LBL 30 Mile Trainer

LBL Canal Loop overlook

We left in the darkness Saturday at 4:30 am. @Mash and I headed to Land Between the Lakes for a long training run. I needed to see what the trail has to offer in regards to terrain and climbs as I will be running the LBL 50 on March 12th. We arrived as the snow started to fall pretty hard, the wind gusts were quite strong and the temp hovered below the freezing mark. The plan was 2 loops on the 11 mile Canal Loop Trail and then an out and back to get us 28-30 miles.

We stashed food and liquids off the path and got under way. The first loop was slow and the weather beat on us. But the second loop, I had planned to run at a quick pace, ending up averaging 8:07s for the second 11m.

The real training took place in miles 22-26 or so, on the out of the out and back. I was reminded in these miles of a reality of endurance sports, suffering will come. I was hurting pretty bad- and it was like cold water on my face, a moment of clarity that dressed down some of my rambling, ancillary thoughts. It brought in to focus the three pieces of me- mind-body-spirit. I run in hopes that He may be glorified.

I was glad to finish with 30 miles on the day.


I wore a new prototype sock from @Swiftwick. They have a nice snug fit and hold the foot well. I was concerned they might not be thick enough to keep me warm, but I never had a problem. I managed to get my feet wet in the first few miles so I ran in wet or at least damp socks for well over marathon distance. The socks dried and wicked well, but the snow and mud kept coming. No blisters or issues to speak of. In the interest of full disclosure, I do cover my feet with Sportslick for long runs. The seamless toe is another key element that kept my feet blister free, no bunching whatsoever.

A great trip and wonderful adventure. We truly had to "embrace the wild" on this day. The elements were not to be ignored.