Ice Age Trail 50 Miler

May 9, 2009




As I sit here with ice on my right leg I’m trying to recall all the events that happened over the weekend. We left home with more items than we needed to take with us. Our drive was pretty much uneventful until we got to almost Wisconsin where I had a melt down. I jumped up took my seat belt off and started rummaging through my bag. Brian asked what I was doing. I was looking for my running clothes. Whew! I thought I forgot them, there they were along with my shoes. We arrived at the motel, Gary and Dave were already there. Gary was at packet pickup and Dave was swimming. Matt was about an hour behind us. Gary called asking if we wanted him to pick up Matt, Jimmy and my packets. Cool, one less thing to do. We all met for dinner at 5:30, after dinner we took Matt and Jimmy to show them where the start line was. Brian also drove them around to show them certain points along the course. We returned to the room where I laid everything out and then it was lights out.

Race morning we were up and about by 4:30! We woke up to hearing the wind just howling! It was cold and raining too. I thought, great another wonderful weather race! I had my usual breakfast of oatmeal, a half of bagel and Gatorade. I like milk in my oatmeal and noticed I forgot to pack it so I had to use coffee creamer (okay it got me by, carmel,chocolate). As we drove to the start line I could see flags standing straight out. Luckily I knew for a majority of the race we would be somewhat protected from the wind by the woods. We sat in the car right up until race time, just to stay warm. Unfortunately none of us packed cold weather stuff! 5 minutes before the race started we walked out to the start line. As I waited with everyone else to start we stood in the pouring down rain, the national anthem was sang while we all stood there and shivered! Soon after the gun went off and we were on our way!!! Finally!!!

The first part was a 9 mile loop on a Nordic ski trail. This is a fast and somewhat flat loop. It’s a nice warmup but, you really have to hold yourself back to not take off! As I started I hit my watch to start the time and I also had a timer starter to remind myself to take a Gu pack every 30 mins. I feel good and just trying to get myself in a groove, I know I have a long day ahead! After a few miles I look down to see how much more time I have until I need to begin eating my Gu and notice that my watch is blank! Great, my watch decided to take a crap at the beginning of this race. It’s cold, it’s raining, my watch has died and I’m wondering how my day is going to end up! This 9 mile loop comes back to the start line where there is an aid station. Brian is there waiting for me to come in. I come in a little faster than I wanted but I took it easy and felt okay. I handed him my watch and told him to give me my Garmin at the next aid station he will be at (13.1 miles). We exchange camelbaks and I also alert him that I want my Gatorade mixture to be watered down because full strength is just too sweet. I also tell him I’m going to wing it on my gu’s until I get there. I grab a pbj and I’m excited!! They must have known I like strawberry jelly! Bonus! I thank them and I’m out of the aid station. Headed towards the first out and back trail.

I am off to Rice Lake! I’m still running a bit faster than I wanted but feel fine. I’m making small talk with people but, also concentrating on what I need to do to get thru the day. Finally on the real trail and I’m moving along pretty much alone. Suddenly I come to an intersection and I’m not sure which way to go. I look for markers and see none. So I pick which way looks right and I see other runners up ahead. Okay I’m good, but suddenly I’m told to stop. Myself and about 10 others are off the trail. I’m getting frustrated and turn back. I make a comment about wasting a good 5 mins. Another guy near me says it’s a couple of minutes it’s no big deal but it is to me. I don’t say anything more only because I’m frustrated with myself! We finally catch up with everyone else on the trail. I look up and see my friend Dave! I tell him and he says what did you take the scenic route? I guess so. We run together for a few short minutes and talk briefly. We make it to the next aid station together. Brian hands me my Garmin and a new camelbak. I grab a pbj and continue down the trail. Dave tells Brian about how I took a detour before he leaves the aid station. I’m still running well and feeling strong. I’m sticking to the gu plan and also drinking as I go along! I make it out to Rice Lake grab food and head back to Confusion Corner. This is cool because you get to see people that are ahead of you and you are able to check on your friends! As I come into the 26.2 aid station Brian is waiting for me once again. This is awesome I just do my exchanges with him, which saves me time in the aid stations. I can just grab pbj and fly out of there. Brian tells me that my friend Jimmy is only 2 mins in front of me. Okay, my radar is up and I’m on the hunt!!! As I go down the trail I come into an open meadow like area. There are 2 others running near me. The guy sprints ahead with his arms in the air and he’s screaming like crazy! I look up and he’s chasing a family of geese! Goslings are running between his legs and the dad is not too happy! As the other girl and I run by the geese are hissing like crazy but they are on the side of the trail. Ahh.. back into the woods! I see Jimmy is right up ahead. I continue running quietly and catch him. As I get next to him I elbow him and ask how he’s doing. He says his legs hurt but he’s okay. I ask if he needs anything and he says no. I say okay and continue running ahead.

Back at confusion corner! Now the real work begins!!!

I remember this next out and back last year as long and painful!!! I’m still feeling good and Brian is amazed at my progress. I have a lot of ups and downs coming up. As I get about halfway thru this part I see Matt again and he is on his way to the finish. I tell him he’s doing great and he tells me I’m doing awesome! That was a mental booster! But, I’m starting to get a pain on the front of my shin. I am starting to hear dogs which means I’m close to getting to horsemen’s park. I wind down there and there’s Brian! We switch out camelbaks and I’m on my way. I have a 4 mile out and back . I did slow down through this section. My shin was really bothering me. For some reason this small section seems really long! But, I make it to the aid station with someone attempting to say my name and where I’m from. I smile at her when she just says my first name. I grab pbj take my camelback off because I wanted to take some Ibuprophin to see if that would help my shin out. I also grab some salt tabs since I had some light headedness. I throw the camelback on and set out to get back to the horsemen’s park with a pbj in hand. As I head back into the woods a guy that I had talked to earlier in the day is still on his way out. We pass each other and he punches me in the shoulder saying go get ‘em kid you look awesome! I smile and within a few mins I begin to feel much better and I’m able to pick up the pace. I also see Dave, he tells me I look awesome! I yell back to him to keep going. I see another Michigan runner who gives me more positive words but he calls me blonde. I’m smiling at his words! Soon after I hear dogs barking again, knowing that this means horsemen’s park is close. Brian greets me just before I come off the trail. Now, he’s starting to add some pressure to me. He says I have slowed down and I need to pick up the pace if I want to break 11 hours. This is lighting a fire under me! As I head for the next trail I hear a donkey braying loudly! I look up and see him! I laugh! Brian leaves me at the beginning of the trail to head for confusion corner! I decide that I’m going to show this section a thing or two. I’m running along and I can hear Brian drive off down the road. Bye Honey, see you at the next check point! I attack this section and I’m running it well. I just put the shin pain out of my head. My focus is getting to the finish. I make it to Bald’s Bluff wanting to yell out loud! But, I don’t waste time and run down the hill knowing Brian is waiting at the check point. As I come off the trail he tells me I’m running like I did earlier in the day!

Onto the finish!!

I high tail it out of there because the finish is only 2.2 miles away!!! I tell Brian “I’ll see you at the finish line!” One more aid station! I make it there and sail through without even stopping, knowing the finish isn’t far. As I get to the last ½ mile I can hear voices behind me. I keep picking up the pace. I see someone walking towards me down the trail and he says I look great. I smile and say thanks! But, I keep hearing these voices behind me. I am all alone and I don’t want anyone stealing my thunder at the finish so I’m giving it all I got. I keep looking for that finish line! FINALLY!!!! I turn the corner and Matt is sitting there along with Brian. Then I look at the clock and see my time 10:47!!! I put my fist in the air and yell YES! I cross the finish line. I finally did it, I broke 11 hours! I’m handed my belt buckle and a guy starts to take my chip off my shoe. As I sit down I wonder where the people are that were behind me. Brian and the guy wonder what I’m talking about. Those voices I heard were 5 mins behind me.

We head to the truck to get me some warm clothes and then I head right over to the beer tent. I never ever drink beer but I really wanted one. We also go in to get our food, they always have a really good BBQ after the race. We sit down and Matt comes over to congratulate me. I give him a big hug and he tells me I ran awesome. While Brian is chowing on his food I’m just sitting there staring at mine. I just have no desire to eat. But, the beer was awesome! We watched Dave come in about 30 mins behind me and then Jimmy came in an hour after I finished just making the cutoff. It was a great day! Of course I was beaming from ear to ear the rest of the day.

Okay, two down, one to go!

The Big one I have been waiting for MOHICAN 100!!!!

Forget the PR Mohican 50k

Sunday April 19, 2008

I waited all winter to toe the line once again. I registered for this race to remind me what I have to look forward to in June. Mission accomplished!
We arrived in Loudonville early Saturday evening. Just in time for packet pick up. We arrived at packet pickup and received my race number. I had forgotten to sign the wavier along with everyone else that was there. The race director seemed a little uptight and frustrated that he didn’t have blank copies on hand. No problem I was told to come back in the morning when I checked in and take care of it. We left there to do some exploring since every time we had been down there we never had time. After a while it began to get dark so we checked into our room and then headed for dinner. We had a very nice meal and I did something I don’t normally do. I ordered Prime rib, baked potato and a house salad. My comment was well we’ll see how this affects me on race day! Afterwards I also ordered carrot cake! Mmmm.. We got back to the room so I could figure out what I was wearing for the race. The weather was predicting windy, rainy and a high if 50*. Then it was time to get some sleep! I didn’t sleep well, a lot was on my mind all night. I was up and showering before the alarm went off. I ate my typical breakfast of oatmeal, a poptart and Gatorade. Time to leave for the start line.
We arrived and as usual the air was a buzz!! The weather was not bad and it was dry! It was 53* when we started. The rain was predicted to move in during the early afternoon. I checked in, signed my waiver and made one last call to the porta john. I made my way to the start line for the prerace briefing. Minutes later we were off!!! We had to do a ¼ mile on the roadway to help thin out the group. It still was fairly packed when we hit the trail.

Orange trail, the first of many climbs!!!
As soon as we hit the trail it was up, up, up and yep up!!!! People were antsy! I was trying to hold back but, got a little sucked up in the excitement. After the first 2 miles I was able to settle into a pace that felt comfortable. I was talking to people as I went along and one guy was sticking fairly close to me. We made it to the first aid station which was themed the wizard of oz. I began my regimn of eating! I grabbed two ¼ pbj’s, chips I left the aid station munching while I was walking. Eww… as I began eating the pbj I noticed that it had grape jelly (I hate grape jelly)! I had to get beyond that and just eat it! I did! This trail is backwards to what I have run it in the past. So it felt a little different. A ½ hour after I left the aid station I took a gu just to keep calories up. I was also sipping on my camelback along the way. I felt good and headed towards the covered bridge aid station. Still with the guy in tow. As I made my way down and came into the aid station there was Brian with an exchange camelback in hand to trade me! Woo hoo! I hit the food table once again for the same fair. I focused on intaking calories and keeping hydrated the entire way. 11.2 miles completed, Off to start the first half of the purple loop!!!

Purple Loop, hand over hand climbing and running through water!!!!!
This is a fun loop! I loved doing this one and get excited when I start it! This is a fairly technical section of the trail. I began running but there are parts that are just not runnable because of the technicality. Since it is spring the rivers and streams are fairly high. I make my way to the first stream , getting my shoes totally soaked! It felt so good on my feet since the water was icy cold! This was the first of many stream crossings. I get to the hand over hand climb giggling and yelling woo hoo! Telling others around me this is the best part!!! After I get through that it’s off to the Dam. The guy I had with me in the beginning is still hanging with me. I make it to the dam and begin a lonnnnngg climb up the road! I feel confident because I know my way around here well and I know what’s coming up. As I am walking up the hill from the dam I am tortured with gnats and bugs. Then a course marshal at the turn sees me swatting at the bugs and asks if I would like some bug spray. I say yes! He sprays the back of my neck for me . I thank him as I begin the blue loop. This will turn out to be an adventure and I can’t believe how much laughing I do here!! I said I had fun!

Blue Loop- Mud, mud and more mud!!!!!!
This was an interesting loop and I have never run this loop. We were headed to the resort for the next aid station. I start off strong and shortly into this loop I see the first returning lead runner. Halfway out to the resort I encountered MUD! Not just a little mud, it was up to my ankle and there was no way to avoid it. I think I had about 1 ½ miles of shoe sucking mud! People were slipping and sliding everywhere. I was able to just plow through it!! Laughing as I was going! When I got closer to the resort the mud stopped but I think my shoes weighed about 20 lbs apiece!! I had a series of stair climbs. I made it to the aid station!! Woo Hoo!! 16.1 miles completed so far. The aid station captain asked how things were going. I answered that I can’t believe none of these men would remove their shirts to put down in the mud for me so I didn’t have to get my shoes muddy! One of the guys answers “Hey, all manners are out the window and it’s every man/woman for themselves!” The aid station captain says he would have done it for me! Ha! I leave the aid station with about 4 guys in tow. Talking along the way. Oh yeah! Back in the mud!!! It really makes things interesting because you have two way traffic on this loop. More laughter. As I finish up the blue loop I see the guy who is making sure people are getting on the right trail when leaving the blue loop. I yell” hey bug man!” he yells “you’re back!” I thank him again for the spray. I’ve left all but one guy behind me. I head to finish up the purple loop.

Purple loop- Big falls, sick people & scary drop offs!!!
I have 2 miles left to go before I make it to the next aid station. I looked forward to getting back on the purple loop. I knew what was ahead. More adventure! I made it the Big Lyons waterfalls!!! This was another really technical section!! I climbed another hill and was greeted to a steep, straight down descent. You have to be careful when going down and only one person can do this at a time. I was right on another guys heels. Once I made it down, I had to go under the waterfall. It was flowing pretty good. I rounded the corner to see the guy I was behind standing next to a girl sitting down , she had a bloody knee. I asked if she was okay. She said she's light headed and having stomach issues. We both noticed she had no water or food on her. He gave her some water to drink and I handed her a gu. He also gave her some trail mix to eat. I left her and so did the guy but as we came into the aid station we warned them she was out there. Brian was there waiting for me and we exchanged out backpacks again. More food in hand and I was back out on the trail. Still feeling great, smiling and joking with the course marshal. 20.2 miles completed so far. Green trail here I come!!!!

Green trail- it’s all uphill!!
This was a tough section! I knew this was a short section but, it was going to take some time. It was all uphill the entire way. So for the first time I got out the i-pod and started getting into my music. It kept my mind off of what I was doing since I was by myself for this section. The only bad thing on this section was the markers were green and they blended into the green grass on the ground. I saw the juvenile correction facility through the woods and knew I was almost there, this did make me walk a little faster!!! Yeah, I made it to the fire tower!!!! More food and 22.7 miles completed so far!! I don’t waste anytime and get out of the aid station with more food in hand.

Red trail- more ups and downs!!!
I cruised along walking the ups and cruising the downs. All the mud and water was starting to take a toll on my left foot. But, it wasn’t horrible I just knew it was there. I was catching people and passing them, I was on a mission! The last ¾ of a mile were a severe downhill. Brian was out on the trail and saw me coming through the upper switchbacks. He yelled and I acknowledged him by waving and not taking my eyes off the trail. I made it to the aid station feeling good, my quads are starting to get sore but overall I’m so happy. The course marshal saw me and made a comment. I grabbed food, told Brian I was going to keep my camelback for the last bit. He said he couldn’t believe how awesome I looked and sounded! That got me going. I left the aid station with more food in hand and Brian walking next to me for a few minutes! 27 miles completed and heading for home!!!!!

Yellow trail- technical and why not one more huge hill!!!
I was happy to know things went smoothly for the day. This section was along the river so it was rocky and rooty. You really had to watch where you put your feet, if not you could end up in the river! I was still passing people along the way. I ended up going back and forth with 3 others for the last 2 miles of this section. One of the guys was struggling and his friends were coaching him to keep going. I was with him encouraging him along the way too.

I made it to the finish and I was happy!!! I was greeted by the race director congratulating me and asking if I had fun. The answer ABSOLUTELY!!!! Finish time 6:53, just barely missing my PR.
This was a great day and I had fun. It’s NOT an easy course by any means. As I sit here I’m really sore!!!Now it’s time to focus on Ice Age 50 miler!!

Mohican 100

I will try to recap this as best as I can for everyone. I had an awesome time and enjoyed every minute of it! We left on Friday energetic and anxious!!! During the ride down we discussed last minute race details and things I should and shouldn’t do. Once we arrived we got our camper set up and we were ready to get things under way!!!!

We walked down to the spaghetti dinner and packet pickup/informational meeting. We got in line to pick up our race numbers and shirts. I was excited seeing the shirts they looked really cool but, then found out that they had men’s shirts and women’s shirts. I didn’t like the women’s shirts as well as the men's. Once we went through the all the business of getting our race numbers it was off to eat the pasta dinner. The normal fare: spaghetti, bread, salad, a cup of fruit, cookies and a bottle of water. This gave people a chance to mingle and meet new people. The informational meeting was next. They went over the race rules and the course. Once we finished that we went back to the camper to pack our drop bags. We pack these bags with different things that we think we might need at different points of the race i.e. extra shorts, special treats that I want, towels, extra shoes and sox and more… Once the drop bags were filled we took them to be distributed by the race officials. Then it was off to bed to TRY and get some sleep. We agreed that 4 a.m. was the time to set the alarm. I didn’t sleep well…..

Off, goes the alarm! It’s race day!!!! I’m not nervous, not uptight, I feel relaxed and ready to get ready for a long day. I pinned my number to my shorts and ate a breakfast of oatmeal and a bagel. Before leaving Matt woke his pacer up Jimmy to go to the start line with us and take pictures. We all walk to the start and have to sign in to be accounted for. I give Jimmy a last hug and he wishes me well. We line up at the start and everyone is chatty. Matt decides that he is going to run the first 10 miles with me. Woo Hoo! With last minute instructions and a final horn we are off and I’m starting my first 100!! The very beginning is very easy and dark! We start by running on some gravel roads in order to get to the trails. This is good because it gets me warmed up. Within the first 2 miles we have a big hill climb; it is common practice to walk up the hills. As were are walking Matt points out the beautiful valley and light fog that we are overlooking as the sun starts to come up. The first check point is crowded and we sail through it. Matt, is constantly trying to hold me back! I keep surging forward but, he reins me in to keep things under control! We talk to many people while we are running, saying good morning and just talking about the day ahead. We make it to the next check point and it’s still crowded. This is where I change out shoes from road running shoes to trail shoes because we were going to begin running trails and I needed that extra grip. I go to get my drop bag, Matt easily finds his and I can’t find mine!! Grrr.. Where is it!! I’m starting to panic! But, I settle down and finally find it. I change out grab a few things, fill my water bottle and see Matt. He tells me that he is going to start running on his own. He gives me a hug and off he goes! I am soon to follow. Not, far down the trail is our first water crossing. Okay time to get my feet wet! As I cross I see two guys taking their shoes and sox off! Everyone else does the same as me and plows through the water. Onto the next checkpoint! This check point is at the bottom of a steep downhill. As I refill my water bottle I here people yelling whoa!! I look up and see some guy down and skidding down the hill. Phew, glad it wasn’t me!!! There are lots of huge hills and this is a tough course! I was having the time of my life. I chatted with different people to pass the time. I buddied up with people. I enjoyed meeting others and sharing stories about work, family and kids. It was getting fairly warm out but, before I knew it I had a river crossing!! Ahh… that felt oh so good!!! I could have stayed there all day long. But, came out and decided it was time to get my foot looked at since I was starting to have problems. They had podiatrists there and they took a look and fixed me up. They sent me on my way. At this checkpoint crew was not allowed to be there. I knew Brian would have plan up his sleeve. I started the next section. Yep, Brian was waiting for me down the trail! This section was the coolest!!! It was like an enchanted area. We had a lot of hand over hand climbing. I was having so much fun through here. I had caught up with 4 guys from Michigan and hung with them for a while. This enchanted part also had a waterfall that was so cool! We rounded a corner and the guy in front of me freaked out!! I asked him what was the deal? He immediately told me that he was afraid of heights. So I ended up coaching him down. The four of us hung together for about 10 miles. That got me to the next checkpoint and low and behold Brian was there!!! He warned me about the thunderstorm warning that was coming and he told me to be prepared. They shipped me on my way, while they went to look for Matt. As I was going along the skies grew darker and darker. I almost panicked thinking I might need a flashlight. The wind kicked up and the trees were creaking and moaning. I kept an eye on the trees because branches, limbs and chunks of wood were falling around me. I knew I had to keep moving, standing or taking cover was not going to make anything better. I kept plodding along and thinking of ikabod Crane as I went by a very old cemetery! Most of the headstones were form the 1800’s. It started pouring rain but, the trees were protecting me from the worst of it for a little while. Now, that I’m getting wet and the temp is dropping I’m starting to get cold. I’m really starting to want the next checkpoint to get here. Finally! I make it there and see a few of my Michigan friends. The one says he’s dropping out. I try to con him into walking to the next checkpoint with me and he says he just can’t do it. We are at the 52 mile mark. I grab a short sleeve shirt out of my drop bag and also grab my garbage bag to put over it to keep me dry and warm. I leave the check point shivering and thinking if I get moving I will warm up. By the time I reach the next check point it has stopped raining and I give the workers my garbage bag. This was when I had a mental low and came in crying. They asked what I needed and I said I didn’t know. They filled my water bottle. I had an upset tummy and they gave me some 7 up to settle it. They also handed me some food and told me that I couldn’t drop there. And they sent me on my way. I turned the Ipod on and that helped get me back to being somewhat happy. My feet are really starting to hurt and every step is becoming painful. Having Brian at a lot of checkpoints really helped! I knew the next checkpoint he would be there along with my pacer. All I could think about on the way there was a McDonalds cheeseburger and fries with tons of salt!! And I thought about my nice soft cozy bed and how good it will feel when I finish. I make it there and Brian is right there to take care of me. He asks where my water bottle is and I reach back to grab it and it’s gone! My mind is mushy at this point and then I remember a young kid took it and filled it for me (this was common at every checkpoint). Brian asks what I’d like to eat and I say all I have thought about is a McDonald’s cheeseburger and salty fries. He says he can’t do that but they do have hamburgers there. I say I’ll take that . He brings me that while I take a few minutes to relax. I get my headlamp on because soon it will be dark. I leave with my new pacer Linda. I tell Brian not to worry about me and I want him to get some sleep. He says he needs to get something for dinner and check on Matt again. I say okay and see you at Rock Point (the 90 mile mark). Brian has different plans that I don’t know about. Linda and I are on our way and it’s not long before the headlamp is turned on. Into the dark we go. I feel good having someone with me. I know I have some tough miles coming up and my feet are starting to scream. I take some Ibuprofen to see if that dulls the pain. The miles seem longer and the checkpoints seem further apart. I make it to the checkpoint that promised to save me a triple espresso brownie!! Oh how I was looking forward to something different. This was the same checkpoint earlier in the day that saved me from boring old pb & j with turkey instead!!! As we left this checkpoint my pace was starting to slow. And every step was painful and when I had a downhill I winced from the pain. I also started to notice I was getting unstable. I look down onto the trail with my headlamp and I’m getting dizzy. So I look up to get the dizziness to go away. I have to stop a couple of times to hug some trees to stabilize myself. This was the longest 5 miles I have ever done. But, I had no choice, I had to continue to the next checkpoint. I start to mention I may drop at the 75 mile mark. My pacer says you’ve already come this far you can’t drop! Also, I still have over an hour before the cutoff. So I kept my thinking to myself. I am asking Brian in my head to be there, please be there! I need you there! I started hallucinating every rock looks like a dead rat and for some reason the trees have eyes!! Lots of eyes are looking at me! And the moon is out but, through the tree it looks like someone up on the trail with a headlamp. I keep thinking not another hill climb!!! I finally make it off the trail and have a mile on a highway to get to the checkpoint. Brian was worried about me and yes, he was there waiting for me to come in. It was getting later and later and he decided it was time to start walking the trail backwards to look for me. He didn’t get too far. I see him and I’m relieved!!! I look at him and run my finger across my throat and say “I’m done” My pacer isn’t happy but sees another runner going back on the trail. She says do you need a pacer? He must have said yes and she was gone. Brian walked the rest of the way to the checkpoint with me and I reported my number and said I was dropping. I pulled my tag off and handed it to them. Brain and I left and went to the car. I was cold and starting to shiver. I change out the shirt from short sleeve to long sleeve. This is not enough so I take Brian’s fleece and put it on and also grab a blanket and wrap up. It’s still not enough and I have the heat cranked on high. We had to go to another check point to drop off the pacers bag for her and Brian wanted to check on Matt. He came back and said Matt has already been through and will be getting to the finish soon. We head to the start finish line. Once we get there we sit in the pavilion to wait for Matt. As I wait I’m still shivering. I begin to feel sick and tell Brian that I’m going outside to take care of business alone. I didn’t make it too far, I passed out and fell into the door. Brian rushed over and dragged me to a picnic table where they laid me down with blankets. I was breathing hard and now I’m sweating! The medics can’t get a pulse on my wrist and they get a faint one on my ankle. I started feeling better but the medics told me they had to call an ambulance. In the meantime Matt crossed the finish line! And he hears an announcement that Matt has crossed the finish line and the people looking for him should come to the finish line. Matt is confused because no one should be there. He then sees Brian but is not surprised because Brian seems to show up everywhere. Matt walks into the pavilion to see a couple of people lying on picnic tables. He takes a second look and sees that one of those people is me. He said my lips were blue!! Matt and Jimmy take the car to get a shower while I lay there. While they are gone the ambulance comes screaming in. Dogs are howling!! One of the medics says wouldn’t you love to hear that on the trail? I said I would have run faster! The paramedics come in and they check me out. They say they have to ask me a series of questions. The first one, how old are you? I think you’ve got to be kidding! But, then I answer 18. The paramedics give me a funny look. I finally say okay I’m 43. They ask a few more silly questions. Another one I remember was who is the president of the U.S? My answer, we’re not sure yet. They accepted that. They put a heart rate monitor on me but, I was feeling better. The paramedic thinks it’s time to see how I’m feeling and tells me I can sit up when I feel up to it. I sit up and feel okay. So a few minutes later they get me standing up. I feel okay but not great. The paramedics hang out for a while to make sure I’m okay. I refused to go to the hospital so I have to sign a wavier. They figure I’m going to be okay and they decide to leave. I don’t think they got 50 feet away and I said to Brian I’m not feeling well and pass out again. The paramedics rush back and one of them scoops me up and puts me back on the picnic table. Here we go again, sweating and breathing as if I just ran a 5k!!! They put oxygen on me and put the heart rate monitor back on. My pressure was falling rapidly. They give me a few minutes and I start to come back around. But, this time it took a little longer. They say they want to try something with me and since I refused to go to the hospital the first time they are going to call and see if they can give me an I.V. without going anywhere. They get approval and the guy in charge asks Brian if he knows anyone that knows how to put an I.V. in. Brian is surprised. But, then this guy puts it in. I’m still shivering uncontrollably so somehow I get more blankets. While I’m laying there my color is getting better and I’m talking. Brian brings me a glass of water and they tell me to down the glass. Not long after the water a glass of O.J. shows up. I drink this and they decide it’s time to try sitting up again. I sit up and I feel fine but the big test is standing. While sitting up Brian brings me another glass of O.J. Now they wanted to give standing a hot again and I was told if I pass out again my butt is going in the ambulance and I get a ride to the hospital. But, I stand and I don’t get lightheaded. After quite a while they believe I’m out of the woods. The four of us get in the car and go back to the R.V. for some much needed rest. I got in the camper and headed straight for the bed!! Ahh… Brian said I was asleep when my head hit the pillow. After a short 4 hour nap Matt and I got up to go to the awards ceremony. I’m really sore and can barely walk but, I’m soo happy to accomplish 75 miles! I will be back next year to give it another shot. Now need to tweak a few things before I try again. I’m not disappointed and I enjoyed the adventure!!!

GOOFY CHALLEGE RACE REPORT

GETTING TO RACE DAY!

I'm back from the warmth and sunny skies of FLA! I had so much fun and really enjoyed it. We got in Thursday late (around midnight). We woke up on Friday and went to the expo. for packet p/u. That went smoothly and I was able to get my corrals moved up to the front. I spent most that day relaxing in the sun in a hammock with my husband. I ate pizza the night before and was rearing to go.


HALF MARATHON DAY PART 1

Saturday I had to get up at 2:30 a.m. to catch the last bus at 3:30! Yikes! That's so early. Brian was demanding before we left that he was going to drive me to the start line. Well, he let me get on the buses while he slept in. That part went smoothly and there was alot of electricity in the air with all the other runners. The bus dumped us off and we had to sit and wait in the holding area and drop off our drop bags. The bag drop was in a large tent, for some reason that morning I had trouble with the alphabet! You were supposed to drop your bag with the first letter of your last name, I stood there for a while saying the alphabet. Finally I decided this one was good enough! Luckily I was in the right area!!! At 4:45 the gates were opened to allow us to make the trek to the start line. This is a good half mile walk to get there. I made it to my assigned corral and sat there to wait for an hour!! They had lots of entertainment with music and big screen TV’s. While I sat there on the pavement and waited I chit chatted with other people who were doing the Goofy challenge. But, 15 mins before race time I was jumping the fence to use the woods, since there weren’t any porta johns to use nearby. I had to mark my territory anyway, it's becoming a signature! I hopped back into my corral, listened to the National Anthem, watched the fireworks and we we’re off! The temps the first day was 68* with 85% humidity. Remember I’m coming from 20 degree temps I’ve been training in. I have decided that I’m going to take the half marathon easy and enjoy the run. I was predicting a 2:10 finish time. Once we started I felt as if I was struggling to run, grrrr… I’m dogging it! I try to relax. There was entertainment on the course. Within the first couple of miles I run past a marching band playing some awesome music! I love listening to marching bands and think of my daughter playing. Okay, I’m getting sentimental! I cheer and wave to them!!! Next we have a hill (really it’s an on ramp) but, the music is so loud I don’t even think about the hill, I’m dancing while I run! I love this song! I’m really smiling and just loving what I’m doing right now! I’ve got to hold back the pace and be ready for Sundays big run! So I pull the pace back a bit. The next couple of miles are fairly uneventful there’s music along the way and a few early spectators. I pass by the speedway. There’s a racecar out there and they have the sounds of race cars going around the track. I’m feeling zippy! Once I get by there I pass a guy who has his headphones on and is singing out loud! Once I get past him I say to a guy next to me, that that guy needs to keep his day job! I got him to laugh over that one! We’re heading towards the Magic Kingdom! I know that this race is almost halfway over! We go by the Contemporary Resort I’m smiling and just enjoying the moment! I play with the crowds to get them to raise the noise! They start waking up and the noise level rises. The miles clicked by quickly!! I make a few turns and I’m entering Main Street of the Magic Kingdom, I feel as if I’m five years old and I’m running freely down the street with so many people on both sides of the street! The path is narrow because they are crowding into the street. It feels great!!! I can see Cinderella’s castle in front of me! We wind through the park. There is familiar Disney music playing and all the rides are going with no one on them. I see Mary Poppins and many other characters!! I’m getting choked up, I’m just so happy to be here! I have to get myself focused and pull back the pace again! I turn the corner to go through the castle and up above there are guys playing horns as if the king is coming! It’s just so cool! I wave! I come through the castle with a huge smile! The picture guys are there to take pictures!! Now I’m entering frontier land! I love this part of the park! I see cowboys, the toy story characters and they are playing western film music! Now we are getting ready to leave the park through the back gates. I turn a corner and I am in awe once again! There’s a huge pirate ship with Jack and a bunch of other Pirates on it! It’s so cool! Jack looks just like Johnny Depp! As I get back on the road leading to Epcot I see signs along the way, some with trivial questions and some with funny quotes. Some of the quotes are so funny that I busted out laughing many times! As I am heading towards the last few miles I chat with a few people along the way, I also encourage a few people that are struggling to make it to the end. In a blink of an eye I was in Epcot headed for the finish! Holy cow, it’s almost over! I allow my pace to pick up for the last mile. This is so cool as I pass a choir before the last corner! These people are so inspirational, the energy level rises again! Woo Hoo I see the finish line! Charge down towards it and it’s over! That went by too quickly. I do my normal post event stuff, return my chip have my finishers medal put around my neck and head for the food tent! I’m disappointed all they really have is bananas, oranges, water and PowerAde. I grab what I can and head towards the Goofy tent. I need to get my wristband changed as proof that I completed the first leg. One race down one to go!!!!! Time to head back to the hotel for my first ever ice bath and let the eating begin!
I make my way to the bus and I start heading that way but end up going the wrong way. I ask the guy who is turning me around which way do I go. He just points back to the finish area and says that way. I’m confused and upset. Another guy starts walking the exact same way I just came from and I tell him to turn around. We finally figure out which way we need to go to get on the bus. Phew! I make it back with Brian smiling, and saying that was an easy half marathon I can hardly wait to finish the full tomorrow! I smile and make my way to the tub. The ice bath wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be. I think Brian had more fun dumping the ice in. Once I got used to the temp. I was fine. Once I was dressed, Brian and I headed over for some much deserved food! Yummy! The only bad thing is when you get up at 2:30 a.m. by 10 a.m. you’re ready fro some lunch! But, the only thing I could find was breakfast. I had to make that work. Once I ate we headed back to the room. Brian was up for some driving around Disney property to scope out where they could go to spectate on Sunday. Part of the ride I don’t remember because I fell asleep in the car. He had a plan and was ready for Sunday. After munching throughout the day, evening was upon us and I really didn’t think I was up to eat dinner. We made reservations a few days in advance to eat a t a resort restaurant. I wanted to eat fairly early so that I wasn’t going to bed on a super full stomach. Everyone ordered and I ended up ordering prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies. During the middle of dinner Brian made a note and said I thought you weren’t very hungry? I guess I was because I had cleaned my plate and was starting to eat off Brian’s plate. By 7:00 p.m. we were headed back to the room so I could go to bed. I was trying to fall asleep but with Brian watching the Green Bay game in Green Bay I just couldn’t close my eyes! It was a great game. My last comment to Brian was “make sure I get up in the morning!!!!” I usually never need an alarm and just wake up but I was afraid that because this was the second morning in a row I would sleep through.

DAY TWO MARATHON MORNING!!!!!!!

I wake up at 2:30 a.m. without a problem but, get up right away because I’m afraid that if I lay there any longer I won’t get up! I shower and do my normal pre-race prep. I make oatmeal, get a banana, some Gatorade and make half of a bagel. I carry this and my drop bag to the bus stop at 3:30. I kiss Brian goodbye and he whispers good luck, have fun and don’t do anything stupid! I say thanks and I’ll be fine! Out the door I go. I get to the bus stop and there are already people waiting for the bus. I start eating my oatmeal and see a few others who are Goofy participants also. I make a comment that I feel like I did this yesterday. As we stand there I can already tell it’s warm and very humid! It’s so humid I can see it in the air! I shrug it off because the weather will be what it will be, no use in stressing over it. The bus picks us up and we are off to the runner’s staging area. Today I didn’t have trouble with the alphabet and actually felt smart. I knew where everything was and what I had to do!! Ohhh yea this is my day!!!! I feel good, no soreness and no other aches or pains. Once again we are released to the corrals. I start the trek; it’s longer than the day before. I make my way to the corral and promptly sit down. I need to stay off these legs as much as I can. I have an hour wait. Soon after I sit down I noticed a guy that I had met the day before. I jumped up and walked over to where he was sitting. I felt as if I met an old friend. We sat and talked the entire time. I laughed and we discussed what we ate the day before. We also discussed race strategy. I got quiet and he says “ I like your game face.” This isn’t my game face. They also had music videos and entertainment just like Saturday. BUT this was different! They sang the National Anthem and started the fireworks while they moved us forward. The fireworks were incredible this time. They shot them off a bridge, which I was standing under until we were moved forward. This was so awesome I looked up and all I could see was the sky lighting up with fabulous colors! Soon after we were crossing the start line, but I forgot something. Oh crap! I didn’t go to the bathroom prior to starting the race. So after I crossed the start line there is a bunch of porta potties. Cool, there’s a line but I’m clever, someone comes out and I run right in before anyone notices! Cool, I was in and out. Now, onto my trek of 26.2! We begin on a road with portable lights guiding us along. By mile 2 we are in Epcot running through the countries and I’m already soaked in sweat!!! Uh oh I just need to settle in. When we started we had a red start and a blue start that went in two different directions and then we merged as one when we began coming out of Epcot. Mile 4 went by the start line once again. As I passed through there I happened to glance to my right and caught sight of Brian!! I yelled “Brian!!” and raise my hand above my head. He yelled back “I see you!! Nice job!!” That was an uplifting time for me but, it’s too early in the race. Onto Magic Kingdom! It’s long kinda boring section and not as exciting as yesterday. We have a hill climb and there is music playing “It’s hot in here” I say to someone “no kidding” I’m trying to settle in and I’m feeling better, but not like usual. Once again the marching band is playing and I get choked up again thinking of my daughter. Just before Magic Kingdom we pass the Contemporary Resort with lots of spectators. This helps! I’m looking forward to getting on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. I play the crowds a little but, they’re still sleepy!! This is where I decide I really need to take my shirt off. I did it in Chicago I can do it here. While running I carefully remove my number from my short to my shorts. I take my short off and tuck it in the back of my shorts. I didn’t want to lose this shirt!!! Woo Hooo!!! I make it to Magic Kingdom but, it’s not as exciting as it was the day before. I still loved it and couldn’t wait to get to Animal Kingdom. Leaving Magic Kingdom we had another boring section to run. By the way, the golf course on Disney property is outstandingly beautiful!!!! There is music throughout this and there are basically no spectators. Oh No! I feel the urge to go to the bathroom again! I get past mile 14 and decide I can’t wait anymore!!! I see a couple of porta johns and make a bee line (this is only for fun right????) I get in there and drop my shorts but I hear something fall while I’m in there. I look down and my shirt had fallen down the porta john. Oh crap! Well, I can’t be upset and I’m not going after it either!!!! I get going and get back up to speed. I make it to Animal Kingdom; this was a quick run through the park. I pick up my form and smile while photographers are there! Make it look good!! We exit the park and it’s another long boring section. I didn’t bring my headphones and really could have used them right now!!! I think of my dog and how happy she would be running with me. I try talking with other but they don’t want to talk or they are with a group of others. At mile 18 my body is starting to complain and I just don’t feel like I have much energy. I start walking through aid stations. As I’m running I see a guy that I have been passing back and forth. I see him walking while I’m running. I put my hand on his back and say “come on buddy I’m not leaving you behind we’ve run together for too long today to leave you behind!” He starts running with me and we strike up a conversation for quite a while. We talk about our families and where we are from. We were at mile 22 when I lost him at an aid station in the crowd. I continue on and there was a section of out and back. Once again I have to go to the bathroom!! What’s the deal!! I never go while I run a marathon; I continue on and see him. I’m almost to the turn around and he has already turned around. He yells come on Miss Michigan!!! I yell back I’ll be right there” I never caught back up to him. Yeah!!! We make it to MGM Studios!!! I know of the upcoming aid stations is serving chocolate and I could really use it right now. I have a choice Baby Ruth, plain chocolate or Nestle Crunch. I grab the Baby Ruth!! This candy bar never tasted so good!! Soon after I ate it I thought uh oh! I need water to wash this down. Wa la Water up ahead!!!! That candy gave me a good burst of energy and I looked great going by Brian who was waiting for me at mile 24 ½ !!!!! I was smiling once again and never so happy to see him. He took pictures as I flew by! Okay onto the last park!!! Back to Epcot and I’m done!!! I still feel as if I’m struggling but I know the end is near. We enter Epcot and have to run through all the countries again. This is where all the people are and they are very awake now!! As I get through the last ½ mile I round the corner to see the gospel singers again. Yeah, the end is near! A few steps and I’m rounding the corner again for the final push of the last .2 miles. This area is loaded with spectators cheering loudly!!! I cross the finish line somewhat relieved that I’m done but also disappointed that it’s over. Once I cross that line there are workers waiting to take your timing chip off your shoe and you are given a mylar space blanket. Who needs that when it’s 77* out! I am awarded my finishers medal and it’s off to the refreshment table. Same stuff as the previous day. I make a bee line for the Goofy tent to retrieve what I came here for, my Goofy medal!!!! They check me in and congratulate me on finishing and hang the Goofy medal around my neck. Next step getting my picture taken with both medals. In the meantime I see the guy who called me Miss Michigan. We briefly chat and congratulate each other. Now it’s time to get my drop bag, call Brian and head to the bus!!!! After my call to Brian I shuffle towards the bus but, oh no I have to go to the bathroom again!!! The bus driver tells me he will wait for me!! I dragged myself on the bus and chatted with others. I make it to my resort and as I get off the bus there are people sitting there cheering for me because I did the Goofy!!! Pretty cool feeling!!! I thank them and continue to shuffle my way to my room but as I do another Goofy finisher stops me and hands me a beer to drink in celebration!! That night and the next couple of day’s people that did the Goofy would make eye contact and you would give each other that familiar nod. Congratulations were said back and forth many times. I topped the next morning off by having a character breakfast with Goofy. I was very strong adamant about doing this!!! We spent the rest of the day at the parks walking off the pain.

Would I do it again???? Absolutely! It’s just very expensive but a very fun relaxed event. I’m looking forward to my next big event on May 10th, I will be attempting my first 50 mile trail run.

Going home was fairly uneventful except for the issue I had at the airport going through security. As we went through security they stopped me and asked if they could look through my camera bag. I didn’t hesitate and said yes not a problem. The guy started opening a zippered area and I freaked out on him. Yelling “You can’t have those!!!” He gave me a weird look and said I have to see what it is. He pulled out all 3 of my finishers medals. I told him I just ran 39.3 miles for those medals, you can’t have them!! I worked hard for those!! He saw what they were and smiled. His reply was these are so cool! Then proceeded to show others that worked with him the medals. I got a lot of that’s cool and smiles. He gently handed me my medals and told me it’s fine. He also told me I was insane for running that many miles. I smiled back with my medals securely in my hands and said thanks!!!!!