Dear Reader: The Grand Traverse
I'm ready to roll! After standing at the first intersection in the dark, I made my way back to the start before starting my sweep. Check out that cool sunrise! Photo by William Bauer
Welcome back to my column, Dear Reader, where you get to experience William’s witticisms, hear about events around town, read song reviews, and more. I know you are reading this, so please send some feedback, songs to review, and events to baue0649+dearreader@d.umn.edu.
In this week’s edition, I’m talking about my experience as a trail sweep for the Grand Traverse. An aside before the content: I use Strava, a social media app catered to physical activity. People record their physical activities (mostly with GPS), create titles and captions, and post them. Why is this important? I documented some of my first thoughts the morning after my adventure in my Strava post for the traverse.
Here’s what my Strava said:
“A 12-hour sweep started in the darkness before sunrise, with the wolves howling in the (not-so-distant) distance. Hours and miles went by, punctuated by light sprinkles while under tree cover, conversations with strangers and friends, and a few phone calls. Then, I met up with Bode and continued the sweep. More miles passed, this time with someone to talk to. Eventually, what started early in the day as sprinkles turned into full-fledged rain. From there, the already deteriorating muscles started to complain, and the hike turned into a hobble, trying not to end up horizontal on the muddy trail. The last participants didn't seem to be doing much better. As pacing turned to a crawl, the last miles slowly crept by until the end: 3 flights of stairs up to Fitger's. A quickly warmed car awaited and, after a short drive, a hot shower and food. Sleep quickly claimed me for the night. Huge thanks to Bode Nesler for helping me make it through the whole thing!”
William's Strava post from the event Photo by William Bauer
Here’s what I didn’t mention there: for those who don’t know, a trail sweep meant I navigated the trail behind the last runners, making sure that nobody got left behind or hurt. I also had the option of stopping at any point after my other trail sweep, Bode, joined me. But alas, I’m stubborn and wanted to finish the darn thing. So, even after rain, aching and failing muscles, I decided to push past the last aid station. You should also know that I’m about 10 hours in at this point, haven’t trained for a marathon like this, and it's getting cold and chilly. I figured, “If the other participants can do it, so can I!” Which turned out to be true… kind of.
After subsisting on granola bars and energy gels the whole day, I literally hobbled the last miles behind the last participants. I couldn’t walk normally or even at a normal pace. I should have stopped, but darn it, I wanted to finish! Eventually, I made it to the end—shivering, cold, tired—and in need of recovery.
William and Bode at the finish line of the Grand Traverse Photo by Siiri Morse
Sunday consisted of some light hobbling around and cooking, while putting on my backpack, Monday almost sent me tumbling to the floor. By Tuesday, I could walk normally again! I’m on the up-and-up again, and looking to make my comeback in my regularly scheduled physical activities soon. I should mention, at the risk of sounding like an old man, that my knees aren’t quite back up to snuff. And I still have blisters on both of my feet.
The good news is, I never have to do another marathon or trail marathon, ever!! I’ve completed that life checklist, and can compete or do it for fun if I ever feel like it, but I am in no way obligated to ever try again if I don’t feel ready. I’m proud of my ability to endure suffering (crazy, I know), but I think it may be a part of my Finnish Sisu and being a Nordic skier. (Insert graphic of Jessie Diggins here!) There’s a cartoon out there somewhere that says something to the effect of, I can push myself, but I’d never be able to put myself into as much pain as Jessie Diggins. If you have it, let me know!
Anyways, thanks for reading this week. Send me a message if you liked it or want to hear about anything specific!
Cheers!