There was a 38 mile group run, with temps hovering near zero degrees, to raise awareness for NEDA...
There was a snowshoe race in subzero temperatures in Traverse City, Michigan after that...
There was the epic overnight trip to Colorado where I tried, and failed, to summit a 14er in horrific conditions...
And there was the Tomoka Marathon, a road marathon, in Florida.
After the pain of pounding the roads for 26.2 miles subsided, I set my eyes on April. Finally, we were coming out of the winter nonsense. Evening runs were filled with sunsets peeking through tall trees, and I no longer had to wear two layers of pants to survive a run.
Then, just like that Pinckney Trail Weekend was here.
Last year, I ran the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday in this series. Even though I had just about killed myself in the half marathon and had to run the full marathon on trashed legs, I remember being just a little bit jealous of those runners who were going the full 50k distance. So, of course, this year I went back to do just that: Saturday, half marathon and Sunday, 50k.
Although it had rained every day in the week leading up to the race, Saturday morning was nothing but blue skies.
Now, don't let that sunshine fool you-it was CHILLY. I sat in my car as long as I could and headed to the start line with just five minutes to go.
After a few last minute reminders about the course, we started in waves. For some reason, I thought it would be a good idea to be in the first wave. Oops. I played it smarter this year and didn't get caught up in the crowd. After just a tenth of a mile, my friend, Steve, passed me saying, "I couldn't stay behind you FOREVER!" I laughed and wished him happy trails.
The trails were in pretty good shape, despite all the rain we had had, and I happily cruised with a long line of people. At one point I could hear a guy HEAVILY breathing down my neck. Just when I was thoroughly annoyed by him, he tripped and fell and the guy behind him helped him up. After that, he learned to not follow another runner so closely and kept his distance!
I wasn't here to break any speed records today, so I took my time and enjoyed the 13.1 mile loop, knowing I'd be running it two more times the next day. Over bridges and up rooty climbs I went, and every three miles or so, there was an aid station. Of course I was sure to grab my token orange picture and then carried on.
One of the things I love that races are moving towards in the last year or two is that they're going "cupless". This means the aid stations aren't lined with a zillion paper cups that you take a sip out of then hurl towards the trash can or leave along the side of the trail (if you're a jerk.) You're required to bring your own drinking vessel. I picked up a little foldable cup last year, and I've carried it with me in quite a few races now. It can be stashed anywhere, and because it's bendy, I spill far less liquid down the front of me when I'm drinking on the run!
Because this race was a one-loop half marathon, there were all sorts of people out there. Fast, slow, road runners and trail runners. I followed some sort of red, white and blue viking wearing a tutu for some time, and then followed a woman completely covered and running with a bag over her shoulder. Whatever floats your boat, I guess!
Also, because of the one-loop course, runners didn't have a lot of opportunity to spread out. I would just like to go on record here and say there are a number of things I DON'T want to smell while I'm running trails. These would include, but are not limited to, bad breath, farts, body odor, burps, vomit, strong perfume and dirty hair. Seriously, people. GET IT TOGETHER.
Aside from the stink out there, I managed to quite enjoy myself. The bridges and glistening water and rooty trails and narrow paths were so welcomed after slipping and sliding on back roads all winter.
Soon enough, I saw the sign. Just one tenth of a mile to go!
Over one last bridge and up a big climb along the lake and I was across the finish line! I managed to grab a picture with Steve and Christine, two awesome runners I know, and then it was time to head home and get my head (and body) ready for the next day's 50k.
Sunday morning came waaaaaaay too soon, but I awoke to see my coffee cup had been decked out by my husband while I was sleeping.Good luck for me!
This day was once again filled with sunshine and it was just what I had been needing. I headed to the start area to meet up with some fellow Michigan Runners and was surprised to see my friend, Tim, had come to join in on the fun!
This race had a different feel to it than the half marathon. Everyone here today was either running the full marathon or the 50k. Facing 4-8 hours on the trails meant you had to be ready for anything! I opted out of starting with the first wave of runners and joined the second group instead. I was using this 50k to gauge my training so far this year, and just wanted to get some quality miles under my belt. Unlike Saturday, today the runners spaced out quite quickly and it was easier to enjoy the trails and not have to think about passing or being passed by many runners.
As I came into the aid station around Mile 7, there was Tim! After grabbing a few snacks, refilling our water, and taking yet another orange picture, we joined forces and headed down the trail together.
Tim had just run a trail marathon the day before, which made his marathon goal today even more impressive! The miles ticked by as we talked about running and racing and parenting, and after we passed a hanging pink flamingo, we were at another aid station.
We grabbed a few quick snacks and headed for the end of Loop 1. This part of the course is super hilly, but it's very beautiful and peaceful, and I always take my time and enjoy it.
Then, it was over that bridge, up the grassy hill, and to the end of Loop 1! There to greet us were Lisa and Teresa, two more Michigan Runners. They had run the half marathon yesterday and are also completely badass for camping nearby the entire weekend! They were volunteering at the start/finish aid station, and it sure was nice to see their smiling faces!
While I waited for Tim, I had a couple of pb&j squares his wife had made and we headed out for the second loop. He had decided he was going to hang with me for the rest of his miles, and we alternated between telling stories and just enjoying the trails. The sun was glorious, the trails were picturesque and man, it was hard to imagine a better place to be.
We came into an aid station where Tim grabbed an ice cold beer and we were greeted by a purple mermaid lounging in the sun. There's a first time for everything!
Tim was feeling good and he decided that after he had finished his 26.2 that he would do the five "bonus" miles with me and go the full 50k distance. (Yes, he's a little nutty.) We stopped at the aid station to see Lisa and Teresa again, and asked how our other friends out on the course were doing. Some were ahead of us and some were behind us, and we hoped to meet up with everyone after the race.
And then, it was time to follow those 50k signs for a loop around Crooked Lake.
I had not run this part of the course before and although it was nice to be on new trails, they were TOUGH. The first couple of miles had tons of climbing and it was a nearly silent ascent on the plastic that covered the trail.
Despite the climb, the loop was beautiful. The trail had seemed to blossom with life in the hours since we had started running that day.
And then, just like that, the loop was nearing its end. It hardly felt like five miles, but there we were, crossing that final bridge and heading for the finish.
It was done. 44 miles of glorious trails in two days. 44 miles running with friends and cheering on strangers. It was a good day.
This year, instead of a standard running shirt, all runners received a beanie. I love this, and will get a ton of use out of it when winter graces us with her presence once again later this year. Also, if you finish the "No Wimps Challenge" (the half and 50k) you receive not only a medal for each race, but a third medal for completing both in the same weekend. That's a pretty sweet deal for two days of running!
More and more people I know are dipping their toes into the world of ultra running. I've said it before but there is just something different about joining a couple hundred other runners on the trails in the woods and running for the better part of a day. We've all got our own goals and our own motivations, but out there, we are a family.
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