Miles Upon Miles

As usual I went out a bit overdressed on a morning that started out in the mid-30’s but that wonderful sun warmed things up nicely and I had to strip off some layers! . I haven’t been on trails since my attempt at the Superior 100 over a month ago. No particular reason except that I wanted to start back up on some base miles on a more tamer surface before getting back on the trails. I’m starting to miss it. . I suck at winter training so I’m hoping this winter is good to me so I can keep running outside. I don’t do treadmills unless I absolutely have to. But then again I say that every winter. . I don’t have any races in my calendar yet but I’ve got my eye on one particular winter ultra that I’ve yet to finish. Going after my third try at it. More later... . #ultrarunning #trailrunning #trail #running #igrunners #fitness #runner #runnersofinstagram #ultra #ultratraining #ultrachat #ultrarunner #trailrun #trailrunner #optoutside #outdoors #innerWild #SalomonSquad #TimeToPlay (at Chicago Lakefront Trail) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo4wCh8BRLe/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=852fwb3iy0o8

Chicago Marathon between miles 23 & 24! #chicagomarathon (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/BooxU-mhbTT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=u93xvtgw57al

After taking some time away to soak it all in, it’s almost ready. Such an incredible experience. New blog site (and mostly still a work in progress). I’ve been somewhat incognito since then but here’s to new adventures... . . Soon. https://www.instagram.com/p/Boe9wUQBMGE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=13vod0yyhztc7

To this day helping to lead a pace team for Chicago Endurance Sports has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring things I’ve done. . For those of you on the tail end of training for your marathon may you be inspired by those around you at the start line and run strong to get it done! #chicagomarathon2018 #marathontraining #running #cesrun #chicagoendurancesports (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn_VFZXhxoK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1xcqwu1y9u2we

Sunset over Lutsen, MN. Home for a few days for the Superior Trail 100 mile. #superior100 (at Caribou Highlands Lodge on Lutsen Mountains) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnXYFh_lNxr/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=rojma6r2cro0

A little sad that summer is winding down but still keeping a smile on. Pretty soon the flowers behind me will be gone and they will be covered in snow. For now I’m grateful for whatever is left of these hot summer days and enjoying every minute of it! Hope you’re getting out there! . . . #ultrarunning #trailrunning #trail #running #igrunners #fitness #runner #runnersofinstagram #ultra #ultratraining #ultrachat #ultrarunner #trailrun #trailrunner #optoutside #outdoors #innerWild #SalomonSquad #TimeToPlay (at Swallow Cliff Woods) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnRLSUQl2SB/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cam7rh30qk0p

The hard work is done. It’s been a long journey. Just 12 (!!) days from now I will be going on a grand adventure attempting the Superior Trail 100 mile ultra in Lutsen, MN. My first crack at the distance and I can’t wait to get started. The crew is in place and the preparations are in full swing. My mind is at peace with whatever the outcome will be- good or bad- but I know I’ll be giving all I’ve got 🙏🏻 . . . . #ultrarunning #trailrunning #trail #trailandultra #running #igrunners #fitness #runner #runnersofinstagram #ultra #ultratraining #ultrachat #ultrarunner #trailrun #trailrunner #optoutside #outdoors #innerWild #runwithUD #gotailwind #SalomonSquad #TimeToPlay (at Swallow Cliff Woods)

The Salomon XA Elevate has become a real favorite of mine now five months in. I enjoy them for my shorter trail workouts where I focus on some speed and throw in some climbing on steeper hills where the shoes can really dig in. . I normally prefer Hoka's for my longer runs - the Challenger ATR for trail and the Clifton for roads - but the Elevate on shorter speed workouts allow me to be a bit more nimble on my feet so to speak. . The transition from a Hoka to the Elevate took a while of getting used to but the Profeel Film along the forefoot really makes it feel stable and offers the rock protection I'm looking for. . I'm still not the biggest fan of the Quicklace system on these shoes, which offers a single pull of the laces for easy-on, easy-off. I get the concept and the convenience of it, but if I had the chance to put traditional laces on them, I would. I will say that the laces do not come loose, however the "slack" in the lace that can be tucked under a small pocket in the tongue of the shoe will undo itself if not done correctly. . A great shoe all around and I plan on keeping it in steady rotation. Link in profile! . #ultrarunning #trailrunning #trail #running #igrunners #fitness #runner #runnersofinstagram #ultra #ultratraining #ultrachat #ultrarunner #trailrun #trailrunner #optoutside #outdoors #innerWild #SalomonSquad #ragnar #ragnartrail #ragnartrailwarrior #TimeToPlay . (Full disclosure: Salomon provided these shoes to me at no cost as part of their Salomon Squad ambassador program and the Ragnar Trail Series) (at Old School Forest Preserve)

Once in a while near the end of a long training cycle, I ask myself whether I'm still doing this for the love of it, or if it's just, well, work. Am I doing it for the sake of just getting it over with? Long runs like Saturday's 20 mile on the Ice Age Trail tend to test that commitment despite all of the challenges. The smothering fog, wet icky grass, overgrown weeds, downed trees, slippery rocks, mosquitos, deer flies, bugs, more bugs, heat, soaking sweat, even more bugs, horse poop, and breaking spider webs. I hate spider webs. And despite all of that, I can still finish with a smile on my face knowing it's been well worth it. There are many worse things I can be going through. Life is good. . #ultrarunning #trailrunning #trail #running #igrunners #fitness #runner #runnersofinstagram #ultra #ultratraining #ultrachat #ultrarunner #trailrun #trailrunner #optoutside #outdoors #innerWild #SalomonSquad #TimeToPlay (at Emma Carlin Trails)

Only 43 more days until the Superior Trail 100 mile. The training so far has been tough, but I’ve been having a good time of it and the miles are flying by. This weeked I’ll be attempting the Voyageur 50 mile trail ultra in Duluth, Minnesota - a tough and long running ultra with over 4000 feet of elevation change and known for its long and grueling hikes up and down exposed stretches of power line sections. . . I’m ready for the challenge - and a little suffering. . . #ultrarunning #trailrunning #trail #running #igrunners #fitness #runner #runnersofinstagram #ultra #ultratraining #ultrachat #ultrarunner #trailrun #trailrunner #optoutside #outdoors #innerWild #SalomonSquad #TimeToPlay (at Swallow Cliff Stairs)

Had a great time pacing the 2:30 hour group at the Chicago Rock N Roll half marathon today for Chicago Endurance Sports. Official finish time 02:29:34. My co-pacer Tim and I nailed it despite constant rain during the run. Lots of peeps achieving some amazing goals despite the conditions. Loved being a small part of that. (at Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon)

Fun group run tonight repping Ragnar Trail . . . #trailrunning #trail #running #igrunners #fitness #runner #runnersofinstagram #ultra #ultratraining #ultrachat #trailrun #trailrunner #Ragnar #cararuns #ragnartraining #optoutside #outdoors #innerWild #SalomonSquad #TimeToPlay (at Roadhouse SixtySix)

Fun times this past Saturday chatting up Ragnar Trail Northwoods with the CARA road warriors after their long run in the rain. . . #trailrunning #trail #running #igrunners #fitness #runner #runnersofinstagram #ultra #ultratraining #ultrachat #trailrun #trailrunner #Ragnar #cararuns #ragnartraining #optoutside #outdoors #innerWild #SalomonSquad #TimeToPlay (at Lakeshore East)

Steps, and trails, steps, trails, rain, trails, steps, creeks, rain, steps, and trails. Muddy. Happy. . . . #ultrarunning #trailrunning #trail #running #igrunners #fitness #runner #runnersofinstagram #ultra #ultratraining #ultrachat #ultrarunner #trailrun #trailrunner #optoutside #outdoors #innerWild #SalomonSquad #TimeToPlay (at Swallow Cliff Woods)

Still on a bit of a high after finishing the Kettle Endurance Runs 38 mile night "Fun Run" this past weekend. What an adventure. My finish time was 10 hours, 50 minutes. The only other time I've run sunset to sunrise was during Ragnar, but even then I was able to sleep a wink or two. A few takeaways from the race: . Meeting up and running through the night with crazy MUDD friends was the best idea. We all managed to start and finish together. . Started just after 6 p.m. and finished just before 5 a.m. Sunday morning. Props to caffeinated Tailwind, many familiar faces, and the amazing aid stations to pull me through. . The mosquitoes were no joke. OFF was absolutely necessary. . Managed to stay on my feet the whole way despite some gnarly ankle busters. No harm done, thankfully. . My first time getting caught in an overnight thunderstorm while on the trail. . Favorite moments include turning the headlamps off and enjoying the starry sky after the storm passed. . The Blue Nordic Loop was punishing on the return trip. So tired. I thought it would never end. . My aid station food experiment continues with success: Favorites included cheese quesadillas, grilled cheese, hot hash browns (to die for), bacon, and pancakes with syrup(!!). . Gear that worked: Black Diamond Icon Polar headlamp, Insect Shield Buff, Salomon Bonatti WP rain jacket, Ultimate Direction Jurek FKT vest, caffeinated Tailwind, Tailwind Rebuild recovery drink. . Gear that didn’t: UD Flex Form bottles with older, smaller bite valve that came with Jurek vest. Bite and tip up to drink took my eyes off the dark trail. Prefer the round UD bottle with taller rubber bite valve with less tipping. It’s the little things... . . . . #ultrarunning #trailrunning #trail #trailandultra #running #igrunners #fitness #runner #runnersofinstagram #ultra #ultratraining #ultrachat #ultrarunner #trailrun #trailrunner #optoutside #outdoors #innerWild #runwithUD #gotailwind #SalomonSquad #TimeToPlay (at Kettle Moraine State Park)

I'm not sure if that's a grimace or a sorry attempt at a smile after a trail run on a recent day with a 95F heat index 😂 I'm excited to head back up to Wisconsin again this weekend for the Kettle Moraine 100 Endurance Runs - my first time at this ultra. I'm 10 weeks into my training block for the Superior Trail 100 Mile (MN) in September and I'll be attempting the 38 mile night "Fun Run" for this race to get some time on my feet on the trail in the darkness. Running/hiking on trails at night has its own set of challenges but the miles go by so much faster runner through my little tunnel of light from my headlamp. This should be fun. Best of luck to friends taking on the 100M, 100K, and 50K distances this weekend! See ya out there. (at Swallow Cliff Woods)