Black Dog 50

Last Saturday was my second attempt at a 50 mile. A good friend from work hosted a trail run in Wisconsin on the Ice Age trail. It was a casual affair and I managed to show up late for the start...very unusual for me. Not wanting to keep everyone waiting I threw on my Salomon trail shoes rather than the Vibrams and we were out the door. For sheer beauty I'm not sure I've ever run anything close to this race, miles of gorgeous woods, wildlife everywhere, lakes and rivers reflecting the early morning sun, it really was a truly special day. With a small group we settled into our respective paces and headed out into the wild. Having not run in shoes for over a year I was extra alert and curious to see how my body would respond to the change. The answer came shortly after the ninth mile when I went sideways in the mud and heard an astonishingly loud pop from my ankle and knee. Gritting my teeth I slowed down and began to curse the natural beauty I had admired only a short time before. I reached the second checkpoint and realized that by injuring the same kneed I had the month before I was effectively out of the run. Several of the guys slowed down to offer encouragement and support but at 30.6 miles I made the decision to withdraw and try to relax. Thanks to Peter for an awesome race and to everyone that helped me push to 30, you guys were great. I've been back on the bike and the knee feels good so I've signed up for two more races this month, I'll remember the Vibrams this time.

North Face 50 mile...ouch

On a warm and rainy day this September I took my first steps into the world of ultramarathons with The North Face Endurance Challenge 50 mile in Eagle, WI. I have to say that getting up at 3am to run is not the most fun I've ever had but after limping to the finish in 12.5 hours on borrowed hiking poles with a wrecked knee taped up by a kind soul I can safely say that I can't wait to do it again next year. I won't be posting any pictures because it's a little embarrassing that it took me so long to finish, I was shooting for 9.5 hours or less. I ran in my new Vibram FiveFinger Bikilas and they performed wonderfully, I'm not sure I'll ever get them clean again but who really cares about that. It was a marvelous run with the best volunteers I've ever seen, everyone was support as I dragged myself to the finish. Not the way I wanted to start off but someday I'll look back on this and laugh...I hope. I've had to take a week off because of some reoccurring knee pain but I've been out the last two days and felt really great. A little voice in the back of my mind keeps telling me to sign up for the Wild Duluth 100K, we'll have to see what happens. Thanks again North Face crew, I had a blast and I'll see you next year!