I've been a member of the Reddit running community for almost as long as I've been a runner. They're full of snark and don't tolerate assholes, but the folks of Runnit are good people. I visit the running subreddit a few times a week.
A few years ago, someone had the idea of a traveling singlet: a singlet that would be shared by the runners of Reddit. The idea is simple: take the singlet on a run, sign your name to it, and pass it to the next runner.
I was excited for the Singlet to finally make its way to Wisconsin, but the timing wasn't exactly great: for the first time in years, the only race I have on the horizon is a local 5K in December. But the Singlet doesn't need to race. It just needs to experience something new.
When I tried to think of iconic running routes near me, the Ice Age Trail was the first that came to mind. Second was the 400ish meter indoor track at the Pettit Center. I know people from outside the area sometimes wonder about the attraction to running in circles at the Pettit, but Wisconsin runners training for a spring marathon know that circles can be preferable to our January temperatures. I did a 20 miler at the Pettit last year and lived to tell the tale.
But the Ice Age Trail...that's truly more Wisconsin. Spanning a thousand miles across the State, the trail is home to many diverse things but most runners know it as the site of the Ice Age 50: one of the oldest ultramarathons. I know the IA50 well - I've failed to finish it two years in a row now though I did get pretty close.
Anyone who loves the rocky singletrack, the rooty climbs, the open meadows, often muddy ascents and incredible views of this diverse trail has a favorite section. After all, it's over 1000 miles long - there's plenty to chose from. My favorite section runs through the Lapham Peak State Park. That's where I chose to run on Thanksgiving morning.
I woke before dawn and sneaked out of the house, timing my drive so I could see sunrise from the trail. As is always my luck when I run at Lapham, a group of deer were lingering by the entrance. That's always a good omen - it means few people were on this section of the trail right now. I parked the car and smiled at the familiar sign directing my way.
I run this section of the Ice Age Trail throughout all four seasons and I have to marvel at what a different experience it is during the different times of the year. Fall is the most challenging - the blanket of leaves hides the roots and rocks, so I did have a few close calls with some ruts this time. Winter is the most serene. The cold air feels somehow completely noiseless, and I love making the first set of prints in fresh snow. Spring is often muddy, but there's something about the feeling of renewal in the air that makes me happy slog through the mud and slide down the singletrack. Plus, spring means Ice Age 50 training, and for me that means hope and focus. Summer can be hot and relentless, but the lush greens of the trees are in full beauty by way of apology for the weather.
Have I mentioned that I fucking love the Ice Age trail? But you are here for some pictures and not my personal brochure.
The trail is built and maintained primarily by volunteers. It is amazing to me when I find structures like little footbridges have sprung up seemingly overnight. Lot of love goes into maintaining the trail.
I especially love this vista. The weird, gnarly trees, the view of the horizon. It comes at the top of a winding climb.
There are places like this where the trail is lovely and clear in fall and other places where that blanket of leaves all but obscures the path. The yellow blazes are so well-placed though - it would be hard to get too far afield.
As I mentioned, this section of the Ice Age Trail winds into Lapham Peak State Park. I love running at Lapham. Its trails are groomed for cross country skiing in winter, and its hills have been given neat names like Gut Buster and Stairway to Heaven. The Lapham Peak runners have given some of the segments of trail here equally worthy names.
One of the neatest features of Lapham Peak is the tower. It is the highest point in the county and from the top you can see everything. It is also the turnaround point for the weird Trailbreaker Marathon which takes runners from roads of my hometown onto a rails-to-trails path to the Ice Age Trail, up the tower and back. It's one of those races that has to be nearly impossible to run even splits on, and that sort of intrigues me. But I digress - let's look at the view because it is beautiful.
Actually, one more side note: I always enjoy the ever-changing graffiti on the tower. Sometimes it is really profound - this one tugged at my heart. Other times, well, good for you, Zach. Good for you.
I'm rarely alone on the observation tower so I took the opportunity to grab a selfie up here. Also, I took this picture because aren't my tights awesome? InkNBurn, of course.
My run was unremarkable - I didn't run fast. I stopped for lots of photos. I only got in three miles since I had a family at home waiting for me to start cooking the Thanksgiving turkey. But I won't forget this run anytime soon.
Time to sign and wash the Singlet and send it on its way.
Thumbs up, friends. Keep on running.
