50 mile run, beautiful weather, and my father

Fifty miles, beautiful weather, and my father all equal an amazing day!

I signed up for the Iron Horse Ultra in Palatka, FL months ago with the hopes of doing better than last year and not having to slush through puddles and feeling like a drowned rat and spending the weekend with my dad.

My dad picked me up at the airport the day before the run where we then stopped by the family home to say hi to mom, sister, and nephew before taking our time to get to Palatka. Gorgeous drive with very little to see besides forest. I'd say that set the tone for the event since the majority of the race took place through trees.

You never know what the weather will bring. This year, I ran the Iron Horse ultra without rain, without puddle after puddle and wet feet. The weather was almost perfect. Started out in the low 40s and quickly climbed to over 70. Love the sunshine! Not so much the heat. But it wasn't too bad. Had I been at the beach I would have been in heaven.

Oh, did I mention I forgot my running hat at home? Talk about a pain in the butt. Luckily the team at Iron Horse had a visor for sale, which took some rigging with safety pins to fit my small head. It worked! Thank goodness.

The course of the Iron Horse Ultra is beautiful and ever-changing. The first six miles are paved rail trail. From the start you do a 1.75 mile out and then back for 3.5 miles then you have another 2.5 miles of pavement before reaching a dirt road. I love the 50 yards of packed dirt. Can we run on this all day?

The answer is no.

The next section is 1.5 miles of trail at a slight incline to Aid Station 2. This section is dirt, grass, sand, roots. It makes it for an interesting section where you tend to look down, especially when you start the second loop and your legs are tired. But this is still my favorite section of the trail. Especially when returning back to the start-finish line.

Aid Station 2 is the main aid station that you hit 3 times during the course of one loop. Each loop has many out and back sections; most of which return to Aid Station 2. Aid Station 2 is fully manned and fully stocked from sugary sweets, salty chips, fresh fruit and PB&J sandwiches. There is also several people recording the fact that you came through.

Here is where my dad met me and gave me my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. For a girl who cannot eat gluten, this is a serious treat and the only time I get to eat this type of real food. Ready to head East on a six mile loop (3 miles out and back), I told dad to feel free to head out to the hotel to relax and I would text him when I was headed back down to the start-finish.

The East trail is, in my opinion the most challenging of the entire run. I heard one group of runners comment that due to the changing terrain it was difficult to get a good rhythm. I concur!

While it is flat, the changing landscape is a killer. You first hit gravel, then a section of packed dirt that is dug in by trucks that travel through the forest. This part is actually nice. You kind of enjoy the trees and the greenery and your smiling because the day is just fabulous. Then you hit more sand and look for the packed sand so your feet don't slide out from beneath you as you try to run.

And then...sugar sand.

If you've never seen sugar sand, just look in your sugar bowl or to the image to the left. Not kidding! It's pretty and white, but impossible to get good footing. On the first loop all you care about is the beauty that is surrounding you and you love the white sand surrounded by trees and notice the camo site to your right that actually has campers grilling breakfast. I almost went over and asked to join them.

There is no aid station on the East loop, but there is a table with a jug of water and cups. I think everyone is grateful for this because it gives us a point to know that not only are you going in the right direction but a marker to know how far you are from Aid Station 2.

Speaking of markers. The course is extremely well-marked with pink tape hanging from trees and bright yellow pie plates. The pie plates have directional arrows on them pointing the way. Of course, the markers are only good if you look up and not at the sand.

After the six miles on the East loop I returned to Aid Station 2 and was surprised to see my dad. But wow, did that make me happy. We had a quick chat and I refueled then I was off for an eight mile (4 miles out and back) loop on the West side.

The West loop consists of a little more packed dirt and less sugar sand. Thank goodness. I love this side! But the first thing you notice on the West loop occurs about a quarter mile in when an odor hits you. You look around in search of the cause and that's when you discover the charred dirt and the remnants of a forest fire. Black dirt and life. It's amazing to see how mother nature can be so cruel and at the same time so strong and resilient. Kind of like the human soul, I think as I stroll past in awe.

This section of the trail also has water off to one side and you have to wonder where it came from when all that surrounds you is trees and sand. Then, after four miles and several turns you hit Aid Station 3. The first time at Aid Station three it is manned by some kids in ROTC. They do a terrific job of checking you in and asking if you want or need anything. Also, at Aid Station 3 is the only "real" bathroom. No port-a-john! The fact that you get to wash your hands and have a little more than elbow room is pure luxury and you swear that this little creature comfort has been heaven sent.

After a rest stop, I get a handful of Pringles and a chocolate chip cookie and head back the four miles to Aid Station 2 where my father is waiting for me. It was really great to see him there. I tell him to get some food for himself as yes, Aid Station 2 is starting up the grill and is there for the runners and the crews. Only four miles from here and I have hit loop one and 25 miles.

Then we start again with the 1.75 miles out and back. On the out portion I am pretty much by myself; all the runners are spread out and I occasionally see one or two. In this section I notice these gigantic black birds. Lost of them! As I get a little closer I stay to the right as I am a tad fearful. Ever see the Alfred Hitchcock film, "The Birds"?  Yeah, okay, I do not want to be eaten. "Please do NOT eat me," I chant as I draw near and realize the birds are lunching on a dead deer. Ick! Oh, yeah, I ran past that.

At 3.5 miles into the second loop back at the start-finish, I take 30 minutes to re-apply New Skin and add some toe caps. For whatever reason, my feet swell well beyond normal so no matter what I do I get blisters, even with double toes socks and yes, even after adding in toe caps. After changing socks and shoes and another restroom break, I get to spend a little time chatting with dad while he refills my hydration vest.

So far dad's day has consisted of getting up at 4:30 AM, driving me to the event, driving between Aid Station 1 and 2, sitting in his car for hours reading a JD Robb book I got him for Christmas, and greeting me every time I come thru and asking me what I need. While I can't believe he is doing this and only doing this because I'm out there, I am ever so grateful for my dad, for his support and his cheerleader attitude.

Then I am off for Aid Station 2 where dad will meet me once again. At Aid Station 2 it's getting darker now so I grab a headlamp and spare batteries, and the temperature is starting to go down so I grab a fleece and windbreaker.

Halfway thru the East loop for the second time the sun is starting to set so I stop to soak in the beauty and snap a picture. In doing so, I also decide that my sports bra is adding to the chill. With a quick glance around I decide to strip in the middle of the woods and lose the sports bra before slipping the fleece on. Sorry, no pictures of that, but I'm guessing the bears had a good show.

The sugar sand is pretty in the moonlight, and at the same time more frustrating on your footing. And I swear I kept looking for the pink tape and yellow markers. Everything seemed to be a lot further apart the second loop. When I return to Aid Station 2 I know the blisters have started but they aren't bad. YET! So I grab a PB&J and another, heavier jacket, because yes, it is freaking cold, hug my dad and head out for the second West loop.

This is the section where I ran into a runner who was going to quit after her first 25 miles. We ran into each other on the out and back section near the start-finish and chatted for a few. I suggested she not make a decision until she hit Aid Station 2 again. So while I was out somewhere near mile 38ish or so I saw her coming back at me and we stopped for a few minutes. I was glad to see her and congratulated her on not giving up.

She said, "You tricked me."

"How'd I do that?"

"You knew if I made it to Aid Station 2 I wouldn't quit until I got back to the finish."

I grinned. "I only hoped. Congratulations on the 50 miler!"

Then she took off.

The best part of this eight miles on the West loop for the second time was Aid Station 3 and the volunteers. First off, you are greeted by flashing, blinking colored lights and loud, ever so uplifting music. I was surprised and at the same time thrilled. As I enter and they get my take my number to track me they are offering me soup and sandwich in front of a roaring fire.

First things first. Potty break! After I wash up then you bet I took them up on the warm fire and the chicken noodle soup. Soup never tasted so good! I sat there talking with another runner and the volunteers for a good 10 to 15 minutes and it was like once again heaven had dropped just what we needed in the middle of nowhere. Then the volunteers wished me luck and I was off again.

Back at Aid Station 2 my dad met me. I stripped off the toes caps because they weren't helping and then he and I warmed up by the fire for a few minutes. I'm excited because only 4 miles and I am at mile 50. Woohoo!

I take off and dad is going to meet me at the start-finish. My goal was for 62 miles but as I trudge along the paved rail trail path and another blister pops inside my shoe sending a sharp pain into my foot I think there is no way. Not because of the blisters, but because of the snails pace I am moving because of the blisters.

I am moving so slow, thanks to blisters that I don't think I have time to meet the cutoff to hit that goal so once I make it to the finish line I have to decide to go on and get more blisters and not make the cutoff or call it a day and a job well done at 50 miles. It was 12 miles better than last year.

While my goal was 62 miles, I was very excited for the 50 miles. My dad was real excited too. He gave me the biggest hug and had to take my picture with the medal. That was the longest run I've done with him being there and it was the best day because I got to share the experience with him and he got to see what ultra runners and ultra running is about.

Ultra running is about a community of people who want to challenge themselves and encourage like minded people. Whether a fast runner or a slow plodder (like me); it doesn't matter. You are out there giving it your best shot and you are doing something very few people would even think about doing. Especially when most people will say, "I don't even like to drive my car 50 miles."

Ultra running is a journey. It's not just the distance, it's the people, the scenery, the becoming one with nature and the discovery of yourself. It's the ability to leave your everyday life behind you for hours and just be. It's the challenge to push yourself to do more each time or to do better; depending on your goal. It's taking the time to get to know yourself, and your body and to continue to grow and learn. It's respect for other runners, the volunteers, the race directors, the crews that are out there supporting their runner, and it's the self-respect for yourself.

There is so much to be gained and learned by running an ultra and absolutely nothing to lose. Even if you do not finish.

I got my medal for my 50 miles and dad packed me in the car and off to the hotel we went for a good night's sleep.

It's not until 2 days later that I realize I actually could have made the cutoff for my 62 miles, but my mind had been such mush that I couldn't calculate the distance and time. Ha!

Note to self: have someone else do the math for you. Oh, well, next time.

This was a race for the books, not just because of the beautiful environment, and the fabulous volunteers, and other runner. This race was for the books because I did it with my dad. While he had not been running with me, he had been my support and my crew for almost 20 hours by the time we got back to the hotel. I hope my father knows how much his being there with me meant and how this will be my favorite race for that reason alone.

And dad, next year, we will do the 62 miles! Cuz now I know how to multiply when my brain isn't fuzzed over from lack of sleep and blistered feet. Thank you for being there and sharing this event.

Iron Horse 100

There’s an acronym in ultra-running called DNF. It stands for Did Not Finish. Last weekend I received my first DNF.

Am I disappointed? Yes.

Am I upset? No.

First, let me tell you about the race. The race is the Iron Horse Endurance Runs (www.ironhorse100kmclub.com) held in Florahome, Florida. I was signed up for the 100K. For those of you that are not runners, that is a total of 62 miles.

I was stoked for this race for a couple of reasons; the first that it was in Florida and near my parents. I could visit with family and they could come out and enjoy parts of the event. They had never seen an ultra-running event and I thought they would like to see the difference between it and a shorter road race.

The second reason I was excited is because this was going to be my first 100K and since I had 28 hours to finish there was no doubt I would.

Finally, I was excited because after the Marine Corps Marathon I came back with a wicked kidney infection and all kinds of issues that took a toll on my body. I could see the end was in sight and this was my reward for suffering for more than two months.

Then I went for a walk the week before the event and all the sudden my knee decided to have sharp pain. Sheesh! Seriously? I begged to get into the orthopedic doctor and told him no matter what I was going running. Thank goodness some doctors actually understand this mentality.

Up until the morning of the start my knee was still swollen and achy, but I was ready to go. My dad drove me to the start line where he watched me get all my gear ready to go and then we hung out at a burn barrel trying to stay warm and chatting with other runners and support crew. It was a chilly 30-something degrees at 6:30 in the morning.

The race itself consists of paved rail trail, dirt, and sand. Trail shoes (www.altrarunning.com) and gaiters (www.dirtygirlgaiters.com) were a must and thank goodness I found that out before the race.

The first 7.5 miles are on a paved rail trail. I went out on the first 3.5 miles of out and back with just headphones and then met my dad back at the car where I picked up my hydration pack. I gave dad a kiss goodbye, he wished me luck, and we decided I would text him when I hit mile 21 so he could meet me back at the start for loop two.

The next 14 miles were a combination of dirt and sand and minor hills marked with yellow pie plates and pinkish ribbon. There was one section where you had to puddle jump, but coming back down this stretch I found a way to walk around it.

Anyway, I went in with the mindset that I was going to walk the majority of the dirt, sand stretch. My ONLY goal was to finish. To help with this I packed two MP3 headsets. One with music for the time I needed a pick me up and the battery on the other one dies, and the other one to keep me slow I had two audiobooks on it. It was fantastic!

First, let me jump in here and say that the volunteers and aid station workers were top notch. Every time I hit a station I my number was yelled out so it could be jotted down and I was guided to whatever I wanted/needed at that time, whether water or soda, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or the antiseptic wipe stuff for after porta potty use.

At the third aid station I didn’t exactly follow the arrow the right way so a young Navy kid came running for me to tell me I had to approach the aid station from another direction. Because of my blunder he decided that he should stand down by the arrow and guide other folks until they had all gone through at least the first time.

(This is what some of the runners termed sugar sand. Very fine dusty sand that did actually get in shoes but didn't disturb the feet).

At aid station three I met Tina and Jennifer who we all started back the second part of the first loop together. We chatted about everything from the running group called FUR (they were both wearing visors), to the Marine Corps Marathon and them doing a half marathon the next day, to politics.

You see, here is one of the differences between ultra-running and shorter road races. Road races are about getting to the finish. Period. In ultra-running you want to get to the finish as well, but it’s about the voyage, not the ending. It’s about the camaraderie, the strangers you meet, and the views.

When we hit aid station two again at Mile 21, I grabbed water and soda, and a handful of M&Ms. Before heading back down to the start to finish loop 1, I texted dad. When I reached the four miles of rail trail back to the start I ran into another runner named Ryland. We chatted about various topics and kept each other company back to the start line where my father was nowhere to be seen. Since he hadn’t arrived, I decided to go on ahead to the out and back 3.5 mile stretch and catch him on the return trip.

Once again, I listened to music in this section and just enjoyed the fact that it was warmer now. After the return I met my father, mother, and nephew at their car at about mile 29 where my dad had the Band-Aids and the duct tape ready to go to deal with the blisters that had started.

My father noted that I was doing really well and was well ahead of what I had anticipated. Again, I had gone in with the mindset of just finishing and walking most of it. But yes, I was cranking. I was having so much fun I was just moving right along.

At mile 29 the rain had just begun. It was only a little drizzle and I debated whether to put on my waterproof jacket or not and in the end decided to wear it. Very glad I did. Because of the rain, my parents and nephew decided to meet me at the top at aid station two just in case I needed anything before darkness set in.

(Here is a stretch past aid station two before the flooding rain. It's what the majority of the trail looked like. Looks like a Jeep or truck travels through quite a lot.)

I reached aid station two in good shape and not too wet. I couldn’t say the same for some of the people I saw coming back down. I saw folks wearing trash bags. Lots of us were not prepared for rain. By the time I reached the second aid station the first time I was ready to put my mid-length tights on over my running skirt. It was getting chilly. Thank goodness my dada and nephew were there with my drop bag. I quickly tugged them on, grabbed a little fuel, and then was ready to go. Oops! I had to run back and yell for my nephew because I almost went off into the woods without headlamps.

We agreed I would text them again when I reached the same spot so they could bring me whatever I would need to make it to the end of the second loop.

Now it was raining! I went out on this six mile section that would take me back to aid stations two thinking it’s all good when I quickly realized I was basically running to avoid puddles. As the sun set in this section I was also trying to determine where the puddles were in the dark with the use of a terrible headlamp and then miss them. The rain was so bad at this point that what was the point of puddle jumping? All I was going to do was screw up my knee. My feet were wet. My feet were soaked and they were going to stay that way. I saw runners coming toward me and instead of the usual friendly wave or quick hello people were vying for higher ground. There was none.

I was less than a mile out from the return to the aid station, thirty minutes slower than I had been on the first trip when I made the decision to stop. Was it a tough decision? Yes. I was doing so well, and even in the rain was still having fun, but I was not prepared for this weather.

I did not have waterproof socks or shoes. I will now be ordering a pair. Puddle jumping was not going to be a long-term solution and my knee was needed for future runs.

I texted my father to meet me.

I really hoped I would change my mind by the time I hit the aid station, but the rain was coming down harder. Dad met me at the aid station and as much as I didn’t want to do it, I threw in the towel. The volunteer who was tracking runners asked me if I was sure and I did hesitate because now I wasn’t. I was offered some hot soup. I declined both offers.

I packed it all in and my dad and I headed back to his car where my nephew had the car running and warm, dry shoes sitting in the footwell.

Am I disappointed? Yes.

I was actually bummed because it was such a great course. My legs were loving it. My feet, in spite of the blisters on toes were surviving. Found out afterwards that I had a huge blister on heel probably due to the rain. I was so thrilled for this race after being so sick for so long and I felt like my body came back. My body wanted to be out there running or walking.

Did I make the right decision? Yes.

After 40 miles, I am pleased to say that I DNFd (Did Not Finish).

Here’s the thing though, I learned from this DNF. I walked away from the race knowing that yes, I could have finished, but what was going to be the physical repercussion if I kept on going? Another injury or illness that would take me out for months? It was not worth the risk when I have more to do.

As of today I am still recuperating from the cold I got from that race. My blisters are healing and I am probably going to lose a toenail or three. But hey, these are all recoverable in the short-term.

I learned I have to be more prepared for the weather changes. Having my waterproof jacket was brilliant. Not having waterproof shoes – not so brilliant. Well, I’ll take care of that.

I also learned that I am one tough cookie. I went out in this race after having been ill and not had enough training since the end of October when I became ill. I learned that sometimes it’s not about your physical strength, but the heart that can get you through a run.

Could I complain? Sure. But what’s the point?

I just went out and did 40 miles in a better time than I anticipated after no training for months. After being sick for months. I got to spend time with family. And I met some wonderful runners and terrific volunteers at a race that I cannot wait to do again next year. I had fun!! You can’t beat that.

Oh, yes, count me in. And next time if it rains, I’ll be prepared. I already have rain ponchos for my dad and nephew…just in case.

Thanks to the folks that put on the Iron Horse ultra, the many volunteers, and my family for playing race crew. It was a great day!