So I did say I wasn't going to do any long distance running this spring after an exhausting year of training in 2014. As soon as I heard that Meghan(Maxfitgirl29) was running it, I began to reconsider. I decided to run it with her, but promised myself I wouldn't train hard with the 24-26 mile training runs and back to back long runs. So that's what I did. I got a couple 20 milers under my belt and stayed consistent with 40-50 miles a week the entire winter. I felt great until I got sick with the stomach bug just 3 days before the race. I woke up in the middle of the night and it was just coming out of both ends(sorry tmi)
I couldn't keep water down and it didn't take long before I got so dehydrated I almost blacked out. I got muscle cramps and couldn't even open my hands. My husband took awesome care of me that night. I probably should've gone to the ER for some IV fluid replacement but I eventually started keeping Gatorade down and rested the entire day. It lasted about 24 hours, but I had zero appetite after the bug wore off and was forcing myself to eat and fuel up before the ultra. I ran a 3 mile shake out run and felt pretty decent so I decided to go through with the 31 mile run on Saturday. Unfortunately, Meghan got the same thing I had and couldn't run. Thankfully, I had Brenda running with me so I had some good company.
The morning of the ultra I drove myself out to the north side of lakeshore drive in Chicago where the race started. My stomach was just feeling weird. It was gurgling around and I was texting my husband worried about not being 100% for the race(I forced him to go to work that day, I'd feel too guilty having him wait around for me)
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Love reppin my Oiselle singlet at events
I met up with Brenda and we were off at 8:30am to begin our journey of 31 miles. We kept it slow and steady between 9-10 min/mile pace. The only goals I had were to finish my second ultra and get back to running asap after. It was a 5 mile out and back course. The first 5 miles were amazing with the wind to our backs. But feeling that wind pushing us and watching the sand blow across the path we knew we were in for a hell of a headwind on the 5 miles back. Sure enough, it was what we anticipated. The headwind was pretty brutal, almost breath taking. I kept my head down and just pressed on. My stomach seemed to be holding up ok until I took in my first gel. It was nothing new, the same GU Roctanes I always take, but my stomach didn't take a liking to it and starting having issues with cramping and bloating. I stayed away from my gels the rest of the race and really could only stomach a couple handfuls of peanut M&M's and water.
About half way through, my right hip got tight which was pretty irritating since it seems my legs like to play tricks on me during long distance races. My stomach eased up a bit close to the 20 mile mark, but my energy plummeted with the lack of fuel I had. So either way I was screwed. Take in fuel the right way and suffer stomach cramps, or don't do it and suffer muscle cramps. I'm used to running on tired legs thanks to my summer training last year, so I chose the muscle cramps.
Brenda was doing awesome and I felt bad for holding her back. With only 2.5 miles left, I stopped at the last water table to drink and insisted she go ahead of me and finish strong, which is what she did. I took off a couple minutes after her and the last couple miles were a lot of just trying to shut my brain off and get to the finish line. I was running on fumes and had nothing left. I managed to get to the finish line and re-unite with Brenda and her husband. I was so happy it was done and I felt proud of pushing through despite all the setbacks I had. Ultra #2 was done and I am already thinking about doing it again in the fall. So proud of Brenda for becoming an ultra runner and incredibly grateful I had her company. My official finish time was 5:33:01, 7th place in my age group and 86th place overall out of 185 runners.
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Ultra marathons are probably my most favorite thing to run. They're laid back, fun, and it's absolutely mind blowing to see what your body can do. It's about enjoying the scenery, friends, and doing the impossible. No doubt they hurt like hell, but when it's over I feel so strong. I want to thank everyone who texted me or supported me especially through my Instagram account. Now I begin my Erie Marathon journey and after a long winter of easy running without my Garmin watch, I'm ready physically and mentally to train hard and get strong!
