This unpaved road is about 30 minutes from where I live. So it has been on my radar. My plan was to warm up a couple miles, FKT to the dam, then jog back easy. This would give me 18 miles total. This would be a long day for me as far as running is concerned. I've went longer this year, but only hiking earlier in the spring.
I got started at 6:30 AM. The route is very curvy and hilly. Nothing too steep though. Not sure exactly what pace I would be able to do with the hills. I got into a good rhythm pretty quick. I tried to take it easy uphill to not fry my legs too bad. I felt pretty good overall. I carried a small vest with my phone, an almost empty flask and a bar. The flask and the bar were really for when I got to the lock. There would be a washroom there to fill up on water. My pace was fairly consistent throughout. I was feeling it a bit at the end but the dam was in sight. I ram over the dam and looked for the Canadian flag for the end of the route. The flag wasn't there so I took a picture of the lock control tower instead which is basically the same spot. I was very happy with my effort.
I used the washroom at the lock and filled up on water. I also ate my bar for some energy. 8 miles back to the car. The Swift Rapids Lock is a really nice area. I saw all the yachts in line waiting for the lock to open. I started running back and the bugs started attacking me. I had no issues on the way to the dam. The whole way back though, they really liked me. I was blessed with nice weather. It had rained earlier, but nothing while I was out. Great day overall on a road that's definitely worth checking out!