Indiana Trail 100: smiling in the rain

bundled up pre-race

Welcome back to part 2 of the Indiana Trail 100. I'd like to call this section "smiling in the rain." The forecast was calling for rain pretty much all day on Saturday, but what can you do but pack a couple rain jackets, hand warmers, and a smile.

We got to the start/finish line with plenty of time before the race. My mom, husband, and in-laws were with me at the start. We took the time to pray for a safe, and enjoyable day.  My awesome running friend, and fellow rugged runner, Kyle woke up at 12:00 am to make the trip out. He found me in the runners tent before the race and we got to chat a bit before the start. He was already figuring out the course map and places to spectate outside of aid stations*. To be completely honest, it didn't feel real that I was about to start a 100 mile journey in a matter of minutes. Pretty soon all runners were ushered to the starting line (there were 100 mile runners and 50 milers all starting at the same time) I kept moving towards the back of the group as my nerves were building. I was able to see my family again and that helped. Then, in a blink of an eye, we were off. Headlamps/flashlights were lit and jackets were on as we started loop one (in the dark, cold morning).

Awesome picture Lucy's mom, Barb made. I starting
getting emotional when my sister showed me this on course.

*** The course was a 16.67 mile loop that was repeated 6 times to total 100 miles. There were 4 aid stations on the course. I wanted to compete the first 3 loops in about 4 hours to 4 hours 15 min each. This way I would have enough energy to keep going after 50 miles, but also give myself some cushion to finish within the 30 hour time limit. ***

I quickly found a nice steady pace in a cluster of runners. Lots of conversations were happening around me, yet I stayed quiet and thought about my goal for the day. You see, I have a wonderful running buddy (my inspiration). I run in honor of her and I knew I was bringing her home a belt buckle. If she could she'd be running around like crazy and when things get tough, I just think of Lucy!**


 I had planned to not use music at all on loop 1 to take in the course. The conditions were great and the time seemed to fly by. I saw my crew a couple of times and was able to start my nutrition plan well (water, gu, salt tabs, and protein bars). I came into the end of the first loop ahead of schedule. I was smiling and feeling great. I knew I didn't want to waste any extra time at the aid stations so I quickly talked to my mom and crew and headed out for loop two.

26 miles in... all smiles

End of loop 1
Swapping out supplies

I was told the rain would be coming sometime during loop 2... and it did. With the rain, also came mud. When it first started raining, it wasn't too bad. My time was slowing down a little, but that actually made me feel better since I came in pretty early the first loop. I threw my jacket  on over my pack and kept moving. I saw my family a few more times on the loop and was still feeling really great and positive despite the rain and building mud.





End of loop 2 and a break in the rain



50 miles done...change of tops

Loop 3 was my last loop to run alone. My pacers were able to join me after 50 miles. The mud was starting to thicken and spread due to the rain. In ultras, it's awesome because you meet people along the run and they often seem to be just who you need at the time. I met a husband and wife duo that were just a breath of fresh air. We ran together pretty much the entire 3rd loop (only to part after the last aid station around mile 14). They were from my home state of Ohio.... and even knew my hometown! They completed ultras together and gave lots of words of encouragement and advise. They said we could split up if needed but they wanted to see me finish this thing. I said that was my plan :) I finished 50 miles right around 12 hours. This was pretty decent due to the mud and rain. I knew I would be slowing down the next 50 miles, but I was thrilled to be half way through. 

Loop 4 I was joined by my first pacer. My oldest sister Jamie was ready to go. It was still dreary and a change of shirts and jacket were a needed change. I threw on a little heavier jacket because I knew this loop would take me into dusk and dropping temps. I also put hand warmers in my gloves. That helped.  We didn't quite need our headlamps yet and crew would be waiting with them at mile 9 on the course. It was nice to have company and we just chatted away. The mud was really taxing and I hate to say it but it was great to have someone experience it with me to know just how bad it was! When I say the mud was rough.... I mean really rough. Suck your shoe off rough. One minute on your feet and the next minute on the ground rough!

 Jamie helped me stay positive but also allowed me to be real and complain for a bit when I needed to. "This mud sucks!" "We are never going to get to the aid station!!"   The aid stations were starting to feel farther apart with each loop. (However I was laughing as I was complaining and never really broke down and wanted to quit) My mom had coordinated letters of encouragement for the run by family, friends, etc. Jamie was stocked with letters and seemed to pull the exact one I needed throughout the loop. It was incredible. We continued to push on and chat/laugh about life and the fact that we were out in the woods on a muddy, rainy day doing tough work and loving it!


Happy runners in the rain

It's really hard to describe how dusk kind of plays with your head. We were thankful for headlamps as we head into the second half of the loop. Jamie was a champ of a pacer and I'd love to have her pace again if she'd have me. It was perfect to have someone with fresh legs motivate me to keep moving forward. I was sad when our loop ended but knew it meant I only had 2 more loops to go (Just over 33 miles)!

 Just one more post left..... will you come back to read about my night on the course and the big finish??? I hope so!



The mud really never quit!!!

 

* Kyle is a trail king! He figured the course out. Helped my family find me along the course to cheer, and even got his truck stuck in the mud! Thanks Kyle, the Dodds' family thinks you ROCK!!!!

** Lucy and I are paired with the I Run 4 organization. We were matched April 25th 2014 and it's amazing that the race was exactly 1 year from our match date!

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!!!

Quick update

I know it's been a long time since my last post. I guess I never wanted to feel like I had to write and just waited for the ideas to come. So when life got busy or stressful while my running never let off,  my writing did.

So I'll just highlight 2014 and make it a goal to write more in 2015. Deal????

*matched all of my races 1 to 1 with volunteering at other events (highly recommend this to all runners!!)

* ran with my friend Jessica in her first 50k

*ran with Ashley for her first 1/2 marathon in St. Louis

*performed in the musical Les Miserables

*spend lots of miles with my family and friends

*ran alongside my best friend Mallory in her first half marathon

*made some tough, exciting decisions (watch out for those in future 2015 posts)

*registered for my first 100 mile race

*got partnered with my awesome buddy Lucy in the I Run 4 organization. I get to share my miles, medals, and memories with her and her family

* there are many more and I'm sure I've missed big events..... but I know what happens when the blog post gets too long ;)

If I could sum up my year, I would say it was about connecting. Yes, lots of running, but the connections and time spent were more important. I hope to keep that up in the new year.... how about you?

Connect over coffee, a walk/run, book club, movies, anything!

As always, thanks for reading,
Your happy runner

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 :)
 

If it doesn't scare you....

Backstage at Les Mis

It has been a while since my last post. The summer was busy.... work, musical, and running. Now as I'm heading into a new school year it's time to think about what comes next. I always help students set goals and plans on how to achieve them and so I also think about my own personal goals.


So what's next for me? I had a little hiatus from running at the end of July/beginning of august due to a fall. But I'm back and slowly building mileage. It feels great!

Foot feels so much better

Ever dream of something and wake up freaked out and excited at the same time?

I've been contemplating pushing my running limits once again with my next racing venture. I've enjoyed all my runs (not so much the 5ks) but especially when the distances jumps beyond the marathon. I've taken on 50ks and 50Milers with a smile. Can my body handle more?

They say if you're not scared.... you're not dreaming big enough. Well, lets just say this dream has me shaking!

If you know me, I'm kind of a get it done kind of girl. I'll set my mind on something and you can pretty much guarantee it will be accomplished no matter how hard I have to work for it. But the thing is.... not finishing is a real possibility and that terrifies me. So what's more important..... playing it safe and only completing tasks I know I can accomplish.... or the joy of trying something new, hard, and exhilarating?

How about you? Any thoughts coming into your mind right now that excite and make you a little nervous all at the same time? Follow my journey into the unknown and reach out to me cause I'd love to hear about yours as well.

smile on my friends.... even when you're scared!

Stay tuned for race update