I wanted to run 40 miles for my 40th birthday. Tunnel Hill seemed like a good choice as I am training for RUTS (Run Under the Stars 10HR Paducah) and Hennepin. After I thought about it, I figured I might as well run 7.2 more and go for the self-supported one-way FKT. I planned quickly, mapping out 5 drops. I put small plastic boxes full of noms (honey stinger waffles, pay days, cooked salted potatoes, cookies made by my mama, rice crispy treats), hydration (Tailwind, water, Ale-8) as well as fresh sun gloves, bandanas, and headbands. I hid drops off trail covered in camo burlap at 10 miles at Fritts Rd, 18.87 at Maple St, 25.4 at Sandburn Ln, 33.9 in Vienna, and 39.2 at Heron Pond Ln. The drops were close together at Vienna and Heron Pond because the miles between are particularly difficult for me mentally.
My trainer, Hawk, dropped me off and snapped some pics in Harrisburg. He wished me well and gave some last-minute advice, which usually consists of something like - don’t run too fast in the beginning. You’ve got this. I PR’d my bench this week, so he reminded me that it’s a good accomplishment to build on. I took off southward at 8:55am with a goal of finishing in under 8 hours while keeping my heart rate below a 140 average. I wouldn’t talk to anyone again (except via phone) until the Wetlands Center.
My legs didn’t feel great for the first 5-6 miles. I blamed a hard fall last week and counted on them loosening up and giving up their protesting, at least until after a marathon. They did indeed work out the kinks and hitches, and the miles ticked off easily. I wasn’t pushing, just enjoying the morning. I focused on my breathing and heart rate. I didn’t want to blow up - it was going to be a very sunny, warm day.
I saw several deer, bunnies, turtles, and snakes. The turtles made me laugh out loud because they pulled their head in with a quickness as I ran by. There was only one that didn’t, and it got its picture taken! It was a gorgeous day. I admired flowers, thanked Mother Nature for the breeze swaying the trees, and thanked all of our veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I carried a flag bandana for the first stretch to remind me what an honor it is to be an American and to remember those that made our country great. Happy Memorial Day.
The first two drop stops went smoothly. Before I knew it, I had cruised through 20 miles. 27.2 left! There is a bit of elevation gain approaching the tunnel, and I dropped my pace some to keep my heart rate at goal. The sun was getting very hot. I had forgotten to put sunscreen in my drops, but I applied it before I started. I had pretty much sweat it all off and I felt like I was getting cooked. I couldn’t do anything about it, so I kept running, changing sides of the trail as necessary to find the most shade. I made it to the tunnel, and definitely saw a huge increase in bike traffic. I slowed to a jog through the tunnel and enjoyed the cooler air. My third drop went well, and I took off downhill toward Vienna. I let my heart rate creep up a bit above 140 because I was having fun running downhill and across the bridges.
Things got uncomfortable at about a 50K. I didn’t want to eat much, and chewing while running became more difficult as I continued. I started walking while I was eating. It encouraged me to eat - I get to walk for a few seconds! I was hot. It wasn’t that hot out, 80 at the max, but I’m not acclimated yet. The older I get, I swear the longer it takes to get used to temps as they increase. My legs were starting to ache. I kept running, and hoped I came out of the pain cave soon.
I made it to Vienna, took a long time at my drop, and continued. I wish I had sunscreen! Maybe the thick crust of sweat all over me was providing some protection? I started to get a little queasy. I alternated a walk/run, just trying to make it to the last drop at Heron Pond. I saw a few tiny snakes - too small to tell what they were. Then all of the sticks started looking like snakes, and I found myself jumping into the air like a spazz for twigs repeatedly.
I made it to Heron Pond and found my box in foliage near the trail and walked with it up to a shady part of the trail. I took the lid off and sat right down on it on the trail. I needed a minute. I drank and ate a bit. Thank goodness for salted potatoes and rice crispy treats. They were keeping me going. I tried to stand up, almost fell over, and tried again successfully. I continued, relieved the next stop was the finish! I tried to push, but I was pretty spent. I ran through what looked like bunches and bunches of cotton on the trail. It looked so soft, I wanted to lay down on it. Nope. Keep going. I passed over some railroad tracks, simultaneously disappointed and relieved there wasn’t a train passing through to hold me up. I was going to cut sub-8 hours close. I tried to push. A few miles came easy. Woohoo! I saw a cow outside of any fencing and laughed at the free-range cow! I walked by it, not wanting to get chased by a cow! When I started to run again, my left Achilles was yelling. I told it to be quiet - nothing I could do about it. I saw Karnak in the distance! As always, it took FOREVER to get there. I rounded the sharp right at Karnak and was on the home stretch. I had about 2.5 miles to go and about 31 minutes to do it. I tried to push, with minimal success. 1.2 miles to go, about 15 minutes left to meet my goal. I pushed harder, with moderate success. Crushed gravel changed to concrete, and I gave it everything I had! I saw my trainer waiting at the finish sign - so close! My heart rate was well above 140, but I pushed harder. FINISHED 07:56:10! I met my goal! Here’s to another great adventure on the Tunnel Hill Trail, at least 40 birthday miles for 40, and a new overall self-supported FKT. As always, I’m so grateful to be able to do this and thankful for the support of the fitness community, especially my Uber for the day!