My Best Race Performances

I found myself thinking about my best race performances and decided it would be a fun topic for a blog post, better than another post on diets or a race report. I'll start off this post by saying that this is a pretty arbitrary post and could change if you ask me 6 months from now. There is no formal criteria other than how I feel the race went combined with my performance. Also, while I gave each an official ranking, I also tiered the races because there wasn't much difference between certain races.

Tier 1

1 - North Fork 50 mile (June 2014). This race was close to a no-brainer for this spot primarily because it was a break through race for me. It helped that I finished in 4th place and got a good Ultra Signup ranking (88%). But, really it came down this being the day I knew my new diet was working and that I had another level in ultra running to achieve. The second half of the race was incredibly strong and I finished with a personal best on 1K climb at mile 43 that I had done two other times in training.

2 - Western States 100 (June 2015). It was very tempting to put this race as #1 because it is freaking Western States! As it is, the margin is close and my only other tier 1 race. Considering the pressure the lottery and high stakes put you under, I am incredibly happy with how this day went. I ran nearly the entire course and ran very patient, almost veteran race. My lone concern coming away from the race was my feet. I've had issues with my feet in 100s and it popped up late in this race. I fought through, but it leaves me feeling unsure about future 100s.

Tier 2

3 - Quad Rock 25 (May 2014). Again, the margin in this tier of races is oh-so-close. Quad Rock gets a small boost over the others because it was the first time I raced after going to LCHF and because the course was all wrong for me. I am not a strong technical runner and it is a very technical course. It also boasts 5500 feet of climbing in less than a marathon. This was also one of my highest Ultra SignUp ranks.

4 - Leadville Trail Marathon (July 2011). It has been 4+ years now and I am remember less and less about that day. But, this race deserves a spot on this list for many reasons. First, it was my first ever trail race, containing a nasty 6500 feet of climbing at altitude in just under a marathon distance. I was a total rookie with no idea how I'd do on such a course and I ran strong, including a 25 min negative split (not that hard to do on this course, but still...). In many respects, this was also my first ultra. While not technically an ultra at only 26 miles, it runs like a 50k. Once again, this was one of my highest Ultra Signup ranks.

5 - Javelina Jundred 100k (October 2015). My highest overall Ultra Signup rank (90) but only my 5th best race. What gives? Well, unlike Quad Rock, this race suited my strengths. I run lots of roads and am quite comfortable on runnable courses (those under say 75 feet/mile of vertical). And, I have become a decent heat runner and worked quite a bit on it this summer. So, I am mostly disappointed with some of the amateur mistakes I made -- forgetting my cooling hat at home, not drinking enough at aid, not utilizing my arm sleeves with ice -- that led to a rather uncomfortable last lap and rather large positive split. I don't think I left more than 15 mins on the course that day, but I pride myself on running smart races and executing well. That said, I am still quite happy with my overall time and placement in the race and think it was a solid A- day. And, I am over the moon happy with how hard I battled on that last lap. I didn't have much to give, but I gave it my all.

Tier 3

6 - Colorado Marathon (May 2012). The margin between these remaining races is getting nearly indistinguishable. I have put such a focus on trail racing that this race almost gets lost. After converting to the trails almost full time, I didn't put much specificity into this race. In fact, I did a 32 mile long run just two weeks before the race. I finished in a bit over 3:13 and was running a very controlled and smooth 7:00 pace the last 6 miles -- on the harder half of the course. So many things went well for me on this day and this was possibly the strongest I've felt at the end of any race other than Quad Rock or Leadville Trail Marathon. The main reason I dock this race a little -- other than maybe just being 3+ years ago -- is that I felt like I had more to give. That was evident in my super strong finish. After blowing up at RnR Vegas six months earlier, I ran a very cautious first half and live with a small amount of regret. I wish I had gone harder and given myself a better chance at 3:10 and a BQ. That number seems impossibly far away right now and I wasted an opportunity to grab it. Not many 190 lb former football players run a 3:10.

7 - Bear Chase 50k (September 2015). Another very high Ultra Signup result. I don't have a whole lot to say about this race, really. I went out hard and suffered a bit on the final lap (in the heat). I got a great overall finish and am actually proud of myself for going for it (see Colo Marathon). This race probably gets put into the unremarkable category simply because it wasn't a goal race. I ran Bear Chase as a tune-up for Javelina Jundred and just didn't put much focus on training or celebrating afterward.

8 - Power of Four 50k (August 2014). Another somewhat unremarkable race due to its place in my line up as a training run. I felt like I ran a great race -- 6:32 for a 50k that boasts 8500 feet of climbing -- but my Ultra Signup ranking clearly shows that it wasn't my finest performance. The course was easier than the 8500 feet of climbing suggests because the downhill was mostly double track road and quite runnable. (Note: this race became a Sky Running event in 2015 and now contains 11K of vert on a modified course).

Honorable Mention

9 - Bear 100 (September 2014). If I am honest, I really thought I had a sub-24 in me, even on this mountain course. I went for it and came up way short. The events that unfolded make this without question one of the most memorable nights of my life and I am still a little surprised I fought through and finished. I sure am glad I did because Western States doesn't happen without it.

10 - Leadville 100 (August 2012). It wouldn't be hard to talk me into moving this one up the list. The race will always hold a special place as my first 100, but it was honestly a pretty average race. I sure do miss the rookie enthusiasm I showed that day (and in training).

Javelina Jalloween Jundred ~ 2015 Race Report

Guest Post ~ Chuck Radford (a.k.a. Slim Shady)

"Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?"

  

Just two and a half short months ago, I was elated and was celebrating what was perhaps the best race of my running career at the Leadville Trail 100 with a 4th place finish in 18:43. I had very few thoughts of my next race, the Javelina Jundred (JJ) and even fewer thoughts of any expectations or plans. To make matters worse, I incurred another knee injury from a fall mid-race at Leadville leaving me without the ability to run, train or find the energy and motivation to change my lack-luster attitude about JJ.

After about 4 weeks of trying to cobble together training runs on a bum knee, things started to take a turn for the better. I did, however find myself still struggling with glute and ITB issues throughout training as JJ was approaching at rapid rate. After only about one and a half months of good training, JJ was here and it was time to race. I had many conversations with AJ about the race as we both found ourselves with a ho-hum/indifferent attitude going into the race. Not a great place to be pre-race, but I was trying to muster up some excitement each day that final week of taper. I set out what I thought was a “soft” goal of 17 hours hoping that would give me some structure and drive to push, but not too hard. This was a B-race after all.

AJ (100K), Jon (100M), Mike (100M), Heidi (Mike’s wife and all our single crew) and Wyatt (100M) all headed out to Arizona the Friday before the race. I knew from the start, race aside, this was going to be a fun guys weekend …and it was. We checked into our hotel, grabbed some food, met with our local Arizona friends (Steve and Thomas) and checked out the race start/finish line all the while trying to stay relaxed and energized. Off to bed, up at 3:30 and off we went to the race start Saturday morning.

Photo by Heidi Mizones

From left to right: Steve, AJ, Wyatt, Mike, Slim Shady, Jon

Loop One ~ 15.3 miles (31^st place ~ 8:44 pace)

With a plan to go out around 9:45 pace, I quickly realized everyone was going to push this first lap. I tried to get out front and once there, had no problem letting some people go. However, when more and more people were passing me, I started to get the itch and let the 9:45 pace go opting for a responsible pace that wouldn’t end my race on the 2^nd lap. We were told by a friend that the first hill was significant even if it was only around a 2% grade (child’s play for us Coloradoans right? Right?!?). When I was headed up the hill, I barely even noticed it and wondered if I was even on it. Later I would realize that hill was like Mt. Kilimanjaro and I would soon die on it. Being a cool start and a beautiful sunrise, I tried to take in the pretty scenery and kept my eye out for Javelinas (which I never saw one throughout the day/night).

After finally making it to Jackass Junctions 8 miles in, we were greeted by early aid station staff, who were clearly unprepared for the onslaught of runners headed their way. However, they were upbeat and more than willing to make you anything you wanted before heading out. Now that we hit this middle aid station, it was almost all downhill into the first “turn”. I found the grade nice and runnable and the trail non-technical, which made holding back even harder, but I did my best. I was beginning to notice signs of body ache …already!! This was not a good sign so early in the race and I suddenly realized I was not as fresh as I should be this early in the race.

I wasn't feeling fresh, but apparently looked fresh enough to smile

Photo by Ceton's Photo Place

Loop Two ~ 30.6 miles (19^th place ~ 8:53 pace)

After maneuvering through the awkward headquarters aid station (also the “turn”), I saw Heidi (Mike’s wife) who was very willing to help in any way. She gladly filled up my water bottles for me and mixed in some Tailwind while I had a Vespa Jr. and an Epic Bar. I dawned a cap and sunglasses, tossed my torch, thanked Heidi and was out of the aid station in less than 3 minutes. My best transition of the day …as it should be.

As the Javelina course is set up for washing machine style loops, I headed back out in the direction I just came. I was looking forward to seeing my friends coming at me the opposite direction, as we’d encounter numerous times through the day. I first saw Wyatt, then Jon and Mike and later would see AJ and Steve who got an hour delayed start in the 100K race. Everyone looked happy, healthy and fresh and all looked happy to be finishing up lap one.

I was immediately struck with how much harder heading back up the gradual uphill was. It certainly didn’t seem that steep when we were heading down, so it was certainly something to factor in later in the race with more walk/running. At this point however, I was still fresh enough to run almost all of the uphill back into Jackass Junction. I was also surprised with how far that aid station felt. I expected to see it much sooner than I did, but was happy once I got there. I started eating candied ginger at this aid station and would do so all day in a pre-emptive strike to hold off any digestive issues. I also refilled a bottle with Skratch (the only brew I drank the rest of the day besides water). The next stretch was the longest between aid stations and the sun was heating things up quickly.

Again, I was surprised with how long it felt between aid stations and while I tried to be patient with it, it was just downright frustrating. I was also getting pretty angry with my angry body (the first angry part of my legs were my hip flexors which did NOT like the downhill at all). I started considering some Tylenol, which seemed very early in the race for, but wanted some relief. Hitting the short 2-mile uphill back into the turn took a little pressure off of the hip flexors and I started to mentally prepare for what I needed at the “turn”.

 Dead heat of the day!!!
Photo by Sweet M Images

Loop Three ~ 45.9 miles (10^th place ~ 10:02 pace)

Once again greeted by Heidi, she offered me a chair to sit in, which I was tempted to deny, but like a dirty little pleasure, I took her up on it. I once again fueled on Vespa and an Epic bar as Heidi refilled my bottles. This time I took a little longer washing down my Epic bar and complaining to Heidi about how hard these loops were starting to feel. Combined with the heat, which was just starting to get worse and worse, I was finding myself in a negative frame of mind and wondering how I was ever going to hit a 17-hour finish. After about a 5-minute stop, I thanked Heidi again and went back in the direction I just came …this time knowing exactly what I was in for.

The hill that I didn’t think was much of a hill was now staring me straight in the face in the dead heat. I was already starting to feel fatigued, hot and now my glutes were yelling at me. I made sure to drink as many fluids as possible between the “turn” and the Coyote Camp aid station so that I could top off before heading off on the long 6+ mile stretch between aid stations. As I noted earlier, these stretches just seemed longer and longer with each loop and this time, it felt no different. I knew I’d be seeing the gang again soon, so I tried to keep my head up enough to see them without tripping on a rock. Saw everyone in the same order and everyone seemed happy still, which was great news.

Another stop at Jackass Junction meant I had some nice downhill ahead of me and my glutes were about to find some relief. My drink rate was really starting to increase and I was wasting water on this stretch as I drenched my hat, buff and arm sleeves to stay cool. This would become the pattern for the remainder of this loop and the next.

Mustering a smile in the face of HEAT!!!

Photo by Sweet M Images

Loop Four ~ 61.2 miles (10^th Place ~ 10:30 pace)

Greeted again by Heidi and finding that great camping chair, I continued to push the Vespa and my last Epic bar of the day. Heidi not only filled my water bottles again, but also took my soaking wet Cabela's neck gaiter (I’m pretty sure her response when grabbing it was “ewww, that’s so gross!!!”) and filled it with ice. This turned out to be one of the best cooling options of the day and worked great …for about 30 minutes.  I also had to wheel and deal with Heidi to give me some Tylenol …the largest safe dose before heading out to take the edge off.

The heat was getting hotter (peak time of the day) and I once again drank as much as possible before leaving the Rattlesnake Ranch aid station. Once again faced with a long sustained hill, I knew I would be walking much of it and found myself at times forgetting that I needed to run at least some of it. I willed myself on and tried to adopt the “just get from aid station to aid station” mentality. I crossed paths with the crew again and everyone was definitely looking hot and a little drained.

After hitting and leaving Jackass Junction I was starting to get more and more negative. I began to think about not only letting the 17-hour finish go, but also entertained (if only intermittently and briefly) calling it good at a 100K and ending my day. However, I talked myself through the little meltdowns and reminded myself of the toll running takes on my family and myself and knew I couldn’t call it quits especially when nothing was drastically wrong (besides my piss poor attitude).

Now that my hip flexors and glutes had their turn, my IT bands were starting to really tighten up, which was causing knee pain in my left knee. My feet were hurting, but were protected by my Hoka Stinson so I planned to stick with them through the race.  Unfortunately the Tylenol was not helping much and I wished I had an I.V. drip of something stronger to keep me moving. Down the hill and back into the “turn”.

Definitely looking tired and ready to be done ~ With Steve Poling

Photo by Heidi Mizones

Loop Five ~ 76.5 miles (10^th place ~ 11:50 pace)

Completely drained and entertaining the idea more and more of stopping at the 100K mark, I sat down once again and gratefully accepted Heidi’s help again. She once again hooked me up with a nice ice buff bath. I had another Vespa and rummaged through my nutrition bag for something to eat since Epic bars were no longer appealing. I found an Electro-Bites Fuel bag, crunched them into fine powder and ate them with some Skratch. I also took another bag along with a LaraBar and put it in my waste pack. After carrying two handheld bottles for hours, I wanted a break and headed out with my waste pack …not before I tried to talk Heidi into more Tylenol only to be turned down (Heidi is a P.A. so who was I to argue?).

Being the fifth loop, I was at least a little relieved to know this would be the last long loop in this direction. It didn’t make the monster hill or long stretch out to Jackass Junction any easier, but I was accepting that the race was over the big hump and now into the final few legs. I began to really struggle with my lack-luster performance today and couldn’t figure out why I had no energy or pick up in my legs.  I let negativity in and couldn’t push it back out again. I was disappointed and finding it hard to stay positive or happy about ANYTHING.  Then, all of a sudden, I passed my first 100 miler in many, many miles. I somehow glided right past him and found a tiny bit of energy. Sadly, he passed me back again only 5 miles later and ended up finishing 7 minutes overall ahead of me at the end of the race.

In and out of Jackass Junction and hating life all the way back to the “turn”. It quickly dawned on me just how hard it is to race a 100 without a pacer. It was lonely out there and I found it hard to motivate myself to do more running.

Loop Six ~ 92 miles (10^th place ~ 12:52 pace)

It was now dark, headlamps were a must and we all started to encounter runners with pacers clogging up the trails more with blinding lights. I sat down again, had my last Vespa and nothing else with it. I refilled only one bottle, had 2 more approved Tylenol from Heidi and changed my shoes into the Altra Olympus just for a change. I then headed out again with my waste pack, this time freeing up my hands completely.

Still down and still negative, I once again found solace in the fact that this would be the last time I had to do this loop in this direction. I was working (and working hard) towards the finish with every step being on step closer to finding a shower, some pizza and bed. I started to get a little punch drunk and began talking to the trail and myself. I would look at a cactus and say, “that’s the last time I see YOU cactus”. I would then do the same thing with a rock …and then a bush …and so on. This somehow made me giggle and helped me pass the time. The heat finally let up a bit, not much, but enough to ease some of that pain. Final long hill climbing back to Jackass Junction where I was greeted by a blitzed M.C. who wouldn’t leave me alone as I was trying to get through the aid station fast. He grabbed me, talked with heavy alcohol on his breath not making any sense and then let me go. I yelled in victory, “that’s the last time I see YOU Jackass Junction” to applause from those that heard me.

This stretch to the next aid station felt the longest of the day. Time was at a standstill and every step I took felt like a monumental step that took me nowhere. I passed runners when I could, tried to be cordial and tried not to get run over by runners and pacers from the opposite direction. I looked down at my watch and knew that 17 hours would no longer be in play. I struggled with what I could have done differently, but couldn’t find answers. It no longer mattered in the grand scheme of things and just getting the finish was the next goal.

My legs were tired and my focus was weak as I started to kick rocks and stubbing toes. I swore I broke my big toe at one point protesting loudly. My confidence was a little rocked and I began being more cautious on the technical sections. I continued to trudge along working my way to the “turn” for my final stop. Everything was aching, my thoughts on the race were twisted, but my resolve to finish at this point was solid.

Loop Seven ~ 101.1 miles (11^th place ~ 12:20 pace)

Greeted by AJ this time instead of Heidi, I sat down and just shared a moment of silence with him. I think we both just caved to the course and knew without even saying a word how hard this day turned out to be. He said, “no fun huh?” to which I emphatically agreed. AJ and I are training partners and have been through a lot together, so having him there at this point was good mentally. There wasn’t much more to do at this point except refill my bottle, get back out of the Olympus and back into my Stinson for more protection and just get this race over with. With a little push from AJ, I was off for the grand finale.

Up one last time through the technical trail and power hiking as much as possible, I felt like I was never going to get to the half way mark. I asked a few runners if it was ahead as I started to worry I missed the turn. After finally making it there, I immediately heard two voices behind me. I hoped they were runners still heading out on their 5^th lap …nope. A racer and his pacer came flying by me with such energy I was dumbstruck. I don’t often get passed in races (sounds cocky …sorry), so for it to happen to me with 3 miles to go, I was upset. Knowing I couldn’t do anything about it at this point, I just pressed on and tried to put in some strong final downhill miles. The trail was amazing and for once during the race, I was happy. I was pushing 8 ½ minute miles, but they felt like sub-6 miles. I was pushing, but undoubtedly looking like a lumbering cow. All of a sudden, I looked back and saw a headlamp approaching. CRAP!! I immediately increased my speed and kept looking back to see if I was being caught. I pushed as hard as I could all the way into the finish and beat the guy …only to find out he didn’t do the laps correctly and cut loop 6 short taking the cutoff …at least I found some final motivation to get it over with. I was greeted by AJ and Steve, received my buckle, took some photos and sat my butt in a chair.  It was over, I finished and I was happy to be done.  Final time was 17:54, 11^th OA, 10^th Men, 3^rd Masters.

After a shower and cheering Wyatt and Jon on to their finishes, we all celebrated with some food and beer before finally heading back to the hotel for some uncomfortable sleep. That was a tough day, but we rewarded ourselves amply with more “cheat” foods and beer than you can imagine and all the while telling our own personal story from our race. We compared notes, licked our wounds, confirmed our struggles and celebrated our finishes together as a crew. It was perhaps the best “guys weekend” I’ve ever had!

Parting Thoughts

This race did NOT go the way I planned. I’ve had an incredible 2 years of racing and really have nothing to complain about. Yet, I find myself unsatisfied and frustrated with this race. Was I not fully recovered from Leadville? Was my compressed training not enough to achieve my goal? Was my heart never really in it and as a consequence neither was my drive? Am I getting older and less competitive? Did I just have a bad day? I find myself considering all of those things, but not finding an answer. Maybe I don’t need an answer and maybe it shouldn’t matter, but for some reason it does. It’s not the way I want to end the race season even though I killed Leadville. It’s left a sour taste in my mouth, but each day it’s losing more power over me and I’m just accepting it. I didn’t have a terrible race and even on a bad day, I finished my fastest 100 in hard conditions. You can see the decline in my paces through the day, but my place stayed steady, which means I ran a controlled race throughout. I made memories with friends, tested my fortitude and found persistence I wasn’t sure I had at one point. Will I run two 100’s again in a year? Unlikely, but this year I did and I will remember this season fondly.

If you haven’t seen the movie “Southpaw”, I highly recommend it.  There is a scene in the beginning where Billy Hope (fighter) is sitting in a chair post fight, bleeding everywhere and looking like death.  His wife asks him if he needs help getting his socks off and he simply says, “Nah, I’ll just shower in them”.  That captures the way I feel after a 100 to a “T”.  You are broken down to pieces, bleeding and you don’t care if you shower in your socks or not.  You simply want to find your way back to basic humanity after feeling like a dead dog.

The race was incredibly well organized, full of life and energy and easy to self-crew and self-pace (although I would never prefer it over having the support of family and friends).  I found the loop system incredibly difficult mentally to handle. The course was beautiful (although not always especially when you’re dragging arse and struggling) and the camaraderie on the course was fantastic. I doubt I’ll ever run it again, but would certainly consider the 100K option. I would recommend this race to anyone, but would certainly make sure they understand the complexities of a loop course as well as how to deal with the heat.

I wish my family was with me during the race and that I could have seen their supportive and beautiful faces. However, it was the vision of those beautiful faces that helped me press on and never give up in that race. Whether they were there in person or not, they were there in my heart and in my thoughts. My wife and I shared a nice long deep conversation the next day. My daughter flipped the script on me when I got home and complained about my performance. Her cute voice told me in simple terms, “Daddy, you finished 100 miles and you finished 10^th …that’s amazing”. Damn, I love these people to death.

The reward for a hard earned finish.

Photo by Sweet Images

Leadville 100 ~ 2015 Race Report

Guest post ~ Chuck Radford

Here it is …a race report only because I want to look back and recall some of the unfathomable events that happened on this day …this crazy, cool, amazing day.

A bit of history: Signing up for the Leadville Trail 100 was an impulse reaction when I did not get into the coveted Western States 100 race for 2015. However, when I found out in January that I got into the Leadville Trail 100 race, my emotional reaction was, “YES …CRAP …well, time to get on board.”

I officially started training at the end of March bleeding my off-season training into my regular training and not really seeing much difference except a little more structure. I ran a couple tune-up races to prepare for my LT100 adventure including the Dirty Thirty (50K), finishing 15th overall in a talented field and the Leadville Trail Marathon, finishing 3rd overall. I banked a couple long training runs with my final one being up in Leadville for a double Hope Pass crossing with good friend Mike Mizones. Unfortunately when we finished, we tried to relax with our feet in the water, and I fell, throwing myself (and my knee) into a rock to prevent myself from floating down the river.

I then dealt with a patella contusion for the next month …my PEAK training month, trying to work through pain, frustration and doubts. My peak training ended and I had logged a measly 50 miles a week before officially shutting it down a full week with no running the last week of July. That turned out to be the best decision of the month as it allowed my knee to fully heal and for me to log some “taper training” unlike I’ve ever done before. I was then faced with glute and IT band pains leading into the race, leaving me extremely doubtful, concerned and incredibly “stuck” trying to find a way to rise to the occasion.

Days before the race, I learned that iRunFar included me in their “Men to Watch” LT100 Preview, completely flabbergasting me. I actually found it to be an additional stress, even though my friends and family tried to get me to see that it wasn’t undeserved (it was solely based on my Leadville Trail Marathon finish, which I didn’t think translated into a small write up in the LT100 preview, but there it was).

With all the small details planned (house, pacers, crew, pacing plan, nutrition, etc.), AJ Wellman and I headed up to Leadville for a nice easy Hope Pass hike to get my legs flushed a few days before the race. We hit the race check in where I picked up bib, shirt and race bag, but something was just missing this year as there wasn’t the same excitement in the air. It was almost as if it was all business this year. I later realized that’s exactly what the whole race was about …business. AJ and I had numerous talks about things that didn’t go well last year and the goals for this year and how I could accomplish them. Goal #1: Stay positive; Goal #2: Eat less, but eat smart (approximately 100-150 calories/hr); Goal #3: Troubleshoot through the race; Goal #4: Keep it simple.

The next two days passed with some relaxation, the pre-race meeting, greeting my pacers, friends and family, and then trying to get a good night’s rest before race morning. Always easier said than done as you sit pondering on the pain, struggles, highs and lows you’re about to experience WILLINGLY the next morning on your 100 mile journey.

Race Morning:

As I did last year, I woke before my 2 am alarm, not able to sleep in anticipation and nervous energy before the race. I dressed, made coffee, eggs and bacon, and then woke everyone interested in going to the race start with me. I believe my comments to my wife were, “Oh my GOD, 100 miles!!!!” as a wave of anxiety ran through me. This was about to go down.

Jennifer (my supportive wife), Mia (my amazing daughter), Mike (my crew chief and section 2 pacer), Heidi (Mikes wife and a great friend), and Savannah (AJ’s daughter) all accompanied me to the race start. We took the obligatory family pictures, I gave kisses and hugs to all, tried to find my game face and lined up with all the other 100 mile hopefuls, as we waited for the official gun shot to kick off this little shin-dig of a day.

I stood in quiet, not able to find the spark or drive I thought I needed at this point to have a stellar day. I was curious how the day would play out. Ten second count down …headlamps turn on …watches start to beep …BANG …game on.

To MayQueen (Mile 13.5)

I found myself immediately running faster than anticipated with the goal out to the first aid station being around 8:35 pace. I tried to reel it in, but had a hard time knowing if I slowed too much, I’d fall into the train of people around the lake, so I kept moving, trying not to be irresponsible. We quickly moved down “The Boulevard,” up “Mini-Powerline” and around the lake and I realized I was running alone. I love training with friends, but prefer to zone out and run solo in races. I find the added chitchat and stress of passing or being passed an unnecessary stress that I don’t cope well with. I came into MayQueen about eight minutes faster than my plan. More than being concerned about being a little off my plan, I was noticing my glutes really talking to me already.

Hagerman Rd to Powerline
Race photos courtesy of Athlinks

Powerline

To Outward Bound (Mile 24.5)

I spent only a minute at the MayQueen aid station and got right out onto the Colorado Trail up towards Hagerman Road. I traveled well through this section, continuing to feel my glutes, but passing runners and still not having any kind of feeling (good or bad) about how the race was going so far. I was kind of in a “blah” state of mind, but with 86 more miles to go, I guess there was time to figure all that out.

As I ran up to the top of Powerline, I saw my friend Matt Curtis, with whom I also ran a lot of LT100 in 2014. Knowing Matt better the other runners, I had no problem chatting and passing some miles with him leading into Outward Bound. While a supporter informed Matt and I that we were in 17th and 18th place, we both agreed that we were committed to running our own races regardless of place.

As we entered the Outward Bound aid station, I was energized knowing I was going to see my crew for the first time today after 3 and half hours. I ran straight up to them as they strategically placed themselves right next to the water station. I immediately noticed a small weather front moving through and worried my crew would be cold, but luckily it didn’t stick around long and even provided a nice rainbow (sign of things to come???). We replaced bottles, I ate an Epic bar, dumped my warm clothes, yelled “Peace out,” and headed out.

OB Crew station with AJ, Jon and Mia with a weather front behind us

To Halfpipe (Mile 31)

As part of my goal to stay positive, I made sure to smile, wave and thank all the great supporters and fans every time I saw them. Running up to Halfpipe is a nice non-technical area that allows you to grind out some good miles. While some of it is uphill, I tried to start pushing the pace a bit and gain some time. I was patient enough out to the first two aid stations and knew it was time to move with more effort if I had it. This is where experience comes in and knowing when you are pushing too hard or too little.

As I made my way to Halfpipe, I simply replaced water and some Skratch and blazed through it, high fiving a couple volunteers obviously eager to see the mass of runners heading their way.

Colorado Trail Section ~ Beautiful

To Twin Lakes (Mile 39.5)

This final section through the Mt. Elbert water station and further up the Colorado Trail was a good section for me last year. I find miles 30 – 39 are mentally tough as you really haven’t hit any big mile markers and you still have a TON more to do. This section is so amazingly beautiful and secluded that you have to take a few moments to soak it in. I encountered a few more runners and passed them, moving up a few more places. I was eagerly anticipating the hill down into Twin Lakes where you are displayed for all to see …and cheer.

As I ran down the hill into Twin Lakes, I once again was excited to see my family and for the first time realized I was feeling strong. I flexed my muscles coming in thinking that’d give them an idea of how I was feeling, but really ended up looking silly. I quickly sat down, changed my shoes, ate another Epic bar, took some Tylenol, swapped water bottles, gave kisses and felt incredibly confident all of a sudden. If there was a place to feel that kind of confidence, now was the time. Hope Pass killed me last year and was where I lost all the time I made up at that point in the race. It was time for revenge.

Flexing muscles - dork

My crew taking care of me like a race car

To Hopeless (Mile 45)

I headed out towards the meadow to a TON of cheers and even seeing some fellow running friends on the way. I made it to the base of Hope and started to ascend with a mission. I knew this was where my race could actually be made …or ruined. This was the official point where I decided to put myself out there and go for it, regardless of the result. I hiked with fervor and aimed to not stop once all the way to the Hopeless aid station. That’s exactly what I did. I never saw anyone in front of me or behind me and felt that I had my position locked at that point in the race in 8th place. I was hiking like I was on fresh legs and not 40+ mile legs.

To Winfield (Mile 50)

After leaving Hopeless, runners ascend to the peak and then it’s a hair raising downhill descent into Winfield. As I worked my way up to the 12,600 foot peak, it started to rain and blow, leaving me a bit cold. However, that gave me more motivation to get off that mountain and down into Winfield. I peaked and to my amazement, I was able to actually run the downhills. It was becoming more and more apparent to me that my energy level and strength were so completely different from last year that it left me baffled. I eventually caught the 6th place runner and we flip-flopped spots all the way into Winfield.

Back to Hopeless (Mile 55)

Because this aid station is so remote, we sent a critical crew only into Winfield consisting of AJ, Mike and a good friend Jon, who came in early to be a part of the race. I quickly made it through the aid station, sat down in a chair, ate another Epic bar, swapped water bottles and exchanged a few words with another friend Wyatt Hornsby, whom I paced over this section in 2013. Winfield is the first section you can pick up a pacer, so I grabbed AJ (a great mountain climber) and we moved on out back towards the backside of Hope Pass.

If you don’t know, I fell six or seven times in last year’s race, leaving me frustrated and injured. I was happy I had made it 50 miles without falling once. Unfortunately, that was to change on the Sheep Gulch Trail, as I shortly took my eyes off the trail and went down hard on my hand and leg. I quickly jumped back up and tried to shut out the pain, but it stung badly. With the 6th place runner right in front of me, I was committed to keep him in my sights, knowing full well that not only had my confidence been building, but so had my competitiveness.

All it took was one fall to do enough damage

After getting off the Sheep Gulch Trail, it was a hard turn left and up the belly of the beast, facing up to 40% inclines, a lack of oxygen and heavy humidity. We worked and we worked hard up that monster, claiming the 6th place position and moving in quickly on 5th place. AJ and I were all business while cracking jokes keeping the levity light. AJ reminded me numerous times that I was doing well and to just keep doing what I was doing. At times I worried I was going to pay for the workload I was giving now later in the race (I think even AJ was concerned). We caught the 5th place runner at the top of Hope Pass, but once we reached the peak, he floated away to an eventual 2nd place finish!

After some coaxing, I pledged to AJ that I’d climb hard to the top, where we were met with some technical downhill into Hopeless. Unfortunately we were also faced with a ton of outbound runners and a lot of cross traffic. After hitting Hopeless, AJ made me fill up my bottle with Skratch in the event he and I got split up on the downhill.

Back to Twin Lakes (Mile 60)

Again I was pleasantly surprised at how well I was running downhill …how was this possible? It goes back to my eating goal and having energy and good energy at that. The cross traffic runners were amazingly accommodating and moved out of the way, as I made my way down. I made it to the meadow, through all the water sections and back into Twin Lakes with no more falls, but finding myself a little low on energy after all the effort I just put out on Hope Pass both ways. Running into Twin Lakes pepped me up though, as there were a ton of fans/supporters cheering me on.

Apparently everything was "thumbs up" at this stage of the race

Back to Halfpipe (Mile 69)

As I sat down at Twin Lakes, my wife (a Godsend) changed my wet shoes and socks for me (now that’s love) as I drank, applied sunscreen, replaced bottles and chatted strategy with crew. My daughter was immediately concerned about my cuts and bleeding, but I assured her I was fine. I thanked AJ for his pacing duties and picked up Mike, as we headed out up the underrated 1400 foot climb out of Twin Lakes and out to Halfpipe. I started to feel my stomach going “South” on the uphill climbs and let Mike know I’d do what I could. We worked a good run-walk strategy all the way into Halfpipe and troubleshot some ideas on what I could eat, as my eating rate was dropping quickly. Like miles 30-39, I find miles 60-69 equally as difficult mentally, but Mike did well keeping me "up" and moving well through those sections. I had some watermelon with salt on it at the aid station and set out for a good long running section.

Back to Outward Bound (Mile 76)

Mike and I ran well six good miles with only a couple breaks and passed the time with good chatter. As we came into the unofficial Treeline station, my daughter was running up towards me. She turned and we ran back to the crew hand in hand. There was nothing really for me at Treeline except my amazing family and crew who continued to pep me up knowing this is where the race REALLY gets mentally (and physically) tough. I realized back at mile 40 that the intense body pain was manageable …not fun, but manageable, and that it’s the mental side of running that keeps you in the game late.

Still smiling 70+ miles in

After a short four mile road run and back through the field, we made it back to Outward Bound and to our crew again. A quick note: running is a raw sport and ugly things happen. Mike can attest to me running down the road with my shorts half way down (bare-butt to the world) as I rubbed some Biofreeze on my glutes before pulling my shorts back up. That’s ultra running at its finest ... but I didn’t pee on myself like last year sooooo …

Back to MayQueen (Mile 86)

I was once again hitting a bit of a low after dropping Mike off and picking up Jon for the final 24 miles. However, with a change of pacers, comes a change of venue and Jon really helped me pep up a bit heading up to the final HUGE climb up Powerline. 

Pep talk from Mike

Heading out for the final 24 miles with Jon

As we ran the road to the base of Powerline, we were informed by supporters that no one was behind us, but the 5th place runner was just ahead of us. Rejuvenated, we turned the corner and there he was. Even though I had little energy, I found the needed energy to pass him and busted a move up Powerline. It was a struggle beyond struggles, but I was once again so much stronger than last year and I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I was now in the TOP FIVE!!!

Last year at this same time, we were dawning headlamps and preparing for the dark. Jon and I made it this year all the way to the top of Powerline with tons of sunlight still shining. We came upon the unofficial aid station at the top. I sat down and we chatted for a few seconds with the fun volunteers. They informed us that the 4th and 3rd place runners were just ahead of us and none of them looked as strong as us or were moving as well as us. That was motivation to get out of that chair and MOVE.

We made it down a couple of switchbacks and up ahead was a runner. As good of a friend as Mike Aish is, I did NOT want to pass him. Unfortunately, he was struggling and we came up to Mike and Nick Clark and they very graciously cheered us on to catch the next guy. This put me into 4th place …CRAZY!

Back Home (Mile 100)

As we entered the MayQueen aid station, I realized just how hard I worked over Powerline and was really starting to feel it. Knowing Jon was eager to catch the 3rd place runner, I voiced my concern to my crew stating, “Jon’s gonna work me too hard.” ...and said it a couple times. I got a little negative, but gave hugs, grabbed my headlamp and we worked our way around the lake into the night hours. We did well moving up and down the rolling hills, taking breaks as needed, and I was running as much as I could.

We got to Boat Ramp, and I secretly made a personal pact that I was going to run all way to the parking lot (2+ miles) and I did. From there it’s a final struggle back up into town where we never did see the 3rd place runner, meaning he was moving as well as me.

We saw the lights of town FINALLY and then made our way to 6th St.. As we ran 6th St., we came across my wife, daughter and Mike. We all ran the final stretch and there I was …at the red carpet. I ran down the carpet, threw my hands up in the air as I crossed, and immediately fell, tripping on the carpet ...yeah, that JUST happened. I bounced up and laughed knowing NOTHING was going to ruin that moment and gave Marilee (race co-founder) a hug and received my finisher’s medal.

Finish line

My recreation of falling across the finish line the next day

My goal was a sub-20 hour run …I finished in 18:43:14 in 4^th overall and 2^nd in the masters division. Business was conducted and I had accomplished my goal of having a good gut day, lots of energy and staying positive, which all contributed to a win for my family, my crew, my supporters and friends.

We headed home to some beer, a shower and some VERY uncomfortable sleep. I got up the next day and had the best breakfast burrito of my life before heading to the awards ceremony to claim my award, buckle, and sweatshirt.

I am absolutely blessed with an amazing crew. These people were my inspiration through the day, my light when I was dark, my motivators and my comfort. My wife and daughter are my rocks, my long time friends Mike and Heidi help me have fun and enjoy every moment, my friend Jon is always a running inspiration who often reminds me of my potential and skill, and AJ is my coach/training partner/blood brother. I truly hope they celebrated the day as much as me.

Left to right: Jon, AJ, Jennifer, Mia, Me, Mike, Heidi, Savannah ~ The "A" Team

If you know me, you know I am a humble person, a family man and a trusty friend. I live life like any other average Joe, balancing family, work and running. I prioritize things the best I can and try to prevent my passion of running from interfering with my family as I constantly sacrifice sleep to do so. Are there challenges?  Of course, but I only hope I can be a strong role model to my children and other runners. I am open and honest and am more than willing to give my thoughts, advice and support to anyone seeking it. If you ever want my thoughts, please reach out to me.

A shout out to Epic bars, Fuel 100 Electro-bites, Skratch Labs, Tailwind  and Vespa as my running nutrition and to Hoka (Stinson) and Brooks (Pure Grit) as my running shoes. Anyone want to sponsor me? Please?  

Parting thoughts

Running 100 miles is like living 100 years full of challenges, opportunities, celebrations and struggles. In life we start fresh, ready to take on anything and we are a bit ignorant of what’s in store. We learn from our failures and sometimes fail to learn along the way. As time progresses we know that each step could have a positive or negative reaction and yet we compel ourselves to move forward either putting ourselves out there or sitting back and watching. With each phase we grow, we learn to adapt, we are reminded fully of pain and how to mitigate it or accept it. We get tired, cranky, fed up, and yet life’s challenge somehow wills us on. We lean on our support systems more and more and we find new motivation and inspiration from those we love and those who want nothing but success and happiness for us. In the end, you inch closer and closer to an amazing reward of satisfaction, peace, accomplishment and a love of living. These thoughts somehow helped me piece together “why” we do this crazy sport of ultra-running ...to live!!

**Special thanks to AJ for letting me guest post on his blog.  Check it out ...it's got a wealth of information on it if you haven't seen it already.