Wild Goose State Trail (Out N Back) 11/8/25
Any run in November in Wisconsin is about the weather. The forecast shifted all week, but ended up being dry and cold. There were a few flurries the last mile or two, but nothing of any consequence. The temperature was mostly steady in the low 30’s. The wind only kicked up a bit in the last hour of the run.
I ran this self-supported beginning at 5:29am in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. I started from the northern trail endpoint on W Pioneer Rd, near the Kwik Trip. I carried fluids, snacks, extra clothes, flashlight, phone battery, and some first aid items in my pack. I did not use the poncho or space blanket at all. I finished with some gels to spare. I also used multiple single-use handwarmers.
I only stopped at two different places to re-supply. I did stop at both twice. At mile 6/64 I stopped at the Clark gas station in Oakfield. At mile 27/43 I stopped at the Citgo station at the intersection of Hwy 33 and 26. I also filled my bottles at the Artesian Well on the trail in Burnett (approximately miles 23/39.
The most difficult stretch was from mile 6 in Oakfield to the Citgo at mile 27. I knew going in that this was a long stretch without much opportunity for aid besides the well in Burnett. I utilized fruit snacks and gels to get me through after picking up my hot chocolate at the Clark station at mile 6.
Besides the re-supply or water stops, I also stopped at the restrooms at Wild Goose Park in Juneau. My longest stop was at this park on the return, approximately mile 41. I switched to a clean t-shirt and added a long sleeve under my vest. I did bring a water resistant wind-breaker that I only wore for the first 6 miles and the last 6 miles, when I was coldest.
The run went faster than planned. I knew my knees were not in ideal shape and my pace needed to be restrained in order for me to make it the full 70 miles. In the end the cold weather helped keep my knee swelling manageable.
My favorite section to run was the long stretch from Citgo to Clark station on the return. I loaded up on drinks, snacks, and caffeine. The Artesian Well is really cool. I just shoots out water 24/7.
This was a beautiful fall day. The leaf covered trail was mostly smooth. My headlamp was sufficient. I also used some cheap flashing LED lights to be visible at night.