This was one of those runs that sucked but felt really good when it was over because I knew I had just pushed through a pile of rough miles. I’ve been running pretty strong lately but by mile 8 I knew something was off.
I started at the north end of this route at Lovell and ran south. My pack was loaded with all the fuel I would need for this 40 mile journey and over 3 liters of water in 3 flasks and a bladder. I was expecting some paved path at the start from the description and found a total of 6 miles. I prefer gravel on these rail trails so the transition was welcome.
The rest of the trail is gravel. It’s quite the mix of conditions though which was both surprising and interesting. You’ll find everything from perfectly maintained and graded gravel to twin single tracks and even a little mud at times. The change ups in conditions weren't necessarily a bad thing for running this many miles of this kind of trail.
So my run did suck. It was a struggle to keep my legs moving from early on. It was like I slipped into an ebb and never found my flow again. I was using a bit more water than normal too. Around the start of mile 22 I took my pack off, rearranged my fuel and consolidated my remaining water into the bladder. Good news was I still had about 2 liters but I was getting thirstier as the run went on.
Here’s something else about mile 22, it's the start of an 8 mile climb. To be fair it’s rail grade so it’s pretty subtle. It just feels like it never ends when you’re already on the struggle bus. Good thing is, when you’re done climbing you’re heading into Monroe. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Monroe. I was pleasantly surprised with almost all gravel trail in great shape and something I was starting to need really badly, a working spigot by the Badger State Trail facilities in the middle of town. I filled my bladder, washed my head and arms and got back on my way.
The rest of the trail is technically downhill from Monroe to the end although you don’t really notice it. Continued country views and well kept trail take you all the way to meet Jane Adams (the trailhead) at the end of this route. My feet definitely appreciated the cool waters of the creek that runs under the trail next to State Line Rd.
Although I wish I missed my goal time, I can look back at a great push to the end and a successful 40 mile run. Thankfully there was no time to beat here and I hope this helps spark people’s interest to get out on this great route and set more times.