The frozen Tuscobia trail pounds athletes, particularly at night, when one becomes mesmerized at times. Just surviving to finish becomes the only goal in mind.

The longest winter ultra endurance race in the continental United States stretches 80 solitary miles on an abandoned, remote Wisconsin railway bed when this region would indifferently be called Tuscobia's hinterland.

Acting like a magnet for lovers of beautiful trails through some of the country's most forested areas, the snow-covered trails follow history along the Tuscobia miles.

The annual Tuscobia Winter Ultras sport the winter monster, where each endurance athlete pulls their survival gear out-and-back 160 miles on a sled (called a pulk). No outside assistance is allowed. You are your own best friend.

While stressing the physical element to the max, the mental complex an athlete endures may make one crazy-tough. Competitors will suffer out there, providing a foundation creating wild mental scenes while dreaming dreams along the way.

One fantasizes, hallucinates, and accepts cruel mental trips there, so much so their relevance may seem humorous looking back.

But at the time, they played realistic. They are so real. You can touch them. See them. Be them.

Phillip Gary Smith authored Ultra Superior, the original book on the Superior Forest Trail Ultra Races Events.

He wrote HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life on important varieties of topics for personal growth along with the most coveted, never-previously-published recipes like "Cadillac Banana Pudding."

The book 300-Mile Man: Triple Crown Edition expanded the known first double of the Tuscobia-challenging winter race.

Publishing The Eclectic 18: Maniacs on a Mission allowed him to provide essays and stories chronicling automotive sports, media coverage, and some top names in books, movies, and business life.

He brought to life Saving Lolita, which contains "Phillip's 66: Steps to Safeguard Your Girls, Boys, Family, and Self."

Phillip publishes numerous articles on outdoor sports, such as trail and snowshoe racing.

He lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Jill. They travel often to visit family.