Anniversary Run - Baker Lake 50K

The Baker Lake 50K is a beautiful run! The course did not follow the traditional route due to a bridge washout. Instead, we ran over the dam and started uphill, continuing up for a good two miles on gravel road. After coming back down, we entered the single track. First a seven mile out and back, then a five mile out and back, then the two mile run back to the finish. I would like to try this again next year on the regular course.


Robin and I starting out.

Eric, Steve, Robin (Steve and Lorri's 19 year old son) and I ran the first 20 miles together, then Eric and I ran alone for about 10.5 miles. Robin and Steve surprised us by catching a ride back up to run the last 1.5 miles in with us.


View from the dam.

We used the 50/50 method to haul ourselves up the two mile climb. 50 steps walking, 50 steps running. Abi was with us at this point and we had a lot of fun. It set the silly tone for the day as the boys began the monkey calls. A lady from Arizona was quite impressed, and every time we crossed paths for the rest of the day demanded the monkey calls.


The log crossing. Notice me holding the cable tight!

The seven mile out and back was tough for me. I contemplated quitting, but didn't want to give up on our anniversary run. I wondered why I had just signed up for Autumn Leaves - what was I thinking? I thought about half marathons, nice and easy. I warned Eric that I'd be sitting for a few minutes at the aid station. The thought of sitting down and drinking a Doubleshot kept me moving. That and the desire to get in before the cutoff. The boys kept me entertained though, they were singing every song they could think of, changing words to fit the running theme. For a while they even had a love/marriage theme going! The best was the rousing round of Cheeseburger in Paradise - I even sang along on that one! The other runners on the trail always had big grins when we passed by singing...


On the trail.

Since we were on single track, and doing a double-out-and-back, oh, and in dead last position, we encountered every runner multiple times. We always stepped off the trail to let them pass, which would mess up our momentum. Even so, we were doing good. We made it to the aid station with a good hour to spare (thanks to our hour early start). I plopped down in a chair and drank my double shot - heaven! I had hopes that the rest would revive me, just like resting for a few minutes in the trailer during the 50 mile did. I ate mashed potatoes, some granola bar and a few animal crackers before heading back out. It worked like a charm! I had a much stronger second loop than first.


Robin and the biggest tree of the day.

It began to rain about two miles out from the aid station, but we were in such deep canopy we couldn't feel it, only hear the dripping. When we got to the aid station, we were greeted by the fabulous volunteers, including Laura, who took my pack for me. Getting it off my back was wonderful and gave me renewed strength for the last two miles. We were running down the hill and saw a car coming toward us. It stopped, and out popped Robin and Steve. They'd come to run us in. They forewarned us that Eric was expected to carry me across the finish line. Once I voiced my doubts about that, Eric picked up the challenge. (and me!)


Can he do it?


Yes! Carrying me over the finish line!

Imagine our surprise to find a cake waiting for us...


Thank you to Laura and Shawn!


Jane with bloody knees.



Linda at a wide spot in the trail.

(Sorry to Abi and Marco, we didn't get any pictures of you.)

We spent 9 hours and 9 minutes out on the course. It was hard, beautiful and fun. I think it was hands-down the best anniversary gift ever!


29 years and still going strong!
Love you Eric!