Sunday, December 31, 2017

2017 Running and Racing Review

Running mileage was 2529.

Goals accomplished (or not accomplished) for 2017:
I set a goal to do 60 weight workouts and completed 33. I didn't realize how much I failed at this goal. I completed 59 last year.

I decluttered house and had a garage sale Still need to do declutter main floor.

Failed at having more fun due to circumstances beyond my control at work. Left Extension after 21 years and having more fun at work although future is uncertain at MU.

Ran 2 marathons and 4 ultras this year, 1 marathon more and 6 ultras less than last year. I was surprised to surpass mileage of last year since I was felt very drained part of the year. Ended the year feeling better.

Total Miles:
2017 - 2529
2016 - 2472
2015 - 2588
2014 - 2683 (yes, the exact same as 2012)
2013 - 2405
2012 - 2683
2011 - 2460
2010 - 2839
2009 - 2675
2008 – 3014
2007 – 2572
2006 – 1937
2005 – 2090
2004 - ~1000

Marathons (34 total):
2017 - (2) Marathon to Marathon (BQ), Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2016 - (1) Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2015 - (1) Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2014 - (1) Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2013 - (2) Heart of America Marathon (BQ), Kansas City Marathon (BQ)
2012 - (2) Post Oak Trail Marathon, Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2011 - (2) Berryman Trail Marathon, Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2010 - (2) Go! St Louis Marathon (BQ), Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2009 - (5) Disney Marathon (BQ and Sub-3 hr), 3 Days of Syllamo (Trail), Boston Marathon (BQ and Sub-3 hr), Heart of America Marathon (BQ and Course PR), Louis & Clark Marathon (BQ and Sub-3 hr)
2008 - (4) Boston Marathon (BQ and PR), Laughing Out Loud Marathon, Heart of America Marathon (BQ), Twin Cities Marathon (BQ)
2007 - (5) Laughing Out Load, Berryman (First Trail Marathon - placed
4th), Heart of America (BQ), Baltimore Marathon (BQ), Bass Pro
Marathon
2006 - (3) Flying Pig (BQ), Heart of America (BQ, Chicago (BQ)
2005 - (3) Mad City, Heart of America (BQ), Portland (BQ)
2004 - (1) Heart of America

Ultramarathons (62 total):
2017 - (4) - Berryman Trail 50 mi, Psycho Psummer Run Toto Run 50K, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Big Dog's Backyard Ultra 100 mi
2016 - (10) - Psycho Wyco Winter 50K, Ozark Foothills 50K, Free State Trail 100K, Flatrock 100K, Berryman Trail 50 mi, Kettle Moraine 100 mi, Psycho Psummer 50K, Barkley Fall Classic 50K, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Big Dog's Backyard Ultra 91.67 mi
2015 - (8) 3 Days of Syllamo 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Berryman Trail 50 mi, Psycho Psummer 50K, Mark Twain 50 mi, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Defiance 50K, Ozark Trail 100
2014 - (7) 3 Days of Syllamo 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Berryman Trail 50 mi, Mohican 100 mi, Barkley Fall Classic 50K, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Big's Backyard Ultra 104 mi
2013 - (4) Land Between the Lakes 50 mi, Berryman Trail 50 mi, Psycho Psummer 50K, Leadville Trail 100 mi
2012 - (9) Post Oak 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Free State Trail 100K, Berryman Trail 50 mi, Kettle Moraine 100K (PR), Psycho Psummer 50K, Burning River 100 mi, Big Dog's Backyard Ultra 104 mi
2011 - (5) Psycho Wyco 50K, Grand Canyon 47 mi, Psycho Psummer 50K, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Pumpkin Holler 100 mi (PR)
2010 - (6) Psycho Wyco 50K, Free State Trail 100K (PR), Kettle Moraine 100 mi (PR), Flatrock 50K, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Ozark Trail 100 mi
2009 - (4) 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Psycho Wyco 50K, Berryman 50 mi, Q50 Ultramarathon 50K (PR)
2008 – (4) 3 Days of Syllamo 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Berryman 50 mi, Rock Creek Trail 50K
2007 - (1) Hocking Hills Indian Run 60K

Number of each type of races for 2017:
100 mi - 1
100K - 0
50 mi - 1
50K - 2
Marathon – 2
Half Marathon - 2
10 mi - 1
10K - 2
4 mi - 1
5K - 3
1 mi - 1

I didn't count the Thursday night trail races this year but ran 9 of them.

Total running miles run in 16 races: 326 miles (2016 - 34 races – 645 mi)

States I ran marathons and ultras in 2017 (4): IA, KS, MO, TN
All states I have run marathons and ultras (19): AR, AZ, CO, FL, IA, IL, LA, KS, KY, MA,MD, MN, MO, OH, OK, OR, TN, WA, WI

2015 PR in 4 mi
2014 PR in 4 mi
2013 PR in 50 mi
2012 PRs in 25K, 100K
2011 PRs in 4 mi, 10K, 100 mi
2010 PRs in 1 mi, 4 mi, 10 mi, half marathon, 3/4 marathon, 100K, 100 mi
2009 PRs in 5K, 25K, half marathon, and 50K
2008 PRs in 5K, 5 mi, 10K, 10 mi, marathon, 50K, 50 mi
2007 PRs in 5K, 4 mi, 8K, 5 mi, 10K, 10 mi
2006 PRs in 20K, half Marathon, and marathon

Goals for 2017 (keeping it simple):
1.  Continue weight lifting and try to get at least 60 workouts for the year (deadline Dec 31).

2.  Declutter upstairs.

3.  Have more fun.

Possible races planned for 2018:
February - Nut Race
March - Quivering Quads Half Marathon, Shamrox 5k, Sedalia Half Marathon
April - Mustang Stampede 5k
May - Strolling Jim 40 miler, Berryman 50 mile
July - Parley Pratt Memorial Freedom Run
August - Great Sandbagger 10k
September - Heart of America Marathon
October -  Rock Bridge Revenge 50k, Backyard Ultra
November - Thanksgiving Day Pie Run 10K
December  - Cheese & Sauerkraut 10 miler

Monday, November 06, 2017

2017 Races - Heart of America Marathon, Rock Bridge Revenge 50k, Big Dog Backyard Ultra, and FLATS Trail Half Marathon

Life got a little stressful in July so haven't updated this blog in a few months. Here's my attempt to catch up on the major races I've run.

Heart of America Marathon

I finished my 14th consecutive Heart America Marathon on September 4. It was likely the second warmest and also humid. I ran 3:14:00, placed 3rd overall, 1st 45 - 49 .age group I did not have great expectations this year.  The course changed and was different at the beginning and the end. I think the end makes it a little easier since we now run on the trail rather than up Providence, Stadium, College, and Downtown. It finished in Reactor Park but there is a significant hill from the trail on Stadium to Carrie Francke Dr.

When I arrived at the start I realized I had forgotten my GPS. I was a little relieved and didn't worry about it. Instead I used the stop watch on my FitBit. I paced with Sankalp for first 12 miles and felt like I had a good feel for pace. I ran the 1st half 1:38:40, 2nd half 1:35:20 which was an unexpected surprise. At one point running with 8th, 9th, and 10th so moved up. Second wasn't too far ahead. First ran 3:02 and both 1st and 2nd were 22 years old which made me feel good. I certainly didn't feel 22 during this race but considering I didn't marathon train it went pretty well.



Rock Bridge Revenge 50k

On October 7 I ran Rock Bridge Revenge, my 6th time running the 50k. The trail was wet but not bad the first loop. The second loop, it rained and it got quite muddy in places. I think I was about 2:41 the first loop and 2:45 the second but the first loop is a little longer. I ran with a friend for 27 of the miles and then he dropped back. If he hadn't been behind me, I would have likely walked more. I placed 5th overall. I think about 50 started and a few dropped.

I hate to complain but I didn't feel good the entire race. My whole body felt achy and I hurt which had been the norm for awhile. I had a headache most of the run which disappeared after. I felt kind of flu-like. I had been running very little before the race. My training consisted mostly of Heart of America and pacing Steve at Superior 100 for 54 miles.

The race was my only run during the week. I ran 25, 30, and 37 in the previous weeks. I had a 2 hour massage on Tuesday before the race and that helped loosen me up a bit as my body was very tight. My upper back seized up a bit the morning of the race. A hot shower helped so it was not an issue during the race. I wondered if my body is telling me to stop running. Someone suggested magnesium. I found early signs of magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. I had all those except vomiting.  I also read stress depletes magnesium levels and I've had no shortage of stress this year. I ended up going on a magnesium supplement and am happy to say that I think I am feeling much better. I am also eating a few foods that are a good source.




Big Dog Backyard Ultra

I had doubts about whether I should run this race but I started to feel better after the magnesium supplement. I was had a free CBC, testosterone and PSA test at Epoch and everything was okay. Unfortunately, they did not test for magnesium so don't know for sure if that was the issue. I decided to go run the race and have fun. I left on Friday, October 20 and the race started at 6:40 am on Saturday morning. A good explanation of the race is on Ultrasignup.

This was my 4th time running (2012, 2014, 2016, 2017) I missed 1 year and there was no race the other year. I survived 100 miles, 24 laps this year. I went 100 - 2012, 104 - 2014, and 92 last year. The race starts on the trail where we have 1 hour to finish a 4.1667 mi trail course (technical, some hills, rocks and roots). Then after 12 hours we switch to a road course (pretty easy). I had plenty of time (about 9 min) to spare my last lap on the road but decided to stop at 100 miles since I needed to get home. Overall felt pretty good but not sure my legs could have made another trail loop.

I can't say that I actually trained this time. However, I do well in this format with the breaks since I can run it fast enough to have 10 - 12 min after trail course and 10 - 17 min on the road. Off course you don't want to run it too fast or you won't last so my splits are always run easy. If it gets more and more difficult, you will run into trouble finishing within the hour. There were 14 people on the last road loop and 4 of us dropped at 100 miles. I was certainly happy to stop but one always wonders how far you can go if you run until you time out.

The temps were pretty warm when we started and it got up to 78 and turned cloudy so not a bad day. At night, it maybe got into the 50s and some wind. Perfect conditions for running. This year I tried something different for food and took a lot more sugar. Last year I dropped at 92 since I had been feeling nauseous for a few loops and it wasn't getting better. This year I used no gels although I took them with me, I never had a desire to consume them.  Instead I had fruit, dates, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, pin wheels, soup and Sword drink. I think next time I will had real Coke. I had several Coke Zero Sugar for the caffeine boost but I should have used real Coke for the easy calories.

The race ended up going on for 59 hours, 245 miles! More details on the Facebook page.




FLATS Trail Half Marathon

The week after Backyard Ultra, I ran the F*L*A*T*S Trail Half Marathon. This was the 7th year for the race and my first year running it. I had to drive 90 miles north to Kirksville, MO and needed to arrive by 7:15 am to take a bus to the start since the race is point to point. I arrived about 7:05 and ended up being the last person to get on the first bus. Once we arrived at the start we were able to hang out in a boat rental store for about an hour and stay warm until the race started at 8:30 am. They took bags with our stuff we removed before the race back to the start. Temp was 33F. I wore 2 long sleeve shirts, one being my zip pullover that I could pull over my hands. I wore nothing on my head and many people had a hat and gloves. I was slightly too warm but not bad most of the time if in the wind.

The race started on the road for 1.5 miles so plenty of time to spread out. Once I secured my position I stayed about the same the entire race other than getting passed by a couple guys after the first half, passing one back and then passing another. The trail was marked every half mile and lots of aid stations but I carried my 20 ounce handheld filled with Sword and drank about 2/3. After running 100 miles last weekend, this was my first time running. My legs were definitely still tired but overall ran very well other than often didn't have much energy to power up the hills. The downhills and flats though felt pretty good. Trail was in good shape and very firm.

I felt like I paced very well. The first 1.5 was road so faster. The slower miles had hills.

1 7:54
2 7:50
3 8:07
4 8:21
5 8:40
:6 9:00
7 9:05
8 8:41
9 8:40
10 8:16
11 8:45
12 8:31
13 8:28

Overall, placed 20th of 176 runners and 7 of 22 in age group of 45 - 54. They offered $500 to break the course record for male and female and the 4th overall runner, a female, broke the record.

Post race was one of the best parties I've experienced. They had coffee, hot chocolate, gatorade, beer, fruit, pizza, cookies and I am sure I missed something. It was held in the old ski lodge (back when it was cold enough to have skiing in Kirksville). I skied once there when I was a student. There was also a live band and they had students from the Osteopathy school stretching the runners. I didn't have to wait very long since I finished so early and it was a good stretch. They also had 50% off shoes from somewhere and clearance clothing.

In our race bags we got a race mug, Kashi bar, head wrap (seems like many are giving these out the past 2 years). At the end we got a finisher's shirt. There were also race photos but most have not been posted yet. I spotted myself in one of the starting photos, near bottom right with blue shoes, wearing black, and my race number on my shorts. Definitely hoping I can do this race again. When I signed up it was only $40 and well worth it.


Monday, July 24, 2017

2017 Psummer Psycho 50k

This race was my 60th ultramarathon and my 10th Psycho race (6 of them Psummer). Temperature was 83 at the start and 97 (111 heat index) by the time I finished. First loop felt blah, 2nd loop felt pretty good, and the last half of the 3rd loop was really tough as it heated up even more. Also, the last few miles of the loop have some tough hills.

Loop 1 - 1:47:42, 15th
Loop 2 - 1:52:25, 9th
Loop 3 - 2:06:01, 8th

Overall finished 5:46:10, 8th, 2nd in 40-49.
I was so ready to be done. My shorts were wet the entire run. About mile 14, during the second loop, just after I had my picture taken, I stumbled and slammed my left arm into a tree. My arm was fine but it pressed against my lower rib cage, knocking the wind out of me a little. That area is still quite sore and didn’t really notice how sore until after I was done. It hasn’t gotten worse so hopefully will get better.




Sunday, May 21, 2017

2017 Berryman Trail 50 miler

After a 7 month break from ultramarathons, Saturday I ran my 8th Berryman 50 miler. Always a fun race and we had a large contingent of local runners doing the 50 mi or marathon. After running 50 ultras, these reports are actually getting harder for me to write but since I may want to look back and remember, I will focus on the major highlights.

Conditions often are not ideal and this year was no exception. Course was muddy in sections since it rained Friday night and during some of the race. Often I am running alone for most of the race but this year enjoyed the company of Tim, a runner from St Joseph for around 20 miles from mile 11 - 31. I've seen him at many races but never have had an opportunity to run with him for so long.

I found an older woman running the marathon lying on the trail at about 41 miles. She yelled help before I even got to her. She told me she had fallen, twisted her leg and couldn't get up. I asked if she wanted me to move her off the trail before I went for help. She wasn't sure she could move so I told her I would run as fast as I could to the next aid station, only 3/4 mile to get help. I notified them and went on my way. Tim came upon her after and stayed until she got help. She had broken her femur and had to be 4-wheeled out and life-flighted.

Then 1 mile from the end found another older woman puking on the trail. She was going to stop until she felt better. Nausea was getting to me the last few miles since the sun came out later in the day.

I finished the first loop in 4:41 with Tim and second in 5:02 for my slowest Berryman ever 9:43. However, it was a nice surprise to place second overall and win the Masters award. I was spent and don't think I could have gone faster. Definitely slower if Tim hadn't been with me for 20 miles.

It was great having the support of everyone out there. It is a special race since I know so many of the runners. Highlight of the day and all my Berrymans was seeing Karen, a friend I run the trails with finish the 50 miler and be the second ever 60+ woman to finish and also a new record!

GPS was a little strange the last 7 miles or so. I had 25.5 miles the first loop (which I think is close) and 27.5 miles the second loop.



Sunday, January 01, 2017

2016 Running and Racing Review

Running mileage was 2472.

Goals accomplished (or not accomplished) for 2016:
I set a goal to do 50 weight workouts, 25 less than my goal last year when I failed to complete 75. I completed 59 (34 hours), 25 more than my big fail of 24 last year.

I set a goal to take 2 - 3 short breaks with 3 - 4 consecutive days of no running.  I managed 9 breaks this year with 3 - 7 days of no running.

I completed garage decluttering and am almost done with basement. Still need to do the rest of the house.

I had hoped to use 7 weeks vacation before end of the year but only took 5.

Have more fun. Not sure that happened but paid down a lot of debt on the house and managed to run 10 ultras, 1 marathon, and a bunch of other races.

Total Miles:
2016 - 2472
2015 - 2588
2014 - 2683 (yes, the exact same as 2012)
2013 - 2405
2012 - 2683
2011 - 2460
2010 - 2839
2009 - 2675
2008 – 3014
2007 – 2572
2006 – 1937
2005 – 2090
2004 - ~1000

Marathons (32 total):
2016 - (1) Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2015 - (1) Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2014 - (1) Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2013 - (2) Heart of America Marathon (BQ), Kansas City Marathon (BQ)
2012 - (2) Post Oak Trail Marathon, Heart of America Marathon
2011 - (2) Berryman Trail Marathon, Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2010 - (2) Go! St Louis Marathon (BQ), Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2009 - (5) Disney Marathon (BQ and Sub-3 hr), 3 Days of Syllamo (Trail), Boston Marathon (BQ and Sub-3 hr), Heart of America Marathon (BQ and Course PR), Louis & Clark Marathon (BQ and Sub-3 hr)
2008 - (4) Boston Marathon (BQ and PR), Laughing Out Loud Marathon, Heart of America Marathon (BQ), Twin Cities Marathon (BQ)
2007 - (5) Laughing Out Load, Berryman (First Trail Marathon - placed
4th), Heart of America (BQ), Baltimore Marathon (BQ), Bass Pro
Marathon
2006 - (3) Flying Pig (BQ), Heart of America (BQ, Chicago (BQ)
2005 - (3) Mad City, Heart of America (BQ), Portland (BQ)
2004 - (1) Heart of America

Ultramarathons (58 total):
2016 - (10) - Psycho Wyco Winter 50K, Ozark Foothills 50K, Free State Trail 100K, Flatrock 100K, Berryman Trail 50 mi, Kettle Moraine 100 mi, Psycho Psummer 50K, Barkley Fall Classic 50K, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Big Dog's Backyard Ultra 91.67 mi
2015 - (8) 3 Days of Syllamo 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Berryman Trail 50 mi, Psycho Psummer 50K, Mark Twain 50 mi, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Defiance 50K, Ozark Trail 100
2014 - (7) 3 Days of Syllamo 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Berryman Trail 50 mi, Mohican 100 mi, Barkley Fall Classic 50K, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Big's Backyard Ultra 104 mi
2013 - (4) Land Between the Lakes 50 mi, Berryman Trail 50 mi, Psycho Psummer 50K, Leadville Trail 100 mi
2012 - (9) Post Oak 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Free State Trail 100K, Berryman Trail 50 mi, Kettle Moraine 100K (PR), Psycho Psummer 50K, Burning River 100 mi, Big Dog's Backyard Ultra 104 mi
2011 - (5) Psycho Wyco 50K, Grand Canyon 47 mi, Psycho Psummer 50K, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Pumpkin Holler 100 mi (PR)
2010 - (6) Psycho Wyco 50K, Free State Trail 100K (PR), Kettle Moraine 100 mi (PR), Flatrock 50K, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Ozark Trail 100 mi
2009 - (4) 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Psycho Wyco 50K, Berryman 50 mi, Q50 Ultramarathon 50K (PR)
2008 – (4) 3 Days of Syllamo 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Berryman 50 mi, Rock Creek Trail 50K
2007 - (1) Hocking Hills Indian Run 60K

Number of each type of races for 2016:
100 mi - 1
91.67 mi - 1
100K - 2
50 mi - 1
50K - 5
Marathon – 1
Half Marathon - 1
10 mi - 1
10K - 5
4 mi - 5
5K - 11

12 are Thursday night trail races - 17 total free races.

Total running miles run in 34 races: 645 miles (2015 - 32 races – 519 mi)

States I ran marathons and ultras in 2016 (4): KS, MO, TN, WI
All states I have run marathons and ultras (18): AR, AZ, CO, FL, IL, LA, KS, KY, MA,MD, MN, MO, OH, OK, OR, TN, WA, WI

2015 PR in 4 mi
2014 PR in 4 mi
2013 PR in 50 mi
2012 PRs in 25K, 100K
2011 PRs in 4 mi, 10K, 100 mi
2010 PRs in 1 mi, 4 mi, 10 mi, half marathon, 3/4 marathon, 100K, 100 mi
2009 PRs in 5K, 25K, half marathon, and 50K
2008 PRs in 5K, 5 mi, 10K, 10 mi, marathon, 50K, 50 mi
2007 PRs in 5K, 4 mi, 8K, 5 mi, 10K, 10 mi
2006 PRs in 20K, half Marathon, and marathon

Goals for 2017 (keeping it simple):
1.  Continue weight lifting and try to get at least 60 workouts for the year (deadline Dec 31).

2.  Declutter upstairs and have garage sale.

3.  Have more fun.

Possible races planned for 2017:
February - Nut Race 5K
March - St Patrick's Day 5K, Sedalia Half Marathon
April - Mustang Stampede 5K
May - Berryman Trail 50 miler
June - Marathon to Marathon
July - Parley Pratt 4 mi
August - Great Sandbagger 10K
September - Heart of America Marathon, Barkley Classic 50K
October – Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, F.L.A.T.S. Half Marathon
November - Thanksgiving Day Pie Run 10K
December - Cheese and  Sauerkraut 10 miler