Tera Sans Pave 8 Hour

 What could be better than a beautiful September day, perfect trail conditions, awesome people, and miles with your mom!?!?! Honestly, not much.  And that is just what I got to experience at the Tera Sans Pave 8 Hour trail run. 

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.

My mom's race started at 9 am so when I came through on my 3rd loop I walked a bit to wait for her to catch up as my timing was a bit off.  She came running up and then we set in for 10 miles together.  This would be 4 loops :)  Mom was running great and so strong I think I was holding her back some.  She was great about sticking to my pace and plan for the run.  We talked strategy for the Javelina Jundred (She's crewing and pacing) and just enjoyed our trail time together. 

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

Race Recap: Paleozoic 50K

Oh man..... what a fun, challenging 50k this was! Paleozoic events are always a blast and this year's Carboniferous Spring wasn't any different.

So let me just say, I'm a rain MAGNET. Don't believe, guess how many ultras I've ran without rain .... ONE! So when I saw rain in the forcast I wasn't that surprised. And when I woke up Saturday morning and it was already raining, I just threw on my rain jacket & Rugged Running trucker hat and smiled. What else can ya do?!

Steven and I drove the 30 minutes out to the race site in Palos Park, IL. We got there around 7:45am (45 minutes to go-time). Quick packet-pickup and back to the car to stay warm and dry.

As it got closer to the 8:30 start-time, many runners were huddled under the start/finish line pavilion to keep out of the rain for just a few minutes longer. Bill Thom, RD extraordinare, gave the pre-race instructions and then it was just a short wait until his wife and co-RD, Michelle, blasted the horn to signal the start of the race.

A group of about 100 runners took off on the signature "parade route" near the start finish line and then turned out to the trail. This race consisted of 2 out-and-back laps on the Cook County Forrest Preserve trails (yellow, purple, and green trails).

It was in the 40s and rainy most of the first loop. I was running pretty steady but knew my pace was slower than that all elusive sub-6 50k (Yes... sub-6 is my goal and one day I'll get it). The trail was in pretty decent shape but knew there would be the "unavoidable puddle" from Bill's pre-race instructions. Now I've ran this course before and yes... that puddle is intense! If you want to see that year's puddle, check out my previous post here.

The trail was nice wide horse trails, ups and downs, mud, and puddles. It was well marked and easy to follow, which makes focussing on running a breeze. The way out to the turn-around was pretty uneventfull and I got there in about 1.5 hours. Well, it was raining pretty good on the way out to the turn-around but it was kind of exciting. And we were all already soaked. Since it was an out-and-back, the closer you got to the turnaround, the more you saw the people infront of you on their way back. I must say, trail runners.... and ultra runners in particular are awesome! I can't tell you how many times I got a "looking good" or "nice work". Exchanging encouragement along the way is a part of why I love this community of runners. Even though some are very competitive, we're all out there in the mud/rain/mess together.

coming into the turn-around aid station

(Enough emotions... back to the race) Steve was there to check in and provide any extra fuel. I grabbed a salt tab and a quick drink of mountain dew and took off back to the start/finish. Muddy green trail with sneaky hills, yellow with the growing rivers, short purple with the big uphill, 2 more miles on the yellow to get back to the start/finish and that FABULOUS parade route (Side note: every Paleo event has a nice loop around the start/finish line area and it makes you feel so close yet so far from being done).

I was feeling pretty tired getting back to the start/finish and a few runners passed me in the last bit before the start/finish. I will say one of my strengths is a quick aid station stop. Just enough time to fill the water bottles, grab a gel and protein bar from Steve and head back out. No fun ultra snacks, no time to chat. This helps! Boy does this help...

Just one more out and back.... I was having a blast. I know I was cheezing pretty hard and just playing in the rain. I knew I wasn't being super competitive with myself but I wasn't upset with that. (Small secret: I tend to put a ton of pressure on myself and often feel like if I don't do well I'm dissappointing those who love me. I know this sounds crazy but maybe it's something you can relate to as well.) So the fact that I was just enjoying the run was AMAZING! And I was feeling pretty good too.



Second loop had "rivers" to run.

Muddy hill.

The rain stopped for the second lap, but the damage had already been done. There would be muddy trails then big puddles. I actually like the puddles because it cleaned the mud off my shoes! The run out to the turn around felt a little more daunting the second time around, but I was still moving pretty well. I told myself I could use my camara to grab some pictures in the part that I couldn't run or on an uphill or two, otherwise I needed to push. I saw Steve at the turnaround aid station, grabbed another salt tab and mountain dew. Thanked Tom and Patti (aid station volunteers) for spending their entire day in the rain supporting us and headed back. Only 7.5 miles to go :)

Muddy, happy finish line shot.

The last 7.5 miles I kept the mantra "someone behind you will run this section" when I wanted to walk. I wasn't hurting but I was definitely tired. The mud and rain had gotten to me and I was ready to be done but felt so far away. Green to Yellow to Purple to Yellow. Once I got to the start finish line there was the freaking Parade Route.... muddy grass! I think that was the only time I got negative and shouted "this part is the worst!" while still smiling.

Did Not Fossilize :)

I was so happy to finish and was ok with my time of 6:28:50. Hey.... it might not be a 50k PR but it was a course PR on the Paleozoic South Course, another medal for my running buddy, Lucy! I'll take it.

Fuel consumed during race:
1 Gu Salted Caramel Gel
1 Gu Chocolate Outrage Gel
1 Cliff Protein Bar
Water and Salt Tabs
1 Green Apple Jolly Rancher
Mountain Dew

#RR gear for the day

Thanks to Michele Yates and Rugged Running for the support and awesome training plan. After the run I showered and went on a date night in HEELS! With the way I train now, my recovery is so quick it's amazing.


Oh and even with running in the rain for 6+ hours, I didn't get a single blister. Thank you Paleozoic Trail Runs for helping me run happy!

Extra Pics:

Why do you run?

Sometimes I get asked why I run...... and I try to put into words the thoughts that flood into my brain when I think about running. It's complicated. I run for lots of reason.

When I first started running, I did it because I needed something I could set a goal and strive after. I was in a position that didn't feel like I had a lot of opportunities for movement and growth. I needed an outlet that allowed me to push and accomplish. I ran a 5k then thought wow.... maybe I can do a 10k..... 1/2..... full. (this has gone on until 100m). It just kept building because I loved the feeling of going farther than I previously could. Growth.

You may not know this about me because I try to stay positive and happy most of the time. #Jenirunshappy (which I will say is still true, I'm happiest on the trail) but I am a worrier. I have an anxious brain most of the time and for some reason running settles that. This is probably why I am drawn to the longer distances because that means for hours on end all I have to worry about is moving forward. One foot in front of the other..... fuel in.... breathe. My mind doesn't focus on the worries of the job, the week, relationships, whether I'm liked or upsetting anyone. I simply run. Even as I write this.... I'm worrying about how it will be perceived.

The one you probably know the most is the privilege of running for Lucy. #Irun4Lucy. She's awesome and her family inspires everyday. Every mile I log and race I complete, I do for her. If she could..... she'd be running all over the place. She's fun, feisty, and perfect! If I can give her medals to make her smile or send silly pics from the trail, bring it on.


I also run because it helps me connect. Social settings can be a struggle for a worrier, but running helps me build connections. I love the conversations I've had with family, friends, and even strangers while running/racing. It's amazing hearing the stories of others. What brings them to put on the running shoes (or sandals) and hit the road or trail. I think I love this most of all...... connection.



So yea.... why do I run?! I run because it helps me be a better person. How about you?

Running on the Road

So it's been quite a while since my last post. It's not like I haven't been running, but I haven't had the itch to share. I hope that doesn't come across as rude. But I have always tried to stick with the philosophy that I would not write unless I had something to say. Well.... I don't have a lot to say, but I've been able to do a bit of traveling lately and so I've been able to experience running on the road. While I enjoy getting out and seeing new places, I've never really traveled for races. I think I'm nervous I'll forget something or be too exhausted to fly back home. (Sounds silly right?!)

Well, this has definitely been a year where I've focused on pushing out of my comfort zone, facing fears, and trying new things. Even though we're almost done with 2016 I don't see myself stopping at the end of the year. I think it's important to keep pushing..... growing; not only in my running life but also in general.

Here are a few pics from my adventures on the road, and this coming year maybe I'll get the guts to travel beyond the Midwest to race......

Beach/trail run in Seattle

Run along the water in Hoboken, NJ (great view of NYC)

Work trip in NM

St. Marys, OH (Visit to Grandparents)

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