WELL, I DID IT. I finished the 25k in Haliburton Forest, certainly not the easiest thing I have ever done!

We all lined up for the 9:00 a.m. start, the 100/50 milers as well as the 50k people had started their race at 6:00 a.m., so at least it was light for us. Within the first minute I was all by myself so being the only walker I got into form and chased after them the first 1.4 miles. Through the first aid station then into the woods via Poachers Trail. It wasn't too long before I caught up with two ladies, Barb and Cathy, and I stayed with them, one of my fears was being in the forest alone but I'm sure the three of us talking kept the bears away. I got a bit in front on them but not too far that they couldn't hear my bear bell. They came into the 2nd aid station just as I was munching on boiled potatoes with salt, then back into the woods and onto the Kirsta Trail. We caught up with Lorraine, a blind runner, and her guide just as we neared the turn-around (they had started at 8:00 a.m.). There was Jeff Simpkins, the first 100 miler, on his return to base to complete his first 50 miles, what a man, he gave me a high five and a 'well done buddy' as he passed.

Took lots of pictures at Aid Station #3 because we were the last 25k people to turn around. Barb and Cathy were still munching so I turned and started up the hill thinking they would catch up with me soon, well they never did. I walked the whole way back by myself, although I was overtaken by another 3 or 4 100 milers. The up hills were easier on the return trip but I was more hesitant on the downs, I didn't want to trip and/or fall so I took them gently. A friend had finished last year at 5 1/2 hours so that was my 'wish time' and if I hadn't been so hesitant on the downs perhaps I would have made it.

Aid station #2 had a fire going and I could smell it quite a while before I actually arrived there. I could also hear their voices and it was so comforting to know I was getting close. More potatoes and salt and back up the hill and onto Poachers trail.

I never thought I would like the sound of traffic but as I neared the end of Poachers I could hear cars going by, that was another great feeling, almost out of the woods and only 1.4 miles to go to the finish.

A short stop at the first aid station again then continued on my way. 3/4 of the way back that last 1.4 miles is up hill then it's all down to the finish line. I felt my form was good coming down that last stretch and I was strong even though my feet and back hurt. The official times haven't been posted yet but I finished in 5:47.

Had a quick shower, on the wayback to my sister's trailer in the Forest stopped and waded into a lake, water well past my knees, boy did that ever feel good, then a 2 hour sleep. Helen arrived with my dinner then it was back to the finish line where we sat around the fire all night waiting for the finishers of the 100 mile. Jeff finished in 18:19, 33 minutes faster than his time last year. 2nd place was 20 hours and the 3rd place finisher had come all the way from Norway just to do the race.

This was Helen's 13th year as race director and we have not had rain for 13 years. She has already placed her order for good weather next year. Are any of you interested in participating or helping at an aid station? Possibly I will be running an aid station so would need 4 or 5 people to help. I know it's a long way off but keep September 8 & 9, 2007 in mind, it's quite an experience. There were 210 participants in all four races, the most ever.