OCTOBER 2024: JUST ONE MORE LOOP...

Just One More Loop
Flutters and Foliage Endurance Run

Just one more loop was my mantra for this event which consisted of two-mile perimeter laps around Peebles Island State Park. Coaches encourage us to develop personal mantras to get us through long events, but this was the first time I had one that actually stuck with me. I liked it because it was a double-edged sword: one more and I could be done even if the requisite 6 hours was still a fantasy, or one more to complete before the merry-go-round picked up for the next try at the gold ring.

To back up a bit, I am speaking of the second iteration of the Flutters and Foliage Endurance Run, founded by Flutters of Hope, Inc, which aims to support individuals with eating disorders as well as their families. A project of the Marron family, whose daughter suffers from disordered eating, this charitable organization supplies ButterflyWish baskets and grants. Participants may choose 6-, 3- or 1-hour goals. There is no race involved, simply a casual run to support a cause. Every person is a winner and every effort is applauded. Last year, I joined some iRun LOCAL friends from our casual Monday night run to check it out. We had such an affirming experience that this year iRUN took over sponsorship.

And so, to beginafter driving across the Peebles Island bridge, hopefuls schlepped their gear about mile to the staging area to set up individual camps. My stuff consisted of: a waterproof yoga mat and a string bag filled with snacks, Gatorade and an extra tee. Apparently, consensus had it that I didnt have nearly enough stuff. Most filled kiddie wagons with enough for a 100-miler extra shoes, socks, canopies, chairs and even a Teddy Bear. I felt naked. But then my friend and ADK trail series race director, Lisa Grabbe, came along with basically the same kit, sans yoga mat. I felt vindicated. And Lisa and I shared the mat.

Lisas goal was to complete the marathon distance and earn her belt buckle. My goal was to survive 6 hours. Having just gotten over COVID and still on a steroid inhaler, my game plan was to enjoy the day and celebrate the fact that I was even out there. I took a few minutes after each loop to perch on the mat and regroup, grateful that I had not subjected myself to a beware the chair temptation. About halfway through, I said What the heck, and even got my legs massaged. Imagine if you did that during a serious race like the Mohawk Hudson Marathon! Granted the belt bucklers were focused, but the very nature of this event brought perspective, even to those on a mission. I remember last year there were two guys who were intent on achieving a 50K. While that undeniably took talent, I felt sorry that they did not leave themselves the opportunity to relax.

And now you might ask, Dont you get tired of infinite reptations of the same two miles? Never, but I am the kind of person who can run the same trail every day and never get boredthere is always birdsong, the occasional wild animal sighting, ever-changing natural elements, and my own thought wanderings. Even so, it would be difficult for boredom to set in when passing Cohoes Falls, celebrated as the second-most beautiful cataract in New York State. Obviously, Niagara Falls simply has better publicity, with 830 feet in width to Cohoes 1,000 and roughly similar height. Niagara generates a huge tourism industry while Cohoes hosts hikers and eagles. What could be better?

Each time I ran by the falls, I reminded myself to breathe deeply to obtain the rejuvenating effects of negative ions or air vitamins. Not a scientifically proven method, but running is 90% mental, so why not? We had a perfect shorts and tee shirt Goldilocks Day, not too hot, not too cold, but just right. The falls was moving so quickly that it reminded me of blindingly white sunshiny beach foam. Who could get bored? And what ultra has an enthusiastically manned aid station every two miles?

Although billed as a flat and fast ultra run, I would beg to differ on the flat part. Granted, we were not running up and down mountains, the usual fare for ultras, but there were some very steep, but brief and rutted uphills, that seemed to grow progressively larger as the day unfolded. At one point, I amused myself by thinking that Peebles might have been better served by the moniker Pebbles Island, with all the random rocks strewn about. But still, the fact that we became intimately familiar with each circle insured we would not waste time getting lost.

Eventually, though, (and somewhat sadly) things progressed from one more loop to one last loop. There came a point when you knew that everyone out there was not going to have time for another go-around, and we shouted One last loop! to our new friends. I approached the finish with mixed feelings: proud that I had achieved my goal, and sad that there were no more loops to be had.

Afterwards, we packed up our gear, headed to the parking lot, and on to the awards ceremony. Instead of handing out the completion medal at the finish line, each hour denomination was called separately, and then divided into 4 loopers, 5 loopers, etc. Everyones achievement was recognized, a fitting touch to a unique event.

By Laura Clark, Saratoga Stryder, Childrens Librarian and snowshoer.