What have I been doing?

Only 8 days left until the big race…after a year of planning, preparing, and training for the Arrowheadultra.  During these past weekends, I am trying to work on some problems that I had in the previous race (Tuscobia), for a minor problem could cost me the race, which is not at all pleasant.  One issue is to prevent water from freezing, so I went out to purchase two one-liter thermos, one for the Gatorade and the other for the Perpetuem.   Both thermos will be in an insulated bag along with some cheese, peanuts, almonds, raisins, chocolate bars, protein bars and carbohydrate, and others.

In terms of my training, I work on my speed and strength that I will need after mile 70, as previous Arrowhead runners have commented on how this part will have many ups and downs in terms of adaptation to the cold.  So, I tried to get some training in on the coldest nights a few days ago; the temperature was -24 F( -31 Celcius), and on these same nights, the temperature in International Falls was -42 F!  Now I have to strategize to fight the cold and stay mentally tough.  After next week, you can check out my blog for the Arrowheadultra news.  Hopefully, I’ll bring home the cool trophy as my 36th birthday present! 

Tuscobia Winter Ultramarathon

So, here we go...one more time - YES, I can do it!  All week long, I couldn't sleep and was more nervous than ever, as the big day was about to come.  Thursday, December 16th, okay Saint Paul, and here I come Park Falls, Wisconsin.  After 3 hours and 40 minutes of barely nothing, I reached Mason Motel.  Aahh...at last, a quiet place for me to rest my eyes.  After bringing all the things inside the room, I unpacked and repacked, making sure all the stuff is set to go in the morning.  And finally, I was ready for my cozy bed.  3:30am and I was still wide awake.  I tossed and turned all night long, perhaps it was the bed bugs marching back and forth on my body, cheering for my big day. 

6:45am rigth on the start line, I had bib number 6 on my sled (but my favorite number is 7).  Anyway, "Okay guys, it's 7:00," the race director said, as I slowly turned on my shuffle, ready to do some rockin' on the trail.  After 4 hours and 20 minutes, I finally reached 15 miles with an average speed of 3.7 miles per hr, not too bad for myself.  But I kept telling myself to maintain at least around 3.2 miles per hr with some stops for food, of course.

Jamming to my tunes and running, I came to the first checkpoint at 3:30 - OH YEAH, some warm homemade chili was waiting for me!  At this point, I also refilled my Camelbak and after 30 minutes, I hit the trail again with flashing light on my head, warning other runners to look out for me.  Again, I had recharged and ready for the next checkpoint.  Of course, porky me was getting hungry when I got to Radison (between checkpoint 1 & 2), so I chowed down some smoked salmon, yuck...it was cold.  Just when I passed Radison, I saw the firt two bikers, probably Jason and Lance.  After 50 miles on the trail, I was still ahead of 2 other runners.  Now the sad thing was, when I got cold and had to stop for my jacket and  insulated pants, I saw a couple guys gradually getting closer to me.  Already with the wamers on, I comfortably paced myself again.  With my body producing too much heat, I had to stop and take off some layers to cool down.  By this time, I met Chris (another runner); we walked for awhile, but this time he was walking faster than me.  So again, I was by myself on this moonlit night.  At last, I got my 75 miles down at Rice Lake, and I sure was happy.  Of course, I didn't want to get too excited because it's just half way! I supposed it's din-din again, right?  Here I was with the reactor stove, ready for some spaghetti with meat sauce - mmm...mmm...mmm..   I also noticed that I was chaffing - Oow.  I had to put some cream quick; I grabbed the Desitin just in time.

Back on the trail again ready for another 29 hours or so.  Considering it's my second day without rest, I decided to rest and put on some warmers for my hands and feet.  After a 2-hour nap, it was time to fire up again.  By 10 o'clock, I reached the last and 3rd check point where I got my chicken noodle soup and some warm water.  At this point, I geared up and went back to the trail, running as fast as I could for 3 hrs, eventually I felt tirred and had to slow down with almost 10 miles left.  I pushed myself to keep going, but the last mile seemed forever long - I couldn't see the finish line!  I called the race director just to make sure that I didn't pass the line; he told me to just follow the trail and would meet me there.  Indeed, he did, and I walked next to him to THE FINISH LINE with 62:45, coming in 2nd place.  I said thanks to my legs and warmed myself with the heater in the tent.   We took some pictures, got a pizza, and took off in dfferent directions.  For me, it was back to St. Paul - a long drive back home, so tired and sleepy.  

And that is Tuscobia 150...thanks everyone for a great race.  Stay tuned because Arrowhead Ultra 135 is coming!