Update

So it's been quite a bit of time since my last post. I was all set for the Indiana Trail 100 (Love the event) and had big goals. I was set... a little nervous, but ready to PUSH!

Needless to say, the event didn't go as planned :( I ended up making the decision to drop 70 so miles in. I'm not proud of the DNF as it was my first one ever. But I'm proud of my decision to do what was best for my body and my crew. I was definitely in awe of the people that continued on in those conditions.

I have set my sights on a new event; the Hallucination 100. I'm excited to embark on another 100 mile journey with the same BIG goal in my mind/heart.

I appreciate all your support and encouragement as I continue to find my happy place on the trails.

Running 100.... final preparations

Preparing for most things takes planning, drive, and follow-through. This is true with races of any distance. This is VERY true with races of longer distances. I have been preparing for a goal race for months now and in less than a week it will be time to toe the line (At Indiana Trail 100. Get more info @ http://www.indianatrail100.com/)  and give it my best go.

For months I have been following a set training plan including interval workouts, hill repeats, tempo runs, trail runs, strength training, and recovery techniques. ( Thanks, Michele!) It has meant a lot more solo runs and early weekend mornings but it will be worth it.

I've been working on pushing past my limits.... past that place where I know I won't fail. It's tough.... a constant challenge. And each time I run long, it's another chance to conquer my fears.

To give you a little insight into my world of ultras I would like to share with you the prep side leading up to the big day. No longer talking about the training aspect, but the actual coordination of getting through 100 miles. It takes a team effort.

Some of the dedicated crew from last IT100

Enter.... my crew! I have some amazing family and friends that are willing to put up with being with me (and when I say with I mean that they are in the same park as I am somewhere a distance off in the woods to see me for 3 minutes every few hours or so) for 30 hours or so to help me complete a race. Now I've spectated/volunteered at a lot of races and I've heard people grumble about waiting around for runners at a 5K! And ultra crew members are out in the elements for hours.... waiting.... and you'd never be able to tell it was someone else's goal they were working towards at all. They are the lifeblood at these things. They are set with the hard task of helping runners be successful. They think, when the runners can't (Ultra Brain at 3 am: how much fuel do I need? Where are my extra batteries for the headlamp? etc.).

My awesome Mom is my crew captain. This is her second year at the job and I wouldn't have it any other way. She is just amazing.... positive..... and knows exactly how to track/monitor my needs. She tracks everything on a spreadsheet and could tell you exactly how much I've had to eat, drink, and if I'm going to the bathroom (yes, you should be on top of that stat too! ). She has met with me leading up to the race to talk strategy and go over spreadsheets. She ROCKS!

Running happy with my pacer

Then come the pacers. Not only are they part of the crew that stands around waiting.... they also get the fun job of running the course with me in the dark and when I'm probably contemplating why I started this thing in the first place! No seriously, pacers are so much fun because they come in when your brain is done being alone. I've asked them to come prepared with tunes, stories, and my time goals. They can push and encourage and help keep me moving. IT100 allows pacers after 50 miles, which is awesome! I will especially need someone with me during the night. It can get spooky in the woods at night so it's nice to have another person out there with you. It's also just nice having someone to share the experience with. Now don't get me wrong, I love my alone time in the woods, but after 12+ hours.... company is refreshing!

The final aspect I'll chat about today is how I actually prep my gear. I love lists and being organized so this part of the prep is fun for me. This particular race is a looped course. So this helps in prepping. There are 2 places for drop bags that I can pack and have waiting for me at aid stations. Now even though I have a crew, I still prepare drop bags to be as self-sufficient as possible. I prep out bags per loop with the fuel I will need each loop. This helps when I come into the aid station, grab the fuel bag and pass my garbage to my crew as my mom is checking in and marking down the needed info on her spreadsheets. I won't go into all that I pack in my fuel bags..... if you want to know, just ask!

Organized gear is a must!

Along with fuel bags, I also prep extra clothes, gear, first aid kit, etc. What I have learned from last year is that along with my gear.... it's nice to pack extra things for your crew. They are giving the gift of time away from their own responsibilities to help. This year I'm fully packed with gear and snacks that can be at their disposal as well.

Planning calms my nerves. Planning helps me to be more flexible.

Planning helps me set my team up to be successful. I'm sure something will go amiss come race day.... but that's how life works. And when that happens.... I'll smile, adjust my plans and keep moving.


**** Do you have other tips on how you prep for a big event or race? I'd love to hear your thoughts, too!****

Paleozoic Silurian Spring 50k

I have to be honest that this race is by far my FAVORITE! I've been involved with the Paleozoic Trail Runs since their Fall 2013 event and never thought twice about another event of theirs. The answer was always.... OF COURSE!

Since the beginning I've volunteered at the fall Paleozoic event and run the Spring. It's a perfect combo of ultra experiences and I highly recommend getting involved in volunteering at races. But.... this was the Silurian Spring and I had a plan.... to run to my fullest potential and push past being comfortable in a long run.

To be honest, I could probably say I've never really "raced" a 50k. Oh I've ran them, but either as a training run for a longer event, a companion for a friend's event, or just for fun. However in those races I know I left some much of my potential out on the trail. I had a blast at all of them, but always wondered, what could I do if I really pushed.

Leading up to this race, I've been working with a running coach who has been helping me to push outside of my running comfort zone. We're talking speed intervals, tempos, and hills! It's been hard and wonderful all at the same time.

A little background on this run: an out & back course that you run twice for the full 50k distance (there is a 25k distance as well!) which runs on the Palos Trail System. It's a mixture of crushed gravel, grassy sections, more narrow trail, and a tiny section of road. The weather the day of was perfect, but the rainy days leading up to the event left several sections a bit muddy/soggy.

Steve came with me and decided he would alternate between the start/finish line aid station and the turnout aid station. This meant I would see him 3 times while running and then again at the finish. This was great, because he would be able to swap out my gels/protein bars instead of carrying it all in my pack the whole time.

So my goal was under 6 hours. Which meant I needed to stay right under 3 hours for each out-n-back. The morning started out well although early on, I thought "wow.... ok ..... it's a bit hilly" Ha! Nothing out of the ordinary the first 1/4 of the trail. I like just taking in the trail when I know I'll be seeing it multiple times during the course of the day. I got to the turn around aid station and saw Steve. We swapped garbage for a new gel/bar. A little bit before the aid station, fellow friend of the Paleozoic, Dale, found me on course and we chatted for a bit. He was running so well and kept pulling away. It was still early in the day so I was cool with doing my own thing as long as I wasn't playing it too safe. The way back into the start/finish line for the 1st loop was pretty uneventful as well. Got to the start/finish and new I needed to change shoes. I needed my shoes with slightly more cushion. Steve had them ready with a couple gels/bars. I knew I was sweating a lot and was craving salt! So I grabbed some chips and started back out for the 2nd "loop."



Heading out for the 2nd half

Heading back out for the second loop I was about 10-15 minutes ahead of schedule but I was worried I was sweating too much as my energy levels felt pretty low. I saw Dale again and he really was a huge motivator in that if I knew I could still see him I was doing pretty good :) Thanks, Dale!

I was walking hills (sorry Michele) but running everything else and just kept thinking, you've got this Jeni..... just keep moving. I realized I was drinking the right amount of water, but I was sweating a lot so I probably could have been using salt tabs. I filled up my water bottles at the unmanned aid station but kept plugging on.

When I got to Steve at the turn-around for the second loop I was hurting. Somewhere between the unmanned aid station and the turn around my right hamstring/hip/glute started to scream. My body was mad at me and definitely letting me know through cramping! I was seriously regretting not using my salt tabs. I was feeling defeated knowing sub six hours was slipping away. Steve and I swapped fuel for garbage and he gave some encouraging words. I knew I had to make it back to the finish but I wasn't sure how long that would take, especially if the cramping continued. When I headed back on the trail I could see a few more ladies heading into the turn around aid station (I love that about out-n-backs.... you can see who is infront/behind you) And I was motivated to not get passed by anyone on the way back in. Only 7.75 miles left to go.... DO NOT GET PASSED!

The way back is always great because you know it's the last time you'll see a section of the course. Last time for the hill that goes on FOREVER, last road section (which had some very interesting art drawn on it at some point in the day), last soggy prairie grass with ankle deep mud/water, last time by bullfrog lake, etc. When I got to the unmanned aid station I came across another runner and we chatted for a bit. The whole time I was pressing forward just wanted to get to the finish. I knew 6 hours wasn't in the books for me but I knew I could still PR if I kept moving.

The last 3/4 of a mile is all grass ( which is my least favorite)... but it's also a parade lap around the finish. To say it's torture might sound a bit dramatic but that's exactly how it feels to be so close yet so far! Ha! When I was walking it was more like a limp and when I was running it was more like a shuffle but I was almost done.



The finish

Dale came back out to run me in and his wife Mary (who had ran the 25k) was right there too.... cheering me in to the finish! So much support, it was amazing.

So I didn't go sub 6. I came in 6:06:03 but I pushed when I wasn't comfortable. I pushed when I was hurting and I pushed when I thought I couldn't. I pushed even when I knew I was going to fail at the sub 6 goal. To say I wasn't bummed about failing to run sub 6 would be a lie. I still want that and will work to get it, but when I think back on the day I have much to be thrilled about:

• It was a huge PR.... my previous best trail 50K was 6:48 and change. That's a 42 MINUTE personal best.
• I ran for my running buddy, Lucy. Another medal coming your way, my sweet, tough, silly/sassy friend!
• I ran UNCOMFORTABLE! It's not supposed to be easy all the time :)
• It was a learning experience and will be able to run stronger next time.
• I ran at a race that I LOVE with people who are AWESOME. Bill and Michele Thom are wonderful RDs and work so hard to put on a wonderful event. I'm blessed to be a part of it. Plus all of the volunteers are top notch!
• I got 2nd place female in my age group and 4th female overall. Wahooo

All in all, it was a great experience. I love the 50k distance and I can't wait until the next one.

**** This was written after fully recovering from the event. My right hip was pretty sore for a few days. I walked, stretched, rolled and ice bathed for recovery. I was running again by Thursday. Thinking back, I'm sure I missed things about the run and I didn't take a single picture because I was focused on racing instead of running. But I'm happy with the outcome and am now focused on the Indiana Trail 100 at the end of April.

****I highly recommend the Paleozoic Trail Runs and if you run the fall event you'll see me there volunteering. I have met so many friends because of this event. The ultra community is second to none in my book.

****Do you have a story about how you pushed through when things got uncomfortable? It doesn't have to be running related. Life gets uncomfortable, and I'd love to hear your stories too. Let me know in the comment section below!


Thanks Dale.... you really helped me out there



All gear ready to go. Planning is key

Pushing the limits

"Do one thing every day that scares you"

     -Eleanor Roosevelt

Reading the book "my year with Eleanor" has brought on a lot of self evaluation lately. Being vulnerable is a fear of mine.... so Eleanor, let's do this :-)

I've realized I'm afraid to push and test my limits. I can't believe I'm saying that out loud.

New city

100 miles

A few years ago I made a goal to get out of my comfort zone in life and experience new things.... things that scared me. I started auditioning for musicals again, I moved to a new city, and pushed to farther running distances. I felt like I was accomplishing my goal. I was pushing outside of my comfort zone, but I was still "playing it safe."

Ready for a musical promo

Don't get me wrong, I love what I have done and it did take effort. Not everything has been easy and I surely had fears along the way.

But what happens when you realize that even though you're outside of the comfort zone, you're still only pushing to be "good enough" instead of great? What if fear of failure is hindering the journey to reaching your full potential?

These are questions I find myself thinking about often. How do you test your limits? How do you push beyond "good enough?"

** Thanks Kendahl for the book recommendation!!

Farmdale Trail Run

Jogging stroller for the pupcakes

It's been a long time since my last post. Things have definitely been a whirlwind of change in my life. New city... new schedule.... new job. All great things, but to be completely honest, my training has suffered a bit in the process. I worked to get in my speed workouts but I knew my strength training was hit or miss.

Living out of a suitcase = lots of lists

I planned on Farmdale Trail Run 30M as my fall goal race. I wanted to see how I could do in a 30 mile event as a race. I've ran 30ms and 50ks but always as training runs for distances even farther. I signed up for the race prior to the new job and knowing fully what my new position would entail.

I love my new work situation. I get to travel, work with teachers, and give professional development sessions on an awesome data and assessment solution tool. But.... it turns out the week prior to the race I was traveling to 3 different trainings. I was in North Dakota the Monday before the race. Central Illinois the Wednesday and then north western Illinois on the Friday. These all included an overnight stay and all day in heels! Needless to say I was worried about the race.

I knew I wanted to go out and run hard and have fun.... didn't know what the outcome would be, especially with the week leading up to the race, but I was definitely ready for some quiet time in the woods.

Pre-Race

As soon as I finished up my training sessions in Rocton, IL, I jumped in the car and headed down to East Peoria. I got to the race site in about 2 1/2 hours. The packet pickup was at the start/finish line area at Famdale Resevior. The volunteers were wonderful and packet pickup was a breeze. I took a little bit of time to explore part of the course because I had never been in the area before. Being at the park made me feel excited for the next day ahead.

Then I left to grab dinner and check into the hotel (which is becomming quite routine these days). I believe in good signs and I saw a sign that reminded me of my IRUN4 buddy Lucy. I knew it was going to be a good race.

Pre race start/finish
line area

Cozy fire pit

The next morning I got to the race site with about 30 min prior to the start time. It was a chilly morning but the fire pits were going and easy to stay warm. Promptly at 7:00 the 30M runners were sent off (50 and 100 mile runners had already been on course for a couple hours). The course consisted of 3 10 mile loops.

Loop 1

The first loop runners stayed pretty clumped together. The first loop I wanted to just feel out the course. I had studied the course description and map but there wasn't an elevation profile. The pack was running pretty steadily on the single track, tackling the hills pretty easily. There were only a handful of pretty steep climbs that required hiking. Cougar hill was the worst and I'm not going to lie, I had to use my hands to get up! The good thing about this hill was that the 1/2 way aid station was at the top of the hill so it was a great motivator to get up the thing! The course had a good mix of terrain: single track, gravel, prairie grass, roots, and even a couple creek crossings to get your feet wet. It also a lot of sections that were down hill.* I didn't feel like I was running too hard or too conservatively on this loop, I was just trying to see what I was getting into for the day. I would say I was somewhere mid pack. I came into the start/finish line aid station at about 2 hours. I quickly refilled my water bottles and changed into a new shirt. (the morning started off pretty chilly but warmed up quickly on the course)

Loop 2

Runners started to spread out loop 2. I would hear other runners talking or come upon someone but I enjoyed the quiet. It allowed me to focus on my running. What I started to notice was that I wasn't afraid of the down hill sections... and this course had a good amount of decline! It felt awesome. In fact, I started to laugh about how much fun I was having running DOWNHILL!!! Since I had already ran the loop once, I started to picture what was coming up by landmarks and that helped to push but the hills felt more daunting and I knew I had slowed down. The main landmarks that stuck out to me on this loop were: the creek, switchback hill, prairie grass section, cougar hill/aid station, rocky downhill, more prairie grass, the road, pines, easy trail, and finish line. I met a couple runners on this loop and chatted for bit to pass the time. I however noticed that I kept seeing 2 ladies running together. I would pass them on the downhill sections and aid stations (they lingered for a bit) and then they would catch me on the climbs. But I kept telling myself, you're fine... run your own race, you still have an entire loop. As soon as I got into the start/finish line area, I knew I wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible and try to get a good distance out from the ladies! (loop 2 took about 2:25)

Loop 3 

The last loop. This was fun because I could pass a landmark and think "this is the last time I'll cross this little foot bridge, or run through this creek, or climb this stinking "mountain!" (it's amazing how hills turn into mountains in the later miles of races)" And of course on the switchback hill, which zig-zagged up, the ladies caught me and passed. I was discouraged by that but thought there was still race miles left and I could catch them. I was loving the downhills and they were running these more tentatively. I was on a nice downhill section, had the ladies in my sights and ugh.... caught a tree root and just bit it. Fell so hard the ladies stopped, turned around to make sure I was ok. They were so kind to stop and see if I needed help. When I fell, I must have tensed my whole body up because my legs cramped as I was laying in the dirt. I knew I was ok but couldn't get up right away. I assured the ladies that nothing major was wrong and they went on their way. I got up, dusted myself off and continued on my way. I was ticked.... tears were welling up because the cramping wasn't going away. I would run a few steps and the right calf would twinge/cramp. Then I'd continue on for a bit and the quads would scream; I wanted to scream too. Amazingly I got to the half way aid station as the ladies were leaving. I joked to the volunteer that of course I fell because I chose to wear my pretty white socks to a trail event! I thanked him for his time and grabbed a salty boiled potato slice hoping that would help with the cramping legs. I knew at this point I still had about 5 miles to go and had no clue if I could keep with the ladies or how far behind the rest of the runners were. I just knew I had to keep moving. I had the ladies in my sights, it was a downhill section, and something in me panicked. I stayed behind them, when I knew I could pass. I'm not sure if it is because they were so kind when I fell that I felt bad passing, or the fear of them passing me right back. Whatever it was, I didn't make the move. I let them continue on in front. I finished the race 2 minutes behind the ladies and 8th female overall. I was happy with the top ten finish, but disappointed in that I didn't push harder.

Post race:

Lots of cramping, banged up legs and arms from the fall, awesome finishers rock that was mailed to Lucy, new pair of shoes that I won in a raffle!!!, and the drive to run better, race harder, and live up to my full potential.

Take Aways:

-Continue to work on hill training for late in the race climbs
-Downhill running was a success in this race. It was the first time I had fun running down hill!
-Salt tabs are important even in shorter distance;probably could of had that and maybe it would have helped with the cramping
-Meeting new people is fun, but having a familiar face at a race can be a motivator (felt lonely at this one)
-Falls happen, work on mentally recovering faster.



*I have always said that I'm a terrible downhill runner. I just feel out of control running downhill and I tend to over-break leading to definite quad fatigue.

* Is it normal or common to be afraid of your full potential? I found myself doubting the great things that I could be. If I'm being completely honest with myself, this is something I do in my non running life too. If you have ever felt this way, how did/do you cope with that. How do you push past your fears and let your full potential come to fruition?

Meeting my Inspiration: Lucy's Birthday Party

Happiest of birthdays to sweet Lucy!

If you read my last post, you know that I had the chance to meet my running buddy Lucy. Let me just say..... it was awesome! Please bear with me on this post as I am filled with so many emotions from this trip and it's hard to put those feelings into words. So, here we go.... 

Steve and I headed up to Wisconsin mid Saturday morning to make the 3 hour trip for Lucy's birthday party. I had her gift and medals (including my first 100 mile belt buckle) in tow. We chatted and listened to music along the way and time flew by. We even got in town early enough to stop for a sweet treat per Barb's suggestion. (Reminder: Barb is Lucy's incredible mom)

Gillies Raspberry Sundae

I got caught trying to sneak a pic

When we got there, I had butterflies in my tummy. I mean I felt like I already knew Barb and Lucy through our year of letters, packages, posts, etc.... but I was suddenly scared to MEET. I know that sounds crazy but I always try to fully put out there my thoughts/feelings... so I was afraid this sweet and feisty girl that I have thought of daily wouldn't like me. Luckily as soon as we rang the doorbell we were greeted so warmly and with welcome arms! Lucy and Barb even made a running gift for me! It was her birthday and I'm getting gifts?!?!?! 

New display for bibs and medals :)

Everyone we met (friends, grandparents, relatives) said: "You're the runner! Wow"
But I couldn't help but think: Yes I run; I do the easy part. Watching Barb, her husband Noah, and family care for Lucy all the while throwing a fabulous Lady and the Tramp themed 6th birthday party took my breath away. They did it all with smiles and kind words to everyone! If you want to read more about Lucy's story and the day-to-day challenges of living with and caring for someone with SMA please check out Barb's blog:
 http://www.lucyshopeforacure.blogspot.com/

Yes, I was there to meet Lucy face to face for the first time, but I was also just another visitor at her birthday party!It felt so normal and natural to be at the party and I enjoyed watching all the hustle and bustle in the house. Lucy's friends came out in full force and it was awesome to see. 

I was honored to pass over my medals and belt buckle. I have the memories from the runs  and that's enough. If the medals can bring Lucy a smile or giggle when they clink together it means more  for her to have them than me. 

When I first signed up with I Run 4 I never expected the connection would be so special. I thought it would be a fun experience to give more of what the world needs, but I just cannot put into words how incredible it has been for me. 

I think Barb, Lucy, and family are STRONG and courageous, kind and AMAZING. I am honored to run for Lucy and my goal for our upcoming years together is to help increase awareness for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Lucy inspires me because she continues to push through daily struggles and live life to her fullest! 

I think Lucy liked when we all sang happy birthday the best! 

I Run 4 Lucy.... and now I get to meet her

So for a little over a year, I've ran for the organization I Run 4. This group pairs runners and families with exceptional children to connect, share, and support through the adventures of life and running. This sounded perfect for me. I was paired on April 25th, 2014 with an awesome little girl named Lucy. Lucy has spinal muscular atrophy type 1. This is the most sever type of SMA but that doesn't stop her from being a feisty daddy's girl! Over the year I have dedicated all of my runs and races to Lucy because, if she could, she'd be running around too. Her mom, Barb is a fabulous mom with crafting skills to be envious of! She keeps me updated on Lucy's progress and fun activities and I let Lucy in on all my training runs, races, ups, and downs. Even though we haven't physically met, I like to think we have a special connection. Now on our 1 year "matchiversary" I ran my first 100 miler and I thought of Lucy often to keep me moving forward. I run because she can't.... I run 4 Lucy! When I finished, we earned a belt buckle and I knew I just had to make the trip to meet her and deliver this buckle in person. Well..... the time has come! I will get to attend Lucy's 6th birthday party next weekend!!!! I am beyond excited. I feel so blessed to know this family and I will actually get to meet her in PERSON!

Stay tuned for more updates from my trip to Lucy!!!!!

If you're interested in more information about the I Run 4 organization, check out their website:
http://www.whoirun4.com/

Info on SMA:
http://www.smafoundation.org/about-us/

http://www.lucyshopeforacure.blogspot.com/    (All about Lucy!)