Curiosity had me checking to see if there were any local-ish FKT routes earlier this year and I noticed this one, not too far from my sister and it fit right into my training plan and running theme for the year, "Rails to Trails." My brain and muscles don't really like the monotony of the same surface and grade for miles on end, but I had some demons to slay on the Mickelson Trail (setting the FKT in June this year) and had the audacity to sign up for the Cowboy 200 taking place in less than 4 weeks and the Three Rivers Trail happens to be a perfect trail and distance for a training run.
Since I was using this as a training run opportunity, I did my best to use what I intend to be using for my 200. I loaded my Salomon Adv skin 12 pack with a full 2-liter bladder, and 2 full 20oz flasks and a spare empty flask. I also carried enough snacks to be out there for over 8 hours, even though the goal was to be done in closer to 7, and my little ‘emergency kit’ for blister care, sunscreen, wipes, foil blanket, poncho, etc. just like I would have on me during my race.
I left Rolfe at 6:20am and having never been on the trail or through any of these small towns, I wasn't quite sure what to expect other than a long flat, gravel packed trail. I was pleasantly surprised with the number of trees and shade lining most of the trail, although it hindered any good breeze to cool me off, yet it was a cool morning (for August) and overcast and of course humid. I checked out some trail user info ahead of time and saw a notice of the trail being closed just west of Bradgate (assuming bridge(s) out from flooding in late June), so miles 4 to 5 were along blacktop and highway into town. My mapping had worked it out to be nearly the same distance as the trail, adding maybe a quarter of a mile to the 33.3-mile trail.
It was a very solitude journey, although I did see in total 5 bikers and 2 runners near the Humboldt area, I saw just as many blue herons and even more deer and plenty snakelike sticks - with one proving to be an actual snake -EEK!!!
Most of my Google sourcing pre-run had come up empty on water stops, but a previous FKTer had mentioned getting water in Rutland and Humboldt. I blazed on by the Rutland facility as I still had a mostly full 2-liter bladder but was intending to fill 3 20oz bottles in Humboldt to be safe for the back half of the run. However, the only facility I came across in Humboldt was locked up. With temps and humidity creeping up, I slowed my pace and tried to conserve what I had for water and prayed for hope in Thor. As I was approaching the tiny town of Thor, nearly out of water and trying to figure out my options (quitting not being one of them), a cool gust of air urged me forward. I kept my eyes peeled, longingly searching between equipment and grain bins of the co-op on my left, when I noticed the quaint city park on my right. It had all the good 'ol playground equipment of a merry-go-round, teeter-totters, and jungle gym, so I prayed that it would have a water source too. Then I spotted a hydrant on the far end of the park, I was giddy and ran to it, but when I lifted the handle, nothing happened. Disappointment. Like a mirage in a desert, but worse. But then I spotted a newer hydrant around the corner of the shelter, surely this one might work? I said another prayer as I lifted the handle and heard water gushing through pipes before it came flowing out! Water straight from the hydrant always tastes wonderful, but this was spectacular! I filled drank, and refilled a bottle, replenishing what I had been depleted of from conserving the last 7 miles. Then I filled 2 other bottles to be sure I had more than enough for the last 6 miles. Leaving my hydrant to finish the run, I paused to cross the road for a vehicle, but being a truly small town, the old pickup truck stopped and waved for me to go. After letting all the water I drank settle for a few minutes, I was back to a nice jog to finish out the run and was pleasantly surprised with how I felt and was moving. I was able to finish just a few minutes off of my 'A' time goal of 7 hours, despite the hydration blunder.
The Three Rives Trail is a nice and surprisingly beautiful (it is Iowa) trail and with some well-timed water stops or support, it wouldn't take much to blow these FKTs out of the water!
The charming town of Thor gets the MVP for this run for providing water, with the assist going to my sister for picking me up at the end near Eagle Grove.