by Robert Villani

I first ran the Damn Wakely in 2003. At that time I felt it was the most enjoyable race I had ever ran. I took a hiatus in 2004, having run the Vermont 100 the week before, and returned to Wakely in 2005. Once again, I had a fantastic time on a great course, complimented by an exceptional race director and a fine crew. 

The morning was relatively cool compared to the weather over the prior week and the sky was clear. I recognized several runners from Wakely two years prior. This race has a loyal following for good reason. My wife, Miriam, accompanied me to the start line, while my girls slept in the splendor of their room at the nearby Piseco lodge. The last time I ran Wakely we camped on Piseco Lake, but this year the girls demanded a civilized hotel room. Well, having arrived at the lodge they had wished they were back on the lake camping. The place was cheap, but not in the greatest condition. There were almost as many bugs in the room as there were bugs along the Wakely course. My girls both slept in their clothes above the sheets afraid of possible bed bugs. 

Of course I slept like a baby in anticipation of the race. The race got off to a prompt start unlike the first year I ran where I waited with a few other runners for the big blue bus that did not appear. The course was exactly as I remember from 2 years earlier. There were two notable differences this year. First, there were a mind boggling number of blow downs, especially north of Spruce Lake. It took some time to negotiate them, and I am still nursing numerous cuts I received while doing so. I could have been a “best blood” contender. 

The other feature of this year’s race were the bugs. The first year I ran I had a few deer flies along the road just before the Dam. This year however the bugs started their assault almost immediately. I usually run without a shirt because I tend to overheat quickly. I believe I was the only runner topless this year, and I proved to be quite a nice target for the Wakely deer flies. I was constantly swatting my back with my hat. No matter how fast I ran those little buggers would be on me. 

I pretty much ran the entire race alone without site of any other runner. At one point Franz Hass pulled up behind me and we ran for a bit, conversing a while. I remembered him from the last time I ran. After a while Franz pulled ahead of me. Next Devitt  Mckew appeared behind me, and I guess after watching me beat off the flies, he took pity, and offered me some bug spray. I never use bug spray, but I couldn’t take it anymore, so I agreed. We stopped and he sprayed my back with the magic elixir. Well, what a difference it made. Suddenly no more bugs, and as a bonus I now smelled like the Piney North Woods. I tried to find him at the finish line to thank him, but I believe he left before I came in. So let me say thanks now. I might not have made it without that spray. 

I was running pretty well, I felt good, and before I knew it, I was approaching the ranger station at the Dam. My wife Miriam, and my daughters Sophie, and Juliet were cheering me on as I crossed the Dam. Hey, what happened I thought I was running faster this year than the first time, but I finished about 7 minutes slower. Oh well, it must have been the bugs and the blow downs. Nevertheless, this year’s Wakely was even better than the first. 

Once again I want to thank our race director Jim, and his awesome crew. I can hardly wait for next year. 

Oh, one final note. Just like the first time I ran I did not pump water or use any chemical means of purification. That’s right, I drank copiously from the Wakely rivers, and streams. It’s been a several weeks and no sign of illness. I’ve been hiking and camping in the woods every year of my life since I was 10, and never got sick from water. Being a true Wakely runner outlaw I’m not going to start pumping now. Yes my wife thinks I’m crazy.