Runs4Sanity
I've been googling a lot today, my obsession with trail running has been renewed again and I found this link: http://indianatrail100.com/
Although I am no where near ready for a 100 miler, it makes me happy to think that when I am ready for distances such as ultras I won't have to go all the way out west or to mountainous regions or even out of my state. After the Indy Monumental Half I plan on getting more and more of my runs on trails, taking advantage of winter and cold weather........ but keeping Wednesday on the road as a progression run to work on my speed as I do want to get my 5k down close to 7 min/mile pace, though I have a feeling running trails will help too. And then of course or probably have my weekend LRs on trails one weekend and then the road the next weekend. I am so excited, I love trails but so far I've avoided them during summer due to insane mosquitoes and horseflies but hopefully I'll grow a pair next year and stick to the trails even in warmer weather. Plus it is a blast to run the trails with Rocky, he loves it and I've really noticed his personality coming out since we've began running, I think he is getting in touch with his "wolf" side which has me really excited. Anyways, I'm just going with the flow and taking advantage of this beautiful weather, but trying to keep my head on straight and not do anything stupid..... like being half tempted to run the trails tomorrow morning but that is my progression run and needs to be on the road.
Also, they have a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sXrufzOX80&feature=youtu.be
Upon more research they also have a 50 mile race option on the same course with the 100 mile race! Hopefully I can use this winter to train for next year's Indian/Celina Lake Challenge though I haven't decided if I am going to do the 8 miler or 13.1 yet.
*Do It For Yourself, Do It Because They Said It Was Impossible, Do It Because They Said You Were Incapable*
PRs
5k - 24:15 (7:49 min/mile pace)
10k - 51:47 (8:16 min/mile pace)
15k -1:18:09 (8:24 min/mile pace)
13.1 - 1:53:12 (8:39 min/mile pace)
26:2 - 4:14:55 (9:44 min/mile)
So you live in Indianna? I am heading down toward Bloomington for my first marathon in December. I am also considering Dances With Dirt Gnawbone for a 50k in the spring. I am anxious to run down there...they say the hills are great. I live in Michigan so I m always looking at races in nearby states.
January , 2022 Yankee Springs Winter Challenge 25k
Yeah, I live at the very bottom of Indiana but an hour away from beautiful Hoosier National Forest so when I do start making the majority of my runs on trails this winter, every other weekend LR will be in Hoosier National Forest which has gorgeous hills. The Indian-Celina Challenge is on those trails in HNF, though I still can't figure out why they set it in June of all months we have demonic horseflies and other bugs, and horrifically humid weather from June to September but I am sure they have their reasons. John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, KY had some very hilly terrain and is much closer, though nowhere near as large as HNF.
That is me in that IT 100 video on the Indiana Trail 100 web site.
I actually shot a more detailed course video this summer there, but I have not finished editing it.
I am heading to bed right now, but I will post links to ultras I have done in Indiana tomorrow.
Last weekend I did the St. Pat's 24-hour Race in South Bend - a very well organized 6/12/24 hour event.
More tomorrow.
Do join the Indiana Trail Runners group: http://indianatrailrunning.ning.com/
I used to be in that group, but not at the moment. Great folks with lots of info about trail running and ultras in our great state.
I live in Seymour.
Hey! Awesome, I joined that FB page today! Can't wait to see your other video!
That is me in that IT 100 video on the Indiana Trail 100 web site. I actually shot a more detailed course video this summer there, but I have not finished editing it. I am heading to bed right now, but I will post links to ultras I have done in Indiana tomorrow. Last weekend I did the St. Pat's 24-hour Race in South Bend - a very well organized 6/12/24 hour event. More tomorrow. Do join the Indiana Trail Runners group: http://indianatrailrunning.ning.com/ I used to be in that group, but not at the moment. Great folks with lots of info about trail running and ultras in our great state. I live in Seymour.
The FB page of Indiana Trail Runners does not always have a lot happening.
Their actual website is more active - so ask to join that group - the leader is Terry Fletcher.
http://indianatrailrunning.ning.com/
You can hook up with trail runners around the state and do training runs with them.
There is an interesting mix of standard ultras, as well as timed ultras in Indiana (and nearby)
Almost 3 years ago I started running for the first time after retiring from music teaching (37 years).
I did typical 5Ks - the Indy Mini - the Monumental Half and full marathon.
Here are some suggestions - not all are ultras - but trail runs of any length are great preparation for ultras.
I then drove to Danville, Illinois (near Champaign) for "Howl at the Moon" - an 8-hour trail ultra in August
http://www.kennekuk.com/events.htm - this runner group has trail runs all year long.
I did almost a 50k and was hooked. My YouTube channel as a very detailed course video of this race.
http://youtu.be/08zzNW_o2FM
The Tecumseh Trail Marathon is technically not an ultra - but trust me - if you do it, it will FEEL like one.
The hills near Bloomington and ending at Lake Yellowwood will test you - coming up in December.
It is not sold out yet and is a great trail event - December 7.
http://www.dinoseries.com/tecumseh-trail-marathon/
The Huff 50K - http://www.veepraces.com/?races=huff-50k
Yes, an actual ultra held at Chain 'O Lakes State Park - west of Ft. Wayne - December 28 - not sold out yet.
This is where the Indiana Trail 100 is held, but it is not the same route - but it is on many of the same trails.
You can do a solo 50k, 3-man 50k relay or one loop (10 miles) solo.
Chain 'O Lakes is just a great place to run - no monster hills, but lots of small ups and downs that will eat you up.
The Planet Adventure Winter Night Trail Marathon - Eagle Creek Park - January 25, 2014
Again - not an ultra, but great training for one - this is at NIGHT and is fun.
You can do a quarter, half or full marathon. It is fun and likely to be cold - just wear layers and you are good to go.
http://www.planetadventurerace.com/races/winter-trail-marathon/
Here are some other assorted ones you can check out - not all are ultras - but trail runs that give you valuable experience.
The Knobstone Trail Mini - Hoosier Hikers Council - varying lengths to choose from - beautiful trails.
THIS Saturday - it will be beautiful in those woods.
http://www.hoosierhikerscouncil.org/knobstone-trail-mini/
Run with the Foxes Trail Mini - same area as the Knobstone and same folks running it.
Held in May each year. They always have great shirts - neat designs.
http://www.hoosierhikerscouncil.org/run-with-the-foxes/
Honest Abe Trail Run - near Corydon - end of September - closer to you - I am guessing you are near Evansville - I am a 1973 UE grad.
Marathon and 14 K and feels a little like an ultra - some nice hills.
http://www.honestabetrailrun.com
Tryon Farms 50K - Almost to Lake Michigan! It was in May and I did it this year.
Low key and nice event.
http://tryonfarm.com/events/ or https://www.facebook.com/groups/tryonfarmtrail/
Taterbug 30 - southeast Indiana - Vevay - Switzerland County - November 2.
http://www.taterbug30.com/
I have not done this one - mostly on blacktop roads.
Gnawbone Dances with Dirt - in May - Brown County Park
http://dwd.runningfitsites.com/gnawbone-home - 50 mile, 50K, relays, etc.
I helped run an aid station - some tough running there.
Timed Events - a different sort of animal
Some timed events - at these events you do what you want to do.
You might want to get your first 50k, or 50 miles or 100K or whatever.
No pressure - it's your call. A great way to test out gear, hydration, nutrition, shoes, etc.
You can take breaks - take a nap - sleep all night - whatever.
I am really getting to like them. Since May I have done an 8, 12 and 3 24-hour timed ultras.
The Hawthorn Half Day (12 hour) Ultra and Relay - Terre Haute - Early June.
http://www.hawthornhalfdayrelay.com/
I did this one this year - nice 3 mile loop - great place to run.
Wanted and got a 50K and stopped with 2 hours to go and headed home.
24 Hours at Sunset - Valparaiso - 24 hour ultra and relay - last weekend of June
http://www.nwiraces.com/
I did this one and had a great time - wanted 50 and did 54.
St. Pat's 24 - South Bend - part of the course literally is on the IN/MI border - you can step over and say you ran in 2 states!
http://www.stpats24hour.com/ - 6, 12 or 24 hour choices.
Third weekend in October - last weekend and I just did it and only signed up last Tuesday on a whim.
Very small event - beautiful park and trails. I wanted a 100k (62.2 for my recent 62nd birthday) - but an ankle told me to stop after 33.3 miles and I was OK with that since I soon start my 6-month training for the 2014 Indiana Trail 100.
And that is enough for now. I do little race reports after my races for my kids who live all over America.
So on my YouTube channel you can check out my experiences.
There are plenty of other events that I have not listed or even know about, I am sure.
Like the marathon or 50 at Lake Winona run by Planet Adventure: http://www.planetadventurerace.com/races/winona-lake-marathon/
Your best bet is to join (free) the Indiana Trail Runners and ask questions there - very helpful folks there.
Thanks, I've been a member on there for a few years but I've finally started actually posting and reading up on things. Thanks for links to those races, I am sure it will be another year or 2 before I am ready for such distances but I cannot wait. Next year I hope to have my weekly mileage up to 30 miles by Spring and then reach 40 by Fall or Winter. It'll hopefully be easier when my son is past 2, right now he is 18 months but I still manage to get my runs in thanks to an understanding husband and mom.
what is the terrain like for the winter marathon?
Here is a course video I made before that race. I got messed up in the last mile or so, but it still shows enough of what you need to know.
Some beginning single track - a few roots - a jeep kind of road over the lake - mainly wide-ish trails after that.
No huge hills - some wooden steps - a fairly non-technical trail.
Video here:
http://youtu.be/KwKcO2Q_el8
thanks!
Charles, you forgot the 8 Hours of Payne in October (stupid government shutdown!). This was to have been its first year, but it turned into an informal/unofficial (but still 8-hour!) run. Next year, it's for real. Just outside of Bloomington in HNF, it's run either solo or as a relay with 2, 3, or 4 runners on a course where you choose either a 5k or 10k loop. A good one for a new trail/ultra runner to try.
Christy
Is there a website?
Charles, you forgot the 8 Hours of Payne in October (stupid government shutdown!). This was to have been its first year, but it turned into an informal/unofficial (but still 8-hour!) run. Next year, it's for real. Just outside of Bloomington in HNF, it's run either solo or as a relay with 2, 3, or 4 runners on a course where you choose either a 5k or 10k loop. A good one for a new trail/ultra runner to try. Christy
http://mag7raceseries.com/?event=1st-ever-8-hours-of-payne
I would just check with: http://mag7raceseries.com/
during the year to see if it is scheduled again next October - and I am sure it will.
And the Facebook page. The RD has a couple more races in mind, hopefully to be implemented next year.
This winter I am definitely going to start training for the Indian/Celina Challenge (the half marathon distance), was this year it's first? They don't say much on the website, I know I'll also have to run those trails and trails with high elevations even during warm weather to get used to it, because that is one thing I do not like....... in fact I despise humid and hot weather, it encourages nasty mosquitoes and horseflies on trails so I'll have to get myself used to that stuff if I am going to run this particular race which is in June.