50 miles of Torture! Not every race goes as planned. The Voyageur 50 Mile Ultra.

Coming off my best finish of a race ever at the Curnow trail marathon 2 weeks prior

I felt really good coming into this race. I even was able to trick myself into thinking that

50 miles was not that far. 

The night before the race I headed into Carlton to pick up my race packet. Carlton was hoppin!

Carlton Days was just getting rolling and people were all gathering for the start of the

5K. For some reason I thought the 5K was on Saturday. I ran into my buddy Stu and

some of his family. Stu and his Daughter Jordyne were running the 5K as were some of his family.

I had Spaghetti on the stove at home cooking otherwise I would have stayed to watch

them run. They have been a huge source of  encouragement and even included me and my

 family in the Sorenson Stampede. They have an annual 5K in the middle of the winter with

family and friends. I quickly headed out before they closed the roads for the race.

I got home and carbed up with a huge plate of spaghetti with garlic bread.

I tried to go to bed at about 9pm but that just wasn't going to happen. I did finally fall

asleep around midnight. The alarm was set for 4:30 am.

I got up with an hour to have breakfast and get ready to go. I had my usual pre race

breakfast of a bagel with peanut butter and a couple cups of coffee. At 5:30 it was already

warm and humid as I headed to the start. It took about 5 minutes to get to the Carlton High School

and check in. Then I found the other Sorenson Stampeders that were running as well.

We hung out and took some photos.

Then we all gathered for the race directors instructions.

He informed us that there was another race running at Spirit Mountain and that they marked

their course with the same color ribbon. It was an obstical race. He told us when we come to 

the cargo net at mile 24 just to go around it. We didn't need to go over it. Everyone got

a chuckle out of that. I ran into Steve Jurek(He works a Sappi too and yes he is related to Scott somehow) at the start as well. He has run the Voyageur something like 12 times.

Then we were off. I ran with Steve for the first three miles to the first aid station. He

gave me a lot of tips and told me about some of the other runners we saw that he knew.

We talked the whole way to the swinging bridge. It didn't take long before I knew

that the day was going to be a struggle because of the heat, humidity, and sun.

I ran almost all the way to the 3rd aid station except for the few short hills that everyone

else around me would walk too. I was drinking only water at this point and

easily finishing my hand held 20oz between each aid station. By this point the Sun

was out in full force and it had to be above 80 by 8am. I had to change my shirt

at this aid station due to the fact my pack was chaffing the hell out of my neck. I knew this might happen so I packed a shirt with a higher neck line just in case. 

I also put a cooling rag around my neck and wrist. When you wet them they are supposed to cool for hours. What a crock that was! All they did was make me look funny and chaffe some more. I ended up taking them off later.

After check point 3 we headed into the infamous power line section. This section is completely exposed to the sun for the most part. It also is some of the worst up and down climbs on the course.

It was here that my race began to unravel. Not only was I beginning to cramp, but my knee was just killing me on the down slopes.

As you can see by how gingerly I was making my descent. The look on my face says it all.

It's kind of comical considering I had just run this course two weeks prior, but I didn't remember this section to be nearly as difficult or as long. It seemed to go on forever. Finally it did come to an end. After the powerlines it's a nice up and down single track under the canopy until you finally make the climb up to the bike path and the fourth aid station. I finished my handheld and broke into my Gatorade while going thru the power lines.

This was me coming into the aide station. I topped off all my containers with water. I carry 2 20oz Gatorade in my pack. I drink  half of both then dilute them with water.

The next section starts off with a run down the bike path a little ways then quickly dives into the woods on a single track mostly downward toward Fondulac. In this section you go thru a lot of wash out sections from the flood in 2012. In those sections there is still a lot of downed trees and stumps to climb thru. So even tho it's downhill it's pretty slow moving. We also hit a section of the Superior Hiking Trail that Stu and I have trained on. On my way to the Fondulac aid station I start getting caught by other runners. With my legs are going into full revolt. I could do very little to hold the other runners off. When I would hear talking I'd do my best to keep them at bay. Soon I got to the Fondulac aid station. I quick grabbed some salty snacks and topped off my water.

On the way out of Fondulac we have the steepest climb on the course. It's so steep they have fixed ropes to pull yourself up from the creek bed floor to a ridge line up above. Soon after I reached the top I was passed by one of the best female  runners around.(April Cole) She not only won the Superior 100 in 2013 she came in 2nd overall. I knew she was back there from the start having seen her in the beginning of the race. Steve and I even talked about her being behind us in the beginning. We wondered if that was her race statigy or if we were just starting too fast. As she past me I figured it out. She was just running with her new husband and kind of guiding him along. Once off the ridgeline this next section is a long slow climb back up to Beck's road. It is on an old overgrown road. So it's mostly double track all the way to the aid station. At the beginning of the climb I caught one of the goatz from Iowa/Nebraska(Jenni) who I had met a couple days prior to the race. She did an early start and was cruzing right along. I tryed to give her some encouragement as we talked a bit. I quickly moved on up the hill and said I'd see her at the finish line. As I got close to the aid station the leaders started flying by on there trip back. It's always cool to see them come by on an out and back course. At the Beck's road aid station I started putting ice in my pack where a hydration pouch would normally go. 

After Beck's road it's about a mile for paved road to the top of Ely's peak/Spirit Mt area. This was basically a long walk for me with very little running, but I figured I'd make up some huge ground running down it on the way back. I started taking S!Caps on this section in hopes of getting the cramping to stop. By this time other runners were also starting to struggle with the heat and whatever else. John Storkamp passed me in this section heading the other way.(Superior race director and winning of the Curnow 2 weeks prior) Then we take a left onto some cross country ski trails and continue what seems to be more climbing. More or less rolling hills all the way to the last aid station before the turn around. Near the end of this section I see Steve Sorenson(Stu's brother) he's looking very good. He ask's me if there are any old guy's in front of him he could possibly catch. I laugh and said maybe one if you hustle.  At the skyline aid station Cheri was working. I met her a couple weeks before at the Curnow. It always fun to see familiar faces. 

After that aid station I was hoping to be recovered a bit and be able to make up ground going down Spirit Mountain to the zoo turn around, but it didn't work out so well. Even going downhill I was cramping. I reached the zoo in just under 5 1/2 hours. I was pleased with that because it felt more like 7. I passed a lot of people at the turn around because I just did my normal quick topping off and grabbed a bite to eat. Lots of people were sitting tending to there feet and what looked to be changing shoes. Most of those that I passed caught me back up and passed me by the end of the climb back up Spirit Mountain. That climb is totally exposed to the sun. Once I got back to the skyline aid station I pulled a zip lock baggie out of my gear. Cheri was kind enough to fill it for me with ice. I then tucked it in the band of my visor. This was my saving grace.

The ice rested on my neck and help get my body temp back under control. Once the ice would melt I would dump the cold water over my head. By that time I'd be to the next aid station for a refill. The aid workers got a kick out of this and even took pictures of me. 

After skyline it was going to be the long runable down slope that I hoped to make up time on. The cramps were still so bad it was a struggle just to do a run/walk combo. I'd run until the cramps would hit. Then I'd walk until they released only to try again. This went basically the rest of the race.

On the stretch between Beck's road and Fondulac I stopped in a creek to cool down. While I was standing in the water a girl with long braids caught up to me. She told me how she was trying to keep her feet completely dry the entire race because of blister problems during Curnow. I thought it felt so good to be standing in the water I would happily take a couple blisters. I figured she would catch back up and pass me but for some reason I never did see her again. A little while later I reached the last big creek crossing at the Fondulac aid station. Again I took a little extra time in the creek getting my whole body cooled off.

The climb from Fondulac back up was pretty uneventful. I was passed by maybe one or two other runners. At the next aid station another runner was ordering aid workers around and saying he needed a chair.(who does that?) I left quickly not wanting to hear or see his rediculousness. It was head down and back into the woods to the powerlines once again. I was passed by a few ladies and guys as well in the section. It had to be in the 90's by then. The sun was just zapping all my energy. I knew if I could just make it to the next aid station I would be able to make it to the finish for sure. I had my drop bag waiting for me at the aid station. I got there, grabbed my bag and sat on the road in the shade for a few minutes. I had a Moutain Dew in my drop bag with 2 more 24oz Gatorades. I sipped on the dew and switched out my Gatorades. I also did a little stretching while laying on the road. That felt so good. I got up filled my water and grabbed some snacks. As I did some Dude started to throw up on the side of the road. It was a violent throw up too. Not just once, but repeatedly. We all had uneasy looks on our faces. I took off as I thought of the Stand By Me blueberry pie eating contest😁

Knowing I only had a little more than 10 miles to go I started doing the math in my head. If I could just pick it up a little I had a chance of finishing in 12 hours. This is were Bob and I parted ways during Curnow. Unfortunately Now I was feeing just what he must have been going through at the time. I was running using the course marking as my incentive. I'd run through two then walk to one.  I used this technique all the way to the finish pretty much. Through the next 2 sections I yoyo'd with a few runners. 

I made it to the last aid station. There Jeff Leno(my Chiropractor that had worked on my knee) came up and talked to me. He was just out watching to see if he knew anyone. He wanted to know how the knee was doing. I told him it hurt but was manageable.Then he asked," are you still running the 100 in Sept?" I laughed and said he better ask me again in a couple weeks. 

Only 3 miles to go!! I was going to make it as long as I didn't break an ankle or something. That last 3 is so hard with tired legs. The terrain is very rocky, root infested, and hilly. 12 hours was slipping away no matter how much I pushed. 

By this point I didn't matter. I just changed the goal to under 12:30. As I broke out of the woods I was overjoyed at the fact I was going to do this. I rounded the last turn and ran down the street toward the high school. As the finish line came into view I could hear my name as the whole Sorenson crew had stayed around to see me finish. What an awesome group of people!

12:23 finish for my 1st 50 miler.

 

After a finisher group photo. We all congratulated each other and dispersed to our vehicles. I pulled a lawn chair out and cracked a beer right on my tailgate. Then my wife and kids showed up as I finished my 2nd beer. Finally the rain came so we packed right up and headed home.

Not the best race but I definitely learned a lot. I need to start out slower and eat more real food. A watch is a must. It will help with pace and eating on a set schedule. When it's hot I also need to get a jump on the S!Caps. But none the less it was a P.R. For 50 miles and it gives me something to shoot for next year.

 

2014 Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon

The hits just keep on coming. I had the time of my life

 again for the second time in less than a month.

I signed up for this race mainly to just get a chance to see the course and use it as

a long training run in preparation for my first 100 miler in the fall.

I wanted to see the course because I also signed up for the Voyageur 50

two weeks later also as preparation for that fall race.

Anyway as many of you know I've been dealing with a pretty bad knee issue.

I was also using these two races to help decide if I should forgo the 100

miler and get the knee fixed by having my second knee surgery. Well I have to

say the knee held up so well that I am very much looking forward to the 50.

I had a unique opportunity for this race. I had a couple friends running the race as well.

I kind of talked both of these guys into running there first trail race.

Bob Coolidge, was one of them. He happens to be turning 62 this week.

So he was saying that this was going to be kind of a birthday present to himself.

While he is no rooky to running by any means, having run 35 road marathons,

I don't think he knew just what he was getting himself into.

His Son was also running this race using it as prep for the Leadville 100.

Come to find out Bob's Son told him he didn't think it was a good idea

for him to start out with such a tough course. As we got closer to race day

it seemed as though Bob was having doubts and may not even do the race at all.

It only cost $35 to run so it really wouldn't be a huge loss if he did back out.

As he began waffling I turned on the pressure a bit and told him how much fun it would be.

He did get a taste of the trail running atmosphere having paced his Son down at Zumbro

for a loop of the Zumbro 100. He got to hang out with some very cool people down there

while he crewed and paced for J.D. I think that also helped him decide to go thru with it.

Still however in the final days he seemed pretty nervous. He knew I was having my knee issue

so he made the suggestion that maybe I should just take it easy and run with him.

I thought that was a great idea so I agreed to do that thinking it would ease his mind

and help save my knee for the 50 miler two weeks later. I also knew it would be fun to

get to hang out with him. He always seems to have an awesome time in his races.

Just

look at some of his race photos and you'll see just what I mean.

Bob lives about a hour and a half away so I invited him to stay at our place the night

before the race. I told him I make a mean spaghetti and we would carb up the night before.

My wife and I also invited Stu and his family to join us as well. He is the other

friend that I talked into running the race.

Then a couple days before the race I was

looking thru a post online about the race and saw that a runner(Cheri) was looking

 for a cheep place to camp. Someone had suggested that she stay in her car at a truck stop.

 I thought that wouldn't be very comfortable so I messaged her and told her I have a big

yard and she was welcome to pitch a tent here and that we are very close to where the buses

pick up. Then I of coarse also invited her to join us for our little get together for a pasta

dinner.(Because that's what trail runners do) It's as much about racing as it is about

hanging out with other like minded people who enjoy getting dirty and pushing the limits of what

they can do. Dinner was a success and we all visited until about 9:30pm and headed off

to try and get a little sleep. Cheri ended up sleeping in her car at the finish line

with a bunch of others that were doing the same thing. Her thinking was that

she really didn't want to deal with a tent at 3 in the morning.

As with most races I didn't get much sleep. I finally fell asleep around 1a.m.. The alarm was

set for 3a.m.. With 2 hours of sleep Bob and I got up and had breakfast. In the weeks before the race Christina messaged Bob to see if he had any special food or drink he liked for the morning of the race. He told her he drank tea instead of coffee. When My Daughter Rowan

Heard Bob liked tea she set up her tea set for him with a little note telling him to have

a good race.

We headed off to the finish line to catch a bus to take us to the start. 

We met up with

 Stu, Eric(Stu's nephew), and J.D.(Bob's Son) and all road the same bus. We

got to the starting area 45 minutes before the start and took some photos

and visited with some of the other runners.

Then the race director instructed us on the course markings and gave us a little history about the man who the race is named for. She also introduced some of his family members that were running the race with us. With that we were sent on our way.

The race starts on an old gravel path around the zoo and heads up into the Spirit moutain ski area. As we climb it the sun was rising over the St. Louis bay harbor. The view was breathtaking.

The gravel quickly turned to grass and with some intermitten mud holes. It's funny because at this stage of the race everyone is doing their best to steer clear of the mud and water. Thankfully the climb wasn't straight up the hill. It was more or less at an angle so it wasn't too bad. At the top we came out of the woods onto skyline parkway. We had to run on the road for a little ways. At first I was a little disappointed until we came to the coolest bridge I have ever seen in my life.

The pic doesn't even do it justice.

Then we soon came to the 1st aid station. Too my surprise the Sorenson clan had waited to see me come thru. They took some photos as we paced and asked how the knee was feeling. I lied and said it was great only to quickly tell them the actual truth that is was hurting.

Photo credit Lindsey Peterson 

We filled our water bottles and quickly headed into the woods and toward the infamous Jarrow's beach. To my surprise it was not anywhere near where I thought it would be. I had seen pics of it and for some reason I just figured it was down on the St. Louis river. However it was nowhere near the river. It was in the woods at the top near ELy's Peak. It is a very technical section of mostly rocks, some mud, and roots. It is probably about a half mile long.

Jarrow's Beach

At this point Bob was questioning our sanity. I loved it. The harder the more memorable to me. If I wanted easy I'd stick to road races. Soon we had some cool single track and made our way down the hill. The trail comes out on an old railroad grade. I just happened to look to my left as we were turning right onto the railroad grade and I see this.

An old railroad tunnel. I tried to get Bob to pose with me for a pic but he was flying along at 13 minute pace trying to make up ground we lost coming thru Jarrow's beach.

We had about a mile or so down to the second aid station and it was all double track gravel with yet another cool bridge to cross.

We filled our water and moved on. The next section was a still double track gravel but now it was

more of a 4 wheeler trail. If I remember right we had multiple water crossings in this section. The water was never more than ankle deep. Just enough to wash the mud off. We also had some Superior Hiking trail in this section with some good single track and some serious hills. Once we made the creek bottom we had to climb out to the top on the other side. Then the trail was new and it followed what I'm guessing was HWY 210. At the time I thought it was HWY 23. Anyway, we had some cool new trail that lead us out on a ridgeline that had sheer drop offs on both sides. One trip or misstep here and you had a 100 foot fall in either direction. At the end of the ridge the trail dropped straight down to the creek bed again. It was so steep they had ropes to descend from and a back up of racer waiting to use them.

When we did get to the bottom it was yet another water crossing to the next aid station.

By this time I was consuming a hammer gel at each of the aid stations. I was also just hydrating with water. Bob was using his trailwind and mixing it with water. I also would take a cookie or two to chow at the aid stations. Our next section was a long climb back up to the Munger Trail. This was some more gorgeous single track thru some thick woods. Once we made the next aid station we encountered an aid worker that stopped us and warned us of what we faced ahead. He told us we were about to head into a section of the trail that was going to be so difficult that we would need to crawl on all fours using branches and weeds to pull ourselves up.(the infamous powerlines) I got the feeling this dude was also checking us over to see if we were still fit to continue. Of coarse Bob and I were raring to go and almost ran the poor dude over as we headed back into the bush.

It was about a mile of single track ups and downs to get the power lines. However we began to see what that dude was talkin about. The hills began to get so slippery. We were having a hard time moving forward. The trail was worn down to wet red clay caking our shoes. Finally we came out from under the canopy to the open power line. To me this was not easy by any means, but it sure was hard not to find the humor in a bunch of people slippin and sliding up and down this section. I think everyone must have fallen in this section. Bob was starting to show signs of fatigue thru what I would say is easily the hardest section of the course. As we neared the end we came upon a lady that had a bag full of frozen grapes. She told us the Grand Portage aid station was a short descent to the road.

It was so steep she told us others were actually sliding down on their butts. Bob decided to give it a try. He made it about 5 feet before he let out a howl from hitting a sharp rock. He quickly stood up and started hoofing it. As I followed closely I noticed he had just tore the entire ass out of his compression short. Trying not to laugh too hard I told him his cheeks were hanging out. As we descend to the aid station bob turns his bib number to the back to cover the hole. He told the aid workers what had happened and we were trying to come up with a solution. Soon one of the aid workers (Andy) volunteered up an extra pair of shorts from his truck. Thank You Andy and all the outstanding people working at the aid stations. You all flippin rock.

 We quickly fueled up and headed back in the woods for some more single track climbing. I was no longer helping Bob. It seemed I was more or less just getting on his nerves. As we climbed up and finally reached some good runnable ski trails Bob started feeling like he was holding me back. Having been in his position in training with Stu on these very trails I finally decided it was time to part ways. He needed some alone time to get thru what I can only imagine was a difficult final 9+ miles. We shook hands and wish each other luck and I was off.

I knew Stu was way ahead of me so I texted him to tell him to shoot me a text when he finished. He quickly responded saying his knee was shot and he wasn't to the swinging bridge yet. I didn't think I could catch him but I was going to give it a go just for fun. My first mile was just over 8 minutes as it was flat and I came out onto the paved trail. I was reeling people in left and right. I chatted with a lot of them as I passed. I did a couple more miles at 9 minute pace as it was still flat or a little down hill. On an up slop I texted Stu again saying that we better be having a beer after this was all said and done. He answered back saying only if you catch me.... Then the game was on!!! I continued running with all I had. I finally caught him a little ways before the swinging bridge. We walked it in to the aid station together. His whole Sorenson crew was there waiting. We stopped and talked to them. I talked his nephew Eric into finishing the last 3 miles with us even tho he had just finished the race himself. 

Photo credit Lindsey Peterson 

It didn't take much arm turning and he agreed to do the last section again. He didn't even bother to get his running shoes back on.(he did it in crocs) As we crossed the swinging bridge I still felt good.

Photo Credit Lindsey Peterson

Since Stu had Eric with him I continued running to the finish. I think that was the fastest I have ever done that 3 mile section of the trail. By the time I climbed out of the woods onto the bike trail for the last 1/2 mile I was beat. I passed a couple more people but was unable to catch the one lady I was looking for. I could see her but just couldn't close the gap. She was a former Marine from VA and also a Marathon Maniac. Finally I made it to the finish line. 

Photo credit Lindsey Peterson

I'm not sure how many people I passed in that last 10 miles but I do know not a one passed me. For me that was one of the most fun races I have run to date. I wasn't worried about time at all. I just wanted a look at the course before I went into Voyageur. Next year the plan will be to run one and volunteer at the other.

Finish time 7:12:48

shooting for 12 hours at Voyageur in 2 weeks.

If you have a few minutes watch the video below of my time with Bob. We had a blast 

http://youtu.be/OXjj0gl5XN8

gear: Hoka One One Stinson trail

20 oz of Gatoraide

2 S!Caps at mile 20 or so

a few Hammer gels

a few cookies from the aid stations

Grandma's Marathon FELTSTOCK 2014

"There is no better way to thank God for your sight than by giving a helping hand to someone in the dark."

Helen Keller

A little over a week ago I was afforded the opportunity to guide a vision impaired runner during Grandma's marathon. It's kind of crazy how it all happened and worked out. 

A few months ago we started building a group of Red Felt Run Club members from all over the country to come up and run Grandma's. Someone from the group reached out to the race director Bill Brown. Thru Facebook many of us got to know him in the months preceding the race. He even joined our run club and friended many, if not all of us, that were signed up to run. 

Anyway my training was going really well and I filled my running calendar with races. Grandma's marathon posted that they were looking for a guide for a vision impaired runner. I answered the post knowing that it was a shot in the dark as to whether I would be chosen. All I said was,"pace? Interested." Bill answered me right back and said 4hr pace. I thought about it for about a minute and knowing how well training was going I replied via email explaining all my previous finish times. It was eerie how they matched up. I've had 3:58, 3:59, 3:59, 4:03, 4:13, and a 4:15. I knew I had a sub 4 in me and that I would love the opportunity to help out. Bill, knowing that we had a good sized group must have decided that we could give Steve(the vision impaired runner) a fun race experience, chose me. He said I was the guy and that he was confident that me along with some of our Red Felters would be a perfect fit. I thought our group would too, but I could only speak for myself as far as committing to guide. I had asked one other runner, but he was using Grandma's as a Boston Qualifier. He did say he'd help if I needed him. He said," there will be other races I can always try to qualify at." That's how most runners are. Always willing to help. At the time I wasn't too concerned because training was going so well.  

Then in May I even crushed my 50K PR by 50 minutes. That put me on course to easily run a sub 4hr @Grandma's. However, when your running 26.2 miles it is never easy. My knee started killing me again. Worried, I reached out to a fellow club member, who had been posting some really good times for his recent runs. Mynor was not only happy to help. He looked at it the same way I did. He looked at it not only as a great opportunity to help someone in need, but something he would remember for the rest of his life. Between the 50k and grandma's my training was terrible. I was only able to run a few times. I started going to the chiropractor twice a week for what I thought was IT band issues. After 3 weeks of no improvement I was sent for an MRI the week of the race. The day after the MRI I saw the orthopedic surgeon and he gave me a cortisone shot in hopes that it would get me thru the race. I feared failing big time! I didn't want to wreck the race for Steve. I can't tell you how thankful I am that I had Mynor there to help. 

We all got to meet up at the expo and share a meal together the night before the race. Steve got to meet many of our run club members at dinner as well as Mynor and myself for the first time. Steve was with his son Danny. Danny assisted his Dad thru the Expo and at dinner. I watched as Danny told him where his food was on his plate by referring to the hands of a clock. Spaghetti at 6 o'clock. Bread at 12 o'clock. We got to ask more questions as to what he would need from us during the race. Basically he needed a warning if there was a bad spot in the roadway and help getting water or Gatorade. Other than that he would grab an elbow real lightly if he felt a need, but for the most part he could run unassisted. 

Race morning we all met to ride the train to the start. Steve and his family were running a little behind because they missed a turn and because of all the traffic. I was on the phone with them and talked them in right to where the train was leaving from. Danny and Steve got out of the car and hugged goodbye. Steve was now in our hands. Having no experience helping someone that couldn't see we did our best to get him on the train safely. The big steps leading up into the train, the skinny little isles, the seat arms, and the upper level head knocker above our seats were a rude awakening for me. 

We made it to the start with no major issues. 

As the race was about to start we made our way to the 4hr start area. Then we were off. We started off well below our goal pace then settled in a little. Mynor ran on the left and just ahead and I ran on the right next to Steve. I've never really run at someone else's pace before. It wasn't as easy as I thought. Steve would surge up to his music when a song would come on that he liked. We were doing great. The surging was taking a toll on my quads however. Mynor and I would take turns getting Steve beverages. One water and one Gatorade per water station. We reached the half way point well ahead of 4hr pace. Steve and Mynor were looking strong. I was quickly unraveling however. Less than a mile later I had to drop back as I began to cramp. We were a team of three. I made my small contribution early and by choosing the perfect person to help me get Steve to the finish. When they left me I actually didn't feel bad. I knew Steve was in good hands with Mynor. Had it not been for Mynor this race would have been one of my biggest failures ever. Because of Mynor not only was this a success it was one of my favorite race experience to date. 

The rest of the race was a struggle for me. Passing Every medical tent I had an excuse to quit. My knee was injured and swollen, but I chose to continue. Knowing my time was going to be one of if not my worst yet I still continued on. I knew my wife and kids were with our run club set up near mile 19. That got me there. Seeing there faces kept me going.  

As I came into downtown I started taking pictures, high fiving little kids, and talking to more people. I even had a beer or 2 from those cheering on the sideline. I met and ran with a girl coming up lemon drop hill. We chatted a while. She and her husband were going to school to be pastors. She had just recently had her 4th child. Then as I was about to turn for the last mile and head around the DECC I was passed by Eric Stand.(a guy I found on YouTube that runs the Grandma's Double) he runs from the finish to the start and back to the finish. 52.4 miles. I asked him about how his run went on the way out. He does it as prep for Leadville 100 miler in August. http://youtu.be/97awLCtJYwc

I was able to pick up the pace for the last mile. I crossed the finish line of my 7th marathon at 4:23 and some change. My slowest finish yet. After my other slowest I went in for my 1st knee surgery. It's looking like I'm back at that stage again. I have 3 trail races coming up within the next couple months. I am unsure if I will make it thru any of them. Then it may be a year of recovery before I am able to get some running miles in if at all.

After getting my shirt and medal I quickly went looking for My team. I called Danny and updated him on our race. I got ahold of Mynor and Steve. I congratulated them on making it in just under goal pace. I was thrilled for them both. Danny met back up with us and we all headed to get our drop bags. As I walk up I hear my name. It's none other than the race director Bill Brown. We finally meet and he picks me out of the crowd by name. The guy is amazing. He tells us how he had 135 volunteers signed up and only 35 showed. So there he was doing the bag pick up after working thru the night helping set up the race course.

Steve parted ways with us to go shower up. I invited his family back to our house for the after party. Mynor and I headed to the beer tent to meet up with our fellow felters. I stayed and visited for a few. Then I had to head back to start cooking for the after party.

The after party was a blast. About 35 people showed up. Most of them had run and were in the run club. We made a bon fire, enjoyed some adult beverages, and like Bob says,"talked smart" until about midnight. The night could have gone on forever. It felt as if I had known these people my whole life. 

Steve told us on the ride up to the start,"he doesn't feel bad about losing his sight. He feels it has opened doors to meeting some pretty amazing people over the years." I totally get that. That's how I feel about this opportunity. I am grateful to have been a part of this. I am grateful running has brought all these wonderful people into my life.

Will I be able to finish my 3 races left on the schedule? I don't know. I was back to the Doc for a rooster comb shot and to get fitted for an unloading brace. I also purchased a pair of super cushioned Hoka shoes. Hopefully that will all help get my mileage up thru the summer so I can finish them races. Only time will tell. I do know that if I can't get my miles in training that it would be very unwise to attempt my final race of the summer. The Superior 100. 

Again I'd like to thank Bill Brown for all he did for our run club and for choosing me to guide for Team Sabra. You are an amazing individual! Mynor, words can not explain how thankful I am to you for all you did and for your friendship. Thank you again as well.

Tuck and Roll!! My Superior Spring 50K Race Report

This was my 2nd time running this race. Last year it was my 1st ultra. As ultras go it probably isn't the best choice for a 1st being that it has 8400 feet of elevation change. Not to mention the fact that the trail is extremely technical. Beside the six mountain tops it traverses the course littered with rocks, roots, and mud holes. However I never have been one to take the conventional route. My first running event was a marathon if that tells you anything. In most cases it would be advisable to work your way up to the longer distances and more difficult courses. 

This year training was much better than last year, but still not as good as I would have liked. Last year I was still recovering from knee surgery and dealing with a nasty case of plantar fasciitis. I had multiple weeks with no miles at all. I was extremely close to a DNS.(did not start) I even went so far as to tell my wife that,"if they give me the t-shirt before the race I ain't runnin." Which is dumb because I believe if you don't do the race you don't wear the gear. They did give out the t-shirts before, but I still went for it. I just had to know if I could go 31 miles. I finished 11 minutes before the cutoff time. Training this time around I was still dealing with knee pain and swelling when I would over do it or tweak it on a run. I even went back to see two different Doctors to try and get some relief. The first one said to ice it after every long run or if it swells. He said that I probably won't do any more damage to it by continuing to run. He referred me back to see my surgeon. I talked the surgeon into trying a cortisone shot. It relieved some of the pain for a couple weeks, but the swelling would come back still after long runs. As far as total miles I think I got about 100 more miles in this year vs last year leading up to the race. I was able to train through the pain for the most part by listening to my body and backing off when I had to. I didn't always tho. I had some runs I would end up walking home.(more like hobbling actually) 

This wasn't my goal race for the year so I didn't do the normal taper you would normally do for a race. I did a 16 mile trail run the Saturday prior in which I twisted my knee on a rock pretty bad in the last couple miles. My plan was to run a 7, 5, and a 3 miler in the week leading up to the race. However because my knee was swollen and in major pain I got zero miles until Thursday when I went for a really slow 10 miler. Normally you wouldn't do a 10 miler during a race week, but all my races are being used  as building blocks for an ultimate goal of running the Superior100 in September. Now that the 50k is over I have Grandma's marathon in June, Curnow trail ultra,(26.7) and the Voyageur 50 mile in July. So needless to say I have some major miles I'm going to need to rack over the summer.

This year again the family and I decided that we would go up and spend a couple nights in a condo right at the lutsen resort.(the race start&finish) The kiddos made signs we found online to cheer me and the other runners while out on the course.

We made a plan so Christina and the girls could meet me at a couple spots out on the course. The amazing thing is that I got to the spots exactly when I planned so we didn't miss each other. 

I actually slept pretty good the night before the race. I mosied off to bed around 9:30 and set the alarm for 5:00am. The girl stayed up and watched a movie. I asked Christina to set her alarm as a back up just in case.(I always think of the Seinfeld marathon episode) I woke a 1/2 hour before the alarm.

 This year I decided to wear my hydro pack minus the bladder. I used it to carry my water, Gatorade, and some food.(peanuts, granola bars, and nibs) It also had TP, S!Caps, Advil and some money.(for post race beer) apparently I was still in unsupported ultra mode from the 2 winter ultras that I did over the winter.(Tuscobia75 & and Arrowhead) My thinking was that I would like having my hands free for the steep climbs. Some of the climbs are so steep you are touching the ground in front of you & pulling yourself up by roots or rocks. I didn't use any of my supplies other than the S!Caps, 20oz water & 20oz Gatorade. 

Unbelievably I wasn't nervous at all as we all headed up to the starting line. The race director, John Storkamp,(a ultra running machine in his own right, he is always a top finisher if not the winner at Arrowhead) gave a quick pre-race briefing. He seems to always make light of the course conditions and how bad they are at the same time putting the fear of God in the eyes of us knewbies.(myself included) Then he does a little count down and we're off. 

My plan this year was 1st to attempt to beat my time by an hour from last year. 2nd, to beat 7 hours. 3rd, and last was just to best my time from last year. The only thing I was not prepared to do was quit. Under no circumstances would I allow myself to DNF. After DNFing Arrowhead I have vowed to never quit under my own free will again. NEVER!

I started the race just trying to settle in somewhere in the middle. The course quickly leaves the ski resort and turns to a single track trail. Almost right away we start climbing to the top of Mystery Mountain. As the course levels out a bit at the top we all seem to be jockeying for position. I start passing people on down slopes and as they slow to go thru mud holes littered with rocks. Soon I find a pace behind a guy and a girl that feels good so I lock on. Every once in a while another guy runner would get in front of me making it hard to see obstacles. I would pass as soon as possible to have the much smaller girl in front of me.

Being new to ultra running. I have been reading a few books as of late on the subject. In one of them it explains that when running you should only pick your feet up as high as you need to, but no more. That is supposed to make your stride more efficient. Well I don't like to do things half ass so I found myself not only tripping over what seemed to be every root or rock, actually falling over a couple. My 1st fall was just for practice. Fortunately it was in a runnable section and we were moving pretty good. As I started to go down I put one hand out. Knowing that I wasn't going to be able to catch 200lbs with one hand I proceeded to tuck and roll as I went ass over teakettle. Somehow I popped right back up without loosing a single stride. Of coarse that didn't teach me a lesson. I kept tripping and stubbing my toes every so often. Other than that I was feeling amazing. We just kept trucking along. I thought the course was bad last year when it was raining almost the entire run. This year we have had a ton of late season snow and spring rain. Most of the snow seems to have just receded making the course even more wet than last year even tho the weather way absolutely gorgeous. We couldn't have asked for better running weather.(cool and sunny)

At about 6 miles in was my 2nd and last fall of the day. This time it was in the middle of a mud hole about the length and width of a long semi trailer. I was making my way right thru the middle when I slipped on a rock that was hidden under the surface of the water. I landed not only on my ass but in the middle of the puddle. It was only about 7 inches deep so I didn't drown or any thing. However, my pride was a little wounded at this time tho. I told the guy behind me that at least he was getting his money's worth out of my comedy show. 

By the second check point at mile 12.75 I was still feeling really good. At this point last year I almost gave up due to major cramping. One of the many cool things about this is the volunteers. They come to you as you get to the check point. They ask if they can get you anything. They even give you suggestions or  encouragement if need be. All the while smiling and having a good time. They just flippin rock! Like the first checkpoint I grab a cookie and a gel while volunteers fill my water. 

Then it's about 2.5 up to the turn around on top of Carlton peak. At first it it's a runnable upslope for about a mile with lots of board walks.

Then it gets to the meat and potatos. It's steep, rocky, and full of roots. It's also got switch backs and lots of ruts. You literally pull yourself up in spots.

Anyway at the top I take a minute to video the view. I make a sweep across with my phone. I was going to comment while videoing but a guy behind me did it for me. He says, "gosh is that ever gorgeous." Last year there was a guy dressed in pioneer leathers at the top as a course marshal or volunteer.  He offers treats or beer. This year I'm guessing it was the same guy minus the leather. He came up and shook my hand. John Storekamp(race director) was there too. I shook his hand and thanked him for putting on an awesome event. Also a guy named Donald(a volunteer) gave me a fist bump. He was also a volunteer up at the arrowhead. He was the first one to mention to me that I was shaking pretty bad after the 1st stage of the arrowhead 135(I was probably in stage 1 of hypothermia)

After that I started my descent. I felt like a kid as it is down hill almost all the way back to the aid station. I fill up again and head out. The ole legs start getting fatigued by this time. I pick my way thru the rocks, mud holes, and hills but start to slow considerably. I got to the last aid station right when I told my wife I would probably make it there. I looked around and didn't see them. I check my phone as I make my way across the lot. The message reads,"your doing great! Are we still meeting at noon?" I look at the top of the screen it's 12:01. I'm thinkin I missed them as I look up I see them sitting near where the trail goes into the woods. I almost lost it. I was holding back tears as I made my way to them.(it's strange the emotions you can go thru in a race) They gave me a Gatorade, a swig of Mt. Dew, and a kiss. Christina asked when I thought I'd be at the finish. I said jokingly,"oh, about a half hour. I'm gonna kick it down." The volunteers got a chuckle out of that. Then I told her  realistically probably an hour and 45 minutes or more like 2 hours. 

As I head off all I can do is think of the damn climb back up the back side of Moose Mt. I call it the stairway to heaven.

This is the hardest section for me by far. It seems straight up and it goes on forever. I had to just bend over, put my hands on my knees, and power up the sucker. I took a little video of that portion hoping you could see how steep it was. The video just don't do it justice other than the fact that you can hear how hard I am breathing.

Once I reached the top I started passing 25K runners. Last year I only caught one 25Ker and it was closer to the end. I knew now that that was over there would be a few more slow climbs but nothing too steep. I was passed by a couple people, but that is par for the course for me. As of yet I've never had a negative split in any race. Finally a couple of people that had passed me that I was able to catch back up to. I ended up running with a young lady named Leia. She don't know it but, having her company for that last section really helped me finish. As we approached the climb to Mystery Mt. another young lady was sitting on the side of the trail. She had cramped up so bad that she finally decided to just sit down and recover a bit hoping they would go away. However, sitting there she was freezing. I offered her my sweatshirt and virtually everything else I had in my pack for calories or hydration. She did take a jacket from Leia, but declined everything else. I also asked her if she wanted me to stay with her and help her finish. She declined that too. She did ask us to notify race officials that she was out there having trouble. Later I found out that this was the girl I was following during the 1st leg of the race. She thanked me for offering help when she did make it to the finish. It's funny how you can run with someone for miles and never see there face. I tended to look down because of all the trip hazards. I never saw Leia's face either. Leia and I ran almost the rest of the way in together chatting a bit. That made the last section seem so much easier. It also just seemed to fly bye. As you get close to the finish you can hear the river. That is an awesome sound. Then you come to the last bridge. From there a gentle climb to the pavement of the resort. As we hit the pavement I gave it a little more in order to finish strong. Somehow Leia and I parted ways. As I passed our condo the girls were there cheering. That bought a big smile to my face. I told them to come meet me at the finish.

All and all an unbelievable day. I had a blast. If I had one piece of advice for anyone doing a race like this it would be talk to other runners. You never know who you'll meet. Some pretty cool people are out there doing this stuff and you will most likely see them again.

Until next time, Dream Big.

Pre Superior Spring 50K 2014

So here we sit 3 days before my 2nd time running the spring 50k. Last year it was my 1st ever ultra. I signed up 1 day before having knee surgery. So, needless to say I was not at my best last year. Training was horrible. Not to mention I came down with a major case of plantar fasciitis while coming back from my surgery. This year is a little different story. My knee still isn't right, but training has been so good that I filled my scedule with a marathon and at least 3 more ultras. A 26.7, 50 miler, and a 100 miler.

I am very excited for the race to get here. Last year my only goal was to finish. This year ideally I'd like to beat last years time by an hour. Pretty lofty goal if you think about it. But you know me. Go big or go home! 

Last weekend I got a 16 mile trail run in with some friends. Yvette Miajala a lady I had just met who is running the Superior spring 25K and Stu my new running partner(he just started training 2 month ago) check his blog out: http://couchtotrailmarathon.weebly.com/

It went pretty good. I still had gas left in the tank at the end. Our average pace was about a minute better than my race pace from last year. That don't mean much because the Superior hiking trail(race course) is much more difficult. However we did stop multiple times to take pictures and check trail maps.

I have come up with a race plan for this year. My plan is start conservitive and to attack the down hills. On the way back I hope to start picking up the pace and have a negative split. It sounds like the course is going to be sloppy. We had record snowfall this year and there may still be snow on the course. That don't bother me tho. The course was really sloppy last year too. It was raining almost the whole race.

Last year I carried my hydro pack with 2 liters of water and a bottle of Gatorade. This year I am going to carry my pack minus the bladder but with a bottle of water and a bottle of Gatorade. There is 2 aid stations to refill and the course is out and back so I'll have 4 chances to refill. That should be plenty. The reason I'm still wearing the pack is so I can pack some food and so I don't have to carry my drinks. The hills are do steep you really need your hands to pull yourself up in many places. Sounds fun huh?;-)

How far we have come. Last year I didn't know if I would finish. I didn't know anybody else that was racing. At mile 12 I thought I was done. I had cramped so bad I was going to quit at the 12.5 mile aid station. I wonder where I'd be if I had quit. Would I have continued to go after the dream of that 100 miler? Last year a guy stopped to check on me as I was pulled off the side of the trail. It was Mike Madden. He introduced me to S!caps and shared some of his with me. It seems that all ultra runners are always willing to help someone in need. That and seeing Dan LaPlante(the son of my uncles best friend, and running machine)at the aid  station were the only two things that kept me going. Dan encouraged me to continue at least to the half way point and back to the aid station. Then he said to reevaluate how I felt. The S!Caps had started working and I was able to continue. Now this year after doing 2 more ultras one of which was a 75 miler. This 31 miles doesn't seem so insurmountable. I actually know in my mind I can finish. Also I know a few other people that will be there this year. It is amazing how many of the same faces you start to see when you start doing these type of races. I absolutely love that part of it. Everyone I've met seem to be really good people. 

We have rented a room again this year right at the finish line. Hopefully the girls will make it out on the course to cheer. They seem excited to make signs and be out there. Last year the weather kind of put a damper on that. Having them there has me completely thrilled. Now I just have to get thru these last couple days. I plan on getting about 10 more easy miles in just to kind of to loosen up the legs.

Wish me luck. I'll let you know how it goes as I recover next week.

ArrowHead135 DNF (Did not finish or in these circumstances Did NothingFatal)

Better to have tried and failed than fail to ever try.

Mistakes were abound in my first attempt at the Arrowhead 135. After a shocking finish at the Tuscobia 75 miler I actually had illusions of grandeur. When in all actuality it was more like delusions of grandeur. Just because one does well in a 75 miler it DOES NOT mean they will do well at a 135 miler. It's a whole new animal! Not to mention 60 miles farther and about 60 degrees colder at the starting line.

1st and biggest mistake was to sign up for a race while still trying to recover from the last race. Going 75 miles on a snowmobile trail took its toll on me. I had no idea how long my body would need to recover. My feet, knees, and quads were in worse shape than I even knew. I have no regrets. Just lessons learned.

By mile 5 my knee that I had surgery on was hurting. I stopped to take Advil and it seemed to help, but I knew it was just masking the pain.

My plan was to go out fast and get to the first check point in the top ten or so. Then just steddily slow the pace down and hold on. In retrospect not the best plan in a race that is 135 miles long in -25 degree temps.

The night before the race my Dad and I were hunkered down in the hotel after the pre race safety meeting and spaghetti dinner. My Dad was shaking his head as the race director was telling us what the odds were that we'd finished. If I remember right some years only 25% would finish. On a good year 50% would finish. Odds were pretty low this year with it being so cold. Every day leading up to the race the forecast just kept getting worse. Once in our room we were watching the Pro Bowl. It was early and I had dozed off twice. That was a great sign because I needed a good night sleep. As soon as my Dad said to turn the TV off I was wide awake. I could hear ever noise in the hotel. I tossed and turned until midnight. The alarm was set for 5:30am but I was up multiple times looking at the time fearing I'd sleep late or the alarm wouldn't go off.(I always think about the Seinfeld marathon runner episode) At about 5 we got up and headed to the lobby for some breakfast and some java. 

It was so cold out that I went out to start the truck(which I never do) to give it a chance to warm up. As I started turning it over I got a little nervous. It wasn't firing. I tryed it again. After about a minute it finally fired up. Thank God my battery was good. I've never had a hard time starting my truck. But then again, it isn't normally that cold. Plus it usually isn't parked outside all night either. 

At about 20 to 7 we headed to the starting area. We sat in the truck for about 15 minutes. For a race like this there is no standing around waiting for the gun, or in porta potty lines.  I ran in and checked in. After that my Dad and I said our good byes. I could tell he was worried. The temp was -24 or -25 with a wind chill of about -45. He gave me a big hug and said to be careful. He also thru in that if I didn't make it he'd come get me no matter when or where.  There are people straggling to the line even as the starter sent us on our way.

The bikes took off first and then 2 minutes later the starter called for the skiers. Only one skier straggled up to the line. They sent him on his way. Then the starter called us runners up. Instead of a gun going off the starter says, "release the hounds!!" I'm guessing that had something to do with the fact that we pull sleds. Similar to a sled dog. With this race we are required to bring certain survival gear with us from start to finish. The mandatory gear is as follows: a -20 degree sleeping bag with insulated pad, a waterproof bivy sack or tent, a stove and fuel for melting snow as drinking water, matches or a lighter to start a fire, insulated drinking containers(64oz minimum), and at least 3000 calories of emergency food supply.(many runners take a pound of butter or peanut butter)

we also were required to have a headlamp, 2 red blinking lights, and 10 inches of reflective material on our body being that we would be on a multi use snowmobile trail for 2 days and nights.

As soon as the race began 2 guys bolted out and I tailed just behind. At about a 1/4 mile they slowed to cross the first road. I cruised right on by. The skier also slowed and stopped to take off his skies to cross the road.(what a pain that would be) I was leading for almost the 1st 5 miles like the imbecile I am. Unless you are Scott Jerek you don't want to lead in the beginning of a 135 mile race. Especially one that is in -25 degree weather. Sweating profusely is not a good thing at these temps. Not to mention the mental toll it takes on you to continue to get passed all day.

Photo by Burgess Eberhardt

A few Bikers were pulling over with mechanical troubles because of the cold. Anyway, at about mile 5 I slowed way down because my knee was already bothering me. It was swollen for a couple weeks after Tuscobia. The surgeon had told my that if I over did it that's what would happen. Who knew 75 miles was over doing it!;-)

You would not believe all the wolf tracks on the trail. I would have thought with it being that cold even they would be hunkered down somewhere. Obviously that is not the case because I've never seen so many tracks in my entire life. At one spot there must have been a pack of them that dug a depression in the center of the trail. Then they urinated in the depression.(my guess would be they were marking there territory) 

 I did pull over at about 8am and take some Advil and try to eat a little. It was then that I realized stuff that worked at Tuscobia wasn't going to work here at these temps. It was so cold I had to wear a mask the whole time.(mainly to prevent the lungs from freezing) When I'd stop to drink or eat I'd lift the mask. It was wet from my breath. Then when I'd go to put it back down it was stiff as a board and totally frozen. I'd have to use my breath to unfreeze it in order to get it fitted back over my face. Not to mention the granola bars that worked fine at the last race were now solid as a brick. As I chewed them the crumbs would fly up into my eyes as I breathed out. Those troubles led me to not eat or hydrate every hour as planned. That led to my pace slowing with every mile. I would rebound a couple times when I did stop to drink. By about mile 30 things were starting to unravel. I was beginning to look at my watch way to much. I was getting more and more thirsty by the minute and my water was either frozen or gone. Tricks I used in Wisconsin didn't cut it up there in the cold. By mile 15 my second bottle of Gatorade was half gone and starting to freeze. I had my water and Gatorade in an insulated cooler with big hand warmer packets to keep them from freezing. This didn't work nearly as well in these extremely cold conditions.

Photo by Burgess Eberhardt

With every turn of the trail I was expecting to see the road crossing that was near the 1st check point. I had to be close! Finally I was passed by Chris.(the Tuscobia race director) I asked him if he new how much farther it was to the check point. He said, "it has got to be less than a mile." As soon as he said it we came to the road crossing that I had been looking for for a hour and a half. All I could do is think about buying more Gatorade and slamming it. 

As I pulled onto the spur trail to the check point I saw the girl that was the  2nd person to pass me.(Alicia Hudelson) She was heading back out to hit the next leg of the race. She still looked fresh. She ended up getting 3rd overall. She is a fricken machine! Not only did she take 3rd place, but she crushed the women record by over 7 hours!! I was surprised to see all but 2 of the 7 that passed me all still in the 1st check point. I believe I was the eighth runner into the check point.

I was soaked when I got there. 

I bought two big bottles of ice cold Gatorade, sat down and slammed the 1st one. It was at that time I started getting cold. So I bought a big cup of coffee too. As I started on the coffee the guy sittin accross from me starts talking about how tough the trail gets in the next section. This guy was the 1st one that passed me near the 5 mile mark. He was  already DNF'd and was looking for a ride back to International falls. He went on to say if you aren't sure you'll make it thru the night don't chance it. It's a long way without a possible rescue if you get in trouble. We all knew it was only going to get even colder overnight. Maybe even as cold as -55 windchill. Even I know you don't Fu@$ around when it's that cold. I don't care how tough you are. At temps like that one mistake and you are going to die or at the very least lose some digits.

So as I sat there drinking all my stuff because I was so dehydrated my body temp must have dropped fast from the cold liquid. All of a sudden a volunteer mentioned to me that I had a pretty serious case of the shakes going on. Then my feet and hands started to get super cold. I managed to stay warm for 36.7 miles on the trail, but now sitting in a heated store I was freezing. Go figure!

I did however know that this could happen from stuff that I had read, but when it happens to you it kind of puts a scare into you. It was at that point I made the decision to drop. It wasn't the only reason. My knee, my feet, and my back already hurt.(Big Wuss) I still had a hundred miles to go! I don't think I was fully recovered from the 75 miler. It's hard to train and recover at the same time. I pushed my body harder than I had ever probably pushed it before at Tuscobia. It really needed more time to come back. The feet especially. The balls of my feet just ached. Running on snowmobile trails took a huge toll on the feet. Like I said, "no regrets, just lessons learned."

As I sat around waiting for my ride I watched the other runners come in and some depart. Some of the others that were already there did end up finishing. All of them seem to have little tricks they use in this environment. I just tried to take it all in. Some runners had certain ways of insulating their water, some had just their nose covered for breathing the cold air and I'm assuming it makes eating easier. All great things for us rookies to learn.

I also saw Logan come in in pretty rough shape. Logan is the kid that pointed me in the right direction after I got turned around at Tuscobia. He's a pretty awesome kid! People seem to be drawn to him for some reason. He had stripped down to just a pair of running shorts to have his wet clothes dried in a drier. As he was standing there he started shaking and his skin turned kind of blue all over. An EMT gave him some pants and a jacket to put on in hopes that it would warm him up. Logan continued to shake. The EMT came back over and had him put the hood up to help retain the heat. As I talked with Logan he was still considering going back out if he could warm up. When I left he was on the fence. I gave him my 2 cents about how it just wouldn't be worth it to lose a life over it. There will always be other races. Later I found out he did go back out. I thought about him all night. In the morning I checked to see if he made it. He ended up DNFing at the sheep ranch road crossing in the middle of the night. I also read that he got  frostbite to his hands. The kid has balls for going back out through I will tell you that. See article below about young Logan.

http://www.timberjay.com/stories/135-miles-of-COLD,11334

So what did I learn? I learned I'm not as tough as I thought.💪However I also learned that I'm not as dumb as I thought either. So that good right?! When temps are that cold gear makes a big difference. But maybe the biggest lesson is that experience is something you have to earn. If you want to finish a race like this you really need to spend a lot of time outside training and camping in the coldest temps you can find. Hopefully the good folks at Arrowhead will have me back. I absolutely have some unfinished business up there. Plus I have this awesome race shirt & jacket that I can't wear until I finish that F'ing race!! 

Thank you to the race director, Ken Krueger for giving me the opportunity and thank you to all the awesome volenteers that helped put on a truly one of a kind race.

A big hats off to those few warriors that did finish the ArrowHead135. Your determination, heart, and true grit is absolutely admirable. 18 of 54 runners crossed the finish line. 

How do you feel about wearing a race shirts or gear from a race you have yet to complete? Have you ever DNF'd? Did it get you down or fuel your fire?

Next up the Superior Spring 50k. More unfinished business. I'm hoping to shave at least a hour off last years time. DREAM BIG my friends! Dream big.