As I mentioned in in my initial 12.5k article, there was some uncertainty around what the course would be due to all of the snow-melt and rain this spring.

By the time I went off-grid for some camping ahead of the race, it had been decided that the course would be on gravel roads and snowmobile trails because the SHT was unfit for that type of use, a totally fitting back-up plan. Well, when I got back into cell service early morning on Saturday I received several messages telling me to look at my email because the course had been changed to yet another back-up plan due to bridge conditions worsening last-second on the course I thought I would be running that day.

The second back-up course consisted of about 2.1 miles of uphill climbing (~600 ft of gain), followed by the same 2.1 miles right back down from a location in Tofte – for my race distance, this meant two loops.

I knew my legs were not prepped for that kind of pounding and was a little nervous at first. But nerves went away quickly as soon as the race started. There’s something about that moment when everyone is making their way from the start line that nerves subside to racing instinct and it’s game on!

With it being a two-loop race, I went in with a game plan of feeling out the first loop while keeping contact with as many runners as possible. I stayed in control on the way up (pretty incredible view at the top) and held back a bit on the way down. I was able to know where I stood in the race, as well as see everyone else doing the 25k and 50k, which was really fun being able to cheer them on mid-race! So from the turnaround I began trying to reel in some of the runners ahead of me. I was able to time how far ahead they were and slowly chip away at their lead (or at least attempt to), which for someone with a moderately competitive side is motivating when your legs and lungs are burning! After getting to the top of the second loop I knew it was all downhill from there and had a blast running hard to the finish line.

I eventually crossed the finish line of my first Superior 12.5k (this was about 8.6 miles vs. 7.8ish) in 58:19 (29:59 first lap, 28:20 second lap), which was good for 3rd place! I ended up having a friendly little battle with my buddy Joe Calaguire during the race as well.

Congrats to all who participated in the 12.5k/25k/50k races, and thanks to all of the volunteers who make a weekend like this possible! A special thanks to race director John Storkamp for putting on such a wonderful event amidst all of the stress and uncertainty…yet again – he is seriously a rockstar!