Race Review - Howl at the Moon Ultra

Let's do an Ultra, he said...it would be fun, he said.

So, we did.  The event only allowed 350 participants and sold out in the first hour.  It is a popular race in Illinois at the Kennekuk Park.  It was only a little over an hour drive for us, which was nice.  We went down the night before to get our packet and a hotel.  There was the option to camp and grab a site along the runner's shoot but we had friends that did that and seeing as though I worked that day, it just wasn't feasible (and I hate camping).

Let me start by saying I had every intentions of training for this event.  But I also have the tendency to just go for things feet first.  I did that latter of the two.  So, we got up early, and headed over to the race.  Seeing the people there, we felt very out of our league.  These were some serious runners.

We got our chairs set up, our snacks on the table so we could grab them as we ran by and were ready to start.  The event was 8 hours and we had to get as many 3.29 mile loops in as we can.  To be considered an "ultra"  we had to get in more than 26.2 miles.  A lot of people, in the running community, wrinkle their noses when you don't get the full 30 miles.  But the definition of an ultra, according to Ultra Running Magazine is "The standard definition is anything past the marathon, or 26.2 miles" 

I did the first two loops without much trouble.  The scenery was nice, it was mostly trails with some gravel, one significant hill and I took it easy at a nice pace.  I did my first loop in 40 minutes and my second in 43.  I was making good time.  I did what all my research told me - I didn't start out fast, I stopped at every aid station and drank water/gatorade, I grabbed a snack at each aid station, I walked the hill.  I was feeling unstoppable.

There was a slight overcast and it was misting, so the weather was great.  I got to a little over mile 12 and something in my hip flexor shifted, popped, whatever you want to call it.  I call it excruciating pain.  It stopped me immediately.  I thought, 'oh my gosh, what did I do'.  I said I would go the entire 8 hours and the only way I would stop is if my body made me.  I thought - at mile 12??!  Really?!  I pushed through it.  I made it to 13.1 - my first goal, a half marathon.  The longest I have ever ran is a little over 10 miles....once...and by accident because I got lost.  True story.  So this was huge for me.

It was about mile 15 that my calves were tightening.  I have issues with the top of my right foot and it has bothered me on the first loop, now it was really bothering me.  So I stopped off at our tent and changed into some compression socks for my calves and fixed my shoe strings to help my foot.  My calves thanked me but my foot was still hurting and my hip flexor was demanding I stop.

I am not sure what mileage it was but it was somewhere in loop 6, I had tried to jog/run/jog/run and was doing fairly okay but it was halfway through that 6th loop that I just couldn't do it any more.  I felt so angry as I walked.  I would attempt to jog a little bit on the even pavement when I came to it but the pain was unbearable.  And by this time, the sun had came out.  Honestly, the heat wasn't a factor because I was too focused on the pain.

I had a moment of anxiety.  I was alone the entire race.  I thought I would catch up to Matt on a loop but he kept a pretty good pace himself so I never did.  I was hurting, I was angry and I just wanted Matt.  That moment passed and I just kept telling myself - one foot in front of the other.

It didn't help that people were passing me, numerous times.  One woman passed me 5 times.  She lapped me FIVE times.  She was not human, I am positive.

I had time for one more lap.  It was the hardest to finish. It was then that I kept hearing people say you had to get 30 miles to get the medal.  I was like seriously?  I did all this for nothing?  Granted the medal is just a circle on a ribbon but, danggit, I wanted it.  I earned it.  Finally, I finish the 8th lap = 26.4 miles.  Matt was already at the tent.  I checked in with my lap counter and went and sat down.  Lordy, it felt good to sit.


Matt made it 7 miles, a little over 23 miles.  He was disappointed he didn't get that 8th lap but blisters on his feet prevented him from pushing through. Doesn't matter, though - he did 23 MILES.  I am proud of him.

I was hurting and was ready to go home. I didn't care about the dinner afterwards, I wanted to go. I told Matt and for me to get up was impossible.  Once Matt helped me up, the pain in my hip was unbearable.  It hurt so bad it was making me sick.  Matt told me to wait and he would pull the van closer.  As soon as he left, I felt my hearing go.  I knew that meant I was going to pass out.  My vision tunneled.  I quickly sat down to avoid falling down.  Several people asked me if I was alright.  I was.  I just needed to moment.

Matt returned and helped me up.  I physically could not get in the van.  I panicked and tears welled up as I told Matt how bad it hurt.  I can tolerate pain - a lot of pain but this was incapacitating me.  I felt helpless and I didn't like it.  Matt gently instructed me and I finally was in the van.  Matt's a good guy.  He even went to the directors and asked if I got a medal.  I couldn't get out of the van to even see if I got one.  I did.  That made me ecstatic.  I earned a medal - I was an ultra marathoner by definition!

The drive home was okay.  Sitting wasn't an issue.  Once I got home, the next few days were horrible.  My hip flexor stopped hurting the next day.  But my quads were screaming.  I couldn't get up off the couch or sit down without help.  My foot was swollen and sore and I was a mess.

It is now 3 days later and I am moving a little better.  I don't need assistance - haha.  My foot is still bothering me but I put KT tape on it and it seems to be better.

Moral of the story kids - I did a 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon and an ultra in one day.  I looked at Matt and said can you believe it?  Can you believe me and you did this for 8 hours?  Can you believe it?!

Matt said he is going to train and return next year to get his medal.

I told him I would cheer him on from the tent.

Never again.  I did it, I conquered it....am over it.

So the review of the event Howl at the Moon Ultra
Terrain - trails, gravel, pavement
Organization - very nicely organized and they took great care of their runners
Cost - not sure since Matt signed us up
Time of the race - 7:30am
Overall - well done, friendly environment, nicely organized
Swag - a medal if you finish 8 loops, age group medals, tshirt (has typo but that's okay), sticker, mesh bag, food
My Time - 7.35 hours
Race #26 (46 total to date)

Race Review - Indianapolis Scavenger Hunt

This wasn't a race, per say.  This was more of a fun event.  They called themselves a "race" but they use that term loosely.

First off this race was horribly organized.  We had no idea where we were suppose to even go until the evening before.  Many people were posting on the event page how poorly the directors were handling the event.

Once it was finally posted, we were relieved that it wasn't some sort of scam.  Therefore, we headed down the next day with very little expectations at this point.  Once we were parked, we still had no idea where to really go. The only way we found it was we saw people with race bibs on.  We headed that way and there was a small table with a woman sitting there.  There was a truck with a banner that was barely visible that read Challenge Nation.  She told us to take a bib and was adamant about us taking only 4 pins for our bib and we could have just one temporary tattoo, yea no thanks.

So we waited until it was time to begin.  A gentlemen yelled for one person to be the group leader and to walk to the side of the building with him.  He gave instructions and handed out the paper with the clues and we were off!

Let me start off by saying if you didn't know downtown Indianapolis, forget it.  The clues were tough and we had no idea where anything even was.  It was a lot of history, statues and locations.  Out of 11 clues, I think we ended up getting 6 maybe?  I was so miserable towards the end, that we opted to quit.  We had a little over an hour left and we said, forget it.

It was not fun at all.  I honestly would not recommend this event.

So the review of the event Indianapolis Scavenger Hunt
Terrain - sidewalks, pavement
Organization - overy poorly done
Cost - $35/$7 parking
Time of the race - 1pm
Overall - would not recommend it
Swag - a temporary tattoo
My Time - not timed
Race #25 (45 total to date)

My day of birth

So this blog isn't a race review or a healthy recipe.  It is more just personal reflection.

Today I turned 41.  When I see that number, I freaks me out.  I do not feel like I am 41.  I see other people that are in there 40's and I feel like they are so....old.  And here I am - 41.  I have a kid that is 21 and another that is 19.  How is that even possible???

As I reflect on the day, I feel disheartened a little bit due to circumstances beyond my control.  However, I can't help but ponder on my journey.  Two years ago I was 250 pounds, seditary, loved and couldn't even walk a mile; let alone run one.  I woke up one day and said enough is enough and began my journey to a healthier me.

One year later I was down 90 pounds and another year later I have kept it off.  I can never remember a time I was this small....ever.  I still feel like I am overweight and it took me forever to not buy a size XL shirt.  When I do OCRs and guys want to give me a boost, I am self conscious because I feel like I am too heavy and I find myself asking - "Did I hurt you?" "Are you okay?"

I fear gaining it back.  Sure, I have gained a few, lost it, gained a few more, lost it.  But I stay around the same weight, give or take 5 lbs.  I am hoping to lose 15 more by next spring and tone it up.  Anyway, people don't understand the struggle.  They always say "You can have just a piece" or "You can have a little bit" or "You want to get something to eat" in which I want to reply yes to all aspects, I can't.  I can't just have a piece, I want the whole thing.  I can't just have a little bit because I want it all....and while I would love to go out to eat, I can't go to a pizza place and just eat a salad.  Sometimes, I would prefer not to be asked at all.

All this to say - 41 isn't that bad.  I am in better shape at 41 than I was at 21.  I am on no medications, my resting heart rate is 53, I have no medical concerns that are majorly effecting my quality of life, I actually have muscles and I can shop anywhere without worrying if they "have my size".  

I have ran 44 races so far and I want to be running when I turn 81.  Life isn't over because of a number.  It isn't too late.  We all have aches and pains.  We catch ourselves squinting a little more when we read or saying "what" one too many times.  However, our health effects everything.  It effects our brains, our organs, our bones.  We can sit and complain or we can get up and live life.

Life is about living and experiencing it.  Yes, I run.  Yes, I hate it.  But I love how I feel afterwards.  I love knowing I accomplished it.

Life is good.

Race Review - Mud Ninja

We drove a considerable distance to this one only because we heard great things.  Our race buddy was suppose to go with us but woke up sick.  Boooo.

Again, GPS took us to nowhere.  Therefore, we had to figure out where to go.  $10 bucks to park.  We pay so much for these races, I don't see why they have to charge parking on top of it.  But they do.

Registration was painless.  We headed to our group.  Our race time was 10am so didn't have to wait long.  We got in the corral to go and were off.  This race was no joke.  It was tough.  Matt struggled on the hills and our team went on while I waited for him.  He ensured me I could go ahead but I wasn't going to leave him alone.  I didn't want him having a heat stroke or something and not have anyone.  Besides, I was tired due to the busy week I had prior and wasn't necessarily enjoying myself.

The obstacles were tough.  Not all of them but the majority  There was plenty of mud which I like.  If I am at a mud run, I expect mud!

The showers were decent.  They had large containers of water that wasn't terribly cold due to being in the sun.  The showers had hand sprayers and even though the line was really long, it went fairly quickly.

So the review of the event Mud Ninja
Terrain - Hills, mud, obstacles
Organization - organized nicely
Cost - $46/person that included insurance and parking
Time of the race - 10am
Overall - It is a popular race but tough for us.....not sure I would make the drive to do it again.  One of my least favorite OCRs.
Swag - medal, tshirt (white, oddly enough)
My Time - not timed
Race #24 (44 total to date)

Race Review - Black Swamp Dash

This one was a drive for us and I wasn't impressed.  It is a small event, ran but a husband and wife.  So, I give them credit.  If we lived local, it would be fine but we don't.  Therefore, we have to take that into consideration.

It was at a fair grounds and there was hardly anyone there when we showed.  When we finally got to the race start, there was maybe...MAYBE 100 participants and that is being generous.  The day before was the larger race and timed.  This was untimed and just for fun.

Once we took off, we realized this was a different race than we were used to.  It was in a grassy area that was mowed to show the way.  The obstacles were typical and while we were there, someone got hurt on the cargo climb (giving me a reason NOT to even attempt it).  There was some paths into wooded area and through some water that smelled like death.  The mud was minimal.  It was mostly just nasty, dirty water (hence Black Swamp....).

Once we finished and went to "wash off", only one hose worked and there was a pile of horse manure 5 feet from it.  We hosed off the best we could and left.

This is part of a tri-series.  So, yes, we have to make the trip two more times but only because we prepaid for it.  Unfortunately, we wouldn't do this race again.

So the review of the Black Swamp Dash
Terrain - Grassy, trails, water, mud
Organization - it was okay for what it was
Cost - $50/person
Time of the race - 10am
Overall - It was alright for locals but not for the drive
Swag - medal and shirt
My Time - not times
Race #23 (44 total to date)

Race Review - Sloppy Rib Run

My races have gotten out of order.  I have been so busy that I don't get on here to post them as quickly as I would like.  I then realized I had forgotten a couple.

This was was an hour and a half away, which we consider "local" because it is under a two hour drive.  The GPS gave us wonky directions.  The race was at an event called Rib Fest and our GPS took us to the event.  The road was blocked so we had to turn into a subdivision.  There was no one directing traffic or any signs to direct us at all.  Once we found our way out, we tried a different route and eventually made it to the parking (which was $5 at the school).

The day was steadily hot and getting hotter as the afternoon wore on.  Granted the event was in late afternoon, it was already hot.  The event was a 5k but there was a Sloppy Rib division that we signed up for.  This meant you ate 5 ribs at every K (resulting in a potential 25 ribs) and with every rib eaten, you get 10 seconds off your time.

Who knew a Rib Fest was so popular!  There were tons of people!

Once we got our bibs and was explained the race, we were ready.

We were off.  The heat really played a huge factor in speed and endurance.  At the first Rib stop (immediately after the start, I might add), I shoved in 5 ribs.  They were a little less than finger length and smothered in BBQ sauce.  The flavor was good but chewing them and getting them down - without water - was not.  I got the 5 in and was still chewing when I took off.  It was like a brick in my throat.  I could not get it down and feared choking.  I spit what was left out.

I continued on.  The second stop, I decided to just eat 3.  Then I moved on.  I stopped at each water station and washed what I could down.  The ribs were rather chewy so I accessed the pan before I reached in.  I tried to find the smallest pieces I could I would pull them apart before eating and it helped.  At each of the rest of the stations I ate 5 for a total of 23.

There was a lady in front of me at the end.  We continually passed one another.  I took it pretty easy at the end because the ribs and heat were not a good mix.  She passed the finish line a few seconds before me.

So.....that made her the winner in our age group.  Grrrrrrr......honestly, if I had eaten ONE more rib, I would have placed first.  Frustrating.

It was a different kind of run and not sure I would do it again.  haha!

So the review of the event Rib Run
Terrain - Strictly pavement
Organization - organized okay
Cost - $46/person plus $5 to park
Time of the race - 6:00pm
Overall - It was a different kind of race, not sure I would do it again though!
Swag - medal and ribs!  Winners got an apron
My Time - 31.26
Race #22 (43 total to date)