Across the Years Ultra Marathon

Many people find themselves on an endless quest, searching for the meaning of life. I have been on a similar quest and may not have the answer, but I think I know where it can be found: on an isolated little dirt track in Buckeye, Arizona.

Across the Years Ultra Marathon
One of my goals for 2008 was to run a 50 mile ultra marathon. I had completed 5 50k’s, but they didn’t feel like real ultras: just extra long marathons. I thought if I could complete a 50 miler, then I could consider myself a true ultra runner. The problem I faced, however, was cut off times. Since I had no experience, I was afraid I would miss cut-offs and be pulled off the course. Then I heard about Across the Years. Across the Years is one of the premier fixed time events, attracting athletes from all over the world. The race is held on a 1/3 mile dirt track on a private estate know as Nardini Manor and offers 72, 48 and 24-hour options. The 24-hour race seemed perfect for a 50 mile attempt. The only obstacle was getting into the race. The criteria is kept secret, and the application states that fact. In reality, I think the race director just likes to choose whom he wishes without having to explain or justify. I had no problem with that, it’s his race, he can invite whomever he wants. In early spring I filled out the application (stating that my goal was 70 miles so I wouldn’t seem like such a newcomer), sent in my money and then waited patiently until mid August when selected participants would be announced.

Let the Training Begin
I didn’t wait passively. I trained as if I would be selected. My first order of business was to try a fixed time event and get a feel for running by time instead of distance. I found a nice, low key 6-hour race just 45 minutes from home. The race was held on a 4 mile undulating, single track trail on a chilly, drizzly March morning. I loved it from the very first lap: my only goal was to complete the marathon distance, then just cruise along until the clock ran out. Many runners were faster than me… all the usual suspects who beat me at the marathon. A fun thing started to happen as the race wore on, though. All those fast runners started to drop out after they reached the marathon distance. I heard many comments on how hard it was to keep going, hour after hour. I kept running and surprised myself by finishing 2nd in the women’s race.

As summer approached I bumped up my long run schedule by completing 5 marathons in 5 weeks, concluding with a June double: the Green River Marathon/North Olympic Discovery Marathon combo. I had run a similar double last year and swore once was enough. This time, though, it was much easier. In fact I even enjoyed it. After the June double I turned to trail marathons for the remainder of the summer. One of the trail marathons, Haulin’ Aspen, was held on the same day Across the Years selections were to be announced. I was so excited that I carried my Blackberry with me so I could check my email while on the trail. Every 5 miles I stop, pull out the Blackberry and look for the anticipated message. Finally, with a little over 3 miles left to race, that message came: I’d been accepted!

I topped off my training with one final double marathon weekend in late October: the Columbia River Power Marathon/Tri-Cities Marathon Combo. My combined time was 45 minutes faster than my June double and my recovery was rapid, so I knew I was as ready. The only thing left was to formulate a race day strategy and maintain my fitness. Maintaining fitness was the easy part: a 20 mile run every other weekend and a final marathon 3+weeks from race day.

My race strategy was a little more difficult to formulate. I read reports from others who specialized in fixed time events and tried out their strategies during my long runs. I finally settled on running the first 5 miles to warm up, switch to a 1 lap walk/2 lap run ratio until I hit 50k, then adjust the walk/run ratio as needed to hit my 50 mile goal. After that I would give myself permission to quit or just move forward in any manner possible.

December 31st: Into the Great Unknown
Ric, my loyal crew, and I arrived at Nardini Manner just a few minutes before the pre race meeting. We were given a few quick instructions, mainly to watch out for the 72-hour runners since most them were running in their sleep. At 9 sharp I took off around the track while Ric set up my personal aid station. I elected to have only a chair, sleeping bag, a few warm clothes and 3 pairs of shoes at my station along with the usual electrolyte tablets, pain killers and cell phone. I didn’t want my station to be too comfortable and lull me into resting longer than absolutely necessary.

On my first lap, I started to realize I was a mere mortal running among ultra marathon giants. I came upon Daniel, an amputee that was featured in The Distance of Truth movie, we chatted a bit or rather he offered up bits of wisdom and I listen intently. Next was Lisa, the 2006 Badwater women’s champion. Then there was John, a 48-hour record hold who came to Across the Years to set the 72-hour record. John was hobbling badly but telling the most endearing stories to a 7 year old who walk beside him. I later found out that John was injured early the first day, but decided to keep going in whatever way possible to complete the race. Once when I passed John he was telling his young companion: “I have my 300 mile belt buckle, my 200 mile buckle and this year I can complete my collection with the 100 mile buckle.”

There were lots of world class athletes from over seas in attendance, too. At first the German women intimidated me…. They were strong, they were experienced, they were determined and they held all sorts of world records. Yikes! Then, a few hours later I was running past the most terrifying of them and heard the sweetest voice sing out “well hello Marilou, goodbye heart…” After that, Heinke would sing my name every time I passed, sometimes accompanied by other words of encouragement or a pat on the back, a slap of the hands.

Wars were being waged on the track as well. There was a mentally bloody battle going on between the 72 hour record holder, Martina from Germany, and American Juli. Juli was fast but also took many breaks and slept several hours at night. Martina never slept, she just kept going at a relatively slow but incredibly consistent pace. I found myself smack dab in the middle of this battle as Martina decided I was a good person to voice her frustrations to. Laps would go by while I listened to Martina… there alone without crew, talk about her racing and sleepless nights and determination to beat Juli. Then a little while later, Juli would come by and give me uplifting words of encouragement, never once talking about her own race, never once talking about Martina. I admired them both for their courage and for approaching the race their own way and didn’t know whom to root for, so I rooted for both.

My own race was like a blur. I covered the first 50 miles in a little over 11 hours following my pre race strategy and felt strong going into the night. Then when I sat down to change shoes and put on warmer clothing, I couldn’t get back up again. Thankfully Ric joined me at 9:00 p.m. , got me moving, then ran/walked with me for the next 5 miles. Right after Ric left, I caught a second wind and made my way to 100K (62 miles) fairly easily. Everyone warned me about running at night and how hard it was. I found that it was my favorite part of the race. At midnight the race director passed out hats and horns to all the runners and ushered us to the center of the track. He had champagne waiting, we toasted in the New Year then headed out for a celebratory lap together as fireworks launched from the surrounding cotton fields. Not too long after, I found myself mostly walking. I kept telling myself to just tick off the miles… keep moving. One by one runners left the course for the comfort and warmth of the big, heated tent. I started playing motivational games with myself: one more lap and I can read my mail (friends could leave me messages over the internet and they would be delivered to a track side mailbox). One more mile and I could call Mariposa and check in. One more lap and I can have a burrito, one more mile and I can have a cup of coffee, one more lap and I can sit by the fire for a moment. And so it went throughout the night. By 3:00 just a hand full of runners were left. At 4:30 the neighborhood roosters started to crow and stiff, sleepy runners emerged from their tents. Pancakes and oatmeal were brought trackside to help those hardy enough to stay on the course, missing the buffet served in the heated tent. As the sun was rising, I approached mile 80 with a smile on my face. Thirty miles over my minimum goal, ten miles over my stretch goal.

My Best Motivator is Unfinished Business
I decided to complete my race at mile 80 and over two hours early. I did this for several reasons. First, I had exceeded my goal. I was cold, tired and my feet felt like someone had taken a cheese grater to the soles. Secondly, I knew I couldn’t cover 20 miles in the next 2 hours, so 80 seemed like a good round number. Thirdly, nothing motivates me like unfinished business. Had I raced the full 24 hours, even if I didn’t reach 100 miles, I would have felt I found my limit. Leaving something undone, like running only 22 hours, gave me something to strive for next year.

The Real Test: Post Race Recovery
A lot of people judge their fitness and performance based only on how well they did at their goal event. I think there is more to it than that. I look at how I feel during the race. Is my heart rate good? Do my legs have spring and strength? Do I still feel like I want to race again at the finish? Then I look at my recovery. How quickly do my legs bounce back? My strength? My appetite? Can I walk the next day? Run two days later? I like quick recovery and value that above speed. To me, it means that I am not doing irreparable damage to my system. So how did I do at Across the Years? I was stiff the same day I finished the race and could barely walk. I took lots of naps, I had no appetite. The next day, my appetite came roaring back. I could navigate stairs and went on a 2 mile walk. By day three I was feeling almost normal except my right foot (still raw with blisters). I walked a total of 6 miles, although I did run out of energy the last ¼ mile. All and all, I think my recovery was pretty rapid. Day four found me registering for my next 50k.

And what of that original quest?
One just has to go there at the end of December to know that the soil of Nardini Manor, trampled a million times over by the soles and souls of ultra running icons, contains the answer to one of life’s greatest mysteries. Peer into the gentle but determined eyes of one of the legendary runners and you will see that they know the meaning of life. Maybe next year, I’ll find it too, somewhere beyond 100 miles.

Las Vegas Marathon

I had low expectations for Las Vegas. All the past reports I have read have been very negative. I knew they were notorious for late starts, running out of stuff at aid stations, and little food at the finish line. I also knew the weather could be cold and windy, and the course boring. I made sure I was prepared for the worst. I brought lots of clothing for all weather conditions and carried enough gel with me to get me through the race.
Sometimes when expectations are low, things turn out surprisingly well. First, our hotel was very nice and not terribly crowded. The cowboys were in town for the National Finals Rodeo, so that gave a nice feel to Vegas. We found a great place to eat and watch the rodeo with all the cow folk within easy walking distance to our hotel. Also, we found the Cowboy Marketplace and had fun shopping for belts.
The marathon itself had some nice surprises, too. First, all the brides getting ready to for the run-through chapel at mile 5. I think there were 45 couples taking part this year. Second, was the whole herd of Elvi.. most were running the half, but a few were running all 26.2 in full Elvis gear. Third, was a huge fireworks show that started the race. I couldn’t believe how long it lasted and it was really spectacular. Last, and possibly best was finally meeting and running with Marathon Maniac Larry Macon. I didn’t know it at the time, but completing the Las Vegas Marathon would make Larry a world record holder: 105 marathons in one calendar year.
The marathon started at 6 am. It was cold and dark as we made our way to the start line. The race website said there would be a corral for people expecting to complete the marathon in under 4 hours. This simply wasn’t true. It was a free-for-all. 20,000 marathoners and half marathoners, runners and walkers all jammed together. The first few miles were slow. People dodging in and out, stopping without warning, slamming into each other. It was slow going. At mile 4 I ran into Larry. By that time, any hope of getting a BQ was long gone, so I decided to relax, run slow and make a new friend. Larry and I ran together for several miles, chatting and engaging in typical Maniac conversation: How many have you run? When did you start? Why did you start? What’s next? Unfortunately, Larry is somewhat famous and other Maniacs came by wanting in on the conversation. I started talking to a few of them who were running a slightly faster pace and before I knew it, Mr. Macon was left behind.
As usual, I ran a few miles with one person, then by myself before meeting another runner to become friends with before moving on again. The race itself was rather ordinary. On the way back into town, we ran through the backside of the strip. I couldn’t believe how badly it smelled. All the glamour on Las Vegas Blvd, and all the rot and all the rot and decay behind the scenes. When we rounded the corner for the final push to the finish we were presented with little plastic leis. Half a mile later I crossed the finish line in an unspectacular 4:30:00. I grabbed a chocolate milk, found Ric, then walked back to the hotel. After a quick shower, we started walking again, stopped for lunch and continued to walk. We walked until 6:00 or so, stopped for dinner, then headed back to our room at 8:00. A total of 15 hours on my feet. Monday morning we walked some more… at least 5 or 6 hours. I was pleased with all the time on my feet because it put a cap on my training for Across the Years. 3 weeks and I’ll be running the big one!

Tri Cities Marathon

I woke up Sunday morning ready to run. My ankles were a little sore from the sand yesterday, but otherwise I was feeling great. After a quick coffee and biscotti (my latest “breakfast of champions”), I walked over to the lobby of the Shilo Inn. People were gathering for the early start and there were several faces I recognized from yesterday. The general consensus was that yesterday’s course was slow… mostly due to the 5 miles of sand… and that everyone was feeling fatigue in their calves/ankles. A little before 7 we were ushered outside to begin our run. There were a dozen of us taking the 7:00 start, and rumor had it that 25 took the 6:00 start. I was excited because the weather was cool and there was no wind! The 2006 race was so windy I was almost blown off course a few times. I lined up with Jill and once again we decided on a strategy. Today it would be a 1 mile run followed by a 10th mile walk until the half way point, then I would drop down to a ½ mile run, 10th mile walk.
I started off faster than I expected, churning out solid 9:30 minute miles. Jill dropped back by mile 3 and I decided to proceed on my own. It was one of those days where I wanted to be alone with my thoughts and push myself from within. Just me and the marathon.
I kept a good pace as I ran alongside the Columbia, then over a bridge. Once over the river we turned back towards the start line and bam! There was the headwind. The wind is like that, you can be fooled into think there is no wind, just easy, effortless running. Then you make a turn and realize the wind had been pushing you all along. At mile 12 we turned again and got to experience the joy of wind-at-your-back for the next few miles. I passed the halfway point feeling much better than I expect. My two previous attempts at doubles left me tired and fatigued on day two, struggling to complete the distance. I didn’t feel like that today. All too soon, we crossed a beautiful suspension bridge and turned for a final 12 miles into the wind. I considered shortening my run/walk ratio like originally planned, but decided instead to push through to the 20 mile mark before making any changes. At mile 21 I let myself slip into the 5/1 ratio. I was starting to feel a little tired and the change felt great. By mile 24 I was refreshed enough to run the final 2.2 miles (with the exception of a brisk walk up the last bridge). As is customary at Tri-cities, a local runner met me at the 26 mile mark and paced me the final .2. He kept trying to get me to stretch out and sprint for the finish, and I gave it my best shot. Unfortunately that was the wrong decision and I felt something give way in my calf. Still, I finished strong in a time of 4:34, giving me a weekend double time of 9:13, a Double-Marathon PR 45 minutes.

Back at the hotel I took an ice bath and immediately notice my calf filling with fluid. I think the stress of the soft footing yesterday really took a toll. I’m planning on resting all of next week and letting myself heal up before starting my final training cycle for the Across the Years 24 hour Ultra.

Columbia River Power Marathon

If it’s October, it must be time for another double. As luck would have it, the perfect opportunity for a double was taking place in eastern Oregon and Washington. One of the most appealing things about this double was the easy logistics. Marathon 1 was in Umatilla, Oregon, and marathon 2 was in Richland, Washington… just 35 miles apart. This meant I could stay in Richland and drive to Umatilla on Saturday morning, so no long drives between marathons and no changing hotels.
It sounded good (on paper at least.) The drive over to eastern Washington was easy, we made good time, got settled into our room and turned in early. I was up at 5:45 Saturday morning and left for Umatilla at 6:30: giving me 1 ½ hours to complete a ½ hour drive. Clutching my mapquest directions I zipped on the freeway and was off. Really off, miles and miles off, by the time I realized I missed my exit and was heading for Walla Walla. I was just about to turn around when I saw a sign: Umatilla 35 miles. I decided that was better than back tracking and I still had almost an hour, so I was sure to get there by start time. I finally made it to Umatilla, then couldn’t find the school where the race was held. My directions kept trying to send me to the opposite end of town. Thankfully Umatilla is a small town and we managed to get to the proper location with a few minutes to spare.
At 7:55 we were all asked to line up at the start line. No one was willing to toe-the-line… everyone was hovering back 20 or 30 feet to allow the “fast” runners to take the lead. I was busy chatting with fellow Maniac Jill Hudson and we decided to be brave and move to the front. I think it’s the first time I’ve put my toe on the chalk line for a marathon. After the national anthem and a speech from the town mayor, we were off. The first few miles took us down to the river and across the dam. We then climbed back up the highway, and made a big loop on bike paths, then across the river and back up hill to the start line. Jill and I had been spending most of run chatting and getting to know each other better. She was running her 49th marathon, 12th in 12 weeks and first double. We decided to stick together and use a 10 minute run, 1 minute walk ratio in order to save our legs for Sunday. After we passed the start, the half marathoners peeled off, and Jill and I found ourselves alone out on the prairie. Soon, we were running along the river on a very isolated trail. The footing was loose and sandy. We decided to do our best to run through it, maintaining our run-to-walk ratio. I few times one of us would remark on how glad we were to have each others company on such a long and lonely trail. Every once and awhile we would see other runners, but they were all walking and we would soon over take them. After 5 miles of sand, we emerged out on the highway and ready for the final 9 mile push to the finish. This stretch was windy with lots of long hills but the cool, sunny weather helped keep my spirits up. We were also reeling in other runners, despite our relatively slow pace. Jill and I crossed the finish line together in 4:39:08. TP! Was the announcer and rattled off my running resume as I came into sight, that made me feel great….one of the Main Maniacs actually knew a little about my running history!

The Potato Commission sponsored a baked potato feed for all runners and family, then a brief award ceremony (I was 2nd in the 40-49 age group, 5th overall woman) and we were heading back to Richland. We got back to our hotel in time for a walk along the river front, a stop at packet pick-up and a nice protein-packed dinner. We went to bed early again in anticipation of another 5:45 wake up and day 2 of my autumn double.

Royal Victoria Marathon

What a great weekend and I'm so glad I didn't miss it. I really enjoyed the conversations with my running friends at before and after the marathon parties. It gave me lots to think about, both running and life in general. Nothing is quite as rewarding as spending time with smart, confident women and our boomer group is full of them (o.k., the guys aren't too shabby either).

I had planned on an easy 4:30 marathon. I haven't been working on anything other than long, slow runs lately and haven't posted a time faster than 4:20 all year. I also hadn't run a marathon since August 17th, which for me is an eternity.

I got to the start with a little time to spare and started scanning the crowds as they lined up. I spotted Le Chat Noire and decided to join her. She asked if I'd be interested in helping her PR, and if possible get close to a 4:15. I decided to give it a shot, but reserved the right to bail out if I felt like it. After we started, we caught up with the 4 hour pace bunny. Both Le Chat and I decided to run with him as long as possible, then use whatever we had left to get us to the finish. The pacer was using a 10 minute run, 1 minute walk strategy. That was easy enough, but he refused to slow down through the aid stations. As a result, we had to dodge over to get water, then sprint to catch up. The run, walk, sprint, run, walk, sprint combo eventually wore me down, but I did manage to make it to the half way point with the pacer. Le Chat pulled away from me when I stopped at a vacant porta-potty and I lost sight of her. I finished in 4:14:23... Le Chat in 4:10ish (I believe that is a 20 min PR for her!) It was my 12th finish of a marathon or ultra marathon this year. The weather was perfect and the course spectacular.

Ric met me at the finish line, we started walking back to our hotel but detoured for a beer and some lunch. I had just enough time to shower before meeting MustangMom and a shuttle to the best Canadian Thanksgiving meal ever.
Mustang Sally and The Scot were perfect hosts, serving us wine and cheese as soon as we walked through the door. We sat down to eat in the formal dining room and the power went off. I though it actually added to the festivities, especially as it got darker and we resorted to eating by candlelight. Ric and I concluded the evening with a 3 mile stroll back to our hotel. Just what I needed to loosen the legs before turning in.

Thanks everyone for a memorable weekend!

Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon

Wow, this marathon is one of a kind. It’s small and informal, run by Maniacs for Maniacs (although others are welcome). The big appeal of this marathon is a 2 mile run through a totally dark tunnel. That combined with the fact that it is on a trail and all downhill made it too appealing to pass up, even though I’d just crashed and burned at Haulin’ Aspen last week.

I decided to take the early start. I’m becoming more fond of early starts for my “easy” marathons. I get done earlier, I get to run with people that I ordinarily would not even see, and I feel no pressure to run a certain speed. I think my switch to early starts (and a more relaxed attitude) is the reason I’ve been able to run so many marathons this year without feeling much fatigue. Anyway, back to the marathon….

I hit the road at 4:00 a.m. It was an exciting drive through rain and lightning. I was happy to see the rain and hoped for cooler temperatures… we had been in the 90’s during the week. I made it to the finish area where we boarded buses for the startline. The rain had stopped by the time we started the race. We ran an easy mile, then hit the tunnel. I was equipped with a headlamp and small hand-held. The footing in the tunnel was amazingly good, though we had to swerve around a few puddles. It was a surreal experience, especially since the rain had turned the tunnel into a steam sauna. It was hot and very damp. At the end of the tunnel we were greeted by a self-serve aid station before continuing down the trail. I felt like running by myself, so I quickened my pace enough to gain sometime on the rest of the pack. Once alone, I turned on my Ipod and enjoyed a nice, gentle trail run through some spectacular scenery and over a hand full of high tressels. Somewhere around mile 16 the trail passed through a mecca for rock climbers. They were everywhere for several miles and added a lot of interest to the run. By mile 18 the heat and constant downhill were taking a toll. I was still having fun, but also amazed at how much I was sweating. I made sure I was taking electrolytes every 5 miles although I wasn’t able to eat much since the heat made my stomach turn sour. I had brought some ginger crews and that seemed to help a bit (plus they taste great). By mile 20 I was slowing down and walking a bit “just because”. Mile 24 found me with a second wind and I was able to push a little harder to the finish. I didn’t stick around the finish area long. I was feeling sticky and dusty and just wanted to get home to a nice shower and clean clothes.

This really was a great marathon and I will definitely add it to my calendar for next year.

Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon

This has to be the toughest and most enjoyable marathon that I have run. Last year I had a real problem staying upright during the 12 mile single track downhill. I think it was partially due to my inexperience running technical trails and partially to shoes that were a little too big. Since I knew I would be running this course again, I spent a good part of my winter and spring working on my downhill running technique, sometimes in the dark to really sharpen my balance. I also bought smaller shoes.

Sunday morning I was up at 4am getting dressed, eating and rushing off to catch the 5 am shuttle. The shuttle driver managed to get us to the start line in record time and a group of us huddled together trying to stay warm in the sub-40 degree temperatures. The Race Director took pity on us and announced that anyone who wanted start early could: at 6:00. I decided that was better than shivering for the next hour so I made my way to the start line. Unfortunately, things were delayed a bit, but they finally allowed us to start at 6:30. The pack was running nice and easy, taking time to warm up cold muscles. After the first mile we heard shouts from behind. Somehow the pack had gotten off course and we had to double back. Finally we were on course again and starting the 14 mile climb. I was struggling with cold muscles and high altitude, finding myself short of breath within the first few miles. I think it was the early fatigue that was my downfall, literally. Right after mile 5, going uphill, I stumbled on a rock and came crashing down. I landed on lava scree and completely knocked the wind out of myself. It took me a few minutes to get up and access the damage: bleeding from my shoulder, elbow and lower leg. Cuts on both hands and a very sore hip. I walked a bit and actually felt pretty good. I picked up a run and my hip immediately started to collapse. I slowed back to a walk and again felt fine. The next aid station was 3 miles away so I would wait until then to decide what to do. I had to make a choice: I could quit, take the turnoff for the half marathon, or keep going on the full course and walk the whole way if needed. By the time I hit the mile 8 aid station I was alternating ¼ mile walks and ¼ mile runs. This seemed to be working fine. I decided to try my best and finish the full marathon, even if I ended up walking most of the way. I continued to alternate running and walking until mile 10 when the real climbing started. I walked the next 4 miles, keeping the fastest pace I could manage. I think that 4 mile walk did me more good than anything else I could have done. By the time I hit mile 14 and turned onto the most delightful single track imaginable, I was ready to run. I ran well, too. My downhill training really paid off as I floated down the trail, wide stance, arms spread like wings to balance. I didn’t trip once! I did throw in a couple of walk breaks when my hip would suddenly collapse on me, but a few strides of walking was all it took to set things right again. I finished strong with plenty left in the tank (last year I really struggled the last two miles). I quickly found the medics and had them scrub all the dust and rocks out of my wounds, then grabbed a beer and some lunch. My finish time was 5:27, 22 minutes slower than last year but I was happy with my results. I think most people would have dropped out, but instead I pushed through and finished my 30th marathon.