Right after Tahoe, I felt a deep soreness in my legs that I have never felt before.  That many miles (205) with that much climbing (>40,000ft) was new to my quads and calves.  Two weeks after Tahoe, I was feeling pretty good. Three weeks after, I felt normal. The week before AT100, I felt great!  My resting heart rate was still hovering around 5-6 bpm higher than pre Tahoe, but my legs, muscles, and joints felt pretty good.  I was able to do a Saturday-Sunday back to back 10 miles after the third week and everything fired on all cylinders. I was well aware that 30 miles into Traveller my body could rebel, but I figured I’d just slug it out and get a finish if that happened.  Adventure!!

I left work early on the Friday to get to Perryville, AR for the mandatory pre-race meeting at Camp Ouachita.  Once I arrived, I weighed in, checked in, dropped off my 2 drop bags, and enjoyed some time visiting with other Ultra friends who were running or crewing.  There were a few aid station changes announced at the meeting, but nothing major. After Tahoe, where many of the aid stations were 20 miles apart, a few 6 mile jaunts between aid didn’t phase me.  Once the meeting was done, I passed on the spaghetti dinner and headed to Mom and Dad’s to visit, some amazing grub, and to plan the next day. Jen had a family wedding so she wasn’t able to come.  Even though I told them they didn’t need to, my parents wanted to crew me for the race. What a long, boring, thankless job, but they did it with gusto and excitement! I love my parents so much! Anyway, we decided that they would crew me until dark and then I’d just finish up with drop bags.  Of course, they offered to crew me the whole time, but I told them I’d be fine to finish up at night and that if I was in a bad spot, I’d let them know so they could stay.

Anyway, we got to bed early and I managed to get some solid sleep for a few hours before the alarm went off just before 4am.  Check in was from 5:-5:45 with the race starting at 6AM. It was a 30-40 minute drive to the start from their house so I needed a little cushion of time.  I got my stuff together, double checked it, triple checked it, then headed out the door! It was kind of cool and humid and a nice quiet drive alone. My parents would just meet me at the first crew accessible aid station later in the morning around 8:30 or so.  I got my bib #5 and headed out to the start/finish. We chatted a bit as we waited. Then we(they) did the razorback pig souey thing. I wanted to yell “Go Tigers!” as an LSU fan, but decided to just stay quiet.

The gun went off (literally) at 6AM and we were off!  The first mile or so is on downhill pavement. There was a nice cluster of us in the front and we talked as we ran along.  Daniel Arnold, who I knew from last year and from the Full Moon 50K, and I chatted about Tahoe and other stuff. We follow each other on Strava and social media, but it was good to talk in person.  He’s a strong runner and had been training hard for this race. As we turned on the dirt road and some slight uphill action, our lead pack slowly dwindled. I felt really good. No soreness and my everything was firing on all cylinders.  We ran through a couple aid stations then onto the Ouachita trail. This would be the only single track section of the course and was about 8 miles. I remembered the first half of it as being fun and the second half being a rocky uphill slugfest.  So, I enjoyed the first half. Daniel was ahead of me with a stick for spider webs. He had gotten out of site, but I caught up on a downhill section before the aid station about 4 miles in. By this aid station it was Daniel, myself, and Daniel’s training buddy, Sean in the top 3.  Well, we left the aid station and hit the second half of the Ouachita trail and that was my first indication that my body was not fully recovered. As I slugged my way up the technical, rocky trail, the climb caused me to have to step up on rocks and push using my quads and hamstrings to navigate the trail.  I began to feel a deep burn in my quads that was reminiscent of the deep soreness I felt the week after Tahoe. So, I decided to back off and take it slow. It was early into the race (only about 12 miles). So, as we climbed, Daniel and Sean went ahead, and I got passed by 3 other runners pretty soon after that.  Oh well, I’m just running my race.

The trail dumped us out onto the Lake Sylvia aid station where my parents were waiting.  I refilled my hydration pack and grabbed a couple food items and headed on down the road.  From the pictures, I can see I was already soaked in sweat. Fun. I was still feeling pretty good on the roads so I just kept my pace and continued on.  I would see my parents again at Lake Winona (mile 31). I had highlighted the projected times for each aid station based upon finishing either 18, 20, or 22 hours and gave my parents a copy before the race.  I was hoping for about 18 when the weather was supposed to be cool, but once the forecast warmed up, I was open to whatever I could do. I was still on schedule for 18-20 hr finish and feeling pretty good about it at this point.  <Que the sun.>

Much of the rest of the race is mushed together in my mind as times of fun amid times of suffering.  Smiles mixed with frowns. Feeling heavenly vs. feeling like heaving. I was in pretty good shape at mile 31 but the heat and humidity was wearing on me.  I was putting ice in my bladder and in my hat to keep me cooled down.  I was still having fun and still in the top 10. It was here that my stomach was a little funky and we only put half of my Tailwind mix into my 70oz bladder.  It would only get worse and I would have to switch to just water for hydration.

My next major memory was at the Powerline aid station, mile 48, sipping on a cold bottle of Gatorade, trying to get some calories, telling my mom, “I’m not having fun.  I don’t want to go back out there.” She said, “It’s only a race. 48 miles is good. You just ran 200 miles. You can come to the house and relax. Up to you.” Oh so tempting!!  I said again, “I don’t want to go back out there, but I’m going. I signed up for 100 miles, not 48.” As always, I’m glad I kept moving. I wasn’t injured or putting my health at risk.  I was just having a tough time with my stomach and calories. It would pass. And it did! By the next aid station 4.1 miles down the trail, I was in a much better mood and happy again. My stomach was still jacked, but I was a little better.  This was Copperhead aid station and my parents were there too. It was the out and back portion of the race so I would head out to the turnaround aid station at mile 57.9, then see them there again.

The out and back section makes it fun to see where you stand and also greet other runners.  I end up running alone so much in Ultras that it’s nice to have that stimulation and encouragement and to encourage the other runners.  I crossed Daniel and saw that he was still leading the race. He looked like he was working hard to keep the lead, but determined. Others crossed at various stages fatigue.  I believe I was in 7th or 8th place at the turnaround. I was also at mile 57.9 and more than halfway done! Wow! Good times! I ran back to Copperhead(63.7), ate a few calories and headed to Powerline (mile 67.9). This would be the last time I would see my parents.  They would have stayed if I asked them to, but I had 2 drop bags at a couple of the aid stations waiting for me and I was feeling okay. I wasn’t feeling good, but at this point, I really didn’t care too much about how quickly I finished. I was running on cold coke, ginger ale, grapes potato soup and whatever else I could eat without wanting to puke.  It was at here, I sat down in a chair for a few minutes.  I saw a couple runners pass through the aid station. I was losing spots. I honestly didn’t care at that point. I shrugged my shoulders and ate the cold grapes that had been handed to me. As I left Powerline aid station, I had to go around a little fence to go from the crew area to the road. There was lots of gravel in the road there.  As I rounded the corner of the fence to turn to move on, my feet slipped out from under me and I wiped out hard landing on my palm and hip. I felt a pull in my right hamstring. “Great” I thought. I looked up and saw Chris Baldwin sitting there asking if I was okay. I got up and said, “That’s the first time I fall on this run!!” My parents hadn’t noticed because they were gathering supplies so I just limped off until my leg loosened up.  It didn’t bother me anymore after a few minutes. Only my pride was hurt.

As it got darker and cooler, I was able to drink more some potato soup and keep more calories down.   I was just getting a good pace going again a few miles before Bahama Mama’s aid station at mile 72.6 when I crossed a runner who was still outbound.  He warned that he saw a 6 ft. rattlesnake about a mile back. Great! This part of the trail was rocky with some grass and hard to see the ground in areas.  I slowed my pace and watch the ground like a hawk until I was about 1.5 miles from where I had met him. Then, just as I was starting to run hard again, I saw a copperhead on the trail!  I shooed it off of the trail and got to the aid station.

After Bahama Mama’s station, I had a long section where I was able to run hard and fast.  I ended up catching up with a friend who I shared some miles with the previous year, Steven Carr.  We visited and I ended up pulling away in the night. My lead was short lived as my stomach started giving me trouble again.  I had to slow down to get it to settle. He caught around the last aid station (Pumpkin Patch 93.7) and passed me, along with another runner.  I shrugged. Oh well. I’m still in 10th place and on pace for a sub 21 hour finish. I pushed when I could and slowed down when I couldn’t. Before I knew it, I I was off of the ATV roads and at the last checkpoint – 2.5 miles from the finish!  For some reason this year was just like the previous year. I was able to run that last 2.5 miles hard! It helped that most of it was flat or downhill, but I ran with no walk breaks except for one incline on pavement about .5 miles from the end.  I looked back a couple times to make sure no one was sneaking up on me like I did to Daniel last year. I saw a guy changing the tire on a truck. He jokingly said, “Hey buddy, come help me when you are finish with the race.” I just laughed and said, “Yeah, I’ll do that!”  The guy next to him said, “David?” and ran out to meet me. It was Daniel! He had won the race. I congratulated him and continued on. I heard the noise from the finish line and quickened my pace. I was almost there. I heard the finishing music they played the year before. Yeah, that was for me.  I kept up my pace and crossed the finish line feeling surprisingly good. Done. 20:41:49 and 10th place. Not quite as good as last year’s 20:24:45 for 5th place, but I’ll take it 4 weeks after a 200 miler!!

At the finish I saw Jake, another Altra runner who I knew from online, but got to meet with and visit at Traveller.  He was one that passed me up at Powerline while I was sitting down. He ran great and had a strong finish along with Steve at the end.  They ended up with a sprinting photo finish. Good times. We talked about the race and how it went. I went inside race headquarters and met up with Steve who was laying down on a bench and congratulated him.  We shared a few stories, then I headed back to mom and dad’s for a much needed shower and some sleep!

This race didn’t turn out exactly as I expected it could, but I am pleased with it and the things I learned.  I’m hoping to figure out how to get my nutrition dialed in well for heat. I’ll need to play with that.  I made it a point, as I did at Tahoe, to stop and thank God every 10 miles. Sometimes, I found myself thanking God for what I was learning through the pain.  Other times, it was the relief from the pain, the views, my family, my parents, the ability to be out in God’s creation, the potato soup I had just eaten, etc. Always so much to be thankful for.  Though not my best race, I’m thankful that I got my Western States ticket and my second sub 24 hour buckle from AT100. Now I need to rest for a bit.

For this race I wore the same Altra Olympus 3.0 I wore for the Tahoe 200.  Love that shoe! I wore injinji trail socks. I didn’t change either the whole race.  I also wore my Altra shorts that are so comfy and reduce my chafing issues. I used my Ultimate Direction SJ FKT with a 70oz bladder and had my Orange Mud Vest 2.0 for backup.  During the race I tried my new Kogalla light and battery backup, but I hadn’t tested the setup on an actual run. Yeah, I know….rookie mistake to try something new on a race. Oh well, I had my Petzl Reactik headlamp and it worked fine as usual.

I want to thank my mom and dad for taking care of me and Jen for taking care of things at home while I was gone.  Thanks to thank Altra for their amazing shoes! Also thanks to Thomas Chapin and all of those that helped put on the AT100!  Every aid station was top notch and helped wherever we needed! Thanks for taking such good care of us!

GETTING THERE

The journey to run the Tahoe 200 began way before the race started at 9AM on September 7th.  I had heard about the race and the huge challenge to complete and was intrigued. Last year, I listened as the names were drawn for the Western States 100 participants from their lottery.  When my name wasn’t called, I immediately knew my backup plan for my “A” race this year. When the last name drawn was not mine, I immediately surfed on over to tahoe200.com on my phone and clicked “Registration.”  Done. Here we go. Wait. What did I just do? Oh well.

I began making plans for my wife and I to be there.  I ended up using frequent flyer miles to get us there and back.  I rented a small space from VRBO about 2 miles from the start/finish.  All set. Wait. I have to train. How in the world do I train for 200 miles in the mountains???  After doing some research, I started modifying my existing 100 mile training plan to include some hill work.  I would also add in additional leg work on weight days and some trekking pole work at the local “mountain”. I lined up some back to back 50 mile races, one of which was in Fairplay, CO at altitude.  

I thought through logistics for the race, gear for the race, nutrition for the race, everything that could go wrong for the race….  I decided to wear the Altra running shorts as they were lightweight and very good about not chafing after long distances. I would wear injinji socks because they always protect my toes and treat my feet well.  For shoes, I decided during the last month to go with the New Altra Olympus 3.0 instead of my trusty Lone Peaks. I figured the extra cushion the Olympus provide would be nice for such a long haul. I brought my Lone Peaks with me as backups, though.  I would bring my Black Diamond trekking poles. I also decided on my trusty Ultimate Direction SJ FKT pack for this race. The other things I would carry with me: UD Men’s Ultra Jacket, Petzl Reactilk light, Sawyer mini filter, spare LED handheld light, and a buff.

For nutrition, I would rely mostly upon the real food at the aid stations for nutrition, but brought some Honey Stinger Waffles, ProBar chews, and Honey Stinger Chews along too.  I also use Tailwind mixed in my water for electrolytes and nutrition.   

Jen and I flew to Reno on Wednesday afternoon.  We were late (again) due to American Airlines, but still made it to the cabin before midnight.  We got a decent night’s sleep and did some grocery shopping the next morning. Check-ins were at noon and included a medical check.  There was also a trail briefing during the check-in time. I tried to pay attention, but it was hard to have any reference not having been on these trails.  At 5, we had the official, mandatory, race meeting and things got real. After the meeting, we went eat, headed to the room, went over the logistics for the race, and got a good night’s sleep.

9AM START

The race started at 9AM so the morning was actually pretty laid back.  I got up and was able to do my race morning routine much later than usual.  I ate my breakfast, took a shower and shaved. (I just do this….if I’m gonna stink for the next 200 miles, I can start feeling clean. :P)  We made our way to the Start/finish and I got my Bib and SPOT tracker. Jen and I hung out as I nervously went through my things and played through the race in my head.  I had NO IDEA what my body was going to do for 200 miles. The time came for us to line up and before I knew it, we were off! Fast at first, but the uphill demanded a slow steady trudge with my trekking poles.  I just fell into a comfortable rhythm and tried to settle in. My calves were screaming early, my lungs struggling, and heartbeat pounding. Altitude…. I was hoping it would feel better as my body warmed up, which it did.  We cruised along at a slow pace as everyone separated. I saw Courtney Dauwalter up ahead looking like it was easy. I saw Sean Nakamura, the course record holder run ahead with ease. I just kept telling myself to just run my race and do my thing.  I pulled into the first aid station (10 miles – Stephen Jones Aid Station) well ahead of my projected schedule. Cool. I took my time, drank some cold water, ate a thing or 2 and headed back out.

Stephen Jones AS to Tahoe City (20 miles)

The next aid station would be 20 miles away.  This meant that I would have to carry all that I needed for the 20 mile journey.  It was warming up by now and that concerned me a bit. I sweat a LOT and made myself conserve a bit.  This section started with a little road running before some beefy climbs. It was pretty good. I remember taking in the views and just enjoying the journey.  I decided that every 10 miles, I would say a prayer of thanks to God for the privilege of being out here.  Quite a few times I’d get caught up in the run and trip or stub my toe and have “bad” thoughts.  I’d look at my watch and realize it was a 10 mile prayer time!  My prayer would start with, “Sorry God….thanks!” and I’d reset my attitude.   

Tahoe City aid station was chaotic, but they took care of us. Lots of people and crews lining the sidewalk. Jen made sure I had all I needed. I sat down and ate a hamburger, some cold watermelon, and grapes.  It was good to get the calories down. I realized I was standing next to Jamil Coury (Jam Jam). We took a selfie together. I had a glass of coke and headed out. I was right behind Jamil. So far so good!

Tahoe City to Brockway Summit (20 miles)

I got behind Jamil and another runner for a portion of this section and just kept plugging forward.  Mostly power hiking the uphills and jogging the downhills and flats. I focused on trying to just conserve and keep moving forward.  I remember running low on water and stopping to filter some in Watson Lake using my Sawyer mini. (Something I would have to do at least once every day.)  I noticed I was being filmed by one of the people collecting footage.  He notified me that I was in top 10. I was like, “Really?? That’s cool!” I hope to be able to see that footage at some point. I was feeling good and just enjoying being out on the trail. To be honest, I don’t remember much about The Brockway Summit Aid Station. It was here I was beginning to feel a blister forming on my right heel.  I’m not used to having issues like that as my feet do really well. I asked Angel, the awesome medical official if she could take a look. There was the beginning of a blister there. She cleaned it and taped it up to keep it from getting worse.  She was awesome. I remember Jen taking care of me, grabbing some warm gear for the night, and heading out.

Brockway Summit to Tunnel Creek (15 miles)

The part I remember from this section was the crazy steep dusty downhill of Powerline right before incline village.  It was dark on top of that. I remember how well my Altra Olympus gripped well these crazy conditions. Even though, I still slid down quite a few times.  I couldn’t imagine them having to come up this thing when the course was run the opposite way! It took me a long time to get down using my trekking poles.  When I got close to the bottom, I saw a headlamp above me on the hill. I remember thinking, “He’ll be a while to get to where I am.” Just then, the dude came barrelling down the hill like a madman!  I was like, “Holy Crap dude, did you do that on purpose?” He said, with an aussie accent, “I have half the hill in my shoes!” Turns out this was Nicholas from Australia who I had run with earlier in the day .  Dude was a downhill master. He and I would run together the next day quite a bit. I’d always catch him on the uphills. I passed him when he was cleaning out his shoes at the base of the hill. From there, we’d run a long section on pavement through nice neighborhoods.  I decided to just take my time here. Easy jogging and some power hiking.

I ate a burger and some broth at Tunnel creek aid station.  Always taking my time at every aid station to get calories down.  I wasn’t drinking as much of my Tailwind/water mix and Jen kept reminding me of that.  I needed to do better to get hydration and calories down. The next aid station was not a crew accessible aid station so that would be a bummer.  I loved having Jen there waiting for me and the boost she gave. Oh well.

Tunnel Creek to Spooner Summit (17 MIles)

I kissed Jen and headed out again.  Uphill….always uphill. By this time, I was will close to my prediction chart.  In fact, I was a little ahead. Still a lot of race yet to go. According to my plan, I’d reach Spooner Summit around 7:15 in the morning.  I was looking forward to the sunrise. It didn’t disappoint.

Once I got to the Spooner Summit Aid station, I ate my burger, soup, watermelon, and grapes and was on my way.  I remember turning back when I saw the decomp bathrooms and making use of those. Good times.

Spooner Summit to Heavenly (>20miles)

This section seemed long.  I felt good, but there was some steep climbs to get to heavenly.  It seemed like the trail took us way out of the way to get to the aid station.  I think I was just tired and a little grumpy. Physically, all was well though except for a knot in my upper right calf, right below my knee.  When I finally got to Heavenly and saw Jen, my spirits were lifted! This aid station was a nice ski resort. I would be able to clean up a bit in a real bathroom, change clothes, eat, and rest in the mattresses that were set up.  I ate, had Angel look at my foot again. I had felt something give in the blistery heel. It had popped under the tape. We decided to just leave it taped since it didn’t hurt any worse. I tried to take an hour nap, but it was too noisy.  So after about 30 minutes, I got up and got ready to go.  I remember being positive.  This was the halfway point. I was excited to be this far along. Jen commented later that I said it excitedly, not in a gloomy manner, as some of the other runners had. Over 100 miles to go!  I got my stuff together and headed out on the trail again. I’m guessing this was about 2-2:30 in the afternoon.  The next section was about 15 miles, so I would see Jen around dark.

Heavenly to Armstrong Pass (15 miles)

I remember moving slowly to Armstrong Pass.  I enjoyed some of the scenery and took it all in.  Just cruising along as it got dark getting to Armstrong Pass around 7:45PM.  I got my calories in while I visited with Jen, then headed out again.

Armstrong Pass to Housewife Hill (17.6 miles)

This section would be a booger.  We would climb to the highest point in the race.  I remember getting REALLY tired during this section and confused.  I was sleep running for sure. I remember not being sure why I was out there running on the trails.  I needed to rest….badly! I was still wearing shorts with a jacket on my upper body so it was too cold for me to lay on the trail and sleep.  I was about 3 miles in and didn’t want to go 3 miles backwards to the previous aid station. I took some energy chews to try to wake me up.  I needed to get to Jen at the next aid station so I could rest. The chews didn’t help so I took a caffeine pill I had for emergencies like this. I really don’t like doing something like that, but I had to get my wits about me and get to Jen.  I started coming to myself and just ran as much as I could. I came across another runner, Jessica who was having some stomach issues, and gave her a ginger chew I had. I just kept moving through the night….trying to get to Jen. Up and down, following the light of my headlamp, looking for trail markings.  After what seemed like an eternity, I got to Housewife Hill aid station. I told Jen, “I HAVE TO GET A NAP!” I ate some food, then laid in the back of the rental SUV, then crashed HARD for an hour. I needed that! I got up, got myself together and headed back out. Before I ventured out into the dark cold, I smiled at Jen and said, “This is stupid.”  I was kind of joking, kind of not.  I always come to a point where I question why I’m doing what I’m doing in an ultra.  I was pretty much making fun of myself.  The next section was supposed to be about 7 or so miles so I got out and felt real good about it.

Housewife Hill to Sierra at Tahoe (7ish miles)

This section was pretty easy with some runnable sections.  I remember the last mile or so being on paved road. Sierra at Tahoe was a nice resort!  I didn’t see Jen anywhere, but knew I was going to take another short nap. As I was about to go look for the car, I saw Jen passed out on one of the air mattresses.  I woke her enough to let her know I was going to nap for a bit. I slept for about 30 minutes, then took my time and got a burger and other food in my belly. At this point, I wasn’t too concerned about my time.  I just wanted to get through the race. It was here that Walt, one of the guys I had run with a bunch early on, was laid up on a mattress and feeling bad. Also, the girl Jessica was sleeping and was having trouble keeping her blood pressure up.  Thankfully, they would both bounce back and recover enough to finish strong thanks to Christina, the medical staff stationed there!  I took some extra time here because for the next 2 aid stations and 30 or so miles, I wouldn’t be able to see Jen because they weren’t crew accessible. I got here at around 6:30AM and left around 8AM.  

Sierra at Tahoe to Wright’s Lake (19 Miles)

This area would be a blur to me.  I just moved forward and did my thing.  I remember moving really well and making good time.  I passed a cliff area named Lover’s Leap. 

Things were great and I was in good spirits until I got to Wright’s Lake Road.  It was a paved section that was relentlessly uphill, exposed to the sun, in the middle of a hot day!  It was rough! I power hiked a bit with Dion who I found out was an Aussie who lived in France and was an author.  He told me the true story he wrote about a dog he adopted after it ran 80 miles with him on a stage race in China! It will be made into a movie at some point.  Really cool. He eventually took a break and I kept going. The heat was really getting to me. I was concerned, once again, about running out of water. Seventy ounces for almost 20 slow miles in the heat goes quickly.  When the road finally dumped me on an exposed trail, I found some water to filter. Thank goodness! I was beginning to hit somewhat of a low at this point. It was hot, I was tired, I wouldn’t see Jen for a bit! Yuck!  I got to the Wright’s Lake Aid Station at about 2:45 and hung out for about 30 minutes and refueled. This aid station was sponsored and run by the Squirrel’s nut Butter people. I met the owner and he even massaged my shoulders.  It was heavenly! Lol I was almost 162 miles into my journey and could smell the end. Less than 44 miles to go! The next aid station would be crewless also, but it was only 13.5 miles away. I got up and got to it!

Wright’s Lake to Tell’s Creek (13.5 Miles)

The next 13.5 miles were all a blur. (“blur” seems like a common theme here)  I ran into another runner named Miko. We stuck together in the dark and we just kept moving slowly.  We were both just trying to get to the next aid station and get a nap. I was getting tired. The miles were adding up on my mind and body.  I just zoned out and moved. I got to the Tell’s creek aid station about 8:15pm, ate some soup and another burger, and took a 30 minute nap. Then I was up and at it again.  It would only be 6.5 miles to Loon Lake.

Tell’s Creek to Loon Lake (6.5 miles)

This was another fuzzy section.  I would get to Loon Lake around 11:15 at night.  Jen was there, but sleeping in the car. Luckily, one of the aid station people found her.  She thought I’d be longer. I enjoyed visiting with the aid station volunteers here.  One of the ladies loaned me a cord to charge my phone while I rested.  I got there around 11:30, ate another burger, and ended up leaving around 1AM after another 40 minute nap in the back of the SUV.  After this one, I’d have only 24 miles to go. I could taste it. However, I had some nastiness to contend with in the next section of the course.

Loon Lake to Barker Pass (17 Miles)

This next section was where I hit my lowest low.  Rubicon jeep trails for miles and miles. Rocks, stones, boulders, dust.  In the dark it looked like I was on the surface of the moon. It was hard to judge holes and stones with the dust.  I stubbed my toe so many times. I stepped in holes so many times and almost tripped. It was miserable. Some of the markings had been moved so I had to pull out my gpx track quite a few times to figure out where in the moon I was supposed to go.  I was alone, it was cold, and I wanted to be done! At one point I came across these jeep guys camping. One of them mumbled something when my headlamp hit him. I just said, “Sorry!” and moved on. I was tired and sick of these jeep roads. I wanted to kick a jeep.  I was getting disoriented and ready to be off of these roads. Eventually, I found a rock on the side of the jeep road that wasn’t full of dust and took a 10 minute power nap. It helped. Shortly after, I was off of the jeep roads and going down the dirt roads ready to get to the aid station.  I was sleep walking/running again. Weaving all over the road. It was rough. I went through about 100 feet of freezing cold water crossing a stream that I realized I could have gone around when I was halfway through. Ugh. Only time I got my feet wet. Then, FINALLY, I got the the Barker’s pass aid station.  It would be 7 miles to the finish from here! So what did I do? With Jen’s help, I took off my wet shoes and socks, ate, and took a 30 minute nap. Yep…lol I had to. I put on a fresh pair of Altra Lone Peaks with some dry injinji socks and headed out to finish up these last 7 miles.

Barker Pass to FINISH LINE (7 Miles)

I was told that this section was 90 percent downhill.  Well, it sure didn’t start that way! It was an uphill slog for almost 2 miles.  But I moved with purpose. My watch had died so I was running with time in mind. I was told it would take about 2 hours to get down.  We’d see. Once I hit some comfortable downhills. I ran. I ran the whole last 4 or so miles. I could taste it. I was getting close and thought I was about to turn to the last slope.  A lump formed in my throat.

Now, I’ve never gotten emotional about finishing a race.  I’ve always been more emotional about others accomplishing their goals.  I cried when my wife finished her first marathon, but nothing for any of my races.  This felt different. I was so raw emotionally. So, as I got closer I felt the flood of emotions.  “Not yet. Hold it in. Keep it together….Not yet.” I realized I had another area to cross before I would make the final descent.  Then, I heard the crowds at the finish. I heard cheering and the end was in view. My face contorted and I sobbed as I ran hard to the finish.  I wanted to finish strong, so I did. I felt no pain. Just joy and a flood of emotion that I just can’t explain. I was about to finish the journey of 205 miles in the mountains, on foot.  I ran under the arch with tears in my eyes. I was done.

I could rest now!  I had accomplished my goal.  I deserved to be there. I could hang with the mountain goats!  I was 17th of the over 200 that had started and the only flatlander anywhere near this spot.  My body hurt, but it did not break. My emotions were stretched, but did not snap. My will was tested, but I stood firm.  Jen commented how she could tell I was tired and even confused at points, but I was never mean or short with her or anyone at the aid stations like she saw others doing.  I know sometimes emotions get away from us, but when we are scrubbed to our core like ultras do, we sometimes are shown parts of us that are a reality that we really don’t want to see.  I’m thankful, that what I saw, though not perfect, is not bad and getting better. During this whole race, I never listened to music or audiobooks that I had set aside in case I needed it.  I remained present, in each moment, as much as I could.

A big thanks to Jen taking care of me and missing her 25K so she could keep crewing me.  She stayed up and drove through some crazy places to be there for me. She’s an amazing wife.  I’m a blessed man. A big thanks to Angel, Christina, and Rachel. They were the medical personnel who took such good care of everyone with smiles on their faces.  And thanks to Candice and the volunteers for putting on such a great race with amazing aid stations.  I lost count of the number of burgers I ate.  Good stuff.

Also, a big shout out to Altra for amazing shoes in the Olympus 3.0!  Amazing shoe!  My feet were well protected.  I wore them for 198 miles and the only reason I switched into my Altra Lone Peaks was because I got the Olympus wet!  My Olympus took a beating through some rough, rocky terrain, but still have some life in them!  My injinji socks kept my toes happy!  My Altra shorts did a great job of keeping me chafe free and comfortable.  Also, to Tailwind for keeping my base fuel going while I hydrated.  I loved that they sponsored the race so I didn’t have to worry about carrying extra powder and could just fill up with the aid station mix.  My ultimate direction, SJ FKT pack was just right for this race.

Next up Arkansas Traveler 100……but now, recovery.