Bob Fay, another Super Hike participant, introduced himself to me via the Super Hike forum prior to this year's event, expressing a desire to meet the "old guy" who beat him last year by about one hour. Bob is an old geezer (his definition, not mine!) with a competitive bent, twinkling eyes (partially hidden by a floppy brimmed hat), and an infectious smile. He said he wanted to have his picture taken with someone seven years older than his 72-year-old self. We met prior to the delayed start for a photo-op. He insisted on including my lovely, non-hiking wife Marion in the snapshots. What a guy! We bantered optimistically about finishing with a better time than last year, flirting with the ten-hour mark.

It was a picture-perfect day for a hike. Not too hot, not too cold. The weatherman's prediction of temperatures in the mid-seventies with partly cloudy skies was spot-on. The trail was in excellent condition, obviously groomed for this event by volunteers who knew what they were doing.

The trail on the western side of the Susquehanna River was easier (I'm using the term "easier" with liberties) than the eastern side. It would be more accurate to state that the trail proved to be much more strenuous after crossing the Norman Wood Bridge at mile 16.64.

At Checkpoint 2, I was 42 minutes ahead of my self-imposed time schedule; this meant, at my current pace, I would finish well ahead of ten hours. My optimism was severely challenged, however, upon reaching Kelly's Run. I've been on more severe trails, I suppose, but not when I'm trying to maintain a three miles-per-hour pace. The creek valley there is gorgeous, but not conducive to speed hiking. This is also true for much of the Conestoga Trail. Multiple leg-burning climbs, and quad-stiffening descents, sapped my energy, strength, and motivation.

I checked my time when I finally reached the Wind Cave at 25.97 miles. It was 4:56 PM, and I could hardly believe I had slowed to a pace that would make it almost impossible for these aching legs to push me to the finish within my 10-hour goal. There were only 34 minutes left to do 3.63 miles. I plodded on, jogging where I could, running downhill, sometimes heel-and-toeing. Shortly after the Wind Cave I ran out of water and knew I'd need to resupply at mile 28.20, which I did. However, this ate up about three minutes, because I half-filled my water reservoir instead of just guzzling about eight ounces. Nearing the finish I spotted the clock but couldn't comprehend it's meaning. I expected it to display my exact time as I churned toward the tape, but instead as I crossed the line the time was 2:52. I later learned the official time was 10:02:52.

An Insider's Perspective of the Super Hike