Ice Age 50K Race Report

TL;DR: I got my Ice Age finisher keychain and made up for a lack of talent and training with a desire to cross the finish line.

In 2016 and 2017 I tried and failed the Ice Age 50Ice Age 50, a 50 mile trail run on Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail. This year I signed up for the 50 again. I'm not fast, I have no natural running talent, and I'm kind of a wuss, so all I've got to rely on is training. I came so close last year that I thought maybe this time, with more training, I could do it.

More training didn't happen. I bought a Peloton over winter and fell in love with spin classes, of all things. Being able to get in a great workout without dealing with Wisconsin winter weather was just so appealing. So while I was putting in some decent workouts on the bike, my running dwindled. I had a lot of zero mile weeks, maxed out at a 15 mile run in February, and ran my highest mileage week - 20 miles - just this month. Not exactly ultramarathon training.

Obviously, I had every intention of dropping Ice Age. I had moved into a half marathon training plan with a goal of running a sub-2:00 half by the end of summer. 20 miles a week sounded pretty fine to me.

But then I was given the option of running the 50K at Ice Age instead. While the 50 mile Ice Age route consists of a relatively easy 9 mile loop followed by two very different and very tough out-and-backs on the Ice Age trail, the 50K is made up of a 13 mile out-and-back on the IAT and two laps around the 9 mile loop. I figured I could do the 13 mile out and back, end up back at my car and call it a day.

Race Day

Fresh off my 20 mile week (lol) I was looking forward to my 13 mile DNF at Ice Age. The energy at this race is electric. The race was founded in 1982 and it attracts runners from all over. Before the start, the race director lists off the runners with many, many multiple finishes. Such a cool thing to see.

The 50K runners were off at 8:15 a.m., and I kept a light, conversational pace (because really, what else could I possibly do?). The out-and-back to the Horseriders Camp aid station has a lot of steep climbs and descents, and despite the rain of the previous day there wasn't that much mud to deal with which surprised me. The varied terrain was nice - not a ton of running, not a ton of climbing, not a ton of downhill - just a good blend of each. Getting this section out of the way first thing is so different from the 50 mile route which puts this challenging section at the end of the race. And the great views here really make this run worth it. I figured if I could make this 13 mile stretch in 3:30 - 4:00 hours and still feel okay, which I could hopefully do even on my worst day, I'd consider keeping going for a single 9-mile loop. I got back to the start/finish area well under that goal, and feeling good.

Dammit, I had to keep running.

I set a new goal - if I could reach the halfway point, 15.5 miles, in under 4 hours, I'd see how I felt at 20 miles and then maybe, just maybe, I'd consider running the last loop. I figured if I tossed enough variables in there I'd find a good reason to quit. But no, 15.5 came in easily under 4 miles and by 20 miles I was feeling as good as 20 miles ever felt. WTF.

Here are a few photos out on the 9 mile loop. Lots of easy flats, some rolling hills, and some steep climbs here and there. 100% beautiful all the way through.

I finished the first 9 mile loop upright and smiling, and my amazing friend Andrea basically shoved me back onto the course for a second 9 miler (as all good running friends would do). I told her I'd try, but no promises.

Everyone says the double 9-mile loop at the end is the worst, but I really like it. Scenic. Not technical. Just nice. But I was starting to have some aches and pains around this point, as I should. Even so, I was really getting to the point where I thought I was going to do it. I busted out my secret weapon, took a swig, put on my playlist, and kept moving.

Mental toughness has never been a strong suit for me. Last year I quit a marathon 2 miles from the finish line because everything sucked and I was having a bad day. I actually had a longer walk to get home than I would have had I just finished, but mentally I was just so done. Hell, I quit my 7 mile "long run" last weekend at mile 5 because I was feeling tired. So by mile 29, the idea that I really could be finishing this 50K on willpower was overwhelming. About a mile after I hit the final aid station I could hear the finish line music and I can't lie - I teared up. Mostly because I was so ready to sit on my ass for awhile but also because it was really going to happen.

My time? Definitely my worst 50K at a whopping 7:50. But I had a great time. Like, 100%, 10/10 would do it again great time.

Obligatory cheesy post-finish happy photo:

P.S. Everything hurts today.

Rave Run: Waukesha to Wales via the Glacial Drumlin Trail

The Glacial Drumlin Trail is a 51 mile rails-to-trails path that connects Waukesha, Wisconsin with Cottage Grove.  The trail is flat, scenic, and on any mild-weathered Saturday home to bikers, runners, rollerbladers and walkers.  Some areas of the trail are canopied by trees, and other sections are wide open to the sky.  You'll find parks and towns along the trail, and you'll cruise by rivers, lakes and of course, drumlins!  (I had to look it up, too.  A drumlin is an elongated hill akin to an overturned spoon.  They are created by glacial activity).

But there's one particular section of the trail that I love:

Waukesha to Wales

7.0 miles each way (14 mile round trip)

You can begin this run by parking at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha, located at 810 College Avenue.  The E.B. Shurts building has restrooms and a bubbler (that's a drinking fountain to you out-of-towners).  The trailhead is just to the West of the Shurts building, and it isn't particularly well marked, but you'll find the path leading into the woods fairly easily.  Make your way over the Fox River via a beautiful footbridge, pass the (active) railroad track and you're on the trail.

Along the way to Wales you'll find several street crossings, but they don't detract from the beauty and variety along the trail.  Wildlife is abundant, the plants are varied and beautiful.  You'll find Sunset Park on the left side of the trail a few miles in, featuring the an all-important (well, important to me) restroom.  Beyond that point the trail offers more variety in its scenery.  You'll find a handful of signs along the trail describing the scenery but I feel like the trail could use a few more informational points, particularly ones that describe the more obscure natural landmarks and formations.  Before you know it, you'll find Mile 7 of the trail in Wales, Wisconsin, and the must-stop site:  Mama D's Coffee.  (As you read this blog, you'll notice that I have a fondness for stopping for food on my runs.  For me, it is less about being fast and more about having fun).  

Mama D's is a sweet little coffee shop just off of the trail in Wales.   It caters to trailgoers like bikers and runners and features fantastic bakery and, of course, coffee.  You'll almost certainly run into fellow runners and bikers while you are there.  On my last trip there I enjoyed a Sunrise Muffin and a very good cup of coffee.  I wanted to stay longer and just enjoy the company of the other trailgoers, but I managed to force myself back on the trail for the return trip home.  

If you go:

There is no fee for walkers/runners/hikers or people under 16 on the path.  If you are over 16 and bike or rollerblade, you'll need a trail pass.  There are pass purchase stations along the trail, and Mama D's also sells trail passes.

Glacial Drumlin Trail East to West Cue Sheet

Trail Map

Happy running!

Estabrook Park (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

Milwaukee runners know that our fair city has a lot to offer by way of beautiful trails, great city routes and parks.  Estabrook Park stands out as one of Milwaukee's more unique offerings.

Nestled along the Milwaukee River just south of the Bayshore Town Center, Estabrook Park has a lot to offer the casual park-goer, including clean playgrounds, paved walking paths, a disc golf course and a dog park.  But for the runner, two things about Estabrook stand out:  the gnarly river trails, and the Biergarten.

The Trails

Estabrook Park plays host to a segment of the paved Oak Leaf Trail, Milwaukee's award-winning multiuse trail.  While the Oak Leaf Trail provides a nice way to get to Estabrook Park, that's not the trail I'm raving about.  The trail runners will want to get a little closer to the river where they'll find some gorgeous riverside singletrack.  Hills, gnarly roots, challenging steps, and rocky paths are all part of the charm of this riverside gem.  The condition of the trail depends greatly on the weather, and a big rain can make a huge difference.  A few years ago, segments of the trail were more or less underwater for much of the spring (although some brave souls forged new paths on dryer ground so the general trail was relatively passable).  Mountain biking is technically prohibited in this area, but the telltale bike tracks will remind you to use caution.  Estabrook Park's official maps only claim about 1.5 miles of trail in this area, although by my measure they stretch at least four miles as you can begin the trail as far away as North Avenue.

The view is okay.  I love running by the river.

This was the home of one of my first trail-running faceplants.  Nothing like going back to work after a lunchtime trail run with a bloody forehead.  

The Biergarten

Estabrook Park is host to the first Biergarten (you know...German for Beer Garden) to open in the United States since the prohibition.  This little parkside beerhouse offers a selection of German and American beers and a small food menu.  For the runner, this little oasis is perfectly situated:  there's nothing like a nice trail run followed by an ice cold brew in a frosty mug.

My $8 beer.  Worth every penny on a hot day.

There are few things to know about the Biergarten before you make a trip:  first, bring some ID with you.  I occasionally get carded there when I purchase my adult beverages, and I am far from 21.  Second, they do require a $5 deposit for their glassware, and they don't accept debit or credit cards, so be prepared with some extra cash.  The Biergarten's hours are limited and it is only open seasonally, so plan ahead if you want to enjoy a beer after your run.