I’m almost there. Again. I’ve been a part of it since the beginning; the inaugural year being 2018. For that reason I love it. Well, actually I love it for a lot of different reasons, but consistency is probably a key point; being a bit of a traditionalist.
Of all things it’s a trail race. A running race through prairies, oak savannas, and forests; often stretched along seemingly endless ridges with amazing views, or down through dark ravines under the canopy of hardwood trees. I stumbled upon the brochure for this race while at the Runner’s Image shoe store in Rockford. The rest, as they say, is history!
 |
| The Early Morning Drive To The Race. A Sunrise Over The Rock River. |
But this race is much more than beautiful vistas and overlooks of the Rock River Valley. The Tiger 10 Miler Trail Race is held in the Byron Forest Preserve; across the river from the small town by that same name. The race is both heavenly and hellish, depending on your training and where you are on the course route. Although advertised as 10 miles, if I remember correctly, it’s technically 10.1 if you care, or like to keep track of such things. More importantly, the race director makes no apologies about the fact that if there’s a hill nearby - and there’s no end of those - you’re going to be running up it! It’s a testament to the race that it’s been held for 8 straight years; including the year of the pandemic when most things were being canceled. The evidence is in the runners who sign up again and again, in addition to newbies who want to be a part of it all. And although the colors of the restored tall grass prairie along the course are spectacular, make no mistake that the steep sloped hills don’t care, and will take any opportunity to kick your butt when you least expect it!
While running the race, you find your inner voice battling back and forth within your conscience about how tough it is as you gasp for breath, all while marveling at how the Forest Preserve District has managed to reclaim vast acres of old farmland. The thin layer of soil is held tight once again as the roots of indian grass, big bluestem, compass plant, and cone flowers grip the dolomite limestone just below the surface. Occasionally the rock peaks through worn sections of dirt to remind you of its presence. Of course many other species of plants are found in the preserve too, but it’s hard to notice every one of them while racing by; it’s enough to know they’re there as they give you the feeling of running within a grassy canyon. The only thing missing are the bison I guess and the thunder they produce; pounding hooves shaking the earth. Instead there’s the sound of runners and whatever shoes they’ve tied to their feet.
I’ve run countless road races; a few that are my favorites. I’ve run a plethora of half marathons, 25 K’s, and marathons; having specific favorites there as well. I’ve even ventured several times into the realm of ultra marathons, and enjoyed each one of those because of their location and the courage it took to prepare. But the Tiger 10 Miler is hands down one of my favorites of any kind of race; easily in my top 5 if you’re into such things - which I’m not. I just know that I still love to run and train at this point in my life. And why not while I still can? I figure that if I’m going to train, then I might as well make it worth my time with weekly long runs; the precursor being intermediate distances that are laced with hills, intervals, or a slow slog at a steady pace.
That mentality and training is the foundation of what I lean into for the Tiger 10 Miler. I like to put my best foot forward, so to speak, for this particular race. It’s the least I can do for such a worthy route. I'd say for such a worthy adversary or foe, but like those who connect with the natural land, the Tiger 10 is not something that needs to be conquered or subdued. It’s not even something that needs to be endured. The race itself is difficult enough; when you’re pushing hard and tackling the hills. And while you might find yourself questioning life choices in the midst of the run, it’s hard not to marvel at what it took to get there and what you’re in the middle of at the moment. More than once I’ve told people, “It’s the race you love to hate…with the balance tipping more on the side of love!” After running it once, you’ll most likely sign up to run it again the following year.
My training for this year’s race has been a little more unique than usual. Back in July I ran the Dances With Dirt-Devil’s Lake half marathon. It was slick from recent rains in addition to being technical and challenging, but I did well, and loved the steep climbs and plummeting descents on the single track trail.
In August I ran a lot with my son Todd in Kenya, Africa. The elevation where my wife and I live is around 750 feet above sea level. In Africa Todd and I ran at 4,500 feet! Although it’s been a few weeks since my shoes were dusted in Africa’s red dirt, I’m hoping that experience strengthened my lungs. It surely strengthened my understanding of the community surrounding Kijani Farm where my son Todd and his family live. One of the goals he’s running for has been labeled, “20 for 20 on 20.” He’s running 20 kilometers for $20,000 on September 20th; timing his run for the afternoon on the flip-side of the Earth so we’ll be roughly running at the same time - with an 8 hour difference. As I run the prairied hills of the Tiger 10 Miler in Byron, Illinois, he and many of his friends from the Maasai community will be running the dirt roads and trails at the base of the Black Mountain.
They’re running to raise money for a local primary school (named Enchoro). Right now the students from that school find themselves in an old, ramshackled building or outside under a big acacia tree. The Kijani Farm work crew is steadily raising the new school structure, from the foundation on up, using hand bent re-bar, cement, and welded metal. Their craftsmanship is next to amazing! The new school will be something that termites can’t destroy, with windows that allow light for students to see while working and learning. Check out the 2:36 video that explains the purpose of Todd’s run, in addition to an attached link in the video’s description: Todd's 20K For 20K.
 |
| The Present Enchoro Primary School And Outside Classroom Under The Tree |
 |
| Frank Bending Re-bar That Will Be Set In Cement For The School's Foundation |
That area of southern Kenya is such an interesting blend of natural beauty and basic needs. A kinder and more gracious community of people you’ll be hard pressed to find. At the same time, while running together last month, Todd and I saw impalas, monkeys, guinea fowl, three species of gazelles, zebras, and ostriches. In addition, while running on his own last week, Todd had to stop for a pair of giraffes. Welcome to Africa! Todd’s run will be an interesting comparison of similarities and differences to the race and route of the Tiger 10 Miler. If nothing else, I’ll surely be running this year’s race with a different mindset and perspective.
Each year I’ve run the Tiger 10 with friends; often after I’ve talked it up to them - many of them being former students as well. While we have each run our own race over the years, we all meet up afterwards for a group picture, catch our breath, and then head to the after race party at the Hairy Cow Brewing Company. It’s one of the best awards ceremonies I’ve been a part of, as almost everyone comes away with a door prize of some sort. And if you miss out on an age group award, there’s the camaraderie of fellow runners, and the delicious after race pizza provided by the Hairy Cow kitchen. It’s a perfect way to finish the morning as you sit under the awning on the giant deck overlooking the Rock River.
So I’m on the brink of Byron, Illinois’ Tiger 10 Miler Trail Race. It’s a chance to set an annual benchmark for myself within one of trail running’s best courses. I’d say I’m running to try to catch a tiger by the tail, but that probably hints at the race being unexpectedly difficult. And while the race is indeed tough throughout its entire 10 miles, I know what I’m getting into and I want to run it anyway! “Why?” you ask. Because it’s beautiful, challenging, and a race I simply can't wait to run each September!
See you along The Way…
 |
| Stretching & Warm-up Area With The Rising Sun |
 |
| Doug, Justin B, Amy, Andy, And Me |
 |
| Total Time 1:19:33 - 7:57 Average |
2020
 |
| Me, (And Two Former Students) Sean & Amy. We're Spaced Apart Due To The Covid Pandemic But at Least We Were Able To Run! |
 |
| Total Time 1:18:28 - 7:51 Average |
 |
| In 2020 The After Party Was On-line. My Wife Cindy & I Sat On The Back Deck And Watched It While Making S'mores. |
.jpg)
 |
| Andy, Me, Justin K, Allison, And Amy |
 |
| Total Time 1:20:55 - 8:06 Average |
 |
| Allison, Amy, Andy, Me, And Justin B. |
 |
| Total Time 1:24:06 - 8:25 Average |
 |
| Me & My Son Todd On A Freezing Cold Morning |
.jpg)
2023 - I'm Back!
 |
| The two sisters & my former students Allison, Amy, And Me |
 |
| Total Time 1:28:58 - 8:48 Average |
2025
 |
| A Practice Run On The Course Before The Tiger 10 Miler Allison, Me, Joe, And Louie |
No comments:
Post a Comment