Race Recap: The Hennepin Hundred
Coached runner Hannah tells her story of finishing some unfinished business at the Hennepin 100 Miler. In this blog she shares her key training takeaways and a full breakdown of all the highs and lows. As they say, a lot can happen in 100 miles!
Stats:
- Distance: 161km / 100 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 305m / 1000ft
- Start: Sterling, Illinois, USA
- Cutoff: 30 hours
Why did you choose the Hennepin Hundred?
After two DNFs at the distance, I wanted to find a hundred-miler that was well-suited to someone looking to complete their first 100 miles. As someone who lives in the US, it was also a bonus that I wouldn’t have to travel overseas for it!
What was your running background going into the race?
I mostly did road races—marathons and half marathons—up until three years ago, when I got into trail running. Since then, I’ve completed a handful of 50Ks, three 50-milers, one 100K and previously attempted a 100-miler twice.
How did the race unfold?
We set off together from a state park, and within a mile we were alongside the river. From this point on, the scenery and terrain didn’t change much, but it was beautiful, especially with the clear skies!
The first 32 miles were tough. The thought of “you’ve got 90-something more miles to go” would creep into my head, but I just focused on running slowly and eating! The vibe was good, and you could feel everyone’s excitement. Aid stations were spaced about 5–6 miles apart, and I was surprised to find whiskey at all of them! The only shots I took were pickle juice shots.
At mile 32, my friend and fiancé were there to lend a hand at the drop bag stop. It was great to see some familiar faces, and they made me laugh and told me I was doing great. Throughout the race, I wanted to get in and out of aid stations as quickly as possible.
At mile 47, my friend Graham joined me, and those miles went quickly. I wasn’t feeling too bad, although food wasn’t going down quite so easily anymore. Day turned to night, and we were treated to running under a sky filled with stars. I discovered my love of instant mashed potatoes and broth around mile 60, when real food was no longer going down.
Graham did a great job of keeping me distracted—chatting when I wanted to and running quietly beside me when I couldn’t talk. The sound of our shoes hitting the pavement became soothing.
At mile 69, I picked up Craig, my fiancé. We were well into the night section, and the wheels started falling off. I was having difficulty swallowing, couldn’t get paracetamol down and even started falling asleep while running.
At mile 88, I had a sleep in a chair at an aid station. I thought I was done. The pain was so loud, and the nausea was making me miserable. Sitting in that chair seemed like a much better option.
But a guy I’d shared my story with earlier in the day gently reminded me that there was nothing wrong with me and that I could carry on. Another lovely lady reminded me that if I quit, I’d regret it later. She then gave me an anti-sickness pill, which worked wonders, and kicked me out of the aid station to go and find her husband, who was out on the course getting it done!
The pain was gone—or at least it was just part of me now—and I wasn’t going to stop until I had a buckle in my hand. I dug into my pack and pulled out the picture my son had drawn for me. The message was clear: Do not quit!
The last aid station was five miles from the finish, and it was the happiest aid station! The sun was up, everyone was so close, and the volunteers (as they had been all along the way) were so happy, encouraging, energetic and positive.
Those last five miles were epic. Then, my friend who had joined me through the night met us a couple of hundred metres from the finish line, and the three of us jogged it in together.
I couldn’t believe it. This had been my life for the past two years. I’d sacrificed so much to get here. It had consumed me, and that feeling of crossing the finish line was like nothing I’d ever experienced.
“ The pain was gone—or at least it was just part of me now—and I wasn’t going to stop until I had a buckle in my hand. ”
What were your race day highlights?
The weather was perfect! I couldn’t have asked for anything better!
I met some really cool people out there, and some epic stories were shared. Everyone I met—racers, pacers, volunteers, crew and the race director—was so happy, upbeat and positive!
Crossing the finish line was, absolutely without a doubt, one of the happiest and proudest moments of my life!
The volunteers and staff were incredible throughout and brought so much energy!
Anything that didn’t go to plan?
Stomach issues! At this point, I know I’ll experience stomach issues. It’s just a case of trying to keep them at bay for as long as possible.
At around mile 45, I ate a hot dog, and it was all downhill from there! Thankfully, I was able to keep mashed potatoes, broth and gels down, so it could have been worse!
What did you focus on in your training for the Hennepin Hundred?
For every race I’ve done this year, we’ve tried to replicate race conditions as much as possible—elevation for the SDW50 and the South Coast Challenge 100K. But for this one, being so flat, I made sure my long runs were on flat, gravel trails.
Lots of people say flat courses are hard because you use the same muscles over and over, so I think having spent so many hours doing just that stood me in good stead for the Hennepin.
We were also very consistent with strength training.
What was the most important thing you learnt in training?
Consistency is everything! Getting through those days when you’re not feeling it, hitting the gym for a strength training session when you’re tired after a long day—I think those are the days that pay off the most. Not just by building physical strength, but mental strength too.
Were there any surprises on race day?
The night section felt longer than I expected. We had almost 13 hours of darkness!
The aid stations didn’t stock hot water or soup. I’d been planning on eating soup but switched to broth, which was great.
Anything people should know if they’re planning on taking on the Hennepin Hundred?
Take it slow! The temptation to run fast is high because it’s so flat. Pace yourself!
The scenery really doesn’t change much at all, which I liked, but some people said the monotony got into their heads.
The lively aid stations were always something to look forward to! You will not be disappointed. Such an epic 100-miler! And the swag was the best I’ve ever received from any race!
