tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35545936738419184072024-03-19T07:19:54.784-05:00Running past 50Now that my goal of doing 50 marathons or higher by 50 years of age is met, I want to take the running to new hights and become a evenmore healthier person.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-7856693500246624382010-01-24T08:00:00.006-06:002010-01-24T09:00:45.496-06:00Northwoods Snowshoe Race<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7VEsnfQ44ey_OKYdjikCAWP4f9czOXboJbCjMZTzAuNykvGD-FuqA8dnMMq0IKnqrFykHLFbXVFSoMjUczdX85_HX0G56njUA6Apx1Ni3_oqsR1Ig1VjVFupPDfstrUHgJYwESVv-mZP/s1600-h/northwoods+snowshoe+3"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7VEsnfQ44ey_OKYdjikCAWP4f9czOXboJbCjMZTzAuNykvGD-FuqA8dnMMq0IKnqrFykHLFbXVFSoMjUczdX85_HX0G56njUA6Apx1Ni3_oqsR1Ig1VjVFupPDfstrUHgJYwESVv-mZP/s200/northwoods+snowshoe+3" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430309646204575778" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEWqtxy6OxtaJPa-Z4OK4y2QrEqdY0zmcn-6TrAhMhPRKQ-ODsuKE4Zrqe-XuOTiLNrNr2JKPoICtS2slixvm1vbe_6RucQAFKvS3nntWEFUdc645TOmDWN5L8gUpEYtr9QRoSQZgmCsO/s1600-h/IMG_1089.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEWqtxy6OxtaJPa-Z4OK4y2QrEqdY0zmcn-6TrAhMhPRKQ-ODsuKE4Zrqe-XuOTiLNrNr2JKPoICtS2slixvm1vbe_6RucQAFKvS3nntWEFUdc645TOmDWN5L8gUpEYtr9QRoSQZgmCsO/s200/IMG_1089.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430309162872997474" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6y5OE2xr_QIYvS8Zyyl029N_WgPlC7mhWI87g1GavLX3BzGpVqxXKXJP8hw6rkg0-VqxqFtPgQkJiGj_mQKr_n6Qy6jPRCoZ2gHpHFFJjSaf4ktBYsMc7LjSgu4goKcqhs-BnDu5tlScM/s1600-h/northwoods+snowshoe+1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6y5OE2xr_QIYvS8Zyyl029N_WgPlC7mhWI87g1GavLX3BzGpVqxXKXJP8hw6rkg0-VqxqFtPgQkJiGj_mQKr_n6Qy6jPRCoZ2gHpHFFJjSaf4ktBYsMc7LjSgu4goKcqhs-BnDu5tlScM/s200/northwoods+snowshoe+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430308744727870946" /></a><br />Last Saturday I did the Northwoods Snowshoe marathon. This was going to be my 2ND attempt. Last year I tried and had failed. This year I was not any better at snowshoeing if fact I probably had gotten in less snowshoe time but I knew from the start I was under the gun and every second was going to count.<br />My daughter Kaitlyn came up to Duluth with me and we were going to stay 3 nights and try to get in some other activities. <br />Friday night at packet pick up it was great seeing so many running friends. Kaitlyn's camp friend went to school in Duluth so we picked her up and headed to Pizza Luce. We were very excited because they have Vegan items on their menu. We loved their vegan pizza, it was fantastic.<br />Anyways about the race. Knew I was seriously under the gun and I really wanted to finish and get the sweatshirt. This race has always been very strict about the time cut off. Last year I ran the first 1/2 of the marathon with Wayne, We did the first half in 3:45-which was even split for the marathon cut off, he only did the 1/2, I had gone on but quit when I was told later I wouldn't make the cut off. I am still mad at myself for not actually being dropped, who knows what would have happened maybe I could have made it.<br />From the start I had to push. I am such a slow start on all races and in snowshoes my slowness is worse. Wayne was off from start and I would not see him till the end. I ran alone most of race but was happy I remembered my i-pod.<br />The first hour I was on the nice groomed trails, then we went off into what seemed endless. The next section starts on nice firm road the goes off into deep sugar snow. It was like one movement forward one involuntary movement sideways and on and on. Sometimes to the side of the other runners tracks I was able to run on top of the snow, but then eventually I would break down into the deep. Actually this would have been very nice had I not been under the gun. It was very beautifully out there. Every walk even on this first loop was full of knowing this was the walk that could make me fail. It took me 2 hours till I got back on the groomed trail for another 1/2hour. The 1/2 took my 3&1/2 hours. I had a 1/2 longer to get the 2ND 1/2 done. <br />I felt like toast, took me 10 extra minutes on the first nice part and by the time I got through the worst of the sugar snow section I had used up all my extra time. Approaching the hour before the end cut off I secretly wished they would just cut me but I still pushed. I made that last cut off -I must have been within minutes or seconds but had to get the the last hour done in the same time I did the first loop. I had resigned myself to being OK with a DNF but still pushed harder than I cared to. I ended up finishing with 2 minutes to spare- 7:28. Had I known I would have two minutes left I certainly would have used them. I am very happy it was the last year because I will never have to do that race again!! No- just kidding. I am not happy it is the end just happy I don't have to do it again because I certainly would if they had it.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-60009112195878443962010-01-02T11:40:00.002-06:002010-01-08T23:35:10.423-06:002009- Good year!!So.. year in review<br />I started the year needing 8 marathons or higher races to finish my 50X50 before my 50th b'day. I competed it with one to spare. I had some very good races some not so good but I consider the bad ones just opportunities to do better next time.<br /><br />Northwoods snowshoe marathon- Jan 2009- This on did not count in my total, I was not able to finish in the allowed time. This was a bad start to the new year. This year I will try it again. It is kind of fun not knowing if you can finish or not, challenging to say the least.<br /><br />Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky- I needed to get in a 50 mile run before my first trail 100 miler in April. Flew down with other MN runners. The time limit on this was very challenging- 11 hours. I got lucky with this one and was able to make the big cut off that allows runners to get to do the final lap and go on to the 50 miles. the highlight was the runner who also had a strong family connection with diabetes with whom I talked with for a long time and the great cabin overlooking the lake with great friends and meeting new friends.<br /><br />NcNaughton 100 mile- April 2009- ouch, another DNF!! This hurt, three races this year and two not finished. I ended up being stupid and not changing my upper body clothes during the late night and ended up getting too cold to continue. Stupid Stupid Stupid!!! I called it quits at like 73 miles.<br /><br />Trail Mix- April 2009- 50K, the week after McNaughton, I felt just fine, had to get those last 30 miles in, had to try to make up my lost races to add to my 50x50.<br /><br />Chippewa-thought I would be too sore from Mcnaughton so had signed up to volunteer- I enjoyed it very much. it was much colder being a volunteer than running it.<br /><br />Superior 50K- May 2009- I slept in my car and woke up race morning to snow on the car. You just never know what the weather is going to be like that time of the year. I always love it up there. Drove home after the race, That was not fun.<br /><br />Med City Marathon- May 2009- I usually am out of town Memorial weekend but when found out I was not leaving I decided this would be a good one to do to get ready for Fans. I had my best marathon with a PR, 4:18, previous fastest a few years prior at Wistlestop at 4:19.<br /><br />Fans 24 hour- June 2009- I had a great race and a great time despite the cold and rain. I had a great race got in 106.99 miles and was 3rd women, 6th overall. My daughters were great kept me going. they made it so easy.<br /><br />Big Horn 50 mile- June 2009- The most unbelievable beautiful place I ever was. It was like running through a postcard. Barely made the cut off, still had ankle issues left over from Fans two weeks prior. Totally worth the snake threat.<br /><br />1/2 Vouageur marathon- July 2009- I had to skip Afton this year and give my ankle more rest, it still was bothering me alot. It felt good having 3 weeks without a race. I had my best 1/2 vouageur time this year- Everything was perfect. Laughed a lot.<br /><br />Vouageur 50 mile- July 2009- I think I got dehydrated, I sure was sick by the end, but finished. I changed my mind during this race not to do the Superior 100-that I was no way ready. My ankle hurt a lot too.<br /><br />Paavo Nurmi marathon- August 2009- My last race of my 40's. I thought I would do great, felt rested enough, but I totally sucked and my ankle killed me again - I got a big blister and afterwards I felt totally burnt out like I never had before. I said I was not running anymore and was sad because without running I had nothing else. That was weird, glad I got over it. The party in Hurley after was fun!!<br /><br />My birthday 50 miler- August 2009. I took off work for my birthday to run my age. I went through West Saint Paul crossed the high bridge down shephard road to ford bridge to Minehaha parkway around the Mpls lakes and back, was home in time to go out to dinner with the family. The I Can't believe I am 50 run.<br /><br />Superior 50 mile- September 2009- Hard!! I want a re-do there is no way I should have done that bad. It was hot and humid and I do not do good in humidity. I actually feel asleep on Moose mt. I was so sick and sleepy- layed down on the trail- did not worry about bugs or snakes or anything there in the dark. <br /><br />Arkansas Traveller 100 mile- October 2009- First trail 100 finish. I had a good first 1/2 of the race but got sick after 60 or 70. I refused to quit and walked in the last 16 miles. I really liked this race and want to go back.<br /><br />Wild Duluth 50K- October 2009- It was so beautiful on the Superior Hiking trail with the fall colors. Great company the whole way, I laughed and laughed. Felt good.<br /><br />Surph the Murph 50 mile- October 2009- On Halloween, dressed up in costume with great running friends who also surprised me and wore costumes too. I laughed a lot and felt good, better at the end then in the middle. It was a great place to run.<br /><br />Tuscobia 50K- December 2009- Loved it. You were supposed to be self supporting so even though 50k is not that far, a backpack would have done it, I pulled a sled I made up after getting an idea of how to do it by other runners. Next year I will do the 75 mile option - if they have the race again. It was a fun trip.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-51390869714662585912009-11-25T12:20:00.002-06:002009-11-25T12:26:26.716-06:00My top ten reasons to be Thankful that I am an Ultra runner10-Getting dirty..you know muddy while tromping in woods. <br />9-Calories in calories out. <br />8-Can blame age related forgetfulness on Ultra brain. <br />7-Can't have enough shoes. <br />6-All nighters. <br />5-See exciting parts of the world like Perryville Arkansas. <br />4-Training beats housework. <br />3-Love chocolate gu. <br />2-All you can eat buffets...aka aid stations.<br />And the number one best reason to be Thankful for being an Ultra runner is.. <br />1-Men runners have nice legs.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-83781024991605147982009-10-09T12:42:00.002-05:002009-10-09T14:14:09.346-05:00Arkansas Traveller 100On Oct 3rd and 4Th I ran in the Arkansas Traveller 100. It takes place in the Ouachita (sounds sort of like Witchita) National Forest. This was my first Trail 100finish after having DNF'd on my first trail attempt at Mcnaughton (mile 73 drop) this past April.<br />I traveled by car last Thursday and Friday with my sister in Law Nancy. Her and my brother Pat were my "crew" for the previous year's Mother Road 100 so it was good to have her come with me. We took the scenic route down thanks to AAA directions. We both had different directions so thought the AAA would be better. <br />We arrived at Camp Ouachita mid day on Friday, after picking up the packet we went 1/2 mile down the road to the Lake Sylvia Campground -they had free camping in group campsites so I set up my tend and met some really great people. Benny from Indiana, who was attempting his first 100. Janet from Ohio who has attempting to finish her first 100. She had tried the two previous years at AT100 and was back to try it a 3rd time. And Claude from Texas who was doing like his 4Th 100 of the year. <br />The rest of the day was spent at the 2PM race briefing where my Sis-in-Law kept meeting lots of people to introduce me to, the free pasta dinner which was very good and just getting everything ready. I was in my tent before 8PM. Nancy slept in the mini van.<br />The race started at 6am -we were in the dark for about an hour. The course sounds like it would be easy- mostly gravel roads with only 8 miles on the single track of the Ouahita trail. However the roads varied a lot. Some were very very rocky and there were a lot of hills. Someone the day before said series of rolling hills. I wouldn't call them rolling hills, there were long climbs some pretty steep, funny there did not seems like that many downs- well there never does in any race. <br />I felt extremely well through about 50 miles, I may have taken this too fast(for my ability) finished 50 in under 12 hours.<br />About the same time it started to get dark I started to get very nauseous and sleepy, despite taking no-doZ, those two have been going hand in hand for me. I look a spill somewhere before mile 57 had to get my cuts cleaned up. It would have been worth it however if would just wake me up.<br />At mile 63 aid station which was a crew station, someone told the aid station guy I was having problems, and they told me I was probably dehydrated from what I told them I was taking, my nausea and my lack of peeing. I am sure I was. The gave me some S caps (they didn't like the amount of sodium in the e-caps) and some rock salt which is absolutely horrible and off I went.<br />The next 20 miles were somewhat of a blur. I was so sick and sleepy, I did pee alot though and I would stop by the road a few times and just sit- I did not lay down and officially nap I am happy to say. I cannot tell you how I made it through this part. During this part it also started to rain and it continued till the end of the race.<br />At mile 84 with 16 miles left I got to a crew station. My sis in law had been asking everyone if they saw me and had everybody there looking for me so when I got in to that station there were all these people saying it's 79 it's 79. I am sure they would all be happy to have to not hear from Nancy anymore once I was out of there. Nancy tells me I looked horrible, she gave me a cup of soup I tried a noodle and got very sick in the grass, I sat down and just needed to close my eyes!! She said I should probably drop. No way I told her I did not come this far to DNF. This old runner guy was great he told Nancy I would make it and I asked him to just let me sit there under the canopy till I had just enough time to walk it in. I changed my upper half clothes- put on a fresh garbage bag under my rain poncho and fell asleep. I don't know how long it was that I sat there, probably a 1/2 hour before I was woke up to finish the race. I got up felt horrible and campy but started on my long walk in. It was still an hour and 1/2 or so till there would be daylight.<br />I did not eat or drink much in the last 16 miles but just kept on going taking tiny bits of water and food hopping to not get sick again. I was getting so tired again and daylight came right in time, I trudged on another 4 hours in the rain, My quads and ankle prevented me from breaking into any run. I was glad to have the layers on I did as it got colder as the morning progressed. I finally got to the finish, It felt so good to be done. I had an hour to spare.<br />I found out Benny finished his first 100, he had passed my about mile 73 looking great. Janet DNF's again when it started to rain in the middle of the night, bu came back to see me finish. Claude came in 5Th place, he had never told us he was so fast.<br />I know I have alot to figure out I am going to work on something new because what I have been doing lately has not been working well. I think I had some pretty good arguments back there in the middle of the night why I should give up Ultra running but I can't think of what they could possibly be right now. I am anxious to do it again to do better, or really just to feel better while doing it.<br />I want to go back next year, The free jacket has the name of the finishers of the previous year on it so it would be nice to get that. The volunteer for this race were fantastic and very knowledgeable. The race director Chrissy Furgeson was fantastic and quite entertaining. I recommend this race highly.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-82241882207211129422009-08-24T12:59:00.002-05:002009-08-24T13:09:37.161-05:00In true Ultra styleAfter Vouageur someone, can't remember who told me, "now don't go thinking you have to run 50 miles for your birthday, this counts". I said something like right as if I had the faintest intention. Well, I thought about it and decided that is exactly what I will attempt to do. I am taking a vacation day to morn my 40's and see how 50 feels. I will head out like at 5am and try to get in 50 miles. The plan is to head to st paul and then river road then to the Lakes and back- hope that is close to 50. I think I will try to find that website that gives milage. I am going to walk a lot I think. I thought I had better post so it not too easy to back down.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-18821236023794853002009-07-27T09:45:00.004-05:002009-07-27T13:57:33.483-05:0050 by 50- DONE!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_6wVfqVknsCJ8Uve4vWJ21UJlJwvBJ-BtuaQItFGAOoKGnQCroydJ2I32mEu7fFFDUwANGdy17fN2qj8KRGBmsn9_oUJr0Y7w6PrkF9Hw4sbgG08Zz81WWcZV79ZtSH6xV54KDZW61jE/s1600-h/finishing+vouageur+50+mile.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_6wVfqVknsCJ8Uve4vWJ21UJlJwvBJ-BtuaQItFGAOoKGnQCroydJ2I32mEu7fFFDUwANGdy17fN2qj8KRGBmsn9_oUJr0Y7w6PrkF9Hw4sbgG08Zz81WWcZV79ZtSH6xV54KDZW61jE/s200/finishing+vouageur+50+mile.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363215589786029186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEy26yNBdaFUV_oJx5NN-Jgg9Yj6VBOc0SgfnxkURqhPKUidOx66fuYgXd6MqOvVre-cOOTFa1-llPM2IIUzaijcLAhDg8pruQnIPDNFVvGHB-RuWb_wtHrcrvjDiHaL7HulZ-UguqpQD/s1600-h/vouageur+last+aid+station.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEy26yNBdaFUV_oJx5NN-Jgg9Yj6VBOc0SgfnxkURqhPKUidOx66fuYgXd6MqOvVre-cOOTFa1-llPM2IIUzaijcLAhDg8pruQnIPDNFVvGHB-RuWb_wtHrcrvjDiHaL7HulZ-UguqpQD/s200/vouageur+last+aid+station.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363215446518530066" /></a><br />Yeah!!! I made my goal of completing 50 marathon or higher races by the time I turned 50 (insert un-smiley face here-for the turning 50 part) ansd I have one month to spare.<br />The good news is that my mission of making physical activity and good health a part of my daily life is achieved. After all this is what this goal was about - lowering my risk of death from heart and diabietes realted problems. The early death of my parents and a few siblings have made the risk very real and funny the older I get the more I care.<br />Vouageur was alot of fun despite everything . My first 1/2 went great. I even got to hear the song perfect day on my I-pod and it was so good- I was all alone going thru the power lines -so was able to sing as loud as I wanted. If fact I re-played two more times if felt so good and so perfect that this song was playing right then. I had a very hard second half. I have not felt so sick since FANS two years ago- when I had the same stomach ache thing. But I hate to dwell on things that don't go well because well- I finished -I might have just dropped if finishing this one was not so important.<br />It was so good to see so many of my running friends before and during the race. I don't know how I got so lucky to know so many great people. I really do not deserve it.<br />I owe alot to Rick B who was out spectating, he was very encouraging and helped me alot through the end, even running with me for a while, him in his sandals and all. It helps to be stronger when you are trying not to look like you are not as bad off as you feel. I also hated for him to be wasting his time out there so I knew I better just finish or he would never get home.<br />I really appreciate all the volunteers out there. Thanks Wayne for taking all the pictures!!!<br />Now I hae decsions to make- What to re-name the blog to? <br />I probably need goals too but what?Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-12739778564322699372009-06-24T07:09:00.007-05:002009-06-30T16:22:12.970-05:00Humbled at Big Horn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdbWMz35aXSXK6xpAeV34niKS0gtE6X9uHVzbz_spIh13LR3TiB2F0lJNv3s7C4-fNeAFs0DwlOlO-kcK0iwNIl4sOYlUSbstOFe8VMlOd0f5PDZhyphenhyphenAftJXPV5w52bnjBsi8Kzel4hg7n/s1600-h/00000024.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdbWMz35aXSXK6xpAeV34niKS0gtE6X9uHVzbz_spIh13LR3TiB2F0lJNv3s7C4-fNeAFs0DwlOlO-kcK0iwNIl4sOYlUSbstOFe8VMlOd0f5PDZhyphenhyphenAftJXPV5w52bnjBsi8Kzel4hg7n/s200/00000024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353233262883025218" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWFSa8bLFTBygDjnzjO_FyxCtujzvcj5cT5Y7W3Job5tr1wh72hmA77s42-jy49Pxo-VnbSl7-09obA9G8kUTIaRJvSieICxct1twO7e1Xs-YDiirGVOqtLvq7FdvlcuDtm6NHjfweOWh/s1600-h/00000022.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWFSa8bLFTBygDjnzjO_FyxCtujzvcj5cT5Y7W3Job5tr1wh72hmA77s42-jy49Pxo-VnbSl7-09obA9G8kUTIaRJvSieICxct1twO7e1Xs-YDiirGVOqtLvq7FdvlcuDtm6NHjfweOWh/s200/00000022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353233011072790626" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg61dZL1Dmk8q5XHQlICT5YTho18g5TWooIYLWf0kfPxCOEN_v3tonZr4PNv87E8ALQzeq8ScChLl13wcFINH6M0sM8KJO55FZRu6PBqU1deOI6K90mNHk2vFCB6UwGvapwcCGFqQgPw1p/s1600-h/00000016.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg61dZL1Dmk8q5XHQlICT5YTho18g5TWooIYLWf0kfPxCOEN_v3tonZr4PNv87E8ALQzeq8ScChLl13wcFINH6M0sM8KJO55FZRu6PBqU1deOI6K90mNHk2vFCB6UwGvapwcCGFqQgPw1p/s200/00000016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353232508091600418" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhNRkaZLCYGpjILR4-BI9IhXfRLdsse67IGcjXVi-9dxhGIjZXLoc_T4ZmuJz1XESDV-Uv6-xvkTlbS8-aTc0jT5H7G8oQozNdJrc0wfxUzlqWHmHVUPSLNbYI0twPqv7dkZ8-sFMnq3i/s1600-h/00000007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhNRkaZLCYGpjILR4-BI9IhXfRLdsse67IGcjXVi-9dxhGIjZXLoc_T4ZmuJz1XESDV-Uv6-xvkTlbS8-aTc0jT5H7G8oQozNdJrc0wfxUzlqWHmHVUPSLNbYI0twPqv7dkZ8-sFMnq3i/s200/00000007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353232013933687906" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCRvEyYrzPhIW1bhJRRSlEC5NGxXKtWTEvi3wbUvOyy1NQrYb4xo-ZnRWcPekbS-vuwIgHnz222LcONgyUpwE3cYugWMEmIcpqUiGuztp-7nhc67Tw7Azus8iNDB-37Uo6HIM0Rv2xROF/s1600-h/00000006.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCRvEyYrzPhIW1bhJRRSlEC5NGxXKtWTEvi3wbUvOyy1NQrYb4xo-ZnRWcPekbS-vuwIgHnz222LcONgyUpwE3cYugWMEmIcpqUiGuztp-7nhc67Tw7Azus8iNDB-37Uo6HIM0Rv2xROF/s200/00000006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353231771619151554" /></a><br />Short version is I finished!! I almost did not, I was seconds from being dropped at mile 34 (where I had to quick leave without even being able to fill my water bottles),and except for the end of race I was the last person making the cut offs. I had my ankle pain come back right from the start so the wonderful long downhill advantage I thought I had were lost. The course was absolutely breath taking. There is no way to see this remote mountain course without doing it. It was so very different than driving through- it was so fantastic!!! Pictures do not do it justice, it doesn't show the largeness of it all.<br /><br />The long version I had been working on for a few days I decided to can it and just leave it with the short version.<br />I have not run since the race, I my ankle and up into my shin still bother me. I won't be doing Afton even though I am signed up. Too bad I wasted my money. I had wanted to wait till after Big Horn but didn't know registration would be extended. I was pretty sure right after I wouldn't be able to run for at least a few weeks since it was worse than after FANS and two weeks was not enough from after that. <br />So what to do after this? I don't know I am signed up for 1/2 Voyageur -I see how I am doing. <br />Maybe I just need to concentrate on being a better runner before I do any long races. I think someone at Big Horn suggested that but I can't remember who or when or if someone said it even. Maybe it was just me.<br />This was my favorite race so far, even with me doing so bad.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-69874495529664868332009-06-17T17:09:00.002-05:002009-06-17T17:32:42.363-05:00After Fans/Pre Big HornI have been thinking a lot about wanting to do another 24hour race. I hate to wait too long, I think there is no reason I can't speed things up a little and get in that 114 miles that I had been mistakenly credited for a few years ago. I am still surprised how OK I felt the whole time.<br />I have hardly run in the past almost 2 weeks. My ankle I think is better now and the skin on my thighs has grown back-this was pretty painful since the race, even when not doing anything. I am really surprised I did not feel all that skin rub off while I was running- I guess I was lucky for that. I know now to use compression shorts when it will be very wet.<br />I am leaving tomorrow for Wyoming. I had thought this was going to be a solo trip but my niece Ann agreed to come with me and then John Taylor was looking for a ride so he is riding out with us too. He will be doing the 100 miler. I wish I were doing the 100 miles but I need to concentrate on just going faster than I normally do on trails. The plan is to leave at noon tm and drive to Gillette Wy, stay there and get to Dayton early the next day. The 100 starts at 11:00 Friday. The 50 has a bus to start leaving at 4AM Saturday with race starting at 6AM.<br />My vegan diet is still going well. I do not miss meat/eggs/chesse at all!! <br />I have to get lots of stuff ready since we are camping in Dayton. I am so excited to be doing a new race.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-30959422625312144582009-06-08T06:38:00.007-05:002009-06-08T08:40:38.368-05:00FANS 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAndTY0_DNPKWmLtZOK-dtQHQsf_CBwYJDXb3G6FMvwMTJIuMKrnYBVJa2d94AX9MvmfEXz6HtDgDOJFHBiRCu0Xqw8PMmbytZ6bA-Vj-7_Kbjr58by_nO4gCHK2Xbe7Xpdc1UiGskKy-N/s1600-h/DSCF0355.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAndTY0_DNPKWmLtZOK-dtQHQsf_CBwYJDXb3G6FMvwMTJIuMKrnYBVJa2d94AX9MvmfEXz6HtDgDOJFHBiRCu0Xqw8PMmbytZ6bA-Vj-7_Kbjr58by_nO4gCHK2Xbe7Xpdc1UiGskKy-N/s320/DSCF0355.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344942766561481010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETLDRALx-CGZjKLr_81aH1Ef-eiPOesR-4bNjy46Xk0xg15eR6OBN4T_VVkn8ByJfbpVHwVVPMTTDkAswu6eH-hfRTVl5Tzh_GXAKRiq4AQMo6_97q5jCFfvpMZoS9iacVPJ8-h1C9OdD/s1600-h/DSCF0350.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETLDRALx-CGZjKLr_81aH1Ef-eiPOesR-4bNjy46Xk0xg15eR6OBN4T_VVkn8ByJfbpVHwVVPMTTDkAswu6eH-hfRTVl5Tzh_GXAKRiq4AQMo6_97q5jCFfvpMZoS9iacVPJ8-h1C9OdD/s320/DSCF0350.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344940184816108210" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3PbU8Ysa9p6jJ2nGlpDJ-4D9RXI-oNCFQV454xjGN0YMR9BJQsOOrJkf1p9uRLTNd9wcYXI_Wu0c-im5gM-Hajtn5nwLftc4LJR267D3ho9EEikcE0Ki4-97cjFtjSCHZptdkFF-2KSD/s1600-h/DSCF0347.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3PbU8Ysa9p6jJ2nGlpDJ-4D9RXI-oNCFQV454xjGN0YMR9BJQsOOrJkf1p9uRLTNd9wcYXI_Wu0c-im5gM-Hajtn5nwLftc4LJR267D3ho9EEikcE0Ki4-97cjFtjSCHZptdkFF-2KSD/s320/DSCF0347.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344939566803142962" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOTv95z2EcgT_NLyqWWZ97PlefNZ7QJjRHGsXeUDm_nJwEMp7Z8MTfk2CZjNOYc3PQgF3p-gUIjejpqK8vhbsGfW4IBNnNPcsScaJ1R_or_PAPlLEVKfc2xiSUsZbQtqzkQdU54EXvZhB/s1600-h/DSCF0343.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOTv95z2EcgT_NLyqWWZ97PlefNZ7QJjRHGsXeUDm_nJwEMp7Z8MTfk2CZjNOYc3PQgF3p-gUIjejpqK8vhbsGfW4IBNnNPcsScaJ1R_or_PAPlLEVKfc2xiSUsZbQtqzkQdU54EXvZhB/s320/DSCF0343.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344938814230095986" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYU4jaLA1_gRuBrMiD6DYXVGTBLh2I1HDzxRGHT5dhU974VihKlxtX6Ix-xbovczNMsRKpdV7X1I87hAdGzqt_FywDdoutMj6EDW8_sSSikgNNmiyHfiI9Cp7MVmtU0Rj2_6eiYCbUnMD/s1600-h/DSCF0337.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYU4jaLA1_gRuBrMiD6DYXVGTBLh2I1HDzxRGHT5dhU974VihKlxtX6Ix-xbovczNMsRKpdV7X1I87hAdGzqt_FywDdoutMj6EDW8_sSSikgNNmiyHfiI9Cp7MVmtU0Rj2_6eiYCbUnMD/s320/DSCF0337.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344937601677632242" /></a><br />I tried adding pictures but I am not sure how I got them to go where they did so they are totally in the opposite order I wanted them to be...Not sure how to change this.<br />My daughter Char dropped my other daughter Kaitlyn and I off at the Lake before 6:30,she was going to return after she was off work. It would be good to have only one vehicle there at the end. We had lots of stuff. Way more than we would ever need, most of the stuff I packed was stuff for the girls. We set up next to John Taylor. He had an canopy so if the Large tarp covered umbrella I had for rain protection blew away in the expected heavy rains and winds, the girls would have somewhere to sit. We were very lucky the morning was dry so we were able to get everything set up. I also set up a small tent. Wayne Nelson who was doing his first 12 hour that day, set up his stuff on the other side. It was fun that morning seeing all the people I knew.<br />It started out cool and dry for a while then the rain started, it seemed to never have stopped. My plan was to get in 50 miles by 10 hours then hopefully still 60 by 12, then allow myself to do 4 miles per hour till the end, which I was able to do. <br />I started out feeling great, took it easy, walked from the start only before the cedar ave bridge, to the end of the bridge. The plan was to get in 4-5 mins of walking per 1/2 hour, not scattered like I normally would do but all at once from the start. I had been out to Nokomis a few weeks before and had the timing of this all worked out. This worked great, at first it was hard to walk when you didn't need to, especially for 4-5 mins,but the theory is that if you waited to walk till you needed to it was too late.<br />I went round and round at first keeping it easy going, my friend Linda showed up and ran 4 loops in the rain with me. Later my friend Jenny came out for a few laps, she was waiting for the rain to let up but it really never did. It is always good to see people you know out there.<br />I stated to feel good after mile 22, the feeling is hard to describe but a definite difference that point in a race in which I think is where your body starts to burn more fat. <br />I owe alot of my success in this race to my daughters they were there every loop asking me what I wanted. I got really tired at night, I could only take so much caffeine or my stomach was too bothered and Kaitlyn would speed walk/light run some loops with me. Since they were the picture takers I am disappointed I did not get a picture of them.<br />I did struggle in the middle of the night when I felt like I was falling asleep on my feet. The thought of being that tired out on a technical trail is scary, but when the caffeine kicked in, I felt good, I was able to run/walk the whole time. The last 45 mins I stayed on the short course which is a back and forth and I ran a lot- it is hard to walk when the people on the side are cheering you on.<br />I got my 100 miles in at 22:23 (I think) and went on to get in 106.98 miles, good enough for 3rd place female, not sure what I was overall.<br />We also got the best campsite award because my girls were so cheerful and friendly to all the other runners. I am really more proud of this than anything else.<br />The volunteers were great just so supportive- I can't describe how great it felt to call out your number as you came in at the end of loop and every single time to be met with many people saying how great you were doing. I can't image any other race having this kind of support. Thanks to Wayne also for sticking around all night and being great support to me and the girls. It was a tough cold wet night to be out all night when you were not running- way colder than running. I would not have taken 3rd if it was not so wet and cold some runners had to drop out for a while due to hypothermia. I was lucky that I had a place to change clothes the times that I did because there is no way I could have make it without that.<br />The awards breakfast was fun, I also got a great sweatshirt that says 100 miles in 24 hours. <br />I did not get any blisters but the top of my ankle is swollen and sore, Big Horn 50 mile race is in two weeks, time to heal and get ready for that.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-55242484007728142162009-06-05T08:10:00.002-05:002009-06-05T08:18:07.600-05:00I am ready for FANSTomorrow is Fans and I am ready. I had a nice 6 mile slow run this AM and wanted to run longer and harder so that was good.<br />My daughters will be there for me which will be especially nice. I am looking foreward to a day of easy running and feeling that total exhaustion feeling that you can only feel trying to run in the middle of the night. Maybe I am sick to want to feel that.<br />I had a PR at Med city road marathon two weeks ago so that was a big boost.<br />I don't think I have any lingering effects of the colesterol med; I think the pain pain I get now is normal stuff.<br />Life is very busy- I like it like this- I would rather have too much to do than not enough. I have to get back to work!!Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-52762534065654973592009-03-27T08:33:00.003-05:002009-03-27T09:40:11.119-05:00Muscle soreness and My cholesterol MedicationI have been on been on Simstatin a statin cholesterol lowering med since mid December. I recently had heard from another ultra runner that he stopped taking statins because of muscle soreness. I has heard that that was a possible- but low incident side effect and a person was to let their physician know immediately if they had any unexplainable soreness. <br />Well being a runner I get sore and being a person who is getting older- well who is to say what is explainable and what is not.<br />Wednesday eve I did a 25K loop out at Afton. I could not believe how totally sore I was, it started before 10 miles even and lasted even after I stopped running and into the evening. Actually Saturday for my 26 miles at Afton I was very sore early on also. I was very sore in my 50 mile race- actually probably earlier than I would have thought- sore in my teens rather than progressively later in the race. Hum.. I have been having some leg cramping and some other aches and pains also, something I never had alot of but again with my milage lately probably wouldn't think much of it either.<br />So yesterday I started an Internet search to try to find some answers. It turns out that the muscle soreness is a very real especially for athletes. There was this study of like 22 female athletes who had the family induced type high cholesterol and they went through all the different statins and it ended up all but 3 I think it was could tolerate continuing. There is also something that the statins blocks production of in the liver that is used for your muscles to be not broken down. <br />Rhabdomyolysis is something that can happen if the muscle breakdown were to the extreme and it can even be deadly. One woman ignored her muscle pain and did an event of some kind anyway with really bad results. (hum..would this be like continuing on during a 100 mile race while you felt like your muscles were already at their breaking point). <br />I had also the results from my blood test last week an my cholesterol was down some but my liver test was slightly elevated ALT(SGPT)-not sure what it means can't find anything about if elevated liver whatever is bad for an ultrarunner?. <br />Short story- I have stopped taking the cholesterol med and will hope I am OK for my 100 mile race in two weeks. <br />Since I just stopped my first dosage last night I really don't know how hard I should work out this week. I was planning on getting in abaout 30-40 tomorrow but I am sort of freaked out now.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-10017873332150790192009-03-20T18:13:00.004-05:002009-03-20T19:00:04.897-05:00Land between the Lakes 50 mile race<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7SuzdJD9f9SjxNYlvICDRlp8Ziw5Ho1keZYZJmxUiNhjEbfPjFJv7otOv1KWD9c-aDXyZiV-90wf2rU7jFt_hEKxBIrmins5kWv5GZXBV3ek1XUeoQe4QLfrC-pIzGeqQvIlkNd4WpEw/s1600-h/DSCF0271.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7SuzdJD9f9SjxNYlvICDRlp8Ziw5Ho1keZYZJmxUiNhjEbfPjFJv7otOv1KWD9c-aDXyZiV-90wf2rU7jFt_hEKxBIrmins5kWv5GZXBV3ek1XUeoQe4QLfrC-pIzGeqQvIlkNd4WpEw/s400/DSCF0271.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315419706097777202" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu65U90R2NzoYG8d-zw6ROv2AbKYvXqrbTBNbyF2S0vSoO1qpWjMVve4dtDsFI66z4UbsIgoL28XRCerNRXw_4aHkfc7zlOeWt-xIELvPhpB_4RQlqYckcsIhXDNRXrHMJB1tzHdJd30ND/s1600-h/DSCF0266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu65U90R2NzoYG8d-zw6ROv2AbKYvXqrbTBNbyF2S0vSoO1qpWjMVve4dtDsFI66z4UbsIgoL28XRCerNRXw_4aHkfc7zlOeWt-xIELvPhpB_4RQlqYckcsIhXDNRXrHMJB1tzHdJd30ND/s400/DSCF0266.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315413336601746226" /></a><br /><br />Last Saturday I did the Land between the Lakes 50 mile race in Grand Rivers Kentucky. I was a bit worried about whether I would be able to complete the race since they said they had an 11 hour cut off. I had run 50 miles on the road in under 11 but never on trail before under this time. I was relieved a bit the week before the race when I learned you would drop down to the lower race- 38 miles if you were unable to make the 50 mile cut off.<br />There were quite a few of us from Mn as you can see from the photo. The horn blew to start the race right as the photo was being taken.<br />It was rainey and chilly. The course was nice single track mostly rolling hills nothing horribly steep but hillier than I expected, but it was pretty muddy. I was sure during the first and 2nd loop (the loops were close to 12 miles) that I wouldn't be able to complete the 50 miles in time. I kept tryng to tell myself to quit the negative thoughts and it is possible later in the race to get faster. The big cut off was finishing the 3rd loop in 8 hours. I had a really good 3rd loop- felt like I had more energy than the previous 2 loops- funny how that works sometimes. Ralph who lives near Ft Knox started following me early in the 3rd loop. Ralph and I both have family members who have died from Diabetes- both of us feel like we run to keep from getting diabetes, it was great meeting someone who felt like I did. He said he really had no intention of making the 4th loop- was almot an hour over the time last year. Him and his friends who were way behind him were like alot of people who know they probably won't make the cut off but sign up for the 50 mile anyway and are happy with the 38 mile finish. I pushed to make it - we made it with 10 mins to spare, I might not make the time limit for the race but at least I was going to get the 50 miles in. The 4th loop was slower for me, Ralph who was shocked to have made the cut off decided to go ahead and finish the 4th loop too. It was great making it out of the woods after the 4th loop- the volunteer told us to head up the road 1/2 mile and turn around before heading back to town- yes!!! I was not being dropped!!! There was 2.7 miles to go on road back to the finish. The road felt good. My pants were so muddy and hung below and under shoes. I finished in like 11:22- 3rd from the last.<br />It was a really fun trip. I am going to do this one again- hopefully with no mud.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-25089498203878142552009-02-02T16:22:00.002-06:002009-02-02T16:52:06.855-06:002009 racesI signed up today for a race I probably shouldn't have- Big Horn 50 mile race. It fills up fast so I did not have time to think about it any more. It sounds like so much fun. I have no idea about anything- how to get there, where to stay, or if anybody will come with me but I just know I have to go. I kind of said I would forgo Big Horn for kentucky but I can't help it I just can't wait another year!!!<br />I am training pretty hard (for me) right now and feeling very good. There is a 11 hour time limit for the Kentucky race so I have lots of work to do on my speed. I have done 50 in under 11 but only on the road not on trail.<br /> <br />So far my schedule for 2009 is:<br />March- Land between the Lakes 50 mile race in KY<br />April- McNaughton 100 mile<br />May- Ice Age 50 mile or Superior 50K<br />June- Fans 24 hour and Big Horm 50 mile<br />July- 1/2 Vouageur marathon and Vouageur 50 mile. Afton 50K depending on the family 4th of July schedule(darn 4th of July)<br />August- Paavo Nurmi marathon<br />Septemeber- Sawtooth 100 mile- (unless I suck REALLY bad at McNaughton but I really want this for my first race at being a 50yr old-scarey)<br />October- Twin Cities Marathon and Wild Duluth- the 100K (depends upon the cut off, I havn't looked yet)<br />Novemeber- Surph the Murph 50K<br />I am going to volunteer at Chippewa since I have been one of those selfish runners who just run and never volunteer and its two weeks after my first trail 100 so I might still need the rest.<br />I might be tight for my 50 by 50 since I only have till end of August but on paper it's there.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-30546174248042763292009-01-19T13:24:00.002-06:002009-01-19T13:53:03.148-06:00Northwoods Snowshoe Championship<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRYHPDV3nn-RSKLgaMME3lIJCkHzgTHPGb2CwYeiw7A_cbZIpYqY1EmXevkuE-LjhZzyrZjG6UXq4pdyHRuVBDYIvAsoDJ3tivtVXAMiGRCGhdhnCFL4Useazu2RwTgE0MrFYoXGPr0Sy/s1600-h/northwoods+snowshoe+09.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRYHPDV3nn-RSKLgaMME3lIJCkHzgTHPGb2CwYeiw7A_cbZIpYqY1EmXevkuE-LjhZzyrZjG6UXq4pdyHRuVBDYIvAsoDJ3tivtVXAMiGRCGhdhnCFL4Useazu2RwTgE0MrFYoXGPr0Sy/s320/northwoods+snowshoe+09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293088702670463858" /></a><br /><br />This photo is from the Duluth Newspaper, It is myself, Wayne Nelson, who I ran with through the 1/2 marathon, and some other guy that took us a long time to finally pass.<br />I signed up for the marathon knowing it was going to be a maybe for the finish. But I knew I was able to snowshoe between 3 and 1/2 to 4 miles per hour. I did not often get any faster. I only had to do 3 and 1/2 miles at the 4 miles per hour pace then could do the rest anything over 3 miles per hour and finish.<br />Sounds good except I didn't ask- "How long is this Marathon?" Turns out the distance was over 28 miles. There was also a cut off that made the time for all but the last 3miles a little tighter which I didn't figure in either.<br />I was very surprised that at the midpoint I was at 3;43. which was 1/2 the total time limit of 7;30. I had been keeping track of my mile pace and I thought I was doing good. I took off anyways for the 2ND loop knowing it did not look good for a finish. At the first aid station they told me I only had 1 and 1/2 hours to finish both the far loops before heading back for the last three miles. Donald Clark was there and had decided to call it quits, he knew the last time it look him 2 hours and I was behind him so unless I felt faster than last time I wouldn't make it. Given this info and the fact that I hurt horribly I ended up turning back. I DNF'd but had a nice 21 mile training run. <br />It really was a great day out there. The awards ceremony was fun- It was fun to catch up with running friends. My husband and daughter had come to Duluth with me for the weekend. The first time they came with me on a trip. The did not complain so all in all a great weekend.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-86741087935632543422008-12-31T13:27:00.002-06:002008-12-31T14:27:07.557-06:0020082008 was a year of big ups and down.<br />I have a big void in my life without my sister in it. She was wrong when she talked about her future death- "you will be sad for maybe two weeks then you won't miss me at all". I miss her so much and I feel so guilty that she is dead. If only I had taken more time to make her feel like she was neeeded by me and my family maybe she would have decided to live. How can you argue with a person who is in pain and just doens't want to be in pain anymore though. I know I treated her like an inconvienece at times. I was so wrong. Could I have secretely wished this into happening? I am glad that she believed in God and that there was going to be an afterlife and a reunion with others who went. It would be nice if that was the case but I have big doubts on that.<br />Jan 1 2008 was the day of my back injury. It took me about two and 1/2 months before I was able to run again. I am proud that I fought back from that one, it was definetely a struggle When I couldn't even walk much I did the stationary bike then evenually was able to manage the eliptical then eventually the treadmill.<br />Chippewa 50k in April was a highlight of the year. The weeks before I had no plans to run it since I was still having back issues and had only squeeked out a couple of runs at 15 miles. The week before I thought what the heck and signed up the day before. I ended up feeling better during the 2nd half of the race than I had ever felt running before.<br />The other races I did were Trail Mix 50k(best time thanks to the shortened route), Ice Age 50 mile(the cut off times were brutal to me), Fans(ony 71 miles-embarassing), Grandmas(my last one), Afton(always great) 1/2 Vouageur Marathon(so much fun -great company) Vouageur 50 mile( I did bettter than the previous year- I love this course), Paavo Nurmi(this one is all about the friends), Superior(DNF- I stil can't believe it),Twin Cities Marathon(should have done better), Mother Road 100(loved it- can't wait to attempt another 100). <br />I added 11 races to my 50 by 50 total so I am up to 42. I did not of course count Superior.<br />I need 8 marathon or higher races before Aug 25.<br />I am looking to 2009 with a new view of healthy- no hiding my head in the sand. I have to face reality and take it up a step. I have already started and am feeling good.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-20089823196884251342008-12-22T09:57:00.003-06:002008-12-22T11:16:37.995-06:00Snowshoeing funSaturday I had a good showshoe run out at Lebannon Hills.I need to start building up for the snowshoe marathon next month. <br />Lebannon Hills has a great marked loop perfect for snowshoeing, lots of rolling hills meandering through the woods, all single track, around lots of lakes. <br />I had big doubts during the first hour if there was going to be a second hour, but thought if I can get in two hours I would be doing ok. Last week at Afton I only got in a little snowshoeing before I took them off and ran without them. Snowshoeing takes alot more energy and I can feel it. I did not bring my Garmin since I had forgot to charge it up. Good thing - I might have been upset with myself over the speed. I think I started walking about 1/2 the time but think that improved as time went. But my rule in running- never walk the downhills applied here too.<br />I ended up with a 3 hour run, no idea of the milage. Next week I will go 4 hours. I was totally caked in snow by the time I was done- was absolutley freezing by the time I got home. <br />I am back on the south beach diet, it is good for diabetics. I know I am not diabetic...yet -better start acting like I don't want to be one.<br />I also started cholesterol meds. I had one extra test- I think it measured the size of the colesterol itself and that one said I was moderate risk for heart attack. I guess you can run but you can't escape heredity.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-32833182425152635902008-12-12T12:03:00.002-06:002008-12-12T12:17:45.242-06:00Pre-diabetesI am not happy this morning. I had some pre-physical lab work done last week and got the new today that I am still pre-diabetic. I was thinking that my activity level would have maybe got rid of it. My last test was in 2004. <br />Oh well something to work on.<br />Good news- I got my snoweshoes yesterday- Northern Lites sure are quick- ordered monday received on Thursday.<br />I'll head out to Afton tm am to try them out.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-60242056725437382652008-11-10T16:46:00.000-06:002008-11-10T18:23:09.893-06:00mother road 100I did not know what to expect out of myself with this race. I had a number of things that were not in my favor. I gained a ton of weight in the last year, especially in the last 6 weeks sitting at my sister's house eating whatever food was around. I have a tendency to gain weight easily (aka eat like crazy) when I stop paying close attention. I also have developed this knee pain- probably IT band issue since Superior. I had a few OK 6 mile runs with a self subscribed knee band so my hopes were that it would hold me together. On my last run last week I ran without the band because I couldn't find it and the knee pain was bad after a few miles. I was also not feeling like myself since my sister died.<br />But I paid for the race so I was going to do it.<br />I had not made travel plans up until two weeks before the race. My sister in law -Nancy wanted to go down with me, I didn't think that would work out very well, I did not need to worry about her during the race, but finally agreed when she said my brother Pat would come too. <br />We left Thursday at 9PM, they had a very comforatable bed made up in the back of their mini van which worked out very nice for me. Pat who works nights anyways drove all night, I took over in the morning after geeting some sleep that evening. <br />There were 6 of us there from MN runing the race. Daryl Saari, Allan Holtz, Bonnie Riley, Donnie Clark and Frank Bartocci from Rochester who I didn't know. We all got our picture taken before the race, If I knew how to post a picture I would add it here, but I don't!! Maybe someone can tell me how some day or I can find some instructions. Lynn Saari was also there being her cheerful and positive self even though Daryl was so much faster that I was I did not see much of her.<br />I had made a decison to use Hammer nutrition this race and maybe only a very little real food. I needed to try something different, From what I read I think I tended to over eat and drink during a race -so this way I was able to sort of pre-plan my hourly calorie and liquid intake. I got in one long run (25 miles) using it and it had seemed to go well.<br />It was nice to have a "crew" since this race had I think only 3 drop bag posibilities and had several ten plus mile legs in the race.<br />I felt very good at marathon distance-5:15, Funny it was close to my Grandma's time but I felt way better. <br />Backtracking a little, my goal was 28 hours, My 50 mile goal was 12 hours.<br />I made it to the 50 mile at I think 10:46, It was dark already and I changed into all dry clothes and shoes and was out of there by 11;00.<br />I felt so good at 50 miles, I was saving my ipod for the 50 mile point since I had forgotten my charger and I foolishly used part of it up the day before. Nobody was around at all so I was able to sing along to my favorite songs as loud as I wanted.<br />Car traffic was an issue on ocassion, There were a legs nearer the bigger towns where you had to see if the on-comming traffice moved over- If they didn't move enough over I would hop off the road onto the side of the road into the sort of weedy/grassy section. There was little shoulders. We had about a 1/2 mile section where we were actually on interstae 40. It was maybe midnight to 1AM and the big trucks speed by honking their horn and making a hugh cold wind -I am sure quite upset with me being on the freeway, I was so happy when that part was over. The race was forced to go that way because of a bridge that was down.<br />Somewhere between 50 and 65 miles I past up Allan Holtz, he was the only person I had seen for miles, he was very surprised I think to see me, he would be the only runner that I would see for the rest of the race, except for those sitting at the mile 72 aid station. We ended up passing each other up a few times with him beating me out in the end.<br />The race has this one section that was five miles on a dirt road, it was just after the 72 mile aid station, crew vehicles were not allowed. It was very scarey, there were a couple of houses close to the road, and I kept thinking maybe this is where the Oklahoma texas chain saw masacure family lives!!! I walked most of way conserving my energy in case I needed it to try and run faster than something else at some point. Most was not near any houses at all and there were alot of strange sounds, the race director who ran said he had heard cyotes out there. yikes!!!<br />The hardest part of the race for me was just before dawn, it got so much more colder and I got so tired, I didn't know what to do since I had just taken no-doz. My crew went to the aid station and brought me back some hot chocolate and cup of noodles and I ate while walking, this was the first food thing I had from the aid stations. They both did wonders in reviving me and at about the same time, it started to get light!!! OH happy day!!! I was able to run again!!! I was not at all tired anymore. The last 6 miles got tough again, the bottom of my feet hurt, I coudn't run much at all. I should have took the time to change shoes again. I didn't think I would make it in under 25 hours but I ran hard the last 3 minutes to make it in 24 hours 59 minutes. <br />They had good food and beverage that the end- I had beers and omletes. We got a hotel room slept very soundly till 1 AM then got in the car for our 12 hour trip home- I was able to sleep most of the way back to MN.<br />My muscels are sore, but not as sore as I thought and I only have three good size blisters. <br />I can't wait to do another 100 miler!!!Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-88571959380003500742008-10-23T09:00:00.000-05:002008-10-23T09:21:27.864-05:00Today is Leanne's burial day. She had her wake and service on Tuesday. She was cremated yesterday.<br />I have a little time this morning so thought I would write down some of my thoughts.<br />First of all thanks to bloggers who have sent me your well wishes and prayers. It really really means a lot.<br />I am not a very good writter- I am not the smartest person out there so I have always been afraid of my gramatical errors and spelling error (dont even know enough about the technical stuff on this to know if there is spell check) I am going to not worry about that anymore. I am going to just be myself and try to say what I think in honor of my sister and her attitude about being herself, too bad if people know I am not that smart.<br />Londell put a quote on his blogg:<br /> "The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy … . It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed."<br />~Jacqueline Gareau, Boston Marathon, (Champion in 1980) <br />I am thinking of this today because it is how I feel - in a non running way. Running has trained me to have gotten through lifes other obsticals. The 4 weeks of being a hospice caretaker, the two weeks of sleeping a Leanne's apt, waking up every few hours to administer meds then going to work the next day, changing dressing when I normally hate anything icky like that, dealing with other people when you would rather run away.<br />I don't know if anybody else will get this analogy because unlike running its not like I can just stop or DNF the real life game.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-19589019140745749532008-10-19T14:28:00.000-05:002008-10-19T14:35:16.573-05:00Long 4 weeksMy sister Leanne died very early this morning. I can't even think of what to write except she is finally free. <br />One of my other sister's 16 daughter died last Thurday her funeral was last monday. It all does not feel real.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-68856188693142828622008-10-03T08:14:00.000-05:002008-10-03T08:32:27.116-05:00TCM weekendI am always excited about this marathon since it was my first and this weekend will be my 5th consecutive. This is the first one I did not put in specific training for it so I don't know what to expect. <br />Last year it was hot and croweded and I thought it was at it's capacity so it will be interesting to see with the increase in runners if it will be any worse.<br />I am looking foreward to seeing all the people I know running and spectating.<br />This year I am also planning to do the Dianna Pierce 1 mile race with my step granddaughter who is 7 years old on Saturday. My friend Linda is planning on running with her 5 yr old daughter too. It should be fun.<br />My sister is doing OK, actually we thought she would be gone by now (I know that sounds harsh) but averages are averages is what her Doc said. She cannot move however at all without alot of pain. Her mind is still sharp and her sense of humor is still intact for the most part. I am learning alot from her.<br />I am also learing alot about control. Everybody wants it- nobody wants to give up any of it.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-68917365454563734582008-09-26T10:42:00.000-05:002008-09-26T10:55:48.304-05:00Had a bad weekThis past week sort is sort of on the top of bad weeks. Next will probably be worse.<br />My younger sister Leanne, who just turned 46 had decided to quit her kidney diaylsis and let nature take it course. She is tired of the constant pain from all her wounds and is calling it quits.<br />She told me this past saturday at 5AM - I had stopped by before my long run to switch her electric wheelchair with her regular one for her. She told me and I said- Why are you telling me this now? I was not in the best of moods wishing I didn't have this extra stop to make before my run. I actually didn't believe at that time that she ment it (what a nice sister I am).<br />I have been through a wide range of emotions this week. Leanne is going to do home Hospice and I will be there as much as possible. I will be the main person in charge of her care. Her last dialysis was last Friday and so far she is not doing too bad except for her normal pain.<br />I have no idea if I will be able to do TCM next week, I will try but everything is so uncertain right now.<br />I am going to do the Trail race at Frontenac tomorrow. I haven't run all week. Probably good to give my knee a rest since it hurt so bad running last week (no idea what it was), but I have not even done any exersice and have eaten badly. I can't wait to get out there tm.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-65380829637596551162008-09-20T21:09:00.000-05:002008-09-20T21:33:53.710-05:00Training RunWell, it was a long day. I put in 10 hours of knee pain and slow running. I never had bad knee pain before so I was forced to walk alot but then again I walked about as much as I should have anyways. I worked hard to walk fast though. I was able to run more after mile 33 actually then I could between mile 15-33 which is good that the pain got more tolerable after more miles. I could not however walk down stairs at all.<br />I wanted to test my ability to get in 50 miles in 12 hours. I got in 42.5 in 10 under these bad circumstances so I happy enough with that.<br />I am really not looking foreward to Twin Cities in two weeks, I had no speed at all, I know I will do really bad. I am thinking of skipping it but I hate to waste the money I spent and I need it for my 41, especially since Superior didn't count.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-26540412208490732002008-09-19T07:40:00.000-05:002008-09-19T09:24:07.888-05:00Long RunThe plan is to run 10-12 road hours, I really want to do 12 but I will let myself out if I am not doing well after 10 hours. I am going to hopefully purchase some Hammer products like perpetuem and heed and stuff and practice a different system in prep for my 100. I say different system, but actually there never was a system- I always just ate when hungrey but time to try something new. I never wanted to be a fussy person about what I ate but I will see how having a system works. I have no idea what the aid stations will be like at mother road so I am best to be self sufficient.<br />I am starting tm at 5:30 AM tm at Minnehaha Falls area with my friend Linda- she wants to get in 13- she needs to be done early. <br />I like this area for road running becuase there are so many different loops. My favorite is the east-west river loop between the ford bridge and down to frankin or u of M. The loop down to Ft snelling and back and the parkway to Lake Nikomas around the lake and back are great too.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554593673841918407.post-70305345881683986502008-09-14T08:46:00.000-05:002008-09-14T21:14:03.651-05:00Fall PlansI had been looking at the web site every few days for a while, contemplating, making sure it was not about to fill. So this past week I finally signed up for the Mother Road 100 -2. 102 miles on route 66 near Oklahoma city happening Novemeber 8-9.<br />I have no idea how I will get there or any other detail except that this is the race I want to do this fall.<br />I was a pacer two years ago for the First mother road 100. I paced Bonnie Riley the last 38 miles from 11pm till abot noon the next day. That was the first time I had gone over a 50K and first time in ages even staying up all night. I knew then I wanted to do a race like this. The memeories of the store front aid station that was filled with folks who looked like characters from the night of the living dead, one throwing up in a waste basket. The freezing cold, who would have thought OK gets that cold, the small towns along the way. It was fun to be running(sort of)from town to town actually going somewhere.<br />The pitfalls are the hard road with little or no shoulders, the traffic (they are claiming little traffic this year though), going down deserted roads with run down houses with barking dogs in the middle of the night. But I think I can handle all that. <br />So I need to put in more road miles, next is Twin Cites then I am pretty sure Whistestop and probably Surp the Murph, but that is the week before mother road so not so sure about that one.<br />So its time to get out of Lazy mode and get training.Karen Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07010195537731468204noreply@blogger.com3