The January group run will be on Saturday Jan 12th and we'll meet up at the Greenbush group camp parking lot (this is the lot with the large ski shelter) at 11am. The original plan was to run the 9.3 miles of snowshoe trails but the trails continue to get pounded with snow. Plan on running 7-9 miles but as for the course we'll probably decide that day. IAT, snowshoe trails, snowmobile trails or roads whatever it takes we'll get a run in! Hope you can join us.
Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
We're In!
The 2013 Ice Age Trail Races sold out in less than 2 days, but several GTR's made it in:
Nic, Matt, and Dan are running the 50 miler, and Tony is taking on the Half Marathon. Anyone else I missed?
Now, time to start training...I don't think I've been this nervous about signing up for an event in 5 years! Here we go...146 days and counting!
Nic, Matt, and Dan are running the 50 miler, and Tony is taking on the Half Marathon. Anyone else I missed?
Now, time to start training...I don't think I've been this nervous about signing up for an event in 5 years! Here we go...146 days and counting!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Random Run Stuff
The Fox Run Run was a success! We had a good time on a pretty tough course, and there were even requests to run it again. Those requests will be obliged!
Here is a list of Trail Races in Wisconsin in 2013. From distances of 2 miles to 100 miles, you can find what you're looking for:
http://runningintheusa.com/Race/List.aspx?Rank=All&Special=trail&State=WI&Page=1
The Ice Age Races are great events, especially if you're just starting to get your shoes dirty in trail running. I highly recommend the half marathon. Just be sure to get registered--Registration opens on December 15th, and last year all races sold out in 10 days!
As for me, I'm looking at the Ice Age 50k (or 50 Mile?) in May and the Glacial Trail 50k (or 50 mile?) in October...along with more Greenbush Trail Runners Group Runs, of course! Keep an eye on the "Scheduled Events" tab for more information on those. The next run will be January 12th, and the next NK 50k will be April 6th--get it on your schedule now and join us for all or part of the run!
Finally, Dan has started a blog about his runs in the Northern Kettles. The first installment is a recap of his attempt to run the entire Northern Kettle Ice Age Trail, out and then back. Click here to find out how it went and what he learned...PART 1, and PART 2. Great Job, Dan!
Here is a list of Trail Races in Wisconsin in 2013. From distances of 2 miles to 100 miles, you can find what you're looking for:
http://runningintheusa.com/Race/List.aspx?Rank=All&Special=trail&State=WI&Page=1
The Ice Age Races are great events, especially if you're just starting to get your shoes dirty in trail running. I highly recommend the half marathon. Just be sure to get registered--Registration opens on December 15th, and last year all races sold out in 10 days!
As for me, I'm looking at the Ice Age 50k (or 50 Mile?) in May and the Glacial Trail 50k (or 50 mile?) in October...along with more Greenbush Trail Runners Group Runs, of course! Keep an eye on the "Scheduled Events" tab for more information on those. The next run will be January 12th, and the next NK 50k will be April 6th--get it on your schedule now and join us for all or part of the run!
Finally, Dan has started a blog about his runs in the Northern Kettles. The first installment is a recap of his attempt to run the entire Northern Kettle Ice Age Trail, out and then back. Click here to find out how it went and what he learned...PART 1, and PART 2. Great Job, Dan!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
The Fox Run Run
When: Saturday, December 8th, 10:30 AM
Where: N6392 Briar Trace, Plymouth
What: 6 mile trail run, followed by lunch and refreshments
Why: Nothing's better on a weekend than some Trails and Ales
A week from Saturday the Greenbush Trail Runners will be having another group run, and this one will start and finish at my house!
Because I live in the "Fox Run" subdivision, this race is going down as the Fox Run Run. It'll feature a bit of pavement in the first mile to warm everyone up, and then about 2 miles of Ice Age Trail. At that point, we'll be exploring some new single track (and I mean single track) trails with plenty of hills and views.
I'd say the first 2 miles are gentle. The next 2 miles are a bit more challenging, but at mile 4 you'll be rewarded with "an aid station with a view". The final 2 miles will make you earn your burger/brat/smore/refreshment that I'll be supplying after the run. I can guarantee you've never run on the last mile of trail...as I've had to rehab a very old trail quite a bit to make it into something that one could actually follow.
I'd love to get 10 people out there with me, so bring a friend! We'll be leaving my house (N6392 Briar Trace, Plymouth, WI) at 10:30 AM, rain, snow, or shine!
If you have any questions, let me know, and like I said...bring a friend! As always, Man's Best Friends are guests of honor.
- Nic
Where: N6392 Briar Trace, Plymouth
What: 6 mile trail run, followed by lunch and refreshments
Why: Nothing's better on a weekend than some Trails and Ales
A week from Saturday the Greenbush Trail Runners will be having another group run, and this one will start and finish at my house!
Because I live in the "Fox Run" subdivision, this race is going down as the Fox Run Run. It'll feature a bit of pavement in the first mile to warm everyone up, and then about 2 miles of Ice Age Trail. At that point, we'll be exploring some new single track (and I mean single track) trails with plenty of hills and views.
I'd say the first 2 miles are gentle. The next 2 miles are a bit more challenging, but at mile 4 you'll be rewarded with "an aid station with a view". The final 2 miles will make you earn your burger/brat/smore/refreshment that I'll be supplying after the run. I can guarantee you've never run on the last mile of trail...as I've had to rehab a very old trail quite a bit to make it into something that one could actually follow.
I'd love to get 10 people out there with me, so bring a friend! We'll be leaving my house (N6392 Briar Trace, Plymouth, WI) at 10:30 AM, rain, snow, or shine!
If you have any questions, let me know, and like I said...bring a friend! As always, Man's Best Friends are guests of honor.
- Nic
Monday, October 29, 2012
Upcoming GTR Runs
We have a couple group runs on the schedule:
November 10th, Parnell Tower
Come join us November 10th at 8am for a GTR group run at the Parnell Tower. It looks like we'll cover the 3.5 mile Parnell tower loop and another two miles of the IAT for a total of 5.5 miles before returning to the parking lot to pick up anyone wanting to start at 9am to run the loop again. Beer at the finish!
Start times/distances
- 8am for 5.5 miles or 9 miles
- 9am for the 3.5 miles
December 8th, Nic's "Home Run"
December 8 2012, Nic's "Home Run" - Come out for a nice 5 mile trail
run/hike from Nic's home, to a spot with a GREAT VIEW (you'll have to come out
to find out where it is!), and then some Beer and Brats and Burgers (and other stuff) when
we get home. Casual pace, and the run/hike takes place Rain, Snow, or Shine! Nic lives here, and the Run starts at 10:30 AM.
Hope to see you out there!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Glacial Trail (Mud) Run
The last race of my running season, the Glacial Trail 50k, started with a text message and ended with a voicemail. More on the voicemail later.
I was up early on Sunday to get in a good breakfast and some caffeine (I'd only had decaf for the last month to make sure I got a good jump in energy from the real stuff on race morning). I had asked my parents (my crew) to be at my house at 7 AM, so that we could go over the course map and some other details. At about 6:50 I was dressed, had eaten, had packed some clothes to change in to after the run--it was going to be a soaker--and had gotten my gels and bottles ready. Then came the text message. Tony was wishing me good luck.
I thanked him, wished him good luck on his trail 10k he was running, and then commented on how it was going to be a mess out on the course (we had received about 3 inches of rain in 24 hours by this point and were going to get 3 more before Sunday night).
Suddenly the message came through: "Shouldn't you be lining up at the start?"
OH CRAP...
I ran to the computer, got to www.badgerlandstriders.org page and quickly got to the Glacial Trail page, and sure enough...The 50k starts at 7 AM. NOT 8 AM.
My one-word text message back to Tony started with an F, was a four-letter word, and was all caps.
I manage to grab my cooler of bottles and gels and was in full on sprint to my truck. Halfway down my road I flashed my headlights to my parents to let them know the bad news. I managed to make the 10 minute drive in about 5 minutes, slamming a Gel and taking off a layer of clothes in the process. As I pulled in to the Greenbush Town Hall, I could see the back end of the 50k field turning a corner up the road. I literally parked, dropped my cooler to the ground, asked my mom (my parents made pretty good time too!) to go get my bib, and told my dad I'd see him at Highway 67. I didn't even manage to get a good snug fit on my shoes or wait for my bib, but I was off and running--HARD--to try and make up for about 5 minutes of time and to get in front of as many people as I could before the course picked up the single track trails that would make it tougher to pass on.
I didn't have a water bottle now for the first 7 miles. I only had one Gel in my pocket. Great planning!
About 4 miles in, I caught up to Todd E. from the LPTR gang and said hello. I explained that I'm an idiot and missed the start, and he said I was probably up to about 10th place now. Todd is just one of those guys that you look forward to spending time with. For as enthusiastic as he is, he's pretty even-keel too, and exactly what I needed at that point. 10th place...Not bad, I thought, but I wanted to be in the top 5. This was the goal race I was planning for all summer...and I missed the start! Ugh!
By Hwy 67 (first aid station, 7 miles in), I was thirsty despite the fact I was drenched. The continuous rain was taking its toll, and it was only going to get worse with more rain and more people making their way along the trail. At Hwy 67 I got a bottle of CarboPro from my dad and kept plugging along. The course from Hwy 67 to Butler Lake (second aid station, 13.3 miles) is much more runnable (in my opinion) but also features the biggest hill of the course, in Parnell. At this point I tried to get myself into a bit of a rhythm. I had to get some calories in and had to find a way to save something for the return trip of this out-and-back course. In this section I caught Brian (also from LPTR) and stuck with him for a mile or two before moving past him. He was moving very well and let me know I was now in 7th or 8th. Brian is another of those people that make trail running fun. He's always full of energy and always upbeat. As we dropped in to Butler Lake, I was definitely feeling the effects of running too hard and dumping too many calories in to my gut too fast. Not a real good combination, when the race isn't even half over yet.
Leaving Butler Lake, all I wanted was some water. I asked my parents for my water bottle--not the one with CarboPro in it. Unfortunately, that water bottle was still in MY car at the start line. I had taken it out of the cooler to use at the beginning of the race, but forgot it in my rush, and didn't put it back in the cooler. Now, looking back, I could have just used the empty bottle I was carrying, filled it up at the aid station, and been fine. In the moment, though, I was too stubborn and in too much of a rush. So, off I went for the next segment (2 miles to the turnaround, then 2 miles back to Butler Lake) with only gels and SCaps, no water.
I passed another runner out of Butler Lake and was now in 6th. I soon caught up to another runner (Alec from Illinois, I believe?) who was running very smart. He was fast on the flat stuff and hiking the hills good. I yo-yo'd with him quite a bit, getting close enough to exchange some conversation, but never passing him or even getting side-by-side with him.
Finally, after nearly wiping out several times, I made it to the turnaround point in 2:03 (my watch, 2:08ish in race time). I downed another gel after turning around and even managed to swallow an SCap without any water. I do NOT recommend that.
Back at Butler Lake I got another bottle of CarboPro (400 calories in about 18 ounces of water, with a nuun tablet for flavoring) and headed out. The trail was markedly deteriorating at this point--even in the grassy section just north of Butler Lake. This section is about the only place on the course that one can see any considerable distance in front of him. As I left Butler Lake, I could see two other runners (Alec, and another) ahead of me on the trail.
As I have mentioned, the trail continually worsened. On a lot of the uphills, I wasn't even on the trail but hiking along the edges where grass and leaves provided some traction. In fact, along the flat parts I wasn't on the trail either, as that part had been run over by over 200 participants and was showing the wear. The Ice Age Trail drains really well, but it can only take so much, I guess.
Just South of the Parnell Hill climb, I caught Alec. He shared he had just tweaked his hip a bit and was 'shutting it down for a bit.' He still managed a finish which is incredible because I think that course would find and open up any weakness you had! So now, after that, I'm up to 5th. Still moving good but the combination of terrain, weather, and terrible pacing is starting to eat me up.
I last ran this event in '10 and can still remember how horrible I felt at Hwy 67, just wanting to be done but still having the toughest 7 miles of the course left. This time I had someone to chase--4th place--so I had some motivation. I finally caught 4th place at the Hwy 67 aid station. I also gave a kiss to my son, Edwin, who seemed to be loving every minute of the rain, splashing around with Grandma and Grandpa. I actually felt decent leaving 67 this time but still looked forward to being done. "Hurry up and finish," Ellie (my wife) quipped, "it's pouring out."
Leaving 67 the course is relatively flat for about a mile before it goes up a pretty steep and rocky hill near the Greenbush Kettle. I thought I was moving great and was really surprised when I was passed while hiking up this hill. I managed a "Great Job!" to the new 4th place runner, and decided I'd try to stick with him. That didn't last long, and he was out of sight once again.
Well, back to 5th place and now I'm a bit more motivated to get done without losing any more time. On several occasions I almost went down big time but managed to stay upright. Looking back, it wouldn't have mattered had I fallen down and gotten muddy--the constant rain would have washed it all away in no time.
The last 2 miles of the run are pretty much downhill or flat, ending on a road in Greenbush. I ran most of it (I hate to admit I walked some of the last mile, but I did) and finally turned the corner to the finish...only the finish wasn't there!
It turns out the volunteers were tired of the rain also, and had moved the clock, the awards, the finish line, and the coveted medal and 5th Place Cup to the canopy under the front door of the Greenbush Town Hall. What a day...
Looking back, I'm glad I made the best of a less-than-ideal situation, and I find myself even more motivated to go back and run strong at the Glacial Trail Race. I can't even imagine running the 50 miler--Dan Crouse is a beast. Also, Mike Henze (3rd place) wrote up a great recap here.
Special CONGRATS and THANKS to Tony Tushaus, who sent out the text that got me out the door to the start and also WON THE WORS 10K TRAIL RACE in Sheboygan that morning!
Oh Yeah...about that Voicemail: While driving back to my house after the race, I checked my phone. Ellie had left a Voicemail for me...apparently she wasn't happy with the fact I had left the garage door open, I had left clothes laying all over the place in the kitchen, I had made a mess of my cup of coffee, I had not fed the dog...and most of all, I was not around at 7:15 as I said I would be when our kids woke up.
Her next phone call was to my mom, who had the unenviable task of explaining to Ellie how I had missed the start. While the disarray at home now made sense, I'm not sure she was happy with me...
And now, some photos...
I was up early on Sunday to get in a good breakfast and some caffeine (I'd only had decaf for the last month to make sure I got a good jump in energy from the real stuff on race morning). I had asked my parents (my crew) to be at my house at 7 AM, so that we could go over the course map and some other details. At about 6:50 I was dressed, had eaten, had packed some clothes to change in to after the run--it was going to be a soaker--and had gotten my gels and bottles ready. Then came the text message. Tony was wishing me good luck.
I thanked him, wished him good luck on his trail 10k he was running, and then commented on how it was going to be a mess out on the course (we had received about 3 inches of rain in 24 hours by this point and were going to get 3 more before Sunday night).
Suddenly the message came through: "Shouldn't you be lining up at the start?"
OH CRAP...
I ran to the computer, got to www.badgerlandstriders.org page and quickly got to the Glacial Trail page, and sure enough...The 50k starts at 7 AM. NOT 8 AM.
My one-word text message back to Tony started with an F, was a four-letter word, and was all caps.
I manage to grab my cooler of bottles and gels and was in full on sprint to my truck. Halfway down my road I flashed my headlights to my parents to let them know the bad news. I managed to make the 10 minute drive in about 5 minutes, slamming a Gel and taking off a layer of clothes in the process. As I pulled in to the Greenbush Town Hall, I could see the back end of the 50k field turning a corner up the road. I literally parked, dropped my cooler to the ground, asked my mom (my parents made pretty good time too!) to go get my bib, and told my dad I'd see him at Highway 67. I didn't even manage to get a good snug fit on my shoes or wait for my bib, but I was off and running--HARD--to try and make up for about 5 minutes of time and to get in front of as many people as I could before the course picked up the single track trails that would make it tougher to pass on.
I didn't have a water bottle now for the first 7 miles. I only had one Gel in my pocket. Great planning!
About 4 miles in, I caught up to Todd E. from the LPTR gang and said hello. I explained that I'm an idiot and missed the start, and he said I was probably up to about 10th place now. Todd is just one of those guys that you look forward to spending time with. For as enthusiastic as he is, he's pretty even-keel too, and exactly what I needed at that point. 10th place...Not bad, I thought, but I wanted to be in the top 5. This was the goal race I was planning for all summer...and I missed the start! Ugh!
By Hwy 67 (first aid station, 7 miles in), I was thirsty despite the fact I was drenched. The continuous rain was taking its toll, and it was only going to get worse with more rain and more people making their way along the trail. At Hwy 67 I got a bottle of CarboPro from my dad and kept plugging along. The course from Hwy 67 to Butler Lake (second aid station, 13.3 miles) is much more runnable (in my opinion) but also features the biggest hill of the course, in Parnell. At this point I tried to get myself into a bit of a rhythm. I had to get some calories in and had to find a way to save something for the return trip of this out-and-back course. In this section I caught Brian (also from LPTR) and stuck with him for a mile or two before moving past him. He was moving very well and let me know I was now in 7th or 8th. Brian is another of those people that make trail running fun. He's always full of energy and always upbeat. As we dropped in to Butler Lake, I was definitely feeling the effects of running too hard and dumping too many calories in to my gut too fast. Not a real good combination, when the race isn't even half over yet.
Leaving Butler Lake, all I wanted was some water. I asked my parents for my water bottle--not the one with CarboPro in it. Unfortunately, that water bottle was still in MY car at the start line. I had taken it out of the cooler to use at the beginning of the race, but forgot it in my rush, and didn't put it back in the cooler. Now, looking back, I could have just used the empty bottle I was carrying, filled it up at the aid station, and been fine. In the moment, though, I was too stubborn and in too much of a rush. So, off I went for the next segment (2 miles to the turnaround, then 2 miles back to Butler Lake) with only gels and SCaps, no water.
I passed another runner out of Butler Lake and was now in 6th. I soon caught up to another runner (Alec from Illinois, I believe?) who was running very smart. He was fast on the flat stuff and hiking the hills good. I yo-yo'd with him quite a bit, getting close enough to exchange some conversation, but never passing him or even getting side-by-side with him.
Finally, after nearly wiping out several times, I made it to the turnaround point in 2:03 (my watch, 2:08ish in race time). I downed another gel after turning around and even managed to swallow an SCap without any water. I do NOT recommend that.
Back at Butler Lake I got another bottle of CarboPro (400 calories in about 18 ounces of water, with a nuun tablet for flavoring) and headed out. The trail was markedly deteriorating at this point--even in the grassy section just north of Butler Lake. This section is about the only place on the course that one can see any considerable distance in front of him. As I left Butler Lake, I could see two other runners (Alec, and another) ahead of me on the trail.
As I have mentioned, the trail continually worsened. On a lot of the uphills, I wasn't even on the trail but hiking along the edges where grass and leaves provided some traction. In fact, along the flat parts I wasn't on the trail either, as that part had been run over by over 200 participants and was showing the wear. The Ice Age Trail drains really well, but it can only take so much, I guess.
Just South of the Parnell Hill climb, I caught Alec. He shared he had just tweaked his hip a bit and was 'shutting it down for a bit.' He still managed a finish which is incredible because I think that course would find and open up any weakness you had! So now, after that, I'm up to 5th. Still moving good but the combination of terrain, weather, and terrible pacing is starting to eat me up.
I last ran this event in '10 and can still remember how horrible I felt at Hwy 67, just wanting to be done but still having the toughest 7 miles of the course left. This time I had someone to chase--4th place--so I had some motivation. I finally caught 4th place at the Hwy 67 aid station. I also gave a kiss to my son, Edwin, who seemed to be loving every minute of the rain, splashing around with Grandma and Grandpa. I actually felt decent leaving 67 this time but still looked forward to being done. "Hurry up and finish," Ellie (my wife) quipped, "it's pouring out."
Leaving 67 the course is relatively flat for about a mile before it goes up a pretty steep and rocky hill near the Greenbush Kettle. I thought I was moving great and was really surprised when I was passed while hiking up this hill. I managed a "Great Job!" to the new 4th place runner, and decided I'd try to stick with him. That didn't last long, and he was out of sight once again.
Well, back to 5th place and now I'm a bit more motivated to get done without losing any more time. On several occasions I almost went down big time but managed to stay upright. Looking back, it wouldn't have mattered had I fallen down and gotten muddy--the constant rain would have washed it all away in no time.
The last 2 miles of the run are pretty much downhill or flat, ending on a road in Greenbush. I ran most of it (I hate to admit I walked some of the last mile, but I did) and finally turned the corner to the finish...only the finish wasn't there!
It turns out the volunteers were tired of the rain also, and had moved the clock, the awards, the finish line, and the coveted medal and 5th Place Cup to the canopy under the front door of the Greenbush Town Hall. What a day...
Looking back, I'm glad I made the best of a less-than-ideal situation, and I find myself even more motivated to go back and run strong at the Glacial Trail Race. I can't even imagine running the 50 miler--Dan Crouse is a beast. Also, Mike Henze (3rd place) wrote up a great recap here.
Special CONGRATS and THANKS to Tony Tushaus, who sent out the text that got me out the door to the start and also WON THE WORS 10K TRAIL RACE in Sheboygan that morning!
Oh Yeah...about that Voicemail: While driving back to my house after the race, I checked my phone. Ellie had left a Voicemail for me...apparently she wasn't happy with the fact I had left the garage door open, I had left clothes laying all over the place in the kitchen, I had made a mess of my cup of coffee, I had not fed the dog...and most of all, I was not around at 7:15 as I said I would be when our kids woke up.
Her next phone call was to my mom, who had the unenviable task of explaining to Ellie how I had missed the start. While the disarray at home now made sense, I'm not sure she was happy with me...
And now, some photos...
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Saturday Night Pumpkin Carving...with Estelle "photobombing" the picture, just like Rodgers!
Entering Hwy 67 Aid
My Crew (Dad, Edwin, and Mom) at Hwy 67. Nice Leapord Print, Dad!
7 more miles...
Done!
November GTR Group Run
Come join us for a group run every second Saturday of the month starting in November. We'll pick out a different location in the Northern Kettle Moraine each month. All runners are welcome!
November 10th Group run at Parnell Tower.
8am start for 5.5 mile and 9 mile run
9am for 3.5 miles.
November 10th Group run at Parnell Tower.
8am start for 5.5 mile and 9 mile run
9am for 3.5 miles.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
BONK!
Today I ran a 17-mile out-and-back on the Glacial Trail course. It hurt. Bad.
If you've run any distance races you're probably familiar with "The Wall" or the verb "Bonking" and today I bonked big time.
I ran from the Old Wade House Trailhead to the top of the Parnell Hill, which is right at the 11-mile marker. I did my best to take it easy on the way out. I figured I should try to train myself to be able to run the 'runnable' sections of the trail from Highway 67 North, back to the Old Wade House Trail. This section of the Glacial Trail course is, in my opinion, the toughest...and it's also the last 7 miles, so a lot of time can be lost here. The last 2 miles of the Glacial Trail course is pretty darn flat, so it's a good idea to have something left in the legs and run that part. Who doesn't want to finish looking and feeling decent? So, my plan for today was to be smart for the first 10 miles of the run and finish strong.
FAIL.
After I stopped to refill on water at the water pump at Shelter #5 (just south of the Greenbush Picnic Area), I decided that I'd hike the tough hills, but run the flats and downhills and any mild uphill. This lasted for a while...then I started hiking any uphill. Then I walked the uphills. Then (I'm sure you guess what's coming), I was walking the flats.
Finally, as I was back on the Old Wade House trail, I was walking the downhills. I. Was. Done. It. Was. Ugly.
There's plenty to blame for this, from previous training, to nutrition, to my absolute inability to pace myself, but I won't bore you with that. I will share that my Starting Point-to-Highway 67 split was 10 MINUTES faster than my split on the return trip.
I've got some work to do before October, when I hope to run well at the Glacial Trail 50k.
Here is my GarminData Carnage from my run today.
Any other good BONK stories out there? Feel free to share them in the comment section!
-Nic
If you've run any distance races you're probably familiar with "The Wall" or the verb "Bonking" and today I bonked big time.
I ran from the Old Wade House Trailhead to the top of the Parnell Hill, which is right at the 11-mile marker. I did my best to take it easy on the way out. I figured I should try to train myself to be able to run the 'runnable' sections of the trail from Highway 67 North, back to the Old Wade House Trail. This section of the Glacial Trail course is, in my opinion, the toughest...and it's also the last 7 miles, so a lot of time can be lost here. The last 2 miles of the Glacial Trail course is pretty darn flat, so it's a good idea to have something left in the legs and run that part. Who doesn't want to finish looking and feeling decent? So, my plan for today was to be smart for the first 10 miles of the run and finish strong.
FAIL.
After I stopped to refill on water at the water pump at Shelter #5 (just south of the Greenbush Picnic Area), I decided that I'd hike the tough hills, but run the flats and downhills and any mild uphill. This lasted for a while...then I started hiking any uphill. Then I walked the uphills. Then (I'm sure you guess what's coming), I was walking the flats.
Finally, as I was back on the Old Wade House trail, I was walking the downhills. I. Was. Done. It. Was. Ugly.
There's plenty to blame for this, from previous training, to nutrition, to my absolute inability to pace myself, but I won't bore you with that. I will share that my Starting Point-to-Highway 67 split was 10 MINUTES faster than my split on the return trip.
I've got some work to do before October, when I hope to run well at the Glacial Trail 50k.
Here is my Garmin
Any other good BONK stories out there? Feel free to share them in the comment section!
-Nic
Monday, July 30, 2012
Green-To-Glen Ten Recap
Thanks again to all that joined us last Sunday for a great morning on the trails! Here are the highlights:
We had one participant in the 4-legged division. Charlie did his best to lap the field by running from the leader to the caboose, over and over again. I'm not sure there's anything better than seeing a dog take off down the trail. Pure bliss.
Charlie also managed to take out one runner. Mary fell prey to his spontaneous backtrackings and arrived at the finish line with dirty hands, asking "What's my prize?"
The Grand Prize -- a copy of Scott Jurek's Eat & Run -- went to Logan. Logan drove a scooter from Oshkosh to the finish line, then ran to the start line, and THEN ran back with us. What a guy!
Chrissie (sorry about the spelling if it's wrong!) and Naomi joined the GTR's for their first trail run and were all smiles at the end. Thanks for coming, Ladies, and see you at the next one!
Several participants took advantage of the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale I had packed for the finish line. Considering we finished running just before 10 AM, I was a bit hesitant to bring beer along...but it's official, we're a trail running group! It's never too early for a beer after a nice jaunt in the woods.
Dad duties called for me, so I didn't get to partake in the breakfast at Fudgie's after, but next time I'll be there! Thanks again to everyone, and we'll see you at the next run!
We had one participant in the 4-legged division. Charlie did his best to lap the field by running from the leader to the caboose, over and over again. I'm not sure there's anything better than seeing a dog take off down the trail. Pure bliss.
Charlie also managed to take out one runner. Mary fell prey to his spontaneous backtrackings and arrived at the finish line with dirty hands, asking "What's my prize?"
The Grand Prize -- a copy of Scott Jurek's Eat & Run -- went to Logan. Logan drove a scooter from Oshkosh to the finish line, then ran to the start line, and THEN ran back with us. What a guy!
Chrissie (sorry about the spelling if it's wrong!) and Naomi joined the GTR's for their first trail run and were all smiles at the end. Thanks for coming, Ladies, and see you at the next one!
Several participants took advantage of the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale I had packed for the finish line. Considering we finished running just before 10 AM, I was a bit hesitant to bring beer along...but it's official, we're a trail running group! It's never too early for a beer after a nice jaunt in the woods.
Dad duties called for me, so I didn't get to partake in the breakfast at Fudgie's after, but next time I'll be there! Thanks again to everyone, and we'll see you at the next run!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Green-to-Glen Ten
Green-to-Glen Ten is this Sunday! Both runs will start at the Greenbush Group Camp at 7:30 AM. The 10K course will leave directly from the Group Camp and head NORTH on the Ice Age Trail, covering 6.5 miles to the Glenbeulah Trailhead on Hwy P. The 10 Milers will run an out-and-back along the Ice Age trail to the SOUTH, turning around just before Hwy 67, and then run the Ice Age Trail North and ...end at the Glenbeulah Trailhead.
THIS WILL BE A POINT-TO-POINT RUN! If you would like to leave your car at the Glenbeulah Trailhead (where we will be finishing), be there by 7:15, and I'll pick you up and take you to the start line!
All paces are welcome. Dan Crouse has promised to run the slowest 10 mile time in the history of the Northern Kettle State Forest, and we'll have some faster runners as well. Bring a friend!
Any Questions? Comment away!
THIS WILL BE A POINT-TO-POINT RUN! If you would like to leave your car at the Glenbeulah Trailhead (where we will be finishing), be there by 7:15, and I'll pick you up and take you to the start line!
All paces are welcome. Dan Crouse has promised to run the slowest 10 mile time in the history of the Northern Kettle State Forest, and we'll have some faster runners as well. Bring a friend!
Any Questions? Comment away!
I am hoping to run the course this week, so look for a Garmin Post showing the route!
PS...Post-race Fudgies Breakfast is an option as well.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Glacial Trail Course, Mile .5-7
Today I spent a couple hours on one of my favorite routes on the trails. Starting at the Old Wade House, I ran the Old Wade House Connector Trail (about 1.5 miles) to the Ice Age Trail, and then ran the IAT south to Hwy 67 before turning around. This route of about 13 miles has a bit of everything--short/steep ups and downs, gradual climbs, dense forest, and open praries. It's also the first and last 7 miles of the Glacial Trail 50 mile/50 k and is therefore a great training run for those interested in that event held in October. Here are some pictures from the run today:
My favorite tree along the trail
Up close to the terrain.
The uphill to the evergreens near Shelter 5.
Tony's Tree. Jump over it and he'll buy you a beer. I went around it.
The Prairie. Kind of like the scenes of Maximus returning home in Gladiator!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Green-to-Glen Ten
Join us on Sunday, July 29th for the First Annual "Green-to-Glen Ten" trail run! There will be a 10k (around 6 miles) and a 10 miler to enjoy. Both runs will Start at the Greenbush Group Camp (same place as the Night Run) and will finish at the Glenbeulah Trailhead.
We are aiming for a 7:30 AM start, but feel free to get started earlier if you'd like. Transportation will be available to get you back to your car if you want to leave it at the start line, too.
There's no cost to run, but by participating you'll get the chance of winning a raffle prize -- details on the prizes still to come. It's gonna be a good run...and if you have yet to run on the northern-most section of the Ice Age Trail (North of Hwy 23) ... you're in for a treat!
Questions, Comments, Concerns are welcome, so let us know!
We are aiming for a 7:30 AM start, but feel free to get started earlier if you'd like. Transportation will be available to get you back to your car if you want to leave it at the start line, too.
There's no cost to run, but by participating you'll get the chance of winning a raffle prize -- details on the prizes still to come. It's gonna be a good run...and if you have yet to run on the northern-most section of the Ice Age Trail (North of Hwy 23) ... you're in for a treat!
Questions, Comments, Concerns are welcome, so let us know!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
GTR Night Run
The 1st GTR Night Run was a great success! We had a 11 runners join in one of the 18, 12 and 6 mile trail distances. A few of the 18 milers ran a three mile warm up to bring their total mileage for the night up to 21 miles. The weather was perfect for a night run and the bugs stayed away for most of the night.
Once the last runner pulled into the parking lot and introductions were completed we were off and running towards Parnell. At the six mile mark we refilled water at the Parnell water fountain and then ascended the hill and tower. The view from atop the tower never disappoints. On the return trip to Greenbush the headlamps showed the way along the Parnell tower loop and back to the IAT. We met up with the very patient 10kers(we were over 30 mins late for the link up) at the Greenbush parking lot. The 10kers fresh legs proved to be to much for us as they slowly pulled ahead on the 6 mile loop. Back at the parking lot we chilled with a few beers and talked of past running adventures and those adventures yet to come.
Thanks everyone for showing up! We had some great conversations on the trails and it was nice meeting up with new faces on the trails. We'll have to put together another group run soon. Happy trails!
Once the last runner pulled into the parking lot and introductions were completed we were off and running towards Parnell. At the six mile mark we refilled water at the Parnell water fountain and then ascended the hill and tower. The view from atop the tower never disappoints. On the return trip to Greenbush the headlamps showed the way along the Parnell tower loop and back to the IAT. We met up with the very patient 10kers(we were over 30 mins late for the link up) at the Greenbush parking lot. The 10kers fresh legs proved to be to much for us as they slowly pulled ahead on the 6 mile loop. Back at the parking lot we chilled with a few beers and talked of past running adventures and those adventures yet to come.
Thanks everyone for showing up! We had some great conversations on the trails and it was nice meeting up with new faces on the trails. We'll have to put together another group run soon. Happy trails!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Mile 98 - 100 of the Kettle Moraine 100
Many have experienced the last couple miles of a marathon, a 50k, or even a 50 miler...but I'm pretty sure that pales in comparison to Dan Crouse's description of miles 98-100 of the Kettle Moraine 100, which he shared below. Again, WAY TO GO DAN!
“Go on without me. I’ll finish. But I need to slow it down.”
“Really? Are you sure?”
“Yeah, go on ahead. It’s only another two miles. I’ll be fine. I just need to take it slow. Go on, I know you want to run it in.”
I slowed down to a near crawl and she sped up. She disappeared over the crest of a hill and was gone. It’s amazing how complete strangers become your closest friends during the course of an ultra. Karyn and I had paced each other during the extremely difficult overnight hours. We had never met before the KM100 and 25 hours later we shared a connection that is impossible to explain. We helped each other get past some of the darkest times of this race. Tripping over rocks and climbing up and down the stairs and hills of Rice Lake. Others had joined us for a while and ran on and some had run with us for a bit only to fall behind after a few miles. After almost 98 miles it was only Karyn and I left. Not another soul in sight. And, now she’s gone. Good for her. I hope she finishes strong.
It’s all on me now.
I can do this. I can finish my first 100. 2 miles left. I can do this. I’ve come way too far to drop now. Still though, it’s 7:00 am. It’s starting to get hot. I’m out of water. I’ve been up since 4AM the day before. And, I’ve been running for the past 25 hours. It’s only two miles you’ve got to focus and get this done. I can’t. I just can’t. Another day, maybe. But not today. I’m sick to my stomach right now. I just want to puke and pass out! Holy crap is this entire thing uphill? Please, please help me up this hill. Oh, god, I think I’m actually starting to fall backwards now. No wait, one more step forward. We can do this. We’ve come way too far to give up now. Make it happen. Don’t give up now.
Ignore the pain. Happy thoughts. How ef’n awesome is this? You’re going to rock your first 100. Keep it together you’ll finish sub 26! Holy shit, another hill?! Where did all of these hills come from? I barely made it up the last one. How am I going to do this. I hope Karyn finished. Please God, please dad, help me. I’m just trying to make you proud.
There it is, the mile marker. One mile left. We can do this. Let’s try to run this last mile and see what happens. I might actually, maybe be able to come in under 25:30! I’m running! Wow, this is awesome! 99 miles and I can still run! A downhill, finally! Let’s cruise this. My feet hurt so bad though. It feels like my toes feel are doubled over. My empty water bottle feels like a ten pound weight in my hand. I wish i had some water. I am so thirsty. I wish I had a beer. Oh, no. The stomach just growled at that. Ok, no beer. Just let me get to the end, please. I promise, no beer.
I can’t. I just can’t. I’m sorry, I don’t want to disappoint anybody. I’m really sorry. But this is just too much. Make it stop, please! I just want to sit down. Suck it up asshole! You didn’t do this because it was easy. Run it out. Make this happen. You’ve come this far. You can actually hear the finish line now. Run! Just run! Ignore it all and just run! There it is, the red outlines of the finish line. I’m almost there. Just a bit more and I can finally sit down. All I want to do now is just sit down. Shit, another hill. Oh god, I feel like I’ve been kicked in the stomach by Seabiscuit. Just a few more yards. You can push through. Make this happen. Do it! Run in out!
Applause. Oh, thank you for the applause. And there’s Karyn and her mom and her son. She finished and looks great! Done, oh god, I’m done. How amazing is that? Thank you. Thank you God for getting me through this! I’m done! I did it! I just finished my first 100 mile run! That was amazing! I can’t wait to do it again.
“Go on without me. I’ll finish. But I need to slow it down.”
“Really? Are you sure?”
“Yeah, go on ahead. It’s only another two miles. I’ll be fine. I just need to take it slow. Go on, I know you want to run it in.”
I slowed down to a near crawl and she sped up. She disappeared over the crest of a hill and was gone. It’s amazing how complete strangers become your closest friends during the course of an ultra. Karyn and I had paced each other during the extremely difficult overnight hours. We had never met before the KM100 and 25 hours later we shared a connection that is impossible to explain. We helped each other get past some of the darkest times of this race. Tripping over rocks and climbing up and down the stairs and hills of Rice Lake. Others had joined us for a while and ran on and some had run with us for a bit only to fall behind after a few miles. After almost 98 miles it was only Karyn and I left. Not another soul in sight. And, now she’s gone. Good for her. I hope she finishes strong.
It’s all on me now.
I can do this. I can finish my first 100. 2 miles left. I can do this. I’ve come way too far to drop now. Still though, it’s 7:00 am. It’s starting to get hot. I’m out of water. I’ve been up since 4AM the day before. And, I’ve been running for the past 25 hours. It’s only two miles you’ve got to focus and get this done. I can’t. I just can’t. Another day, maybe. But not today. I’m sick to my stomach right now. I just want to puke and pass out! Holy crap is this entire thing uphill? Please, please help me up this hill. Oh, god, I think I’m actually starting to fall backwards now. No wait, one more step forward. We can do this. We’ve come way too far to give up now. Make it happen. Don’t give up now.
Ignore the pain. Happy thoughts. How ef’n awesome is this? You’re going to rock your first 100. Keep it together you’ll finish sub 26! Holy shit, another hill?! Where did all of these hills come from? I barely made it up the last one. How am I going to do this. I hope Karyn finished. Please God, please dad, help me. I’m just trying to make you proud.
There it is, the mile marker. One mile left. We can do this. Let’s try to run this last mile and see what happens. I might actually, maybe be able to come in under 25:30! I’m running! Wow, this is awesome! 99 miles and I can still run! A downhill, finally! Let’s cruise this. My feet hurt so bad though. It feels like my toes feel are doubled over. My empty water bottle feels like a ten pound weight in my hand. I wish i had some water. I am so thirsty. I wish I had a beer. Oh, no. The stomach just growled at that. Ok, no beer. Just let me get to the end, please. I promise, no beer.
I can’t. I just can’t. I’m sorry, I don’t want to disappoint anybody. I’m really sorry. But this is just too much. Make it stop, please! I just want to sit down. Suck it up asshole! You didn’t do this because it was easy. Run it out. Make this happen. You’ve come this far. You can actually hear the finish line now. Run! Just run! Ignore it all and just run! There it is, the red outlines of the finish line. I’m almost there. Just a bit more and I can finally sit down. All I want to do now is just sit down. Shit, another hill. Oh god, I feel like I’ve been kicked in the stomach by Seabiscuit. Just a few more yards. You can push through. Make this happen. Do it! Run in out!
Applause. Oh, thank you for the applause. And there’s Karyn and her mom and her son. She finished and looks great! Done, oh god, I’m done. How amazing is that? Thank you. Thank you God for getting me through this! I’m done! I did it! I just finished my first 100 mile run! That was amazing! I can’t wait to do it again.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
GTR Night Run 6 Mile Course
GTR Night Run 6 Mile Course by nwgdc5 at Garmin Connect - Player
Here's the 6 Mile Night Run Route. I had a blast this morning out there -- 3 deer, 1 racoon, 2 turkeys. Bring your headlamp and I'll see you at 9:30!
Here's the 6 Mile Night Run Route. I had a blast this morning out there -- 3 deer, 1 racoon, 2 turkeys. Bring your headlamp and I'll see you at 9:30!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
GTR Night Run
Come join us on June 15th for a run in the dark on the trails of the northern kettle moraine. The 18, 12 and 6 mile distances will start and finish at the Greenbush recreation shelter (ski shelter). A Wisconsin state sticker is needed to park in the Greenbush rec shelter/group camp parking lot. There will be beer and water at the finish!
Start times:
18 or 12 Miler 7:30
6 Miler 9:30
The 18 and 12 mile course will start at the Greenbush rec shelter, south on the IAT to the Parnell tower, ascend, enjoy the sunset, descend (I'll probably use the stairs), complete the Parnell tower loop, IAT back to the shelter. At the shelter anyone running the 18 mile distance will link up with the 6 milers.
The 6 mile course will start at the Greenbush rec shelter, to the #1 mountian bike loop to the purple loop, complete the purple loop, back onto the #1 mtb loop to the shelter.
Sunset is 8:33, don't forget your headlamps, flashlight, torches, headcandles...............
Start times:
18 or 12 Miler 7:30
6 Miler 9:30
The 18 and 12 mile course will start at the Greenbush rec shelter, south on the IAT to the Parnell tower, ascend, enjoy the sunset, descend (I'll probably use the stairs), complete the Parnell tower loop, IAT back to the shelter. At the shelter anyone running the 18 mile distance will link up with the 6 milers.
The 6 mile course will start at the Greenbush rec shelter, to the #1 mountian bike loop to the purple loop, complete the purple loop, back onto the #1 mtb loop to the shelter.
Sunset is 8:33, don't forget your headlamps, flashlight, torches, headcandles...............
Friday, April 6, 2012
NK 50k, 2nd Ed.
- 31.6 miles
- 6 hours, 11 minutes (5:45 of moving time)
- One major wipeout by Tony--full body barrell roll--on what is arguably the flattest and softest section of the entire trail
- A full moon at the start, and a nice sunrise a bit later
- A late start, due to Dan getting pulled over on the way to Glenbeulah
- Several potty stops, that we'll just call "El Camino's Revenge"
- Dan's plan for his 100 miler: "Show up, start running, and stop 100 miles later."
Tony and I arrived at the Glenbeulah trailhead at 4:45, and after chatting for a couple minutes were back in our cars. It was cold! Because neither of us had Dan's cell number, I ended up checking in to Facebook to find out he was running late...and had been pulled over. No big deal, though--the officer was obviously a runner and let him off with a warning. At 5:19, we were on our way up the trail.
By the time we reached Hwy 23, we didn't need our headlamps anymore. The miles just kept clipping by at a comfortable pace. A couple bathroom breaks were taken at Greenbush, but by Hwy 67 we were back together. I personally was using two bottles of water, nuun, with Carbo-Pro. I had some SCaps along with a couple gels in my pockets. I never used either of those, just sticking to the water and CarboPro and taking advantage of the PERFECT conditions.
We walked most of the uphills and ran the flats and the downs. Every now and then we would accordion away from eachother a bit, but only join back up not far down the trail. Tony had stashed a cooler near Butler Lake, so we had a 'lunch' there of water, fruit, trail mix, and pretzels. After sitting around for about 15 minutes, we were all getting cold again, so it was time to continue on our way.
As you head south on the trail, the rocks are roots ease up a bit, and it's easier to find your cruising gear. We did this the whole way down to Hwy H, stopping occasionally for pictures and to simply enjoy the time out there. I had forgotten how nice the IAT is near Mauthe Lake State Park, and highly recommend a run in that area. Just North of Mauthe Lake has some nice climbs and drops, and the area just South of it is a great trail of 4 miles length to New Fane. We shared some stories, some other things on our to-run lists, and even a "what happens on the trail stays on the trail" moment or two. It was a blast!
With 6 hours on the clock, were hit the final couple miles and finished up. I have never felt so fresh after that long of a run. We all agreed that we could have done another 10 miles. (In fact, Dan is probably running right now. He was planning on another 20 today, and then 20 tomorrow! As he put it, "Kettle Moraine 100 isn't going to run itself.") Instead of continuing to run, though...
We went to Fudgienuckle's in Glenbeulah and had some beer and a Bison Burger. Not a bad way to end the day.
Dan also had a coffee. I found that very, very odd. Then again, he's a Hoosier.
Here is the Garmin Data from the run. Join us out there next time!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
The NK 50k
Last year Tony and I ran from the Southern end of the Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest to the Northern end on the Ice Age Trail. It was the third time I had tried to complete all 31.6 miles. The first two ended when I badly rolled my ankle, and when I bonked big time. This time, despite deerflies and significant humidity, we got it done! Below is the information that I collected on my Garmin. I'll do the same on Thursday when we do this run again in the opposite direction.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Welcome!
While our facebook group has a solid and growing number of members, we are finding out over and over again that many runners out there aren't on Facebook. So, here's the website!
From here, you'll be able to keep up on any group runs planned and also read about some of the adventures that some Greenbush Trail Runners have been on. This Thursday a couple of us are running from the Glenbeulah Trailhead to Hwy H -- a solid 31.6 miles. Stop back soon for a report and some pictures from that adventure!
Just follow the yellow dotted line from top to bottom...it's not that far :)
From here, you'll be able to keep up on any group runs planned and also read about some of the adventures that some Greenbush Trail Runners have been on. This Thursday a couple of us are running from the Glenbeulah Trailhead to Hwy H -- a solid 31.6 miles. Stop back soon for a report and some pictures from that adventure!
Just follow the yellow dotted line from top to bottom...it's not that far :)
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