A runner in the distance along the southern stretches of the Syncline
Trail.
Logan Peak
Run
June 27th
2009
I wasn't really
sure what I was in for with this race.
I'd wanted to run it the past two years, but was kept away by a variety
of issues. A stressful 4 am drive from
SLC left me primed for something- I just didn't know what. In my early morning haze, I forgot my
directions to the race and barely made it with the help of some wandering and
an early phone call to my wife. Finally
there, I was happy to get moving. The
first mile or so was typical pavement pounding and then a wide trail, which
helped to spread out the herd a bit. As
the miles wound up Dry Creek I was surprised by how little I remembered of the
place from my college years. I could have
sworn it used to be a narrow two track, but apparently the road has been
reclaimed and now functions as a fine trail.
About three miles up Dry Creek the trail steepened and climbed a series
of switchbacks. I’d decided to take it
pretty easy, but I was surprised that I was already kinda
hurting. My stomach was its typical mess,
but the first aid station was great and I grabbed what I could and headed south
onto the Syncline trail.
The first mile or so was a bit messy- lots of
downed trees, funky grades, a random snow and ice patch- and my running legs
still needed a jump start. But as I
turned the corners above Providence Canyon the views became incredible- early
morning light, chasm-like depth, fresh green foliage, and runners in the
distance. It was perfect and just what
my legs needed. A few miles further,
after joining a beaten ATV trail, the running degraded slightly, but the next
aid station and new courage was reached quickly enough. In the future I would ditch my water belt
here and push the summit weightless.
I continued on,
with the summit of Logan Peak quickly in view.
It looked a lot closer than it was, but past a few snow patches, and a
lost trail, the summit was finally reached and I let out a quick cry of
joy/pain in relief. The descent off the
summit was fast with the mix of snow and trail, and I was energized to pass my
old friend and boss Scott Datwyler on his way up, cranking hard. Soon I was back at the aid station and ready
to complete the Syncline loop. The next
two miles were a bit tough, with a long continuous grade leading to some
unknown quadrant but eventually we cut back left, onto the single track and
more incredible trail. Perhaps it was
just incredible because it was largely downhill, but I did enjoy the view over
into Logan Canyon, Naomi, and other lost lands.
I knew I was going to regret this descent, and soon enough I was
climbing again and loosing steam.
Turning the
corner back into Dry Creek I expected the descent to start sooner, but ended up
traversing a tired half mile before dropping to the final aid station (many
thanks to the crew who carried the goods up).
I dropped back onto the main Dry Creek trail and soon caught up to a
group of three who I trailed for a bit before the girl ahead of me took a
nasty, nasty, spill. Over the course of
the race I'd talked with her a couple of times and run much of the distance
within earshot- it looked painful and I was worried she'd done some
damage. I made sure she was alright
(which she was), offered my [surprisingly clean] handkerchief, and hopped on
down the trail, anxious to finish. With
a surprising burst of energy I was able to fire the long downhill with decent
speed and trundle my way back to the canyon mouth. Back on pavement I was surprised to realize
that I used to run the same streets back in my milkman days- only then it was
sprints with commission-induced speed. A
steep troll back to the pavilion left me at the finish line and happily seated
on a table.
In reality,
besides my stomach, I felt pretty good- definitely happy to be done, but far
from trashed. Overall I had a great
time- the course was incredible, I felt [mostly] strong, and I really enjoyed
the other runners on the course- especially on my summit climb and descent, passing
the opposite bound runners- and also the friendly girl who endured my presence
for at least half the race. I was also
very happy to beat my six hour goal.
Many thanks to the race directors, the aid station crews, and my wife
for letting me sneak away on an important day.
The pre-race meeting and pre-race jitters.
The first miles out of Dry Creek on the Syncline.
The
beautiful descent above Providence Canyon.
Looking
and feeling like a Garbage Pail Kid atop Logan Peak- the race’s apex.
Looking back down from
Heading north toward
Cheers.
©
All Content 2009 Arie Leeflang Collection