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Jeff
Swainhart ’73 Superior 50 Mile Trail Race
(SEE MY PICTURES)
I was
feeling pretty confident as I packed the truck to head
up to the Superior 50 mile trail race. After all, I had
had a pretty good summer with another fifty miler just 5
weeks before and track and ski hill workouts once a week
all summer long. I’d also run the race a few times
before so knew what to expect from the terrain.
It was
gray and cool as I drove north but as soon as I hit
Duluth the sky cleared to a crystalline blue. The trees
were just starting to turn with streaks of yellow and
red and Lake Superior was a deep blue with white caps.
As I drove up the coast I even saw surfers testing out
the waves in their wetsuits.
The
night before the race the moon was full and stars were
bright, and it was cold, in the 30’s. In the morning
before the 6 AM start the sky was just beginning to
lighten. There was the usual pre race tension as we
gathered. Up ran my friend Eve, who wasn’t in the race
but popped up early to surprise me with a good luck gift
for the trail. It was a sweet surprise of ginger candy
and patchouli from her and Duke (My fast friends).
At the
start of the race I carried a flashlight since the woods
were still dark and the Superior Trail is rife with
roots and rocks all waiting to trip the careless or
tired runner. As the morning dawned and the sky
brightened, the runners settled into their comfort
zones. I walked up the hills and bombed down, running
fast and often passing the more cautious. The autumn sun
penetrated the forest and blazed the occasional
overlooks where you could see out over the changing
leaves to the great blue lake beyond.
As the
morning went on I must have been getting a little tired
because I tripped and WHAM! Hit the ground w/ a thud.
Snap! I picked myself up and vowed to be more careful.
An hour or so later I was powering up a low hill and
WHAM! Down again! This time into some soft powdery dirt
that covered everything. Shortly after that OUCH! I get
stung by a hornet, (I think) on the calf. So when I
finally trotted into the first aid station with 43 miles
to go, it was looking like it was going to be a long
day.
I fell
two more times on the way to the 25 mile turn around.
With the tough climbs, steep descents, and my all too
frequent ground contact, I was tired and cranky but
tried to be cheerful as I greeted the runners on their
return trips. (One who later told me, “You didn’t look
too good”)
At the
turn-around my inner weather changed. I sat for a couple
minutes and ate a bit and drank. I talked to friends
Maynard & Rick about our friend Julie who was having a
tough day at the 100 mile portion of the event. Once I
left the aid station and was heading for the finish,
(albeit still 25 miles away) I felt better and pressed
forward with some companions. I actually ran the next 7
mile section faster than when I ran out.
The
section after that had Carlton Peak: a 3 mile climb that
finished with some hand over hand climbing, picking
through the rocks. The light grey peak towered over the
trail at the top with the bright blue sky and orange and
yellow leaves. Rock climbers with their colorful gear,
some dangling from ropes, cheered our progress as we
went by. I hooked up w/ a first time 50 miler and slowed
down a little to chat. That little rest seem to do me
good because I flew down the other side of the mountain,
rocks and dust flying around my feet as I went.
I had
big hopes for the next section since it was the most
runnable of the whole race. Fewer rocks and roots and
the no epic climbs, just a few rises. But it was not to
be. My energy flagged and the “wheels started coming off
the wagon.” I started walking more and getting passed.
Two ladies came by, just chit chatting and having a good
time like they weren’t running at all. (The nerve!) I
tried to stay ahead of them but couldn’t and before I
knew it they were out of sight. I finally dragged myself
into the last aid station and headed for a chair.
Although I hadn’t fallen since before the turnaround I
was feeling every one of those 43 miles. My friends Tom
& Nancy tended to my every need. (Coke, chips, trail
mix, peanut butter & jelly, gels and a flashlight for
“just in case” and a final kick in the butt “Get out of
here!”)
The
last section w/ Moose mountain and Mystery Mountain,
(500’ climbs) was tough but the closer I got to the
finish the stronger I felt. When I hit the road to the
chalet I was flying. Before I knew it I was done. It was
the best finish experience I’ve ever had. More friends
and hugs and cheers than I’ve ever experienced. One good
friend after another congratulated me on my “great
finish” (13 hours 40 minutes) Memories of any
difficulties melted away. Even my last year’s fifty mile
running partner Kris was there with the 6-year old twins
saying, “The pizza will be ready in 10 minutes!” What a
beautiful moment.
The
race was so well organized with well stocked and
friendly aid stations all bending over backwards to care
for my every need. I swear I gained weight! A couple
days later now I’m feeling pretty good from the waist
down but my arms & shoulders are still pretty sore from
catching those hard falls. What a gift of health and
madness to run such a race. Waves of gratitude across
the universe… |
