Running Dances with Dirt

Is it a compliment to describe a person or a business as a marketing genius?

The Running Fit organization tells us "we exist to make running fun." I think they are very successful at their stated goal.  I've gone on pretty incessantly online and in person about how happy I am that they do what they do. Without them, my family wouldn't be as active as we are, so I'm happy and grateful they exist. They provide some of the most beautiful marketing collateral and bling anywhere, from cute aliens to red carpet running to No Wimps and trail stuff to the scarily named Dances with Dirt (Green Swamp (FL), Gnaw Bone (IN), Devil's Lake (WI), and Hell (MI)).

That last series is made up of challenging trail runs. The descriptions, such as that of the Devil's Lake Half Marathon ("all uphill" or something similar), are just intimidating enough to be irresistible (or vice versa). I don't know what the name conjures for you; for me it's equal parts fun and anxiety. It's the uncomfortable feeling that's present when there's an opportunity for growth and learning.

While not at all in peak condition, and thanks to a generous course time limit, I decided to run the Dances with Dirt Hell 50k - my third 50k - this year.

One of the first indications that I was in for a treat was the awesome race shirt. The shirt alone made some of the pain worth it. The "XX" represents the 20th anniversary of the event.

At race start, I flipped through the descriptions of some of the legs or section themes of the race. "This Sucks." "The River Styx." What could these mean? I was nervous.

Running each new leg, and discovering what the strange names meant, was part of what made this race so much fun. Every 2-5 miles, there was a new forehead-slap "OH" moment as it dawned on me why the sections were named what they were. I am leaving out details so you can experience these discoveries without them being spoiled.

This race was a total blast, very challenging, full of other fun competitors. As you run in the forest, lake, or wherever you are, you can hear other fun events happening at the park. My family drove around and helped support me; I went through four pairs of socks and shoes (see: "Styx, River of Death") and lots of Coca Cola.

The cumulative effect of the Michigan elevation and running through all of the water was pain. My feet - the muscles in my feet - hadn't ever hurt like this before. I walked the last two miles in some formidable foot pain, wondering if one or both of my feet were broken.

However, as a couple of 50 mile racers passed me, the finish line did in fact appear. As I approached, muscles sore, running gear covered with mud and who knows what, the previous (and possibly inebriated on sponsor Bell's Beer) finishers screamed loudly and cheered for me. The sportsmanship and support made the little kid in my brain so happy.

Would I and will I run this race again? I don't think I need to say: absolutely. In a heartbeat. I would love to run the entire series, especially the all uphill half marathon. And if any 12- to 15-minute per mile ultra marathoners decide to join me in this effort, I'll say "hey!" out on the course.

Photo by Greg Sadler.