2025 Trout Brook 10 Miler Trail Run

Another year in the books for the Trout Brook (not quite) 10 mile Trail run at Willow River State Park. Now that I have done it 3 times I think I can confirm that it is not a true 10 miles but that was OK as now it played to my advantage on what could have been that last 2 miles I knew in my head it was only 1.8 miles left 🤣.

It was a great day for the race again with the starting temps that morning at around 33°F but once running and by the end I didn’t even notice the cold. This is such a fun event and time of year as it has always been great running weather and really it has some really nice scenery along the route. Though I might be the very few people that stop along the way to take pictures in a “race.” However, how can you pass a waterfall and not take a picture? Or once climbing to the top of a stair tower why would you not run extra by turning the wrong direction on the course to get to the overlook?

My goal for this race, or run was to really use it as training for what I am still hoping will be another trail race of longer distance next weekend. So I didn’t want to kill myself and make my legs to angry at me from this run. I just need to not get caught up chasing people and run at my own pace. To help with this there was two really steep parts one hill and one set of stairs and I walked both of them. Oddly enough, even walking up both of these and getting passed on both I caught all of those people later in the race as they were dying on the back half of the race. I did find it interesting that my time this year was only 1 minute slower than last year where I was actually giving it a little more effort (or I thought). Also, I did take the time to chat with a couple people for about 3 miles of the route which helped me stay a little more in check with my pace as I might have otherwise started to pick up speed on the flatter sections.

Overall, my legs were not too worse for the wear and the rest of the day I spent powerwashing the deck so I think with Sunday as a rest day I am hoping I will be good to go come next weekend (if I remember to sign up). 🫠

A scenic view of cascading waterfalls surrounded by rocky cliffs and greenery, with two people walking along a path near the water’s edge. The sky is clear, indicating a peaceful outdoor setting. Willow Falls

A scenic view of a river winding through a dense forest, with hills in the background under a clear blue sky. The landscape features a mix of green pine and autumn-colored trees. Shadows from the trees add depth to the image. Picture from the top of the stairs, the waterfall is underneath this overhang and this is not really on the running route.

A scenic view of a river surrounded by trees and hills under a clear blue sky, with the sun shining brightly above. In the foreground, green leaves frame the image. Picture looking back towards Willow River and where the waterfall was but you can’t see it.

A tranquil lakeside scene at dawn, featuring gentle mist rising from the water’s surface, with a calm reflection of trees and the sky. The shoreline is sandy, and faint outlined markers can be seen in the water. Picture before the start of the run looking out at Little Falls Lake