Some say you must go through Hell to reach Heaven. After my first Superior Trail 100 effort, I felt that way. The course has beautiful, peaceful areas, and the tough climbs are essential to experience them. I only managed 77 miles this time, but I know I’ve been on the entire course during a race since I completed the 50-mile race last year.
My 77-mile journey was painful, beautiful, supported, and meaningful. It pushed me. Now home, my girlfriend’s daughter asked me why I was wincing in pain. It made me pause. I may not have a perfect answer, but I wanted to share my thoughts before writing my report.
In 2005, my doctor advised me to improve my health after my weight reached nearly 300 pounds. My girlfriend had left, I had a broken foot, and my son was independent and no longer needed rides. Despite these setbacks, I was exercising and had just finished my 21st Grandma’s Marathon. Though I knew I could finish it at 300 pounds, I needed a new challenge.
I met a friend who, like me, felt lost. We trained hard to run 50 miles in the Superior Trail race. I started exercising and dieting with a clear purpose. Sadly, I lost that friend in an accident, pausing my weight loss and training. I’ve kept steady, starting at 214 pounds and reaching 223 at my first 50-mile race in 2006. I ran cautiously and finished comfortably. I soon considered the 100-mile race and registered, heading toward that goal. My weight increased to 247 pounds before dropping to 237, but I still have a long way to go.
On September 7, 2007, I woke up in my motel room at 4:45 AM. The rain pounded, and I worried about the difficult trail conditions. By 6:00 AM, the radar gave me a better feeling about the next 38 hours. As I ate my breakfast, I doubted my readiness. I aimed to lose 100 pounds before the race, but I had only lost 84 pounds. I had gained 17 pounds since the 50-mile race, which I thought would complicate things. But I was still determined to try.
We arrived at Gooseberry Falls at 7:20 AM, quietly preparing for the race. My mind raced with thoughts of world politics, running, and more. I rushed to the restroom for a last indoor bathroom break. While on the toilet, I dropped a race number pin. With the recent news about MSP and solicitation, I worried about getting arrested if I retrieved it, and the stall next to me had a cop. I snapped back to reality and picked it up. My mind was elsewhere. I reached the starting line but went too far up the trail. Larry called us back for the race start. I was in a hurry.
The race began quietly, with a light rain still falling. I ran alone on the trail, worried about finishing. My stride and breathing felt uncomfortable, and my mind was unfocused. After about five miles, I spoke to a veteran from Kansas City, and my fears eased. My friend joined Julie Berg and her group, but I knew the veterans would catch up.
I ran with Philip Smith for a few miles. After a Clif Block, I found a large piece of my crown in the gel. I removed it, checked the damage, and kept running while I put it in the baggie with my toilet paper. The damage was just the glue, so I wasn’t in pain, but chewing would be difficult during the race.
At the race’s start, I carried two small bottles—one with protein and one with electrolytes—until mile 6, when my crew was supposed to meet me with a camelback of plain water. I planned to carry a water-filled camelback and one bottle of each supplement. However, my crew was absent at the designated spot. This made my day increasingly strange—first, I had a broken tooth, and now my crew was missing. I realized I’d be better off running alone, so I overtook Phillip and continued solo.
My crew and I arrived at the first aid station just in time. My 72-oz Camelbak saved the race from disaster. Many wonderful people organize this race with smiles and encouragement, but we often overlook their efforts. We need to train differently to ensure this race continues, and we can participate and succeed thanks to their efforts.
I quickly packed and moved on to maximize efficient use of time at each aid station. During the following miles, I wondered what could go wrong, which motivated me to finish. I felt stronger, more cheerful, and appreciated the trail experience. I entered a rhythm, taking Advil and caps, drinking, and eating, carefully monitoring my intake.
Sarah Hughes caught up with me around 24 miles in and we began running together. We chatted about friends, family, and running stories. These ultrarunners are happy and confident, making great companions. Could it be endorphins?
During our trek to Silver Bay, we met experienced finishers Deb M. and her uncle Al. We decided to stay with them or vice versa. As evening fell, I wanted to spend time with them. Our run was going well, passing aid stations regularly. Sarah had a Pacer at County Road 6, and we connected with Casey Lopez. Deb, Al, and Casey’s stories on the trail were hilarious, making night running feel easy.
Everything went smoothly until Deb and I both fell. It hurt briefly, but we were okay. Later, we encountered a long, dark boardwalk at night. I walked ahead, afraid because I could only see water, not the wooden planks. Heavy rain flooded the boards, and by the time we reached a lake, they were gone. I still believed Alfred and the others were nearby, so I kept moving ahead. It was just flowing water where the boards had been. That moment made my heart race.
We arrived in Finland around 12:45 AM, slightly later than expected, but I felt good. After eating and fueling up, I was excited to be 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of the cut-off, and forgot I was wearing wet shoes. Refueling, we set off—my first mistake was not changing shoes. Within a mile, a blister formed. At the next aid station, it was the size of a baseball on my left foot and a quarter on the side. I changed socks, drained the blister, taped my feet, and continued.
Despite blisters, I kept running. Glancing at the trail with my headlamp, I accidentally hit a low-hanging branch. I checked for blood but only saw a small red scratch on my fingers. I kept going, focused on my feet, sore head, and fatigue. I neglected my nutrition and hydration, stopping at the Crosby Aid station to find I had eaten little and my water bottle and CamelBak were full. Hours went by without food or drink, and I pushed forward, deviating from my race plan. My blisters worsened from wearing wet socks.
The following section is essential for anyone attempting to run the 100. The climb around 64 miles is delightful. The segment from 62 to 67 miles is the most challenging part of this course. That’s all I’ll say about that.
Anxious about the race, I reached mile 72 and found no fluids or food. Five hours of inadequate eating and drinking had left me dehydrated. I quickly addressed blisters on my feet, draining and taping them despite the pain. I was determined to finish the race and earn that jacket!
Exhausted, dehydrated, and with sores in my mouth and swollen hands, I crashed at 74 miles. After two grueling hours, I dragged myself to the 77-mile station, where Don Clark greeted me with encouragement. Despite considering seeking medical attention, I realized I was beyond recovery. Tears streamed down my face as I took down my number, only to be showered with praise and support from Scott, Pierre, and many others.
After writing this, my girlfriend’s daughter asked, “Why?” I explained that I admire organizers, volunteers, and participants—friendly, supportive, confident, and joyful individuals who recognize life’s goals and desires. In 2005, my goal was to lose 100 pounds and run 100 miles. This race is part of my journey to happiness, health, and fulfillment. Ironically, I fell apart after 72 miles and limped to 77. Perhaps it’s God’s way of saying, “Lose 100 pounds for 100 miles.” Inspired, I’ll return in 2008 with more knowledge and 26 pounds lighter, ready to reach my goals.
Thanks to all.
Good night.
Carry on my friends, carry on!
Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.
Londell,
Be proud of your accomplishment!! There's no need to think that the original 100-mile goal was not reached. We are proud of your completing 77 miles!!! Wow!!!!
Marilyn
I think going 77 miles on those trails (or even on the flat) is an incredible feat ! Good job !!
Eric Berg
Oh my god, you are AMAZING...what determination. Good job on your fantastic achievement! :)
Rose Ackerman
Londell
It is wonderful to know you completed 77 miles that is fantastic!!!
Take care of your blisters and make sure they heal well before putting more stress on them.
Lori
Finishing 77 miles is certainly a success story. Way to go!
Janine Hill
Good job, Londell - crazy from my perspective, but congrats!
Lynn Moore
Environmental Health Manager
Congratulations!!!! I think 77 miles is outstanding. You should be very proud.
Carol Pelzel
You are a crazy, but I think that you should defiantly feel extremely proud of the run you completed. Nice work
Eileen O’Connell
WOW!! That's really great!! I am really proud of you for going the distance. I hope the pain is not to great.
Julie Schowalter
You are amazing....I don't know how you do it.
Koko Ponce
You did more than finish. I can't imagine this at all.
I thought of you Friday night and wondered how far you had gone by then.
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deb Smith
Hay hay! Hip Hip Hoarah!
Way to go, Londell, on your 77-mile adventure. It sure beats working, doesn't it! Do you want me to send you some bubble wrap for your feet? Ha Ha Ha. Oow.
Good luck on being your blister recovery.
Connie
Well, Congrats man. Pretty great accomplishment. Next Year?
Erik S
I love your attidude and spirit! Congrats on the 77 miles. Hope your pain level subsides soon! Have a good one.
Andrea C
Oh my God!!!! You should be ecstatic with yourself. I can't believe you did what you did. I would have quit when faced with having to drain the blisters the first time! Don't walk around too much today; have Cyndi wait on you, hand and foot. I'm sure she won't mind, haha. But seriously, you did well and should not look at it as a DNF, but look at what I did!
Let me know if you need more Band-Aids. I think I could probably find some over here! Great job, you crazy person!
Andy
A job well done! 77 miles is nothing to scoff at! You should be very proud of your accomplishment - not very many people can say that they have run that distance in a little over one day! Way to go!!! And I am also very happy that you didn't break anything!
Becky
You get an "A+" for effort.
Robert G. Servian
Hi Londell,
Thanks for the running update. Congratulations on running 77 miles! That is an amazing accomplishment! I hope your feet have a speedy recovery.
Thanks, Tom A.
Wow ! Very impressive ! I can't believe you ran that much farther with those blisters ! 77 miles is a great accomplishment. How did you run into a tree? LOL ! Sorry to hear about your crown. Hope they can just put it back on as new ones cost around $950.
Way to go !!
Jan R.
