Ron Sequitur
The miles pass by, and the road passes under. Surely as not, the mind starts to wander... Here are a few jottings for you to read. Stick with 'em, they eventually get around to running… most of the time.
October 3, 2009: Grandly Traversing
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 24th: 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 24th 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.
24th 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.