid and with the breeze it felt even cooler than the predicted 80 degree high temps.

25k UMTR Members running and volunteering

25k Start

I know that I should not start in the front of the pack as I am a back of the pack runner. I ended up about in the middle. After announcements and instructions we were sent on our way. With the amount of runners this is a slow start as we all try to funnel onto the double track trail. A little walking occurred until the bottleneck slowly started to clear. Typically if I start too far forward (normally pulled along by visiting with my fast running friends while we wait for the start) I then watch as runners pass me by. This can get discouraging at the beginning of a race so I am trying to pay attention to where I start my races.

It is always nice to start a race running downhill.  This does not last very long, however, as we hit the first set of hills. My plan for the day? Run the flats and descents and walk the hills. This mostly carries me through in all my trail races. I suppose if I ran the uphills like some of the front of the pack runners I might finish with quicker times but knowing my luck instead I would not finish at all! So safer for me to stick with my plan. Have you ever noticed that most of the photographers seem to position themselves at the top of a hill? How can I get good running pictures going uphill? If I run for the picture I just look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame and if I walk, well am I really running this race (says the non-trail running friends) after all?

I have noticed that as I run further distances and more miles it is taking me about 3 miles to start to loosen up and feel good about my run. Today was no exception. The calves were tight and I think if my muscles in my legs had a brain of their own they thought I should not be running this race after all. After about 3 miles they finally started to loosen up and get with the program. It is always a waiting game for my muscles to finally figure out that I am not quitting. 

Climbing Campground Hill. Note: taken while walking up the hill!

The bench at the top of Campground hill is really inviting but I did not sit down, I promise!

Running the Prairies; the breeze kept this part of the race cooler than average for this time of year.

I ran with my Nathan Hydration pack (I have the H20) today in the hopes that I could save time by not stopping at the aid stations. I did pass up the first two aid stations, although I grabbed some fig newtons running by the second aid station so I would not have to take mine out of the pack. Shaved off a few minutes with that strategy! I did end up stopping at the next two aid stations (this would be the Break the Stigma sponsored aid station, of course). I thought I should start drinking some heed just in case I needed it. Woman does not live on water alone in these types of races you know. I also needed to get my Break the Stigma T-shirt from Julio. This was very important as I certainly did not want to walk back to the aid station after completing my race! I guess I am just lazy that way.

I know other runners are setting A, B or C goals. I think with all my races I basically figure out what avg pace I need to maintain to set a new PR and then a goal of  "it better not take me longer than X hours!" For this race the new PR goal was 3:36 or better. This was based on the first time I ran this loop last Spring or Summer. To be fair, however, that time I actually ran 16 miles in 3:37 as we were running the loop backwards and my running partner and I took a wrong turn and had to turn back which added that extra half mile. I finished this race in 3:25:09 officially so I will count this as a new PR for this course. My average pace finished out at 13:20 whereas the average pace for that last loop was 13:38 (had to check just to be sure!). I did decide that I would run this race on feel rather than checking my Garmin and average pace. I set the watch to mileage and current pace and resisted the urge to check my average pace. I wanted to see how I did on feel instead. I figured being that I had a side ache on my last few miles I must have been pushing myself fairly hard, either that or I had too many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at the last two aid stations! I have noticed a correlation to side aches and eating protein too close before running.

What's a race without at least one selfie?

 

The wonderful view of the river!

The never ending river stretch. Where is that hill so I can walk again??

Need to learn how to stop the Garmin watch without looking down for better finish line pictures!

As usual awesome race shirt and I just love the race bib with my name on it!

Race Finishing Stats:
Overall 280/341
Women 114/154
Master Female 39/46

And there you have it. A back of the pack runner! I will have to take solace in the fact that I am running farther and faster than the average person sitting on the couch!

As with all of Rocksteady Running races the quality and organization for this race was exceptional. The volunteers were awesome and the party after the race was enjoyable. With the level of craziness in my life right now both at work and home it was great to be able to stick around and talk to other runners and just hang out after the race. I think this is what I enjoy about these trail races the most is the feeling of community in addition to the enthusiasm and positivity of those involved.

Next up is Eugene Curnow Marathon on the Superior Hiking Trail from Duluth to Carton, MN.   

Race #6/17 Sour Grapes Half & Half Trail Run

This marked race number 6 in the UMTR Trail Race Series. This was also the start of my much needed vacation to the Grand Canyon and Southern Utah. Just a quick car ride (well okay it was about 3 1/2 hours in the wrong direction!) to the race and then once complete many hours in the car driving to the Grand Canyon.

Weather for this race was looking wet. Up at 3:30 am and out the door (with family in tow) by 4 am to make it in time for the start at 8:15. My husband did the driving so I was able to sleep just a little bit longer. When I awoke it was raining cats and dogs! This did not bode well for a dry race. It turned out, however, as we continued to drive north the rain stopped and the roads were dry!

After arriving at the race I sent my husband and son on their way to find something to do as I expected to be running for several hours. I met up with several other UMTR members and we chatted as we waited for the race to start. After brief instructions we were off.

The trails were surprisingly dry and relatively flat. The total elevation gain was only about 500 feet. (not complaining as flat trail races can be a nice change of pace) 

This race was mostly ran alone. It seems that each of my races I find myself running my own pace that does not seem to coincide with others running. This is okay though as I am finding it nice to run alone and spend this time thinking. With all the stress this summer this is working well.

I wore my rain jacket for this race expecting it to start raining on us at any minute. Should have left the jacket behind! The weather was good and the rain held out until the very end. After my initial warm up with tight calves everything felt great. I could tell though that it was time to invest in some new shoes. This race marked about 400 miles on these trail shoes and my heels were starting to feel it.

The only mud to be seen and they brought in wood chips to cover it up!

Even when it did start raining towards the end of the race it was light rain and not cold at all.

A rare half decent race picture!

Erica, Nora and I at the finish.

My official finish time for this race was 2:31:50 which is a PR for a HM trail race. I went into this race without pushing myself too hard as just getting to the race was the difficult part.

Results Stats:
Overall 96/125
Division Place 9/15
Sex Place 40/65
Age Graded Place 86/125

Next race is the William O'Brien 10 Mile Trail Race (this race was postponed until Sept. due to severe rains and the potential for runners damaging the trails)