This year's Baker Lake 50k was a bit chilly, but clear, with some of the best views of the lake and Mount Baker I can remember. I suppose the crisp, fall air will do that sometimes. Above is a picture I took, after the race, from down the road from the campground. By then, the clouds had formed, but earlier in the day the sky was the same blue, and the mountain and other high glaciers were unobstructed. The view from the Noisy Creek turn was the best.
I ran the early start, as I've done for the past five or more years. I prefer the early start because I get done earlier, and there are less people on the trail. This was my 15th Baker Lake in a row. I think it may have been my 100th marathon or longer distance event as well. Markers on the trail, I suppose.
As always, Terry, Delores, James, Chris, Toi and others from Skagit Runners put on an exceptional event. Simple, beautiful, and affordable. The finish line goodies included burgers, pulled pork, soups, beer, soft drinks, and plenty of choices for the veggie folks. Lots of familiar faces on the trail--all smiles, coming and going.
New this year was additional water bottles at Noisy Creek, about 10 miles in. I think this is a great add, since there is a water cache also at Maple Grove, about 4 or 5 miles in.
I wasn't fast, and I found the back 15 to be slower and more drawn out than usual. I think that may have simply been because I was wrestling with whether to go down to Kirkland afterwards for an event. My time, while not fast, was an improvement over the past four years. This probably is a reflection of more road running on my part this year. I got knocked off track in August, which is understandable and ok. Going forward I'd like to work on losing weight and running steadier. For me, running and trails are part of who I am--and whether up or down--I'm just glad to be able to continue to be out there.
On the drive in, I finished up listening to Scott Kelly's book, Endurance, about his year in space and his journey to becoming an astronaut. On the way home, Bob Marley's Legend.