Hennepin Hundred: Ultra Virgin No More. . .

In October 2018, I experienced my first opportunity to run a 100 mile race which was a goal I set about a year prior: It had been in the back of my mind for awhile at least since years prior when I read Ultramarathon Man By Dean Karnazes and Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.  My ultramarathon friend, Charles also played a part in encouraging and influencing me to this goal. This was going to be one of the best moments of my life and I had worked hard to get here after a long preparation, more about that in another blog.

We arrived at the Hennepin Hundred packet pick-up in Colona, Illinois on Friday evening.  When we first got out of our Jeep we met Scott, a runner from Michigan who was also running the 100 miler.  We chatted about our race plans which helped to make me feel better as it was apparent he was also having some anxiety about our big task ahead. Feeling a little anxious, me and my crew (My husband, Derek, son, Riley and friend, Jenny) walked in for packet pick up.  From the start of this experience to the finish I met so many amazing people. It was nice to share some comradery with others who were maybe just as crazy and obsessed with running as me. Could it be a whole room of runners just like me? Did I actually find a crowd that I fit in with? I picked up all my race bling and then it was time to listen to the presenters.  We sat by a couple of male runners, who were either trying to scare me to death or really trying to help me by giving me last minute wisdom before my long excursion whichever it was they had me a little rattled. Before the presentation, they offered pre-race photos. I think this was so they had at least one last momento of us in case we didn’t make it back alive. Then the moment I had been waiting for Ann Trason, ultrarunning legend presented: This was one of the reasons I selected this particular 100 mile race. Ann has 14 Western States wins, 20 world records, and was featured in Born To Run.  Scott Kummer from Ten Junk Miles Podcast also added some comic relief for the night.  I couldn’t wait to arrive at his aid station with the disco ball(more on this later).  Michele Hartwig, well known Hennepin Race Director shared all the safety information and course updates.  The finish was being re-routed due to flooding on the Mississippi River. I tried to ignore that perhaps the flooding was a sign, I shouldn’t be running a 100 mile race!  We received an email stating, “The Mississippi River is at FLOOD ZONE, and our 100 mile/50k finish line is in a FLASH FLOOD warning. For that reason the safety folks in Henry County are helping us to change our finish line location to keep everyone safe.”

Race morning: I was out of my mind with excitement.   The weather was perfect on race morning, better than had been forecasted as rain was predicted.  The temperature was around 40 degrees at race start. We parked and walked to the starting line: really we had to walk a ½ mile? and then run 100 more.  I stepped up to the starting line, while my crew supported me with pictures and words of encouragement. Standing on the line, I told myself it is just 100 -1 mile repeats, I’ve got this.  I had the security of knowing I had the best pit crew ever to support me. I knew they would take care of my every need; even ones I hadn’t even considered. Derek has led and crewed me through countless races, training runs and life.  He knows how to support me, when to push me and is my number one fan; honestly I wouldn’t have the confidence to even attempt a run this far without his support. Riley is my son and great friend, he has the best personality with a sense of humor, unbelievable positive energy, and very caring.  I have been supporting his passion for running for years and now it was his turn to be able to support me and give back. Jenny is one of my best friend’s, we met about a year ago in our running club, even though we’ve only known each other a short time it seems like we have been lifelong friends.  I knew she would be able to give me tough love when I needed it and she had been a training partner with me. I had seen this start line numerous times as I had watched clips on Youtube to prepare myself and played over and over in my mind as I had prepared myself for this day. I was dressed for the current weather and had gear packed for just in case because there was a possibility of rain that day and cooler temperatures for the evening.  I was geared up in my Adidas compression shorts, Brooks sports bra, Nike tank, Garmin 935, Smartwool socks, AfterShokz Trekz wireless headphones, and Nathan vest with a slathering of Squirrel Nut Butter over every possible piece of skin and my clothing to prevent chafing.

It was go-time! I started off at a controlled pace, reminding myself I needed to hold back and keep my goal pace which at this point was sub 9:30 mile pace. In the back of my mind I had five lofty goals: one to finish, this was my first 100 miler; a year previous I ran 68 miles at Bad Apple 12 hour Ultra, but I’ll tell that story another time, second was to finish under 30 hours to get that coveted belt buckle, every ultrarunners dream, third was to finish under 24 hours because the buckle is even BIGGER, fourth sub 20 hours which was the sticky note hanging on my mirror that I stared at daily as a reminder, and my final goal which was a bit out of reach and high, but I couldn’t help but also dream of the course record 16 hours 40 minutes.  

The start was easy and the pace seemed just right as I started chatting with runners around me and realizing this was going to be one of the best days of my life.  I was prepared to support myself as needed, but also ran with ease knowing my crew had my back. Tucked into my vest pocket, was a well developed course map with aid stations along with mileage and time goals for each aid station.  I knew that I had to make the first 50 miles solo then the final half would be split among my crew: Derek, Riley, Jenny and maybe my friend, Teddy who was coaching a cross country meet and was up in the air if he would make it. Along with my crew, I had the pride of knowing that I had a whole team of friends and family supporting me on the sidelines back home through texts and updates on Facebook.  I ran through the first couple aid stations feeling strong while I was sipping my Tailwind and keeping a steady flow like an IV. I met, Aaron, an athletic trainer from Chicago who was also running the 100 near the beginning of the race and we ran a few miles together. Aaron shared that he had plans to run the Chicago Marathon the very next morning and had a big line up the next couple of weeks with hundreds and marathon pacing.  I ran along and conversed with a few others then I got past the 10 mile mark, I noticed a couple of ladies walking ahead. As I got closer, I realized it was Ann Trason and her pacer. I was so excited. I shouted out and asked if I could get a quick selfie with her. She obliged and told me I looked strong: I ran on feeling inspired and ready to tackle whatever may lay ahead of me on my hundred mile journey. Later after the race, Ann friended me on Facebook and I am able to track her journey as she works toward her goal of completing an ultramarathon walking in every state.  At this point,I told myself okay now I only have 9 -10 mile repeats left.

I saw my crew and stopped at the third aid station to use the restroom, refresh my Tailwind supply and I was off.  I ran by a  runner, Daniel who was a teacher from Chicago, he asked how he had gotten ahead of me (I had stopped at the aid station) and shared that I was his target the entire time and was trying to catch up with me.  We ran together for a while and I gave him some nutrition advice encouraging him to be sure to stay hydrated and get his nutrition from the Tailwind being provided at all of the aid stations. I remember him telling me I was many levels above him.  I shared the difference in buckle size with him if he finished under 30 hours or under 24 hours. He was inspired to finish sub 24 hours! After the race, he followed me on instagram and posted a comment, “ I told you, you were a million levels ahead of me”.  Postrace looked up his finish time and was so happy to see that bit of inspiration I offered hopefully paid off as he finished under the 24 hour mark.

I ran on through a few more aid stations and met some runners along the way to share some stories with. This made the miles seem to fly by.  The trail was mostly paved with some crushed stone. We ran along the Hennepin Canal the whole way, prior to the race Derek and Riley calculated if they could crew me by kayaking the canal the entire 100 miles, well it was decided I would have beat them so on to plan B, they would meet me at the aid stations they were allowed to although kayaking along would have probably been more fun.  I caught my crew again at aid stations 7-9. When I arrived at nine, which I was about 43 miles in, I was feeling an unbelievable runner’s high. I remember running up to my crew shouting, “Coming in Hot!” My crew cracked up because little did I know this happened to be the aid station, titled MILF and ended up being a fitting phrase. My crew was prepared with all my needs: they provided leg massages, fruit, Coke, refreshed my Tailwind, Tylenol, crackers, cheese, meat, anything I needed.  I was excited to get some hot bacon and keep running.

I felt like I had been running some time, wasn’t sure if I was still on the right course because it seemed like hours since I had seen anyone, and was getting a little mentally beat down when I came to a bridge and I knew when I saw the glittery disco ball that I was at Ten Junk Miles “No Drop” aid station ( at the pre-race meeting Scott Kumer emphasized that he had the no drop station and that meant no one could drop at his station. He told that if asked he would send runners to the previous station to drop or the next one).  I jumped up to the ball and ran over to my crew. I sought out Scott Kummer to beckon him to let me drop. He immediately said yes and yelled to the race director, “Michele we have a drop”. He then said to me I only said yes because I knew you were messing with me. I was off again and heading for the 50 mile mark. I knew after I hit the 50 mile mark, I would have some company.

Jenny was my first pacer.  I was starting to feel some discomfort in my left hamstring ( I had been struggling with hamstring tightness towards the end of my training) so my 8 miles with Jenny was a bit tough. It was helpful that I was starting to see some people with an out and back turn around: This gave me some motivation.   When I hit the halfway mark It was exciting and a little overwhelming to think I needed to do it again. My splits from my first 25 miles to my second were nearly even. I was on pace to meet my goal of sub 20 hours and possibly near 18.

At the next aid station, my crew rubbed eucalyptus oil on my hamstring to give me some relief and I took some Tylenol( this would continue throughout the race to the place where at one point I was begging for more Tylenol.)  My crew had told me no, I was desperate so Derek used the phone a friend option and called my niece who is a nurse practitioner for advice. She gave instructions and approval for more Tylenol and became my savior at that point in the race.  I used the roller, restroom and was ready to run! This aid station was supported by Ornery Mule Racing which I met one of the volunteers the night before at packet pickup, Antonio who happened to be from Michigan.  

Derek joined me on this leg and I was pushing him every step. About a ½ mile in, I was having some difficulty moving my leg so I laid along the trail while Derek stretched and massaged my hamstring. This gave me some relief and next thing he knew he was struggling to keep up. He ran 3 miles at my side.  The plan pace was 9:30 and we hit 7:30 pace. At the next aid station, he grabbed me a piece of bacon and I was off with Riley by my side.

Riley was wearing his University of Michigan singlet and runners were cheering “Go Blue.”  We were meeting runners on the out and back and I was coming to the realization I was in first place for females.    Prior to this it was difficult to determine place as there were a few races going on: 100 mile, 50 mile and a relay. Runners were cheering and encouraging me on with chants, claps and bows.   I saw some of the runners that I had met at packet pick up which was both fun and exciting to see someone I recognized. I came back through the Ten Junk Miles aid station, this time they had music playing, a pig roasted and ready.  I joined my crew while they lathered my legs with eucalyptus and we sang “Don’t Stop Believing”. Aid station workers were attentive to runner’s needs, one worker came and listed off all the choices: I requested some warm vegetable broth.  This was the perfect decision at this time in the race as it gave me a pick me up.

Jenny took the next leg which was a monumental moment for me as I passed my personal record distance of 68 miles.  We celebrated and ran on. At about 70 miles, I crossed a road and ran down an incline, I noticed a sharp, burning pain on the inside of my right leg near by knee.  I stopped and told Jenny. My leg was burning and I wondered it if was okay, but I decided to move on. It was getting near dark and we realized we didn’t have our headlamps, we picked up the pace to the next aid station.

Riley joined me for the next leg.  We positioned our headlamps and took off down the trail.  My phone had died and I no longer had music so he quickly pulled out his music and we sang together on the trail. We listened to an eclectic range of music from old country, rock to rap anything to keep my mind off the pain.  Looking back at my most played songs during the run was “Hotel Key” by Old Dominon and “Magic in the Hamptons” by Social House. We were mostly alone at this point. Darkness had set in and I was pushing into mile 80. I was getting tired and sore. This is when I hit my darkest moment on the trail, I started to cry and Riley asked if I needed a hug and that I did. We stood hugging in the dark on that lonely trail with less than 20 miles to go which seemed like forever.  I started moving again and went between jog and walking as my left hamstring, my right inside of my knee and right IT Band were aching. I was pushing my body and mind further than I ever had. The night was dark, damp and starting to get chilly. I would get cold after stops and need to add extra gear, but once I got going, I would shed  my running sleeves and gloves. The aid stops got longer, harder to get moving. Aid stations had a smorgasbord of foods from Tailwind, pancakes, bacon, pickles to cookies, Coke and s’mores.  Volunteers were very friendly and accommodating throughout the entire course. I begged for Riley to stay with me through the next aid station which turned out to be two stations since there was no crews allowed at the next one.

Late in the night, Riley and I came to a station where we had to wake the volunteer, but they were ready and willing to support. Looking back my nutrition and hydration were starting to falter at this point, but I was too fatigued and maybe a little delirious to know.  I was still leading for women when I got to aid station 18. I was hurting and tired: Didn’t think I could go on running. I used the porta-potty slowly, fueled up, rolled, and stretched. My friend, Teddy was there to help me for the next section. He was excited and ready after his 6 hour long drive to come to support me.  I was just coming out of the porta-potty when Teddy yelled top female just went by, she was flying and looked strong. I told him it was okay because I was done. I apologized and let him know that I would be walking the rest of the way. It was dark, cold and rainy and my legs were desperately hurting. I had made it this far and I knew I could finish, but I wasn’t sure it would be running.  We started walking together in the rain and quite some time had passed, Teddy was patient and listened then he started telling me stories of his cross country meet. I remember him starting to mimic a jog a little and saying can you do this and some how some way I started jogging again. The next aid station was 6 miles away which in the darkness it seemed like an eternity away. I kept pushing along and then we started to see runners. I was picking up the pace while Teddy whispered encouragement and used hand signals to motivate me.  We came across a couple ladies that were walking and at first I thought we caught the top lady, but it wasn’t. That took the wind out of my sails a bit, but we kept pushing onward. We started seeing more headlamps and I kept picking up pace now what was 10 minute pace perceived effort( most of my miles prior to mile 80 was under 9:30 pace) was more like 6 minute pace. I was trying not to think about pace and thinking the phrase relentless forward progress (a book I also read prior to my race). I’ve got this. I have made it this far.  I set a new PR and with each step I take another PR I set. I can do this. We came across a couple more ladies and I asked which race they were in. They said they were just out walking the trail. Teddy and I didn’t believe they were just walking the trail this late at night or early in the morning (I really had lost all track of time. I was more focusing on my finish time than the actual time), we ran on past. After we got a ways ahead, I needed a walk break. Teddy had me shut off my headlamp which he kept moving to make it appear that I was still running. He didn’t want the ladies to see they had the advantage on me. I started running again and just hoping I would see a light in the distance that would be the next aid station. Finally we saw lights and I was so excited, we had almost made it six miles, but as we neared it was apparent that it wasn’t an aid station, instead my pit crew.  Derek came because he thought it was time to pull me from the race. The last time he saw me he heard me say I was walking the rest of the race: He calculated my ending time and decided it was time to pull the plug only to his surprise when he saw me I was running. I kept running and catching more runners in the last 13 miles I passed at least 7 runners. At the final aid station, I told Teddy I am not stopping I need to run through or I won’t be able to get going, he called ahead and let the crew know. Derek ran up in the steady rain with a hot grilled cheese sandwich. I took the sandwich, but wasn’t able to eat it. Finally there was the lead female runner, Teddy motioned and whispered, Teddy moved to my right so he could conceal me in the darkness. I passed her and then she realized what happened. She surged back up to me and we ran side by side which seemed like forever. Teddy was silently encouraging me and trying to give me strength.  Finally she went and I didn’t have anymore. I was three miles from the finish line. Could I make it? Could I finish this race? Then she disappeared out of sight. Was she that far ahead or did she turn off her light? I pushed on. Teddy told me the choice was mine to catch her or not. I had made the decision ten miles back to walk and now I was running: I caught back up to her and passed her, I was done. My tank was empty, but I realized that I was still going to make my goal of sub 20 hours which gave me hope and energy.

I finished feeling as strong as I could after running my first 100 miler.  Derek, Teddy and Riley ran me in while Jenny stood near the finish line cheering me on.  My finish time was 19 hours 34 minutes. I did it: I was strong and finished my first 100 mile race.   It was an amazing feat. I was second place female by less than 5 minutes and ninth overall. I received a beautiful trophy, uniquely designed belt buckle, a beautiful finishers flannel and an awesome Ultra Virgin No More shirt (which I wear with pride). Most importantly I achieved my goal and  I met many amazing people along the way that have friended me on Facebook, we keep in touch and support each other. This just solidifies to me what an amazing community the ultra running community is. Runners are unbelievably supportive out on the course: we are all running together from the elites to the first time ultra virgins, the only noticeable difference is pace. Could I have done it faster?  What could I have done differently?  These are the questions, that have lingered and still do until I finish my next 100 miler.  What adjustments will I make? I will find the answer out soon enough: I am signed up to run Tunnel Hill 2019.  My first 100 mile race and I made it in the Top 100 – Mile Women for 2018 in the Ultrarunning Magazine, February 2019.  Can I move up to top 20 in 2019?  Only time will tell. . .