The Really Big Free Marathon

The Scenario

As I said before, our trip to Las Vegas didn't exactly have the smoothest of beginnings, but it turned out beautifully! The weather cooperated and we were able to leave Saskatoon on an evening flight. So, while the eight of us were relaxing on the plane, reading running magazines (trying to absorb as much info as we could in the hopes that it would help us the next morning!), Angela was in Vegas getting everything organized for us.

Thankfully, Ang and her husband Clint had gone to Vegas early so that Clint could take in SEMA (a fancy car show). If she hadn't been there, we would have been much more frazzled and unprepared for the race. Ang went early and picked up one of our rentals and tackled the freeway on her own to get out to Lake Mead to get our race packages. She got us gatorades & bananas, adjusted our supper reservation and hung out in the van waiting for us at the airport. It was no doubt a total pain, but Ang did it without hesitation and we were all extremely grateful.

Ang, behind the wheel....cool as a cucumber, ha, ha.

Although it wasn't flawless, we made it to Vegas! After taking a quick zip down the Strip, we checked in to the hotel and enjoyed a very late pasta supper. After a seemingly short sleep, we were up early and met down at the lobby for 5:30. We were a bundle of nerves and excitement as we loaded into the vans to make the drive out to the race site!

It was still dark when we arrived at the park gates, but even so, we could tell that the terrain was a little hilly. We knew we were headed in the right direction as we started to encounter other vehicles...who else would be silly enough to be up so early out in the desert....runners!

So, just before dawn we made our last minute wardrobe changes (thank goodness Ang convinced me to leave my jacket behind!), we waited our turn at the biffy, we left Clint in the van to have a nap and we made our way down to the start line where the full marathon runners were just getting on their way (They had been delayed. They were supposed to have started at 6:00, but it was so dark they couldn't see who was standing next to them!). I had a chance to give each girl a hug and wish them good luck before we lined up in the waves that corresponded with our estimated finishing times. This was it, the moment we had all been training so hard for! 

The Event

This was the inaugural event for the Really Big Free Marathon Las Vegas. The Really Big Free series is organized by io events, inc. It is a race series that is the first of it's kind. The idea is that the runners get to participate for free. We still registered online like with any other race and we paid a $50 deposit to ensure that we would actually show up for the run. The race officials promise that as long as you cross the start line, you will receive your deposit back, in the mail, approximately six weeks later (as I'm writing this post it is December 23rd and we have yet to receive our cheques in the mail....so, we'll see).

Of course, I'm not privy to the behind the scenes info as to what exactly occurred during the planning of this event. What I do know is that the organizing committee had a much more difficult time finding sponsors to cover the costs of the event than they had anticipated and for whatever reason, they needed to change the location of the course. So while participants were promised tech shirts, a medal and a flat residential course, we ended up with cotton shirts, a medal and a hilly route. BUT, I am happy with that! I think the race officials did a fantastic job pulling this event together and I think beggars can't be choosers....even if we don't actually receive a reimbursement for the registration fee, I've paid higher fees to run in lesser races with less swag. It's a neat race concept and hopefully they're able to get sponsors on board to make it happen again!

The Really Big Free Marathon website says that the event was sold out (they had capped it at 2000 registrants), but the results only show 263 runners completing the full marathon and 1114 in the half marathon. I'm guessing that this discrepancy was maybe a combo of people not willing to make the drive out to Lake Mead for the race and the heat & the hills causing a few more to stop partway through. Whatever the cause, I enjoyed running with the varied group of people who did complete the race! 

In Saskatchewan, we get the odd person who runs in a costume, or juggles while he runs, but the number of quirky runners at this event kept me entertained! There were costumes (a maid, a princess, some tutus), a man wearing NOTHING but a pair of short shorts & a couple pieces of tape around his feet (extreme minimalism), a runner wearing a surgical mask (like the kind that keep away germs....I can't imagine running with one of those on!), there were the runners from the Hash House Harriers club (their moto is "the drinking club with a running problem") who stopped at each mile marker to shotgun a beer, a man wearing a sequin running skort and I'm sure many others that I missed. It's neat to participate in events with such a varied participant pool....and it can be pretty motivating....there's NO WAY he's going to beat me!

The race was well organized and the course was clearly marked. I could have used an extra aid station right around the turn around point, but other than that it was good. The post race snacks were good except the whole oranges were a bugger to get into, lol! I think, especially given the obstacles the officials were faced with, this event turned out great!

The Excuses

This was the hardest course I've ever ran! Lake Mead provided us with a beautiful and scenic landscape but the hills (they felt more like mountains at some points) were challenging.

Immediately after crossing the starting line, we made our way up a hill. The race officials had warned about it in their pre-race loud speaker announcements...."don't go out the shoot too fast, the first half mile is up hill"....but what they didn't advise, was that the remaining 12.5 miles wouldn't be much more level!

Just as I started on my way, the sun was coming up; and, it didn't take too long for the temperature to rise. Trying to be thankful for the beautiful, sunny day, I reminded myself of the cold, snow & freezing rain I had been in the day before. But, it was HOT. 

Despite the hills and heat, my body felt good as I completed this run. It was hard and I had to push myself, but I didn't have any pain in my hip or knee. The first half of the course was primarily uphill. I took solace in the fact that the return trip would therefore be mostly downhill. 

As I neared the halfway point, there was a series of large hills. It was during this segment of the race that people really started to struggle. At times, the number of runners off to the side of the course catching their breath was staggering. However, this was also when I started to meet up with the first couple girls who had began on their way back. I was smack in the middle of our group with Sarah, Jadah, Katy and Shelley ahead of me and then once I started on my way back, I met Krista, Ang, Nicki and MJ. The little boost I got seeing and high-fiving each of them as we crossed paths, helped me through those tough hills.

I really struggled during the last quarter of the run. The sun was high in the sky and despite my Cliff gummies, my energy was running out. I tried to divert my attention by enjoying my surroundings (there was a coyote on the trail at one point wondering what the heck we were all doing out in his neck of the woods!) and cranking my music (I found my power songs and put them on repeat!). I dug deep and gave it my all. When I finally got to the last half a mile, I was SO excited to be heading back down that initial hill! I was blasting past people! And then I saw Sarah & Jadah! Having Sarah run a little part of the course with me was great and gave me the extra boost I needed to really finish strong. Thanks Sarah! 

My Favourite Part

Being able to experience this run with my friends and having the opportunity to take this trip together was awesome! Most of us registered for the event last winter so we had lots of time to prep for it. Training together (not always physically together, but simultaneously) was inspiring. Each of us found a plan that suited our individual needs and we tried our best to follow them. I think during the months leading up to the trip, we took turns drawing strength from the others to get us through the unavoidable rough stretches. It was nice to have each other to lean on.

Together we built new bonds and strengthened existing ones all while pushing ourselves physically & mentally. Although a few of us have a bit of a competitive spirit, I LOVE that we supported each other; and, rather than competing against one another, we focused on achieving our own goals.

This, for me, is what running is all about.

"Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: 

that's the essence of running, and a metaphor for life..." 

                                                                  

                                                                      Haruki Murakami

Everything that led up to the race was worth it when we crossed the finish line! My favourite part was having the chance to watch each of the girls succeed in running the half marathon! We had lots of tears and lots of hugs and lots of endorphin induced happiness!!

This is me in my post race happy place! 

Once we were all done at the race, we took a quick detour to check out the Hoover Dam. Then, we headed back to the hotel for a soak in the hot tub....it didn't take too long for the endorphins to wear off and the aches & pains to kick in!

We spent the rest of our trip having fun! We shopped, walked the Strip, ate delicious food, went to a brand new Cirque du Soleil show, shopped some more, relaxed by the pool and on the last night there we rented a stretch limo to see the sights in style! 

Thanks for a great trip girls (and Clint!)! It was a blast!

I am happy to have completed my eleventh half marathon of the year! This run puts my total distance to date for 2012 over the 725 mile point. 

Burpees for Boobies

This summer, I increased my fundraising goal for the year to $10,000. I had been trying to think of how I was going to make that happen. Then it came to me! I remembered that last year, my cousin participated in a fundraising event called Burpees for Boobies at her local gym in Southern Saskatchewan. It seemed like a fun idea and October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so it would correspond perfectly with that.

I had had a bit of extra time during the day since being forced to cut back my weekly mileage. I decided that I would use my running time to organize Burpees for Boobies, Warman style! The basic idea is that each person gathers pledges and for every $5 raised they promise to do one burpee at the event. I tested the waters by mentioning it to my eight friends who I get to go to Vegas with in November. They were overwhelmingly supportive and more than willing to participate. So, I put the wheels in motion and started planning. My hope was that I could organize a fun event for us to get together and support the Canadian Cancer Society.

The Behind the Scenes Prep

I approached a handful of local Warman businesses and explained what I was trying to accomplish. Their response was positive and very generous. The first person I thought to talk to was Angela at Bodacious Bustlines (boobies are kind of a big deal in her line of work!). Despite the fact that October is an extremely busy time for her (being that it's breast health month), she was more than happy to provide the fundraiser with three great prizes.

Passions Beauty Studio hosted a breast cancer fundraiser this summer and Chelsey is a fit and active person, so when I was in for Myles's haircut, I mentioned my idea. Her response was overwhelmingly supportive! Not only did she donate three prize baskets, but she added a bit of fundraising incentive by offering a free haircut to anyone who raised $400 or more!

My next step was to mention it to Kelli Henderson. Our sons went to preschool together and, as well as teaching local bootcamp classes, she is a personal trainer who is active in the fitness competitions. I remembered seeing a post on Facebook a while ago where Kelli had won a burpee contest, so I thought it may be right up her alley! Sure enough, she happily agreed to participate in and lead us through our burpees.

Anytime Fitness offered to provide an event shirt for each participant. This meant that we needed a Burpees for Boobies logo. My friend Jade did a great job of this for me! It also meant that I had to do up a registration form so that I had a way to keep track of shirt sizes, etc. I did up the registration form & the pledge form and got all the information organized. I set up a group on Facebook so that we could invite people to join us and I could keep everyone updated.

When the need arose to have some promotional printing done, I approached Rebecca at the Diamond Centre Pharmacy. She was more than willing to cover the printing costs and offered to donate prizes as well. The pharmacy has a great selection of giftware and toys. I found some cute wrist sweat bands for the kids and a "Save the Ta-Tas" cup for Kelli in the section of breast cancer merchandise.

Once word spread about the event, I was able to organize additional prize donations. The Legends -Warman Golf Club donated a round of golf, James and Angely at AutoSource1 donated an oil change and inspection, Gloria at De Amore Boutique donated two beautiful purses and happily agreed to participate in the event. Rochelle at Glo Fitness in Martensville donated $60 toward a fitness class at her studio and my registered massage therapist Charlene donated a hot stone massage at her studio Legends Massage Therapy.

I booked the Seniors' Drop in Centre for the afternoon of October 28th and twenty-four people had registered to participate in the fundraiser. While they were hard at work gathering pledges, all that was left to consider were the details.

My husband made a spreadsheet to organize the donations, the Super Valu donated bananas, water & gatorades to fuel our efforts, my friend Shannon offered to take pictures at the event, Kelli & I made an outline for the afternoon and Myles & I found the perfect crowns for the Burpee King and Queen! My friend Mj set up a playlist by organizing "Tune for a Toonie". She was able to raise additional funds for the event by gathering a toonie for each song request. On top of that, her employer, Apple matched each of those donations dollar for dollar through their Employee Charitable Giving program!

So, we were set!

How Many Burpees are Humanly Possible in One Afternoon!?!

Following the steak night in Regina, the total amount raised for my 12 in 2012 event with the Canadian Cancer Society was $8358. Originally, my hope was that if we tried really hard, the Burpees for Boobies event could put the total over my $10,000 goal. Once we had twenty-four participants, I did some quick math and thought maybe, just maybe we could raise as much as $12,000....wouldn't that be cool, I thought....we could raise $12,000 in 2012!

Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would surpass that, but we did! The total raised at the Burpees for Boobies event was $5870!! That puts the total raised to date at $14,228!!!!

That also meant that we had 1174 burpees to do!

As each person checked in and we tallied up their pledges, we gave them raffle tickets that corresponded with the number of burpees they had to do. As they completed their burpees, the participants would enter their tickets in for the prizes they wanted.....when they had used up their tickets, they were done the burpees they had been pledged for.

Once they were done their required burpees, they could choose to keep going and earn more tickets. I also tried to motivate them to do more burpees by offering prizes for Burpee King and Burpee Queen (the male and female participants that did the most burpees in total).

In planning the event, we had decided that anyone who raised $200 or more could be exempt from doing their burpees (afterall, knowing you're going to have to do a burpee for every $5 raised it NOT necessarily great motivation!). Although the majority of the participants met this benchmark, most still chose to participate.

We started off by announcing the winners of the beautiful prize baskets from Passions. Jadah ($525), Mj ($509) and Angela ($425) were the top three fundraisers and were excited to win these treats. There were eight participants who raised $400 or more; and as a result, will receive a free haircut at Passions!

After I introduced Kelli to the group, she led us in a warm up. The Seniors' Drop in Centre was the perfect space for the event. It allowed us enough space to spread out and move. We also had A LOT of little supporters on hand! The kids were happy to be able to hang out together as they cheered for and encouraged their parents.

We tackled the burpees in manageable amounts. Kelli's guidance, the music and the competitions kept things fun! We had a kids' contest, a battle of the sexes and the Burpee Queen & the Burpee King showdowns.

The men and women went up against each other with the hot stone massage up for grabs. The women blew the men out of the water and after 100 burpees, there were still four women standing! So, Kelli made them keep pace and proper form until we finally had the top two women! Gloria won the hot stone massage, a beautiful purse and a lovely crown and MacKenzie won the second purse.

Then it was down to the men. With the round of golf at the Legends up for grabs, we had four men step up to the plate. In the end, Scott was our King and I was happy to crown him (it was his bald head I had had in mind when I purchased his blue tiara!).

On top of all of this, Chelsey from Passions had donated the $250 that had been earned at her breast cancer fundraiser in the summer. After being open for only 3.5 years, the salon had been nominated for the top five Unite Salons in Canada. So, Chelsey had taken her whole team to SanDiego for five days for training, awards and fashion shows; but, she had sent me a message to share with the group:

The ladies at Passions Beauty Studio are passionate for a cure! The Passions Beauty Studio team decided to get together with a local photographer and host a 50's Pin-up Marathon photo shoot to raise money for cancer. After sitting down with their team to discuss where they wanted to donate the money, it was decided that breast cancer research it was. Chelsey Kara owner of Passions Beauty Studio Grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer many years ago, so they felt it would be best appropriate! Chelsey Kara says, "although she only has one boobie, we are so fortunate that grandma Stella is now 78 years old and still with us today. Unfortunately, we know that there are many women out there that have not been so fortunate. We are so happy to be able to give the $250 we were able to raise to Burpees for Boobies and to be a part of such an amazing event. We are so thankful for all of you that have helped in any way to plan, sponsor or get down and do some burpees for such a great cause! We wish we could be there with you all, but we are in San Diego for training. So, we might have to do our share of burpees while on the beach in plus 30 weather! Have a blast and let's all be passionate for a cure!"

Congratulations to the Passions team for winning the award for top Unite Salon in Canada!

Together, we did the 50 additional burpees that corresponded with her donation. So, while we had raised funds for 1174 burpees, I know that we did many more than that!

I am Thankful

I am extremely grateful to the participants of the Burpees for Boobies event. Your support and hard work made this event so much more successful than I could have ever imagined. Thank you Kelli for doing such a great job! I am also thankful to everyone who pledged me & all the other participants. Thank you to the generosity and support from all of the local businesses. Your prizes and donations helped make this fun and you asked for nothing in return.

I have said it before, but going into this year, I never had any expectations for how much I could raise for the Canadian Cancer Society. To think last January, I was thrilled when my brother donated $100. That one donation had made me feel like it would be worthwhile....and now here we are ten months later and we've raised over $14,000!! That feels GREAT!!

Let me tell you though, I was NOT feeling great a couple days after the fundraiser! I had more than a few sore muscles!

That evening, I had a soccer game; and when I got home, I had received an additional $100 donation. So, I did another 20 burpees. Apparently, burpees use every muscle in your body...even some I didn't know I had! It was definitely worth it though.

We've Just Gotta Roll With it

It's FINALLY here! Tomorrow we run in Las Vegas!

There have been quite a few things about this race that have caused us a bit of worry. It is an inaugural event and the first of it's kind (thanks to sponsors, the race is supposed to be free to run). As such, they've had some hiccups throughout their planning. Most recently, the course of the Really Big Free Las Vegas Marathon was moved from a residential location in Henderson, out to Lake Mead Recreation Park. Among other things (including a shift from an entirely flat course to a hilly desert route) this change has meant that we need to rent vehicles and get up at the crack of dawn (actually well before dawn) to be at the site for the 7 a.m. start time. But, we have rolled with the punches, adapted and stayed optimistic as the race directors have announced their adjustments.....I'm sure a hilly desert route will be much more scenic! So we were all set to start on our way this morning.

We all know that Saskatchewan weather is extreme. Last night the freezing rain started, so I wasn't entirely shocked when I got up this morning at 3:45 and our flight to Vegas was cancelled. There were six of us booked in on the early flight. Without leaving the comfort of our homes, we were able to re-book onto a later flight (thank you to Expedia for having ACTUAL people to answer their calls!). Thank goodness for technology! I can't imagine how we would have managed the switch around without cell phones and the internet. Now, eight of us will all travel down together, but we won't get there until 6:30. As a result, Angela (who is already in Vegas) has offered to take care of picking up our race packages from out at Lake Mead and getting everything organized for tomorrow's run. Thanks Ang!

Anyway, whatever else comes our way over the next five days, I'm sure it will be an adventure! And I'm happy to be sharing it with such a great group of friends.

I tried my hardest this week to get the post done about the Burpees for Boobies fundraiser I hosted last Sunday....but there just haven't been enough hours in the day to get everything done on my 'to-do' list! I promise to get it up as soon as I can once I'm back. But, it was very successful and I'm thankful for the the hard work of the twenty five adult participants (and all the kiddos) and the fantastic support from the many local businesses that sponsored the event. Thank you!

That's all the time I have for now. Thanks for understanding.

Fingers crossed, we'll be on our way shortly and we'll rock our half marathon tomorrow!

Kevin - A Dad on the Run

We are a lucky group of girls. We all have very supportive husbands (obviously, they are taking care of the kids and manning the fort while we escape to Vegas to run in November!). Not only have they all been to the finish lines and along the race routes and brought the kiddos to cheer for their moms, but they've helped make it possible for us to put the time in to train for the runs. They are happy that we are happy.

When the teams were being organized to complete the relay, we were one runner short. Sarah didn't hesitate before she volunteered her husband to fill the spot! She knew he'd be game. So, we were the Moms & Dad on the Run!

Here's what he had to say about completing the relay:


I really didn't train for this run, at best I put on 20 miles in total in preparation for my leg of the 50 km trek. It showed. Not only did my wife close a 12 minute head start I had on her, she breezed past me with a mile to go and crushed my overall time. 

I don't mind really, she has outrun me from the day I met her. 

I run for fitness, to relieve stress, to have some time to myself. For me, the event itself is the draw. The mulling around with anticipation prior to the start, the cheers from onlookers and the end of race congratulations are what I love. The feeling that you have just been part of something bigger than yourself. 

As I look around at those who ran, stretching and limping about, I feel like I am part of a community in which members push their limits, push themselves and others to achieve more and to be an inspiration to those who wish they could run a race. 

Well, anyone can take part in a race. Walk, run or roll…..I have seen racers in wheel chairs, on prosthetic legs, walking and on bikes, if you have the will you can do it. 

This last race, the Saskatchewan 50km relay, had some fierce competitors as well as some inspirational ones. One person comes to mind, he was probably in his 40's and not in the best shape (not yet anyway) but boy was he giving it his all. I remember him well as he wore a blaze orange toque. He stood out not for his head gear, but his obvious determination to push himself and finish his race. Which he did.  It takes a great deal of courage to line up with a bunch of obviously super fit runners and not shy away. My hat goes off to this guy….to me, he is more of an inspiration than the guy who can run like the wind.


Thanks Kevin!

Michyla

One of the things that I like most about running is the sense of community that it fosters. Perfect strangers who are both runners (no matter their ability level) can sit down and engage in lengthy conversation. The camaraderie that comes from running is funny. I am thankful that I had the chance to meet Michyla this year. We are both runners, but beyond that we have much in common. Here's what she had to say about running the Sask 50 km Ultra Relay:

I started running two and a half years ago, when my twin boys were nine months old and my daughter was two. Right from day one, running was a mental health exercise for me. I needed a break, even just a short one, and I started to crave my daily run just to have some time to myself. I ran my first 5K race three months later and was thrilled to finish in 25:54.

The next spring I ran my first 10K race in 56:38, and started to think about a half marathon. It was always one of those "some day" ideas, until I came across a training plan in an issue of Runner's World for running your first half. In looking over this plan I discovered that training for your first half, with the goal of simply finishing instead of a time goal, really wasn't that much more demanding than the 10K plans I was following.

Anyone who knows me knows how competitive I am (even if it's just against myself!), and the goal of simply finishing a half marathon didn't stick around for long. In May 2012 I ran my first half in the Saskatchewan Marathon and achieved my secret goal of finishing under two hours! After that I planned to go back to 10K's for the rest of the summer... but maintaining my fitness level didn't seem too daunting, so I ran another half marathon a month later in Vancouver with some friends.

I've followed Janaya's blog since she was featured in a Saskatoon Road Runners newsletter early this spring. I met her in person at the pasta dinner the night before the Saskatchewan Marathon and got to chat with her a bit. When a friend of mine expressed an interest in running a half marthon in October I contacted Janaya to see which one she had on her schedule for that month. She had found the same thing we had - there aren't really any half marathons around here in October! We decided to form a three-person team for the Sask 50 Ultra instead.

The Ultra was interesting for me. It was my first relay event, and that served up a whole new plate of challenges. I was running the second leg, and it was fun to be able to go out and cheer for other runners during the first leg. I found it stressful not knowing exactly what time I would start running. I usually have a pretty calculated pre-race routine, carefully timing my last bathroom break, eating my Gu Chomps and taking a couple shots off my asthma inhaler. For this race, I had to estimate what time I would be starting and hope for the best. It was a chilly day, so I had an extra jacket on while I waited for our first runner, Erica, to run. I was starting to think about taking it off and getting ready to go when Erica came blazing up to the exchange point! I tossed my jacket to a thankfully understanding volunteer at the bag check tent and got there just steps ahead of her.

The other thing I found different about a relay event is that you have no idea where you're running in relation to everyone else. It becomes a true race against yourself. Someone who finishes after you can actually place ahead of you simply because your first runner was faster so you had a head start. The field was starting to spread out during my leg as well, and it was odd to be standing at the start line (exchange point) alone.

I dubbed Leg 2 "the ugly leg." The first and third legs spent most of their time along the scenic Saskatoon river bank, but leg 2 travelled along a gravel path beside the freeway, then along a very uneven ditch, then through an off-leash dog park. We got a bit of river bank time too, but not a lot! Janaya mentioned the difficulties some of her friends had on this leg, but at least we all had some stories to tell afterwards!

After my leg I changed into dry clothes, had some pancakes and then headed out to cheer for Janaya and her other third leg friends. I always appreciate people out supporting runners when I'm running, so I tried to clap and cheer for every runner I saw. (I also make a point of trying to thank volunteers who are assisting on the course while I'm running.)

I'm like Janaya, I love race medals! We were a bit disappointed that the relay runners didn't get medals, especially since the entry fee was the same for all runners, whether running the relay or the individual event. That means that one relay team paid three times as much as an individual runner to cover the same route. I guess that also means we ate three time the pancakes, but I think we could've gotten medals too!

All in all, it was a good event, and one I will look forward to running again (though I will try to run a different leg next time if the course is the same!). It was fun to get out and cheer for other runners and meet some other runners. I also enjoyed getting to know Janaya a bit better, I admire her 12 in '12 project so much.

I write a running blog as well, at www.runmommyrun3.wordpress.com if you'd like to check out some of my other running adventures this year!

Thanks Michyla!

Sask 50 KM Ultra Marathon

The Scenario

Saturday October 20th was the Saskatoon Roadrunners Association's Sask 50 km Ultra Marathon.

Back in May, at the pasta dinner the night before the Saskatchewan Marathon, I met Michyla. She was seated at the same table as Ang, my mom and I. As we introduced ourselves, she shyly leaned over and admitted to following my blog. She is a member of the Saskatoon Roadrunners Association and had read the write-up about me in the newsletter in March.

A couple months later Michyla emailed me to see which run I would be doing in October. She and a mutual friend Morgan were planning to train and run a half marathon and wondered what the options were. I explained that I had planned to try and complete the full marathon in Regina to 'count' as both my Sept & October runs; but, my backup if I wasn't able to would be the Sask 50 km Ultra Marathon Relay. I offered to be their third member if that was what they chose to do. They excitedly agreed and together we formed the "Moms on the Run" relay team!

In August, some of the girls who have been training to run the half marathon in Las Vegas decided to form two relay teams. The idea was that it would serve as the last good, long training run before we head for Vegas. Angela, Sarah & Mj formed team "Sam I Am" and Jadah, Kevin (Sarah's hubby) & Katy formed "The JKs".

Then, Morgan hurt her knee. She's been going for physiotherapy and taking it easy, but the Wednesday night before the run, she had to admit that she wouldn't be able to complete her leg of the race. Yikes! It's not easy to find someone who is able to run 15.2 km with only two and a half days to prep.....but, my friend Erica Weber agreed. She said she hadn't ran more than 6 miles since she ran the SPS 10km in April, but she would give it her best try!


As I said last week, I had a few reasons to be nervous about this run. Rather than worrying about the things which I had no control over (the weather, the way my body was going to react to the distance, etc), I decided to focus on the things I could control. I bought a snazzy new pair of running tights, I organized a fantastic FAST playlist, I went for my pre-race short outside run (I had to make sure the snazzy tights were going to stay put), I went for a physio appointment and I stretched.

We were lucky to have our dear friends Kathryn & Micheal and their daughter Julia spend the night at our place Friday. My husband picked up my race bib for me on his way home from work and I prepared the "classic" night before supper of chicken, pasta & broccoli. After enjoying a beer and a  well overdue visit with our company, I tucked in for a good sleep. It was nice to wake the next morning and get hugs and well wishes from three happy kids and three of my favourite adults.

So, together with the small group of runners and organizers, we nervously huddled together in the parking lot at the Mendel Art Gallery. The weather was cool and the sky was overcast as we got the first three girls started on their way. The remaining six of us piled in to Kevin & Sarah's truck and we set off to meet them on course!

The Event

This was the fifth annual Sask 50 km Ultra Marathon. You can participate in this event as an individual and run all 50 km yourself (yowzers!) or as a three person relay team. The route is designed in such a way that the three legs of the course start & finish at the parking lot of the Mendel. The organizers are upfront that this is a small, very basic event. They encourage runners to plan ahead and have friends and family available to support them en route and even ride bikes or run with you for encouragement.

The three legs of the relay differ in distance (15.2 km, 16.8 km & 18 km) and terrain. It wasn't until after the race that I realized how fortunate I was that I ended up running the third leg. While it was the longest, it was also a fully paved out & back course that had some nice views and a few gradual inclines. When compared to the second leg that I was originally supposed to run, it was literally a walk (or in this case run) in the park!

The running community is one that generally embraces anyone who is willing to lace up their sneakers and hit the trail; and, in my experience, runners are usually friendly and encourage each other at events. I found that was not necessarily the case on Saturday. This is my first Ultra event. Perhaps it is the extreme nature of the ultra distance, but the jovial support from fellow runners was not as evident as what I've become accustomed to. Erica noticed it too and she has had the chance to participate in many varied events....it didn't really matter though, we decided we'd still continue to smile and shout out support while we ran whether we received anything in return or not.

The organizers and volunteers were fantastic! The Saskatoon Roadrunners had the start/finish/relay exchange zone well organized and things seemed to run smoothly. There was a tent with heaters to allow us to warm up, there were a couple porta potties, a bag drop tent, a generator that powered a microphone and some fun music and the Girl Guides had a food tent where they were preparing pancakes.

Brooks sponsored the event and each registrant received a shiny, slick black running jacket. However, I feel like, given the basic nature of the event, the registration fees were high. Each person paid $65 ($55 if you're a Roadrunner member) whether you were running as an individual or a three person team. This seems steep to me. Also, given my predisposition of loving race medals, I definitely felt that the relay runners should have received a finishers medal. I get it that the individual participants ran further and that accomplishment is crazy cool, but a relay medal would have been awesome....especially since each team paid three times the fees to cover the same course. The registration form actually says on it, "Your entry fee includes a pancake breakfast after your run and a surprise gift which you will receive at the finish line when you complete your race!". There were pancakes, but no surprise gift. Anyway, I am willing to embrace the minimalist nature of this event, but I think the registration fee should reflect it.

While I am happy to have had the opportunity to participate in the Ultra, I wouldn't recommend it for a less experienced runner or anyone who is looking for a more conventional event....It's pretty hardcore.

The Excuses

I am just so pleased to have been able to complete this run, that I'm not going to give any excuses.

The Best Part


We did it!!!!!

I have only ever ran one other relay (the Banff to Jasper Relay with Erica last Spring), and I had forgotten how much fun it is! The ultra relay really gave a us a chance to come together as a group. I was excited to spend the day with my friends and be there to see them complete their legs of the race; but, I hadn't anticipated how much we would rely on each other throughout the process.

Going into this event, there was a bit of worry over the 'minimalist' nature of the race. Each leg only had one aid station that you passed twice. When you compare this to a more mainstream event where there are typically drink stations every few miles, it gave us cause for concern. So, at soccer practice last week, Ang and I devised a plan. We looked at the route map for the first leg and picked a couple spots where I promised to be waiting with Gatorade, water and a smile. Then, with my husband, I made a similar plan for my leg of the run. He promised to be at two spots that I would cross twice on course which would give me a total of six "aid stations" (including the two stops provided by the event volunteers).

It's funny how something that starts as a worry can turn into one of the best experiences! I had fun providing aid for the three girls running the first leg, and I LOVED having my friends and family support me while I ran!!!

Leg 1

The route of the first leg was kind of a double loop. It went out by the water treatment plant and then back and over the University Bridge to cover the distance between it and the train bridge and back. We met the girls out at their first loop point. They were warmed up and running strong. We dropped Michyla off at the exchange zone (Erica was running fast!) and then met them a second time by the Diefenbaker Canada Centre on the U of S campus. It was fun to cheer for the runners! Ang had woken up that morning with a head cold, and it was making it hard for her to run. While she looped out to the train bridge and back, I peeled off my warm pants, popped a piece of gum in and put on my running watch. I was able to join Ang for the last bit of her leg and cover the additional distance I needed. It felt great to see her succeed and her kids were waiting for her at the finish line!

Jadah and her kiddos

As I had expected, Erica powered her way through 15 km despite having two days notice....she finished in one hour and twenty one minutes!

Leg 2

There was plenty of "action" that took place on the second leg of the race....we had a husband and wife race, less than optimal route conditions and an encounter with an overly friendly dog!  I didn't get a chance to get out on the second leg of the race because there wasn't enough time. Michyla, Sarah and Kevin had to run 16.8 km that went north of the Mendel and across the river via Circle Drive pedestrian bridge. They then proceeded through the off leash dog park and out the grid access road, ran along Central Ave and back the same way. Because Erica was so fast on the first leg, Michyla had quite a head start, then Kevin started twelve minutes ahead of Sarah.

It had been raining and the terrain was slick. The stretch of the course along Central Ave was also troublesome because it had the participants running in the ditch. It was during this area that Sarah wiped out hard. Not cool. Then as she made her way back through the off leash park she was tackled from behind by a big dog. More not cool. When the teams were deciding who was going to run each leg, I thought it was funny that a couple of the girls flat out refused to run the second leg because they were afraid of dogs....I guess they were right!

Despite the crudy course and terrain all three runners did extremely well and Sarah managed to set a personal best.

Leg 3

Michyla came around the corner with a smile, we tagged hands and I was on my way! As I set out and my music helped me find my rhythm, I felt good. I felt strong. I didn't go too far before I saw Sarah blasting toward the exchange zone. She had caught and passed Kevin! He wasn't too far behind and he was still smiling.

As planned, my family was waiting for me under the Circle Drive bridge with high fives and a swig of Gatorade. After I passed them, I started to think that I had too much distance until the next aid stop...not to worry. Halfway between, I came across Jadah waiting at the roadside. Perfect! Then I got to the "real" aid station at the park and just beyond that Sarah, Kevin, Ang & Jadah were there cheering. Then again at the next designated spot, they were all gathered and I could see my boys playing tag in the distance. I continued on as the course entered unchartered territory. The turnaround point was on a stretch of new trail up by the Silverwood golf course. It is an area with a beautiful view of the river. Right around here Katy caught up to me and her long legs carried her strong and fast to the finish.

After I turned around and started on my way back, I met Mj. She looked great and had her big smile! Soon after I came across Michyla! Wrapped in a blanket trying to stay warm, she was sitting by the trail waiting for me. I told her where the others were and by the time I got back down the trail, she had joined them.

Over the course of this year, I have run this river trail many times....in fact, I feel like I could tell you the location of each crack, ridge, divot and tree root along the way!! But, I found that knowing my boys, husband and friends were going to be up ahead waiting for me, really broke up the course and made the time pass quickly. It probably seems silly, but the boost that it gave me every time I saw them or they drove by and honked was just fantastic! I think we should do every race like this.

The final act of support was when I came to the train bridge and my husband and sons were waiting and ready to run the last half mile with me. I felt great as we crossed the finish line together at my last event on home turf of the year.

I saw this quote on Facebook this week:

Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.

                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                          -Rumi

I feel like the nine of us were on fire and our flames were burning bright as we worked together to cover the 50 km course! I am thankful that I have such great friends and family.

I am SO excited to have completed my tenth half marathon of the year! This run puts my total distance to date for 2012 over the 705 mile point. Now, I have two weeks to get organized for our girls' trip to run the Really Big Free Marathon in Las Vegas!