Indiana Trail 100: "Get me to the Dawn and I'll finish!"

 

 

Bill and I on a training run
I got ZERO pics of us on course

Once night came, it got cold.... and really dark. I was starting loop 5 in complete darkness. Bill (my brother-in-law) was up for pacing and he headed out into the dark. I was excited to have some new energy as I was getting tired. Bill was awesome. We laughed, sang, talked, and did a lot of WALKING. The mud was really taxing in the dark. I think the night was playing with my brain too. I was afraid to run thinking I would fall with each step. I kept apologizing for going slow, especially when we could see our breaths, but Bill was easy going and said it was all good. I was still doing well with my nutrition and hydration. Getting all the water, gels, and salt tabs in between aid stations (Thanks to the alarm on Bill's phone!) and then grabbing hot food from the aid station tents. Every time I took a gel I would ask Bill if he wanted half. He never took one, but did snack on unwrapped starbursts.... I may have had a few too! I think I laughed more with Bill than anyone else on the course.

The mud was so awful and slippery.... I may have gone down once but Bill's several close calls gave me several close calls in the accident department (I know... TMI, but this is the reality of lack of sleep, falling in mud, laughter, and proper hydration) Along with the mud, we were also dealing with several "lakes" along the course. Bill and I took to naming the new lakes in the Chain O'Lakes Park. I hate to admit that some of the names aren't quite appropriate for this blog. Use your imagination and I'm sure you're on the right track. We kept seeing the crew: schoolhouse out, rally camp (half way), schoolhouse in, and start/finish. Each time I smiled, but said this is really far, the mud sucks, or I'm good but tired. I am forever grateful for Bill. I know this was outside his comfort zone and he did it for ME. Wow, I'm a lucky sister-in-law! Famous last words from Bill as we headed into the start/finish area after loop 5: "There isn't anyone else I would have done this for!"  I simply replied, "thanks so much, I just hope you aren't too sore or blistered"

I couldn't believe I was ready for loop 6... the final loop! I had completed eighty-some miles, I'm sure I couldn't have told you the exact number then so I won't do the math now. I went into the start-finish line tent and grab the last bag of supplies to keep moving. My family, of course, was there but I quickly said hello, that all my fuel/hydration/plan was going well, but I needed to keep moving. Steve, my husband, was pacing for the last loop. I wasn't sure if he would be able to go the whole way, but he was willing to give it a go since we figured there would be a good amount of walking. We headed out into the dark.... again. I had been on the course now for about 23 hours. It was cold and dark and I was beat. Steve put music on his phone and we planned on rocking out to some music to get me through the night. It was still hard to run in most places but we did our best. My theme for the first part of the course was "I need the sun.... I need the dawn." It felt like the sun was never going to rise. I continued to move forward. Running where possible, but mostly walking. 

1/2 through the loop

Then finally..... the dawn.... the beautiful dawn. It made a huge difference mentally. I had energy to run. My right knee was not feeling awesome and the down hills were taking their toll but I would focus on running 100 steps and then walking 100 steps. I kept alternating this as much as possible. When we saw the crew at mile 9 we checked in with Steve (his knees aren't the best and I knew this was a lot for him. He said he was up for the challenge. Yes!!!) My father-in-law, Ralph kept encouraging me to move it along and jog when I could. His words "just jog a little" stuck with me long after seeing them at the aid stations. I laughed about how hard moving forward really was. With this statement coming every time I saw them, I started to worry I was not going to finish within the cut off. I had no clue what time it was, how long I'd been out there, or how long it would take me to get to the finish. I kept pushing the pace as the course seemed to dry up. There was still mud, don't get me wrong, but it was much more runnable in the daylight.

 Once it was daylight we started to see a few other runners as we moved along. We said our hellos and encouraging words and kept pushing on. The music was a great distraction to my aching knee and feet. I knew for sure my feet were going to be raw. I was asked if I needed to change socks and too afraid of what I'd find, I said no each time. I had to keep moving... I had to finish. When We got to school house aid station at mile 14ish it was a relief. I knew this meant I had less than 3 miles to go. The workers had been faithful the entire time and were a part of my journey and success. I wish I would have gotten pictures of the workers because seriously, they were incredible. We hugged, grabbed snacks, and headed out. I was going to make it!!!!





At that point I kept saying... I can't believe I'm running 100 miles!!!! "Steve, I'm going to make it right?" Yes was his response. I quickly followed up with " will pushing it make the difference between a 28 or a 29 in the finish time?" He said that it would and I said lets get it. I picked up the pace again. I was hurting and tired, but motivated. Kyle joined us for a bit and made me feel like stronger was a possibility. It was just the boost I needed. I thought about what this finish meant: an average girl with big dreams... Hard work, support system, precious motivation from my running buddy Lucy, and the awesome community of ultra runners. I cruised into the finish line in 28 hours 11 minutes and 52 seconds.

Tears came when getting the buckle for Lucy. So meaningful!

Fun Facts:

*Jamie and Bill's kiddos were the best cheerleaders on the course.... cowbell included! They crewed, cheered, and napped like champs! So blessed.





Taylor faithful with the cowbell

Kellen still going strong

*Not a single blister thanks to desitin smeared on my feet! I highly recommend it.

*I was so paranoid about not having enough fuel I didn't execute my bag exchange plan properly (I blame exhaustion and paranoia) I ended up with about 5 -6 extra pounds in my hydration vest and a couple in my jacket. I wanted to ditch some to family, but they were outside of the aid stations and I wanted to follow all rules! Next time I'll give this responsibility over to my crew.

*Nutrition: first 50 miles intake was limited to gels, protein bars, salt tabs, and water. Last 50 included the previous list plus hot chicken soup, potato chips, grilled cheese pieces, and a slice of pizza (sorry Michele).... oh and some starburst.

*My mom was a perfect crew captain, her spreadsheet was a great tracking tool to record EVERYTHING that happened throughout the day.

Best Crew EVER!!!!

*Post race nutrition is just as important. I neglected post race and suffered swelling of the legs and feet. I needed to push more fluids post run.

*Fell asleep mid sentence in the car ride home.

* Encouraging letters from friends and family was a huge help! They were pick-me-ups and kicks in the butt when needed! I recommend it for others.

* Indiana Trail 100 offers training runs on the course all year long! What an awesome way to experience the course before race day. This is a top notch event and I will be returning. Mike is WONDERFUL!

Gear:

Road Runner Shorts
I Run 4 Lucy shirt
CEP compression socks
Altra Olympus shoes
Ultimate Direction Jenny Vesta
Carrots lightweight rain jacket
Nike insulated rain jacket
Nike gloves
Hand warmers
Nike hat
Various long sleeved t shirts

Extra Pictures

Awesome RD!!!



Crewing is tiring work

I thought for sure my feet would be tore up....
no blisters and kept all my nails



the mud in the daylight made me feel like
I wasn't too crazy walking most of the night



tired but still moving: about halfway through the lap





I know I could write more.... but sometimes I just can't find the right words so I'll just keep the memories. I encourage you to push out of your comfort zone.... experience, live with big dreams, encourage others, bring people together, and smile!

Indiana Trail 100

Are you ready? Everyone kept asking me that.... "are you ready?" I hated to say it, but I had no clue if I was ready. How do you really know if you're ready for 100 miles when it's your first go at it. I mean, my legs felt great, I was hitting all my training workouts, and mentally I see myself as pretty tough, but was I ready to run 100 miles? I didn't fully know if I was ready, but I was surely going to give it my all. Here's part 1 of my mini series of posts on my first hundred mile endurance event.

So when I'm uncertain about things, I like to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. I was focused on my crew, my supplies, and my game plan.


The months leading up to the event, I felt out my support and planned for the crew (People that would be willing to devote an entire day + to the cause). All of my training was prepared by my running coach, Michele Yates. Her training plan is different than what I had done for past ultras but I trust her approach and I think it was the best thing for me, especially with my January setback*. But I knew I wanted to have a crew with me to monitor my progress and keep me on track with my plan along the way.

My mom was holding down the position of crew captain. She was ready to document all my nutrition, health needs throughout the event. Her organization and nursing skills were a huge advantage! My oldest sister, Jamie, brother-in law, Bill, and husband, Steve, paced for the event. But there were several others that were willing to jump in and run if needed. I was so fortunate to have a huge support crew that showed up to the event and parade around the course to make the day extra special for me! My Dad, Ralph, Alice, Taylor, Kellen, Kyle, Jessica, Ashley, and Andrew...... wow! I feel loved.

With the crew set, the next step to my pre-race process was drop bags. The course was set up with 6 loops and access to drop bags in 2 places. So my plan was to bag out each loop. Then I could easily grab the portioned bag of supplies and keep moving until the next aid station/drop bag location. I wanted my aid stations to be seamless so being prepped was key. 



All organized and ready to go



Best friend, Mallory
helped pack my loop bags!
Love her support!

With bags packed and crew ready, the last pre-race details were packet pick-up and a good night's sleep! My mom and I traveled to Albion, Indiana Friday, April 24.



Trip was easy and we quickly made it to the Chain O'Lakes state park and Indiana Trail 100 packet pick up. Pick up was so easy and organized. (this isn't their first rodeo) The volunteers were friendly and the feeling was just relaxed and easy. I started to get nerves because everyone else looked like real runners! I tried to just be me and fully enjoy each moment. After grabbing my packet, which included fun gear, I got to meet up with my running coach and a few other rugged runners! Then it was off to dinner and the hotel.

Michele reminded me of the importance of taking time to reflect on my goals and to go into the race with that in mind. This was a great tip and as I relaxed before falling asleep I reflected on why this race was important for me: to work hard even when things get tough, to dream big, and do more than what I originally imagined I could do. If I can dream big, others can too.


I hope my race prep has interested you enough to stay tuned for my story of the race day and rainy loops, running (or walking) in the dark, and getting that beautiful belt buckle.



 

 
 ******* big shout out to my sister Erin and nephew Jaelon for taking care of my dogs over the weekend. They weren't at the race but their support was felt knowing my precious pupcakes were taken care of.******
*A little back story on my training leading up to the event. I also ride horses and took a spill in January. The result was not ideal: fractured fibular head and tibia. My running coach said, no problem. We can work through an injury. All athletes have them, the great ones handle them well. I trusted her advice and never looked back.



Before we left, my teaching assistant
asked me to stop by the school for a min.
They had prepared a good luck t-shirt!
 I was so touched reading all the messages/names
 from my students and colleagues.

Fractured Leg Update

I gave the boot the boot
;)

No shame being in the
kids room at the Dr!

Went back to the Dr last Thursday.

X-rays looked great and I'm no longer in the walking boot! I still can't run but I've been upgraded to the elliptical. My running coach helped me modify workouts to test the leg during cross training. The good news is that the leg is feeling great! I also am able to get in challenging workouts even though I'm not running.

I'll go back to the Dr again in a couple weeks. Still sticking to my food plan and staying focused on my goal: Indiana trail 100!
It will be tough and I may need to reevaluate my race day plan based on the leg and training, but I will still give it my best shot.
 



Cross training any way possible

It feels great to work through a set back and take it as a learning experience. It is only making me want to accomplish what I set out to do even more.

4 weeks post fracture and I'm able to do speed work.... makes me smile.... I'll take it!
 

A little setback

Ever know that something is wrong, but you just don't want to admit it??

 

I took a spill in my riding lesson in January (the 21st to be exact). It hurt, but when you fall off a horse, it's going to hurt. I got up, got back on... the usual. I'm currently training for a spring 100 mile trail run and am working with a wonderful running coach. But with the pain in the leg I decided I needed to take a few days rest before trying to run.

Skip to:
Monday (4 rest days) I attempted to run. Completed 1 very slow and very painful treadmill mile. I kept feeling like my knee was going to give out. I got off the treadmill trying to suppress the building tears in my eyes. I knew I needed more rest for the leg, but the thought of not training was scary. I iced, elevated, and continued to take ibuprofen.

Saturday: trail run attempt. It was time to give it another go. It had been well over a week since the fall. This attempt I made it just over 2 miles and had to call it a day. How could I need more rest???? It was just a little horse fall!

I decided to tell my coach a more detailed version of what happened and get her advice. Made a Dr appointment and kept trying to tell myself that there couldn't be anything wrong, I have plans.... goals..... This is the wrong time to get hurt.

"boots are in this winter"
thanks Jessica for the quote

2 Dr appointments and an mri later, I now know that I fractured the fibular head and tibia during that little fall and have been walking around like it was no big deal since (no wonder it hurt to run!)

The Dr, thankfully, hasn't ruled out my race. But this definitely feels like a big obstacle to cross.

So, I plan on doing a lot of cross training and upper body work (Dr said to cross train as much as I can unless I have pain)

I'm trying to stay positive in the midst of a set back. Lots of bigger problems in the world than a couple broken bones. I'm just glad I stopped ignoring the pain and dealt with the problem. It's scary and changes the plans I set, but it doesn't have to change my goals or the outcome of my future.

 

 

So enough about me...... what about you???
Have you had a lingering feeling that you can't shake..... A problem that seems too scary to deal with and fix so you continue to self treat and hope for the best????

Don't walk around with a broken leg!

 

Have the tough conversation that's needed, explore new options if you're unhappy in the current situation, make an appointment to see a professional.... whatever the case may be in your situation.... But please, don't ignore your personal "broken leg."

don't be like this!!!

Scared and excited.... but saying yes to life!

So I ran a local color run this past weekend. It was a fun run/untimed and for a great cause. I grabbed my sunglasses and camera to enjoy the color filled morning! I found myself watching the other runners and walkers laughing and enjoying the experience. It was great being doused in colors and running with friends. Just a run right????? Not quite, I tend to analyze a lot and that's just fine by me. It's actually really great for my running. So here's what caught my attention:



Children running without a care in the world

Friends decked out in bright clothes connecting while doing something physical

Families joining together to support the community

Runners dedicating miles to loved ones and new friends









I was inspired by the ladies you can see in the picture to the right. My heart was full watching these ladies covered in bright colors saying yes to this run! It made me reflect on my life and how am I making the most of each day. Do I say "yes" enough.... do I let go and just do it?!?






That brings me to my next announcement. I have officially signed up for my first 100 mile attempt. So if you want to follow my journey to 100 please continue to read my blog, join me on a run, or even just send a word of encouragement for my long months of training, I would really appreciate it.




I know I ask this a lot, but can you get more from your life? This world has so much to give, get out there and experience it in your own special way!


Run happy friends :)