The Little Race that Could

Leading Ladies Marathon; Spearfish Canyon, SD

This remarkable event may be small, but she is mighty! When I discovered this race doing a quick internet search one afternoon, little did I know this would be THE most beautiful marathon I have ever run! 

I contacted the race director to talk about Pure Fuel with absolutely no intention of running.  An in-person race of any kind is unusual during the Covid-19 pandemic. I soon learned that it had been a challenge, but it was NOT canceled or going virtual.  My conversation with Dr. Eliane Doll-Dunn was delightful. She exuded positivity and enthusiasm and when she said, “You sound like a Leading Lady, you should come and run!”, I took note. This may sound crazy. You don’t decide to run a marathon on a whim, especially if said marathon is 13 days away.  But this year is different.  I had been training for another marathon that had canceled a month before and instead of returning to maintenance running, I just kept going.  When I discovered Leading Ladies, it just so happened that I had built up to marathon distance and completed my 20-miler within the appropriate time frame. What are the chances of that?

The next thing I did was read every race update about the steps being taken to allow a live race to happen.  The Covid-19 precautions were thoughtful and appropriate: Face masks at packet pick-up, no expo, small field of runners, face masks in the start area, rolling start line, face masks out in the finish area and cautions for physical distancing.  Leading Ladies addressed the pandemic AND they had 2 tornadoes in the canyon that barely missed them.  That’s twice the race has escaped being canceled — so far.

I signed up7 days before the race!  Two days later I got a text that a friend was also running.  I took that as a sign that the running gods were smiling on us. 

Race morning Paul and I arrived at the start before daylight, the temperature was a perfect 58°F.  In typical marathon fashion, we all arrived an hour early to wait in the port-a-potty lines.  The only thing different this time was that everyone was wearing a face mask.  Since we were told there would only be water on the course and no other food.  I had my belt ready with water, electrolyte drink and 4 packets of Pure Fuel. 

Ready to go!  Each wave of starters was given the start signal and after a few hundred yards, masks got tucked into pockets, fuel belts, or camelbacks.  We started at 6,000 feet and the first bit was steep, I expected to breathe heavy and feel the quads and I was not disappointed.  What surprised me was the pure joy of running an actual race!  With other people!  Chatting a bit about how great it was to be out here, in person!  Then back to the heavy breathing.  The next thing I noticed was the smell, that cool, refreshing Ponderosa Pine smell.  Then suddenly I was going down!  I truly thought this uphill section would have been much longer.  As I coasted down the gravel road, I just kept reminding myself “Use the gravity, but don’t race it”.  Relaxing into a comfortable downhill stride I tried to mimic the runner in front of me because she looked so smooth.  The downhill seemed to be too steep and go on for too long, I was convinced I would pay for this later when I got to the uphill part.  We reached the pavement and the creek ran beside the road, lovely cabins dotted the way each with their own little private bridge entrance.  What a picturesque first 8 miles listening to water and footfalls. 

After a little uphill and a couple of short turns, we passed Cheyanne Crossing and entered Spearfish Canyon Scenic By-way.  This canyon is simply breathtaking. I felt like I was on the cover of Runner’s World, you know the one that features “10 Best Runs in the US.”  Turn after turn my eyes were lifted up to the top of the canyon walls and down to the running water.  The trees and the cliff provided shade and the curves held one surprise after another.  At mile 11, I got to Spearfish Canyon Lodge just in time to see Paul with my electrolyte refill.  I really didn’t need it yet, but added it to my water bottle, because I was sure those up-hills will be coming and I should be ready.    On the short run-up to Roughlock Falls, my shoulders started to sag a bit by the time I got to the turnaround. 

Back on the pavement and about 14 miles done, I suddenly really needed a bathroom!  Uggh—poor timing.  14.6 miles, just past the water stop there was a porta-potty.  WHEW!!! Major catastrophe avoided! 

A few miles further and I can’t believe there’s still no dreaded up-hill!  I rounded another curve suddenly hit by the wonder of it all and threw my arms up in the air, every mile is simply stunning!  Paul drove by and I yelled, “I’m all good—can you believe this?  I’m still going down?” 

Bridal Veil Falls:  It’s still early so there’s not much traffic and no one in the parking lot so I scoured the cliffs for mountain goats.  There they were!  A mama and her wee one high up on the wall, just hanging out in the shade.  I happened to be passing another runner, we enjoyed a little gawker slow-down together and then headed on. 

Now things are starting to get tricky.  My right ankle is really hurting from the constant slant of the road and I’m getting tired of going downhill all the time.  I can’t believe that I’m relieved for a soft hill now and then.  The temperature is rising and I take the misting option offered at every water stop.  These volunteers are amazing!  I remind myself to look up—this canyon is STILL gorgeous, focus on that. 

Mile 23 and coming out of the protective canyon walls and into sun-scorched hills of brown grass, Paul is waiting in the parking lot with another electrolyte refill and I vow to keep pushing.   The last 3 miles are ALWAYS where the mental challenge of the marathon is won.   Mile 24 and 25, the road seems to have leveled off, but its HOT and feels more like up.  Finally, there’s the turn, the campground and huff-it up and over the little bridge that smells like oiled railroad ties to the finish!  There really were no long uphill dredges to pay for that glorious down— Such Grace!! 

Race director, Eliane Doll-Dunn, was greeting people at the finish and I thanked her for organizing and putting Pure Fuel in the goody bags.  I soon learned that Leading Ladies was nearly canceled a third time, because of a last-minute timing company cancellation!  Elaine called on running friends who also have another timing management company and they drove through the night to come to Spearfish to make this event happen.  This feisty 83-year old woman literally willed the race to go on in 2020!  How appropriate that the race shirt says, “Be Brave and Believe”.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude for being part of this mighty race.