Training effort was a B-. Didnt' miss any runs, but was never really committed to a PR. Time of year training was challenging, and many runs were solo, or done from a hotel in FLA, Wausau, La X, Middleton, etc. It was great to experience the Ice Age Trail, and have some good friends to enjoy the weekend with...thats what makes it worth doing...couldn't imaging doing that race solo...I"m not that into it at this point...you reallly gotta want it deep down to go solo with the training and racing.

Wish I felt a little better, but could have been much worse, my back was 100% fine and the cold held off, never really bonked during the race...my goal was to run the 50K minus the climbs and aid stations...check.

Only took one digger on a flat pine needle section when I toed a root...went down and summersaulted, but bounced right up...was a little worried about my shoulder, but all seems to be good.

freezing cold...it actually snowed during the race. Warm clothes, fire pit, each burger and cold pasta. Coke, then Beer. Couple of moms cookies. Watched E haul in the hardware and Scott/Ed finish.


Training, Diet, level of Committment, and desire to push myself to the limits.

Had an idea around 22 to break 5 hours...but thought I was 3-5 min out of reach...my Garmin was off, so I actually did break 5, glad I didn't bag it once I thought I would be over 5 hours.


This race is very well run and attended, I thought it might get a little cogensted out there, but after 1-2 miles, we were all very spread out....didn't care for the out and back section, than was odd running single track against other runners, but it was only for a mile or two. Nice variety, plenty of challenges, great support, runners from across the country...if I'm ever up for a real challenge, I'd consider going back.