Inaugural Event —2001
Bonnie Busch —2002
Steve Hoger—2003
Bob Metzger —2003
Gary Bird —2003
Cory Schmidt —2003
Cory Schmidt—2004
Bonnie Riley—2004
Steve Hoger—2004
Hans-Dieter Weisshaur—2004
Inaugural Event
2001
Dink Taylor 7:05:57 and Cindy Heisdorffer 11:57:41
Ultramarathon World
McNaughton Park 50 Miler
Pekin, Illinois - 31 March 2001
1. Dink Taylor (34) Alabama 7:05:57
2. Dan Powell (50) Illinois 9:48.50
3. Richard Plezia (42) Illinois 9:56.21
4. Richard Maloof (40) Indiana 10:37:40
5. Cindy Heisdorffer (43) Iowa 11:57:41
5. Tammy Vinar (40) Illinois 11:57:41
7. Ken Priddy (41) Illinois 13:27:42
8. John Whitmore (48) Illinois 14:32:40
10 Starters
Notes by Andy Weinberg
6:00 a.m. Ten dedicated runners lined up to run their first of five ten mile loops for the inaugural running of the McNaughton Park 50 Miler (Pekin, IL). The course took the runners on the Potawatomi Trail which was named after the Potawatomi Indians which lived in along Lick Creek in the 1700’s. The trail was mostly wooded. The trail would periodically leave the forest but only to cross Lick Creek three times each loop or to run around a cornfield. The runners passed an old family from the 1800's, went over and/or under trees, up and down steep hills, over bridges, and across fields. The runners were treated to numerous deer, turkey, one runner saw a fox, and another an owl.
Dink Taylor (Alabama) led the entire race and set a course record in 7:05:57. He only walked once and that was at the beginning of the final lap. "I enjoyed the loop, although it kicked my ass," Dink said shortly after finishing. Dink directs the Mountain Mist in Huntsville the last Saturday in January. Dan Powell won the Masters Men Division in a close battle with him and Richard Plezia. Dan is from Pekin, IL and enjoyed seeing family and friends throughout the race. One of Richard's big concerns was why the large animal ate everything but the black shoes. Richard also enjoyed the race saying it was one of his favorites.
Richard Maloof of Indianapolis finished the race smiling, as he was each and every loop. He seemed to be a bit dirtier after each loop and had a story for each spill he took. Tammy and Cindy (Cornbelt Runners) finished each loop together including the final loop at 11:57:41, under the 12-Hour time limit which was not enforced. Ken Priddy and John Whitmore were still out there. Ken was prepared for the final loop and took a flashlight with him. He finished his last loop strong and credits that to not wanting to go past the family cemetery in the dark. He crossed the line at 13:27:42 with a smile on his face. Ken is a machine who truly enjoys ultramarathons. He is also an ultracyclist who will be riding a 1000 KM race this summer. John Whittmore was our final finisher at 14:32:40. John also used a flashlight the last loop and never considered not finishing.
A light drizzle started at about 2:00 p.m. but nothing to slow the runners down. The course became a little slick but again, nothing to slow these runners down. I think everyone enjoyed themselves and the course (which was not easy).
Great job and I hope to see you next year. The race will either be a 50k/50M or a 50K/100K. Best of luck this season and I hope to see you at some races. These results will be sent to UltraRunning and also posted on the website.
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Bonnie Busch
2002
This race report was found at:
http://www.ultrarunner.net/mcnaughtonparkreport02bb.html
Somebody asked about the McNaughton Park 50k/50m run held Saturday, Mar30, in Pekin, IL, it was the second time the race has been put on.
Trail description: IMHO, this is one of the toughest trails in this regional area. I saw the trail once before race day and quickly learned why the race times are what they are for this race. I haven't crunched any numbers but add an hour or more to your usual 50 mile time to compare to this course. I also learned why the two trail puppies that introduced me to this trail just love it, now I do too.
The 10 mile loop is all trail, no roads, no black top, no friendly little wood chips, no pine needles. Trail is leaf covered, single track, through hard and soft woods with some meadow areas that connect the woods together. Good old black dirt, could be quality top soil. Trail crosses a creek three times in the loop - most of these were 10-20 feet wide, some with high banks, some not. Wider and/or deeper when it rains or snow is melting. There a couple of old bridges (some very old, moss covered and missing boards and some more substantial bridges) and several areas where water can be avoided by crossing on logs or jumping. Many, many ups and downs to this trail, some slight, some severe. Many times, I would come out on a ridge line and wonder where the trail went - straight down - and several building stories in height. Other times the trail when it seemed that the trail disappeared - look up Very, very few roots or stubs that wanted to meet my toes, only one section of about 20 feet on a ridge line that had rocks. One section of sand lasted about a quarter mile. RD and friends cut out some of the fallen trees (and left others) from the trail. A pleasant mix of narly trail, flat river bottom sections, climbing up and dropping down, meadowed fields to catch a breeze, creeks and streams, twisting, turning with enough trail markings and landmarks to keep one from getting lost - even without race day markings. The park district advertises the loop to be 7+ miles without the race day add-ons. The park and trail are primitive - no running water, pit toilets twice along the loop (one set about a half mile from the race start point), no paved or lighted parking.
Race thoughts: RD, Andy Weinberg, friends and family get extra credit for putting on a well organized race and doing so in such a great setting. Andy probably enjoyed much stress throughout the week worrying about things he could not control - the weather. A few days prior to the race the area was blanketed with snow - two inches or more. The day before the race it rained all morning. Race day saw morning sun, afternoon clouds, and temperatures ranged from high 30s to mid 50s by afternoon. At pre-race announcements, Andy declared that the trail was wet, stream crossings (if one didn't make attempts to stay dry) would see water over ones shows and socks but definitely below the knees.
I had visions of wet, sloppy, mud hanging to my shoes, boat anchors to carry around all day. That didn't happen. The trail actually improved all day, with the first loop being the muddiest. The three creek crossings each loop also helped clean up the shoes. Lots of leaves on the ground helped fortify the traction. The trail was soft because of the rain and didn't pound the legs like I expected. I ended the day no muddier than what I had experienced on the trail a month earlier when it hadn't rained all that week.
This is a friendly race, enough people out running that if you waited 10 minutes on the trail somebody would come by or you could enjoy it all by yourself if you kept moving. Deer were frequent sights and I studied one squirrel up close as I was climbing a ridge. The natural landscape was fabulous and comforting. Most people traveled without carrying packs. Three aid stations on each loop, one was visited twice, one was at the start - so aid roughly available every few miles - never more than four miles away. Often enough, but not too much. Easy access to your car at the start/finish if need be, but most people piled their comfort bags at the start/finish to save time. Food was abundant and had great variety. Each loop that I finished felt like a celebration because of the race volunteers who kept track of every loop and would let you see the time along with everybody else's. The trail required one to pay attention to markings.
Final comments: I started the 50k and opted for two extra loops to get in 50+ miles, so I really enjoyed myself and felt challenged for the day. Clearly, I would have enjoyed it less had the rain come on race day! If you were to call me to go again for a training run, I would have a hard time saying no. Now I know why those central or southern IL runners have great legs!
Bonnie Busch
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Steve Hoger
Nebraska
2003
The first hint I had about what this course is like was when I went to the race website at www.geocities.com/running_50/homepage.html. I was looking for information on this run when I noticed the picture in the background. One of the runners in the picture had bad form and there was a line that looked like a rope from the runner to a tree on the hill. I read the rest of the website and found that there is a rope to help get up one hill. Andy's information on the web page is good.
The course is over a ten mile loop through the park. 50km people do a mile and then three loops. 50m people do five loops. You can sign up for either race and finish the other one if you change your mind. That seemed to be important as 23 of the 50 starters in the 50m decided to stop after 50km this year. That is why I recommend even a road runner like me can try this course because there is an option to stop early.
I thought this was a tough course. Some hills were steep up and down. In my first 50m I enjoyed the hills as a relaxing walking break. On some of these uphills, I was out of breath just walking. Some of the downhills were so steep you needed to grab a tree every few strides to slow yourself down so you would not crash at the bottom. The rope climb was not the worst part of that hill. The rope was a short distance compared to the rest of the very steep hill.
Three times each lap you have the opportunity to splash across a creek that was about a foot deep. Trail runners call this exhilerating. Road runners call it stupid and cold at this time of year. You can stay pretty dry if you go out of your way off to the side and then across. I tried it both ways and survived. The water wasn't that bad but I really did not like the sand and gravel that found its way into my shoe!
The aid stations at this race are great. There is a variety of items at each of the three locations. You could say there are four aid stations because one is located right at the start and end of a one mile loop so you go by that table twice each lap. If you have a crew, there is one place where they can drive and park and watch you run by. There is another place where they can park and walk a little way to and get cool pictures of you splashing across the creek.
Trail runners probably liked this year when the course was "wet". Road runners think this too is stupid and call it "very muddy". Numerous parts of the course became more challenging when you were sinking into one to two inches of mud. There was one downhill section where I think I could have stood still and slid to the bottom on the mud.
Some of this may sound like I had a poor experience with this race and would never come back. I had a time goal set and had trouble adjusting to everything being slower on a tough course. Once I stopped looking at the clock I was able to realize how hard I had worked at keeping my slow pace. I was happy that I finished a race that many chose to shorten to 50km. I was happy to be in the top half of those that finished the 50m. I thought the scenery was great. I enjoyed seeing deer numerous times during the run. The people who put on the race were great.
I came in thinking this might be more like a long cross country race where we ran over gently rolling hills on nice grass. There were lots of very runnable spots. The middle section of the loop is where the most running took place. There were many branches or large logs to step over around the course. Between the hills, the mud, the streams and the branches it was hard to maintain a steady pace for a long period of time.
If you choose to run this race next year, watch out for falling trees! At about the 42 mile mark I couldn't find a yellow ribbon or red tree marker to direct me. I stopped for a minute, found a red marker but was confused. There was a tree in the path that I did not have to crawl around on the other four loops. Was I lost? I continued on and soon came to the aid station. The girl at the aid station said the ambulance just left with a runner that a tree fallen on. (I think Gary had a broken arm and cracked ribs - he is doing fine.) I don't know what trail runners think about falling trees. I do know what a road runner thinks about falling trees.
I do know that this road runner will likely be back next year after training to be a better trail runner. Assuming you are crazy enough to run for 4-10 hours, the McNaughton Park 50km and 50m race is a great place to do it!
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The McNaughton Park course is a lovely, hilly, 10-mile loop. So, you do five loops for 50 miles, or three for 50K (after an initial one-mile loop). There were three stream crossings on the loop, ranging in depth from just over the ankle to mid-calf, and in width from about 8-12 feet, I’d guess. In other words, you’re feet were gonna get wet. The water was refreshingly cold, and my wool socks and Saloman Flagstaffs handled it all quite well. There was one very steep, technical, muddy section where a rope had been tied to help your ascent. I enjoyed that each of the three times I hauled myself up it. There were lots of other short, steep uphills and downhills, and some wonderfully runnable sections to boot. In addition to the start/finish area aid station, there were two others, one of which you hit twice per loop. All were amply stocked with goodies, and were staffed by wonderful people, in addition to one very affectionate (and vocal) cat. There were deer everywhere, trying their best to be cool and act like we weren’t there. The temperature was in the 30’s at the start, and peaked out in the mid-40’s, I’d guess. Over the course of the day, we had light rain, snow showers, sun, hail, and gusty winds. A large tree blew down and injured one 50-mile runner on his 4th loop. He was released from the hospital the next morning, and was credited with a 50K finish, as were many others who decided that three loops of this tough course on this day was sufficient. Of the 88 starters, 53 completed 50K, and 27 hung in for 50 miles.
RD Andy Weinberg did a fabulous job of making sure everyone had fun and was well-taken care of. Andy rocks. The Dri-Release shirts, with the design depicting the rope section, are terrific, and the finishers’ medals (featuring the same scene) are probably the nicest of the 40 or so ultra medals I have earned. I personally had a great, fun training run, with perfectly even splits (2:09, 2:11, 2:11 after an easy 12:00 first mile), and enjoyed hanging out at the start-finish for another 5 hours while the 50 milers kept running loops. One 50-mile finisher reported that his GPS device had measured 7500 feet of ascent/descent for the 50 miles, which didn’t seem at all unreasonable, although it’s probably not what you would expect from a course in Pekin, Illinois. A few of us even put a bug in Andy’s ear about thinking about offering a 10-loop, 100-miler on this course. Hey - if they can do it at Umstead, they can do it in Pekin.
In short, this was a first-class event on a very challenging and fun course. The 7-hour drive from Minnesota under gray skies wasn’t the most scenic, but it was well worth the effort. And, if we can twist Andy arm (and brain) into staging a 100-miler on this course, it would be worth the drive from most anywhere. Just watch out for falling trees.
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Here is his story...
"Wow! Do you think I am lucky," said Bird. "I asked the DNR officer how lucky can you be running in the middle of a woods with thousands of trees and even pass that same tree three times already, then have it fall the exact same time as you approach it!"
"As I stated running the course trail for the fourth time, I was feeling really well after consuming some hot chicken noodle soup and a bagel. Times were good, maybe a little fast, but nevertheless I had no real problems for 30-plus miles."
"As I approached a bend in the trail I heard some loud creaking of trees, which as you know is pretty common. As I rounded the bend and descended into a muddy ravine the creaking became cracking! The 45 foot or so tree was headed straight for me, knocking other branches and trees down. I was stunned at first...just watching this all happen right in front of me! Being in the ravine I had nowhere to go. All I could see was trees. I fell to the ravine covering my left arm over my head. I could feel branches falling onto me. About a 8-inch diameter branch struck me in the ribs and a smaller one fell across my arm."
"The cold muddy water in the ravine was no place to lay for long, so I tried to move and got to my feet. I was surrounded by trees and gathered enough to climb up the embankment. I knew I was pretty close to the aid station, so I walked to the station, feeling really bad and I had some trouble breathing. I wanted to just lay down."
"The young girl monitoring the aid station was in a real panic becuase her radio wasn't working and her cell phone couldn't get through. Finally another runner came, exclaiming about the loud bang made by the tree falling and that it re-routed the course. The girl said - yes I know, this guy was under that tree!"
"The runner gave me some nearby blankets and told the girl to go get help. By then other runners came by, all complaining about the tree. The word spread and runners began to relay aide to me. Soon I could here many sirens, evidently emergency personnel had gotten the message that I was still under the tree. Because of the remoteness of the roads, a 4-wheel drive truck had to bring in emergency personnel to me and take me to the ambulance."
"The ground was cold and sleet had began to fall again. To top it off, emergency personnel cut off all my upper body clothing leaving me exposed to the elements! I was freezing. Cramps started in my legs from the running and cold ground. Because they deemed my accident a trauma, the ambulance had to take my to the Peoria Trauma Hospital. Well, many tests were done to determine if I was ok internally"
"I'm happy to say that no bones were broken, but contusions on my arm and ribs are evident. In other words, pretty damn sore, more so than from the run itself. Anyway I need to watch my spleen as well, since it's in a pretty tender area right now, but I hope to pick up the pace soon!"
"In looking over the area this morning before starting back, I found that I had been laying in the only area in which the bulk of branches did not cover the ravine. Also, I think the soft mud gave me extra impact cushioning when the limb hit my ribs."
"Tom Landis took some photos and one shows the root ball, now all rotted away, reached toward the ravine. The other shot is in the ravine. You can see the 8-inch log laying in the only open area and above is a nasty stub of tree which would have caused some damage to me."
"Well, all in all it was a pretty exciting weekend! Now I get to purchase some new cool max clothes to race in, Unfortunately, my Huff shirt was a casualty! How can I get another one, Mitch?"
"Happy Trails....really!"
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Great race, great course (a short out and back followed by three 10 mile loops on VERY muddy, steep, singletrack with three stream crossings), excellent organization, well stocked aid ststions with friendly volunteers, free Endurolytes and Hammer Gel in the race packet, nice medals and t-shirts and a good turnout (approx. 40-50 for the 50k with about the same number running the 50 mile on the same course). The only downside - Pekin really isn't the most entertaining of towns. It is near Peoria though, which is larger and presumably has more to do.
Long Version
Pekin received rain throughout the week prior to the event and race day conditions were predicted to be in the low 20s with rain/snow and 30 mph winds - didn't sound too promising. Thankfully the forecast changed on Friday, as well as actual race day conditions to a high of 40, 10% chance of precipitation and little wind. Really could not have asked for better weather. The race began at 6:00 (with an optional 5:00 start for those who like tripping over things in the dark) My wife and I started at 6:00. The course starts out with a half mile run out into a field, turning around and then hitting the 10 mile loop that we would circle three times. The loop starts out on a wide packed earth trail between a cornfield and the woods and then quickly turns into the woods, and goes up a steep hill. From here on the trail is single track - mostly mud and packed dirt, with a layer of leaves which diabolically hide any loose rocks, holes, and roots. The trail covers rolling terrain. Most of the uphills and downhills are fairly gradual but there is also quite a few monsters tossed in for fun.
Here are some trail highlights - Since it is a three loop course you pass everything (with the exception of the first out and back) three times.
• One uphill in particular was so steep and slick that runners used a rope tied to a tree to assist their climbs.
• Many downhills required running (or sliding) from tree to tree in order to somewhat control your descent. Controlling your descent was not just neccesarry to stay upright and clean but to avoid pysical harm as well. Some of the downhills were next to some pretty intimidating drop offs.
• Mud that wanted nothing more than to suck the shoes off of your feet. Thankfully this did not happen. Even so my socks were a completely new color after the race.
• Three larger stream crossings. I attempted to use logs, rocks, and stumps while crossing the streams with only minor success. Each stream crossing drenched at least one of my feet.
Here are some personal highlights
• Ran what I thought was a new 50k PR of 5:26:25. This proved not to be the case however when I later looked in my running journal and saw that my old PR was 5:25:51. Even so I am very happy with my time due to this course being much more difficult than the course of my real PR.
• I came in 13th out of 40 some men.
• My wife was first overall female in 5:40 something. I can't think of her exact time off the top of my head.
• I met a man who has run 98 different marathons and has completed a marathon in each state.
• I saw five deer bound across a field in front of me.
• I met a Western States finisher - Beth from Milwaukee (coincidentally she, as well as Brad from Sun Prarie who she was running with when I saw her know our fellow forumite, ajchris)
• It didn't rain.
I would definitely recommend this event.
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or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Trail Run
There are two statements about ultra running that have really made an impression on me: “There are two types of ultra runners – those that have DNFed and those that will.” and “An ultra run teaches you something about yourself.” It wasn’t until the 2004 McNaughton 30 mile that I had personal experience with either statement.
My previous twelve marathons and ultras had all been relatively easy for me – as easy as a run of 26.2 miles or longer can be. Once I was running each race, I never doubted that I would finish it, I never felt too terrible during it, and I never had a hard time recovering afterwards. While they all showed me that running distance was something I enjoyed and that it was something I was pretty decent at, I never felt that they taught me anything deeper about myself.
I wasn’t expecting the McNaughton 30 mile to be any different. My goal was to use the race as a training run for the Ice Age 50 mile in May and hopefully run each of the 10 mile loops in 1:45, giving me a hopeful finishing time of 5:15. Even though the course is challenging I thought I had a good shot at meeting those goals – I had run 5:26 the previous year when the race was a mile longer.
Race morning was perfect – in the 40s with a predicted high of 56 degrees. It was clear and windy, though the wooded course blocked the wind for the most part making it a non issue. The racers lined up at 6:00, to the sound of a bagpipe player in the morning mist, and were off.
My first of three identical loops (which include three stream crossings each, a hill so steep that a rope is used to pull yourself up, seemingly vertical downhills, and many rocks and roots hidden by a thick layer of leaves) was as I had hoped and planned. Even after a wrong turn which added about a ? mile I finished it in just under 1:46. Things were looking good.
My second loop started out just like the first – feeling good and enjoying the run. Shortly into the loop however, something happened. My head started to hurt, my leg muscles were tight and heavy, and I was having some trouble getting a good breath. I am unsure of the exact cause but it may be partly due to any, or all, of the following – a temperature in the low 60s which was a lot warmer than the Midwest winter that was only a couple weeks gone, my spring allergies kicking in, a lack of thorough stretching before the race, or something else entirely. It didn’t really seem to matter at the time why I felt that way – I just did and wanted to get over it so that I could meet my goals.
I remained calm and told myself that a little more walking early in the race and a little bit lengthier stays at aid stations could very well help speed things up later in the race. It did seem to help, my second loop was ran in approximately 1:55. Slower than hoped for but not bad considering the way I felt.
It was at the start of the third loop that the bottom fell out. I was feeling lightheaded, slightly dizzy, and was having some difficulty planting one foot in front of the other despite consuming adequate fluids, eating at aid stations, and taking ample Endurolyte tablets. I knew this loop was going to be one bad a** mother and I let my wife, who was spectating after finishing the 10 mile run, know that I might not be back around any time soon. I knew that a lot of walking would be done and I really started to feel that a DNF may be lurking ahead. I told myself, “Get to the first aid station and see how you are feeling. You can always drop there if you have to.”
I got to the first aid station and wasn’t feeling a whole lot better but thought, “The next aid station is only 2-3 miles ahead – keep on moving forward.” I knew that if I could make it to this aid station (Ironically named “Heaven’s Gate” -- not so ironically located next to an old cemetery) I certainly can run the one mile loop that will bring me back to that same aid station. After that I only have 3.5 miles to the finish. If I can’t cover 3.5 miles I shouldn’t even be out here.
So I headed out from the first aid station on a seemingly long and arduous journey to Heaven’s Gate. I got there, had some jelly beans, a few animal crackers, a couple pretzels and a bottle of Peach vitamin water (which I would have avoided had I been paying attention to what I was grabbing) to go along with the Gatorade I was carrying. This all made me feel better and I was able to run almost all of the mile loop to return to the Heaven’s Gate Aid Station.
Feeling a little more confident and a little more healthy I set off towards the finish line. It is amazing how tiny inclines that were virtually unperceivable the first two times through can become menacing mountains of doom in the later miles of an ultra when you are tired, not feeling well, and just want to be at home in the shower washing off all the grime. Due to this change in topography, I was taking pretty frequent walk breaks in the remainder of the race. I was finally feeling confident that I would finish, albeit with a time much slower than I had hoped for.
I did end up finishing, with my wife cheering me on and snapping a picture (which I am sure I can send to Webster’s to include next to the entry for “suffering”) in 5:44.
While not as successful as my other long races, according to the stopwatch, I really feel that the 2004 McNaughton 30 mile was a big success in terms of teaching me something about myself. I was able to look an almost certain DNF in the face and say, “Not today.” The medal from this race hanging on the spare bedroom doorknob tells me more about myself than any of the others that were gotten much more easily. I know that I am stronger than I may have previously thought, and that in future races, under similar circumstances, I will be able to keep moving forward and cross the finish line again.
A few highlights of the 2004 race:
- First and foremost, race director Andy Weinberg. The best race director I have ever encountered. Period. How many races are there that have an RD that you see every 10 miles, knows your name (not because he is holding a chart) and cheers you on, personally hands out all medals and awards and is willing to do just about anything for participants?
- The best race shirt I have ever received – a technical fabric Adidas short sleeve top with the race logo on the left breast
- I got to run with and talk to a member of Team Montrail/Patagonia who has run Badwater four times. A very nice guy but still a humbling experience.
- HUGE bonus points for dark humor – A fallen tree that had a sign on it reading “Gary Bird Tree.” This tree had fallen on runner Gary Bird in the 2003 race, sending him to the hospital.
- Three whitetail deer bounded across the trail not more than 20 feet in front of me.
- Coming face to face with an angry chipmunk on the trail. With how I was feeling I didn’t want anything to do with him – I am sure he could have taken me.
- Post race brats and burgers
- A bowl full of Endurolyte tablets at the food table – A bowl full of pills on a table full of food looked like Keith Richards had brought a dish to pass.
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Is there ever the best time to run a 100 mile race? Do you ever feel totally prepared mentally and trained physically? My road to the finish a few years ago started with “Get Tough, Be Tough, Stay Tough”, then it became “Stay Strong”, now, I believe, “FOCUS” has become my main ingredient to get to that finisher’s clock.
A mere 2 years ago I completed my first ultra, that year included 2-50k’s, 2-50 milers, and 1-100k races. Last year I completed my 1st and 2nd 100 mile races: Vermont and Superior Trail. So, signing up for Massanutten 100 this May seemed like a huge challenge to try and accomplish. My plan was to do some 50k and 50 mile races before May to use as training runs. But, when I heard Illinois was going to have its 1st 100 this year and it was 5 weeks before MMT100, I thought I would really like to try both. I read all the previous reports about the trail, including our very own Minnesota couple, Bob Metzger and Chris Markham, who, by the way on this very trail, came in 1st woman in the 50 mile Master, 2003. They had encouraged Andy Weinberg, Race Director, to put on a 100 mile race in 2004 because they enjoyed it so much. Then, Scott Wagner, our own Afton 50k Race Director, told me Andy was a really nice guy and would put on a great race. What more did I need to know?
I had rested for 3 months this past winter, doing pool workouts and weight lifting. I started some snow shoeing after Jan. 1st, went to No. Carolina to visit my daughter and ran the Mt. Mitchell 40 mile challenge, and 2 weeks later did Andy Holak’s, Chester Creek 50k Fat Arse. I felt confident and strong enough to give it a try.
My traveling companions to Pekin Illinois were Larry Pederson, his wife Colleen, and Scott W. I will be fortunate to be pacing Larry at Western States this year. Colleen became our ‘ray of light’, a ‘warm fuzzy’ at each start of a new loop, always there to help in any way she could, to make a speedy departure. I always looked forward to seeing her smiling face as I came out of the woods into that start/finish aide station, which I will call my drop bag station. We checked in at the park and everyone received very cool shirts. Then, the 100 mile entrants also received a very cool jacket, did I say veeeeery cool!!! I think I might have got a little jealous eye from Scott with that jacket. It was then my pleasure to finally meet Andy W., and a number of race entrants, including one ole’ German man I had heard a lot about, Hans-Dieter Weisshaar and his beautiful wife, Susie, at the door of their US ‘home on wheels’.
The next morning at the start there was a hot blazing fire to keep the chilled bare legs warm in the 30+ temp. Our drop bags were placed on a big tarp in the grass. There were lines at the Port-a-Pots, as usual, so I found a more convenient spot next to a car along with 2 other gals following down the road. My kids still can’t believe I can Pee anywhere in the grass. The weather for the entire race couldn’t have been anymore perfect, starting in the 30’s and getting to the upper 50’s. There was a wind, but because we were in the woods most of the time we didn’t feel it much and it wasn’t strong enough to blow any trees down like the previous year, which was good. The trail was also perfect with very few muddy spots other than the 3 creek crossings. I had, back in Minnesota, where the lakes were still iced over, soaked my shoes in the lake on shorter runs and ran with cold wet feet for 3-10 miles training. I only gulped for about a block, and then I was used to it, so the creeks didn’t scare me at these temps...
We said our hellos and gave out well wishes. As we started the first 10 mile loop, I was with Larry, Scott, and Al Holtz, another Minnesotan. We laughed and talked and I didn’t really see much of the trail while following everyone else. But, to my surprise, there were lots of walking hills for me. Scott and I were having fun; he was badgering me about using the rope to get up one of the hills, which I had previously told him I wouldn’t need. The creek crossings came and I stomped right through each one, all the while still being afraid I might slip on the rocks. As the day got warmer I used those water spots to bathe and soothe my leg muscles. It was great and I never did experience any leg cramping throughout the entire 100 miles. In the evening hours, when there was a race crew watching runner’s cross the water, they commented that only the women would stop and use the water on their legs, We Girls Rock…Heck, on one of the crossings I even looked back and saw a fellow runner take out black garbage bags and put them on their shoes and legs to cross over, a new concept.
My first loop split time was 2:05, not bad I thought for a “back of the packer” on a challenging course the first 10 miles of a 100. At the end of that loop I had to stop at my drop bag, remove my shoe and check out my elasticon taping on my foot, which felt like it was now around my toes. I found out it was only my sock bunching up a bit from the water. I pulled it snugger and replaced my shoe and thankfully never had another problem with it the rest of the race. I went in to loop 2 by myself and got into a regular rhythm and really tried to memorize the trail and course more so I would get to know what to expect in the dark hours, a nice advantage for a loop course.
Each loop included 3 aide stations plus our drop bag station. The first station out of the start was attended by Natalie and mom, Melanie, and other men I wasn’t sure of names, but I will call it the ‘Natalie/Mom’ station. The second and third station was actually the same location with a 1 mile out and back loop to return to, it was called Heaven’s Gate. All of these were full of drinks and food to please everyone, and at night hot soup and pizza, yummy. I looked forward to coming into each aide station because they were so very helpful with all my needs and I was able to spend very little time there. I may add, they were always pleasant and continually encouraging.
My first 5 loops were all pretty close in split times, within 30 minutes of each other, and with a 50 mile time of 12:05. I was pleased with this time and felt strong. I had made up my mind at the start that I would FOCUS on finishing the 100. I feared the option of not being able to endure the 100 miles, and it was really nice of Andy to afford people to drop down and finish shorter distances, but boy did I want it. Also, that chair and drop bag on the tarp looked very inviting each loop I went through. Each time I came in to the drop bag station; there was Andy, shouting to every one to look at: “Bonnie Riley, she’s a 100 miler”. If that doesn’t pump you to keep going, I don’t know what would. At the start of my 6th loop, now wearing my evening attire and loaded with lights in my pack (Petzl Myo5 and hand held, Rage) Larry, Colleen and Scott said their goodbyes for the hotel to get some needed rest. I barely had to use the lights on that loop but also added 30 minutes to my split time, 3:09. On loop 7 I had to use the headlamp and it died in exactly 2 hours, so I was thankful for my extra handheld backup. I was sure the lamp would last at least 4 hours. At my drop bag, those wonderful volunteers replaced the batteries for me and I was back on the trail with renewed lights again. Those new batteries ended up only lasting 2 hours again, REI here I come.
On the 8th loop I pretty much knew the course by heart and knew when to expect a turn, a hill, a log, 2 logs, a creek, the aide station lights, YEAH, PEOPLE, nice people. About half ways into that loop I passed a man and he told me he thought I was 4th overall. I said, “No way, you are kidding?” Well, of course, you know what that does to the brain especially when you have always been at the back and even sometimes last. Further down the trail I passed my new friend, Hans. He seemed to be a little on the tired side, well heck, so was I. But, I also thought he was a full loop ahead of me and didn’t give it any thought that we could maybe be competing with each other. That was a new kick, me actually competing with someone at the head of the pack in a 100 miler.
While I was at my drop bag I saw Hans out of the corner of my eye come in and proceed to his little ‘house on wheels’. I forgot to ask my position before leaving but was happy I felt enough strength to keep going. As I came out of the first short portion of my 9th loop, I crossed over the grassy area a few 100 yards to the left of the drop bag station. As I was entering the trail head again, here comes Andy running towards me to make sure I was ok and didn’t need anything. He had taken a little snooze and he missed seeing me for a couple of loops and was concerned, wow, once again I thought what a nice guy… At the first aide station I was told I had a stalker, Mr. Hans wanted to know where “That Girl” was, ok… I was Bonnie all day and suddenly I became, “That Girl”, funny… it put an ongoing smile on my face and even more strength till the finish… Soon after that I heard footsteps from behind and “lo and behold”, there was Hans, surprise, surprise!! He passed me with new energy and happy hellos and goodbyes. From that point to the end I only heard of him as I was going through the aide stations. I came to find out that, I, in fact, had been #4 when I passed him, and he really was on the same loop as I. Right about then #2 in the race dropped, and, well, you can do the math. Wow, what an exciting two last loops I preceded to have.
I came in from loop 9 and was lucky to have my friends; Larry and Scott join me at different times on the last loop. I ate a Brat, which wasn’t a great choice on my stomach, but it gave me some renewed energy. Scott’s attitude was to gain ground and maybe even catch Hans, while Larry, down the trail, prompted me to just endure the distance the best I could and finish. My 9th loop split was 3:24; my 10th was 2:58. I never caught that ole’ German friend of mine, who was just too elusive and evasive to catch up to as he was dancing through the woods to the finish, but it sure was fun trying.
As we came around the last turn I looked ahead to the finish and saw a large group of people yelling and clapping, TV camera’s with a newscaster interviewing, the clock, the wonderful clock that said 27:42 as I passed it. Wow, I still can’t believe it. Then, Andy walked over, shook my hand, and handed me the most AWESOME Illinois shaped, wooden plaque that said:
McNaughton Park 100 Mile Trail Run
Female Champion
April 3, 2004.
There also, was my night stalker, my new friend, my opportunity to actually be able to compete for placement in a race, Hans. He expressed very heartfelt congratulations, and I thanked him and said I would see him at Massanutten.
Thank you McNaughton TEAM for putting on a “Grand Race”. I will tell all and for sure return again.
Stay Strong…
Stay Focused…
Your Friend,
Bonnie Riley
Minnesota
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Steve Hoger Race Report (2004)
Steve Hoger sent in an extremely long race report. It’s been combined with photos taken by his son, Mark, into a great chronicle of last year’s race. Enjoy … and thanks to both Steve and Mark for sharing. You can also download 2 desktop wallpapers as a reminder for this year’s upcoming race … both photos taken by Mark Hoger. Click on the photo(s) to open them in another browser window.
1280 x 1024 desktop wallpaper (jpeg format)
1280 x 1024 desktop wallpaper (jpeg format)
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Hans-Dieter Weisshaur
Germany
2004
An excerpt from another satisfied customer…Hans-Dieter Weisshaur from Germany:
Dear Andy,
Finally back home and getting rid of jetlag. Susi and I would like to thank you for that great race you put into the 100 miler “landscape”.
Let me repeat:
1. The course is gorgoeus, 100% paved-free and almost
single track! The hills are challenging, I loved it
and found out, how flat my training course in Germany
really is.
2. The people of the aid stations also were gorgeous, too! Perfect service. Everybody wanted to give his best. Say Hi and thanks to Mike and Marvin again!