My 7th running of the current model Northwoods Winter Trail Marathon (formerly Snowshoe Marathon which I ran 6 times before it was cancelled)! The trails may have been in the best shape that I have seen them. They were packed, completely snow covered and beautiful!
I left home at 600 so I'd have plenty of time to get to the marathon start in Duluth, about 2.5 hours away. I put Amity Chalet into my GPS and off I went. As I came through Duluth and was only a few miles from the start my GPS began to direct me using an unusual route. I thought maybe a road had been closed or something. Alas, I was brought to a new development called Amity Trails. A man in his front yard approached my vehicle and let me know that I and 15 others had gone the wrong way. He gave me a quick reroute and I found myself to the race start with 10 minutes to go. Jeeze.
My friend Kim had met me at the start. I came up to her car window and she said she'd let me get ready would see me after the race. We had previously decided we'd meet at Dunn Brothers post race.
I quickly ran into the chalet to get my race number and check in, back to my vehicle to change clothes and get my pack ready. I made it to the start with 1 minute to go. Not the way I like to begin a race, but hey, better than Chippewa 50K in April when I was 8 minutes late!
There were 22 entrants for the marathon, there wasn't any pinch point, we were all spread out, just enjoying the course. It was a beautiful day, 10F, a light snow still falling creating a bit of texture on the top of the trail, it was perfect.
The Lester River was frozen solid this year, in fact there were people skiing upon it. What a pretty sight.
I was able to run a 'fast for me' pace. As I climbed Hawk Ridge I noticed that the lake view was fogged in. I hoped it would be clear upon my second lap.
As I came into mile 13 Andy let me know that I was second woman overall. I filled up my hydration vest, moved a few gels to the front pocket and headed off for loop 2.
I didn't see anyone on my second 13 mile loop. I didn't pass anyone, I wasn't passed by anyone. I enjoyed a truly peaceful meditation running along the smooth trail.
Climbing Hawk Ridge I was thrilled to see that the fog had lifted and the view was breathtaking. I could see the snow covered trees, the City of Duluth and Lake Superior. Magnificent!
Rolling into the finish line at 5:30 was a course PR for me and hung in for the 2nd woman overall. I felt great, still had plenty of energy and wondered if I should have left a bit more of it on the trail. I had a great run.
After changing clothes I went to Dunn Brothers to meet Kim for a coffee and a nice visit. It was a great day!
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