tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20339059321974139142024-03-05T19:46:40.523-08:00Running RusieckisA collection of the adventures that Amy and Brian share.Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-66245968933501281892018-11-15T04:51:00.001-08:002018-11-15T04:51:42.339-08:00A Tutu Challenge - Fundraising for Safe Passage<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
You all know how passionate I am about running - it is my freedom, it is my
sanity, it is my community. This year, my passion for running and my faith in the running community was severely shaken due to some anonymous bullying. It made me question what I truly loved about this sport, and why I did it in the first place. I am fortunate that my local community embraced me, showed me non-judgmental support, and helped me find the passion again. </div>
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Again this year, I am trying to bring a larger impact with my running - through
running the Hot Chocolate Run and fundraising for Safe Passage. Safe
Passage is a local organization that supports victims of domestic
violence. This is not a fundraising race where the funds disappear into
some national account; they stay local and provide neighbors with the support
and counseling they need in times of crisis. This is an opportunity for
me to use my passion to create positive change in my community, to hope that my running can improve the life of someone else. <o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></div>
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This will be my 13th time running the Hot Chocolate Run, and
I hope to fundraise $1,000 for Safe Passage. And, as with past years...if I meet my fundraising goal, I will allow folks to dress me up in a tutu, or a sparkly outfit (see below), or whatever folks can cook up for me.</div>
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It's crazy to think that we even need to fundraise for a cause like this, as I wish that domestic abuse didn't even happen - but victims of domestic abuse need all the help and support that Safe Passage can give them. So, if you're reading this and are so inspired, I appreciate anything that
folks can give ($5, $10, whatever!). Either way, especially coming
into the holidays, I would challenge everyone to try to find a way for your
running to support change in your community!<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></div>
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Here is the link to my personal fundraising page: <a href="https://hotchocolaterun.greatfeats.com/amy-rusiecki">https://hotchocolaterun.greatfeats.com/amy-rusiecki</a><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgip-FAiyxTAX9aKdRNEI8O_jigaEt9-vBoZNis74jYFidzg55JUJMLpcY6wZdfatYQXeGvqEgk_aZQV4e2vCxSmMkKOQpC03UwR-s54ZhyzmN_AFc2x0Ds5aIFqPUE3oHprpx4vFjxZs/s1600/-c380113845e86928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgip-FAiyxTAX9aKdRNEI8O_jigaEt9-vBoZNis74jYFidzg55JUJMLpcY6wZdfatYQXeGvqEgk_aZQV4e2vCxSmMkKOQpC03UwR-s54ZhyzmN_AFc2x0Ds5aIFqPUE3oHprpx4vFjxZs/s320/-c380113845e86928.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="304" /></a></div>
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(If I raise over
$1,000, y'all can get me to run in another awesome outfit like this!)</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-81439580366301156402018-05-02T05:36:00.003-07:002018-05-02T05:36:41.219-07:00Coaching at Hampshire College
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For the past year, I've been coaching the Hampshire College running team - for cross country in the fall and 'track and trails' in the spring. It's been a fun experience - I really do enjoy working with runners, getting them excited about running, watching them improve, and hopefully inspiring them to continue to run after college. </div>
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Anyway, one of the athletes, Gwyn, is a sprinter so I only got to work with her on occasion - but she wrote the essay below for her 'Intro to Coaching' class where she had to observe a coach in action. </div>
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<i>By Gwyn Burns</i></div>
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<i>“How many more ‘till no more?</i>” Amy says to the conglomerate of sprinters that are located outside of the Hampshire College multisport center. <i>“Three more ‘till no more!”</i> We all shout back. </div>
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<br />Today we are asked to work on our starts, which involves running down beside campus way, on the grass since Hampshire’s un-sporty attitude can be seen through the lack of an outdoor track. Eric, the normal sprinting coach is gone for the day, probably off working his other job as an electrician, which means Amy is our coach for the day. </div>
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You wouldn’t think that Amy Rusiecki, at 5ft. 6in. would be an imposing force, but she is. She is someone that finds a way to compete in 50k as well as 100k races, a distance that some would shy away from, but one that Amy faces full on. With her welcoming smile, and joking attitude, some might forget that she can be intense, often making the workouts harder than they need to be, creating competition between the runners. You can hear her feelings in her voice, when she is excited it increases an octave. When she is serious or disappointed, her voice will lower, but she is hardly ever disappointed. She walks with power, probably from all the running she does, or with the confidence of someone who can run for longer than others. </div>
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<i>“So guys, today there are two options for practice, to do the sprint workout, or come snowshoe running with me!”</i> She says as her voice slowly raises in excitement. I am a mid-distance runner, who is often scared away from the longer distances, but I am intrigued about the prospect of snowshoe running. </div>
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<i>“Do you think I should go?”</i> I ask Lily, my teammate and best friend. “<i>Maybe, Gwyn, you can do whatever you want,”</i> she replies. Amy was, as always overhearing this conversation. <i>“Well, if you’re thinking about this decision so much, might as well come snowshoe running with distance.”</i> </div>
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<br /><i>“Ok, Amy,”</i> I reply. Turns out snowshoe running is quite fun, running down the snowy hills was the best part, and in the words of Amy, <i>“it always makes me smile, like a child.”</i> </div>
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Amy often leads by example, she will go off with the distance crew, and run with them up seven sisters or just a standard trail run. These runs are often her second workout of the day, something that most coaches wouldn’t do for their athletes, but Amy isn’t like most coaches. She is a coach that will often come up with ways to make a negative a positive, like when talking about a hard workout, she will bring it back to the overarching goal of getting better, and beating the PRs. She always makes sure to check in with her athletes, making sure that they are feeling well and are ready to run. Hearing Amy talk about running and coaching, you can just tell that she enjoys her job. </div>
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<i>“You know, this weekend, I am racing in a 50k and I’m nervous about the bib number that I received,”</i> Amy said, “<i>I got bib 101.</i>” We are standing in the RCC gym, just after practice finished, everybody was stretching and cooling down, but Amy and I were standing off to the side talking. She continued, “<i>Which means that I am the first seeded female, which is something that I’m nervous about.” </i></div>
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<i></i><br />I think back to a time when I was in the same position, and think about the advice that I would give myself in that instance. “<i>Well, I know that being seeded number one for females, can carry a lot of expectations and nerves. But sometimes you have to run your own race, and just not think about those expectations. If you’re happy with your race, then why do the results matter?”</i> I reply to her worry.<br /> The next week in practice, we are sitting in a circle, in the multisport right outside the weight room, conducting the daily check-in. When it was Amy’s turn she is talking about her race. </div>
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<br /> <i>“You know the best piece of advice that I got, had to be from Gwyn. I took your advice and I ran my own race, and you know what, it was a good race. So, I would like to thank Gwyn for her advice.</i>” <br /> <i>“Thank you Amy,</i>” I reply. </div>
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Amy has never been to one of the track meets. She has never seen the Hampshire College track team race, never seen our 4x400m relay perform the best. I wish that she would come to a meet, but I understand, only really crazy people would want to spend a Saturday at a track. But she still asks about it, and always gets the low down from Eric. </div>
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<i></i>“I was talking to Eric on Sunday, and we were talking about the Smith meet,” Amy says as we are waiting for more runners to show up before we begin practice. <i>“Obviously, having Lara win the steeple, was amazing for her as well as for Hampshire. But I think it is really great to see everybody improving.”</i> She continued, <i>“… Like I was talking to Eric, and all I could think about was how everyone was PRing, or setting school records, or just generally improving. It’s really great to hear about.”</i></div>
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<i></i><br /> All we can do is sit and listen, and though I knew we were getting better, not everyone on the team might have realized it quite yet. Amy’s words of excitement definitely reached the runners, and she concluded, <i>“I am just really proud of all the hard work everyone puts in, it is really showing.”</i> I wonder if she is just saying that because she feels like she needs to tell us.</div>
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Amy has the special talent of getting people to try distances out that they never thought that they would ever do. I know from personal experience. <i>“Listen up everyone, this weekend Amy is hosting a pancake breakfast at her house for anyone that would like to join,”</i> Eric tells us before practice.<i> “But before the breakfast,”</i> Amy exclaims, <i>“there is the option to run 5 miles’ up the local mountain range with me!” </i></div>
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<i>“Should I do it?”</i> I ask.</div>
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<i>“Yes!” </i>Amy replies. <br /><i>“Maybe.”</i></div>
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<i></i><br />Well turns out once the day arrived, I did end up running the 5 miles, on trails, up hills. Something that I never would have done if Amy didn’t push me. To say the least, the 5 miles was hard, something that I was expecting. But when there was a time where I had to walk, Amy told me that it was ok to walk. That phrase is almost never heard in running, it is often expected that once a person starts running, they are supposed to not walk. Without Amy there, I would have finished the 5 miles with a lot less confidence, or not started in the first place, but in the end I was able to complete a distance that I thought I wasn’t ready for because I had a coach who believed in me, and pushed me to go farther. </div>
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<br />This is my first season with having Amy as one of my coaches and overall she is a great person to be a part of the Hampshire community. By listening to her talk about her own races, and what she has done in her current running career, it provides an example for me to follow. Even though I am a sprinter/mid-distance runner, her drive to improve and be the best coach and athlete that she can be, is amazing.</div>
Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-79663579236723590002018-04-23T06:23:00.000-07:002018-05-09T06:19:06.652-07:00Gender and Trail Running<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Over the past few weeks, I've had a few opportunities to discuss gender in trail running - and in many different contexts. It's wonderful to have so many folks (and groups) looking at these issues - so I want to comment on a few topics below.</span><br />
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Transgender Runners</b></span><br />
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In the past few years as a Race Director, I've had to deal with feedback on the fact that I awarded a podium position to a male-to-female transgender runner at VT100. While I'm glad that folks feel free to ask questions about this decision, I am confident that the correct decision was made. The transgender runner followed the USATF (and IOC) regulations regarding when, during her transition, she was required to still register as male for races and when she was allowed to register as female. </span><br />
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Much of the criticism from others seems to involve the fact that I didn't conduct any drug testing on this runner to confirm that her testosterone levels were in alignment with the USATF regulations. However, as I pointed out to those who raised concern, I have not tested any other athlete in the race for their potential use of performance enhancing drugs (or other drugs on the USATF/IOC banned list) nor have I questioned the gender or age of any other runner. Trail running, where all that is being won is a pair of shoes or some sponsor's swag, is often built on the trust of each runner registering and I believe it would be hypocritical to scrutinize one group of athletes more than any other. Runners could lie on their age, for example, and win age group awards...yet I have never checked IDs at registration to confirm that everyone signed up appropriately - trusting each runner to be accurate. All runners also sign a waiver that they comply with USATF regulations (which include their ban on the use of certain performance enhancing drugs), and I trust that all runners are in compliance with that regulation also.</span><br />
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While I respect that every race director has the right to handle each situation as they see fit (it is their race, after all), I chose to follow the guidance of the USATF and the IOC for many things, including their stance on transgender runners.</span><br />
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Non-Binary Runners</b></span><br />
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The registration company that I use (runreg.com) defaults to allow runners to register for any of three gender categories - 'male', 'female' or 'non-binary/prefer not to answer'. This is a relatively new thing, and I think it's a wonderful acknowledgement for folks to recognize that how you identify may not be in alignment with your born gender. I don't believe this issue (i.e. how to handle/score non-binary runners) has been tackled by many race directors yet. While I don't know that I have determined the ideal solution, through extensive conversations with a non-binary runner, at least I am offering a solution that will hopefully be a jumping off for other races to use.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">In my races, all runners who register as non-binary will be personally contacted and offered a few possibilities. They may chose to participate as completely non-binary, which means that they don't score against male or female runners (so unless they were to finish in the top 3 overall, they would not be eligible for awards). This is how the few other races that allow runners to register as non-binary handle it.</span><br />
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While this is certainly a step in the right direction towards acknowledging that some participants don't necessarily identify in the traditional 'male' or 'female' categories and don't necessarily want to race and be identified as such, I don't believe it goes far enough to provide a level and fair playing field for all to participate. The solution at my races takes it a step further.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #003000;"><span style="color: white;">E<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">ach runner who registers as non-binary will have two additional options that allow them to compete and be eligible for awards against their biological/hormonal peers. Non-binary runners will be allowed to designate if they are 'non-binary/estrogen-leaning' or 'non-binary/testosterone-leaning' and consequently compete against the likewise estrogen-leaning females and the testosterone-leaning males. It allows them to register as they identify, yet allow them to still compete for overall and age-group awards if they chose to.</span></span></span><br />
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We did consider, initially, just having a third gender category for non-binary athletes. However with only few athletes identifying this way, in some races simply selecting 'no<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">n-binary would qualify a runner for the overall non-binary victory. Further, it would ultimately be a scenario where 'sub-elite men' could quickly determine that they would be eligible for overall victories if they register for non-binary. While that's a worst case scenario that I hope doesn't happen, simply having an overall non-binary champion seemed like an in-elegant solution to the challenge. I hope that solution that my races will be taking this year will be fair and equitable for all...however I completely expect that we will learn from it and make some changes in future years based on how it plays out.</span><br style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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Either way, the ultimate goal was to propose a potential solution that seems to be fair, and that will at least start the process of determining how to score non-binary athletes in running races in a fair and equitable way.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">I was interviewed, along with my training buddy Kelsey Allen, about gender identity in running at our local TV station - <a href="http://connectingpoint.wgby.org/2018/04/gender-identity-marathon-running/">here's the interview</a>.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #b04800;"></span><span style="color: #007620;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: white;"><br style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>
Women in Trail Running</b></span><br style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
A few weeks ago, I was invited to participate in a group discussion with several other enthusiastic trail running females...they (like me) were passionate runners who wanted to see more ladies hitting the trails. However, I am extremely excited that these are women of action, not just talk. While we spent much of our discussion chatting about why the number of ladies in trail running isn't higher, ultimately these theories were used to develop a survey to collect data on the true reasons. I am optimistic that armed with the data from this survey, we can collectively start to approach more women and get them on the trails in a meaningful way.</span><br style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
It's just the beginning of this project, however I cant wait to see where it goes. Hopefully, over time, we'll continue to see the number of ladies hitting the trails (and participating in trail and ultras) continue to grow. More to come on this...</span></span></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-70207049748103493032018-04-19T06:14:00.000-07:002018-05-02T06:15:01.122-07:00Wind at my Back into a Headwind - Boston Marathon 2018<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">On Monday, I ran my 12th Boston Marathon. While I would identify myself more as a trail runner and ultra runner, there's just something about Boston that keeps me coming back year after year. It could be the enthusiasm along the course - as if for one day, everyone gets out and rallies for crazy endurance runners. It could be the familiar faces I see along the course - from my Uncle Sam at mile 6, a friend from high school xc at mile 16, my parents at mile 17, and random trail friends at mile 20...and all the random folks that are waiting to cheer for each and every one of us. However, I think it mostly comes back to being a young child watching the Boston Marathon and thinking that these folks (no matter their pace) were the best athletes that I would ever see.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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In my 12 runnings of Boston, I've run through quite a few different weather conditions - from driving rain to blazing sun, headwind or tailwind, and 90-degree sufferfests to 40-degree hypothermia-inducing days. This year, however, was likely the coldest conditions I had experienced at Boston (and with the rain, made worse). Luckily, I had some amazing Inov-8 gear that is designed and tested in England, so I just layered up and was good to go.</span><br />
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My friend Kyle was also racing, and starting later in the same wave as me, so I stepped back a few corrals to start with him. There was something magical about crossing the Boston Marathon starting line, and all the better to share it with a friend! Starting with him put me at the back of Wave 2, so I was immediately blocked and slowed by runners ahead. 'Don't panic, starting easy is smart' I told myself as I eased into the first downhill mile. As much as I tried to keep my feet dry, I splashed through a puddle and soaked my feet only 100 yards into the race - oh well!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Kyle and I pre-race)</span></i></div>
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The first few miles passed quickly (early downhill miles often do), but I was amazed to be completely drenched already. That being said, I had a huge grin on my face as I tried to slap high fives with as many fans along the way as possible. I likely pissed off someone at the mile 2 bar (where folks line the course and try to hand off beers), as I failed in my attempt to grab a beer as I ran by...splashing it along the already wet pavement.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
At mile 5, it was like someone opened the faucet and the rain intensity increased. i didn't know it was possible to be wetter than I was, yet a cold sensation crept down me as my body was drenched with this cold persistent rain. At mile 6, I caught up to my teammate Jane and ran along side her for a bit - grateful for a friendly face to share a few moments with. However, I was feeling good so I pushed on ahead of her.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" />I<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> quickly realized that this was going to be a day of cold rain, wind, and lots of grumpy runners watching their hard work and PR goals wash away on the flooded roadways. In that moment, I thought back to a Pineland Farms race a few years ago when Aliza and I shared 25 miles - and she just laughed out loud every time her foot got stuck in mud pit. That memory reminded me that no amount of grumpy moods or unhappy faces could change the day...and I was running Boston Marathon after all! I plastered a grin on my face, I purposefully splashed in puddles, I ran into the headwind along the side of the road so that I could slap high fives with kids, I laughed out loud every time the rain intensified.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsQn8PHKAd3Q5LQ5LtbXrzziYUy7zAZVBCxorbg9OADba96TXBMZkYElm9anRTqKGc9JfODFtdcJ3YAfnl8YWS0ElVDnuYw7ottngwzGcuOMElq3ywZahSD0fsM0DplC69pxon9p9EClI/s1600/IMG_0901.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsQn8PHKAd3Q5LQ5LtbXrzziYUy7zAZVBCxorbg9OADba96TXBMZkYElm9anRTqKGc9JfODFtdcJ3YAfnl8YWS0ElVDnuYw7ottngwzGcuOMElq3ywZahSD0fsM0DplC69pxon9p9EClI/s320/IMG_0901.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Staying mostly dry, certainly warm, in my Inov8 raincoat)</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><i></i><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">By the halfway mark, as I often do when things are clicking in a race, I felt as if I had the wind at my back. Miles felt easy and were ticking off (although since I had vowed not to look at my watch) and I was having a blast. I peeked at my watch once, at the halfway mark, and saw that the time was 1:38 and change - which was about on pace for my PR, but given that the 2nd half of the race includes the Newton Hills I figured that I would slow down. Oh well, still not doing too bad.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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Luckily, I seemed to have friends at the bottom of each of the Newton Hills, and their support buoyed me up the climbs - especially the mile 17 climb where my WMDP teammates cheered me on yelling 'Desi won!'. I thi<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">nk I floated up that climb with the enthusiasm of an amazing American victory! </span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJu8lX-o21lSgUBk4w57eqsOZjngc_AQbMQZnsmG0NfDuQY_GKIIfQtzwyOQtjpSutR7tqB4szzdNIEn0T9-rjSXtdlH6tNvCdYyi73rCj0hEWZsiSXm854ssGhyphenhyphen3AEgtUIIOc2i4-Nb1o/s1600/IMG_0900.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJu8lX-o21lSgUBk4w57eqsOZjngc_AQbMQZnsmG0NfDuQY_GKIIfQtzwyOQtjpSutR7tqB4szzdNIEn0T9-rjSXtdlH6tNvCdYyi73rCj0hEWZsiSXm854ssGhyphenhyphen3AEgtUIIOc2i4-Nb1o/s320/IMG_0900.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Soaked to the bone but having fun!)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><i></i><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Before I knew it, I was at the top of Heartbreak Hill and there was nothing but downhill to the finish. the field had thinned out, but I refused to run in the middle of the road and duck behind others - partly because I was still consistently passing other runners, but I also wanted to slap high fives as I went. The fans were enthusiastic as ever along the way - while there weren't as many supporters, they were certainly loud and super encouraging. Folks kept pointing directly at me and cheering for me - I think maybe I looked like the only person having fun, as I ran along with my shit-eating grin through the rain.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
About 2 miles to go, I took my second look at my watch. I was almost in shock - somehow, it was still possible that I could run a PR! What?!? I had been running into the headwind the entire time, I had been splashing in puddles and slapping high fives...I hadn't looked at my watch to check my pace, or even thought about pushing the pace (just running within myself and having fun!). I did my best to finish strong, knowing that something magical was happening for me. And as I made the right on Hereford, left on Boylston, and cruised into the finish, I stopped my watch at 3:16:38 - a 2-minute PR...and with almost completely even splits throughout the day.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
What I learned from the day is that having a positive attitude (and, let's face it, a bit of fun) along the way can lead to great things. Being upset or flustered by the conditions aren't going to change them so it's best to just embrace them. And for me, not looking at my watch (and just running on feel) is typically the best plan...I am 'the metronome' after all. What an epic and wonderful day!</span></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-41358668909727571132018-03-29T08:10:00.000-07:002018-04-11T08:11:11.708-07:00Terrapin 50k - Another snowy run in Virginia<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif,&quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Brian and I returned to Terrapin 50k again this year. It was a great early-season tune-up race, offering plenty of climbing and technical trails in a beautiful location (where the flowers are starting to bloom on race weekend). Last year's race was a
tough one for me - I ran a bit too hard in the early miles (especially the first downhill) and really suffered in the later miles. I was determined to run smarter and not repeat that mistake this year. However, as we neared the location, we noticed that
there was still snow in the mountains - so it might be a slow day out there. Yup, I'll repeat that - there was snow in the mountains still...in Virginia...in March. Ugghh!</div>
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The race started out fast, and I felt like I was immediately mid-pack in the first flat road mile. Luckily, I found Sharron who I had run with (and drank wine with) at Holiday Lakes, so we enjoyed the first few miles chatting. As the course turned up,
I was able to pass folks but found myself running basically alone. The first 4 miles were uphill, so my goal was to run smart by not hard up this hill - which was hard because I felt strong on the uphills so I was running most of it (even as folks around
me hiked). I crested the climb to Camping Gap next to the lead female in the half marathon, and we wished each other good luck as our courses split.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Running at last year's Terrapin Mountain 50k)</span></div>
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After that first aid station, the course turns down for about 6 miles of downhill dirt road. This is where I destroyed my legs last year, so I took it easy and didn't push too hard on the downhill. A few folks caught me but I appreciated the company
to chat with. After the course turned up, again, I was running where others were walking and once again I found myself mostly alone. </div>
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Leaving the Camping Gap aid station for the 2nd time, we were officially in the snow for the grassy loop (well, lollypop). Knowing that the leaders would be coming back on the course on the stick part of the lollypop, I focused on running strong and seeing
how far I could make it before I saw the leaders coming back at me. My confidence grew when I almost made the loop split before the leader was headed my way. Upon reaching the split, I saw Brian standing at the intersection with his hands in the air - apparently he
forgot which way to go leaving the lollypop. Luckily I was there to give him direction - otherwise he might have run the loop a second time!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Snow-covered trails felt like running in sand)</span></div>
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The loop had several inches of loose, dry powder, which felt like running in sand. Even on minor uphills, I found myself forced to walk since it was too much energy to try to run. It was frustrating, but I was also passing a few folks so I knew that everyone
was struggling in this section. Still, it felt impossibly slow as I itched to run the uphills I was forced to walk.</div>
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Upon returning to Camping Gap for the 3rd and final time, no one knew what my gap on 2nd place was - but I was hoping it was a good gap. I remember that the climb up Terrapin Mountain, which was next, was steep and slow. I did my best to power up the
climb, but not push too hard so I would have some energy at the end of the race. The trail was snow-covered, but at least the half marathon runners had packed it down so the footing was pretty good. The views from the top were amazing, and I took a moment
to take it in - sometimes I marvel at the beauty that I get to run in. We were treated with views of nothing but mountain-tops, blue tinted in the distance, headed in all directions - just beautiful sights to take in.</div>
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Anyway, after the vista on top of Terrapin Mountain, then we traversed the top and made our way through Fat Man's Revenge. This feature is where there's a narrow gap between two rocks, and runners basically pancake themselves between the two rocks. This
year, there was significant ice on the footing, and I was grateful to have a few guys near me in case I slid through. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Fat Man's Revenge - yup, you've gotta make it through this narrow gap in the rocks)</span></div>
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The downhill after that was steep and snow covered, making footing tricky and slick. Halfway down, the snow was gone yet the rocks still had me moving slowly and carefully - at this point, I had given in to the fact that this was a slow day - so tt was more important to finish
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At the last aid station, there was a short out-and-back that gave the opportunity to see where the 2nd female was. I was pleased to see that it was Sheila (another female that I got to know at Holiday </div>
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Holiday Lakes earlier this year), and she was 6 minutes back. That didn't feel like a safe gap, and I focused on running strong over the last 5 miles to the finish. In this section last year, I recall walking more than I should have and feeling like I lost significant time, so the goal was to run strong through this section.</div>
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It was disappointing to have a few guys catch me in the closing miles, and I used every opportunity to look back and ensure that Sheila wasn't also closing on me. It wasn't until I hit the road and looked at my watch that I realized that I was going to finish about 10 minutes faster than my 2016 finish! I breathed a sigh of relief and allowed the Irish music from the Celtic Festival happening next to the race to bring me home as 1st place female. And just as exciting, I watched Sheila and Shannon both cruise to great 2nd and 3rd place finishes - love to see these women be successful!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Beautiful views from the Terrapin Mountain vista)</span></div>
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All in all, it was a fun race with the unexpected element of snow along the course. While I still have a few areas I feel I need to work on, I am pleased to have opened my 2018 race season strong. Hopefully it all adds up to a strong race at this year's Ultra Race of Champions 100k!</div>
Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-88549518040649553152018-03-15T07:41:00.000-07:002018-04-11T07:48:29.936-07:00One Step Closer - 2018 Snowshoe National Championships<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif,&quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
I've been snowshoeing off and on for years now - finding it to be an amazing way to embrace the winter and gain some strength in the snowy months. It's a goofy sport, but one that prepares you well for spring-time races while you're working your butt
off and having fun. This winter was basically a bust in terms of opportunities to do winter sports - I only got my xc skis once, and only got on my snowshoes three times. My studded shoes got plenty of miles as I was running on icy trails more than I liked.
However, with the Snowshoe National Championships in Vermont this winter - I guess I was going to race no matter how unprepared I was.</div>
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Hearing about the 40" of fresh powder that fell on the course in the days prior to the race only made me feel even more unprepared - I used to love the 'true snowshoe races' where we had to slog through fresh powder like this. The more strength it took
to run, the more fun I had - but a total of 2 hours on snowshoes this winter, I knew I didn't have the strength and technique to enjoy the fresh powder. </div>
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Preparation before the race involved having Bob Dion replace the broken cleat on my snowshoe - it had broken on my 3rd snowshoe run of the season, two days prior, as I ran on the 3" of snow that fell in Western Mass. Once fixed, I warmed up a bit and
headed to the start. My parents were there, so my mom kept me company and listened to my nervous pre-race chatter. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Start of Women's 10k race)</span></div>
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The race went out fast, as always, and I did my best to not fall too far behind. Immediately, I got tangled with another runner and we both fell down. I scrambled to get up, as runners climbed over us and passed us. What a way to start this race...uugghh!
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Luckily, I felt strong and quickly regained most of the spots, settling in behind several former US Snowshoe Team members. My ultimate goal was to finish in the top 5 and make the US Snowshoe Team, so my hope was to pace off them. As the course climbed
up Prospect Mountain, I felt good and moved up into 3rd place. We were on wide groomed ski trails, so it was all about strength which I certainly had!</div>
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Nearing the top of Prospect, two girls working together caught me and passed me - I did my best to latch on but couldn't. <i>"Ok, I'm still in 5th place - transfer position, still on the US Snowshoe Team. Just keep doing your thing.</i>" I crested the mountain
and was excited for a little recovery and some downhill so that I could find the speed to hold my position. I was passed again, and my heart fell a bit. But, the trail quickly turned into deep powder single track and I started catching the 5th female.
"<i>Ok, keep your head in the game - this is the terrain that you love!"</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Kicking up some fresh powder in the 10k)</span></div>
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I passed back into 5th and was smiling like a fool on the downhill single track. It was slow-going - so deep that I was, at times, walking downhill. Here's where my minimal on-snow preparation came into play, as I wasn't able to efficiently negotiate
the deep snow. The 5th place female passed me again as soon as the trail opened into some flat running. As the trail hit another single track section, I lost complete contact with the 5th female as I struggled to make progress through the powder. Hitting
the wide groomed trail, another 2 females passed me. I wanted to cry, there was no way I could catch up and make the team now - I felt like a complete failure for daring to believe that I was good enough to finish top 5.</div>
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The last 3k of the course, another few females caught up, but they were all folks like me had limited on-snow preparation and were just enjoying the trails. We worked together through the single track, ultimately I found another gear in the last km
or so and surged enough to gap them. It took me over 90 minutes to finish the 10k (well, more like 11+k) snowshoe race, and I had finished in 8th place (but with 1 Canadian ahead, I was 7th in the US Championships). I felt wrecked, one calf muscled seized so much that I could barely
walk to my car. It wasn't until I got home that I realized that my previous best US Championship 10k snowshoe finish was an 8th place finish - so while I struggled out there, I had taken <b>one step closer </b>to making the magical top 5. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif,"EmojiFont","Apple Color Emoji","Segoe UI Emoji",NotoColorEmoji,"Segoe UI Symbol","Android Emoji",EmojiSymbols; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif,"EmojiFont","Apple Color Emoji","Segoe UI Emoji",NotoColorEmoji,"Segoe UI Symbol","Android Emoji",EmojiSymbols; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Nearing the finish of the 10k)</span></span></div>
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I slept hard that night, and wasn't sure I would be able to get up and do it all over again (times 4) on Sunday, but it was the Snowshoe Marathon Championships and of course I wanted to run! Luckily, on Sunday morning my calf was fine, my legs didn't
feel sore, and I was ready to rock (power of positive thinking perhaps?). </div>
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The snowshoe marathon felt like a small family reunion - as we all prepared for the race, it was many faces that we see at ultras all the time so we were all gabbing and laughing. I mean, it makes sense - who else would think that a marathon on snowshoes
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We learned that the course has been changed (thank goodness) so we didn't have to do the 10k course 4 times. Instead, we had to do the previous day's citizen's race 5k course 8 times. Not that much better of a solution, but at least things would be more
packed out by later laps. The marathon start was the complete opposite of the 10k start - mellow, relaxed, no one really vying for the lead. However, quickly, the lead men took off and I was running alone. I enjoyed the loop, and basically zoned out to
just take in the joy of snowshoeing. Lap 1 complete, lap 2 complete, I was running alone and embracing the solitude.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Brian, on his way to winning the Snowshoe Marathon National Championship)</span></div>
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After lap 3, the half marathon racers started on the same course, so I had folks to catch as I worked my way through the field. I appreciated the company and the incentive to speed up and catch another runner. After a lap of this, I caught up to Jessica
Northan and settled in behind her - she was rocking the half marathon and running at just the right pace for me. Nearly two laps flew by with her, before she pulled away for her finishing kick. </div>
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At that same time, I caught Bob Bolton, who had previously lapped me with Brian but was now bonking hard. I encouraged him to stick with me - and give me company for the rest of the lap. It was great to share some miles with him (as he's usually so fast
that we don't run together). After he finished, I only had 1 lap to go...and Brian offered to run the last lap with me! It was an amazing treat to share some miles with Brian - but either way, I was pleased that I felt strong and ran consistently throughout
the race.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Crossing the finish line as the Snowshoe Marathon National Champion)</span></div>
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Crossing the finish line, at 4:25 (my fastest snowshoe marathon, but it was a short course)...I was pleased that I finished 1st place and earned my first National Championship title. At the last Snowshoe Nationals I attended, the longest race was the snowshoe
half marathon and I finished 2nd place. This year, I took<b> one significant step forward</b> - finishing one place higher in both the 10k and 'long distance' races.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Brian and I, Male and Female Snowshoe Marathon National Champs)</span></div>
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My goal is still to earn a spot on the US Snowshoe Team - perhaps next year is the year? Until then, I will be pleased that I continue to improve and that I am finally able to call myself a National Champion.</div>
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The local paper, Bennington Banner, had <a href="http://benningtonbanner.com/stories/more-than-300-make-tracks-to-us-snowshoe-championships,534362">a story on the Snowshoe National Championships here.</a> </div>
Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-23378418097076134772018-02-22T09:28:00.000-08:002018-03-01T09:28:32.366-08:00This one's for the girls - Holiday Lakes 50kI've run a lot of races. Some, I remember for the epic weather or shoe-sucking mud along the way. Some, I remember for the soul-crushing bonk that I endured or the toe nail that's never been the same. And some I remember for the beautiful vistas, picturesque mountains or waterfalls along the way. This year's Holiday Lakes 50k will be remembered for the support, the feeling of sisterhood, that I felt throughout the race.<br />
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I traveled to Holiday Lakes alone this year - couldn't convince anyone from the northeast that they were ready to run a 50k in mid-February. While that meant for a long and lonely car ride, it also meant that I could binge-listen to as much Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and bad 90s music as I wanted to. But, arriving at the race, it meant that I did my shake-out run alone and that I didn't have anyone to sit with at the pre-race dinner. I made quick small talk with a few other ladies during registration, and at dinner, but still felt like a lone wolf at the race.<br />
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Following the pre-race dinner and meeting, I headed to the girl's bunk house where many of us were staying for the night. Upon entering, I saw that one of the runners (Martha) was pulling out a bottle of wine and a few cups. She welcomed me into the room to share a glass - and with that one welcoming gesture, I was no longer alone. Ultimately it was maybe 8 of us that hung out for an hour all sipping our wine, chatting and laughing. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Running at Holiday Lakes)</em></span></div>
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The next morning the entire bunk house was busy as all us ladies got ready, but we still had an air of familiarity that comes with sharing some wine and some laughs. I shared a bunk room with two Lynchburg University students that were both nervously getting ready for their first ultra. They peppered me with questions, from what my favorite race was to 'what parts of your body do you body glide?'. By the time I made it to the starting line, there were several ladies that I needed to wish good luck before the race started.<br />
<br />
As we set off, I quickly fell into rhythm with a group of runners including Kristin who was a first-time ultra runner. It was great to chat a bit with her (she grew up in Minnesota so she understood what I'd been training through this winter). She accidently lead us off-course a few miles into the race - so once we were on-course again (only losing maybe a minute), I could feel her panicking just a bit to catch up to the 10 people that passed us and make up the lost time - so I immediately told her to take a breath, and not worry about the lost places or time...at the end of the race, we'll all be separated by much more than the minute we lost there. We ran together and chatted for several more miles before I ultimately pulled ahead. I knew instantly that this girl is going to fit right in with the ultra community - she was enjoying the comradery with fellow runners, cheering folks on, and taking in the trail/ultra vibe in a way that not everyone does.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Passed this runner around mile 5, and couldn't help but sing a few lines of 'Lion Sleeps Tonight')</em></span></div>
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I ran mostly alone for the rest of the race, but at the turn-around, I was pleased to hear many of my fellow competitors (all the ladies I had gotten to know the previous night) screaming my name as I passed them, genuinely pleased to see me running so well. They made me feel welcomed, they cheered for me as a sister or teammate, I no longer felt alone.<br />
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I was pleased to have crossed the finish line in first, and equally excited to watch Kristin rock her first ever ultra to finish in 2nd place (for the record, I'm guessing she's going to have a long and successful ultrarunning career). I cheered on the 3rd place finisher, Shannon, who I had spoken to the previous night at registration - again, we were both thrilled for each other's performance. The feeling of sisterhood was all around - even in the shower-house, Shannon, Sheila (who finished 4th) and I were in adjacent stalls and we were gabbing, gossiping, and hoping to share miles in another race soon. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Isn't a finish line hug from Horton the best finish line prize?)</em></span></div>
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As I started my drive home, I made it about 100 yards before I saw Sophie (the one runner I knew before this weekend) cruising down the hill to the finish. I quickly pulled over and jumped out of my car to give her a cheer - she said to me 'did you win?'. When I said yes, she veered away from the finish to give me a high five before continuing on to the finish.<br />
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I know that I am completely spoiled to be surrounded by amazing ladies that I train with on a daily basis - they support me (even when it includes doing a 10 mile run at 5am on a random Tuesday in -10 degree temperatures just so I have company), they encourage me (including cheering me on at local races or sending me text messages when I'm traveling for a race), and they make me want to run better to honor all that they have done for me! I was surprised and pleased to have experienced a similar feeling of support, encouragement, and pride from the ladies at Holiday Lakes - it was truly a sisterhood that weekend!Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-22887238104125019272018-01-10T07:03:00.000-08:002018-04-11T07:20:10.453-07:002017 UltraRunner of the YearOnce again, I was honored to be on the voting panel for thee 2017 UltraRunner of the Year. And while the 2016 voting was challenging, this year was increasingly so. But that's the fun of it, right?!?<br />
<br />
For example, how do you compare the year of Tim Tollefson versus what Hayden Hawks did in 2017? <br />
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Tim completed 3 Ultra Trail World Tour races with amazing results (a win at UltraTrail Australia, 3rd at UTMB, and 5th in Hong Kong, and well as a podium at a highly competitive domestic race (2nd at Speedgoat). He showed success at the 50k to 100+ mile distances. But, he only completed those 4 races, and DNFed American River 50 mile. Hayden Hawks had a major international win at CCC, and an amazing domestic performance with a win and course record Moab Red Hot, as well as a win at Red Mountain 50k which is a relatively small race. Add to that two other strong performances at highly competitive domestic races with a 2nd place at Chuckanut and 3rd at TNF-San Fransisco. Hayden had successes at the 50k to 100km distances. He raced more, but also had a few races where he struggled, with a 77th at Transvulcania and 81st at the World Trail Running Championships. <br />
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Now - looking at those two resumes of their years, which would you vote for over the other? <br />
<br />
Hayden completed 7 races with 5 strong performances. Tim started 5 races, completing 4, yet the four that he completed were all strong performances. Tim showed successes over a larger range of distances (50k to 100+ miles), however Hayden showed successes over a wider range of terrain ranging from technical mountain (CCC) to runnable rolling (Moab Red Hot). Hayden had a MAJOR win at CCC, but Tim had a podium at UTMB and a win at UltraTrail Australia. <br />
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Which is more impressive? You could make an argument for either of them, depending on how you value different factors. <br />
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And, looking down the list of well respected runners, incredible performances, and diverse results for 2017, it was an exciting challenge to sort through it all. Add to that the challenge of selecting top performances, and top age graded performances - and it can be a daunting (but fun) endeavor.<br />
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So, as an engineer, I decided that the best way to be objective and calculated about it was to write out my criteria, give a point value for different types of performances, and then just add up the total points accumulated for each runner. This helped me weed through the 50+ names provided and ultimately determine who was my top 10 UltraRunner of the Year.<br />
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Without getting into the nitty-gritty too much, I basically gave folks:<br />
-5 points for an 'outstanding finish' which was a win at a major race (Western States, Comrades, UTWT, World Championship), top 3 at UTM, setting a World Record or American Record<br />
- 3 points for a 'fantastic finish' which was a win at a large (more than 200 finishers) race, podium at a major race (listed above), 4-10th at UTMB, win at a highly competitive race (Golden Ticket race, US Championship, US team selection race, US Sky Race, or race with major prize $)<br />
- 2 points for a 'super finish', which was a win of a medium size race (100-200 finishers), 4-10th at Western States or UTWT, 11-15th at UTMB, Comrades or World Championships, podium at highly competitive race (listed above) or podium at race with 200+ runners<br />
- 1 point for a 'great finish' which was a win of a small race (under 100 finishers), podium at a medium race (100-200 finishers), 11-15th at Western States or UTWT, 16th-20th at UTMB, Comrades, or World Championship, and 4th or 5th at a highly competitive race (listed above)<br />
- bonus point for a course record, and bonus point for females that finished 1st overall<br />
- one point less for the lesser known (less competitive) race if two distances are offered (i.e. for a win at Vermont 100km as opposed to win at Vermont 100 miler which is the more competitive race)<br />
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It wasn't an exact science, but it allowed me to analytically score the runners for my ballot. So, what did it look like? Below is my 2017 UltraRunner of the Year ballot:<br />
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Top 10 Women:<br />
1.Camille Herron<br />
2. Courtney Dauwalter<br />
3. Gina Slaby<br />
4. YiOu Wang<br />
5. Jackie Merritt<br />
6. Kathleen Cusick<br />
7. Katalin Nagy<br />
8. Caroline Boller<br />
9. Davon Yanko<br />
10. Kaci Lickteig<br />
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Top 10 Men:<br />
1. Jim Walmsley<br />
2. Tim Tollefson<br />
3. Hayden Hawks<br />
4. Brian Rusiecki<br />
5. Tim Freriks<br />
6. Olivier Leblond<br />
7. Mark Hammond<br />
8. Cody Reed<br />
9. Max King<br />
10. Kris Brown<br />
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Performance and Age Group performance of the year was way less scientific, but after crunching so many data points I just went with how I felt about these performances. It's so hard, with so many incredible 2017 performances, but here's my votes...<br />
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Women's Performance of the Year:<br />
1. Camille Herron setting WR 100 mile at Tunnel Hill<br />
2. Camille Herron winning Comrades<br />
3. Courtney Dauwalter setting AR 24 HR at Soochow<br />
4. Claire Gallagher winning CCC<br />
5. Camille Herron winning Tarawera in CR<br />
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Men's Performance of the Year:<br />
1. Hayden Hawks winning CCC<br />
2. Olivier Leblond setting AR 48 HR at Icarus<br />
3. Jim Walmsley winning Tarawera in CR<br />
4. Jim Walmsley winning Gorge Waterfalls in CR<br />
5. Patrick Reagan winning Javelina 100 in CR<br />
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Women's Age Group Performance of the Year:<br />
1. Liz Bauer (58) getting 1st female and 3rd overall at Across the Years 6-day<br />
2. Meghan Laws (56) finishing 9th female at Western States<br />
3. Anita Ortiz (52) finishing 43rd female at World Trail Champs<br />
4. Connie Gardner (53) finishing 1st female and 3rd overall at Canal Corridor 100m<br />
5. Gunhild Swanson (72) finishing 7th female at Badger Challenge 50m<br />
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Men's Age Group Performance of the Year:<br />
1. Thomas Dever (60) winning Tallahassee Classic 50k (in 3:38!)<br />
2. Wally Hesseltine (74) finishing Hennepin 100m in 24:21<br />
3. Roger Jensen (66) finishing Bull Run Run 50m in 9:20<br />
4. John Geesler (57) finishing 2nd place at Across the Years 6-day<br />
5. Bob Hearn (51) finishing 3rd place at Run4Water 24-hour (with 152 miles)<br />
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Can't wait to see what performances the 2018 season brings...so I can analyze them and make my vote for UltraRunner of the Year!<br />
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<br />Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-35786156925203793092017-12-14T11:16:00.000-08:002018-01-04T11:17:18.959-08:00Complete Opposites - Hellgate 2017I have been to the Hellgate 100k(+) race a few times now. First, in 2015 I ran the race during the warmest year imaginable - it was 60 degrees at the midnight start, and 80 degrees by the time I finished, nearly 15 hours later. For a December race that often boasts cold temperatures and that supplies heat guns at the aid stations to thaw out water bottles, I felt like I perhaps didn't get to run the true Hellgate experience. Then, in 2016 Brian decided to run and asked me to be his crew support. Brian got a more typical Hellgate experience, running through an overnight low of about 7 degrees and only warming to about 20 degrees by the finish.<br />
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This year, I decided to return, and even convinced my running buddy Kelsey Allen to join me. While neither of us were feeling particularly prepared, we were excited to have an adventure! <br />
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After a long drive down to the race site, we checked-in, organized gear (and drop bags), and caught a few hours sleep before our 10:30pm alarm clock. Some quick pre-race preparations, a ride to the starting line, and Kelsey and I were lining up for the 12:01am start. The temperature was hovering around 20 degrees, comfortable with <br />
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After a few moments, Kelsey and I found ourselves running together. I suspect she was using me to pace her in the early miles. Either way, it felt like a training run which was a great feeling. About 30 minutes into the race, we started to see snowflakes in the air - this could be an interesting run!<br />
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Kelsey and I continued to run together, and the snow continued to increase in pace to steady snow by 1am. We shared moments and miles with others, but somehow it was always us together. We didn't plan to run together, yet found comfort in sharing miles and stories along the way. The ridge from mile 8 to 20 was breezy and chilly - we kept warm by swapping stories and sharing news, as other than the two of us we are alone. Somehow, running by headlamp adds such an isolated and lonely feeling to the trails so I was grateful to have Kelsey by my side.<br />
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Leaving the mile 27 aid station, I recalled that I fell apart in the next section of trail in 2015. Kelsey helped keep me focused and keep my spirits up so I ran much stronger through the next 8 miles. It's amazing what good company (and chatter) can do! At some point, I realized that I was still running by headlamp miles farther than last time - what a great feeling!<br />
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As the sun rose, we realized how much snow had fallen. There were a few inches of accumulation, enough to make the leaves that much more slippery and to make the feet pretty darn wet. We basically walked a few downhills, as the leaves were mid-shin deep hiding ankle-biting rocks and the snow was only adding to the treachery. Luckily, we both stayed upright. We also thanked our lucky stars that the temperatures stayed in the 20s, because had it risen above freezing we would have had rain (or large, wet snowflakes that soak through your clothing). Never thought I'd be grateful for below freezing temperatures!<br />
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I felt particularly strong as we powered through mile 48, but then quickly started to fade by mile 52. I started shoving Sour Patch Kids by the handful into my mouth as my pace slowed over the rolling trails leading towards the mile 56 aid station. Kelsey did her best to motivate me and maintain forward progress. I could feel my legs shaking as my bonk increased. I stumbled over rocks, I tore up my knee, I struggled to stay upright and move forward. Even though the snow had stopped at this point, I was still running sloppy.<br />
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Through the last aid station, and all we had was a 3-mile climb and a 3-mile descent to the finish. Kelsey did her best to lead me out and keep me moving well - but we had a few females right on our tales. We pushed, and eventually Kelsey ran off ahead to maintain our 5th place finish. Almost immediately, Meghan Hicks caught up to me. We climbed the last mile to cross the Blue Ridge Parkway, and cruised towards the finish together. While I would have loved to finish this race with Kelsey (having shared 58 "Horton miles" with her), it was wonderful to run with Meghan and get to know her a bit. We gabbed, enjoyed the downhill cruise to the finish, and crossed the line together just under 14 hours.<br />
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Looking back, I can hardly believe that the last time I ran Hellgate, it was 80 degrees and this time it was 20s and snowing. I remember stopping in rivers to cool myself off and this time I cursed my luck as I slipped on a rock and submerged a foot (and a glove!). I was running in shorts and a tank top in 2015, this year I had on two layers of shirts and a windbreaker to stay warm. Overall, my 2015 memories were of overheating and of loneliness along the way. In 2017 I will remember the beauty of the snow throughout the day, and sharing nearly 14 hours with a great friend. Surprisingly, even with the challenging slippery conditions, I managed to improve by an hour over my previous finish - mainly due to the amazing company I had with Kelsey by my side. <br />
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What a great reminder what I love about this sport - sharing miles with friends, enjoying the beauty of the wilderness, and pushing your body along the way. Who knows what another Hellgate experience might bring!Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-36397144426584215882017-11-17T14:53:00.001-08:002017-11-17T14:53:45.990-08:00Hot Chocolate Run - Supporting a great cause
<br />
You all know how passionate I am about running - it is my freedom, it is my
sanity, it is my community. It may be hard to imagine, but not
that long ago I felt lost, lonely, and depressed. Running, and the
community that I found through running, helped turn things around for me -
it helped me find an incredibly supportive community of friends, it
helped me gain confidence, and has offered opportunities to explore
the country (and even a few portions of the world!). I am so
grateful for all that running has given me.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Again this year, I am trying to bring a larger impact with my running - through
running the Hot Chocolate Run and fundraising for Safe Passage. Safe
Passage is a local organization that supports victims of domestic
violence. This is not a fundraising race where the funds disappear into
some national account; they stay local and provide neighbors with the support
and counseling they need in times of crisis. This is an opportunity for
me to use my passion to create positive change in my community. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
This will be my 12th time running the Hot Chocolate Run, and
I hope to fundraise $500 for Safe Passage. I would really love to see my running help
support positive change in my community.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
So, if you're reading this and are so inspired, I appreciate anything that
folks can give ($5, $10, whatever!). Either way, especially coming
into the holidays, I would challenge everyone to try to find a way for your
running to support change in your community!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Here is the link to my personal fundraising page: <a href="https://www.hotchocolaterun.com/give/?pid=147741">https://www.hotchocolaterun.com/give/?pid=147741</a><o:p></o:p><br />
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(If I raise over
$500, y'all can get me to run in another awesome outfit like this!)<o:p></o:p></div>
Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-1854152228224449502017-10-26T11:36:00.000-07:002017-11-03T11:38:55.382-07:00A 1-year Friend-aversary - Guiding at Ghost TrainI have met some amazing folks through my years of trail running. And while no one should stick out more than anyone else in theory, the reality is that Kyle Robidoux is certainly one of the more special trail runners that I have gotten to share miles with. Our friendship started with a typical 'Amy with her foot in her mouth' comment. This year at Ghost Train, Kyle and I ran together exactly a year after we first shared miles on that exact trail. It's amazing to think of the miles we've shared, the conversations we've had, the raw emotional moments that have come, the secrets that we've shared when no one else was listening, how much Kyle has taught me, and the times that he's made me laugh along the way.<br />
<br />
I first got to know Kyle when he was emailing me with a question about a qualifier race for Vermont 100 - he wanted to know if running 45 miles at Ghost Train would qualify him. I get so many of these emails, so my response was fairly standard 'you've gotta at least run 50 miles, especially on a course that easy!'. His response got my attention 'no problem, I understand. I've just got to find a guide for those last 15 miles'. I looked at the signature line and saw that tag 'Blind Beer Runner', and everything clicked. <em>Congrats Amy, do you want some salt with that foot in your mouth?</em> Kyle's a runner who is visually impaired, so his ability to participate in races is dependent on his ability to recruit guides to quite literally be his eyes out there. I immediately felt horrible about this, and offered to guide him myself if he needed. I told him I had no idea what I was doing, but I was willing to learn. Ultimately, he took me up on my offer to guide.<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Kyle and I ready to run at the Vermont 100 start line)</span></em></div>
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I was a nervous wreck at last year's Ghost Train (don't know if I ever told Kyle that). I felt like his fate was completely in my hands. He's an extremely patient and gracious teacher, yet when he fell I felt like I had failed him. I felt like my knees deserved to be bloodied rather than his. Luckily, we only had a few falls in the 15 miles that I guided him for. Even better, we had plenty of flatter and non-technical miles where we got to chat and get to know each other.<br />
<br />
The idea of having an Athletes with Disabilities Division at VT100 was the byproduct of our miles together last year. Kyle was incredibly understanding as I asked a series of ignorant questions to learn about how this could even be done, and how it should be approached. Thank goodness Kyle is extremely patient with me!<br />
<br />
Kyle has partial vision - it's like he is looking through a straw, so he sees a very small area and has almost no periphery vision. Some of my most memorable moments with Kyle were when he would use the little bits of vision to his advantage. <em>'Amy, the sign says 25 mph, we better slow down.'</em> <em> 'Yeah Kyle, good one!</em>' I responded, having no idea what he was talking about. A minute later, when we passed the sign he was referring to, I wondered who was the one with vision issues between the two of us. Then again, I had the opportunity to give it right back - I wore a tutu to guide him last year. When folks commented on how dumb I looked, I told them <em>'at least my runner has no idea how dumb I look'.</em><br />
<br />
After last year's Ghost Train, folks were so generous with their praise for Kyle. It's certainly deserved, he's awesome - but folks often focused on his ability to be a visually impaired trail runner. What impressed me the most is that Kyle is an incredible athlete - he ran even splits for all 4 of the 15 mile segments, which is such a rarely achieved feat. His smart and consistent pacing was truly inspiring to watch! I wish more folks focused on is athletic abilities rather than his eye sight.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZC_sPS9F7QfVKCgA2WEq9N0hPOsLqrBFeIOcPi4NcV2y6jwp4n0IhWH-Zm0F9XV9UfrkwTkyUNSEzAPw2CbH6pdOXXTPaIgfZ5WkVXM5EIO9n9UYocD9aNrMkIgv6i2ltMGQnxsD3zKfy/s1600/DBHb9gLXcAUCTIJ.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZC_sPS9F7QfVKCgA2WEq9N0hPOsLqrBFeIOcPi4NcV2y6jwp4n0IhWH-Zm0F9XV9UfrkwTkyUNSEzAPw2CbH6pdOXXTPaIgfZ5WkVXM5EIO9n9UYocD9aNrMkIgv6i2ltMGQnxsD3zKfy/s320/DBHb9gLXcAUCTIJ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Kyle with his guide team at Pineland Farms 50)</span></em></div>
<br />
Flash forward, and Kyle and I have shared many more miles over the year, as well as numerous emails and text messages. I guided him at Pineland Farms, did a VT100 training run with him on the last 18 miles of the course, and guided him through the first 15 miles of this year's VT100. I still feel like I have a lot to learn to truly be a top-notch guide, but we seem to do ok together. We also have a TON of fun along the way, we've share so many miles that Kyle has become a true friend.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite (funny) moments was guiding Kyle at VT100 this summer. It was my first time guiding by headlamp, which made me nervous - especially since I would be guiding him off the starting line where there were so many runners around. The course turns to trails after a few miles, and the trail basically had one good path and one gully. While we tried to stay in the good path, at some point we got into the gully - and I couldn't find a way to stop the stream of runners next to us to guide Kyle up to the good path, so we just continued along. At some point, Kyle chimed in <em>'Amy, are we the only ones running in this ditch?</em>'. Dammit! Totally caught in the act of being a poor guide, we finally figured out to how halt the other runners to allow us to step up and onto the smoother terrain. His words echoed in my head for a while after that - again, I just wish I was a better and more experienced guide so I could do a better job for him.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPQTyiAi8bIm_yqASvhzGYNWQiYtPzkaJVC0qD7Udr3BCUr9eQE0D_Lduj7b8nw58xt8KT2J97qpph7RBGZk8PzTdz-iU6SugMAbJNubHIkjDQbkBcmfXnGDyaUOnm2K67i055VGmRIC4/s1600/Ghost+Train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPQTyiAi8bIm_yqASvhzGYNWQiYtPzkaJVC0qD7Udr3BCUr9eQE0D_Lduj7b8nw58xt8KT2J97qpph7RBGZk8PzTdz-iU6SugMAbJNubHIkjDQbkBcmfXnGDyaUOnm2K67i055VGmRIC4/s320/Ghost+Train.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Kyle, with his crew and guide team, at the finish line of Ghost Train 100)</span></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I was excited to again be asked to guide Kyle at this year's Ghost Train - where he would be going for the 100-mile finish this year. Honestly, I appreciate the trust that Kyle places in me - while I constantly feel like I am not doing an awesome job at guiding, I'm glad that Kyle enjoys my company and feels that I keep him upright often enough to keep asking me back. <br />
<br />
I watched in awe as Kyle crushed the 100-miler at Ghost Train, finishing 4-hour faster than his Vermont 100 finish time, inspired (as always) in his grit and determination, as well as incredibly smart pacing. Most impressive is that he picked up the pace for the last 5 or so miles - he looked so strong crossing the finish line! And as I was waiting for Kyle to finish, I marveled in the fact that only a year ago I had never guided a visually impaired runner and I had never met Kyle. That 'foot in mouth' comment last fall solidified an awesome friendship, a mutual respect, and ultimately resulted in the Athletes with Disabilities Division at Vermont 100 (that started a trend of inclusion at other trail and ultra races). <br />
<br />
Happy Friend-adversary Kyle! I hope we share many more miles in the future!!!Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-50718141036787196652017-10-18T05:25:00.000-07:002017-11-01T05:26:11.966-07:00Grindstone and Product Testing for Inov8 - Part 2I'm not going to lie - I've had so many amazing opportunities over the years
through running that I am so grateful for. I've gotten to travel the
country, and the world, to run in amazing places. I've gotten to meet
incredible people, athletes who are as passionate about running as I am and who
each have their own unique story. I've gotten to test my limits, break
myself down to the core, experienced incredible highs and devastating
lows. I am so humbled and grateful for all the experiences that have come
my way, and always hungry for the next one!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
One of the coolest opportunities that I've had was being asked to travel to
the Lakes District in the UK for a week of photo shoots and product
testing. Chalk that up to another awesome experience that's been afforded
me through running! I didn't know much about the trip or our schedule beforehand - so I went in with enthusiasm and an open mind.
I mean, Inov8 was sending me across the pond to play in one of the most unique
places to run!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZN6hBn4lFLFz4mA0d4v_ZUU3ybHLogLNlyOPoSWM3Xi92P1zpJ_vBsHhvnFWGp-QvHyTk6E5qCVGvdEbHwfBg69rnLMFBobdVSU5mVkM6YSpqeJyeDqvUx3hVEBWni9ATUqaxX3navFR/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZN6hBn4lFLFz4mA0d4v_ZUU3ybHLogLNlyOPoSWM3Xi92P1zpJ_vBsHhvnFWGp-QvHyTk6E5qCVGvdEbHwfBg69rnLMFBobdVSU5mVkM6YSpqeJyeDqvUx3hVEBWni9ATUqaxX3navFR/s320/IMG_0728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(The beauty of the Lakes District, UK)</em></span></div>
<o:p></o:p><a name='more'></a>
<br />
So, after returning home (1am on Sunday morning) from crewing/pacing
Brian at Grindstone, I slept a quick (6 hour) night before doing a 23 mile
training run with a friend then driving to Hartford for my 6pm flight to the
UK. Unfortunately, I didn't sleep much on the flight, so I was exhausted
by the time I met up with Avery Collins (the other Inov8 US athlete on
this journey) in Dublin before our puddle jumper to Manchester England.
Since Avery ran Grindstone, I assumed he had even less sleep than I did - so I
took one for the team and talked to the shuttle driver that took us the 2-hours
to the Inov8 office in Staveley while Avery passed out in the back seat.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
We arrived at the Inov8 office on Monday morning, and they quickly treated
us to coffee (which was necessary for Avery and I to be able to function at
this point) and some awesome breakfast sandwiches with homemade sausage.
We got to meet most of the brains behind the awesome Inov8 product, as we poked
around the office. It was amazing to see prototypes for new products, see
shoes that never hit the market, and see next year's product line. From
here on out, our schedules would be maintained by Britta, who was managing the
photo shoot and video shoot.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhBKgQkfhhUDJa6sLY6pg-ssmq87HPwXEthGN8NTooAG63dVHxZP7IFfc_ai5nGjMMgC2QTjhEdaWvzMfAyxVWqalaEs7q0NbO7FImNNVnXz7QfVwDKsfJRhtSGiIFnGQ040LtxE28Z66/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhBKgQkfhhUDJa6sLY6pg-ssmq87HPwXEthGN8NTooAG63dVHxZP7IFfc_ai5nGjMMgC2QTjhEdaWvzMfAyxVWqalaEs7q0NbO7FImNNVnXz7QfVwDKsfJRhtSGiIFnGQ040LtxE28Z66/s320/IMG_0748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Sign in the Inov8 office)</em></span></div>
<br />
That afternoon, Avery and I were slated to do a photo shoot for some of next
year's products - notably the Trail Ultra shoe (which I'm super excited about),
complimented by some amazing purple shorts and the lightest windbreaker I've
ever worn. Britta drove us into the heart of the Lakes District, where we
met with our photographer Dave, and hiked in to a beautiful trail for the
photos. The country side where we were running had beautiful foliage that
was turning yellow and deep maroon - but contrary to New England where the
leaves turn colors, this was the ferns that were turning colors and providing
the incredible coloring. Unfortunately, the fog rolled in and it started
to drizzle on us after a few hours, so we called it quits and headed to the
hotel where we were staying for the night. We had enough time for a quick
nap before Avery, Britta, Dave and I met up with the rest of our team - Ben
(Inov8 UK athlete), and James (photographer) for dinner. Leigh, the
brains behind shoe design at Inov8, also joined us for a pint on his way
home. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjPy-OCDpAPHdFBgzr9OKPiq-GySjLLZ6sQHP_Mxr2Nj7776t_Z2Oi0wxMJ99O5GYufFfRHOzpscb5S0ah0nsibiEiwEyIR1d-aswvlEbMLMqxJ3LbFSm0pHSTCp7jEvILzJT3aHvwteS/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjPy-OCDpAPHdFBgzr9OKPiq-GySjLLZ6sQHP_Mxr2Nj7776t_Z2Oi0wxMJ99O5GYufFfRHOzpscb5S0ah0nsibiEiwEyIR1d-aswvlEbMLMqxJ3LbFSm0pHSTCp7jEvILzJT3aHvwteS/s400/IMG_1035.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Photo shoot for 2018 product)</em></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
A short night's sleep, and we were up at 6am to hit the trails early for our
24-hour adventure. We packed our bags with enough clothing to keep us
warm, donned our Inov8 rain gear, and set out into the mountains. While
the day was grey, we were treated to many amazing views to a few of the larger
lakes within the Lakes District, and at one point could even see as far as the
Irish Sea. We ducked into a small stone hut (a 'bothy' in the UK), ran
along ridgelines, and stared at the views...all while James captured our
movements in photos and Dave captured it all on video. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwql5TsU7eVixA6mgtV9wij93sylbj8S_bVI8oQMWDdkz16WRRviQClSkvIMDXsRY9IQ47jfOoELQK2anIq4MNuLJTUuoCPTvR3z4Oi5bvE04frTB8eFiSgTHbyg-nyfVg6XJYZEuXAzm/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwql5TsU7eVixA6mgtV9wij93sylbj8S_bVI8oQMWDdkz16WRRviQClSkvIMDXsRY9IQ47jfOoELQK2anIq4MNuLJTUuoCPTvR3z4Oi5bvE04frTB8eFiSgTHbyg-nyfVg6XJYZEuXAzm/s320/IMG_0713.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Britta tucking all the lose pulls on Avery's pack - gotta look perfect on camera!)</span></em></div>
<br />
I was amazed that there was very little need to stage any moments, or to
redo anything for another take (or another angle) on our adventure. It
was fairly organic, folks captured what we were doing as we were doing it.
And that organic nature of this shoot really allowed me to fully take in the
beauty of where we were adventuring. The fells are a unique area -
contrary to where I run in New England, there aren't designated trails or
blazes to lead you where you want to go - you follow unmarked paths, sometimes
scrambling over scree or across fields, to get to where you were going.
And much of our way finding was based on getting to the nearest peak or
ridgeline so you could read a map and find your way into the next valley...and
so on. We reached at least one 'Wainwright', which is similar
to 4,000 footers in the Whites or the ADK's 46ers, that's the name
for the group of designated peaks within the Lakes District. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hIYGM6a5F76g4C0UOLI8dEOnP8r-9uI15wTIcdl5c54ORD6WtnZFxdUft_B-v73i9nGOV1nUJS6Eb8yzlAZXb2q5VxjxK_w9KnrLPB7xZ9dgNmjjogA1NH_B9juu3B8kicG_Qdphpy6d/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hIYGM6a5F76g4C0UOLI8dEOnP8r-9uI15wTIcdl5c54ORD6WtnZFxdUft_B-v73i9nGOV1nUJS6Eb8yzlAZXb2q5VxjxK_w9KnrLPB7xZ9dgNmjjogA1NH_B9juu3B8kicG_Qdphpy6d/s320/IMG_0722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(The 'creative team' discussing the next segment to shoot)</span></em></div>
<br />
I was amazed at how these mountains that we were playing in were called
'hills' rather than mountains. Sure, their peak elevation isn't
impressive (the highest peak is about 3,200 feet), but they rise sharply from
the low-lying lakes in the valleys at least 1,500 or 2,000 feet to the
top. Similar to many of the mountains we have in the northeast.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9b5Tci8ywZ0P-ZNm-8D3a3x7bsyuaxOgMnysJhbNbGlLxSWMt9FXdy24uiivjQ5m74De6yF8pcf8Rfn9HMCwPebSv3v1zYx0m1_kENDiIBnzMexbSTuXI5WGB_diaAie6nBbMw1jF1Nv/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9b5Tci8ywZ0P-ZNm-8D3a3x7bsyuaxOgMnysJhbNbGlLxSWMt9FXdy24uiivjQ5m74De6yF8pcf8Rfn9HMCwPebSv3v1zYx0m1_kENDiIBnzMexbSTuXI5WGB_diaAie6nBbMw1jF1Nv/s400/IMG_1007.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Photo from our Lakes District adventure)</em></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
Anyway, we ultimately dropped down to the valley and arrived at the bothy
where we would be spending the night. This hut was only accessible by
foot, but was fully stocked with food and drinks. We all warmed up a bit
with some tea before dropping some weight from our packs and heading up to
another ridge line. It was mid-afternoon, and we were hoping to capture
an amazing sunset while we were on the ridge. Unfortunately, the clouds
were low in the sky and the winds were whipping. We got some shots but
ultimately headed back to the bothy for dinner, where we were treated to
bangers and mash, and great English beer. Avery, Ben, and I followed that
up with one of the most competitive games of Jenga ever - it's amazing how even
a game like that can bring out the competitive drive in all of us!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgkw40e7pNtW3ZE8BBjCp5Q6JPkbW4DwRX47oV094PkKrKls5Rl2PMOmQCSE__19Emu9qW1nsrS2h25tWjjhInLl0ldZx9L7BUcsblQl_fl3-PfYn8Kkie14thACWcE2ARV97Xbrr_ExC/s1600/IMG_0984.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgkw40e7pNtW3ZE8BBjCp5Q6JPkbW4DwRX47oV094PkKrKls5Rl2PMOmQCSE__19Emu9qW1nsrS2h25tWjjhInLl0ldZx9L7BUcsblQl_fl3-PfYn8Kkie14thACWcE2ARV97Xbrr_ExC/s400/IMG_0984.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Ben, Avery and I being filmed by Dave as we shared a snack of pork pie.)</span></em></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
We all retired early, listening to the sound of rain that just started to
fall. By the next morning, the rain was still pouring down and the winds
were intense - Brita returned to our bunk room completely soaked, having gone
15 feet outside to get to the bathroom. We enjoyed an English breakfast
(which is eggs, sausage, bacon, fried tomato slices and baked beans) and some
coffee, all staring out at the epic weather outside. We stalled,
capturing some interviews on tape, but ultimately had to layer up in all our
waterproof gear (thank goodness Inov8 has AWESOME rain gear!) and face the
weather. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvYz53YB38ory11Hc5jcvbFJWvzFy-UPdcc92MEqPR2JD1wVKoCNLwSYNm3p671V_pg9Qs12tX-iUsE25YUEVe6xMsqD1b0kjlODxbdebrvVkbD6veGfP9oaXqwlUf6rHgX1HfH2KG2lE/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvYz53YB38ory11Hc5jcvbFJWvzFy-UPdcc92MEqPR2JD1wVKoCNLwSYNm3p671V_pg9Qs12tX-iUsE25YUEVe6xMsqD1b0kjlODxbdebrvVkbD6veGfP9oaXqwlUf6rHgX1HfH2KG2lE/s400/IMG_1013.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Photo of amazing running in the Lakes)</em></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Almost immediately, we could see that the small streams that we had hopped over
yesterday were now raging rivers, collecting the immense rain and channeling it
down any valley it could find. We had two options out - either go the
long way that kept us at lower elevation, or the shortest way that took us over
a mountain pass but directly to our car. We opted for the short and quick
way (I mean, we're tough ultrarunners, right?!?). After wading through a
few rivers in the valley, the path turned up towards the pass. At least
it was easy going until the path crossed the now raging river, and we were
stranded on a mountain side without a trail to follow. We were forced to
scramble along loose scree, clutching to the heather for balance (and dear
life!), knowing that any slip would land you in the overflowing river and
ultimately back down in the valley. Gusts of wind, up to 50 miles per
hour, were blowing directly towards us, with the rain pelting our faces as the
only exposed part of my body. It reminded me of winter hiking up Mount
Washington last year, where I often had to careful pick every footfall in the
lose snow below, and had to freeze during every gust of wind for fear of being
blown off-track. In short, it was a pretty darn epic hike out.
Once we reached the pass, we sloshing through ankle deep standing water and
shin-deep rivers as we made our way to the other side of the hills and
ultimately back down to our vehicles. The silver lining is that the Inov8
rain gear was fully put to the test - and it performed extremely well to keep
me dry and warm!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsI0DbkHH7FjtZjoi1Zl4YxZ44R8qPJF3xd8jygFL5Pj55SycqxvzKcY6xxJa2ww7fbyNvzcV7xtm3ZDJ5rm-GVY8TpKZjXFBCowD2gjLvKWScHIzmT-exiLmGkmbtiCLLF5byRI32kYc/s1600/IMG_1032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsI0DbkHH7FjtZjoi1Zl4YxZ44R8qPJF3xd8jygFL5Pj55SycqxvzKcY6xxJa2ww7fbyNvzcV7xtm3ZDJ5rm-GVY8TpKZjXFBCowD2gjLvKWScHIzmT-exiLmGkmbtiCLLF5byRI32kYc/s400/IMG_1032.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Our hike out was quite epic - thank goodness for head-to-toe waterproof gear!)</span></em></div>
<br />
Our vehicles were a relief, and we all scrambled to find blankets and towels
to sit on so we wouldn't ruin everyone's car seats. Our intent was to
drive about 20 minutes down the valley to get additional footage somewhere that
we wouldn't be as exposed. However, about 15 minutes down the road, a
vehicle driving towards us rolled her window down and warned us that the roads
were flooded ahead and we couldn't get out that way. We quickly u-turned
and headed out of the Lakes District the opposite way. We encountered
numerous puddles up to the undercarriage of the vehicle that I was in, a few
flooded vehicles along the way, and road closure after road closure as we
continued to try to find a way out of there. Luckily, the last option to
get out of the Lakes District was still open (and only flooded up to the
license plate in our vehicle) so we finally made it out. Our 20 minute
ride had turned into a 4-hour adventure through the back roads - but we finally
made it back to the Inov8 office by late afternoon. <br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1XU49VXuOCJfn4qSwTItcC44QeZA6IgvvPqL0_JbiM6j8VR1tv6pObJ68Xt0l0XTyOBIRTfNoLn9MVCGgeX9Z2e5dXWi-WelItjy1wkOQt2b9jBEoBVsIOMeoE62QAp_w-bNjb_Qm8Bn/s1600/IMG_0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1XU49VXuOCJfn4qSwTItcC44QeZA6IgvvPqL0_JbiM6j8VR1tv6pObJ68Xt0l0XTyOBIRTfNoLn9MVCGgeX9Z2e5dXWi-WelItjy1wkOQt2b9jBEoBVsIOMeoE62QAp_w-bNjb_Qm8Bn/s320/IMG_0746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Vehicles driving through the flooded streets)</span></em></div>
<br />
Would you believe it, after all that epic rain...the sun was starting to
shine at this point. We changed clothing quickly, and headed out to get
some close-up action shots of the shoes. Luckily, there were plenty of
puddles to run through, which gave awesome photos! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Back at the Inov8 office again)</em></span></div>
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Unfortunately (having a full time job and all), I didn't have any additional
time to spend in the UK, so I flew out the next morning so I could go to work
on Friday. I enjoyed a beer in Dublin on my way home (cause you've gotta,
right?!?) and reflected on how much adventure I had gotten in over the past few
days. I was amazed at how much we accomplished in a short amount of time,
and grateful for all that I got to experience while I was there! As I
said to start this, I am so blessed to have the numerous amazing opportunities
for adventures like this!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Enjoying a Guiness in Dublin on my return flight)</em></span></div>
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Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-27005273458194523522017-10-17T05:31:00.000-07:002017-11-01T05:43:45.749-07:00Grindstone and Product Testing for Inov8 - Part 1Early October was a complete whirlwind for me - too much adventure and not enough sleep. But, when do we ever complain about that combination? For most weeks of the year, I live the life of your typical 40-hour a week employee. I sit at a desk, cranking out memos, answering emails, sitting in meetings to discuss necessary upgrades to our wastewater treatment plant or to strategize about the best method for plowing the 120 miles of roadway in our Town. My time away from work is when I feel alive, when I truly get to follow my passion - so I take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way!<br />
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<u>Grindstone 100</u><br />
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Brian decided to run Grindstone 100 to close out his season - and asked that I travel with him to support him during the race. I was excited, since I really enjoy the Grindstone 100 event, so I was glad for an opportunity to return to the race...and even more excited that I would get to support Brian along the way. The plan was to crew Brian for the first 80 miles, then pace him in for the last 20 miles.<br />
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Brian has had a long season, so he was very much at the end of his season with this race. I spent much of the race doing my best to keep his head in the game. The race starts at 6pm, so there's the added challenge of running at night for the early miles - which I find just makes runners feel more isolated and lonely. Luckily, Brian seemed to be running with another guy (from Norway, I believe), and they are comfortably tied for 3rd for the first half of the race, passing miles with each other.<br />
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At mile 65, Brian came in alone in 3rd place - complaining that he just didn't feel committed to racing and was thinking of stopping. I ran the first mile out of the aid station with him to try to cheer him up a bit, and told him that I would be ready to run with him the next time I saw him (at mile 80). I knew he was in a bad place - and on my short mile jog back to the car, I saw that he had about 4 guys on his tail so there was no room for doubts.<br />
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The lead runner (Avery Collins) came through mile 80 when I was taking a brief nap in the car. I watched the #2 runner pass through the aid station, and while he was running well, he looked a bit worn down. If Brian could get motivated, I knew he could potentially track this guy down. <br />
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Brian and I headed out of the aid station together, he was about 40 minutes back on #2 (ok, so maybe we can't catch this guy after all). Brian was moving well - he was more unmotivated to move well rather than particularly hurting or tired. I did my best to motivate him - especially when (at one point) we could hear someone through the trees so we knew we were being caught. The miles seemed to drag on, and Brian cursed me every time I said 'I think that's the top of the climb there'.<br />
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Finally, we dropped into the mile 88 aid station, and found out that the gap to the 2nd place guy had shrunk to 20 minutes. I lied to Brian and said that he was only 10 minutes ahead, and Brian immediately responded. He aggressively attacked the last climb of the race to see if we could catch that runner (or at least gap whoever was on our tail). However, his energy burst was short lived, and he was back to a leisurely pace once the climb was over. No matter how much I tried to motivate him (telling him how hot his ass was, telling him that 'f-ing pussies walk this uphill, B-dogs run!', whatever), he basically swore back at me and told me he couldn't go any faster. He was getting increasingly annoyed at me and I was out of ideas.<br />
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We got to the mile 95 aid station - only 5 relatively easy miles to go. The 2nd place guy was only 5 minutes ahead of us now, but Brian was content to let him have 2nd place. 'I won't be that jack ass to pass him at mile 98 just to overtake 2nd place' he told me. I reminded him that this is a race - but I completely get where he's coming from.<br />
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After some water over the head, and a popsicle to go, we headed out. Brian walked the first bit, insisting that he needed to finish his popsicle before he ran again. Just as he was finishing it off, Matt Thompson (who had been running in 4th since at least mile 65) steam rolled past us. Brian did his best to stay with him, but was quickly shaken off his pace as Matt powered up a hill. Brian told me 'I can't do it, I just can't stay with him', and I responded that I was proud no matter what place he finished.<br />
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However, on the next uphill, Brian looked ahead and saw that Matt wasn't extending his lead - he had put in just enough of a push to gap us. Brian suddenly started running hard to catch up, then pass and gap Matt. It happened so suddenly that it caught me off guard - I caught up to Matt (and his pacer John) and hung with them - I didn't want to pull them up to Brian, and given how annoyed Brian was with me anyway I figured it was best to let him go. <br />
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I ultimately took a short cut to the finish, and was pleased to see that Brian ultimately 'unleashed the B-dog' and caught up to the 2nd place runner. They came in together (after trying to break each other for a few miles) then watched Matt (who started the whole finish placing shuffle) finish a few minutes back for a strong 4th place. It was awesome!<br />
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Brian and I got a quick shower, then jumped in the car to drive home - knowing that I have precious few hours before I was flying to England.Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-14808933421657749782017-09-15T06:31:00.000-07:002017-11-01T06:31:30.412-07:00The Most Beautiful Marathon in the World - Jungfrau Marathon<br />
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I honestly hope that everyone has at least one friend in their life who inspires them, consistently encourages them and supports them, and at times suggests fun adventures that make you feel alive! While I have surrounded myself by many of these type people, Karin George is one of these friends for me. She makes every year's birthday a celebration for herself, where she aspires to have an adventure and truly live! She flew around the world last summer to support me at UTMB (and even allowed me to puke on her shoes at mile 20!). And she constantly responds to my emails with heartfelt responses, sage advice, and a bit of humor. Everyone should have a Karin in their lives!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Karin and I arriving in Zurich for Jungfrau Marathon)</em></span></div>
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Anyway, this year for her birthday, Karin wanted to run the Jungfrau Marathon which is in Switzerland. I'm always game for an adventure, and doing a mountain marathon in Europe sounded like a blast...so Karin and I started planning our adventure! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Anything better than a Lindt chocolate truffle this large?!?)</em></span></div>
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I was particularly intrigued by Jungfrau, not only because it's labeled 'the most beautiful marathon in the world', but because it's a European mountain marathon. The course starts out with about 10 miles of flat road running, then snakes into the valley towards the mountains (Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger) for 6 miles before kicking up for the last 10 miles of mixed trails and dirt paths towards the finish. The views along the way are spectacular, the spectators are numerous and enthusiastic, the vibe is awesome, and it's got a great mix of trails and roads so I would certainly have some fun!<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(View of Jungfrau Mountain from the Town of Interlaken, where the starting line was)</span></em></div>
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Karin and I stayed in the Town of Interlaken for a few days before the race. We enjoyed running on the trails a bit, visiting the quaint stores, and watching the shorter races (and wheelchair races) associated with the Jungfrau weekend. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Found a green cow, which I thought was fantastic!)</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(The view of the mountains from the opposite valley)</em></span></div>
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While the weather was fantastic for the days leading up to the race, it was drizzling when Karin and I walked to the starting line on race day. I guess it would be a crummier day to race...bummer! I was hopeful that we'd still get some views along the way. Karin and I enjoyed listening to the alpenhorns and watching their color guard throw the swiss flags around just before the official start of the race.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Early miles through Interlaken)</em></span></div>
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I wasn't sure what to expect for this race, but most folks seemed to indicate that Jungfrau should take you 60-90 minutes slower than a typical road marathon would take you. Given that I'm likely in about 3:20-3:30 shape, I lined up with the 4:30 group to start. Hopefully I would be able to hang on!</div>
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The first few miles felt super easy, so I actually made my way ahead of the pace group - wondering if I was just being dumb at this point, but also not wanting to waste the flatter miles if I could turn the legs over a bit. The first 5 miles or so took us through the Town of Interlaken, through the shopping areas, the neighborhoods, past the train station, it felt like we'd seen most of the Town by then.</div>
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Then, the trail turned onto a gravel bike path as we snuck our way away from the Town. However, the enthusiasm of the fans never ceased - we would pass folks cheering as we went, pass a line of kids holding cowbells that were almost half their size as they swung back and forth to make them ring, and hear 'Bravo!' and 'Super' as we ran along. I loved the atmosphere so much that the miles simply passed by quickly.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Slightly climbing miles in the first half of the race)</em></span></div>
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By mile 10, the course turned onto some grass, then a narrow gravel path by a river as we climbed up into the valley. Mile 13 brought us into the first mountain village, and folks lined the roadway to cheer us past the half marathon mark. The course looped north out of town for a few kilometers before bringing us past the same mountain village again 5k later. We ran on gravel trails, passed a band of bagpipers, and numerous cowbells as we did this loop. I looked up in awe at the hanging water falls on the nearby cliffs, as the water dropped thousands of feet towards us - simply a beautiful place to run! I was a bit concerned when I looked back and saw that the 4:30 group was only about a minute behind me at this point - I hoped they didn't catch me!</div>
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At mile 16, the course turned up...and turned up steeply. For the first time in the race, I was power hiking, along with everyone around me. Rather than clicking off a kilometer (which were each marked) every few minutes, I instead hiked for 5 minutes and looked up to find that they marked this section down to the 0.25 km - I had barely made any progress! The trail was so steep, you were starting at the calves of the person ahead of you. That 1.5 km hike seemed to take forever and never end!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Power hiking in some of the last 10 miles of the course)</em></span></div>
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Luckily, after about a mile of hiking, the trail leveled out and even had a bit of downhill. I quickly shifted to running and enjoyed stretching the legs again. I knew that from here on out, the last 10 miles would be a mix of power hiking and running - so I'd better run when I could!</div>
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From there, the trail wove through small mountain villages, past the alpine fields with grazing cows, and along dirt paths as it climbed up towards our finish line. We were running into the fog, so the views weren't as spectacular but we could still see the beauty around us. Sometimes, we would hear a cowbell ringing and I would wonder if it was a fan further down the course, or a cow up in the field moving around - either way, I enjoyed the encouragement.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Loving the section of trail running on the course!)</span></em></div>
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At the 37km mark, we passed under a ski lift and saw the line of alpenhorns and color guard supporting us along. From there, the course turned to technical trail for a few kilometers, and I surged ahead of anyone gently running around the slippery rocks - this was my type of terrain! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(On the knife's edge, the day after the race)</em></span></div>
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The course turned up and I knew that we were on the 'knife's edge' section of the trail, where the views are typically spectacular and the drop offs to either side of the trail are pretty steep. Unfortunately, I couldn't see much in the fog, so I focused on powering up this climb knowing it was the last climb of the race.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Power hiking the last climb before the finish)</em></span></div>
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At the top of the climb, I heard the bagpiper who is there every year to greet runners at the high point of the course. I was amazed that he was out there in this weather (it was now raining, foggy, and quite chilly - and I was moving!). I gladly ran down the trail towards the finish, but was greeted by one more short climb up and over a rock shoulder before ultimately dropping to the finish. </div>
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For the past several kilometers, you could hear the finish announcer echo through the hillside but not see any indication of where the finish line was. So, finally turning the last corner and dropping towards the finish was amazing. The course was lined, many people deep, in cheering fans for this last section. It didn't matter what place you were in, you felt like a rock star as you finished!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Cruising towards the finish line)</em></span></div>
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I was pleased to have finished in 4:24 - so ahead of my predicted 4:30 time. However, I had no idea how Karin was doing and I didn't want to miss her finish. I quickly grabbed my post-race beer, threw the thin rain cover over myself that they gave me at the finish, and headed back out to wait for Karin. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Finishing Jungfrau, in 4:24)</em></span></div>
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I didn't realize how raw it was outside until I was sitting there waiting for Karin to finish. I warmed myself watching the finishers come in - some with tears in their eyes, some with one last kick towards the line, some high fiving everyone as they passed by. There was so much emotion to take in. Of course, watching Karin finish was the most emotional - she lit up when she heard me cheering for her, and gave a strong kick into the line. I sprinted to catch her on the other side of the finish chute, and she was in tears - just so happy to be out here, running strong, and celebrating her birthday with a fun adventure like this.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Karin showing her emotions when she finished)</em></span></div>
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With Karin by my side, we made our way down towards the train station (for our ride back down the mountain) and to collect our finisher shirt and finisher chocolate bar (YUM!). We changed quickly - I hadn't realized how cold I had gotten sitting at the finish line, and made our way to the train and ultimately back down to Interlaken.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Karin and I already drooling over our giant finisher chocolate bars)</em></span></div>
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Karin has a few international friends who met us in Interlaken for drinks and to chat. It was wonderful to meet these super sweet and enthusiastic women - it warmed me up from my insides to get to know them a bit, and to watch them celebrate Karin and her birthday. </div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Hanging with Karin's Swiss friends after the race)</span></em></div>
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After a good night's sleep, Karin and I saw a bit of blue sky (but very little) on Sunday, and we decided to take the train back up to the finish line again. We wanted to see if there was a better view of the sights - or at least to explore around the area a bit. The train ride up was actually parallel to much of the course (I had no idea how much we followed the train's route up the mountainside), and we were greeted by snow at the finish line. We got a brief glimpse of the peak of Eiger, I threw my first snowball of the year (well, of the season?) and we even saw a pack of ibex. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(An ibex hanging on the 'knife edge' the day after the race)</em></span></div>
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Unfortunately, we had to get on the earliest train on Monday morning to make it to Zurich in time for our flight (and due to the train delay - we only barely made it!), so our journey ended there. However, it was an amazing trip with an awesome friend! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Karin and I near the finish line the day after - with snow on the ground)</em></span></div>
Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-58408033308493256772017-08-23T10:01:00.000-07:002017-09-14T10:05:22.499-07:00A surprising conclusion to UA Mountain Series 50k at KillingtonI've been doing ultra and trail running for many years now, so it isn't often that I have a race result that surprises me. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the conclusion of the UA Mountain Series 50k at Killington - and gosh darnit, it's nice to surprise myself from time to time!<br />
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Brian and I decided last minute to jump into the UA 50k at Killington only a few days before the race. First off, we weren't completely sure how the recovery would go after the Ragged Stage Race. However, an equally large factor was the hesitation to jump into a large corporate race that monopolizes on the amazing terrain that we have in New England. As a small time RD (who does all my RDing in the evenings and weekends, cause I've got a 'real job' that pays the bills), I am not always the biggest fans of these corporate ventures. However, Brian was tempted by the prize money structure for the 50k race ($1,500, $750, $250 for 1st, 2nd, 3rd)...and I had to admit that I was tempted by that also. <br />
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The race looked to be right up my alley, boasting of 10,000 feet of climbing over the 31 miles. Given that the previous weekend's 50k (ok, it was closer to 35 miles) had half that elevation and took me over 7 hours, I was anxious that I wouldn't make the 8-hour cut-off for the race. <em>Oh well, at least I'll start and see how far I make it before I get pulled from the race. Will any female actually be able to finish this?!?</em><br />
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I was pleased to see many familiar faces in the crowd, including Sarah Keyes and Kirstin Scott. Knowing both their fitness levels, I considered that I likely didn't have a chance in hell of finishing in the prize money! But, it would be great to have some fun on the Killington trails no matter what.<br />
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The race started off by immediately climbing up Killington for about 2 miles. Even with my aggressive pace to run what I could (heck, the race had just started!), those were both about 15 minute miles and I was sitting in about 5th place female. It was hands-on-knees hiking. <em>This is going to be a long day...</em><br />
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However, a few miles later and we had a few steep and slick downhill stretches (where trying to stay upright was the major goal), a fun single track trail section and some more climbing, and I worked my way into 2nd place female with 3rd place directly behind me. Sarah was way ahead, having shot off the front at the gun. Following the first aid station, I enjoyed a gradual uphill and downhill as we ran the connector to the base of Pico Mountain. <br />
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After an aid station at the Pico base area (~mile 8), we retraced our steps on the Pico/Killington connector, and I was able to see that Brian was in about 5th place but looking strong. I also saw that Sarah was way out ahead of me, and that 3rd, 4th, and 5th were all within a minute behind me. Luckily, I joined forces with a local runner to cruise the uphill back over to Killington as we swapped stories about cross country ski racing. I was doing what I could to put some time between me and the next females - I'd love to finish in the money for the day!<br />
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We returned to Killington (~mile 12) and I was surprised that I was moving much faster than I initially thought I was - <em>I might actually reach the finish line under the cut-off today</em>! The trail shot steeply down to the base of Killington, and during a short out-and-back I could see that Sarah had built herself a solid lead, but at least I had similarly built a lead on the next females back. <em>2nd place would be a great result for me, Sarah's unbeatable!</em><br />
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The course wound through some mountain bike trails at the base of Killington, and suddenly I heard a runner behind me. <em>No!!! I thought I was running a solid pace, so how was someone catching me here?!?</em> Luckily, it turned out to be the lead half marathon runner, since we were apparently sharing a few miles with that race. <em>Try to match his tempo - let him pull you along.</em> He slowly pulled away, as did the 2nd half marathoner. <em>Darn, how slow am I really going?</em> I was glad when we turned off the half marathon course another mile later, so I could settle into my own rhythm. <br />
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At about mile 18 we reached the low point of the course. I kept seeing runners ahead of me on little 2-way sections, but couldn't tell what place they were in or how far ahead of me they were. However, following the low point aid station, I settled into my power walk - we would be climbing for most of the next 7 miles to reach the high point on the course at about mile 25. <br />
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After a few miles of power hiking, we once again merged with the half marathon runners - only this time we were surrounded by the mid-pack of the race. I was able to use these runners to focus on, and one by one I would power past them. At some point, I looked up and swore that I saw the light blue and white singlet of Sarah ahead of me, but with all the half runners I was sure it was just someone else with a similar shirt. <em>I mean, come on, it's freakin' Sarah Keyes...there's no way I'm reeling her in!</em><br />
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However, I kept my eyes peeled for a flash of the blue singlet and tried to slowly catch up to this mystery runner, using the thought that it was Sarah to maintain focus and intensity through these middle miles. As the trail had a quick half mile downhill, the blue shirt runner got out of sight - <em>see, you were imagining things...did you honestly think you would catch Sarah? </em><br />
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I reached the mile 21 aid station, and was surprised to see Sarah just leaving the aid station - my eyes were correct and I was running her down. <em>What?!?</em> I caught her just out of the aid station, and walked a for a minute with her to check in. Of course, she said she was doing well and having fun...but given that I had caught her, I knew she was off her game. I ran ahead, telling her that I would likely see her on the next downhill. <em>Now's the time to work - gotta make this pass stick.</em><br />
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The next 3 miles were steady uphill and there were plenty of half marathoners to catch. <em>You just made a $750 pass - run like you deserve $1500!</em> I was doing my best to aggressively run the moderate ups, and only power hike the steep ups. I was flying by half marathon runners - saying hello and encouraging them along the way.<br />
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About a mile into this climb, one of the half marathoners picked up his pace to run with me. We started chatting, and he was running his first ever trail race. His name was Jose and he was from Canada. His enthusiasm was infectious, as he encouraged me to stay strong...he said he decided to run with me cause I looked like I was in complete beast mode. After a mile, I thanked him for keeping me company on the uphill, and confided in him that I had just passed the lead female for the win, and I was kinda crapping my pants about being in front of her. From then on, he was fully on my side - he was going to cheer his heart out and be as enthusiastic as was needed to get me to the finish line in first place.<br />
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At mile 24, the half marathoners turned towards the finish and the 50k runners continued up the mountain. I said goodbye to Jose, and made him promise to wait at the finish so could give him a hug (and toast a beer to him). <em>Wow, Jose was key to get me out of my head and help push me on that climb! </em><br />
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I kept imagining that Jose was with me as I pushed the last mile to the high point of the course. I snuck a peak behind me at one point and could see several runners just behind me - and didn't dare look long enough to identify if Sarah was with them. <em>Darn, I'm only a minute up on this pack, and they can work together to track me down. I'm officially running scared now!</em><br />
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Cresting the high point of the race, I let my legs go on the downhill to let gravity do as much work as possible. The course turned up again, and I pushed to remain running through this section. Finally, I cruised into the aid station at about mile 27, where the half marathoners had previously turned to the finish...I was so happy. <em>It must be all downhill to the finish - you got this!</em><br />
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I did my best to push the downhill, opening up my stride and allowing the mountain to pull me towards the finish. The trail turned up for a relatively short but steep power hike section, and I powered up with all my might. <em>This has got to be the last climb - push it!</em> I was grateful as the trail turned down, and cruised by half marathoners as I confidently ran the slick grassy section. <br />
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Finally, I could hear the finish line music and see the finish line just ahead. <em>I've done it!</em> <em>Just around the corner...and, wait, why does the 50k go up this freakin' hill?!? Ugghh!</em> I power hiked up and up, waiting for this last climb to be over. After a half mile of climbing, I saw a stake in the ground that we were supposed to run around and then return down the climb. <em>Am I at an Andy Weinberg race?!? COME ON...but at least it's all downhill to the finish at this point.</em><br />
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Down the hill, through a short single track section in the woods with the finish line music thumping through the trees, and I was nearly home. At the next intersection, I saw Jose waiting for me - he had finished already but came out to run me in the last section. <em>I would cry right now, cause the finish line is just to my left but the 50k course is taking me to my left and up another hill...but I have Jose's enthusiasm to carry me through the finish. Man, he's a life saver!</em><br />
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After a quick loop with Jose, we were finally headed to the finish line...for real this time. <em>I can't believe I did it! Brian's not going to believe I pulled this one off...</em><br />
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All in all, I ran a strong race and felt solid throughout the day. I was humbled by the spirit of running that Jose showed, especially when he came out after he finished to help me through my last mile - he was a complete stranger to me, yet he became my alley out there. And the finish podium was so sweet...it was just one of those days that surprises you, and where you feel like all your hard work and dedication pays off! It's nice to surprise yourself from time to time.<br />
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Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-48106667065124643002017-08-17T12:06:00.000-07:002017-08-22T07:38:29.188-07:00A Ragged 3-Day Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been eyeing the Ragged Mountain Stage Race for many years. This race is the last legacy of the many ways that Chad Denning touched the New England trail/ultra scene, he started the race and it's first edition was only a few weeks before his untimely passing. I've also been vacationing in the Sunapee region since as long as I can remember - I spent my childhood birthdays up at Lake Sunapee with my family. Lastly, stage races are just so much fun...as close to 'running camp for big kids' as you can get! However, my August schedule always tended to fill up with large goal races, so the Ragged Mountain Stage Race would just keep getting pushed back <em>one more year</em>. Finally, my schedule aligned and Brian and I decided this was the year.<a name='more'></a><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Course Map)</span></em></div>
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So, what is the Ragged Mountain Stage Race? It's billed as a 3-day, 75 mile stage race around the Lake Sunapee area. Runners follow the Sunapee Ragged Kearsarge Greenway (SRKG) which is an established trail through this region. It means that I would spend 3 days following the SRKG signs. The trail goes over three major climbs, Mount Sunapee, Ragged Mountain, and Mount Kearsarge, and passes through trails, dirt roads, and pavement to complete the circuit.<br />
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As soon as I signed up, I saw that Leslie O'Dell was also registered. She's a super strong runner who I greatly respect, and my heart sank just a bit. I was planning to do this race as a fun adventure, and wasn't looking forward to a 3-day slug-fest with Leslie (that's assuming I could even keep up with her!). I was secretly hoping that she was taking this as an adventure also and would be willing to share some miles with me...as many as I could get her to share.<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sunapee Ragged Kearsarge Greenway trail marking)</span></em></div>
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Because my family vacations on Lake Sunapee every year, they were again there before the race. I got to spend the day before the race chasing my nephew around the New England Craft Fair at Mount Sunapee, having him show me the best 'rock climbing' hike up Mount Kearsarge, and giving my niece piggy back rides around the camp. It was great to see my family, but not what most would consider 'tapering' before a long 3-day experience.<br />
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<strong>Day 1 - Ragged Mountain to Kearsarge Middle School, 23ish miles</strong><br />
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Day 1 started off cooler, with a heavy fog in the air. You could feel the nervous energy as everyone locked their car for the next 3 days and hauled their giant bags to the race truck for transport. As the minutes ticked down to the start, the RD stood on the starting line and everyone stood back and continued the nervous chatter. Finally, Leslie, Brian, myself, and a few other folks wandered towards the starting line...Leslie kidded around and dropped into a 3-point sprinter stance on the line. And before we knew it, we were off!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Sad and lonely starting line, with Brian, Leslie and myself)</em></span></div>
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Immediately, Brian easily floated away ahead of the crowd. Leslie and I fell into stride together ahead of the rest of the runners, and started chatting as others dropped away. About half a mile in another runner, Sam, joined Leslie and I. The three of us cruised through the first few road miles together and started the climb up Ragged Mountain. We shared stories as we power hiked up the peak, enjoying the trail but bummed that it was so foggy that the views weren't visible. At some point in the climb, we passed a sign that said 'Day 3 & 50k left, Day 1 right' indicating that we would do this same climb on Day 3. I chuckled, thinking of the 'Mile 70 left, Mile 97 straight' sign at Massanutten and experienced the same thoughts of 'I can't wait to see this sign again!' that I do at MMT. <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Typical beautiful single track trails)</span></em></div>
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Between the stories and the trail gossip, Sam, Leslie and I reached the peak of Ragged Mountain quickly. The three of us were enjoying the company (and, let's face it, the trails) as we passed the miles. The fun downhill off Ragged Mountain turned into some easy rolling ATV trails in the middle section of the day. We had one section where we got a bit confused about the trail, but always agreed that the advantage of having 3 sets of eyes was keeping us on course - our goal for the day was 'no bonus miles'. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(The trio of Sam, Leslie and myself sharing miles)</em></span></div>
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The climb up Kearsarge was quicker than we thought - again, likely the amazing company had a large part in that. But, we power hiked/ran the paved road to the trail and then enjoyed a relaxed hike to the top. We saw a few folks headed down the mountain who cheered us on - and we began to wonder if Brian was bragging to others (of course he wasn't, but it was funny to think that he would be chatting up all the hikers!). As we reached a rocky outcrops, I saw a tower ahead that I recognized as the top of the mountain from my hike with my nephew the previous day. Could we be there already?!? All day long, I kept thinking that once we reached the top of Kearsarge, it's just an easy 8-mile cruise down to the finish - so it was hard to believe that we had finished the day's climbing already.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Fun trails and fog - the story of the first two days)</em></span></div>
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As we took a moment on top of Kearsarge to appreciate the view (I pointed out Ragged Mountain, and Mount Sunapee which we would be running the next day), another runner cruised by us. We immediately started after him - I invited him to join our little group...but he quickly pulled away from us. I asked Leslie and Sam if they cared that we had just lost a place in the race - and while we were all competitive folks who don't like to be passed, we realized that it was a long race and quickly relaxed into our pace. Frankly, Leslie and I were still tied for the female win, and Sam was still on the podium for men.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(The view from the top of Sunapee, had it not been foggy)</em></span></div>
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The last few miles of Day 1 were the worst of an otherwise beautiful day. There were sections of fun single track through boggy woods, jumping over stone walls and roots along the way. But, the mile of uneven clear-cut really killed our spirit. I was thankful to have company to chatter with as we walked along (because walking was the most efficient way to get through this), and grateful that the sun was behind clouds so at least we weren't baking on this trail. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Enjoying some carriage trails with Leslie and Sam)</em></span></div>
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We all had it in our heads that Day 1 was 25 miles long, so even as Sam started to fade a bit after 22 miles, Leslie and I did our best to adjust to our pace so we could continue on together. We were surprised when we found the school/finish line less than a mile later, and called Sam to catch up so we could cross the finish line together. We finished together (Sam, Leslie and I), 3rd overall (first female for Leslie and I), in 5:00.<br />
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Brian and I hung out for a bit, and then headed out to see my parents at the camp. We enjoyed an afternoon of relaxing on Lake Sunapee, with a bit of canoeing, and then dinner with my parents.<br />
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<strong>Day 2 - Kearsarge Middle School to Sunapee Middle School, 26ish miles</strong><br />
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Sam, Leslie and I fell into stride with each other quickly on Day 2. We pushed the first few miles a bit, so that our pack was established, then enjoyed the company! The first half of Day 2 is a lot of dirt road and ATV trails, so we appreciated the quick miles knowing that we had a slow hike ahead of us. I was amazed that we still had things to talk about after 5 hours of gabbing the previous day, but we chatted along the dirt back roads of southern NH. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Having some fun on the trails!)</em></span></div>
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At the halfway point, the aid station was in the center of Newbury. I was pleased to find my parents out there cheering us along, and happy that we could take a moment or two at the aid station so I could say hello and give them a high five (I was way to gross to give them a hug!). <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Brian at the top of Sunapee - we had a similarly foggy view)</em></span></div>
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Right after the aid station, the climb up Sunapee began. It was a relatively steep 3.5 mile hike, so we wrapped our heads around the fact that we would be hiking for the next hour, and enjoyed the upward trek. About a mile from the top we were greeted by a beautiful dog...it ended up being Sam's wife (Abby) and dog (Tucker) joining us. Our three-some became a four-some plus dog, as we crested over Sunapee in total fog. The downhill on the back side of the mountain was a beautiful winding single track that we happily ran down. Towards the bottom, Sam was lagging behind Leslie and I but quickly caught up on the flats. As we reached the trailhead, Abby said goodbye, and Sam told Leslie and I to go ahead - he needed to settle into his own pace for a bit.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Sam and Tucker, myself, Leslie, and Abby - a super fun group to run with!)</em></span></div>
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Leslie and I cruised the downhill road miles, enjoying ticking off a few quick miles before turning off the road again and into Harding Hill. The Harding Hill trails were a crazy twisty turny mess of beautiful mountain bike trails - the type where you swear you are running around on the same trail after trail (hey kids, Big Ben!)...but they were super fun trails to hang out on!<br />
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Leaving Harding Hill, we knew we only had a few more miles to go. I was a bit bummed when we came upon about a mile of forest bog trail, much like the trails at Pisgah State Park (NH) - which are fun to run on but where it's really hard to get a rhythm on. But, the bog lead us out to roadway, and before we knew it Leslie and I saw the 'Six03' sign that indicated where the race trail differed from the SRKG trail to lead us to the day's end. Leslie and I followed the Six03 sign, as well as the SRKG markings, and somehow found ourselves in Sunapee Harbor. Without hesitating to figure out what went wrong, I asked someone at the local ice cream shop where the Sunapee Middle School was. Ugghh, we had blown by a turn by about a half mile, and somehow ended up on trail again (and in the opposite direction as the race). I was bummed, but also happy to be nearly done, as we ran downhill through the harbor and towards the Middle School and our finish line. Ultimately, Leslie and I finished 2nd overall on the day (behind Brian) in 5:17, but with about a mile of bonus mileage in our legs.<br />
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My energy had run a bit low towards the end of the day, so I was pleased to be done for the day. Brian and I set up camp and relaxed at the Sunapee Middle School as other runners trickled in throughout the afternoon. <br />
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<strong>Day 3 - Sunapee Middle School to Ragged Mountain, 35ish miles</strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Ok...maybe I'm was a bit punchy by Day 3)</span></em></div>
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Day 3 dawned and there was an influx of runners who were doing the last day only (which was also the USATF-NE Ultra Championships). I was excited of the prospect of other runners to share miles with, but jealous of the spring they all appeared to have in their legs. <br />
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As soon as the race started, a pack of runners surged ahead. Leslie, Sam and I all fell into step together and continued our banter from the previous days. On the slight uphills, we would slow to a power hike as we enviously watched the fresh-legged 50k runners easily bound up. Surprisingly, only a few females were ahead of us. Even more surprisingly, our little trio was content to share miles and just do our own thing even with the infusion of new folks to run with. Our only other company was Abby and Tucker, who seemed to appear around every corner in the trail and join us for a few minutes to whatever roadway crossing we were nearing.<br />
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The first 11 miles or so were all rolling dirt road and passed quickly. Then, the course turned into the trails and we enjoyed some super fun single track with soft pine needles underfoot and lush ferns lining the trails as we rolled upward. The downhill on the backside of this was a beautiful cart trail next to a trickling river - it just felt so stereotypical of New England trails! I ran out of water about a mile before the mile 20 aid station, so I was grateful to come upon the aid and refill my hydration pack. That was a harsh reminder that the day was heating up and I needed to hydrate! At that aid station, while Leslie and I had worked out way into 2nd place female, we saw the next 3 females behind us all reach the aid station before we left - the race was still tight!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Beautiful scenery along the course)</em></span></div>
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The next section included a significant climb up Knob Peak, so our trio power hiked up and appreciated the fields, views, and stone walls along the way. The top had wonderful granite slabs and views that went on for days, so we took a moment to take in this incredible view of NH. On the technical rocky downhill, we started catching a few folks who went out a bit hard, and somehow Leslie and I dropped Sam in the process. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(The Six03 crew that put the race on were AMAZING!)</em></span></div>
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At the bottom of the descent was a few miles of exposed dirt road and I started to bake. I could feel my stomach sloshing and bloating as fluid wasn't being processed, but did my best to hold it together for Leslie. After we crossed Rt. 4, I saw New Canada Road and knew we just had a few uphill miles on the dirt road before we turned up Ragged Mountain for the last climb. However, about a half mile into New Canada Road, my stomach was so unhappy that I was walking when Leslie wanted to be running - I told her to go ahead, I was officially slowing her down at this point. She also knew how close to the finish we were, and said that she simply wasn't finishing without me! I was incredibly touched by her loyalty in that moment, we had come so far and shared so much together but she was willing to finish a little slower than her ability just to cross the line with me - what a true trail sister!<br />
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So, we struggled and power hiked (to the best of my ability) up New Canada Road and ultimately onto Ragged Mountain. While I did my best to keep my spirits high, I was on the verge of puking and felt like crap. We commented on how much longer the climb was this time - we didn't remember going over this many vistas or rocky scrambles, we kept thinking 'the sign is just around this corner, right?!?' At least we got to enjoy the views that were hidden by fog on Day 1. Finally, after what felt like forever of stumbling forward, we reached the 'Day 3 & 50k left, Day 1 right' sign and as anticipated I was so grateful to turn towards the finish line. However, my smile was short lived as we realized that the 'trail' that we were following at this point was basically a bushwhack to connect the SRKG trail to the ski slope - so we were stumbling over blueberry bushes, loose terrain, and whatever else was in the way. Finally, we reached the ski slope and it was all downhill to the finish. Leslie and I cruised as we could hear the finish line announcer - glad to be done on this long day, and ultimately on our 3-day journey. We cross the line holding hands, having run 17.5 hours together over 3-days, stride-for-stride the entire way, and tying for 2nd place overall (1st female) in the stage race, and each earning silver medal in the USATF-NE Ultra Championships.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkmxqbT3NOJJHwrfYEddcmEL_bQ6UXUfVUVLrBgqhibszhehq6hdXS_224IJZTN1HwDQxrhlYn1roZ_irYWCWoB9NYKCDazazBikOxeaZo-nuS0Ezx1Bvi2LqY14So9Ld8CzRv-zXQ-SW/s1600/20799036_277866116027589_6367023287893633645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkmxqbT3NOJJHwrfYEddcmEL_bQ6UXUfVUVLrBgqhibszhehq6hdXS_224IJZTN1HwDQxrhlYn1roZ_irYWCWoB9NYKCDazazBikOxeaZo-nuS0Ezx1Bvi2LqY14So9Ld8CzRv-zXQ-SW/s320/20799036_277866116027589_6367023287893633645_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Leslie and I splitting up our winnings post-race)</span></em></div>
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And after all that running and all that time on the trails - my parting thought was of the amazing adventure I had out there. We got to run through some beautiful and quintessential New England trails, a mix of everything that trail running has to offer and what makes trail running so much fun. Through the stage racing atmosphere, all runners were hanging out every afternoon, eating meals together, brushing our teeth together, and you get to meet an incredible group of people along the way. However, my fondest memories will be of sharing every stride with Leslie, and almost every stride with Sam - and the friendships that are somehow formed through competition, but especially when you leave thoughts of competition behind and truly experience the journey along the way.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Beer never tasted so good!)</em></span></div>
Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-41255676734679979732016-12-24T07:40:00.000-08:002017-08-22T07:40:52.027-07:00UltraRunner of the YearThere are many posts out there where UROY panelist describe their voting decisions, as it's a challenging decision to make! How do you compare a top 10 finish at a competitive race such as Western States versus a win at other less competitive races? How many other races to you need to win in order to make up for not racing (or placing well) at a highly competitive race? If you run 3 truly outstanding results, is that a more impressive year than someone who had many solid performances? <br />
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This year, I was honored to be asked to cast a ballot on the UROY voting. I appreciate the trust that was placed with that decision - and understood the importance of this role. I spent many training runs with friends having the debate over who had the most impressive year, and how to objectively rank these athletes. I also spent hours culling through the long list of results that were provided to me - hoping these would somehow sort themselves into the 'correct answer'.<br />
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I know every voter approached this differently - here's how I sorted through the long list of amazing runners and decided on my ballot.<br />
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1. Tropical John provided each panelist with an extensive spreadsheet listing about 50 males and 50 females with all their results for that year (including noting course records, female overall victories, etc.). There was also a list of about 50 top age group performances. He provided some general guidelines:<br />
<li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Runner of the Year should encompass the runner’s full body of work for the entire year. One great race can be identified in the voting for Best Performance.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "times";"></span></span></li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">first emphasis should be on performances in significantly competitive events where a number of elite runners are competing (major 100-milers, World Cup events, highly competitive shorter races such as The North Face Challenge, Lake Sonoma, Bandera, Speedgoat, et al.). We are more impressed with stellar performances in elite competitions than a fast time at Uncle Pete’s Fat Ass 50.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "times";"></span></span></li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Look, too, at head to head competition, where they exist. If Runner A beats Runner B every time, it is pretty hard to put Runner B ahead of Runner A in the rankings.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "times";"></span></span></li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">FKTs<u>.</u> After considerable discussion, there is a consensus (ok, not unanimous, but a consensus nonetheless) that these performances should not be considered as part of the process since they are essentially individual time trials and not races. We do note that the FKTs have captured the imagination of the running public (and ours as well). UR plans to do an extensive summary of all 2016 FKTs in the spring, giving these athletes their due.</span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. I needed to shorten the list from the roughly 50 male/females, so I decided on some criteria that I believe are in keeping with what I believe makes someone have had the best ultrarunning year:</span></span></span></div>
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<li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Finishing at least 4 races - with so many athletes having such strong results, and this award being about who had the best 'race resume' for this year, I felt that runners who didn't do at least 4 races simply didn't stack up.</span> </span></span></li>
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<li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Finishing at least two different distance races - I think the 'ideal' best ultrarunner would be someone who shows versatility over different distance races. While I truly admire folks who can rack up impressive results at numerous 50k races, or likewise the 100-mile specialist who doesn't run anything shorter, I chose to reward folks who showed strong results at multiple distances.</span> </li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.5in;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Winning at least one ultra - again, I was simply trying to narrow the field. But, it's hard to argue for a top athlete who doesn't have at least one victory throughout the year.</span> </li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I understand that these criteria are highly controversial, and really it's the heart of the decision that each panelist was tasked with. I chose the criteria above based on what I think the criteria are for the best ultrarunner. When it comes down to it, it was similar to the process I deal with at work - reviewing resumes and deciding who has the strongest, most versatile experience to bring to the table. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will note that while ideally, the top ultrarunner of the year would be someone who wins everything and can beat everyone else on the list and #2 would be someone whose lowest finish would be a 2nd place when they faced the top guy...but I understand the reality is much different. I don't know that the #2 ultrarunner can necessarily beat everyone except the #1 runner, that someone can't be the top runner if they have an off day, or that the #6 ultrarunner is the 6th best ultrarunner and was only beated by the 5 females ahead of her in the past year. In general, a lot of results are based on race distance run, course specifics, and what else they've run recently. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">My husband, for the past several years, has finished in the second half of the top 10. He never understands it - he'll rank ahead of guys that he feels would beat him in a head-to-head competition. I always remind him that being voted as the #5 doesn't mean that you'd necessarily be able to beat anyone but the top 4 anytime you race them. But, I also argue that while other folk beat him during the year, I wonder how well they would race against him if they completed the same race schedule that Brian did. My point is, I believe it's about the best resume that year, not necessarily who is the fastest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Anyway, after a lot of time and consideration (and some AWESOME debating with friends over some miles), here's the slate that I voted for:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><strong>UltraRunner of the Year:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><strong> Female Male</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1. Kaci Lickteig Jim Walmsley</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">2. Courtney Dauwalter David Riddle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">3. Maggie Guterl Ian Sharman</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">4. Caroline Boller Jeff Browning</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">5. Darcy Piceu Brian Rusiecki</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">6. Devon Yanko Jesse Haynes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">7. Gina Slaby Jesse Lang</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">8. Alissa St. Laurent Zach Bitter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">9. Pam Smith Tim Tollefson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">10. Kathleen Cusick Ryan Smith</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><strong>Age Group Performance of the Year</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><strong> Female Male</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1. Meghan Arbogast (IAU 100k) Ed Ettinghausen (Sri Chinmoy)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">2. Eldrith Gosney (Headlands) David Jones (Tunnel Hill)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">3. Riva Johnson (Bryce) Ian Maddieson (Lean Horse)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">4. Roxanne Woodhouse (Tahoe 200) Bill Dodson (Ruth Anderson)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">5. Debra Horn (Across the Years) Mark Richtman (Miwok)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><strong>Performance of the Year</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><strong> Female Male</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1. Gina Slaby (100 mile WR) Jim Walmsley (JFK Course Record)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">2. Caroline Boller (50m trail AR) Zach Bitter (100 mile AR)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">3. Meghan Arboghast (100k WR-AG) Tony Migliozzi (50k World Champion)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">4. Caroline Boller (50k AR-AG) Chris Vargo (Crown King CR)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">5. Megan Roche (T. Headlands CR) Jim Walmsley (Bandera CR)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span> </div>
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Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-560787717439536162016-04-19T16:13:00.000-07:002017-08-22T07:39:04.352-07:00Running with Confidence - Bull Run Run Race ReportBull Run Run is an awesome event - put on by the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club, it is a great way to kick off an ultra season. I've only had the opportunity to run BRR twice, since it typically conflicts with Boston Marathon. This year, the calendar aligned again!<br />
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Over the years, I've put so much pressure on myself to run well. I develop pacing charts, I research the course map and terrain, I focus my efforts on the task at hand. I allow my OCD nature and my internal competitiveness (with myself) to dictate race plans and approach. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Gary Knipling with RDs Alisa Springman and Jim Daniels, who organized an awesome event!)</span></div>
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This year, due to other stressors in my life and not enough time to worry about it, I entered the race without a pre-determined race plan, without a pace chart, without any knowledge other than what I'd gained in my last two Bull Run Run runs. I guess that stress at work, the time commitment of race directing two major races, and understanding that I have a few larger/more important races to stress about, I just approached Bull Run Run as an easy relaxed race. Whatever happens will happen. <br />
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My goal for the day? Feel as strong and as solid at mile 49 as you did at mile 2. What does that mean on race day? No idea...<br />
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Race morning dawned to a dreary day. It was 35 degrees and spitting rain - I felt like I was in New England. The race took off fast and furious, and I relaxed as I settled into my rhythm. I couldn't tell who was ahead of me, but saw Kathleen Cusick within my sight, and let her run her own race rather than trying to track her down. I ran with confidence that if I relaxed and stuck to my plan that I would have a good day.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Early miles, as the hail is falling)</span></div>
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About an hour into the race, the rain turned to snow...I just had to laugh at this weather. The wet trails, combined with several hundred runners on them, turned much of the trail to Crisco-slick mud. I spent many strides almost running in place as my feet slid out from under me. By the first turn-around, I saw 3 or 4 women ahead of me (including Kathleen)...and reminded myself to relax and do my thing. My inner competitive animal wanted to hunt some ladies down, and I had to quiet that instinct.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Joe, who I shared miles with later on, running through the snow/rain/hail)</span></div>
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Another hour later, and the snow had turned to hail. Hail was littering the ground, almost giving the trail a dusted look. I had caught Kathleen but was running just ahead of her. I was relaxed and enjoying the day, trying to figure out the odds that the weather would be this crazy.<br />
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As I passed through the start/finish area for the first time, I immediately saw Robin (who had paced me at Massanutten a few years ago) and she told me that the 2 women ahead of me had dropped out, I was now in 1st place. I did a triple take, not believing that this could happen. I mean, I know the weather isn't ideal but I train in these conditions all the time! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Running with confidence)</span></div>
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The next hour was likely the most miserable of the race, as rain was coming down now and the wind kicked up a bit. The miles were a blur, I simply passed the time trying to keep my hands from going numb. <br />
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I caught up to a runner, Danny, and we passed the miles gabbing about life in the construction industry, past race adventures, life. At some point, the wind died down and the rain stopped. Just after the white loop, I nearly ran head-long into Brian on his return trip. It was great to see that he was doing well, but was nervous that I saw him so early in the race - perhaps I wasn't moving well after all. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sharing some miles with Danny)</span></div>
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As we hit the Do-Loop, and I did my best to surge past around the loop and start my return trip. The sun was starting to come out, and I was amazed that the day packed just about every weather condition!<br />
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The return miles seemed to fly by and I felt strong. I was amazed that my legs were so strong and I felt as steady as I did in the early miles. I caught up to a runner, Joe, and we bonded over both knowing Leigh Schmidt (and wondered why he wasn't here). With a few miles to go, Joe started to encourage me to run strong and kept pacing out the stride for me. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Cruising into the finish)</span></div>
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I crossed the finish line in 8:25, which was a solid time, given the rain and the slippery muddy conditions. But, not quite the time I was hoping for. I was surprised to somehow have finished first female despite my time. More, I was pleased to have stuck to my pre-race plan and run with confidence. I didn't worry about the splits or placing, I just ran strong and smart and cruised through the entire race.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Final women's podium)</span></div>
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Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-17096501100784393432016-01-13T09:37:00.000-08:002017-08-22T07:39:20.347-07:002015 in ReviewIf there was one word to describe 2015, it would probably be <strong>crazy</strong>. We had some highs, we had some lows, and we had numerous adventures along the way. Beyond the racing that Brian and I did, this year also included race directing which added another element of chaos.<br />
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Brian proved that he knows how to run a great 100 mile race. He won the Massanutten 100 miler in May, and won Grindstone 100 in October. He also snagged a strong 2nd place finish at Vermont 100 in July, despite volunteering for me in the days leading up to the race.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Brian, cruising to victory at Massanutten 100)</span></div>
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Brian's proudest moment came at the North Face - Bear Mountain 50 miler in May. After 7 years of racing, and 7 years finishing in the top 5 but never first, he was finally able to get it done. As he cruised towards the finish line of Bear Mountain, he just looked at me and said 'finally'. Pictures from the finish show just how happy Brian was to win the race...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(At the finish of Bear Mountain 50 Miler)</span></div>
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He also had a good day at Manitou's Revenge 50 miler in June, showing that he can win the race if only his shoe stays intact (unlike the previous year). He also finished 3rd at Mountain Masochist in November while out on a training run, and finished an unofficial 3rd at the Vermont 50k in September when pacing our friend Donald for the entire race. <br />
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Brian struggled with the early season Zion 100 in April, finishing in 3rd place and vowing to never listen to my harebrained ideas ever again. However, Brian's biggest struggle came at the Leadville Trail 100 in August where he contemplated DNFing and ultimately finished 12th place.<br />
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I had set out two seemingly impossible goals for myself at the beginning of the year. The type of reach goals that you only have the courage to whisper to a dear friend about 4 hours into a training run when your filter is worn down. What were these goals? I wanted to race for the USA at the World Trail Championships, and I wanted to win my first 100 miler (and, while I was dreaming big, ideally that win would come at Grindstone 100).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Racing up the 'Rock Pile' at Mt. Washington)</span></div>
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Amazingly, I achieved both of my goals for 2015 - making me a true believer that a little bit of luck and a lot of determination can make dreams come true. In February, I learned that I was selected <a href="http://runningrusieckis.blogspot.com/2015/02/i-cannot-express-how-thrilled-i-am-to.html">for the USA team to race at the World Trail Championships in France</a>. At the time, the ground was covered in snow, as it would be until early April. I continued to train hard, using snowshoeing to log miles, even traveling to Wisconsin for the <a href="http://runningrusieckis.blogspot.com/2015/03/why-not-me-us-snowshoe-national.html">US Snowshoe Nationals</a> and placing 8th in the 10k race and 2nd in the half marathon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Enjoying the trails at Snowshoe Nationals)</span></div>
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I had a bumpy road for the next few months leading up to the World Championships, accumulating low mileage due to the snowy conditions at the <a href="http://runningrusieckis.blogspot.com/2015/03/mental-training-tarc-6-hour-spring-thaw.html">TARC 6 hour</a> and <a href="http://runningrusieckis.blogspot.com/2015/04/taking-chance-zion-100-race-report.html">dropping out of Zion 100</a>. However, I had a few shining moments such as finishing <a href="http://runningrusieckis.blogspot.com/2015/05/running-on-bonk-bear-mountain-50k.html">Bear Mountain 50k</a> in my fastest time yet (but still second place) and <a href="http://runningrusieckis.blogspot.com/2015/05/massanutten-2015.html">finishing 2nd place at Massanutten 100</a>. <br />
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In all honesty, I felt unprepared as I traveled for the <a href="http://runningrusieckis.blogspot.com/2015/06/2015-world-trail-running-championships.html">World Championships</a>. I could blame some of that on the weather conditions that we had - it was hard to train when the trails were covered in snow until April and even harder to train through the numerous sub-zero cold spells we had. However, I wished the race was later in the year so I could have had a better training build-up under my belt. I still ran my heart out and did my best to represent the USA strong.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Finishing the World Trail Championships)</span></div>
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Returning from France, I was fully focused on my first year of race directing for the Vermont 100 Endurance Race. <a href="http://runningrusieckis.blogspot.com/2015/09/running-race-but-not-running-race.html">I learned a lot</a>, but some of my favorite memories of 2015 were in congratulating finishers or helping refill their water bottles at aid stations along the way. The pride, joy, and determination that the runners showed made me made all the sleepless nights and stressful meetings worth it. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Congratulating 23-time Vermont 100 finisher, John Geesler)</span></div>
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<a href="http://runningrusieckis.blogspot.com/2015/09/leadville-racing-across-sky.html">Leadville 100 turned into a disastrous day</a>, my only motivation was to finish so I wouldn't have to ever go back there again. The two highlights of that adventure, however, was having my brother pace me, and also meeting my angel pacer, Chad, who took me home for the last 25 miles.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Feeling hopeless at the Hopeless Aid Station in Leadville 100)</span></div>
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Grindstone 100 was my last big race of the season, and I was nearly heartbroken when the race was initially cancelled. I scrambled to make things work so I could still race when it was ultimately postponed to the following weekend. I had a dream of winning a 100 miler this year, and this was my last 100 miler this year - but truth be told, this was the one that I really wanted to win. Somehow, through luck, motivation from my friends, and an amazing pacer (Josh), <a href="http://runningrusieckis.blogspot.com/2015/09/leadville-racing-across-sky.html">I crossed the finish line first</a>. Better yet, I got to share the win with my husband.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Grindstone Champions!)</span></div>
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Grindstone, in a way, felt like the end of my year. I had achieved what I set out to do in 2015. The rest of the year, I ran a few races for fun, finishing 5th at Mountain Masochist 50, 4th at Hellgate 100km, and winning the 50k at Ghost Train (and then hanging out to crew/pace other runners). But, I was already dreaming up my adventures for 2016.<br />
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In general, it was a fun-filled year with a ton of highlights and struggles. 2016 is already shaping up to be another big year, with Brian and I competing at UTMB and me racing at Western States. Brian will try to win himself a golden ticket to join me at Western States...we'll see!Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-79939232671721507292015-12-20T08:45:00.000-08:002017-08-22T07:39:35.811-07:00Burning in HellgateI've wanted to do the Hellgate 100km for a while. I don't know why this race has fascinated me, but it has. Maybe it's the 1 minute past midnight start, maybe it's the mid-December weather, perhaps it's that it's a Horton race measured in Horton miles, perhaps I had a morbid fascination with the stories about Hellgate eyes (frozen corneas) as the most common race injury, I don't know. <br />
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But, I've wanted to do Helgate for years. I've even signed up the last two years and then the universe prevented me from actually getting to the race. In 2013, it was a blizzard/ice storm that would be hitting the area (and my entire drive home) that put into perspective how reckless and irresponsible it would be to travel to Virginia and back through those driving conditions simply for a race. It didn't help that I was still recovering from an injury incurred during a road race the previous weekend. Then, in 2014, my Achilles flared up just prior to the race and I was again unable to attend. This year, nothing was going to stop me from getting to Hellgate and finishing this race!<br />
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So, I drove to DC and picked up Kathleen Cusick and Keith Knipling to share the last few hours together. Luckily, they had done the race before, and knew where to crash for a few precious hours prior to the race and how to connect for a ride to the start. So, just before midnight, I was finally ready to start my first Hellgate adventure.<br />
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The first few hours of the race were a blur of cruising down some hills, hiking up other climbs, twisting my still tender ankle, and enjoying the race. It was warm already, and I was anxious about how I would deal later on. It was the middle of the night and I was already in a tshirt and shorts.<br />
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On the big climbs, I enjoyed seeing the lights up ahead and behind me - enjoying the serenity of the trail that can only come at 2am with a group of like-minded folks. My only concern was that my headlamp started to die about an hour into the race and completely died just after 2 hours. I put in my spare battery (thank goodness I had that) as I silently cursed Brian for not recharging the headlamp like he said he did. Doing some quick mental math I wasn't sure I could make it to daybreak!<br />
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At the first crew station (mile 21), I was told I was in 3rd female, but I noticed that the 4th female came and went as I was digging around in my drop bag. I let her go - my experience here wasn't about racing as much as it was about finally finishing Hellgate and having some fun out there.<br />
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Four hours in, the 2nd battery on the headlamp died, and I scrambled through my pack for another set of batteries. I was starting to wonder what the heck was wrong with my headlamp that it would kill batteries in only 2 hours. I continued to cruise around and was loving the trails. The sun came up somewhere between 30 and 35 miles, I was so pleased to take the headlamp off and not worry about that. I was amazed that, when running through the night, mileage and landmarks all blur together in a haze of memories. I can't remember where the big climbs were, or what mileage I was at when certain things happen, I just remember running through the night.<br />
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Once the sun was up, the temperatures got hotter. I was downing water in hoping of staying ahead of my hydration, but I know how my body is and it struggles in the heat when not acclimated. I walked for most of the section from mile 34 to mile 42 as I struggled to stay cool and keep my focus. At the mile 42 aid station, Horton was there (will a bull horn) and told me that the I was 4th female and that the top 5 females would be getting a nice Patagonia down jacket...so I better get a move on. I rolled my eyes at him as I secretly decided I had to stay in the top 5.<br />
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The next section was glorious single track as the trail skirted through the sides of the mountains. It felt like it was entirely a slight downhill, as I cruised and enjoyed the views. I was refreshed by the food I ate at the last aid station, and re-energized with my desire to earn a jacket. This section was long, but I got lost in the trails and somehow was able to forget all the discomforts I should have been feeling.<br />
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The climb into the next aid station (at mile 49) was where I realized I was in serious trouble. I was overheated but wasn't sweating. My stomach had shut down due to the heat. The last few miles of this race were going to be rough! This race is known to be challenging for the cold temperatures and here I was burning up...I felt like I was literally burning at the gates of hell! At the aid station, they offered me ice cream (which I gladly took) and I doused myself in icy water, trying to cool myself down. I left with another runner and we cruised the first mile or so downhill together, but he left me when the trail turned up and I slowly worked my way forward.<br />
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My next several miles took me forever - I was overheated and struggling. I stopped at each of (the many) water crossings to throw water over my head and on myself, even laying down in a few of the slightly larger streams. I could only walk, and even that wasn't fast. Guys were passing me at an alarming rate, but somehow I was still the 4th female. At one river crossing, I looked up to see another female coming up the trail. I let her pass and then tagged onto the back of her in hopes of hanging onto a top 5 female finish. That lasted only a few moments before she pulled away and I was again walking.<br />
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At another water crossing, I was just getting out of the water when I looked up and saw the 6th place female approaching. The prospect of not finishing top 5 was enough to motivate me to run through my discomfort as I worked to maintain my position. I got to the last aid station and saw the 4th place female was still there, and knew that the 6th place female was hot on my tail. I grabbed a few cups of soda and boogied out of the aid station in 4th place.<br />
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I knew that the last 6 miles of this course were 3 miles up, then 3 miles down, so I focused on hiking strong on the uphill. The 5th place female was right behind me so I encouraged her to catch up so we could work together. She did, and we pushed each other up the climb, each taking our turns to push the pace a bit and be dragged along. We could see the 6th place female, as well as at least one other female, behind us so we worked to keep an honest pace and maintain the gap. <br />
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Towards the top of the climb, another female (who we didn't see when we looked back) came flying by us, and I immediately latched on to her pace. Where had this chick come from?!? She had to have been running in 7th or 8th all day! About a minute after working off her pace, I realized that we were passing the female who had been 3rd all day. <br />
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Once safely in the top 5 again (but not by much), I decided to conserve a bit of energy on the hike and let this female go a bit. I was confident that if I could see her at the top of the climb, I could likely catch her on the downhill. I crested the climb, gave high fives to the volunteers there, took one more sip of water, and then started cruising downhill. I caught a few guys as I pushed the pace, but couldn't see the 3rd place female.<br />
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I kept pushing the pace as best I could, but wasn't catching sight of the female ahead of me. Eventually, I ran out of space to catch her and we were turning into the finish. After all the struggles that I had encountered during the day, I was pleased that I somehow finished 4th place and under 15 hours. And, in general, I was so excited to have finally gotten to participate in Hellgate. It lived up to the reputation as a fun but challenging race. Of course, I feel like I missed out on one aspect of the event, given that it was so hot, so I'll have to return another year for a more typical cold race.Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-31561380036223921872015-10-29T06:59:00.001-07:002015-10-29T07:01:31.695-07:00Hot Chocolate Run - 5k for a great cause!<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
You all know how passionate I am about running - it is my freedom, it is my sanity, it is my community. It may be hard to imagine, but not that long ago, I felt lost, lonely, and depressed. Running, and the community that I found through running, helped turn things around for me - it helped me find an incredibly supportive community of friends, it helped me gain confidence, and has offered opportunities to explore the country (and even a few portions of the world!). I am so grateful for all that running has given me.</div>
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This year, I am trying to bring a larger impact with my running - through running the Hot Chocolate Run and fundraising for Safe Passage. Safe Passage is a local organization that supports victims of domestic violence. This is not a fundraising race where the funds disappear into some national account; they stay local and provide neighbors with the support and counseling they need in times of crisis. This is an opportunity for me to use my passion to create positive change in my community. </div>
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This will be my 10th time running the Hot Chocolate Run, and I hope to fundraise $250 for Safe Passage. I've never done fundraising like this before, but I would really love to see my running help support positive change in my community.</div>
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So, if you're reading this and are so inspired, I appreciate anything that folks can give ($5, $10, whatever!). Either way, especially coming into the holidays, I would challenge everyone to try to find a way for your running to support change in your community!<br />
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Here is the link to my personal fundraising page: <a href="http://www.hotchocolaterun.com/give/?pid=81444" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0072c6;">http://www.hotchocolaterun.com/give/?pid=81444</span></a><br />
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(If I raise over $500, y'all can get me to run in another awesome outfit like this!)</div>
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Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-54972560601520812292015-10-14T11:36:00.002-07:002015-10-27T07:20:56.382-07:00100 Reasons - Grindstone 100 Race Report<div style="text-align: left;">
Reason #88. <em>Because you WANT to be good at 100’s and you put so much intention and thought into the art of running them well. </em> <br />
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My emotions were all over the place leading up to Grindstone 100. I watched the race last year, as I crewed/paced Brian, and decided that this was a race I really wanted to run in 2015. Then, mother nature stepped in and the race was first cancelled, then ultimately postponed a week. That gave me an extra week to overthink the race, an extra week of taper (to sit around, not running, and eat too much). By the time Brian and I drove down to Virginia, I wasn't quite sure why I wanted to run this in the first place - my anxiety was high, I felt sluggish and 10 pounds overweight, and just not into it anymore. To make matters worse, Clark had assigned Brian bib #1 (as the top ranked male runner in the race) and me number #101 (as the top ranked female runner) - talk about putting targets on our backs!<br />
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Fortunately, my training buddies and WMDP teammates had written up a list of '100 reasons you're going to rock the 100' for me to read during my race. I carried it with me and used it for inspiration.<br />
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Reason # 24. <em>Believe in yourself, because your entire team does! Own it! </em><br />
<em></em><br />
The race had a humorous start, as all the runners anxiously lined up, ready to go, and Clark stood before us and said 'uh, you're all about 5 minutes early. It's like you're been waiting a week for this or something!'. He said a prayer, then we still had minutes to kill. Someone suggested we sing the national anthem, so slowly the runners all chimed in with the song - likely the most pathetic version of the national anthem ever (we are all runners, after all!). Finally...the race started.<br />
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Reason #84. <em>Because there is a community of inspired runners that you got out onto the trails to discover freedom and friendship waiting to celebrate you back at home.</em><br />
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Early miles were a blur - I was trying to stay relaxed, but also trying to get as far as I could before I needed a headlamp. About 3 miles into the race, the sky got extremely dark and it started to rain on us - I put my headlamp on quickly after that. I felt good, maybe a bit aggressive with my pace, but anxious to put miles behind me. </div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Cruising in the early miles)</span></em><br />
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Reason # 27. <em>While the hung-over crowd is sleeping on New Year's Day while you are busy doing sugarloaf repeats then you can run a 100 miler!!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Elliot's Knob is the first climb, and I felt like I was moving well to the top. On the backside of the climb, running by headlamp on wet, leaf-covered wobbly rocks, I turned my ankle over. Now, I twist my ankles all the time and usually they bend like Gumby. However, this ankle roll was different and hurt immediately. I stopped for a minute to assess the pain, do a few circles with my foot, and figure out what to do. But, I realized no one was going to get me off the side of this mountain, so I hobbled forward tentatively over the wet rocks. My ankle wasn't good, the pain radiated down under my foot as I limped down the trail. Luckily, with another mile or so the pain receded. <em>Damn - I can't do that again!</em><br />
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Reason #36. <em>Because it's a piece of cake, right? You've done plenty of 100-milers before.</em><br />
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In and out of the next aid station - I realized that my pace was a suicide pace. I was inadvertently well ahead of the course record pace, I guess I really did go out too hard! I tried to relax on the climb up Crawford Mountain and settle into a more sustainable pace. Two steps into the ensuing downhill and I rolled my already tender ankle a second time. I collapsed to the ground in a pathetic pile in an attempt to ease the pain (and instead scraping up my knees). Again, I stopped for a minute to assess, then hobbled on forward. Luckily, the pain and limping faded again after a mile. <em>Damn - I <strong>really</strong> can't do that again!</em><br />
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Reason #47. <em>Because your participation in this race is seriously inspiring more people-your neighbors, your co-workers, your friends, their kids-than you can possibly realize.</em><br />
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Into Dowell's Draft, the first crew station, and I was feeling good. Josh Finger, who would be crewing Brian and I for the early miles (before pacing Matt Wilson) was ready to go and helped get me on the trail again fast. The climb up Lookout Mountain was nice - it was actually mellow enough that I kept wondering if I should run or hike it. At some point, I realized that it stopped raining, but I can't remember when. <br />
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Reason #95. <em>Your strength, your dedication, the fire you have to continue getting better, because you never settle and you don’t let us settle either, because you believe in us… we all admire you and are already celebrating what we know will be an epic adventure.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
It was getting late, and memories were coming in flashes. Lookout Mountain was a party, with AJW and his Charlottesville Area Runners at the helm. Downhill was nice, cruised it feeling good but wondering how my hamstrings and glutes were so sore already. Saw giant rat on the bridge crossing the North River - let it win the race across the bridge because I didn't want to get near it. Saw Josh at North River Gap aid station, learned that Matt dropped out and Josh would be pacing me (yay!). Remembered how runners looked like they had been through a war at this aid station last year, so did my best to hold it together - remembering that I told folks last year that things would better once the sun came up.<br />
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Reason #3. <em>Your left leg is strong.</em> <br />
Reason #4. <em>Your right leg is also strong, maybe even stronger than your left?</em><br />
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The climb up Little Bald Knob went on forever. I realized early on this climb that my climbing legs were shot - I must have gone too hard on the early climbs, or else they just aren't trained for the amount of vertical here. Either way, the climb was slow and I kept having flashbacks from my Leadville climb. I threw calories down my throat, started listening to my mp3 player, and tried to forget how many other climbs I had coming up. Honestly, I was just waiting to be passed by the next female.<br />
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Reason #85. <em>Because when obstacles, like race photographers, get in Amy Rusiecki’s way she just goes over/through them. In a tu tu.</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Start of Hot Chocolate Race, with dumb-ass photographer kneeling down in the middle of the street - if you look carefully, you might see my legs in the air as I flipped over her! The outfit I was wearing when I did that.)</span></div>
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My struggles on this climb extended beyond my dead legs. I kept having the sensation that I was going to pass out, or that I was slightly dizzy or something. I don't know how to describe it, but it was freaky, and caused me to stop a few times to close my eyes and hope the sensation went away. <br />
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Reason #98. <em>Because you’ve made “Why not me?” your mantra. Count yourself in. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
Anyway, I somehow made it up Little Bald Knob, then Reddish Knob, and finally to the turn-around. <em>Phew, half way down. Thank you, may I have another?</em> My watch read 12:06, so I knew that breaking 24-hours was out the window...and based on how I was moving, I wasn't confident that I could finish in under 25 hours either (which would mean finishing by headlamp). My heart sank.<br />
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Reason #23. <em>Think of the entire wolf pack at every corner cheering you on... </em><br />
<em><br /></em>The turn-around was the first chance to assess the race - see who was behind me and where they were. The 2nd place female was only 12 minutes back, and it was Megan, who finished 2nd here last year also. I felt extremely unstable with that slim a lead, considering how I felt. 3rd and 4th female were both within minutes behind her...I knew I was done right then and there. <br />
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Reason #63. <em>You didn’t train to stop</em>.<br />
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Climbing back up to Reddish Knob on the return trip, my equilibrium started to wonk out again. I didn't know what was going on. At one point, I realized I had just woken up with my foot fall - I had fallen asleep while hiking! That freaked the heck out of me, and I did whatever I could to stay awake until the next aid station - I was slapping my cheeks, clapping my hands, singing out loud, whatever I could think of to stay awake. <br />
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Reason #38. <em>Because every blister, bruise and scab is worth the bragging rights of saying you finished another 100-f'ing-miler.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
At the Reddish Knob aid station, I sat down and told them what had just happened. They immediately sprang to action and got a cup of coffee in my hand. As I was mostly done, they refilled it and insisted I finish it off. The sky had started to lighten, the coffee kicked in, and I was ready to move again. Miraculously, I was still in the lead.<br />
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Reason #16. <em>Beautiful scenery.</em><br />
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I enjoyed the next section, as I crossed paths with runners on their out-bound trip and got to wish them good luck (or give high fives to my friends along the way). The sun was rising, there was a light fog in the area and foliage in the trees - I was extremely tired, but this was just incredibly beautiful! <br />
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Reason #74. <em>If you get lonely after 60+ miles, you can just hallucinate some friends on the trail.</em> <br />
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After a LONG downhill, I was so excited to hear North River Gap - I would finally have company on this run! I got what I needed and headed out on the trail with Josh - and quickly recounted what he should know - <em>"I feel completely trashed, I can't climb for sh*t right now, I fell asleep walking that last section, but I am somehow in the lead. I've never won a 100 miler before."</em> Josh simply said "<em>ok, well you're going to win one today"</em>.<br />
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We hiked as hard as I could up to Longs Mountain, then cruised the downhill into Dowell's Draft. Josh focused on getting me to eat and keeping me in the lead - I felt like we were moving at a pace that I couldn't sustain for the entire 35 miles left. <em>Swing your arms when you hike</em> Josh would tell me, and I would try to swing the hips and power walk like the pros. <br />
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Reason #62. <em>Because you’re stronger than you think you are.</em><br />
<em><br /></em>Dowell's Draft was the last large aid station, and Josh pulled my headlamp out of my drop bag. I was a bit heart broken, it was 18:45 on the race clock and he really thought that it would take me over 6 hours to do the last 22 miles?!? I flat-out refused to take the headlamp, as my stubborn side came out with a <em>we're finishing before dark</em>!<br />
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Reason #64. <em>Articles have been published about your greatness. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
About a mile out of the aid station, a guy (and his pacer) came flying by me on the climb - when we asked him if he had any info on the next female back, he relayed that she had been entering the aid station when he was leaving. That meant she was only about 3 minutes back. I freaked out, and tried my darnedest to make my tired legs turn over and up the hill. I had never been in the lead this late in a 100 miler! Any time the trail leveled out, Josh would simply say <em>run</em> and I would start chugging down the trail - I felt like the Little Engine That Could. He even had me running on some of the gradual uphills, spurring me on with the threat of finishing 2nd place. I ran with reckless abandon, knowing that this pace wasn't sustainable, but I just focused on getting up this one climb. <br />
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Reason #40. <em>It's about time that a Clarkson grad actually did something, anything, exceptional</em><br />
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Reaching the top, I gratefully fell down the other side - enjoying the recovery that was bringing me closer to the finish line. In-and-out of the aid station, I was ready to tackle the last climb. I had it in my head that if I could crest the last climb (around mile 91) in the lead, I thought I could win. It was all downhill after that to the finish, and I felt great on the downhills! So, I focused on getting up this last climb. Every muscle in my body was 100% fatigued, but I still pushed. I couldn't talk, my conversation consisted of a series of grunts to Josh.<br />
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Reason #97. <em>100 miles? Honey badger don’t care.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Cresting Elliot's Knob, the last climb, I wanted to cry. It was the first time all day that I started to believe I could actually win this thing. I also glanced at my watch and realized that I might be able to break 24 hours after all! I told Josh <em>I think I have it</em>, and he replied <em>it's not over till you finish, we need to work hard the whole way</em>.<br />
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Reason #48. <em> Because you've GOT this! You're going to kill it!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
I hammered the downhill into the last aid station as best I could, spurred on by Josh reading our per-mile pace off his watch (9:50, 9:30). It was a downhill, but damn, I was excited to be cruising at sub-10s!<br />
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Reason #10. <em>Your ability to stop listening to your head and instead run with your heart.</em><br />
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At the last aid station, 5 miles to go, Josh told me <em>no more walking for the rest of the race</em>. I buckled down and pushed with everything I had. I did have to stop once when my shoe came untied, but Josh retied it for me, convinced that me bending over was a monumentally horrible idea at this point. Otherwise, I ran the last section, trying to leave it all out on the trail. We figured that the race would likely come down to a close (few minute) finish, unless I some how bust this race open - and we weren't confident that I had. <br />
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<strong>Reason #100. <em>You're Amy Fucking Rusiecki</em></strong><br />
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With 1 mile to go, I could hardly contain my emotions, but Josh said <em>Amy, you're going to finish in under 23:40, I don't want to see a 4 in your finish number!</em> I glanced at my watch, and it read 23:30:58 - he thought I could run at 9 minute mile at this point?!? Then, he ran slightly ahead and bated me to follow him. I stretched out my sore, tight legs to try to catch up. We scrambled down the slippery downhill, over the river and dam outlet, and were on the grass covered dam. We could see the finish, I had 4 minutes to finish in under 23:40. I started to cry but tried to hold back the tears and run as fast as my legs would take me. <br />
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Reason #54. <em>There’s more than enough room for two 100 mile champions in the Rusiecki house.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Josh tried to peel off before the finish line, but I insisted that he cross with me. He had been the exact pacer that I needed that day - as promised, he delivered me to the finish in 1st place and under 24 hours! He pushed me to my limit, and pulled an incredible performance out of me, he helped me run with my heart when my head was screaming to let up and relax. We crossed the line together in 23:38:50. (Yes folks, that's a sub-8 minute mile for the last mile - and with a river crossing scramble!)<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Team Rusiecki, Grindstone Champions!)</span></em></div>
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I quickly collapsed into the cot at the finish, waiting for Brian to make it over to see me. (Yes folks, he missed me finishing my race...again... He says I finished too fast.) I was completely overcome with emotions - I had finally won a 100 mile race, and won it on a course that I really love! Better yet, I got to share the victory with my husband. Almost immediately, Clark wanted to do the champions photo, so he handed each of us our trophy - I swear to you, I almost fell over. How cruel to hand someone a 10.5 pound trophy within minutes of finishing a 100 miler! I made Josh carry it over to the car for me.</div>
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Given the last minute permit struggles with this race - I really do want to thank Clark and his Eco-X team for putting on yet another amazing event. The Eco-X races are some of my favorites, but I was especially blown away with how seamless it was for us runners out on course, we got the same amazing level of support and same enthusiasm. As an RD, I can only imagine what a challenging week this was for him.</div>
Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-77833097214488400552015-09-19T07:07:00.000-07:002015-10-27T07:07:49.046-07:00Running the race, but not running the race.This year was my first year as Race Director for the Vermont 100 Endurance Race. Now, I have RDed events before, but nothing this large. I've participated in races this large before, but the work load of a runner or crew is completely different than that of an organizer. I was certainly engaging in a huge adventure with a huge learning curve. I knew it would be interesting to be running (organizing) the race but not <em>running</em> (competing in) the race.<br />
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If I had to list out the top 10 nuggets of knowledge to pass along to other new RDs, here they are:<br />
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<em>1. Surround yourself with allies who can help distribute the work load, can compliment your weaknesses, and take on some of the large responsibilities.</em><br />
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Fortunately, at the VT100, I had an amazing race committee to help me out. The committee is entirely volunteer based, and incredibly they are mostly non-ultra runners. They are folks who are passionate about the Vermont 100 (and many of them double-up and are also on the Vermont 50 race committee), many of them are also long-time volunteers for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports which is the organization the VT100 benefits. I benefitted greatly from the knowledge that so many of the committee had - they could share some of the race history with me, to help me from making mistakes that they had already made. Phew! In the months leading up to the race I was incredibly nervous, but felt a sense of calm knowing that the race committee <u>would not let the race fail</u>...they worked incredibly hard to make the race the best they could, and make me look like I was in control!<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Volunteer Coordinators Meghan and Kristin with VT50 RD Mike)</span></em></div>
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One of the best pieces of advice that I got when I took on the RD position was to get a few lieutenants that you trust completely to do volunteer coordinating, sponsorship/vendor coordinating, and course management. So, in addition to an amazing race committee that helped me along the way, I had faithful lieutenants in my two training buddies Kristin and Meghan (who I brought on as first-time volunteer coordinators), Ron (who stepped up as sponsorship coordinator) and Zeke (who has been on the committee for years and knows the course better than anyone!).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Changing of the guard - with the VT100 Horse Race RD, Jenny, and previous VT100 RD Julia)</em></span></div>
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<em>2. Reach out to other Race Directors and pick their brains.</em><br />
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Other Race Directors are the greatest resource available to any new RD. I greatly benefitted from the mentorship of numerous amazing Race Directors. They helped me with sage advice, passing along industry contacts, and encouragement along the way. Julia (the previous Vermont 100 RD) remained involved in helping me out with whatever questions I had, no matter how stupid or minor the detail was. Mike (the VT50 RD) was on the race committee and helped coach me through numerous items to keep me on point and focused when I might want to dream a little big at times. Clark Zealand (Mountain Masochist/Grindstone RD), Kevin Sayers (Massanutten 100 RD) and Rich White (Cascade Crest 100 RD) each took significant time to chat with me, offer advice, answer my long (sometimes annoying) emails, and pass along useful info and documents. I greatly benefited by the insight from so many strong race directors, and am grateful that they all took the time to mentor me.<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Kevin Sayers, MMT100 RD, offering me advice within minutes of finishing his race)</span></em></div>
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<em>3. Hang out at the finish line and watch the finishers as much as possible.</em><br />
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I have been at numerous finish lines and watched folks finish over the years, and it's always a joyful experience. Standing at the finish of the VT100 this year, from the first runner to the last, and watching the runners finish, was inspiring. Having worked so hard to organize the race, the moments of joy as runners finished and hugged their pacers, crew, family and friends, these were the moments that truly touched me and made all my hard work truly worth it. It brought a tear to my eye to watch the last runner as he worked his way up to a run just before he passed under the finish line, or to watch a few of the 28-hour runners who were utterly shocked that they actually made it. No matter how challenging the race permitting can be, or how frustrating or tedious different aspects of the organizing process is, seeing the fruits of your labor is the best payback.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Being greeted by Rich White at the finish line of Cascade Crest 100)</em></span></div>
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<em>4. Realize that when the race is over for everyone else, you're only half done.</em><br />
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One of the biggest surprises to me was how much post-race work there is to be done. I knew there would be some close-out work, but was overwhelmed by how much there was and how much time it took. Little projects added up to a ton of time - finalizing results to post splits and to meet UTMB results certification requirements, answering the large volume of post-race emails, thanking sponsors and volunteers (and numerous other folks), sending out checks to vendors, packing up and mailing out prizes and lost-and-found stuff to runners (after sorting out the left-behind drop bags and washing all the clothing in there). Honestly, I spent <em>2-4 hours</em> a night for the <em>3 weeks</em> following the race to close it all out - and towards the end I was rushing to get everything done before I left for Leadville 100.<br />
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<em>5. Communicate!!!</em> <br />
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Communication is key, and is central to an RD's success. And even when you think you're communicating well, there is inevitably someone forgotten on a correspondence (or missing from a meeting) that needed the info shared, or perhaps your communication isn't as clear as you thought. Communicate, communicate, communicate.<br />
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There were a few instances where a small blip in communication bit my right in the butt! For example, I had an instance where a minor adjustment (moving an aid station) was discussed at numerous committee meetings and I though was communicated with everyone. Unfortunately, my ham radio guy wasn't at the meetings and had no idea about the move - so it wasn't communicated with the radio staff. The aid station was only moved about 100 yards away from the previous location, but it was down a road that was impassible to vehicles - so the radio staff couldn't access the station. It made for some tricky (and less than ideal) logistics at the aid station, as the radio operator was located 100 yards away and had to be fed information by a volunteer who would run back and forth with updates. The radio staff was completely alone for the 12-hours that he volunteered, he never even saw a runner! This could have been avoided with a bit better communication on my part.<br />
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One major miscommunication on my part was the failure to communicate with the runners what the special awards would be (i.e. awards for top runners). That failure to communicate lead to many post-race comments and criticisms. For as long as I've been involved with the VT100, they gave out a special 'top 10' buckle to the <em>top 10 overall</em>. I had long advocated with the previous RD that recognizing only the top 10 wasn't fair, since it was typically 8 to 10 guys and anywhere from 0 to 2 ladies would sneak into the top 10. I personally finished 2nd place female at VT100 one year (and only 2 minutes behind the winner), only to get the same buckle and recognition as someone who finished in 23:59 - yet the 10th place male that year got a special 'top 10' buckle. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Congratulating John Geesler, 23 time finisher of the VT100)</em></span></div>
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Last year, Julia implemented a 'top 10' buckle for the top 10 men, and 'top 5' buckle for the top 5 ladies, since historically there are twice as many men and women in the race and typically the 5th female is about the same time behind the female champ as the 10th male behind the male champ. This year, I handed out nice Patagonia jackets to the top 10 men and top 5 females, yet I received a huge backlash of angry comments post-race. This year, for the record, less than 21% of the race field was women, however, the decision was made and awards were ordered in advance of knowing the final numbers. While I understand that gender equality is a highly controversial topic, I don't know if there is a right or wrong model for me to have followed (i.e. if I handed out the same number of 'top finisher' jackets to both genders or if I handed them out equal to the ratio of starters by gender) - so we decided to hand out awards based on the historical ratio of genders. I <strong>do</strong> think my best bet would have been to have communicated everything ahead of time, either way, so folks wouldn't be as upset post-race.<br />
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<em>6. Don't be afraid of change.</em><br />
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The VT100 had 26 successful races before I took on the leadership role - it has a strong history and strong identity. One of my biggest goals was to maintain the integrity of the event - I didn't want to fundamentally change what makes VT100 so special. However, I think it is important to constantly grow and evolve with the times. So, one of my biggest challenges was how to balance the tradition of the race with some new ideas.<br />
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I worked with the race committee to make a few minor tweaks to the event - nothing that really changes the feel of Vermont, but that hopefully made things a little better for the runners, or for the volunteers, or the event in general. One change implemented was getting running clubs to adopt aid stations along the way - and this appeared to be a huge hit! It got many of the running clubs in New England involved in the event and gave each aid station a distinct feel - from the Shinipsit Striders' Breakfast Club aid station, to TARC's 'everything maple' feast, and Trail Animal's country ho-down, they all added to the classic VT100 aid stations such as Margaritaville or Spirit of '76.<br />
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One more controversial change was to redesign the VT100 logo and belt buckle. This was a change that I take personal responsibility for, but as a runner, I wanted a belt buckle that fits a standard belt and was deserving as a representation of someone's amazing accomplishment to finish a 100 mile race in under 24 hours. I also updated the 100 mile over 24 hour finisher and 100km finisher prizes from a plaque to an etched slate coaster. Again, this was my call, but I am a big fan of functional awards (i.e. something you can use rather than something you put on your way). I also wanted to reduce the post-race work, and the plaques each had a personalized plate with name, finish time, and place on it, that would get mailed out - to me, this was just adding more work to my already full list of things to do. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(With Joe Laskey, showing off his newly redesigned Vermont 1000 buckle)</em></span></div>
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<em>7. Learn to be mean and have thick skin.</em><br />
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One of the toughest things for me was to learn to be mean, and to have some thick skin about it. It is hard for me to say 'no', and yet I found myself having to say it more than I would have liked. For example, it was hard to listen to several personal stories about why folks didn't register in time and not immediately let them in - but if I had done that, it would have been unfair to folks patiently sitting on the wait list and could have been overwhelming to the race support staff. <br />
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I found it more challenging to take negative feedback about the race. I put a lot of time and energy into the race, as did my race committee, and negative feedback is hard to hear. We all did our best to put what we believe to be the best race we can. (On the flip side, I was grateful for folks who were willing to give respectful and constructive ideas - we are open to new ideas, and they are easier to process and consider when they aren't addressed in an angry way).<br />
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A few days after the race, after I finally got some sleep, I rushed to read the comments from the first few people who completed the post-race survey. That was a huge mistake. While there was positive and negative feedback, I only really processed the negative feedback, and felt like I hadn't done anything right. I nearly cried (granted, I was still tired and raw from the race, and my house was in complete chaos) as folks seemed to bash every decision I made and criticize things I thought went well. I guess I need to grow thicker skin, so I can view these comments as a way to continue to improve, but it's challenging when you put so much of yourself into something.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Greeting a finisher at the VT100)</em></span></div>
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<em>8. Expect the unexpected.</em><br />
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No matter how well you plan, things go awry. I had to think on the fly and be able to quickly adjust, all while outwardly appearing calm to everyone involved. We had quite a few Friday afternoon challenges to overcome - and I hope that none of the runners realized the moments of panic! We found an unmowed field on Friday afternoon that was supposed to be parking for a horse hold (horse race equivalent to a crew station), so we quickly had to swap the runner and horse aid stations in that area to accommodate both locations. We also learned last-minute that someone was logging on a section of trail, affecting the final mile of the course. We were able to adjust the trail elsewhere to make up the missed mileage, but it meant that a few of the aid station signs (which were made weeks earlier) were off by a few tenths of a mile. (This lead to one runner trying to disqualify himself at the finish line because he 'had obviously missed part of the course, his GPS watch read 99.5 miles', and his watch said he had only run 2.5 miles from the last aid station.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Discussing last minute trail changes with VT100 Trail Guru, Zeke)</em></span></div>
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Even more humorous was someone finding a dead rotting deer at a trail head on the side of the road, directly on the course. We found this after local highway crews had gone home for the day on Friday, and runners would be past this in the wee hours of the morning Saturday. We worked with local highway folks to get permission to move the deer ourselves - and the race committee members went above and beyond the call to get this disaster resolved. There was no way to pre-plan for something like this!<br />
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<em>9. Keep the pre-race meeting short!</em><br />
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Taking off my RD hat and putting on my racing flats, one of the simplest things RDs can do is keep the pre-race meeting short. Let's be honest, as a runner about to embark on an epic adventure, our attention span is not the greatest - so it's important to keep things on point and quick before runners tune out. A pre-race meeting is an important tool to go over any pertinent information one last time, it is your only opportunity to speak to the masses. I just urge folks to keep it short!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Addressing the runners, crews, and pacers at the pre-race meeting)</em></span></div>
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<em>10. Keep good notes - you'll have to do it all again soon!</em><br />
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RDing is cyclical - you go through the same stuff over and over again. Keep good notes, they will help you as you start over again for the next year's event.Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-65634230760901409512015-09-03T07:47:00.000-07:002015-09-23T07:49:38.024-07:00Leadville - Racing across the sky<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For a while now, I've wanted to run Leadville 100 - it's an iconic race! Beyond that, I've raced a few times in Colorado at TransRockies Run, and I was anxious to see how 100 miles in that beauty would be. Luckily, Brian and I were both selected in the lottery for the 2015 Leadville 100.<br />
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The race, starting in the dead center of downtown Leadville, was much trickier with pre-race logistics. Brian and I almost missed the start of the race, since we were busy trying to park the car, find a bathroom to use, and then enter the starting chute. I did my best to not let the adrenaline start flowing as we were weaving around folks to get to the start as the National Anthem was being sung.<br />
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Anyway, the race went out and I just relaxed. I slapped high fives with folks as we exited the town. I had read about runners starting too hard and paying the price later - so I was determined to take it easy and run smart. Hundreds of runners, lit up by headlamps, spread out on the road ahead of me as we worked our way towards Turquois Lake.<br />
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An hour later, we were on the single track around Turquois Lake. I could already hear the crews cheering at the Tabor Boat Dock (mile 7?, unofficial crew support stop). On one hand, I was enjoying the sounds of cheering drifting across the water as I ran through the woods...but even as the cheers sounded so close, I still ran and ran before I got there.</div>
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I saw my crew, which was one of my training buddies Sara and my brother Carleton, at the Tabor Boat Dock quickly as I ran through. Just past the dock, I caught a toe and supermanned across the trail, scraping up my right leg and butt. Otherwise, the run through the single track along Turquois Lake passed without incident.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Cruising through the early miles)</span></div>
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At the first major aid station, May Queen (mile 13.5), I was excited to arrive and see my crew. The sun had come up so I could ditch the headlamp (yay!). I checked my time and was right on schedule, and everything felt fairly relaxed and easy. </div>
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Just after May Queen, the course turns onto the Colorado Trail for a bit, and I was jazzed as I ran along the New England-y trails. The single track trail went over rocks and wooden bridges as it followed the back side of Turquois Lake. I chuckled, realizing how long after May Queen I could still hear the cheers. </div>
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My stomach was a bit cramp-y and bloat-y already, I assumed this was because I wasn't able to do my ritualistic pre-race poop. I said a little prayer that I would be able to poop soon so my stomach would return to normal.</div>
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The trail finally turned up a bit, and dumped us out onto a dirt road that was the climb up Sugarloaf Pass (the back side of the powerline). I wanted to continue to chug up the gradual climb, but remembered that I was at over 10,000 feet so I slowed to a power hike. I made note, thinking of how nice this would be to cruise down later in the race.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Enjoying the 'scenic' powerline trail)</span></div>
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Reaching the top of Sugarloaf Pass, it started to spit rain on us. The powerlines overhead crackled and buzzed, it was a slightly unsettling noise even though I enjoyed the cooling effect of the rain. I enjoyed the downhill, but got down it as fast as I could to avoid any mishap with electricity and water...</div>
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At the bottom of the powerline was a mile of paved road before we entered the Outward Bound aid station (mile 24.5). My time was still good, and I felt fairly relaxed and strong. Except for the minor stomach issues, I felt like I was in control and running smart. My crew, in realizing that I hadn't eaten much so far in the race, was already getting concerned for me.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Taking advantage of any downhill I can!)</span></div>
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Leaving the Outward Bound aid station was the world's longest field - I think it was at least a mile of straight, flat, grassy field that we ran on. I shouldn't complain - the soft surface is always welcome over paved roadway...but I felt like I was running on a treadmill - my legs were moving but I wasn't getting any closer to anything. </div>
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A few miles later, things started to unravel. My stomach really felt bad (and the micro-poop I managed to squeeze out a few miles earlier didn't relieve the issue at all) and my energy was starting to wane. I walked the flat dirt road and did my best to get in some fueling. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Leaving Outward Bound in the 'Race Across the Sky')</span></div>
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My energy didn't come back, as I continued to walk past the Treeline (unofficial crew stop at mile 27), past the Halfmoom aid station (mile 30.5), and past the Mt. Elbert aid station (mile 36.5). I did my best to run a quarter mile here or there as folks continued to stream past me - matching their stride and hoping I would draw energy from their enthusiasm, but ultimately I quickly found myself walking again.</div>
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As the trail turned down to the Twin Lakes aid station (mile 39.5), I was able to jog again. While I didn't have any energy to run the flats or uphills, I found I could cruise the downhills. I took advantage and allowed gravity to carry me for a few miles. Of course, as soon as I worked up to speed, I quickly caught a toe and found myself face down on the trail - further scraping up my already bleeding right leg.</div>
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I coasted into Twin Lakes on fumes, unsure how I was going to survive not one, but two climbs over Hope Pass. Sara and Carleton did what they could to get me going, but I was honestly beginning to wonder if it was possible for me to finish. I tried to jog, but mostly walked, as I crossed the flats below Hope Pass (or, as I was thinking of it, the calm before the storm). As I waded through the river crossings, I could only think of the open cuts on my legs that were being washed off with stagnant murky water.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Running the flats in the Leadville course)</span></div>
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As soon as the trail turned up, my body shut down. I could barely stumble forward, and I knew I was in deep trouble. I sat on a log and forced myself to eat an entire packet of energy chews - hopeful that it would give me the energy to climb up the pass. Then, I resumed my slow trek up. I walked for about 5 minutes before I needed to take a break and regroup. Several folks passed me before I gathered the strength to stand up and continue onward. This pattern continued for the entire climb - 3 to 5 minutes of slow hiking followed by sitting for a minute to rest and harness my energy for another push. </div>
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Hundreds of folks passed me as I ever so slowly made my way up the climb. It was truly humbling, I started to seriously worry about the cut-off time. I grew increasingly concerned that Sara wouldn't even get to pace me over Hope Pass - it's what she flew across the country for! I saw Brian at the Hopeless Aid station (just below the top of the pass, mile 44.5) on his return trip, and told him that I was physically exhausted. He was doing well - but didn't seem to be in any better spirits than I was. I downed coke at the aid station and hoped it would rejuvenate me, however the last 1/2 mile to the top of the pass was more of the same. I began to wonder if I was in last place, since it felt like the entire race field had passed me.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Doing my best to hang on at Twin Lakes)</span></div>
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Finally cresting the top, I took a moment to sit and take in the view. I was so pleased to have made it, but physically spent and extremely worried - I did not think I had the power to do that again. Clearly, my body hadn't been processing any food all day and I was running on fumes. I did my best to cruise the downhill, and found that I was passing a few folks back as I took advantage of the downhill and technical trails. Of course, I also super manned down Hope Pass (and with the steep angle, it was a LONG fall), and fell on my right leg...<em>again</em>...the scrapes on my leg was pretty deep at this point. I had to walk a few minutes to rebury the tears that were too quick to appear, hoping this wasn't my breaking point.</div>
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Reaching the bottom of Hope Pass, the course turned to the Colorado Trail for what I am convinced is the longest trail known to man. I thought I was moving, but the trail went on forever! I kept hoping every downhill would lead me to Winfield, but they were all just followed by another uphill. My worries about reaching Winfield before the cut-off time were renewed.</div>
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Eventually I made it to Winfield - mile 50, at last. I collapsed onto the ground near Carleton and Sara - unsure how I could turn around and do it all again (the race sign reading 'thank you, may I have another' wasn't funny in the moment). On the bright side, I finally had company - so if I collapsed on the trail, at least someone would be there to take care of me. However, I honestly wasn't convinced that I could finish the race. If a cut-off time didn't get me, I worried that I would simply run out of energy before I reached the end. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sara and Carleton, patiently waiting for me at Winfield)</span></div>
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Sara and I started back towards Hope Pass...slowly. With company, the trail that never ends seemed a bit shorter. So, before I knew it we were climbing up the steep side of Hope Pass again. I did my best to stay strong (so Sara wouldn't see how weak I was), but I was quickly in the same rhythm of slowly hiking for 3-5 minutes before taking a break to regroup. Other runners, with their pacers, streamed by me - making me feel like I was going backwards even faster on this climb. Thank goodness I had Sara with me to keep my focus on the views rather than on my slow progress.</div>
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Slowly but surely, we made our way to the top and finally crested Hope Pass for the second time. While my first time over the pass was completely humbling, I found that reaching the pass for a second time represented hope for me. I still had 45 miles to go, but standing on the highest point in the race, no matter how depleted I was, gave me hope that I might be able to finish the damn thing.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Celebrating as I crest Hope Pass for the 2nd time)</span></div>
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Sara and I slowly made our way down to the Hopeless Aid Station (mile 55.5) and I collapsed into a chair. My spirits were on an upswing, believing perhaps I could finish...but my energy was still super low, having not really absorbed any fueling since the start. As I sat in the chair and contemplated how I could possibly continue on, Sara scoped out the aid station found that they had potato leek soup. Hallelujah, potato leek soup!!! I downed a cup at the aid station and took another cup to-go down the trail.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Utterly depleted at Hopeless Aid station, mile 55.5)</span></div>
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As the soup kicked in and the trail turned down, I was able to move the legs again. Slowly, my body absorbed the energy from the soup and I let my legs loose on the downhill. I was flying by folks, and feeling good for the first time all day. We hit the bottom of the climb and I even had the energy to run the flats back to Twin Lake (mile 60.5) - my first running on flat surfaces in 30 miles. I enjoyed splashing through the rivers this go-around.<br />
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My brother met us at the aid station and swapped spots with Sara. They got a few more cups of chicken noodle soup in me as we climbed out of Twin Lakes. I finally felt like I had a bit of power in my legs and I did my best to take advantage. Maybe it was that I didn't want to seem weak in front of my little brother.<br />
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When we reached the top of the climb, I did my best to run the downhills - I employed a trick I use when training on the Seven Sisters, where anything that I walked on the way out is a section that I try to run on the return trip. Now, given that I walked this entire section on the way out, it was a tall order - but I did my best, with the coaxing of Carleton. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Finally getting my legs back and able to run near Twin Lakes, mile 60)</span></div>
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I was actually really excited to have my brother out there crewing and pacing me - I've been running ultras for almost 10 years now, and this was the first time I'd really had a family member help me out! In one of my first ultras, my sister (who was 4 months pregnant at the time) did cheer me on at the last aid station - that was the closest I'd ever had, so this was really special for me. I did my best to make it a good experience for Carleton so that maybe I would get family participation again!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(My sister Jenny, and her dog Nera, taking care of me at the Jay Challenge in 2008)</span></div>
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About halfway through the section with my brother, he got a text message from Sara. She had finished her first pacing section with me, and had a headache. Once she stopped running, it got worse and she got sick...altitude was clearly affecting her. There was a bit of panic, as my brother confirmed that he wasn't prepared to run 40 miles with me, Sara wasn't ready to run the last 25 with me, and I wasn't feeling good enough to think that I could do it on my own. Then, Sara told us that she found someone to pace me...so I would have a random stranger running through the middle of the night with me.<br />
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After many hours, and a few cups of soup, Carleton and I finally rolled into Outward Bound (mile 75.5). The small amount of energy that I was taking in (in the form of soup) was giving me enough energy to maintain forward progress - and finally reaching Outward Bound, I was starting to believe I could possibly finish the race after all. With this glimmer of hope, I turned to meet Chad, my blind date pacer (or, as Leadville affectionately calls it, he was my <em>angel pacer</em>).<br />
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Chad and I left towards the power line climb - as I asked him to hold a my cup of soup while I put on a long sleeve shirt, he answered with 'yes ma'am'. Chad is ex-military...but I hoped that we would break the ice soon and drop the informalities. (And, funny side note, my cup of soup from that aid station was interesting...as I was eating it, I thought 'this is some mighty thick potato leek soup' and it had an odd texture to it. When I finally asked, Chad told me that he asked the aid station volunteers for potatoes <em>or</em> soup, so the volunteers put soup <em>in</em> the potatoes. So, I had a cup of mashed potatoes with soup to thin it out a bit, and with random noodles to add texture...whatever, it was actually pretty tasty!) Anyway, Chad and I chatted and got to know each other as I did my best to power up the power line. While I wasn't moving well, at least I was passing folks.<br />
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At the top of the climb, I looked up to see nakedness - a naked ass to be precise. As the stumbling naked guy heard us, he drunkenly turned around and I saw his entire naked front. I looked at Chad, to be sure that I wasn't imagining this...I was out of it, but was I really seeing a drunk, naked guy? Oh, and was he really wearing a storm trouper helmet? Chad and I laughed - and he immediately dropped the formalities after that incident. <br />
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Turns out that the drunk naked storm trouper was part of an impromptu aid station/keg party set up at the top of the power line cut. The sign across the trail read 'The Best Fucking Aid Station', and in that moment I believed it! There were glow sticks, inflatable aliens, and a group of drunk and/or stoned folks with a table of yummy ultra treats. I asked for beer - they tried to talk me into a keg stand, but I had a cup of beer and some snacks.<br />
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Leaving that impromptu aid station, I enjoyed the gradual downhill to the Colorado Trail, remembering how I had been looking forward to this cruise all day. We could hear the sounds of the May Queen aid station drifting through the woods as we turned onto the Colorado Trail; Chad and I enjoyed the single track and technical trails, buoyed by the cheers. I wasn't moving well, but after my struggles it felt like I was downright flying - could be that I had great company, could be that I was passing runner after runner (and with their pacers, it felt like I was passing an even greater number of runners!), and it could be that I was getting closer to the finish line.<br />
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At May Queen (mile 86.5), I was all business as I got what I needed and was eager to continue on and 'finish the fucker' (yes, I had officially reached 'finish the fucker' mode by this point). I looked to Carleton and Sara to see if one of them would be running me in, but they both looked relieved when I relayed that Chad and I were having a blast so he would be great to continue with. We left the aid station with a promise that I would see them in a few miles at the boat dock.<br />
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The run around Turquois Lake was nice - I was drawing as much energy from my limited intake of soup as I could, and Chad and I continued to pass folks. Honestly, it almost felt like when I have run one of those team relay races (like Reach the Beach or Hood to Coast), where you are cruising past runner after runner, most of our conversation was 'excuse me, can I squeeze by you' to fellow runners - and how ironic that my return trip on Turquois Lake was more congested than it was 24 hour earlier!<br />
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We reached the Tabor Boat dock and found only one person, semi-conscious, sitting in a chair - my crew was nowhere in sight. I figured they must be at the next boat dock instead, and continued to focus on reaching that. No one was at the next boat dock, so I then figured they must have thought to meet me at the end of Turquois Lake - or else that I must have looked so bad at May Queen that they didn't want to give me an option to possibly drop...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfa5hK9q8ZRt1zLacmRehEFNE852IkXk7B0S-YmLLHZThNDrc81_zJXrDNr_5rhP027EfU0HZyQoqbHY71ZiaTGqMumOhgRV0cH9305-C4sNNiLzBkbUZPPs50-VXpxUCo_17l3MW8fGBK/s1600/bazu-6820863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfa5hK9q8ZRt1zLacmRehEFNE852IkXk7B0S-YmLLHZThNDrc81_zJXrDNr_5rhP027EfU0HZyQoqbHY71ZiaTGqMumOhgRV0cH9305-C4sNNiLzBkbUZPPs50-VXpxUCo_17l3MW8fGBK/s320/bazu-6820863.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Running the final miles)</span></div>
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Either way, I never saw my crew as Chad and I reached the end of Turquois Lake and started the last road section back to the finish. I was so tired, but excited that I was only 6 miles from the finish line. I kept looking up and spotting folks, then focusing on trying to catch them. Chad kept my energy up by giving a Ric Flair 'wooh!' to anyone we passed. As I tired further and wasn't keeping up my end of the conversation, he started to tell jokes to keep me going.<br />
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I almost cried when I recognized the outskirts of Leadville, and knew we had less than a mile to go. I was exhausted, running on fumes again, and wanted to finish and sleep. We cruised down the last stretch, slapping hands with anyone I saw out there, using their energy to get me to the line. A large group of folks actually created a tunnel with their arms, which I ran through. When I could finally read the finish clock, it read '26:59:40', so I kicked hard to try to get under 27-hour (I know, it was completely arbitrary at this point), and watched as the clock ticked off '56, 57, 58, 59, 00' and let out a grunt as I was still a few seconds out from the finish. It wasn't until I crossed the line that I learned that I misread the clock and finished in 26:57:05...I must have looked like an idiot as I did my best to sprint towards the line (after 99.9 miles), and that the 12-minute mile pace I was doing wasn't that impressive looking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCQQG9ziqYBwGNa-qe5kV7zQWNvbMK4s7lZjM74FrR-s1OMAqBotNnBtgyYSQL-5YwCq1whhF6ymuaIRGJF1rl2gL01oQIUO5STp2n50ShPBE7X6hzDaJ0iGRh91I-Id1fH-8t_WJnXc7/s1600/IMAG1392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCQQG9ziqYBwGNa-qe5kV7zQWNvbMK4s7lZjM74FrR-s1OMAqBotNnBtgyYSQL-5YwCq1whhF6ymuaIRGJF1rl2gL01oQIUO5STp2n50ShPBE7X6hzDaJ0iGRh91I-Id1fH-8t_WJnXc7/s320/IMAG1392.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(With my angel pacer, Chad, who got me to the finish line!)</span></div>
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Anyway, I finished! Chad and I celebrated, Abby Long (the registrar for Leadville 100, who I had gotten to know through my VT100 work) was there immediately to give me a hug. I wanted to hug Brian, and Sara, and Carleton, but they were no where to be seen. I slowly made my way to the medical tent, trying to figure out where they were. Eventually, I found a co-worker of my brother who called him...turns out they slept through my passing through the Boat Ramp, but then sat there for hours waiting for me. By the time they finally made it to the finish line to congratulate me, the joy of finishing had worn off and I just wanted to eat, shower, and sleep.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Brian, Carleton, me, Sara, and Chad - the whole crew after the finish)</span></div>
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In hindsight, it's hard to wrap my head around my race at Leadville. I am incredibly proud that I still finished - my body clearly wasn't acclimated to the elevation and I struggled the entire way. But, I'm disappointed with how poorly the race went - I wanted to do well and had trained hard for the race, and none of that hard work mattered on race day. The course itself was beautiful - much more scenic that I had realized prior to running. The Lifetime Fitness crew put on an outstanding event, especially having RDed VT100 this year, I am aware of how much work goes into organizing a race like this and they did well. I am grateful for the support that Carleton and Sara gave me - they didn't give up on me even when I had...and they put up with my grumpy and slow self for numerous hours throughout the 27-hour ordeal. Lastly, I couldn't have done it without my angel pacer Chad, who I am so honored to have shared 25 miles with.</div>
Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033905932197413914.post-68364575806370089892015-06-02T06:27:00.000-07:002015-07-29T06:28:45.451-07:002015 World Trail Running Championships - Before the raceIt's hard to put into words the experience of representing the USA at the 2015 World Trail Running Championships. Luckily, folks took enough pictures that can help tell the tale...<br />
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Arriving in beautiful Annecy, France - we could see Lake Annecy from our hotel, as well as the surrounding mountains that we would be running through in a few days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNthsA6RadrGizdQO0cBlYM3-x7jsOAm6DiP3PLWgGO2d-qHgjA3gMHQXOSQ16M8_p-LCloOd3KCNONSqC8w7tkmngffQBC01QAn9wpKqD5CLJUdnY2Row-5XMBHHfukzMSY0kQ6Kx9de1/s1600/CGBzHntW0AA8oQk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNthsA6RadrGizdQO0cBlYM3-x7jsOAm6DiP3PLWgGO2d-qHgjA3gMHQXOSQ16M8_p-LCloOd3KCNONSqC8w7tkmngffQBC01QAn9wpKqD5CLJUdnY2Row-5XMBHHfukzMSY0kQ6Kx9de1/s320/CGBzHntW0AA8oQk.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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We laid low leading up to the race - but checked out a bit of the course. This is the view from the top of the first climb.</div>
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Of course, we needed to give a huge THANKS to Trail Butter, who helped us fundraise for our tickets to France! (Some of our team, with a few jars of Trail Butter.)</div>
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You have to laugh at the translations of some of product names - 'Crazy Craq' is actually Cheese Doodles to us. Casey was ready to fuel her run with Crazy Craq!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8N7pLwEHcS45bT4yrVq8RI-xMLK_xBqy9sH1nCTbBkAY1-9hfWC01_UMmToXmmrFx9hnEsa1-pJjNMOUsXSIc1ztA1Gd7h4GJr3YTmKLGMbo5BynO6Ua1zmnhQ-84Vga8oMfrUIWZjJDR/s1600/IMG_20150528_170904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8N7pLwEHcS45bT4yrVq8RI-xMLK_xBqy9sH1nCTbBkAY1-9hfWC01_UMmToXmmrFx9hnEsa1-pJjNMOUsXSIc1ztA1Gd7h4GJr3YTmKLGMbo5BynO6Ua1zmnhQ-84Vga8oMfrUIWZjJDR/s320/IMG_20150528_170904.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Of course, some folks on our team got interviewed by news outlets. Here, Alex Nichols is being interviewed for irunfar.com.<br />
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There was also a pre-race press conference, where Krissy Moehl and Alex Varner were chosen to participate.</div>
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The opening ceremonies were neat - it opened with a several folks parachuting circles in the sky as smoke streaked behind them. </div>
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We got a group shot with the World Championship mascot - but were all a bit unclear what type of animal it was...</div>
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As in Wales, we were assigned a local kid to march us into the stadium for the opening ceremony.<br />
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Maud Gobert, the 2011 World Trail Champion, read the charter which she had written.<br />
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The team was ready to hit the trails!</div>
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The truth about how the Team USA women prepared for the race - painting our finger nails a sparkling blue. Looking down, this would shock me throughout the race the next day...I wasn't used to blue nails.</div>
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Amy Rusieckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01074316054010663999noreply@blogger.com0