Paleozoic 50k

This past Saturday I had the joy of running the Paleozoic 50k in Palos Park, Illinois. It was a wonderful day for many reasons and I'll expand on it all below. But I first have to mention that I ran this race to enjoy time with my running buddy Jessica on her first 50k. I told her pick the race and I'll be there. It's just so amazing that she picked a race that I truly love because of the awesome race directors.

**** quick back story**** I previously vowed to match running/volunteering at races in at least a 1:1 ratio. So last fall I volunteered at the Paleozoic Carboniferous Fall event. I didn't know Bill or Michelle prior to this day. I went, without knowing anyone, and was quickly welcomed to the team and put to work. In fact I was put as an aid station captain! I LOVED my time connecting with Michelle and her sister. It was a perfect day. It helped me realize I can share my joy with others and step out of my comfort zone and connect with new people. Even if it is over Ultra snacks and refilling water bottles.

So when I knew Jessica was considering the spring event as her 50k I was thrilled. I quickly emailed Bill that I unfortunately could not volunteer at the spring event because I would be RUNNING it! The moment we picked up our packets I knew she picked the perfect race. The personal touches really show the special character of the RDs. If I wasn't already smiling in the car, I was definitely smiling pinning on my bib.
 

Pre-race smiles

 
 
 
 
 (Note the personalized
messages on our packets!)













Now the race was a day full of laughter, shrieks, slips, falls, challenges, and ultra success.

The course was set as an out and back that you completed twice to make up the 31 miles. The 50k runners took off just after 8:30. It was a brisk morning and quickly into the run we noticed there was quite a bit of ice. This presented a slippery challenge. We were able to maneuver the thick ice steadily.





Jessica tackling the water pit



my turn

There were patches of clear trail leading up to a large patch of standing water. There was no way around it so we went full in and got out feet (and a good portion of our shins) soaked. This was about 4 miles into the course. It was a cold wake up and we laughed knowing we would have to pass through it 3 more times. The "out" of the course was tough with several inclines and the aforementioned ice. At about 7.5 miles we reached the turnaround aid station.







We were warmly greeted by Jennifer and Rich.
They shared words of encouragement, posed for a pic,
and offered plenty of delicious snacks.
We quickly grabbed supplies and headed back to the start/finish aid stations.

We thankfully found out that the "back" portion of the course seemed quite a bit easier and we were keeping great time. It was warming up a bit and the ice was turning into sludge and mud. We were still able to maneuver the terrain with minimal slips and falls. The freezing water once again brought about shrieks and laughter.



Hitting the home aid station we knew we wanted to make a quick turnaround so we wouldn't be temped to sit. Once again we were greeted by amazing volunteers and some cheering spectators. The snacks were perfect, the drinks were cold, and it all hit the spot, especially the lemon cookies and snow caps.

 

Back out we went but to our surprise the course seemed completely different. The hills were the same, but the ice was now sludge and more mud. I kept saying "The out is the hard part.... let's just get to the Rich and Jennifer." There were a couple of rough miles but Jessica pushed on. (Again, just so proud). We had thought we may need to re-think the 7 hour goal but she would finish.

I could go on and on about the course and each mile, but I won't. (It really is hard to describe it and really do it justice)

 We hit the aid station, filled bottles, had more snacks and friendly chatter with the awesome volunteers and knew we could make it 7 more miles to the end.

Jessica seemed to hit her stride. Even though the mud, it was much easier heading back to the finish. The pace picked up and when we were a couple miles out, I let Jessica know we could get there under 7 hours. It would be close... but definitely possible. She perked right up and we had our fastest mile to finish the race. Jessica crossed the line with her husband and best friend waiting for her. We were all clapping and cheering for the special moment. She did it.... and ultra! (In 6hours and 55 min too... under 7 hours)

For me, I had the most amazing experience. I found how truly blessed I was to be able to encourage, support, and help someone else meet a goal. I loved pacing and pushing my buddy. The miles were easy mentally knowing I was there to stay positive and help someone else. I hope others will allow me to take a journey with them (ultra or outside of my sneakers).

I felt so alive on the trail. Find what makes you feel alive and do it as often as possible.

So if anyone wants to make Paleo a 50k goal... I'll be more than happy to run it with you in the spring of 2015.... as for their fall event, I'll be volunteering :)


**** Cannot thank Bill and Michelle enough. They put on a top notch event and make everyone feel special. Each runner matters and their energy is just contagious. They make you want to keep coming back and getting more involved. ****

(I forgot to hit record so I had to try again ;) All for the blog right?!?!?!)

The Change Up

Have you ever had the feeling that something is just not working..... drained by the everyday routine.... maybe it's time for a change up.

I love to run... I run almost every day, but lately I haven't felt like I'm seeing the major improvements I'd like as I'm training for my next 50 mile race. When the improvements are so minor it is easy for me to get frustrated and question my training and journey.

Does this mean I give up and quit running... nope, not at all. I can stop, evaluate, adjust, and make things enjoyable for the long run. More cross training, weights, tempos, and speedwork?

One day last week, I decided to grab my swim cap and goggles and headed to the pool instead of the run. This switch in training activity gave me renewed energy. It was quiet and calm. I'm not an amazing swimmer by any means, but I smiled throughout my workout and felt right where I needed to be.

And you know what... my weekend runs following the change up were incredibly enjoyable. I've continued to switch out some of my regular workouts with pool time. I am still in training for the upcoming race and think I'll always over analyze my training and if I'll meet/surpass my goals. However, changing things up a bit have kept me from simply trying to "make it work" with the miles.

Running is my sanity and I can't help but transfer my running victories and lessons learned into my life. With so much time on the track,tread,trail, or road I get to do a lot of reflecting. I had a chat with my parents the other night and I was given some great insight. And amazingly very similar ideas about the "change up" became clear outside of my running shoes.

What I'm doing right now may be enough to satisfy others, but am I living to MY potential... to fulfill my destiny? Is the struggle to "make it work" giving back the energy to live life to the fullest?
If I want to experience all life has to offer I have to do what's best for me and that may be a life change-up. Why stay in a place because it's what I'm used to or to please others. Wow... looks like I need a few long runs to sort through all my thoughts! :)

 How about you:  do you question your placement, career, workout routine or hobbies... are you struggling to make it work?  Maybe the "change up" is exactly what you need too!

Smile on,
Jeni