2013 in Review

A time to reflect, a time to ponder. 

2013 in review.

All of the year’s happenings rest in our minds. The details that construct our memories may shift in precision over time, but the feelings and emotions we remember will remain unaltered. This year has been one of less success for my trophy case, but one of unprecedented gains for my mental health. I was prepared for the challenges I would face physically while toeing the line at various races throughout the year. I had put my body through the rigors of training for ultras and 2013 was going to be my year in which that training paid off. I had mentally prepared for 9-10 hour runs, I had learned what equipment worked for me, and I had friends and family willing to crew/support me throughout the year. I found the right balance between school, family & friends, and running. Reaching that balance wasn't easy but what told me this schedule between my commitments worked, was a sense of fulfillment on a daily basis. Being able to go to sleep happy and looking forward to the next day was all the reassurance I needed. The risk of over feeding your hobbies and having them negatively affect your life kept me cautious from getting carried away with my passions. Recognizing what drives inspiration can be challenging. That's why creating goals and checking them off can lead to a rewarding existence.

And so, my foray this year into the Midwest Ultra scene was quite an initiation. I signed up for the Ice Age 50 miler in mid-December of last year and by race day morning in May I felt more than ready. That race was once that cemented my desire to venture further into Ultras. I suffered a huge breakdown at mile 42 and quickly came to terms with my predicament. Just as I was accepting my fate of doing the death march for the last 8 miles my body revealed secrets that few experience. I experienced a surge of adrenaline like never before. My aching and sore legs transformed into new fresh legs. I felt like I was witnessing a miracle as I was running 7 minute miles over technical terrain for the last 7 miles of a 50 mile race. The pain and soreness had vanished completely. Not wanting to have the pain return and resume my death march I was compelled to finish the race as fast as possible. The aid station volunteers were shocked and just stared at me with open mouths as I flew by them not stopping for more than the few seconds that it took to refill my water bottle. The runners I blazed by on the course added to my fuel by shouting words of encouragement that bolstered my second wind. I finished that race bewildered and almost in disbelief that my body was capable of such feats. I learned the truism that the human body is able to push itself further than you believe it can. Reaching my limit and pushing beyond it taught me I have what it takes to run these races and beyond. 

Come the summer months I was busy prepping for the 200 mile relay race known as the Ragnar Relay. That race put me in the hot seat responsible for my team of six as captain in charge of many decisions. And many decisions I did have to make! We had an injured runner, wrong directions, and even mistaken food orders to deal with. That weekend was a mix of fun and craziness. It was all over too soon but the memories were captured in a short novel I wrote in the weeks after. This Ultra race taught me that planning is crucial and having backup plans is even more critical.

The Ultra runner team for Ragnar 2013.

Towards the end of June, I ventured into longer bike rides and accomplished some serious mileage, well, at least for a newbie cyclist. I went on a few 30-40 mile bike rides and explored more of the countryside around me. I learned a few things on those rides. First, I can ride a lot further with a pair of padded shorts on. Second, I can reach speeds so fast on a bike that any little bump scares the crap out of me. And lastly, I enjoy singing loudly to pass the time as I ride along the endless stretches of cornfields. I think cycling is enjoyable but also I find it easier to get distracted and let your mind wander. Running can also become monotonous but usually its if you are on a treadmill or running on a track. And since most of my runs are on neither of those surfaces, I seldom become bored enough during my runs to actually start singing random songs. Cycling is still enticing to me and I'll continue to bike the long country roads around me.

My girl Ingrid stopping for a pose.

In early July I managed to return to Devil’s Lake this year to volunteer at the Dances with Dirt race. I had run the 50K race the year before and the marathon route the year before that. It was good to give back this year and still be a part of the race that launched my passion for trail running. I worked one of the aid stations that was known as “road kill” and met quite a few folks who stopped by to wait and cheer for their runner. It surprised me how much information I had to share with them when they had questions about the course or how fast the runners might come through. Knowing that I’ve been a part of this community for only 2 years and already gotten so familiar with this scene let me wonder the future possibilities for me. I could easily see myself becoming an aid station captain or even a race director someday.

Later into July, I put my beautiful road bike away for a weekend and ventured back to the Windy City to participate in the Rock N Roll half marathon. I ran with a few friends dressed in a banana suit and just had fun running and sweating my way through a festive course through downtown Chicago. The best was lounging around in the VIP tent enjoying free refreshments and listening to a live concert in Grant Park. It was thanks to my friend Baker that I was able to run this race with the star treatment.

Silly Bananas running amok in Chicago.

At the end of the month I got jolted back to my senses and returned to the Ultra community at one of the premier events in Ohio known as The Burning River 100. This incredible race is held along the Cuyahoga River stretching from Cleveland to Akron. I arrived in Ohio with my friend in mixed spirits since he was suppose to be running this race but because of an injury he would only be spectating instead. With my pacing duties in limbo and an eager heart, fate found us a new friend that would need both our help. We met a young Devon Olson and quickly warmed up to him and agreed to be his crew and help him finish his first 100 mile race. With our help and his incredible talent he secured a 7^th place finish. I learned so much pacing Devon and would not forget his determination anytime soon. (Full recap BR100)

I had time to run a local 10K (DeKalb Corn Classic) before my goal race in mid September. I was training hard for the 50 mile race in Hell Michigan. This was another Dances with Dirt race that I looked forward to test my body and mind. I finished the 10K feeling hungry and wanting to compete. I placed in my age group and had given about 90% effort. I finished the rest of my training along the trails around Shabonna Lake. I would field questions from fisherman about how many laps I had completed around the 7 mile loop of the lake. Their jaws would drop when I’d let them know I was on my fourth of five laps. All those miles got me into shape and I felt ready for my big race.

Crushing the local 10K in DeKalb IL.

Hell was pure hell. My race was brutal. I suffered the worst stomach issues I’ve ever had at this 50 mile race. Things got better once I vomited and regained a settled stomach. I finished with a modest time (9:57) but still not a perfect race considering that I could have done much better had I not had stomach problems. But I still had a blast and more importantly got to spend a fun weekend with my brother and friends. I learned some lessons from this race and set my sights on to my last goal of the year. (Full recap DWD Hell)

The New York City Marathon was everything I’d hoped it to be, except for one part, my performance. This race was again another tremendous failure of my talents, but a robust event that left me every bit content as if I had won the race. I suffered severe cramps and finished just under four hours and almost an hour longer than I had planned for. The crowds and energy from the course left me without any regret and completely fulfilled. I may have performed terribly but the experience was just as sweet. The level of pain I went through dealing with incapacitated cramping muscles again broke a threshold I had never felt before. Surrounded by good friends I was able to look beyond finish times and simple enjoy the moment. (Full recap NYC Marathon)

Finishing the greatest marathon in the world.

That seems to have been a reoccurring theme this year. It seems I picked up this lesson early at the Ice Age 50. Once things go bad you must accept that feeling and just make the best of it. I went through this same pattern throughout the year. I had high goals set for myself and I didn’t reach many of them. But what I had accomplished was more than I could have wished for. Sure I finished all of my races without any DNFs and I also finished the year without any injuries. But the greatest accomplishment was that I finished searching for my competitive spirit. I found it along the trails throughout the Midwest. I had learned how to ignite my competitive juices not just to beat certain times or earn a podium finish, but to push myself harder and discover my real capacity at these races. I’ll always race smart and avoid running to complete failure, but without that spark I discovered this year I would have never pushed myself enough to discover some incredible gifts that my body taught me. Reaching that edge in our minds and venturing past it is like an awakening that cannot be described but merely experienced. Had I continued to race in a lackadaisical manner I likely wouldn’t have found the mystical energy that pushes you with overwhelming power to finish the last mile... or 10.

So what does 2014 hold for me? I won't do much racing this next year. I will still run but explore more trails around me. I will likely volunteer more and make an appearance at the Chicago Marathon too. But I’m pretty set on venturing further into the Ultra circuit. I was looking forward to finishing my first 100 mile race at Western States this year but I wasn’t picked for the lottery. So I'll have to wait another year to see if I can set my sights on that race in 2015. There are plenty of other races and have my mind set on a few already. I have a few friends doing their first Ultras and will eagerly be following their progress. Having some good friends enter the Ultra community is exciting. I’m happy to introduce them to some of the other amazing friends I’ve made in the Ultra community. The people that make this sport happen are some of the most genuine and happiest people I’ve ever met. The saying that goes, “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,” is exactly what these Ultra runners embody. Unfortunately our love and passion won’t pay the bills, but those miles and hours spent running fill our hearts and minds with all the riches we need.

Also, for next year there is an opportunity for me to spend the summer in Wyoming and run on some real mountains. That thought alone has me tremendously excited. As for my goals, I will definitely try for a new distance this year. I’ll likely run a 100K or maybe a certain 70 miler in Pennsylvania that also happens to be a Western States qualifier. There is also a fun trail relay in Michigan that I would love to run. Whatever happens this next year, you can expect more blog posts with some insight and wisdom that I’ll undoubtedly find along the trails.