Northwoods Winter Trail Marathon 1/2026

 My 7th running of the current model Northwoods Winter Trail Marathon (formerly  Snowshoe Marathon which I ran 6 times before it was cancelled)! The trails may have been in the best shape that I have seen them. They were packed, completely snow covered and beautiful!  

I left home at 600 so I'd have plenty of time to get to the marathon start in Duluth, about 2.5 hours away. I put Amity Chalet into my GPS and off I went. As I came through Duluth and was only a few miles from the start my GPS began to direct me using an unusual route. I thought maybe a road had been closed or something. Alas, I was brought to a new development called Amity Trails. A man in his front yard approached my vehicle and let me know that I and 15 others had gone the wrong way. He gave me a quick reroute and I found myself to the race start with 10 minutes to go. Jeeze. 

My friend Kim had met me at the start. I came up to her car window and she said she'd let me get ready would see me after the race. We had previously decided we'd meet at Dunn Brothers post race. 

I quickly ran into the chalet to get my race number and check in, back to my vehicle to change clothes and get my pack ready. I made it to the start with 1 minute to go. Not the way I like to begin a race, but hey, better than Chippewa 50K in April when I was 8 minutes late!

There were 22 entrants for the marathon, there wasn't any pinch point, we were all spread out, just enjoying the course. It was a beautiful day, 10F, a light snow still falling creating a bit of texture on the top of the trail, it was perfect.

The Lester River was frozen solid this year, in fact there were people skiing upon it. What a pretty sight. 

I was able to run a 'fast for me' pace. As I climbed Hawk Ridge I noticed that the lake view was fogged in. I hoped it would be clear upon my second lap.

As I came into mile 13 Andy let me know that I was second woman overall. I filled up my hydration vest, moved a few gels to the front pocket and headed off for loop 2.

I didn't see anyone on my second 13 mile loop. I didn't pass anyone, I wasn't passed by anyone. I enjoyed a truly peaceful meditation running along the smooth trail.

Climbing Hawk Ridge I was thrilled to see that the fog had lifted and the view was breathtaking. I could see the snow covered trees, the City of Duluth and Lake Superior. Magnificent!

Rolling into the finish line at 5:30 was a course PR for me and hung in for the 2nd woman overall. I felt great, still had plenty of energy and wondered if I should have left a bit more of it on the trail. I had a great run.

After changing clothes I went to Dunn Brothers to meet Kim for a coffee and a nice visit. It was a great day!

St. Croix 40 Winter Ultra Race Report

                                           Finish Line Photo

The St. Croix 40 Winter Ultra is a race without aid held in January, beginning at 6 PM, where one pulls a sled loaded with gear for 40 miles. Sounds great, hu?

I've thought of completing a winter sled ultra for 25 years and then I quickly remember that I don't like being cold, I probably don't like pulling a sled and am not really a fan of hiking when I could instead be running, so I let the thought go, with a 'maybe some time'.

When I turned 60 last year I decided I wanted to do the things that I had put off, the things that I thought 'well, maybe another time'. Since that thought I've been completing all of those things.

One of them is the winter sled ultra. I decided in October that I'd enter and made the entry when only two slots were available before selling out. Time to collect my gear! I reached out to Michelle who had completed Tuscobia 80 last year. She offered up all of her gear so I was all set to move forward.

My training consisted of a first time pull at Afton State Park with Jim, Lisa, Ron and Travis. We pulled for 5 hours, 4PM to 9PM, covering only 12 miles due to the technical terrain and fresh snow. I loved it!  I was surprised that my body wasn't wrecked and that I was able to hold it together mentally without becoming impatient. It was slow going. The rest of my training was daytime, pulling  (2) 6 hours, 5 hours, (2) 4 hour and a few 2 hour pulls. I had practiced with my stove and fuel, various lights, poles or no poles, clothing layering, etc. I felt that I had completed all that I could to be ready.

I found myself uncharacteristically nervous. I really didn't know what to expect. Could I pull a sled loaded with 38 pounds of gear for 40 miles? Would I freeze? Would my water and food freeze?  I hoped for the best!

Race day was windy, 18F would be the start temperature, dipping down to 10F. Pretty nice actually. I arrived to the St Croix State Park in Hinckley at 415 for the 430 required gear check. I hauled all of my gear to the trail center where Angela checked me in. I passed gear check, one step closer!

Back to my vehicle to make last minute changes and to dress. I repacked my sled, decided on a base, insulating and gortex layer, feeling like the Michelin man.

Waddling out to the start line at 550 we began the race in our sleeping bag, bivey sack and on top of the sleeping pad. At 6 Jamison yelled GO, l scrambled up, repacked all of my gear and headed out.

                              Snug as a bug in our sleeping bags

I began hiking down the trail, pulling my buddy along. Within two miles I was too warm, at three miles I stopped, sat on my sled to pull off my outer pants and jacket. I never put them back on. I began to hike again, then had to pee. Everything in the winter takes longer and is a big production. I had to pull my sled over to the side, unhitch myself, wade through the deep snow, pee, back out to the sled, hitch back in, start over again.

Moving along I began to see others that I recognized. It was fun to see some friendly faces. Making sure to drink from my hose at least each mile so that it wouldn't freeze, taking in 250 calories each hour, changing batteries in my lights, checking in with myself as to how I was feeling and then making the adjustments. 

The sky was dark, I didn't see any stars or moon. The course was well marked, I never became lost, the trail was firm snow packed, not very much ice at all. After about 6 miles of hiking at 16-17 minute mile I decided to see if I could run. Well, what do you know? I could run hitched up to this thing. I hadn't trained this way at all. I assumed I'd be hiking the whole race. My heart began to soar. When I ran a 12-14 minute mile the sled moved more easily. I laughed  to myself, it felt like it grew wings. Fly sled, fly! When I switched to hiking I pulled, pulled, pulled. I ran most of the rest of the race.

There were some pretty good sized hills - at least it seems that way in the dark, with 40 pounds tethered to you. I found that while climbing the hills if I reached my arms to the back of myself, grabbing the rope with my hands I could not only pull more easily but also stretch out my back and chest. Win win.

At 18 miles I couldn't believe I'd be coming into the check point in a few miles. I'd get there in 5 1/2 hours. Incredible.

Checkpoint went well. I was able to dig through my sled and find everything I needed. I had kept my fuel warm wrapped in an electric vest, staying toasty. It was windy so I placed my sleeping pad around the stove. The stove lit on the first try and I had boiling water in 8 minutes. I had been so incredibly nervous about this task. While waiting for my water to boil  I filled my hydration vest with more 48 oz of Tailwind I had been carrying in my sled, emptied all of my wrappers and grabbed another dozen gels-they were about all I wanted to eat. I had consumed 2 bagels, a few baggies of peanut butter pretzels, some homemade dumplings that stayed warm in my vest pocket and two favorite christmas cookies.  I was getting tired of food. 

OK, I was heading out for the final 20 miles. I felt good, was running well, had all of my gear intact. I could feel a few blisters getting ready to be a problem, I popped them and added some lube there  wasn't much else I could do for them. I'd have to compartmentalize that pain,  ignoring it.

                                            Photo by Angela

Off I went! I had more energy the last 20 miles than the first. I find that in longer distances I become stronger as I go, up to a point, of course. I ran 80% of this loop, creating a negative split. One more pee break, no more clothing swaps, I was just able to move along. I began to pass quite a few people. I counted up to 20 of them. I'd see lights ahead and just try to reel them in, often times surprised that I had done so. My feet were hurting but it wasn't anything serious; just blisters. A few of them popped, a few seconds of intense pain, then numbness.

Running through the darkness I found myself reciting bible verses. Samuel 2:22 'Oh Lord, you are my my lamp! You are the light in my darkness' kept coming to mind. During the night  hours my 24/7 grief is even heavier. The only way for me to get through the darkness is to give praise to God. I felt gratitude for being where I was, the peace, feeling intense joy. While running I am able to hold grief in one hand and joy in the other. What a gift. 

As mile 38 approached I was stunned at my time. I had created a negative split and was going to finish well within the limit. I could feel tears come down onto my cheeks. I felt so blessed with this  body and  mind. I felt like 61 was not going to limit my joy or capabilities at all.  I came across the finish line in 10:30, at 430AM, third woman overall. I never dreamed that would happen. I was in one piece, I had enjoyed my time on the trail and yes, I could pull a 38 pound sled for 40 miles.                                                    

                                                

                               Visiting with Jim after race Kristine Benjamin Photo

I stood around and chatted at the finish line, became cold so  went into the center for hot coffee and visited some more before heading to my vehicle to change into dry clothing. I went back to the trail center for more visiting before heading for home, awake for 27 hours. It was a long day. I arrived home safe and soundly, enjoyed a 5 hour nap and a relaxing afternoon. 

The race organization was amazing, the course was great and the night was beautiful. What an incredible experience!

2025

 

Ooof!  2025. That just seems crazy. Time is zooming by and here I am, 60 years old!  Yes, 60! For 20 years I've been writing this blog. 

I've set a few goals as this brand new 60 year old.  I am running FANS 24 hour run in June. When I looked at my past results at FANS I realized I was a beginner runner while I was racing there. I ran each year from 2004-2009. My first FANS I would have been running only a few years and I was 38 years old. Wow. Well, as a 60 year old I'm doing some things that I have been putting off. One of them is going back to FANS. A goal I placed in 2004 was to run 1000 miles at FANS-I have 648 miles now and am going to pick that goal back up and finish it off over the next few years.

Another goal is to book a running trip with Andy and Kim's Adventure Running. I had booked a trip to run the Wonderland Trail with them in 2014 but had to back out. I booked with them this June for a Yosemite running trip. I'm sure looking forward to it. I'd like to go to Europe with them next year.

I'm going to try to qualify for Boston again. When I last qualified I had to run a 345 which I did at Grandma's but I decided to run McNaughton 100 instead of Boston. Now I believe I have to run about 7 minutes faster than my qualifying time as there are so many people trying to get there. My qualifying time is 420. I'm running Wobegon in May to see if it will happen.

Race wise for 2025:

January-ran Northwoods Marathon

April-Zumbro 34

May-Wobegon Marathon

June-FANS 24 Hour Run

June-Adventure Running Yosemite

July-Afton 50K

August-Badger Run 100

October-Hennepin Hundred - maybe -this is a Western Qualifier - I am so shocked

Many many more 'turned 60' goals to come. 

I bought a new puppy since I've last posted, he's now 1.5 years old. Another Border Collie, of course. A blue merle, a little boy I've named him Tempo. Rising Sun Run Tempo Run. He's a cutie, a smart little guy, loves to run and train. Just what I needed. 

Grandma's Marathon - Number 10!

Last September  at Superior 100 Mile I ripped my hamstring in two places and suffered two Grade 2 Semimembranosus tears. After 12 weeks of rehab I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to run trails for a while or ever  as the uneven terrain caused some pain. I was, thankfully, stable on pavement. My hamster brain went right to 'oh well, I'll enter a few marathons instead of trail ultras' and I was thinking of getting a border collie puppy (which didn't work out) and didn't want long weekends away so road marathons was the plan. 

Since then, I have healed beautifully and am running trail ultras and marathons. We do heal and we do recover, the body is an AMAZING thing. 

I entered Wobegon, Grandma's and Twin Cities Marathons. OH, I'll have to write up a Wobegon report. I guess I missed Chippewa 50K in April, too. I mean, there is a lot of repetitiveness after 25 years and I don't think I yet posted TransRockies 6 Days event last August which was incredibly amazing.

Back to Grandma's!  I last ran the event in 2016. This would be my 10th Grandma's Marathon, 25 years from the first time I ran it as my first marathon. 150 ultra marathons/marathons later. Wow, so many memories along that course. I treasure the memories of Steve, Tyler and Troy cheering me on at so many mile markers, at mile 22 at Edgewater and at the finish line. I thought about our time at the DECC for the expo, we were amazed at all of the running trinkets, the pasta buffet, all of the people that ran marathons!  I thought about running Grandma's with my Dad when he turned 60, 22 years ago,  and my family followed us down the road onto the finish line, when I ran my first Grandma's not knowing that it would be the beginning of finding a love for long distance running that would stretch into my lifetime, often times, as a lifeline. 

I was going solo this year. I hit the expo earlier in the morning to avoid the crowds and ate the delicious pasta buffet as a late lunch. I met a very good friend and the expo-we visited a couple of hours, walked the expo and went our separate ways. 

Upon checking in I learned that the Edgewater no longer has shuttle service to the start - although I was told upon making my reservation that they still did, I asked.  I would now be driving to the pickup at UMD. Ugh. Edgewater is no longer a nice hotel. My boys used to love staying here because of the water park and the rooms were awesome, clean and new. Oh my goodness, not anymore.  Dumpsville. 

On race day I made some mistakes!  Just because I'm experienced doesn't mean I don't fumble. I began to walk out the door and realized I hadn't eaten my breakfast. WHAT? I went back in, grabbed the two bagels all ready for me that I wrapped and placed into the refrigerator the night before, eating one as I walked out and putting the other in my finish bag. Wow. 

As I began to pull out of the lot, thinking I was going to drive to the shuttle at UMD, I noticed the parking lot was blocked in with gates and cones. London Road was not accessible. Oh for crying loud. I moved a cone, drove onto the road, realized I couldn't go anywhere so moved the cone again and came back to the lot. As I was panicking I noticed a couple walking from the hotel, they looked like runners. I asked them if I could get a ride with them if they were going to the shuttle. They were, thankfully!  I quickly parked my car and walked with them to their car, smartly parked in a lot on the other side of London Road. OK then. Crisis averted.

It was a beautiful day. 50F, clear sky, the smoke pollution for Canadian fires had cleared. They high would be 70F. Stellar. Maybe a tad too warm but couldn't complain.

I had 2 hours to race start after being dropped by the bus. I ate my second bagel, drank water, put my  blocks and GU into my short pockets, sprayed up with sunblock and just hung out. My final stand in line for the toilets lasted 45 minutes!  The start gun fired and I was still standing there. Oh well, it was a chip start so I didn't really care. By the time I made it to the start line we were 7 minutes into the race. Off I went!

There is aid every other mile at Grandma's until mile 19 when there is aid every mile to the finish. It was so great. I drank a small cup of water and poweraid at each station. I had a gel every 45 minutes or so. I felt great. I ran miles at 10:10 ish, a few too fast in the 9s but for the most part I stayed steady. 

I heard my name yelled out at mile 19 and saw Doug and Maria!  A three way hug and smiles gave me a boost to hasten my step. At mile 22 I saw Jean and April cheering after they ran the half marathon. So much fun!  I smiled and laughed my way into the finish line at 430, reaching my goal; 2 minutes faster than Wobegon the month before.

I mosied along the finish line, cheered in other runners, changed my clothes, walked over to Bayfront and listened to the live music, taking in the festivities. Such a blast. Eventually I made my way back to the bus pick up area to head back to my hotel. Guess what my hotel didn't have a shuttle. I had to wait an hour for a private van the hotel hired to pick me up. Still, I had a great day!

Upon leaving the next day I swung in Canal Park to make a reservation at a nicer hotel for next year and one in which I can walk to the DECC for shuttle service. I'll be staying at Pier B, not the Edgewater. 

Three Days of Syllamo 2023

 

I had so much fun last year at this event that I wanted to go back again!  Maria made all of the plans, the reservations, Doug drove, all I did was ride along and run. It was fabulous!!

Three Days is held in Mountain View, Arkansas-approximately a 12 hour drive away. 

We stayed in a house on the river shared with a handful of friends, many for whom this was their first run at the event. The run schedule is 50K 50M 14Miles with lots of elevation!  I couldn't wait.

The 50K and 50M course is different each year so I was going to be navigating new territory, new trails, new views. The 14 M run is the same course, different direction each year. I learned that there would be a river crossing on day 1 and that the water was quite high. They weren't kidding!!

I had so much fun, 50K is such a great distance-not too much to drain me (well, I don't go fast enough for that), and still have down time afterward. I ran the course faster this year, as I said though, it was different from last year. I was happy with an extra hour of recovery time. 

After the race I wanted to visit with a cousin of mine. I knew she lived nearby our rental but wasn't quite sure where.  Doug suggested we find it on the way back to our rental and I could drive their car over after shower and a meal. He navigated to her house, it was about 1 mile away. Crazy! I drove over to visit, having such a great time connecting again. After a few hours I headed back to the house to get ready for the 50M. 

As last year, I didn't make the cut off in the 50M. I suppose I'm quite tired after a 50K with plenty of vert and am not just raring to go on day 2. I had a blast and enjoyed every minute out there, running as long as they'd let me. Well, more hours for recovery for Day 3.

Day 3 was amazing, of course. Just knowing that it is a shorter day alleviates any stress or anxiety. I went easy, enjoyed the views, became lost at one point, found myself back to the trail and again, ran faster than last year. I had so much fun.

Doug had packed all of our goods while we were running so after our finished we headed off for Kansas City!  Maria had reserved a great little house for us. We walked to dinner, stretching our legs out, fueling after a big three days of running. I slept SO well, having a quiet bedroom to myself again. It was luxurious. In the morning we walked to a coffee house, leisurely packed our belongings and headed for home.

A delightful time was had in the Ozarks of Arkansas!

Northwoods Winter Marathon 2023

 If you remember, last year I took an incorrect turn and didn't make a check in after the first 13 miles. I continued on for another 13 miles but I did not get a finish. I was NOT going to do make the same mistake this year!

Andy emailed the participants that with 11" of new snow we could look forward to a slow soft course and encouraged us to drop down to the half marathon. I wasn't interested in that plan. I wanted a good long run so stuck with the marathon.

With a 930 AM start there was plenty of time for me to drive the 2.5 hours to Duluth, check in and still have time to get dressed in running attire and pack up my hydration vest.

I was surprised that as I drove to Duluth the air temperature kept going up. Normally the opposite takes place. By the time I arrived to the race start it was 23F!  We were going to have a warm day indeed.  

Andy checked in with me, letting me know that he added an arrow where I messed up last year. I told him that I did not hold him responsible for my snafoo at all-that was totally on me!  I must say though, when I came up to that arrow I gave it a pat and said thank you Andy!

The snow was soft and deep. There were some deep post holes where hikers and horses had travelled through but most of it was pretty decent. The course is just so beautiful. I enjoy the woods, the paths along the river, the hills. It really is stunning. Not many people enter the race, it is low key and you aren't coddled.  All plusses in my book.

I found myself running with Kate for almost the full first loop. The time went by too quickly!  Before I knew it we were running into the start/finish. I filled up my hydration vest which I had been wearing under my jacket to keep from freezing. As the volunteer filled it we noticed that I had completely drained it. I didn't realize that I had consumed 60 oz of tailwind during that 3 hours. It went down easy! 

I zipped back up and headed out for loop two. I picked up the pace as the course was a bit more packed down now with everyone having gone through once. It was foggy on the lookouts over the city/lake during the first lap but during the second lap the fog burned off, the sun came out and the views were fantastic!

I hadn't run a longer distance since Superior in September so it was good to learn that my hamstrings had healed, my legs were strong and I was back where I love to be. Effortless. I could run all day at this pace. 

Most of the second lap I ran solo. I'd come up on a person every once in a while but not very often. It was quiet, peaceful and meditative.

Running into the finish with a negative split, first in my age group and oldest finisher was a cherry on top of beautiful day spent running.

Spring Superior 50K 2022

 You just never know what the future may bring!  After a Covid race for Superior 50K last year we thought this year we'd have a 'normal' Spring Superior 50K. Nope. Torrential rains and record snowfall has wrecked havoc on the northshore. There is flooding, washed out bridges and roads, the Superior Hiking Trail was in pretty poor shape. John had rerouted us to other trails for the race but the day before had to make another reroute. We would now be running a two mile out and two mile back up a gravel road with 600' elevation each route x 8!

When I first heard this on Friday upon my arrival I couldn't quite comprehend it, nor could I wrap my head around it. What? We were going to be running a gravel road for 2 miles over and over? What? Wow.

I was disappointed at first, but then after a few minutes that disappointment turned into gratitude and relief that John was being safe and that he found another way to allow us to run!

It was a beautiful day, overcast and not hot, not terribly humid. Get this: I somehow managed to forget my bladder at home so had to rummage around my car to find a water bottle! I then wore my vest to hold my gels and things, a bottle in my hand. I'd been in trouble had this race been on the trail and I only had a bottle for hydration. I'd have made it but still. I found myself grateful that I'd have aid every 2 miles. Ha!

Out we went, up up up for two miles, and down down down for two miles. X 8. It was hilarious, but still, so much fun!  Almost everyone had smiles on their faces. We were able to see the leaders, the back of the pack, the 25K, the 12K and everyone inbetween. It was pretty incredible. I could stop to use the bathroom, have my drop bag, have aid, every hour. I was able to get a full day of hill repeats in!  I really have to say that I fully enjoyed this run. 

We had a little bit of everything for weather during the race. Sun, clouds, wind, calm, hail and rain. No thunder or lightening.

After I ran my 32 miles I hung around the finish and cheered in the runners. I was becoming quite cold. After Amy finished we went to find the bus to get some heat. A quick bus rid back to Caribou Highlands, a hot shower and delicious meal of roasted potato and veggies I brought along. I read a book on my deck and chilled. 

Sunday I again had a long run planned. This time I went to Tettegouche State park and ran 3 hours around there. A beautiful run to cap off a gorgeous weekend!

Chippewa 50K 2022

 

I wasn't sure that my feet would be up for Chippewa 50K after Zumbro 50 Mile only two weeks before and they were still healing from the blister fest of Three Days of Syllamo prior to that. Luckily, they had scabbed over quite nicely and I was ready to try them out again. For Chippewa I decided I'd try Injinji toe liner socks and wider shoes, the Hoka Speedgoat in Men's EE. I had tried them on a few runs and was optimistic. 

I rolled into raceday with :30 to spare so plenty of time to use the facilities, pick up my bib and mingle around. I hung with Maria, Doug and Jim before we'd head out.

I was happy that my pace and Maria's were again pretty close so we ran together the whole way out, catching up and reminiscing. It made for a fun way out. The course was in really great shape. There wasn't much mud on the way out and it was free of snow and ice. It really was a nice day. 

At the turn around I filled up my pack with water, emptied my gel and block wrappers and headed for home. I tried to go a little faster, run some of the hills and see what I had left. I was moving quite well and then it began to rain and the course became very very muddy. Oh well. Keep pushing.

I had a dozen stitches in my back after having a cyst of some sort removed a few days prior. I had extra thick bandages covering it for the race but ouch, it was rubbing and quite painful. I hoped I wasn't doing any additional damage. I hoped I wasn't causing an infection.

I removed my pack and tried to adjust it to relieve some of the pressure on the stitches. It didn't really make any difference.

As I began to hike the hills Maria and Tammy caught me. It was great to run with the to the finish. Maria hiked ahead, then ran up the final hill into the finish. I climbed the final hill following her with Tammy following me. 

What a fun day, a great adventure!  Chippewa 50K is always a blast. I changed into warmer clothing and visited for about an hour, cheering in the finishers. A quick rinse with the hose and I was ready to head for home.

The Big ZZZZZumbro 2022

 

ZZZZumbro is a race all unto its own. There really isn't anything quite like it, it is a three ring circus. There is the 100 mile, the 50 mile, the 17 mile and now after the Covid year, the 34 mile. It's rather nuts-in a good way!

I hadn't run the 50 (54) mile since 2014 or so...it's been a while between cancelled years, snowstorm years, covid, etc. Poor Zumbro weathers it all but still comes out shining.

I do dislike the midnight start but it's good for me to embrace things I dislike, to become comfortable with the uncomfortable, you know? 

I worked Friday until 4, went home to pack up whatever I might need for an overnight run-hydration vest, lights, gloves and hat as it was going down into the 20's and there was snow on the ground the previous night, roasted potatoes, shoes, extra socks. That's about all I'd need, I was ready to roll.

I arrived to Zumbro by 7, ate my potatoes and hummus, tried to nap but really wasn't able to, tried to stay warm and waited until 1145. At 1145 I picked up my bib, said hello to a few people and stood around for the countdown to begin! At midnight we began the trek toward morning. 

The first loop I found myself with Maria and Kim, I was happy to have the company as we navigated the trail in the dark. It's tough for me to begin at midnight as I can't see well so I can't go very quickly and then by the time the sun rises I'm tired and can't move very quickly. Ha, poor me!  

We chatted the whole loop, I enjoyed their company immensely. My feet were horribly wrecked already so I knew I'd be taking a lot of time at the start to change socks, lube, shoes, etc. I'd probably add a layer too because I was freezing. My hose from my hydration vest was solid ice and I hadn't been drinking. Oh for shame. I ran to my car and began the long process of removing clothing so I could remove my shoes and socks, retape and lube my feet, change socks and shoes, add gaitors back to the mix, pants, another vest, thaw out my tube and get out of there. I took up SO much time!  Like 20 minutes, seriously. I never do that but I've been trying to really figure out my feet, which I didn't. So .. onto loop 2.

Loop 2 and the soils began to soften, the mud began to thaw and it was quite messy. My water was flowing though, my feet weren't getting worse and it was becoming light..win win. I didn't run with anyone after the first loop, I didn't see many people out at all, I just kept moving on. I enjoyed the sunrise, removing my lights and thinking about changing into shorts when I returned to my car.

I ran to my car, ditched gloves, hat, changed socks and fixed feet again, grabbed gels, a sandwich and then water from the aid station. I was too lazy to remove my pants for shorts-and then I became too warm. Ugh. I didn't use any aid from the stations except for water at the start/finish. I've become quite self sufficient. 

Loop 3 was super muddy. Slip sliding away muddy. The sun was up, it was nice and warm, it felt cozy. I loved it. I continued with the same pace during most of the race, I felt very good. My feet were no longer blistering, I was moving well. As I ran into the final aid station I had to laugh. A man yelled out ' you are so bad ass you don't need to stop for water ' it was hilarious!  He was right, I never did have to stop there. I laughed hard and kept on trucking. I was able to run hard into the finish line and felt really really good.

I quickly changed clothes, milled around visiting a short while, dug into my cooler for my roasted potatoes and a protein shake and headed for home with a deep smile on my face. What a great way to spend a day. Thank you Zumbro!

Three Days of Syllamo 2022

 

I finally made it to Arkansas to run the stage race Three Days of Syllamo!  I entered a few years ago but ended up with double pneumonia so it was a no to. This year it was full speed ahead.

Lucky me: Maria made all the plans and arrangements and Doug did all of the driving and Sherpa -ing. All I had to do was run and run I did!

The schedule was 50K on Friday, 50 Mile on Saturday and 20K on Sunday.  The weather schedule continued to improve as race day neared.  It was sunny and warm all three days. Hurray!  A week prior my run was at -16F. I was ready for a warm up!

Thursday morning I arrived to Doug and Maria's at 445 AM for a 5AM take off. We loaded all of my stuff, played with their new pup TruckEe and headed out.  We had a pleasant drive all the way to Arkansas and arrived by 5 PM. We had plenty of bathroom breaks, two chocolate stops and a few food stops. One of the best 12 hour rides ever!

We checked in at Blanchard Springs for our race bib and shirt. After checking in we headed to our cabin where we would be spending the next three nights.  It was beautiful-two bathrooms, big kitchen and living area. It was sitting right on the river with excellent views.  We wouldn't be spending too much time here but what time we did spend was very comfortable.  Our race the following day didn't begin until 9:00 so we were quite relaxed in getting our things unpacked and together for the next day. I think I was in bed and asleep by 930.

Friday I awoke at 430 as usual. I quietly prepared my french press and started to get my things together for the race. It was chilly out, 26F, but the rain fell during the night and left a clear morning.

Doug schlepped us with all of our gear over to race start, about 20  minutes away. We milled around the start before the race director told us to go and off we went.

We began by running straight up a hill and then began to hike it. It was really nice to have a late and relaxed start as well as a long hike up the hill. The woods were beautiful and the air smelled like sprint. I saw purple and white flowers dotting the ground, what a beautiful sight! There were plenty of markings so I never felt like I was lost.

I kept removing my phone from my vest pocket to take photos of the landscape. Waterfalls, river, climbs and rocks - all very picturesque. The climbs were no joke!

Following behind Maria, letting her lead the way as I found my dirt legs after running in snow for so many months, was where I stayed.  I had a few "almost" wipe outs but managed to catch myself before reaching the ground.

Aid stations were plentiful. I stuck to water, gels and blocks that I carried myself. I had plenty.

We rolled into the finished in 8:30 having just been taking our time, enjoying the snow free trail.  Doug welcomed us to the finish line. Pasta and res sauce with garlic bread was served and I found myself famished.  I normally don't eat right after a long run but boy, I was really hungry and gobbled up a plateful. 

Soon after we ate we headed for the cabin where I ate oatmeal, peanut butter and a protein shake!  The slower pace and rough terrain really had me hungry. I needed all the energy! We cleaned ourselves up, repacked our packs and went to bed early for Day 2 which was an early 6:00 start for the 50 mile race.

I arouse at 4:00 again, quickly made french press coffee, grabbed my already filled pack, dressed, ate a slice of bread with peanut butter and we were off!  Doug again shuttled us to the start where we checked in and before we knew it were off for a 50 mile run.

This time we began in the dark and lights were needed. We ran down the paved road off into the woods, following up another long hill and along a river.  The sunrise was gorgeous. The group was separated pretty quickly and before I knew it I was off by myself.

Removing my gloves and jacket I was thankful I wore a sleeveless shirt and it was heating up pretty quickly. The high hit 80F eventually, something I was certainly not acclimated to!  I pulled out my phone as the sun came up to take some photos and later realized that I dropped outt he Advil that I had placed into the same baggie holding my phone. Bad mistake. 

At 10 miles I had to chuckle to myself because I realized my legs were already tired. Somehow I envisioned these three days of running would be like running a 100 miler with two nights of sleep and recovery built in and wondered  how hard could that be? Well, it was kind of tough!

I continued moving along, taking in all of the beautiful sights: the rock ledges, the outlooks, the amazing views. At 17 miles I came into an aid station and was famished. Doug was standing there with my drop bag and handed me my sandwich - it sure hit the spot. Doug is the best helper ever. He schleps us around, gets our drop bags, feeds us. He's pretty amazing. I noticed extra strength Tylenol on the table so grabbed a few for later. I no longer had to worry about not having and Advil.

My feet were beginning to blister quite badly as usual. I could feel the toenails begin to lift and move around. The bottom of my feet felt like they were oozing as well. I don't normally have blisters on the bottom of my feet but the small rocks were doing a number on them and I think my shoes were too small. I was wearing a women's extra wide Hoka Speedgoat when I normally wear a men's. Bad decision.

I crossed a creek with nice cold clear water and stood there for a while, cooling my feet and legs. It felt so good. I laughed as I watched a golden retriever and his human play and splash.

Up up up I climbed, on my way to the turnaround. It was fun running into the turnaround at 25 miles, I could see all of the others in front of me, in back of me. It was a great time and confirmed that I really was not all alone.

I ran back to the start, enjoying all of the beauty of the course. As I came into mile 30 I was shocked when told I was so close to the cut off. I only had 8 minutes on the clock. I hammered down as well as I could and decided I'd just keep moving until they told me I had to stop. I definitely didn't have my trail legs under me this early in the season. 

At mile 35 I was told I now had 6 minutes on the cushion and that the cut off was soft so keep pushing. I was fine with that. On I went.

I ran up to a group of 3 and listened to them talk about the cut off. They all had different opinions. One was told that she could finish as long as she was at 45 miles in 13 hours. One was told they didn't really enforce cut offs and that everyone could finish as long as they hit 50 miles at 14 hours. I figured I'd just keep running until they told me I couldn't any more.  

When I came up to 40 miles the aid station told me to move on, they confirmed to me that I could continue. Continue I did.

Mile 45 told the real story. We were cut. It made sense as there was no way we'd be at the finish by 14 hours. One girl sat down and sobbed. Her heart was broken, I felt badly for her, but I was fine with the decision. We probably should have been cut miles before. 

Luckily for me, Deb was working this station and offered I and Brenda a ride back to the start. Doug and Maria were there waiting for me. We all headed back to the cabin to share stories of our day.

My feet were macerated. I soaked them, taped them, elevated them and hoped for the best for the next day. I was thankful for a later, 9:00 start. 

I hardly slept at all, much like the previous few nights. I awoke at 400 and made my french press, ate bread and peanut butter, packed my pack and tended to my mangled feed. We put all of our belongings in the middle of the floor as Doug would check out with all of our things later in the morning. What a guy! Always taking care of us.

Doug drove us to the start where we were all tired but looking forward to a nice sunny warm day of 'only' 14 miles. There was an unmanned aid station half way through, otherwise we were on our own.

Again, we began a different direction to run different trails. We climbed straight up. Maria and I hung with a group fo 5 the whole way. It was so much fun. Our legs actually felt better than the previous days once we began. It's funny how the body becomes accustomed to the running over a few days.

I changed into my larger men's shoes for this run and my feet felt so much better. 

The route was a big loop. We went through pine, oak and lots of walls made of large boulder, looking over the valley. We drank Coke at the unmanned station, had awesome conversation, did a fair amount of hiking mixed with running and thoroughly enjoyed our time in the woods.

We ran into the finish just over 3 hours, hung out in the sun, visited with others, shared trail stores and then headed out for Kansas City, MO where we'd spend the night at a hotel.

I had my own room, showered and relaxed. Finished off my roasted potatoes and salad I'd been carrying with me. Sleep wouldn't come but I did rest. I awoke at 4 to make french press, packed all my things and was ready to head out.  Maria and I walked to an amazing coffeeshop before we headed to MN. 

Our trip home was thankfully uneventful. A few bathroom breaks, some eating from my cooler and back home before I knew it soaking in Epsom salts, draining my blisters.

A beautiful trip to the Ozarks, one I am so thankful for. The running was fabulous, the company wonderful. I hope to go back!

My 8th Voyager 50 Mile Trail Ultra

 I am so happy that I was able to run yet another Voyager 50 Miler Trail Race. Voyager was my second 50 mile race way back in 2001. I finished an hour after the final cut off of the race, when the cut off was 13 hours.  It has now been lengthened to 14 hours. 

In 2016 I hurt myself badly. Tendonitis, stress reaction, vascular cellulitis. I finished but was quite a mess. 

2021 was a breeze! It was hot and humid, but so delightful to be out running at one of my favorite races again.

My alarm woke me at 2AM, I left the house by 3AM and arrived to the start at 530, :30 minutes before start. I drove through a mix of hail, rain, thunder and lightening. We needed the rain but I did wonder what it might do to the trail.

The race was limited to 250 starters but I believe only 168 registered. It was a small race. A very very fun race!

We could start anytime between 6 and 7.  I lined up to start at 6:10 with Jim and Bill. We ran very easily down the paved path the first mile or so. Lots of laughing, jokes and easy running. I climbed the hills with purpose one we popped out on the trail, finding my place in the race. 

After the first aid station our little group split up. Bill ran up way ahead, Jim a bit after and I slowly jogged after them. I was planning to hit the turnaround in 530 and hoping to finish by 12. 

The fast 'winner runners' started after I did so it was cool to have them come up on me, chat a quick second and move on. I'd also see them come back which was the norm. It was really great to see everyone again. 

Aid stations were minimal and cut in half. Water, ice and oreos I think. I drank 180 oz of tailwind and 40 oz of water. Crazy. It was so hot. I was so thankful that there was plenty of ice and water.

The river crossings were nothing but rocks. Even with the thunderstorm passing through there was no moisture. I found the rocky SHT section very slow as I picked my way up up up the peak. 

I was pretty excited to see I was going to hit the turnaround at 530, where I set my goal. I decided I was going to take the time to take care of my feet. I had my only drop bag here. I came into the aid station and Bill and Jim were there. Bill was packing up ready to head out and Jim was shortly behind him. I took my time, cleaning my feet with wipes from my bag and applied desitin. Blisters were starting to form under my calluses. I'm running Superior 100 in a few weeks and need to practice caring for my feet. You'd think after all of these years I'd have this down to a science but I usually just don't want to be bothered with it and just pop the blisters as I go. This causes down time in the days after racing as I can't usually get my shoes on with popped blisters, inflammation and most painful feet ever. I knew that I had another big week of training beginning Tuesday and needed my feet to cooperate. I took 15 minutes to eat a sandwich I had packed and fix my feet. TIme well spent, it turns out.

I hiked out of the turn around with purpose, ran up the hill when I could. At spirit mountain I passed Jim and just kept on trucking. The SHT portion gave me difficulty again and I made a note that I would be training on the SHT before Superior 100. I have a reservation now for August 20 to spend the weekend up there running. 

The powerlines were still something else when though abbreviated as they are closed.I slowly climbed the exposed hill from hell, feeling my brain bake. I thought about the next aid station and all of the ice that would be available. This cooled me down. The power of positive thinking!

At the next aid station I came upon Bill. He was messing with bottles and taking care of himself. I had my pack filled, laughed and smiled as an aid station worker told me I had the best attitude and was doing what needed to be done. I was!  I marched out of there, heading for home.

Pretty soon I heard Bill come upon me. He had been walking the last 10 miles he said. I told him to just follow me. We'd get to the finish. He did, we ran when we could and hiked on the climbs. 

Eventually we came back to the bike path, knowing we would soon be finished. Bill had a bit more pep in his step all of a sudden, I told him to go for it!  He finished a few minutes before I. I made my goal: 11:52!! 

I felt so great during this race, no lows, no wishing it was done, no wanting to quit, no aches or pains. It was a great day. So much thanks to the volunteers, the race staff. the ice and water!

I hung around until the end of the race, cheering in all of the runners. Hopped into my car and headed for home. What a great day!

Superior 100 is up next. Hoping I can have a good day there, too!

Black Hills 50K

 I ran the Black Hills 50K in 2018 and had so much fun I knew I would be coming back. I entered in 2019 but my dad ended up in the ER, trip cancelled. In 2020 covid made the cancellation. I was ready to visit again for 2021. 

On Friday morning I began my trek west to Sturgis, SD. I again had lunch at the beautiful rest stop in Chamberlain SD with Dignity statue, drove through the Badlands and Custer National Park, some hiking to Harney Peak and then landed at my cabin in Sturgis at the RV park. It's a clean campground, $49.00 cabins and just a great place to stay as they are the packet pickup location and the start of the 100 mile and bus rides out for other distances are only a few blocks away.

Saturday I woke at 4, ground my beans for my french press, dressed and packed. I was out the door around 545 to catch the 600 bus. I met Jenny who was also running the 50K, we rode the bus together to the start.

It was a beautiful day, dry, with a high forecast to be in the low 70s. Picture perfect.

Our bus arrived to our start - the 70 mile stop of the 100 - before 7 so we had over an hour to hang out. I was looking for Erika to come through as she was running the 100. I was also looking for Amy, as she was pacing one of her friends. Pretty soon I noticed a blue Bill Pomerenke shirt. Sure enough, there was Andy, Erika's husband, pacing. I then saw Erika. I ran over and gave her a hug and congratulations on her 70 miles covered, and after running Kettle 100 two weeks prior. She finished Black Hills, too. Amazing.

Finally 800 was near and we here herded down to the start. Off we went!  We were all on top of one another for quite some time as there are quite a few cattle ramps in the first few miles. They have to be taken very slowly as they were wet and slippery. I just hiked, took my time, moving forward. It was cool to know what would be coming up, to remember portions of the course. 

The course is really amazing. Long climbs straight up, single track coming down, over and over. There were some jeep roads, some ATV paths, mostly singletrack. I'd run through soft pine trail, such nice footing, to hard small rocks interspersed upon the trail, to sand, to grass. The views were amazing. Jagged walls of rock, soft rounded rock, vistas overlooking the forests below. 

In 2018 there were ropes to help cross the rivers, the water was over my waist. This year there was NO water in the rivers. NONE. It was so dry, although it had rained the night before. The ground sucked it right up as the trail was not wet or muddy at all. 

As I was running up one of the dry creek beds, littered with rock, I fell. All of a sudden I was down flat on my belly with a sore knee and skinned nose. I lay there, stunned. A man who nearly fell on top of me helped me up exclaiming 'damn, now I've lost my pacer'. He just wouldn't pass me, he stayed directly in back of me for miles although I asked him to pass. I was glad to see him go on. I should have just stepped off the trail earlier and forced him to move on. I walked off my pain, making sure my knee was stable and that I couldn't see any bone. It was mostly a skin wound I think, it swelled and bruised quickly. I wondered if it would knock me out of the race. I vowed to pay attention and would not over do it by any means. I didn't mind dropping from a 50K if that's what my knee needed. 

Eventually I caught up to the people who passed as I was laying in the trail. I was feeling pretty good again. My knee felt swollen but not real painful.

It was great to cheer on the 100 milers as I came upon them. Some looked terrible, some looked fresh. I knew what they were going through. I moved along, enjoying right where I was, running free.

At the final aid station I saw part of Erika's crew. They expected her to finish around 33 hours or so. It looked like it was going to storm, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to hang out at the finish to watch. I was so glad that she was still moving forward.

Pretty soon I hit the pavement, knowing that I was only 2 miles to the finish. I finished in 2018 in 7:58 and it looked like I could finish in 730 this time around. I was pretty amazed. With a fall and a sore knee, I was still going to PR the course.

Running into the finish line, collecting my finishing coffee mug, breathing a deep sigh of gratitude.  This. This is what I love to do. 7:22. Wow!

Happily, I recognized Jodee's face in a sea of people. We talked a bit before I began to freeze. I walked back to my cabin and changed, heading back to the race finish. The rain began and then the downpours. I walked back to the cabin and changed again, staying in this time!

What a great race, a good effort and a beautiful course. Next year I'll try the 50 or 100. Why not?