40 DOWN, 10 TO GO…

Otter Creek Marathon, Kentucky
Number of Runners: 45
Elevation: 568’
Time: 4:16:48
Weather: 52 degrees, light drizzle

If we’re going to crank up the intensity scale, let’s not mess around. Today’s marathon was every bit as tough as yesterday’s, and perhaps even more so. The path was tricky, mostly single-track, with plenty of roots and trail debris—loose rocks, stumps, broken branches—strewn across it. There were several water crossings, and plenty of mud and slippery rocks to challenge the footing. The flat sections were few, the descents were treacherous, and the climbs were arduous (there was about 2,700 feet of ascent). Overall, it was one great day!

Otter Creek, Kentucky isn’t exactly a booming metropolis, and getting there requires some doing. But here on a random Thursday in October, forty-five intrepid runners made the trek (don’t any of these people have jobs…hee! hee!). Many of the runners had never run a trail marathon before, and ten of the runners had never even run a marathon before. Some trail marathons are little more than wide, graded fire roads over gentle rolling hills. This was not one of them. For a first-time marathoner, or for someone running her first trail marathon, this was a doozie.

That being said, the terrain and setting were absolutely stunning. All of the elements that made runningso challenging—sharp drop offs, stream crossings, a forest of trees—also made for some incredible sights along the way. The abrupt topographical features of the Otter Creek Trail provided some epic overlooks across the river, and the high vistas along the northern section of the trail made for some stellar views of the adjacent valley.

The runners today were a hardy lot. Even the first-time marathoners toughed it out, despite the ruggedterrain and brutal climbs. Everyone displayed a gritty determination in the face of some daunting conditions. In talking to some of the athletes afterward, I could see where this drive came from. One runner was a tank commander in the US Army, another was Special Forces. We had an ex-boxer turned runner in the group, and a homemaker with five kids (all boys). Let me tell you, she was one tough Mama! There were cuts, bruises, sprains, and plenty of handshakes and high-fives going around.

We all convened inside the Otter Creek park headquarters post-race, where the Race Director had a table of warm, home cooked food spread out for everyone. Between bites of chili, we talked about politics, baseball, and compared battle wounds. One runner thanked me for the best run of his life. He had a big gash over his right eye from a fall, was covered in mud, and had just spent 26.2 torturous miles trouncing through the wilderness. And he’s thanking me for this? I love this guy!

It was hard saying goodbye to everybody and boarding the bus. These were my kind of people. I felt so at home amongst the sweaty, dirty, and beat up runners; I didn’t want to leave. But the road beaconed. It’s going to be a long drive tonight and I’m all grimy and sore, and very, very happy.

Still moving forward, and loving every step of the way,
Dean

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Comments

[Adam Sewell]

keep it up mate only got 10 more to go

[Heather Griffith]

Hey Dean! It has been such an exciting day and even though I've gotten exactly 4 hrs sleep in the last 37 hours (I went to work after the marathon and it's 3rd shift), every minute of it has been worth it! I was so amazed by the whole experience of not only running with you (until you started going so fast) but especially getting to meet and talk with you after the race! I hope my boyfriend was not jealous when I kept talking about how amazing you are but I just know this will be one of THE most unforgettable days in my life! Thank you again for inspiring me to run this 50-Mile in Chicago this Nov 11, and to actually meet you and HEAR your words of encouragement was even greater!

[Cathy Maguire]

Mr.Karnazes, I have never logged onto one website for forty consecutive days...that is until now....needless to say! My sentiments are that of the other million people writting in daily. Totally in awe. Your book has truely been my best read ever, and have bought extra copies to make very well recieved birthday presents. Could you ever let me know just how many pairs of runners you use yearly (though weekly might be easier to calculate!) Have you ever conidered selling your used runners to raise even more money for Karno Kids, I'm tipping they'll be worth a heck of a lot more with their well worn soles by your good self. As I'm in Australia I can only hope you'll be here to run one day. Whats life without hope eh? So envious of all you wonderful folk who've run alongside Dean. I'm telling anyone who will listen about Dean Karnazes, anyone who knows me, knows of Dean. Looking forward to my first big M in Canberra this April, and you will be surely in my thoughts. Warmest Regards Cathy. One quarter left....stay stong....the very best

[Heather]

It was such an exciting day just to be out there at Otter Creek and running the marathon! What a course; I'd never run a trail marathon before so it was challenging definitely! Yet as I was running, I was thinking of the 50-Mile I will run Nov 11 in Chicago and how that will be 24 more miles! Then after the race, when I spoke with you, I heard your words of encouragement and I felt so ready to run it! You're amazing, having run 40 of these races in a row, because no matter how hard I've trained for this 50-Mile, 26.2 is still a long distance! It was truly amazing to get to talk to you and have you sign all my stuff! I put my signed clothing and new Endurance 50 watch on right away before I even drove from the park! I know I seemed to have so much energy when running and after when we met, but when I drove home it was difficult to keep my eyes open on the road! After being up for 24 hrs, I slept 4 hrs then went to work for a nice 6-hr 3rd shift! I was definitely exhausted when I got home, but today was a day in my life that I will definitely never forget! I was talking about the marathon the whole time I was at work! Have fun in Florida! And enjoy those warm temps!

[Ed C]

Hello Dean,

Trail-running always concerns me, after a few of my running colleagues were side-lined because of it. This is the third leg on a trail for E50. It is interesting that it hardly registers a blimp on your concern meter--other than getting lost.

Your blog has introduced me to the running world online. Mostly good stuff. Competitiveness blinds others, making you more and more special in the way you care about the rest of us.

Your blog has also chronicled people touched by your commitment, each individual carrying their own personal pain and what they have done to get to just the day after. I don't know how you can handle the world's pain unless you are working on your self as well. Your connection with the kids are the best stories ever.

The countdown has commenced. After today, there is nine. I'll see you in the Liberty City. Meanwhile, carry the torch and brighten our lives for a while.

Ed
San Diego

[Ed C]

Hello Dean,

Trail-running always concerns me, after a few of my running colleagues were side-lined because of it. This is the third leg on a trail for E50. It is interesting that it hardly registers a blimp on your concern meter--other than getting lost.

Your blog has introduced me to the running world online. Mostly good stuff. Competitiveness blinds others, making you more and more special in the way you care about the rest of us.

Your blog has also chronicled people touched by your commitment, each individual carrying their own personal pain and what they have done to get to just the day after. I don't know how you can handle the world's pain unless you are working on your self as well. Your connection with the kids are the best stories ever.

The countdown has commenced. After today, there is nine. I'll see you in the Liberty City. Meanwhile, carry the torch and brighten our lives for a while.

Ed
San Diego

[Jodi Dougherty]

HOLY COW! Dean, are you ok? I nearly drove off the road today when i got my txtmssg. & read that you wiped out hard in GA.
I can't believe it, with 9 days left. I hope that you're not too banged up, and since i know you won't quit or revise your schedule, i wish you the best for tomorrows marathon.
Take care of yourself, Dean.

Jodi in CT

[Tony Stidham]

Hi Dean. Fantastic trail run at Otter Creek Park in Kentucky. The mud,sweat and blood(seven stitches in the knee) were well worth it just to be a part of this epic event. Good Luck in the rest of the marathons. Tony...

[John Cairns]

Dean-

Otter Creek was a TOUGH marathon, especially for one who never before did a trail marathon!It was great seeing you and talking with you at the finish. I want to thank you again for the opertunity to join you in part of your challenge!
God bless you, your family, and the North Face 50 crew in all you do!! Thanks a million!

John