This awesome event has a 4k, 8k, 10 mile, and 8 hour event. It really is an affordable race option that offers distances for any runner looking to try out some trail. Located in Morton Grove, IL and put on by the wonderful RD dynamic duo of Bill and Michelle Thom this race was perfect from start to finish.
I planned on running the 8 hour as a training run for my upcoming #javelinajundred (October 28th in Fountain Hills, AZ) and my mom was signed up for the 10 mile option. We arrived about 45 minutes prior to my start time and it was an easy packet pickup right at the start/finish line. We said hello to Bill and Michelle and it was great to finally have my mom meet them. Bill and Michelle are so special to me as I've been a volunteer for their awesome fall 25k/50k Paleozoic Trail Runs for a few years. (click the link to sign up.... you won't be disappointed!) We also chatted with the volunteer extraordinaire Ian Stevens (who will also be at JJ100).
The 8 hour race started at 7:30 with Bill joining the runner for the first 2.5 mile loop. In the 8 hour race, we would continue looping the course as many times as possible with the option to switch to a mini loop of .25 miles at the 7 hour mark. My plan for the day was to get in a 50k as a training run and run a bit with my mom. The first loop was pretty quick as it was fun to keep up with the RD for his tour. I had never seen this course before and it was a great mix of grassy trail, dirt/woodchip sections, woods, and a meadow with crushed limestone. There were a few rolling hills but nothing crazy. I met a new runner that first loop and we chatted until we reached the start/finish line. I knew I wanted to slow it down a bit and so I took a quick restroom break to back off and do my own thing.
One thing that was awesome is that you were never too far away from the aid station. Each time you came through the loop you would cross the timing mat and have the chance to refuel at the fully stocked aid station. We also had access to all our stuff which made race logistics a breeze.
Another bonus of the day is that my dad came to relax at the park and cheer us on. Each time through the start/finish, there he was with an encouraging wave, word, and smile. Once mom rocked her race, it was on to continue alone. I grabbed my music and took off for my 8th loop. I was about .75 miles into the loop when boom..... a tree root jumped out of no-where and grabbed my foot. I went down hard. I popped up as quickly as possible as my left calf started to cramp when I hit the ground. I knew I couldn't stay on the ground long if I wanted to keep moving. First thought: did I break anything? Second thought: did I break my new phone? No and No. However I was bleeding pretty badly. I got up, started walking and make 2 phone calls. The first to my mom: "hi there, I fell.... I hurt.... oh man.... blood is already on my shoe.... shoot (maybe I said something worse?! I can't remember) You'll find me on the trail? that would be great. I'll be walking" The second was to Steve who was working: "Hi Steve... I'm ok but I fell. It's going to be a long day, I might not get in my 50k but I'll walk all afternoon. I don't think anything is broken. I'm just bleeding a lot and it hurts." So I walked for a bit. I got to the meadow section which had THOUSANDS of grasshoppers that would jump on and off your legs. You may think I'm being dramatic, but come on fellow Tera Sans runners... comment in agreement that the grasshoppers were crazy! I thought let's see if it hurts worse to run or if it's the same. Well it was the same, so I ran and walked through the meadow (about a mile) and then ran/walked through the woods until I found my mom. She had my first aide supplies but I decided I didn't want any help until we were back at the aid station. We got back to the start/finish and mom helped me clean up my knee (I wish I would have stopped to take pictures!).
Even though I was hurting, I wanted to keep going for the day. I needed 11 loops to be considered in the "ultra" distance but I wanted more than that. With just 8 loops done, I wanted to keep moving. I grabbed some chips and more water and took off walking. Then I started to get into a rhythm. Walk and eat coming out of the aid station, run through the grassy area into the woodchips and over the bridge, walk the hill to the meadow, run the first meadow section, walk the hill with all the grasshoppers, run the meadow to the woods, etc. It was easy to stay in this rhythm and I was able to come up on other runners and pass on by. Great job, nice work... always encouraging each time you see someone.
I got to 11 loops and still had plenty of time so I thought I'd like to keep going to get that 50k. It's funny some loops my dad would say "hey... run this one faster, catch some people" and then I'd come through the start/finish line again and he'd go "ok... I was joking, slow this one down." I just smiled and loved that even as a 33 year old my parents still come out and support my passions. At about 7 hours I came through after loop 12 and wanted to go out for a 13th "big loop" before starting on the "little loop". I didn't know where I was in the placing at this point as I knew I had fallen and taken time to clean up. How many loops behind was I? Ok Jen, I told myself that doesn't matter; you're here to have fun. This is FUN. So I set out for my 13th loop. I saw a few more runners on the course this loop and came into the start/finish line about 7:35. I knew I didn't have time to do another full loop as if I didn't get back by 8 hours, the loop wouldn't count. I didn't see anyone on the little loop yet but I checked in with the start/finish and said I was switching to the little loop. I switched out of my altras and into my lunas. The air on my feet felt wonderful. I checked the board where they were tallying our loops and I was in second place for the ladies and the first one on the little loop. My goal was to keep going until 8 hours. I started looping the .25 mile loop which was all in the grassy area around the start/finish line. 1 loop, 2 loops, 3 loops, a mile. Then came more runners. I wasn't alone on the little loop. 5 loops, 6 loops, 7 loops, 2 miles. The whole time I was watching the clock.... how many more can I do?!? Then Bill called out: 3 minutes left! Who can do another loop? Could I?! I didn't know, but I was sure going to try. I came in for my 9th little loop in 7 hours 59 minutes and some change! I did it. I kept going the whole time and I even ended up 2nd place female.
It was a perfect day: continual gifts of nature in the form of blue skys, sunshine, friendly deer, a cool breeze, grasshoppers and butterflies, friendly company, and a body that can be pushed to do amazing things.
Big thanks for Michele and Rugged Running as I have a coach and training plan that makes these races not only doable, but also leaves me feeling perfectly wonderful the following day. The recovery time is so reduced due to smart, quality training. LOVE IT! Another huge shout out to my awesome MOM and DAD for supporting the whole time. Mom, you rocked your run and you made me smile all day. I love that you accept a challenge and work hard; you are an awesome example.
Gear:
Rugged Running tshirt
Road Runner compression shorts
Smartwool socks
Atra Olympus
Luna Leadville Gordos
