Friday. Yet another beautiful running day - so much so that I had to take back all of the bad things I said about November. As I ambled down the White Pine Trail from the Swinging Bridge in Jay Cooke State Park, everything seemed perfect. Only one thing was missing, my running buddy.

Ken moved to Esko at about the same time as I, and upon meeting we became fast friends. I was not unique in this regard. Outgoing and incredibly likable, Ken made friends faster than Betty Crocker made biscuits. Not that it would have been any kind of prerequisite, but the two of us also shared some common interests. Each enjoying biking, running and skiing, the circles on our fitness Venn diagrams had significant overlap. All of this, of course, made Ken a great workout partner.

We each had different areas of emphasis. Ken was an avid biker – the kind that spends all winter on a trainer in the basement in order to hit the road blazing come spring. Running was more of a filler. I was the opposite, preferring footwork over skinny wheels. So we had different strengths, which engendered kind of an unspoken (or maybe it was spoken) agreement - Ken would not ride me into the pavement, and I would not run him out of his shoes. Truth be told, this was largely self-preservation on my part. After watching the man launch himself up hills on his Trek like the Space Shuttle lifting off, I realized I would end up with a good beat down should any cross-discipline test of wills occur. In the end, we could each hang with each other well enough to provide good solid workouts no matter the transportation method.

Anytime Ken called he would punctuate the workout offer with a quick "No pressure.", which simply meant "no problem if you can't make it, we'll catch ya' on the next one". More often than not we'd be hitting the roads (or trails) in short order. This run through Jay Cooke the past few years during the Thanksgiving weekend had been part of the repertoire. We'd trot along and his springer spaniel would bound happily around us, running to and fro thinking we were on an incredibly fast hunting excursion.

But life doesn't stand still – and the skill and hard work Ken applied to his U.S. Forest Service job resulted in his being offered a dream position managing a National Forest out near Enterprise, OR. With heartfelt goodbyes on all sides, he and his family headed off on their next adventure. We still keep in touch, and our families will spend some time skiing together in Utah this winter – but alas, the regular runs, rides and XC ski workouts are over.

So here I was running my way through the park on a beautiful day, keeping this nascent tradition alive, albeit solo. Ken came to mind accompanied not by melancholy, but more so a smile. I miss ya', buddy - but I wish you and your family only the best.

I was thinking, however, that I might know a few people who might be interested in joining me for this run going forward; some new friends and perhaps some friends yet to be. I believe next year I'll put out an open invite to all NMTC and Northland area runners that wish to join me for a Thanksgiving weekend run in the park. Perhaps we can dedicate it to great running partners past, present and future.

I hope some of you will join me. But... No pressure.

November. The brown month. I have to admit it is not one of my favorites. Sure, it contains one glorious 4-day weekend complete with a rather large meal and enough football games to melt down my remote control - but from a running perspective, I find it a bit of a challenge.

November weekdays mean waking up to darkness and coming home to darkness. Given that I live out in the sticks where road shoulders are more of a suggestion than a reality, running the pavement on weeknights can be less than appealing. Trails offer less worries about traffic, but also less precise footing when running through the fallen leaves, even with a headlamp. And, of course, running in the gales of November also requires donning extra layers of clothes, until I feel like Ralphie's little brother Randy in A Christmas Story after his mother suits him up so thoroughly he can hardly waddle.

This is really going to mess with my mile times...

Most miles I put in at this point tend to be weekend affairs, with weeknights spent in my basement, biding my time aboard a bike trainer or my trusty ol' Nordic-Trak (yes, they do still exist) until cross-country ski season arrives. So, you can imagine what a pleasant surprise it was last Saturday to be met with 50+ degree weather, allowing me to venture forth in shorts and short sleeves for a run in Jay Cooke State Park. It was like a Get Out of Jail Free card.

When I arrived at the Palkie Rd. parking lot near the Oak Trail it was apparent I wasn't the only one out enjoying the day. Horse trailers were lined up on both sides, with at least 6-8 horses tied to them. The arrangement meant their posteriors faced out toward the middle, and with the small size of the parking lot this meant I had about a 4 foot corridor through which to pass to get to the trail. So, trying not to rile any of the critters up, I quietly made my way through the gauntlet of horses' asses (insert politician joke here) and headed up the trail.

One thing I can (begrudgingly) appreciate about November running is that it simply looks different. Gone is the green, lush plumage of the woods - replaced by the inverted whisk-broom appearance of the bare trees. It's unique in its own way. It would seem one could see a mile through the forest, with its scarcity of leaves and undergrowth. The Oak, Gill, Triangle Trail route is a favorite of mine. Runners of the Voyageur races are familiar with this section. Quiet and rolling, winding back-and-forth around and down skinny trail to the creek and back up, it offers a varied, challenging run. I highly recommend it. The thick carpet of downed leaves did obscure the trail quite a bit in places, limiting my ability to stride out. But I was in no particular hurry. Cleaning the gutters out back home could wait all afternoon if need be. It was a beautiful run, relaxing.

I'm guessing that November will soon be over its identity crisis and return to its ornery old self. Multi-layered running attire will be the norm, and possibly even the crunch of snow underfoot. So, I've tried to enjoy the brief lifting of its mood this past week. Wednesday's informal Lakewalk group run was pleasant, and I'm hoping the weather holds through this weekend's Nancy English 5K.

But in the end, I know I'm running on borrowed time...

Brisk. The mercury registered in the low 30's as 58 of us milled about the Wild Duluth 50K starting line in Chambers Grove Park at 8:00 AM on Saturday. Fellow NMTC runner Lisa M. (wildknits) was explaining that we should be leveraging the honey bee strategy to stay warm, in which drones huddle about the queen to keep her nice and toasty. The drones apparently rotate regularly from inside the cluster to outside and back to allow all insect peons the opportunity to eek some bit of warmth out of the deal. Of course, on occasion the drones on the outside succumb to the cold and die; a real bummer for them and a detail which Lisa seemed to gloss over rather quickly. Hmm. Good thing the gun was about to go off...

The start was a hill charge winding quickly up the ridge across Hwy 23. This initially followed a deer path, which must be used primarily by really skinny deer. The twisty single-track served to keep the adrenalin in check, however, which was probably a good thing. The path soon widened and started rolling toward the Grand Portage aid station, even throwing in (thankfully, only) a couple of the infamous Voyageur power line hills.

Excitement of the first few miles over, the race really began for me at Grand Portage. The line of runners had stretched out, and I was running in solitude on my favorite section of the course. Winding comfortably through the trees, I settled into the consistent atomic clock stride I hoped would propel me to Duluth. More leaves had come down in the past couple weeks, and though they hid a few rocks and roots, they were less of a problem than expected. The log steps, so treacherous during the Grand Traverse, were not too bad either. The 100K runners had started at Bayfront at 6:00 AM. I encountered the leader as I approached Beck's Rd., and he was moving. 20 miles under foot and he looked as if he had just started. Impressive.

Let me repeat from my GT blog... Ah, Ely's Peak. Always a treat. You have to say that with gritted teeth to get the full effect. Seems that thought crosses my mind every time I run up that hunk of granite. Love the view, though. Started seeing more 100K'ers as I made my way along the ridge toward the Munger aid station, including Shelly, who was moving right along and being paced by Eve and her faithful sidekick, Lammbeaux.

The "Big W", an 8-mile stretch mid-race where your day is buoyed, or broken – Bardon's Peak, down to the foot of Spirit Mt., up Knowlton Crk. (including the 138 log steps), down to the Zoo and back up Keene Crk. to Getchell. Much more tolerable this time around than during the GT and previous training runs. Better attention to hydration had staved off any cramping. (See? He can be taught.)

A short distance past the Getchell aid station, I heard someone say, "There he is!". Thankfully, it was not coming from a member of the Duluth law enforcement community. It was fellow NMTC members Jim and Carolyn Gunderson running down the trail toward me. They had come out to do some pacing and keep me from getting lazy as I headed toward the home stretch. They kept me company all the way to the last aid station before jumping in the car to zoom to the finish line. Thanks, you two – perfect timing, and much appreciated!

When I emerged from the woods below Enger Tower, a bagpiper was playing on the corner by the highway overpass. Cool. I dig bagpipes. Can't seem to convince my wife I should learn how to play, though. Go figure. I trotted my way across, down the ramp and around the corner into Bayfront Park - greeted by Leslie, who was looking relaxed and refreshed. Almost as if she had already been finished for an hour or so, which she had - after turning in a blistering 5:18, 2^nd female, 1^st in her age group. Nice.

My wife and son were waiting near the finish and I was able to coax Colter into racing me to the line. He finished his race in about 10 seconds, and I finished mine in 6 hours, 24 minutes - meeting my goal of sub 6:30. A scant couple of minutes later, Lisa came across the line - hot on my heels and also under 6.5 hours. (I'm glad I was just far enough ahead that she didn't catch sight of me – or she would have reeled me in like a big ol' carp.) Fantastic run, Lisa!

Over the next few hours an intermittent stream of runners, including many other NMTC and NorthlandRunner contributors, would continue to trot in – most of 'em smiling. Congratulations, Rick B., Wayne (the Zinger man from Rochester), Steve H., Ed D., Gene Gene the Running Machine, Rick K. and anyone I missed or simply haven't been acquainted with yet. And, of course, a special bow to Shelly, the 100K iron woman. Way to go!

So, the first ultra-marathon is in the books. Good weather, good trail, good friends, damn good time. I would like to compliment Andy and Kim Holak and all of their fantastic volunteers for putting on one fine event. I tip my hat to you all.

I'll be back.

One final note: I noticed upon arriving at the NMTC Hartley run on Sunday that most of the early arrivals were people that had run in Wild Duluth events the day before.

You bunch of crazies...

First of all, let me congratulate everyone on their performances in the Whistlestop Marathon events this past weekend. It was fun ambling through blog posts and the results site, seeing the fine performances everyone put in. Some pretty impressive numbers! I got to spend last Saturday morning running new electrical in my garage. Yup, it was as fun as it sounds. I kept looking at the clock thinking, “They're all running right now... I should be running right now...” Alas, I kept telling myself it was a tapering weekend, but I'll admit it rang a little hollow.

On another note, as a follow-up to my Grand Traverse blog from a week or so ago, my rock finally arrived. Yes, my rock. Apparently, the GT guys give out a special item to all the crazies who traverse the whole 27.4 mile route. I don't know what was given out in years past, but this year it was an artist carved stone (pictured - click to enlarge). The rocks weren't ready on race day, so they mailed them out – just got it today. I have great appreciation for event organizers that find something a little different to give out at a race (let's just say that my race T-shirt collection is brimming over). This qualifies, simple and cool!

Finally, it's the inaugural Wild Duluth weekend! I am pumped. I'll be doing the 50K, for my first ultra-marathon. So, it's kind of a double play, my first ultra in Wild Duluth's first year. Sounds like a karmic convergence to me.

Could be a chilly one, though. 30's to low 40's appears to be in the offing on race day. I was reading the comments regarding clothing on Sam's lead-up to Whistlestop blogs, hoping everyone was able to put together an ensemble that was functional, yet stylish. I'm in the same boat, as the warm up I was hoping for looks to be arriving a day late.

I think I'm going to go with some Mizuno threads I bought a short bit ago. They're made of something called Breath Thermo material, which starts emitting heat as it gets damp. Go figure, some kind of exothermic reaction... but it does indeed work. Of course, I am a little concerned. As I start sweating, the moisture will cause the pull-over fabric to start warming up. As it warms up I will as well, which will cause me to sweat more and, consequently, generate more heat from the garment - starting a crazy moisture / thermal spiral which can only conclude in my ultimately bursting into flames. Ah, well. I'll take my chances. But if you see a burning man running down the Superior Hiking Trail feel free to warm your hands, then please be so kind as to douse me.

If you are running one of the inaugural Wild Duluth events, feel free to give yourself a shout out! I'll see you at the starting line. Bring warm coffee.

Thursday night I was sitting down with my Superior Hiking Trail maps trying to figure out the logistics for a 20+ mile training run when I had to knock myself on the forehead and say, "Dude, quit being a knucklehead." Eve had reminded me at the Wednesday NMTC race that the Grand Traverse was this weekend, and it just so happened all my support drops spots were exactly where they would have tables set up. So, what the heck - might as well let someone else shlep my stuff around. I plunked down $35, and signed up for the 27.4 miler. Of course, walking around downtown on Friday in the impossibly blustering wind and rain I thought, "That could have been the most foolish $35 you've ever spent." Thankfully, the wind and rain both tapered off overnight.

Grand Portage to Beck's: There seemed to be a little confusion by some as to where the trail led off from the Grand Portage parking lot due to the dark (it was 6:00 AM after all). So, being a man of action, and having been at the trail head before, I led the troops out. For about 100 meters. At which point I was passed by some rather fleet footed runners I was never to see again. I wanted this to be a training run, so I tried to pick a pace somewhere between race pace and, say, mowing the lawn. Finally arriving at what I thought was a comfortable rate, I settled in for the long haul. The trail was in great shape, considering the rain - the only challenges being those log steps and plank boardwalks, which were slicker than snot.

I love this section, as once you're up on the ridge it rolls and twists smoothly. Early on I was feeling fresh and could hardly resist the urge to hold my arms out like an 8-year-old and going "Wheeeeeeeee!" as I bobbed and weaved through the trees. It was so quiet, just the drip of water falling off the trees. I was running alone by now (which I would do all morning) – it was a great sensation.

Munger to Magney: Ah... Ely's peak climb. Always a treat. On the plus side the climb is steep, but not overly long. And the view is fantastic up on top! The rocks were a little slippery in places, a couple of less-than-graceful moments reminding me I needed to pay attention. Otherwise, smooth sailing. 17 miles to go.

Magney to Getchell: This section contains one of my favorite gems, it's right at the beginning as you head onto the SHT (east) from Skyline Parkway. It's an old stone foundation (structure long since gone) and an adjacent stone-worked, walled channel. Almost looks like a place for a water wheel? Neat to see. Anyone know its origin?

This is the energy sapping portion of the run. The early downhill is twisting and rocky, followed by treks up Knowlton and Keene Creeks. Uh, oh. No more "Wheeeeeeeee!"... a bit of leg cramping setting in. I hate leg cramps. I feel like they are (mostly) preventable with good hydration and diet during a run. Note to Self: Pay closer attention during Wild Duluth 50K (same route) in a couple of weeks. Fortunately, I was just a short distance downhill from the next rest stop. Need to fuel up for the last 10 miles.

Getchell to 24^th: After eating some bananas and drinking what felt like a gallon of water and HEED, I headed off once again - pretty sure I was sloshing as I ran. There is a rise that continues along Keene Creek here, which was beautiful with all the water flowing from the rain. The trail veered east and settled into an extended rolling flow and eventual downhill run into the 24^th Ave. rest stop. Lots of room to cruise, much appreciated. It was good to get back into a steady rhythm after the tough run up to Getchell.

24^th to Finish: The Enger Tower area and surrounding trails were crawling with kids, as a rather large cross-country meet was in action over on the neighboring golf course. My ears are still ringing from the working over the Japanese Bell was getting by some idle participants as I ran by. Then, downhill... beautiful downhill. I will never complain about steady downhill at mile 24 of a 27 mile run. The SHT takes a meandering route around the DECC and along the Lakewalk. The 1000-foot ore boat, Indiana Harbor, was passing under the Lift Bridge right as I was going by. Nice. Lots of people out, despite a bit of drizzle and breeze.

Around the corner to Fitger's, and done. 27.4 miles. Rain held off, cool temperatures. Felt good. Not a bad way to spend a morning.