As I reached the water station around mile twenty of the 18th annual half voyager marathon I am met with three friendly volunteers who despite slinging water, energy drink and cookies to the ninety or so, sweaty runners ahead of me, offer genuine cheers of encouragement.
I have already covered a series of trails ranging from gravel roads to single track hiking trails complete with gnarly switchbacks, rocky creek crossings, steep climbs and unforgiving ravines that stretch down to Fon Du Lac and over into Duluth ending at the Lake Superior Zoo, where at 5:30 A.M. I stood around waiting for the race to begin elbow to elbow with about two hundred other trail runners.
When I had decided to the Half Voyager, my first marathon, I received wide range of reactions ranging from “You are going to die, I want to see your face when you finish.” to “Walk up the hills and run down the other side” so, I had no idea what to expect. Although, the later comment was from Gene the race organizer who ultimately convinced me that the race was within my abilities.
I trained in a very casual fashion, putting in about 25 to 35 miles a week on hiking trails around Duluth, completing two, twenty mile runs and three, sixteen mile runs. My diet did not change much; a steady dose of ice-cream (my vice) mixed in with vegetables and leaner meats like fish and chicken; do not forget to throw in a splash of beer for self medication for good measure. Despite pre-race anxiety I felt confident about my fitness level and the training I had done.
One of the most frequent comments offered to me was “I could never do a trail marathon!” I would have to disagree; the relaxed atmosphere of this event, the beautiful scenery and the racers themselves made this the most satisfying accomplishment I have achieved. Two such racers, Greg and Terry, even let me join them throughout the race; at one point giving me the last of their sodium tablets when I started to cramp up! The friendly conversations, advice and words of encouragement never ceased from these guys and in the end it really made the race for me; I have never ran a road marathon but I have a hard time believing I could have such an experience.
After the mile twenty water station the course became rocky, full or roots and generally treacherous; just what I love! I kept a faster pace through this last section and trough the finish; a spartan celebration with a cooler full of drinks and cookies was there to greet me. I got my t-shirt and time. I finished in 5:50 hours in 82nd place. I would like to thank Gene and all the wonderful volunteers and the support from my family and my very patient girlfriend Lizzy. The Half Voyager turned out better than I could have imagined and I am looking forward to running it next year; perhaps trying my hand at the full Voyager.
LUOMA
