rocking the lakefront 50k.

i came.










i ran.










i conquered!

yes, i competed in - and finished! - my first (baby-)ultra. roughly 300 of us gathered at the 63rd street beach starting line of the combined marathon and 50k. we headed north, into the wind, up past 31st street, where we turned around and headed back. after three loops, we were done! while the 20 mph headwinds SUCKED heading north, they were a blessing heading back in to the finish. i kicked it out the last two miles or so with a group of strong and experienced ultra-runners. finally, one woman and i pulled away from the pack, cruising south past the museum of science and industry at top gear. she glanced over at me and said, "see that guy up there - i think you can take him!" "no thanks," i replied. "i'm good." "nahhh... do it!" and we tried. another 10 yards and we might have gotten him. but the speed made for one of the more exciting ultra finishes. i was delighted to make the last turn and glance up at the clock - 5 hours 25 minutes. 10.29 pace! with the bathroom stops, stretching, and chit chat with the volunteers, that was certainly a better finishing time than i anticipated.

thank you drew, for being the best one man support crew a girl could ever ask for, mom, for always showing up at the right moment and screaming your lungs out for me, lisa, for hopping into the race (dress coat and all!) just when i needed you most, and ivan, for your little wave and smirk across the grass.

now bring on a 50 miler!