April brings with it not only spring showers, but the beginning of the race season in the upper midwest. The weather's warmer, everything is starting to green up, and runners are anxious to get out there and test their winter training. And that’s just what over eighty runners did last weekend at the inaugural NCT Bird Sanctuary Races.
The Bird Sanctuary is a section of the North Country Trail, near Solon Springs, that gives a little different feel than most of the trails in the area. It's a rolling single track that flows through patches of woods and a lot of open areas offering panoramic views of hills, ponds, and wetlands.
The race had a late start time of 10:00, which is perfect for a cool, spring race. Even with ample time to wake up and get ready, I still ended up arriving two minutes before the start after taking too long to make pancakes and despite Google trying to send me down a four wheeler trail. I jogged from my car to packet pick up, pinned on my bib, and threw my jacket and race t-shirt to the side to pick up after the race. Needless to say, I had no time for a warm up. I joined the other runners as Nikk, the race director, gave a short pre race course run down, and then we were off.
We ran along a short fenceline, climbed up a four wheeler trail and joined the singletrack of the NCT.
The 20k race had a unique set up-starting and ending at “headquarters” with a 10k out and back section toward Highway 53 and then an out and back section toward Twin Bridges for another 10k. There were water only aid stations at the 5k mark and at about the 15k distance, with a main aid at the start/end/10k point, with several food and drink options. The 10k consisted of the first 10k out and back toward Highway 53.
I had run this portion of the course several times and was looking forward to it. The day was overcast, cold, and pretty windy. Without a warm up, my legs were feeling a little heavy as we emerged from the cover of trees and out to the open fields of the Bird Sanctuary. It didn’t take long for the runners to stretch out, and I was soon running by myself. I put some upbeat music on and enjoyed the scenery. As we came into the forested area nearing the turn around the leaders of the race began to pass me on their way back to headquarters. I called out a few “good jobs” and “looking goods” as I caught up to a small group of runners. They offered to let me pass, but I declined, I knew I didn’t want to go much harder this early in the race.
I reached the 5k point, had a little water at the aid station and turned back down the trail. I realized at this point that I was fourth woman, which was great, but also meant that I was possibly in the running for third place, and a cool painted rock. I have an award for second place in one of Nikk’s other races and I really enjoy the hand painting and the uniqueness of it. I wanted one of those rocks…so began my inner battle of sticking to the plan so I could keep training or try to catch third. I took an SIS gel and focused back on the beauty of the wooded section.
The little group ahead of me that held third place and two guys dispersed, and I caught her as she stopped to tie her shoes. She soon passed me again and I worked to stay with her. She’d creep away on the downhills and flats and I’d catch back up on the inclines.
We came into the halfway point at about the same time. We both were a little confused on the way back out, she said her brain was already fried and replied that the 10k was sounding like a better idea at this point. We ran back up the atv trail to the NCT and turned right this time.
I had been on a part of this section, but wasn’t sure where the turnaround was located. We ran through the woods for a bit before crossing Bird Sanctuary Road and then entered the fields again. Third place stopped to tie her shoe once again and I passed her for the second time.
This part of the trail was much more open, a little hillier, and we were running into the wind. Fortunately, it’s gorgeous with great views of ponds and marshland. She soon caught me on a flatter section and I worked to keep her close. Things were starting to feel a little harder, so I took a gel and kept on moving. Pretty soon we rolled into another one of my favorite sections of trail; a campsite overlooking a small lake in a forested area. I worked to keep up with her as we climbed the hill, but started to lose her on the descent.
This was the hardest part of the race for me. We were now completely exposed, running on a grassy trail (not my favorite), into a strong headwind. I could see everyone ahead of you for what felt like miles, actually it probably was miles. I took my second SIS gel hoping for some magic energy. The leaders once again passed me going in the other direction. I couldn’t wait to be going back towards the finish, more so that I could be running with the wind at my back again.
After what seemed like forever I made it to the turnaround, still pretty close to third place. I grabbed a quick drink as a volunteer asked how it was going. He noted my red face and I told him that’s how I always look. It’s true, my Irish heritage shines through on all my runs, even if I’m not working hard (although this time I was).
The way back was more enjoyable-the wind pushing me along. I actually got warm enough to take off the long sleeved shirt I’d been wearing. As I ran, I tried to pull it over my head and caught one of my ear buds, which fell into the long grass below. I had to stop and find it, which cost me a few seconds, and when I looked up, third was pulling even farther away.
It was at this point that I decided I wasn’t going to try to catch her. She was running well, I was a ways back, and I didn’t want to push it. I really enjoyed seeing all the runners on their way out as I ran back in. It takes my mind off my own running to see other people and I love to call out the random good jobs and hear them in return. Pretty soon I could see cars parked near the finish area. The trail still meandered through the woods before closing out into the finish area, so I ran a little harder, wanting to finish strong. As I neared the finish Nikk was standing out congratulating runners.
I crossed the line, still in fourth, and was handed my wooden arrowhead finisher’s medal. Then I made my way over to the amazing finish line food. The NCT races have a lot going for them; a strong community complete with get togethers and beer runs the night before the races, beautiful trails, well-organized events, all their proceeds going to the North Country Trail, but one of the best things about the NCT races is the finish line food. This time they had hot coffee, soup, grilled chicken, brats, vegan burritos, and desserts. You never have to leave a race hungry. I grabbed myself a cup of coffee, since I’d only had a bit this morning to avoid having to stop to use the nearest tree (since a lot of the course is open) during the race and a brat. There were quite a few volunteers, manning the grill, adding wood to the little bonfires around the finishing area, and passing out food.
It was a fun event that I’ll be making an annual event. It’s a great spring rust buster and with it taking place in April, it’ll be interesting to see what the weather holds each year. And I’m excited to get Dot out on that trail and ready for next year’s 10k.
Now, to test my fitness with a road half next weekend as I get ready for Grandma’s.
