What: A "Key Exchange Run" where we split the group of runners in half and start at opposite ends of the trail. We'll run towards eachother, trade keys, and then end up at Fudgieknuckles to have some food a swap some stories. The shortest distance will be 8.73 miles, but you are welcome to add miles on before! There is talk of turning this run in to a 50k.
Where: Half of us will meet at the Glenbeulah Trailhead (Here's a map. Look for the Parking Lot off of Hwy P just East of Glenbeulah). The other half will meet at Hwy 67 (See Previous Link). If you want to add miles on, I suggest starting at Hwy 67 and running South before turning around and heading towards the Glenbeulah Trailhead.
When: 9:30 AM, Saturday, November 16th.
Why: If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand.
More details: Comment on this post, check out the Greenbush Trail Runners' Facebook Post (link on the right), or email me (link below.)
We'll need to have a pretty accurate idea of who's attending to be sure we get it set up correctly, so be sure to be in touch!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Saturday, October 5, 2013
It's Glacial Trail Time!
It's that time of year again...time for the most fun and low key ultra around -- Glacial Trail. Good luck to all running, and thanks to all the volunteers. Extra Good Luck to the Greenbush Trail Runners taking part!
In other news, check out Matt's report from an attempt to cover 72 miles of Northern Kettle Goodness...AMAZING! http://mattrunswild.blogspot.com/2013/10/ice-age-trail-northern-kettle-moraine.html
Now, let's all hope the rain we are getting right now ensures a (relatively) dry track next weekend...unlike last year.
In other news, check out Matt's report from an attempt to cover 72 miles of Northern Kettle Goodness...AMAZING! http://mattrunswild.blogspot.com/2013/10/ice-age-trail-northern-kettle-moraine.html
Now, let's all hope the rain we are getting right now ensures a (relatively) dry track next weekend...unlike last year.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Local & National Grand Slam Thoughts
I'm in a bit of "Taper Madness" right now, with my first trail race coming up this weekend at Lapham Peak (I HIGHLY recommend putting this race--whether it's the 10k, 13.1, or 26.2--on your calendar. It takes place on "The Black Loop" of Lapham Peak, which is a legendary loop.
On my last run this morning before the marathon on Saturday, I was thinking a bit about what races or series of races I might want to try next year, and it fit in well with a 'current events' story in the trail running world right now...
There's an interesting news story occurring around the "Grand Slam of Ultrarunning" and instead of trying to explain it here, I'd suggest you read this report, as it's a good synopsis of what seems to me to be an interesting but also ridiculous story. From that story, the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning is:
It got me to thinking...is there a "Grand Slam of Wisconsin" or an "Ice Age Trail Grand Slam"? Here are a couple ideas...
"Ice Age Trail Grand Slam" could consist of FOUR 50-milers that contain a lot of Ice Age Trail: May's Ice Age Trail 50, July's Dances with Dirt 50, September's North Face 50, and finally the October Glacial Trail 50.
"Ice Age Trail Mini Slam" could be completing the 50k race at each of those events...but then again, when it comes to 50k's, how does one leave out John Dick in February (although rarely run on the Ice Age Trail; due to conditions, it's mostly snowmobile trails) and Chippewa Moraine in April (all Ice Age Trail)? Including those two events could the "IAT Six Pack"!
What if we picked the biggest, most-historic, or most-prestigious races in Wisconsin? Kettle, Mad City, Fall 50?
There could be a series of races where there's one completed at each distance (50k, 50 mile, 100k, 100 mile).
I'm guessing someone reading this HAS completed one of these ideas already--maybe not in a year, but in a career--and if so, please share your thoughts in a comment or on Facebook! For additional references and a calendar, check out this page courtesy of RunningInTheUsa.com.
On my last run this morning before the marathon on Saturday, I was thinking a bit about what races or series of races I might want to try next year, and it fit in well with a 'current events' story in the trail running world right now...
There's an interesting news story occurring around the "Grand Slam of Ultrarunning" and instead of trying to explain it here, I'd suggest you read this report, as it's a good synopsis of what seems to me to be an interesting but also ridiculous story. From that story, the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning is:
...a fun sideshow to watch. A few dozen folks get into Western States, decide it’s their year to do it, then sign up for the other three hundos: Vermont, Leadville, and Wasatch, all taking place over the next few months. It is, in my mind, the ultimate FKT.
It got me to thinking...is there a "Grand Slam of Wisconsin" or an "Ice Age Trail Grand Slam"? Here are a couple ideas...
"Ice Age Trail Grand Slam" could consist of FOUR 50-milers that contain a lot of Ice Age Trail: May's Ice Age Trail 50, July's Dances with Dirt 50, September's North Face 50, and finally the October Glacial Trail 50.
"Ice Age Trail Mini Slam" could be completing the 50k race at each of those events...but then again, when it comes to 50k's, how does one leave out John Dick in February (although rarely run on the Ice Age Trail; due to conditions, it's mostly snowmobile trails) and Chippewa Moraine in April (all Ice Age Trail)? Including those two events could the "IAT Six Pack"!
What if we picked the biggest, most-historic, or most-prestigious races in Wisconsin? Kettle, Mad City, Fall 50?
There could be a series of races where there's one completed at each distance (50k, 50 mile, 100k, 100 mile).
I'm guessing someone reading this HAS completed one of these ideas already--maybe not in a year, but in a career--and if so, please share your thoughts in a comment or on Facebook! For additional references and a calendar, check out this page courtesy of RunningInTheUsa.com.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
2013 GTR Night Run
This year's GTR Night Run will be held in Greenbush on Saturday July 13th at 9pm. Six miles of ski trails/mtn bike trails is the planned route. Anyone interested in putting in an extra 5 or 6 miles can meet up early at 7:30. There will be beer at the finish! The Night Run will start and end in the group camp parking lot at the ski shelter, this was the same location as last year's Night Run. To park in this lot you must have a state sticker or a daily parking pass.
Everyone is welcome, all four legged friends are warmly welcomed as well. Hope that you can join us for a night out in the great Kettle Moraine State Forest!
Everyone is welcome, all four legged friends are warmly welcomed as well. Hope that you can join us for a night out in the great Kettle Moraine State Forest!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Things That Occur When Running on Roads (That Probably Wouldn't Occur on the Trails)
I'm running an event that is about as opposite as a runner can get from the trails--a flat road marathon (Manitowoc Maritime Marathon). Because of this, I'm trying to get some leg speed back...although I miss using every hill I come across on the Ice Age Trail as a reason to Power Hike!
Tonight I again worked on speed. I set my Garmin Auto Lap at .5 miles, and figured I'd push hard for a mile, then try and cruise at my goal marathon pace for 1/2 mile, then push hard again for another mile. This worked great...with several exceptions:
At 1.5 miles, a dog ran out of his owner's garage and started barking and growling at me. Right out in to the road he came despite his shock collar (actually, I think it was a hunting collar, but either way) that was TOTALLY useless. Every time I turned to start my running again, this pooch would get aggressive again and start chasing. Then, his owner would alarm his collar to no avail. This process repeated itself for a full 3 housed down the road. Hey buddy, yeah, you, the one in the garage...COME GET YOUR DOG. Ugh! There goes one fast split...
At 5.5 miles I came across a controlled burn of a brush pile--firefighters, fire trucks, and a TON of smoke billowing to the west. A slight asthma flare up, and I was on my way again...but at about 30 seconds per mile off my pace.
At 6.5 I came across a pair of Geese Parents and their goslings. Not only do Geese crap everywhere...they're also not all that friendly to passers-by. I also have heard that the parents shed their flying wings when raising their babies. I'm not sure if this is true or not...but either way, a very defensive Papa Goose has exactly two ways to ward off a predator (or, in this case, just a guy trying to get some speed work in): Stick your tongue out and hiss, and charge the threat. These geese did both. I did learn something, though--if this happens to you, drag your feet on the gravel shoulder of the road, and they'll back off. They're not keen on loud noises apparently. Or, perhaps it was the action of me dragging my feet on the ground that looked so much like an injured animal myself, that they left me alone?
I really wish I would have had a camera around for all of this...and I really look forward to running the marathon on June 23rd, and promptly returning to the trails.
Just in time for the deerflies to arrive.
What don't you miss about the roads? What do you like about the roads?
-Nic
PS - Here are the splits...you can see the spikes in my pace pretty easily :)
Tonight I again worked on speed. I set my Garmin Auto Lap at .5 miles, and figured I'd push hard for a mile, then try and cruise at my goal marathon pace for 1/2 mile, then push hard again for another mile. This worked great...with several exceptions:
At 1.5 miles, a dog ran out of his owner's garage and started barking and growling at me. Right out in to the road he came despite his shock collar (actually, I think it was a hunting collar, but either way) that was TOTALLY useless. Every time I turned to start my running again, this pooch would get aggressive again and start chasing. Then, his owner would alarm his collar to no avail. This process repeated itself for a full 3 housed down the road. Hey buddy, yeah, you, the one in the garage...COME GET YOUR DOG. Ugh! There goes one fast split...
At 5.5 miles I came across a controlled burn of a brush pile--firefighters, fire trucks, and a TON of smoke billowing to the west. A slight asthma flare up, and I was on my way again...but at about 30 seconds per mile off my pace.
At 6.5 I came across a pair of Geese Parents and their goslings. Not only do Geese crap everywhere...they're also not all that friendly to passers-by. I also have heard that the parents shed their flying wings when raising their babies. I'm not sure if this is true or not...but either way, a very defensive Papa Goose has exactly two ways to ward off a predator (or, in this case, just a guy trying to get some speed work in): Stick your tongue out and hiss, and charge the threat. These geese did both. I did learn something, though--if this happens to you, drag your feet on the gravel shoulder of the road, and they'll back off. They're not keen on loud noises apparently. Or, perhaps it was the action of me dragging my feet on the ground that looked so much like an injured animal myself, that they left me alone?
I really wish I would have had a camera around for all of this...and I really look forward to running the marathon on June 23rd, and promptly returning to the trails.
Just in time for the deerflies to arrive.
What don't you miss about the roads? What do you like about the roads?
-Nic
PS - Here are the splits...you can see the spikes in my pace pretty easily :)
Monday, April 22, 2013
High Cliff State Park
I spent about an hour running around High Cliff State Park this weekend. I can't recommend it enough! There are a couple options for events this summer:
The CliffRunner 10k on July 21st - More Info Here.
High Cliff 50k/25k on August 11th - This will be a FunRun/FatAss event, with a marked course and a couple aid stations. Put it on your calendar today!
The CliffRunner 10k on July 21st - More Info Here.
High Cliff 50k/25k on August 11th - This will be a FunRun/FatAss event, with a marked course and a couple aid stations. Put it on your calendar today!
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| I've never seen a sign like that when running before! |
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| That's the cliff at the end of the trail. |
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| Statue of Chief Red Bird |
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| Stone Fence that just went on forever...right in the midle of the woods! |
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| Stairway Up, UP, Up! |
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| At the top of the Escarpment |
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| Sharing the trail with a Turkey Vulture |
Monday, April 8, 2013
2013 NK 50k
This year's weather made things interesting for the 3rd Annual NK 50k.
5 very stubborn runners got it done, though, earning the highly coveted 31.6 sticker...and a Greenbush Trail Runners shirt.
Here are some snapshots of the day. I am disappointed with myself for not getting a group shot or any shot of the food and beer that was eaten at Fudgies afterwards!
5 very stubborn runners got it done, though, earning the highly coveted 31.6 sticker...and a Greenbush Trail Runners shirt.
Here are some snapshots of the day. I am disappointed with myself for not getting a group shot or any shot of the food and beer that was eaten at Fudgies afterwards!
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| The View looking south from about 4 miles in to the run. Sunburst Ski Hill in the distance. |
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| No Snow...for now. Beautiful single track was the scene for the first 5-10 miles. |
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| The rivers are running high |
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| Jennifer, steady as always. |
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| Rookie Mike leading Uber Veteran Scott |
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| Matt and Jennifer working their way up the hills |
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| The trail transitioned from snow to dirt to ice the entire day. |
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| This guy was crabby about the weather. |
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| Jennifer finishes up the NK 50k! |
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| Matt finishes a couple minutes later! |
Friday, March 22, 2013
Silence.
Doesn't get much better than this, so take 7 minutes and take it all in:
Silence from ARC'TERYX on Vimeo.
Also, check this one out:Cheetahs on the Edge--Director's Cut from Gregory Wilson on Vimeo.
Friday, February 15, 2013
3rd Annual NK50k
Earn one of these highly coveted stickers on April 6th!
We're putting together quite the event for the first Saturday in April! The "NK50k" is a end-to-end run of the Northern Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail, which is 31.6 miles from one end to the other. In addition to the full distance, we'll have a 15-mile run and a 7 mile run. If you have an equipment/drop bag, it will be available to you at several locations throughout the run, so plan accordingly!
The 15-mile run will start at Butler Lake and follow the Ice Age Trail to the northern trailhead on Hwy P.
The 7-mile run will start at the Greenbush Picnic Area and finish at Hwy P.
The idea is for all runners to finish around the same time, at which point we will head over to Fudgienuckles in bustling downtown Glenbeulah (exactly one mile away from the finish line) for burgers, brats, bison, and beer...and coffee, if your name is Dan Crouse. Who drinks COFFEE after a run?!
Several door prizes will be available for remarkable performances...like "Best Wipeout" and similar feats of human achievement.
Here's a schedule. Keep in mind we are running from South to North this year:
5 AM -- Pick up runners who are leaving their car at the Hwy P trailhead, and drive South to the start at the Hwy H trailhead.
5:45 -- Official Start of the 31.6 mile run, from the Hwy H trailhead. Feel free to meet us at the start if you'd like.
7:30 -- 15-mile runners will be picked up at the Hwy P trailhead, and driven South to Butler Lake.
8:30 -- 15-mile runners start running!
10:00 -- 7-mile runners start from Greenbush!
11:00(ish) -- The runners begin gathering at the finish, and make their way over to Fudgienuckles.
Basic Aid will be available at mile 5 (for the 31 mile runners), and then at Butler Lake (Mile 15) and Greenbush (Mile 24).
HERE IS A MAP OF THE ROUTE...Just follow the yellow dots from South to North!
HERE IS A MILEAGE BREAKDOWN...Use the right-side column for the South to North mileage.
Questions? Feel free to comment here or email me and I'll help you out.
- Nic
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Feb 9th GTR Pancake Run
Who's down for a trail run, pancakes and beer? Come on out and join us for an 8.5 mile run followed by pancakes over a bonfire. The course will be half roads and half trails, the trail running will be done on the IAT and Greenbush connector trail. Start and finish will be at W8499 Spring Valley Dr. in Greenbush. We'll kickoff the run at 9am.
I've never attached a Google Map location before so hopefully this works.
Oh, and one more thing. Nic Giebler is planning on eating bacon while running the Pancake Run................... not sure if he's going raw or cooked.
See you on Feb 9th!
Who's down for a trail run, pancakes and beer? Come on out and join us for an 8.5 mile run followed by pancakes over a bonfire. The course will be half roads and half trails, the trail running will be done on the IAT and Greenbush connector trail. Start and finish will be at W8499 Spring Valley Dr. in Greenbush. We'll kickoff the run at 9am.
If your four-legged friend wants to join us please bring them along but you might want to bring a leash for when we are running on the roads. Bring warm clothing and boots to change into for around the fire. Looking forward to spending some trail time with everyone and hearing everyone's running plans for 2013!
I've never attached a Google Map location before so hopefully this works.
Oh, and one more thing. Nic Giebler is planning on eating bacon while running the Pancake Run................... not sure if he's going raw or cooked.
See you on Feb 9th!
Monday, January 21, 2013
It's F.C. out.
I figured I'd post something about where I am in training and what's coming up for the Greenbush Trail Runners...
I'm signed up for the Ice Age Trail 50 Miler in May. My training plan officially started today with a 45-minute easy effort...which didn't happen. It's really, really cold out. I was going to head out tonight to get my time in, but instead I played with my boy and then sat in the warmth of my home. Tomorrow I'll make up for it by pulling a double. Promise!
I started to get back in to "running mode" over the last two weeks and am feeling that wonderful soreness of muscles that I really missed. I had taken off the month of December of any real training, and while I really enjoyed the extra chocolate during the holidays...I'm very much enjoying the sore leg muscles that the training is bringing back. As I mentioned, this week is the kick-off for Ice Age 50, and with Matt, Tony, and Dan all heading down the La Grange for the run, I'm excited to start the training cycle!
I've officially retired my Hoka Bondi's as of last week. I ran one last long run in them, and the blistered the heck out of my feet. I have a new pair of New Balance MT110's (updated version, with less lateral build-up) on the way and am excited to try them out. Other than that, there's not much to report on training. I feel chubby and slow right now but hope to build some serious hill climbs in the next couple months to get ready for Ice Age.
One of my all-time favorite training runs happened in 2011, when Tony and I ran 16 miles of hill repeats on the Ice Age Trail (Glenbeulah Trailhead was the starting point). Snow was still on the trail, but we grinded out 4 repeats to Mile Marker 2 (a serious workout!) and hated the majority of it...but the sense of accomplishment was epic...and I hope to hammer out 20 miles this spring in my training. Who's in?
As for upcoming GTR runs, we are scheduled to get together on February 9th, March 9th, ... and then the 3rd Annual NK 50k on April 6th, so plan on joining us for all or part of a great day in the woods!
That's about it for now. Someone will be back with more info on the upcoming group runs. In the meantime...get out to the Glen Trailhead, and let me know you're coming!
Happy Trails!
Nic
I'm signed up for the Ice Age Trail 50 Miler in May. My training plan officially started today with a 45-minute easy effort...which didn't happen. It's really, really cold out. I was going to head out tonight to get my time in, but instead I played with my boy and then sat in the warmth of my home. Tomorrow I'll make up for it by pulling a double. Promise!
I started to get back in to "running mode" over the last two weeks and am feeling that wonderful soreness of muscles that I really missed. I had taken off the month of December of any real training, and while I really enjoyed the extra chocolate during the holidays...I'm very much enjoying the sore leg muscles that the training is bringing back. As I mentioned, this week is the kick-off for Ice Age 50, and with Matt, Tony, and Dan all heading down the La Grange for the run, I'm excited to start the training cycle!
I've officially retired my Hoka Bondi's as of last week. I ran one last long run in them, and the blistered the heck out of my feet. I have a new pair of New Balance MT110's (updated version, with less lateral build-up) on the way and am excited to try them out. Other than that, there's not much to report on training. I feel chubby and slow right now but hope to build some serious hill climbs in the next couple months to get ready for Ice Age.
One of my all-time favorite training runs happened in 2011, when Tony and I ran 16 miles of hill repeats on the Ice Age Trail (Glenbeulah Trailhead was the starting point). Snow was still on the trail, but we grinded out 4 repeats to Mile Marker 2 (a serious workout!) and hated the majority of it...but the sense of accomplishment was epic...and I hope to hammer out 20 miles this spring in my training. Who's in?
As for upcoming GTR runs, we are scheduled to get together on February 9th, March 9th, ... and then the 3rd Annual NK 50k on April 6th, so plan on joining us for all or part of a great day in the woods!
That's about it for now. Someone will be back with more info on the upcoming group runs. In the meantime...get out to the Glen Trailhead, and let me know you're coming!
Happy Trails!
Nic
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