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!)

My first loss

Well.... when I initially finished my 100 miler I thought for sure I was going to lose a toenail. I had a pretty big blister under the big toenail and kicking a tree root in the night didn't help. When I finally took my socks and shoes off it wasn't a pretty sight. But as the days and weeks went on the nail seemed like it was going to survive. Sure it wasn't exactly pretty but it was still there.

But, last night I felt a weird pull as I turned over in the bed. I sat up and said.... My nail fell off. I didn't even need to check, I just knew. And sure enough, the nail was gone.

I kind of expected to lose a nail at some point in my running life and I guess post 100 miler is about a good a time as any. I know... I know... who wants to read a post about a lost toenail, but this is the reality of my running experience. Aren't you glad I didn't put pictures though :) if you want to see my poor little toe, comment below and just maybe....

Run on my friends, even if your nails fall off.

Girls on the Run: an Impromptu 5k

Not only do I love running, but I love supporting other runners! So when a former student's parent told me her daughter was running her first 5K I knew I had to be there. Layevska was planning on running the Girls on the Run event at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet. It was just under an hour drive to get there and parked. Spectating is fun and I wore running clothes and a jacket because I knew rain was a big possibility. Once I was parked, Mrs. Molina Limas and I  messaged back and forth to coordinate a meet up. I saw her, her husband, and two younger girls first. Layevska rode with her girls on the run teammates on the bus. Mrs. Molina Limas was dressed to run her first 5k! I was so happy to see her. We hugged and she said that it was great that I was going to be there right along with Layevska. I quickly realized I was wanted as a runner!!!! How cool is that?! I didn't want to take away from her first 5k by joining in, but that is exactly the way I could best support.

Luckily the race had race day registration (that wasn't cash only)! It worked out perfectly, within 5 minutes I was registered, bibbed, and ready to go. We found the girls in the holding area. I was greeted with a huge smile and hug. With about 10 minutes to go we had plenty of time for a pre-race photo and chat. She was a little nervous but in awesome spirits. I asked her what her goal was: to run the whole thing! (oh yea.... we got this)

As we moved up to the starting line, the sky stared growing darker. We knew rain was coming but didn't know how much. Layevska and I were planning on running the whole race and Mrs. Molina Limas gave us her blessing to do just that! She was going to go her own pace and finish her first 5k too.

After a little pre-race warm up, we were sent on our way. We all three started off together, but Layevska was ready to run. We were quickly passing people and setting a good pace. There was a quick little section that was an out and back. That was nice because we could cheer on her mom. I told Layevska wow... your mom looks great. She's running her first 5k. She quickly responded with "she's really strong. She'll do it!"
I was smiling from that moment on.

The rain came within the first 1/2 mile. First just little sprinkles but soon was a full on rain. We chitchatted and ran steady to the first aid station. Grabbed some water and kept moving. We had a goal to accomplish. The rain was really coming down but Layevska's spirits were up. She was so happy to be out running. I kept looking over at her and filling up with joy to see her doing so well. The rain however was making her beautiful tutu heavy. She decided to take it off and so I grabbed it from her to lighten her load.

The route was one loop around the Chicagoland Speedway. Before I even realized we were at mile 2 and on the back side of the building. I knew this race would go by too quickly! With only a mile to go, Layevska started picking up speed. She was looking for holes to pass others and running really well. If she was tired, nobody knew! She was on it! We came into the finish shoot just as they were announcing "the event is cancelled... seek shelter now"

We quickly got under the picnic shelter and waited for her mom to cross the finish line. She came in shortly after.... also all smiles!!! Not only did they finish their first 5K.... they did it in a monsoon. Now that is what I call bragging rights.

I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity to share in this special experience. This is what I want more of in life. To help, to encourage others to be courageous, to smile in the rain and on the run, and to say yes to life! I only hope I stay open to the experiences and opportunities that are heading my way. 

Huge thank you to Mrs. Molina Limas for allowing me to take part in this event with her beautiful daughter Layevska..... and her hubby for holding all my things!

Layevska: it was an absolute joy to be your teacher many years ago... I am so thankful to see you now; a wonderful growing girl that is setting goals and smashing them! Keep it up. I am so proud of you! 

Sweet (new) Home Chicago

I have felt a need for a change for a while now. Sometimes I neglected the urge for more out of life because I was petrified by the idea of endings and change. I push outside of my comfort zone with running all the time. New goals, new distances, new terrains.... but I struggle with change in my personal and professional life. 

Ping Tom Memorial Park, Chinatown

My husband and I had been contemplating a move to downtown Chicago (he's been commuting for years) and finally I said "what is holding me back? If it's fear of the unknown/change it's just not a good enough reason anymore" 

Needless to say.... we've made the move! We are now living in the South Loop! I'm excited for this new time in our life. To be completely honest it's that butterflies in your belly kind of excitement. I know I'll find my peace exploring the running paths. It will give me time to settle my thoughts from the past and move forward. Plus it will give me time to find fun little spots to visit when I have company (family and friends.... this is your cue) in town.  

I'm not sure what this year will bring, but I am open to the NEW: the different, hard, scary, awesome... new! 

Loving the view on a cloudy day

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: 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.