tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20008669053950982092024-03-12T18:32:49.338-07:00Don't Kopp OutDon't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-58411673706875969032023-09-30T12:03:00.001-07:002023-09-30T12:03:57.029-07:00Hallucination 100: Peace, Love, and JoyThe daunting thought of running 100 miles resurfaced. The memory of puking and losing the war with my GI system. Sleep deprivation. Dehydration. I mean, why would I not register for a 100-mile run with such joyful memories? Perhaps it was the Hallucination 100 being a more "tame" 100. With just 9,000 feet of climbing spread across 100 miles, I figured it would be a day full of peace, love, and joy. In reflection a few weeks after the event, I have concluded this was definitely in the top 5 easy 100s I've done. Coming into Hallucination, I felt prepared. Though I'm not one to put in 100s of miles in training, I did put in a couple of 80ish mile weeks with some intense climbing, and all at elevation (helps to live in the mountains). I also tested out different flavors of tailwind and wanted to try an all liquid diet that wasn't alcohol. No food for me for 100 miles. The focus was to implement what I have failed at in the past 100s I've done and see if I can make a teensy bit of improvement. Since my stomach is my greatest enemy, I didn't want that to ruin my race. Thankfully, it didn't here.<div><br /></div><div>The race started at 2 PM in the woods of Gregory, Michigan. Very unusual for a 100. But, I suppose they wanted everyone to hallucinate - hence the name - since everyone was more than very likely to be up all night to see and experience the sunrise the next morning. My parents and my friend Mark accompanied me on this one.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2EpfYhAs3Ebj3toSJToiE5bGPnfRDPIhY_tWiI_6to4IAapQOwFemERcPyF76JpaeOgK79zitTUis7A_PdMeparznteUaZoKr6XaNi0PxbWCwqQCS2Vyq7Z8NKeJ3gBQr8YmnFlSR7I9ixlEAEQFMlNon6W8eqqGZ0LJaTFl8rpwyiESXOo00B_yA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="480" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2EpfYhAs3Ebj3toSJToiE5bGPnfRDPIhY_tWiI_6to4IAapQOwFemERcPyF76JpaeOgK79zitTUis7A_PdMeparznteUaZoKr6XaNi0PxbWCwqQCS2Vyq7Z8NKeJ3gBQr8YmnFlSR7I9ixlEAEQFMlNon6W8eqqGZ0LJaTFl8rpwyiESXOo00B_yA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Another motivation on this one was the culture of the race. Everyone was in tie die, stoned, and maybe a little off the standard deviation charts of "normal" human beings, but I guess that is the general makeup of most ultra runners that I know (OK, maybe we aren't total druggies). This one just embraced it and added the colors to really enhance the experience. What happened in the camp I passed 6 times in the middle of the night, stayed in the camp.</div><div><br /></div><div>But to the race. Things started jolly and merry, as they always do. The course comprises 6, 17ish mile loops. Every aid station was about 4–6 miles apart. Logistically, that made things very simple. I came prepared with 0 drop bags and malfunctioning earbuds. Mark supplied both of these things for me (and thanks again, Mark).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOz97uUM9rqvx8SZG-VIG5mLWk1L6nO5zFDZZAbD1xOH8T9S51wmOcjp2jZ0UkfqUF5G9yW4kN-vcV13HZAi8kxCpNayHoFSdX-v1uSINlDOhmmehmRZPWKVDXxe59cDSQAss3FjhiBfN1wzbLENtTtotog6G3aZa_LBl0IIC05U4Ae1SuHep7yQHy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4020" data-original-width="2926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOz97uUM9rqvx8SZG-VIG5mLWk1L6nO5zFDZZAbD1xOH8T9S51wmOcjp2jZ0UkfqUF5G9yW4kN-vcV13HZAi8kxCpNayHoFSdX-v1uSINlDOhmmehmRZPWKVDXxe59cDSQAss3FjhiBfN1wzbLENtTtotog6G3aZa_LBl0IIC05U4Ae1SuHep7yQHy" width="175" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br />In costume for the culture of the event, I sported my mushroom inknburn shirt. We were now underway on loop 1. Mentally, I wanted to tell my brain to just run 6, 17-mile loops, not think of it as an aggregated 100 miles. This is usually how I break this distance up - small milestones that are more achievable rather than thinking of the whole thing. My brain told my body just repeat the 17 miles and it will advise when it should stop, just know it won't be immediate. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWDrLgIW7x438YrH6HSxFIO7qCLdH_CCwKd8G4Si0aACouBBsJzbZ4GBgcZHQOw_xTuwa7qSdOHyGgTnqdPrxAm_jyrDXlnvNCNvfe2EsspkwKU79ZuVXs5j3qQ27ojA4eWVuTYdPKwyLkfdXeenYVIefXIDf2IcWeelHwiDtJbxM5B_o_N3HuErdl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3160" data-original-width="2966" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWDrLgIW7x438YrH6HSxFIO7qCLdH_CCwKd8G4Si0aACouBBsJzbZ4GBgcZHQOw_xTuwa7qSdOHyGgTnqdPrxAm_jyrDXlnvNCNvfe2EsspkwKU79ZuVXs5j3qQ27ojA4eWVuTYdPKwyLkfdXeenYVIefXIDf2IcWeelHwiDtJbxM5B_o_N3HuErdl" width="225" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Once the race was underway, I found myself with a couple of 100k runners and a handful of 100 mile runners. We were being led by the eventual women's 100k winner. She was the lone woman in a group of 8 guys and was an excellent pacer until the course split between our distances and I never saw her the rest of the day and night. Also in the group was the eventual men's champion from Canada. I learned he won it last year and is a competitive marathon roadrunner. Admittedly, that was a worry coming into this. Although I came in with mountain legs, this really is not a hilly course and my training wasn't on flats at all. Having an entirely runnable course presents a different challenge, and the Canadian told me that he would be scared to do Mohican (a hilly course in OH, where I'm originally from). He likes his road and flat and said this is the max he would do on trails. Consider himself lucky this was the course ;).</div><div><br /></div><div>We all marched on together and we picked up some aid. A lot of the course reminded me of Ketlle Morraine in Wisconsin: lakes, locust trees, greenery, non-technical single track trails, and some wide roads. This makes for some speedy sections. My favorite parts of the course were the hills and the downhills. I am not a good flat runner and like the excuse to walk uphill and then get rewarded with free downhill running which is arguably my strong suit. However, my battle today would be the flats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once I saw my parents halfway through the first loop, I got some new tailwind and marched on. My parents met me at the start/finish and the third aid station. Because of the short distances between the aid stations, it made restocking my supplies very easy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Loop 2 is where the Canadian really started to take off. In fact, I never saw him again. There were a few others who also took off much earlier in the race and I was sitting between 4th-8th at the time. My hamstring was feeling a little wonky, but I think this usually happens early in races for me when I don't run for a few days and suddenly my body is realizing what is happening and acts up. Thankfully this didn't last all night. I remember lap 2 I wished I had more tailwind. I had one bladder full of water and another full of tailwind and I would restock with my parents every 8 miles. However, I realized that I wasn't drinking enough tailwind and getting enough calories. I started getting hungry halfway through this loop (mile 24ish) and picked up a single Oreo. Hard to believe, but that was the only Oreo I ate all day.- or food food for that matter. Like a child getting caught eating a chocolate chip cookie, that same guilt washed over me as I already broke my goal of sticking to liquid diet only. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I saw my parents, I changed out the water for the 2 bladders of tailwind. This was the strategy moving forward. I remember in another race someone told me that if you burp that is a good thing as your body is digesting food. Since tailwind is basically liquid cocaine, it dissolved easily in my bloodstream and gave me the sugars, and the burps, that I needed and tricked my body in thinking it was full - success!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1EgbPp8CZ-RPJQ5-05oFKI-A472kJaEvix9G-DAx1CJX04oBAW3ae7deWGJtPYwRDR_VjgoNCu9KQEsbAmt6hpI_z9Rg0vkIvrH8nQezTRika1RdZAcC_5zcf-tMvJDz7k_D4i5nnVMwHE8WUoL2fQicQY4rRgLby-jyTIGdUyFY_jsWIsPJE9iJz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="446" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1EgbPp8CZ-RPJQ5-05oFKI-A472kJaEvix9G-DAx1CJX04oBAW3ae7deWGJtPYwRDR_VjgoNCu9KQEsbAmt6hpI_z9Rg0vkIvrH8nQezTRika1RdZAcC_5zcf-tMvJDz7k_D4i5nnVMwHE8WUoL2fQicQY4rRgLby-jyTIGdUyFY_jsWIsPJE9iJz" width="198" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now I made it to loop 3 and saw my parents and Mark there. Nightfall was imminent as it was around 7 PM. I got my headlamp, tailwind, and headed back out. I probably made it 15 more minutes and had my headlamp on at 7:30 PM. That is depressing. 5.5 hours in the daylight and I knew that I would be up all night. Likely another 12 hours of running with a headlamp and not seeing where you are going. Because sleep is something I struggle with, I made it a point to change out the batteries of my headlamp every 1.5 hours to get the max light when I saw my parents. At this point, my body was still feeling strong. The hamstring issue dissipated, and now Van Halen was telling me to "Jump" in the middle of the woods. A suiting song for what happened next. Since I wasn't as attentive to my steps being a smoother course, one of the three total tree roots on the entire loop reached up with its sharp and woody claws seemingly out of the earth and pulled me down to its woody abyss. I fell about halfway through loop three and got angry. Angry at the root for being so mean, and angry at myself for not paying attention. Similar to how I trip on flat concrete on an almost daily basis, this single root got the best of me. Rule #1 of trail running - never look up without stopping. I broke the golden rule and paid the price.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, no major damage was done, just the annoyance of having to pick myself up off the ground. I saw my parents again and got more of the tailwind. I was still feeling really strong and continued on to the road section here before going back on the single trail. I also started to pass some people in the dark of the night and was getting more motivation from that, too. The next thing I knew, I was at the last aid station. It was run be a sweet couple with a motor home and they had a tent in the middle of the woods offering water, pickles, M&Ms and the like. They were my favorite volunteers and I always thanked them when I went through their station. The last section of the loop is the hilliest and arguably my favorite. Everyone on the course was like, "it's pretty hilly at the end." All I could think of is what a great thing. Proof that one person's trash is another person's treasure.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0lpEn9kP4aWNATvf1BeqE8O_TFMsjGKF0M6QMlZn1krxS2a6wFUF4tUtQtdzuZahHgDmtYIJP_-dVb9fsWeJsNiMjydkbZ9PolVcxgCIgFDARlUgu4rd1Uh1Ea6bmgrTGrIJ-bB6gmC-CBUD29c9nv9e1J98-eCfZJXsoN_MWyCG7ByNaVTrJ6G84" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0lpEn9kP4aWNATvf1BeqE8O_TFMsjGKF0M6QMlZn1krxS2a6wFUF4tUtQtdzuZahHgDmtYIJP_-dVb9fsWeJsNiMjydkbZ9PolVcxgCIgFDARlUgu4rd1Uh1Ea6bmgrTGrIJ-bB6gmC-CBUD29c9nv9e1J98-eCfZJXsoN_MWyCG7ByNaVTrJ6G84" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>At loop 4 I saw my parents again. They gave me my second caffeine pill so I don't sleep run and changed my batteries again. I tried being very quick in and out of the aid stations as that is what gobbles up your time and you get nothing in return, just a longer day on your feet. My parents did a great job getting what I needed. I hit another high and was moving very well. Getting to the first aid station after the start/finish is what took the longest in my opinion. It just seemed to go on forever. I continued passing people. Not once had I looked at my watch so I had no clue what time of night it was. I just knew it was dark and I couldn't see anything and haven't for several hours.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I saw my parents halfway through loop 4, I requested more batteries and my dad said "more again?" Not my proudest moment, but I was being a whiny baby and snippy and told him to please just get them. Arguing about batteries in the middle of the night was one of the last things I wanted to do. My parents probably don't believe me that I'm usually kind to volunteers at the aid stations, but for some reason, I am definitely the meanest to them. Maybe it is psychological and all the times they made me help on the farm is now karma making them help me in the middle of the woods changing lights and bladders. Who knows. I did apologize and mom said "you are always this way to us during these, it's OK." That made me feel better and worse at the same time. They didn't have to be out here doing this, but I guess I've already made their expectations so low on my attitude with them that they braced themselves for it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once I got the batteries, I headed back out and went through the winding trails until I got to the last aid station and was glad that the hilly section was left, and then I will be 2/3 done. The main start/finish is definitely the most motivating part. Once I hit the aid station I got more of my tailwind and saw a guy named James come in as well. He looked super strong and of course he also was a 100 mile runner, too. At this point I was running in 2nd. I passed a handful of people over the last 2 loops and just needed to sustain this.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBXlMkruhVIPItHdAWvDxKxNzY7W0AxumWVpSUg4g_iAc6k8VZsvf2sU2ic0_IfcduU-ur69Tr5Hgm67MUDzL1_6R9J20iaVGVfZJBjx6fM10KLTz2B0S8tI_zBKuNjjTjUt9nyKbTMcMr60eFjUhEQgSz5yEFOtL2SOUcVykD3ASVQ4JHFGLnq6bb" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="337" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBXlMkruhVIPItHdAWvDxKxNzY7W0AxumWVpSUg4g_iAc6k8VZsvf2sU2ic0_IfcduU-ur69Tr5Hgm67MUDzL1_6R9J20iaVGVfZJBjx6fM10KLTz2B0S8tI_zBKuNjjTjUt9nyKbTMcMr60eFjUhEQgSz5yEFOtL2SOUcVykD3ASVQ4JHFGLnq6bb" width="186" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I spoke with James briefly and he was doing the Midwest Grandslam: 4 100s in the Midwest within 6 months. Very impressive. He was from Chicago and we made small talk. As we headed out together someone in the hippy camp yelled "Go California!" That gave me a chuckle and made me wonder who would've said that - who knows! I'm not sure people in that camp even knew where they were at after smelling the 420 pretty heavily.</div><div><br /></div><div>Loop 5 was the worst. At this point, it was probably 3 in the morning. My quads were not happy. Shocking given the amount of mountain climbing I did and how flat this course was, but it was the quads and not the stomach that were revolting now. Although downhill is my favorite, I was definitely feeling it. I definitely felt like I was pushing through a stone wall and wasn't making much progress. Getting to that first aid station felt like a really, really long time. Despite it all being runnable, I could feel myself getting lazy. Granted this was mile 75ish, I didn't feel great walking some of the flats. Even the smallest uphill I justified walking. My quads kept getting a bit worse and I was a bit surprised that no one passed me. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj90CclgYv1gwLQ0cQZR1ACa-4YUvBGBMthwqD2PDBe_XJCxoUzDS00-BcM_xPhYI3m5BA60L3G48McrtN-QSt2ifWYloTWZTRlR-IrGOHZAifNolOz-w1jBa-4aM4qj-ilOi3Za4QlZyFKIH-vDLN6O41SpAQP0ap76RjRQRNSEADcx4O7SO69jcbZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="454" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj90CclgYv1gwLQ0cQZR1ACa-4YUvBGBMthwqD2PDBe_XJCxoUzDS00-BcM_xPhYI3m5BA60L3G48McrtN-QSt2ifWYloTWZTRlR-IrGOHZAifNolOz-w1jBa-4aM4qj-ilOi3Za4QlZyFKIH-vDLN6O41SpAQP0ap76RjRQRNSEADcx4O7SO69jcbZ" width="191" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My parents weren't at the halfway point as they needed to get some shut eye, but they were kind to leave my bladders full so I just traded them out with my current ones and headed back out. I kept slogging to the last aid station and I was so glad that I was nearing the final lap. I saw the couple again and thanked them again for being out there all night. They said they are glad they will only have to see me one more time. I laughed and headed out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, lap 6! Once you hit mile 80 of a 100 mile race, unless a bone is sticking out or your puking blood, there really are no excuses to not finish, even if you are crawling to the end. The only thing I was missing from this lap was the detrimental bodily malfunctions, but I made up for it with gargantuan amounts of self-pity and woe is Nick melodrama. Once I got passed on this lap by the eventual second placer and his pacer, that is when my self-taught theatrical performance kicked in when I saw my parents. This guy breezed past me like he just started and I was on the brink of death. My quads just gave up since halfway of loop 5. Not my proudest self reflection moment, but I couldn't help but hope and wonder if he felt even remotely as bad as me. We covered the same ground but why was he feeling so much better? Did his pacer shower him with magical potion water that heals all muscles and bones? Whatever fairy dust he was drinking, I needed some of that.</div><div><br /></div><div>They headed out and I tried keeping up on the dirt road but it was over catching that guy and I knew that. He had a pacer and just got major motivation passing me. The writing was on the wall of me securing second, but I started reflecting that I didn't puke at all during the night and overall felt really good. I pressed on and walked a bit until the final aid station. They said "good riddance" and I thanked them again was so glad my time out here was nearing. At least my headlamp was gone and the sun was out and breathing new life on me (and probably everyone else). <br /><br />I passed a lot more people on this section and tramped up the final hills. When I ws close to the finish I got another wind and felt a bit emotional. Running 100 miles is usually an emotional journey, and I was so glad to have completed another with minimal damage and overall feeling good.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVpChtoblxkqCa9ViyxIBd2ghqm1GBYC5QpICO3AXXR1JhI4IWcWTVFVDUPKX5m61zAVllqxGbCiCSGPhHbMs51HhTrtH_DHqY9LdBXFwFh1NIDCm4rFsymUSP316nQjvWX1npN8-WJdfBdiiBv_ZbPtnyfKzRSVX1-2KdK7apxHUrE-zBR00XGAfS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3904" data-original-width="2909" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVpChtoblxkqCa9ViyxIBd2ghqm1GBYC5QpICO3AXXR1JhI4IWcWTVFVDUPKX5m61zAVllqxGbCiCSGPhHbMs51HhTrtH_DHqY9LdBXFwFh1NIDCm4rFsymUSP316nQjvWX1npN8-WJdfBdiiBv_ZbPtnyfKzRSVX1-2KdK7apxHUrE-zBR00XGAfS" width="179" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finishing in 18:37, I hit my goal of sub 19. As much as I would've liked to get second, I was very glad with the result. Everything really went according to plan and the weather was incredible. I was stoked that the tailwind works so well and that could be the resolve for the stomach issues. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlLFIxBtEghh0CnASseGZ9rQg4FhsdRvkDSQ71DPGIVfbznUuLnpNKyaiggzm_TA7_shVLBvhs-nG_LwlqpzkclICnyOYsmysmAnbh9sBzrOgoBOTpSNp4FPZRWPnSgs-KxonPxTEyOmAatnaYEcM8oVX384su4NZT-J5eZSA_tqH6z0l-hX1OWg4E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3439" data-original-width="2482" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlLFIxBtEghh0CnASseGZ9rQg4FhsdRvkDSQ71DPGIVfbznUuLnpNKyaiggzm_TA7_shVLBvhs-nG_LwlqpzkclICnyOYsmysmAnbh9sBzrOgoBOTpSNp4FPZRWPnSgs-KxonPxTEyOmAatnaYEcM8oVX384su4NZT-J5eZSA_tqH6z0l-hX1OWg4E" width="173" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Onward to the next!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Don't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-3989471894077314272022-08-28T19:35:00.001-07:002022-08-28T19:35:52.432-07:00Kodiak 100: A Date With The Bear<p>Ultrannuning can sometimes be fun and other times disastrous. The experience at Kodiak was a lot of both. Similar to how the sun rises and falls, ocean currents wade up and down the sandy beach, and pulling the switch turns the light on and off - the highs and lows at Kodiak were as consistent as a clock.</p><p>Mediocre spaghetti was the meal of choice before the big run. Though lacking in flavor, it got the job done and I was relieved to have escaped the hordes of people at race check-in (I was like the 10th person in line). The most taxing part about ultrarunning is the wait. Not sure if I'm one of the few that gets anxious days leading up to it - the night before especially - but it is by far my least favorite part. After settling in my hotel the night before, I think I heard and saw every hour of the night. I didn't sleep well and was dreading the 4:07 AM alarm that I had set (for some irrational reason, I think picking a random alarm time when it's set to be super early tricks the brain into thinking it will sleep in). Unfortunately, my theory was wrong, and my anxiety got the better of me. Not sleeping the night before a 100 mile run isn't unusual for me, so I was least grateful the wait was over.</p><p>With the race starting promptly at 6, I put on all my gear, ate my normal breakfast (3 eggs with a bagel and lots of butter), and then drove the half mile to the start of the race. I received my GPS tracker at check-in, made sure all my food was ready, and then put my three drop bags at their respective locations: Nordic Rim (mile 25), Cushenbury (mile 55), and Sugarloaf (mile 67 and 81). Kodiak has 17,000 feet of climbing, so I wanted trekking poles but didn't want to carry them until I got to the 3,000-foot climb up to Sugarloaf (mile 67), and also the highest point of the race (just under 10,000 feet). Sidenote: Those who know me know that I'm a TERRIBLE planner - I'm spontaneous in a lot of ways (which probably explains why I finish races in trashbags sometimes) Needless to say, I was proud of my organization.</p><p>The clock hit 6:00, and it was time to run. My primary goal this race was to finish under 24 hours. In 2021 only 6 people were under a day, so I knew it was going to be brutal and a respectable goal. Though there is a decent amount of climbing, I assumed (and can now confirm), that the long, exposed sections of the race at elevations between 7,000-10,000 is what destroys most people. Sunscreen and water quickly become your best friends.</p><p>The first aid station was 6.5 miles out. Nothing really stuck out from this section aside from there being lots of runners in groups and many rolling hills. The real fun started at Champion (mile 14). This is the section you go down Siberia Canyon and then up the other side. First off, the name is epic. Being the middle of August, I knew this wasn't going to be a nice North Pole tour with elves and talking bears, but more like an unwanted Saharan expedition down abandoned trails. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhrikqev37ichv0ktzdbMEdPlZEqMc6BWcOyR-5bvNoVU2wP7jIENmAK8kzWB1eYk5K9FgWiPlb_M_yN1WHYpUNPywIG59l0zGCE15KaIPcPhkTVPNFylOKUCbz0Ht5RC5-KEyTCQc1twcOxu0MaMTtaTMNiJKq6UTHcDcb_6xUwBL6MZHpsLrQ/s4032/PXL_20220819_163147610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhrikqev37ichv0ktzdbMEdPlZEqMc6BWcOyR-5bvNoVU2wP7jIENmAK8kzWB1eYk5K9FgWiPlb_M_yN1WHYpUNPywIG59l0zGCE15KaIPcPhkTVPNFylOKUCbz0Ht5RC5-KEyTCQc1twcOxu0MaMTtaTMNiJKq6UTHcDcb_6xUwBL6MZHpsLrQ/s320/PXL_20220819_163147610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The downhill was a lot of fun. I remember moving very nicely through this section, following a runner up ahead. What struck me was the dramatic landscape all around me. It was a sharp green mountain that jets in the sky across from me. I also was taking in all of the manzanitas on this section. This trail could also be called "Eye Poker Trail." It seemed I was tunneling through and contorting my body through narrow trails and had to dodge scraggly eye-poking shrubs. Every plant on this section was sharp. They were playing a game of who can get the most pokes on the incoming runners. My last observation was that we were descending - and a lot. </p><p>This eventually flattened out and we were boulder hopping in the canyon. The bugs were atrocious. They were extra motivation to keep moving as they were swarming everywhere. There was a stream we crossed and an "aid station" at the bottom of Siberia Canyon. They intelligently were wearing nets around their faces and very graciously donating water before the steep climb. I filled the pack up and headed out. </p><p>Siberia Canyon is one of the lows of Kodiak. Despite living an hour away and training on parts of the course, I was not prepared for Siberia Canyon. It is a 3,000 foot climb up to Nordic with 0 shade. By the time I got here it was late morning - perfect for the midday sun to cook. Though 81 may not sound too hot, it is awful at elevations of 7,000+ when there is no shade - it's like being put in an environmental microwave. It was this section that a handful of people passed me. Though I was mostly acclimitized to running at this elevation, something about the sun just destroyed me. It felt like the whole world passed me here.</p><p>However, I kept climbing. I could hear voices not far away and I was sweating profusely. Thankfully I made the summit shortly therafter as my water supply was empty. I crossed the road and was flabbergasted to see my friends - Brian and Matt. It was definitely a pick me up, and it did give me some life back. At Nordic I had my first drop bag. I restocked on the only foods I planned to eat that day: Oreos, apple sauce, and Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup. I drank a whole soup and took the other one with me. </p><p>The next stop was Green Valley Lake. I've run here before and knew the area. I had a high from seeing Brian and Matt. I also think the calories from the soup kicked in as well. It was nice to run some trails I've been on before. However, despite knowing Green Valley, I also knew that it was a long, exposed section of the race. Once at the aid station, they made sure we had two liters of water as the next one was 10 miles out. Though I've done races with them longer, this was totally exposed. It was also the middle of the day so the best to get fried as well.</p><p>I restocked and went out with a handful of guys. I think I've confirmed there are two types of runners: those who do it for social reasons and others who do it for the nature reasons. I'm in the latter. It's not that I am not a social person, but there is something about the total disconnect that I treasure in these events. When the groups started mingling, I was cloistering on different parts of the road.</p><p>Eventually, the groups got broken up (namely, they kept driving forward). This was another low of the race. I was about 1/3 of the way and I had to get Oreos out of my bag. I went to get it and everything fell out of the pack. When I say "everything", I mean everything but my two water packs in the front: GPS, Oreos, apple sauces, Skullcandy headset, and Campbell's Chicken Soup. I played cleanup and pressed on. As I kept going, I heard someone say "are you number 60!?" from afar. I turned around, and lo and behold, there was my GPS tracker! It was the one thing I left behind as the other runner picked it up. </p><p>After realizing I was shunning people, it was people, aka another person, who saved my race. Oh, the irony of that. Tim was his name and I greatly appreciate him catching up and giving it to me. We then ran for a little bit on that section, but he was definitely feeling more chatty than me. He said if he gets to mile 87 and has to crawl to the finish, he would go all 36 hours if he had to. Admittedly, I admired his mindset, as I was being a little whiny baby in my brain at that point. If I'm also being honest, I was also a little annoyed he was feeling way better than me. "Misery loves company" and this company was being a lot more optimistic than me and just didn't understand me (boo-hoo). But, I was healthily motivated from him. Later I learned he did finish in 31 hours, so congrats Tim!</p><p> I was getting that feeling of not really wanting food. I think the heat of the day was getting to me. Therefore, I wasn't eating, and I could feel myself slowing. This was the early signs of what has historically bankrupted a few of my races. Though mechanically things were ticking perfectly, the stomach is the dictator of the body, and the stomach and the rest of my body have had some sharp disagreements. </p><p>I did get a few Oreos down and got a second wind. I passed Tim for good and pressed on to Hana Flats. I remember this section being mostly flat and I did more walking than I should have. I'd give myself a C- on nutrition on this leg. I didn't eat a lot and I was getting early signs of bonking (totally having no energy due to no calories) and knew I had to eat a few more Oreos.</p><p>I got to this aid station and immediately put in my ear buds. Next stop was the Van Halen Aid Station (that's what I called it). That was at mile 47. This section was going through a campground and up a long, gravel road. The next thing I knew, I was on the PCT and had sensational views of Big Bear Lake and the high desert to the east - it was sensational. Running along the PCT was again planting the seed of doing the entire PCT from Mexico to Canada. Maybe someday. It then turned into a downhill and this was when I excelled. Downhill running is something I'm quite decent at. I caught up to a number of runners and got a second wind. These were all of the runners who got ahead of me at Green Valley Lake.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5gbdBXKCvoDI9XU1PxZR5fJyB6-8NwBM6yLQViTK-QuLv4M1rgT4wm5uN_LqfeNy_EGzlYKafpONBCZHjI0wVqz3XJHqW2rkTZWT0GEGW3R7ue6yWVsmxZnXhYvuRRed9bxW9SETxSQU_9rVnq_CgJSgQBB6DlriOgp3rm53a8oAvDWI2TmfUw/s4032/PXL_20220819_225316656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5gbdBXKCvoDI9XU1PxZR5fJyB6-8NwBM6yLQViTK-QuLv4M1rgT4wm5uN_LqfeNy_EGzlYKafpONBCZHjI0wVqz3XJHqW2rkTZWT0GEGW3R7ue6yWVsmxZnXhYvuRRed9bxW9SETxSQU_9rVnq_CgJSgQBB6DlriOgp3rm53a8oAvDWI2TmfUw/s320/PXL_20220819_225316656.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Next thing I knew I was at Van Halen. What impressed me most here were the aid station volunteers. They were some of my favorites. There was a lady who would respond on command and her two kids were mini drill sergeants. Whatever I asked was done with two adult and 4 kids hands coming at me with aid. Their efficiency was impressive, and I very much appreciated all of their help!</p><p>From here I started to head to Cushenbury. This was when things went downhill, and not literally, unfortunately. Shortly after leaving, I had a banana and left the other runners I came in with. That was when the stomach revolted the first time. I'll spare the details, but the score is Stomach:1 Body:0. I kept hiking but knew the stomach was something I was now going to have to deal with. I was hoping my diet of Oreos and apple sauce for most of the day would keep it happy. That wasn't the case. I walked a bit as it was uphill and then got motivated to run the second half as it was all down hill. The views of the desert was amazing, but I wasn't fully enjoying it as I was running out of energy. </p><p>In most races I'm not happy when the sun goes down. In this one I couldn't wait. The sun sucked the life out of me, similar to how my Shark vacuum sucks up the Skittles that I drop on the floor. I also knew that the soups would be coming out which really seem to work for me. </p><p>When I got to Cushenbury (55) I grabbed some food and took off as soon as I could. The unfortunate part is I had no energy. I don't usually like hanging out at aid stations so I chose a boulder off the trail this time. I sat and ate some food with the hopes that my stomach would settle. After seeing a handful of runners go by, they graciously asked if I needed anything. I am always impressed with the hospitality at these events. We do generally try to take care of each other and there are many small acts of kindnesses that demonstrate that. After eating a banana, soup, and apple sauce, I took off. It probably wasn't 10 steps more that the stomach settled the score again. Now I was in real trouble.</p><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p><p>The next few miles were a slog to Burns. This was most frustrating as it was still daylight and you could see, temps went down, and it was runnable. Though mechanically I could, the calories weren't there to support it so it was a lot of walking. A lot of the people I passed earlier passed me again. This was the lowest point of the course. Eventually I got into Burns and took a seat at their aid station. I was extra delighted because Cushenbury said there were no volunteers at Burns (the Burns people were offended when I broke the news).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhqTTt3v_fPASyyBLgGAo7RWH3xWIPgh8uQwlw11I00dgRGE9kQduhQpdIJggJptuk6VVklbh4y0xkpxPcFpqQMhDryh8vHescM4I1jXkHL2Ve0pzSqvF9iBnX_9DFxGUN9FGfLNADd0YtitW28cs6uoqrNSZXYCgBb0WO9ooB3rCdXsIXLQ7Ig/s4032/PXL_20220820_021502490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhqTTt3v_fPASyyBLgGAo7RWH3xWIPgh8uQwlw11I00dgRGE9kQduhQpdIJggJptuk6VVklbh4y0xkpxPcFpqQMhDryh8vHescM4I1jXkHL2Ve0pzSqvF9iBnX_9DFxGUN9FGfLNADd0YtitW28cs6uoqrNSZXYCgBb0WO9ooB3rCdXsIXLQ7Ig/s320/PXL_20220820_021502490.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Here I recuperated and got my bearings. I also turned my headlamp on and headed to Sugarloaf. This section I'll call the "The Stupid Hill and Mental Destruction." Halfway in this 9 mile section, I got to a national forest road and a sign that said "closed." Well, we go under that sign and up this steep hill. What I didn't expect was the steep hill to last for a really long time. I don't remember seeing this on the map and the aid station workers didn't really warn me about anything up ahead. I think when it comes to doing these events, having false realities can be really destructive mentally. I kept going up this hill which had tons of jagged rocks, you slip backwards a little with each step, and it just kept going forever. I also thought how nice it would be to have my trekking poles, which, thankfully were awaiting me at Sugarloaf at the next aid station. The one positive of this section is when I had the headlamp on, I noticed bats swooping right in front of me to get easy bug prey that was attracted to the light. I felt like Batman, but cooler.</p><p>The Stupid Hill continued. And continued. And continued. Until it didn't! It flattened out and I was gaining momentum as we started to go downhill. I knew that at the bottom of the hill would be Sugarloaf which had my aid - and trekking poles. I eventually got to Sugarloaf and looked for my bag with the trekking poles. Tony, the eventual winner, had already completed Sugarloaf and come back from Balky Horse. I was impressed.</p><p>After finding my bag I noticed my poles weren't there...I kept looking, thinking it was a mistake but no, they were not there! Now, the mental state I was in was full saltiness mixed with a lot of feelings of self-entitlement that I had to have those trekking poles. It felt like someone who just keeps throwing water in your face. Pure annoyance. What I did notice was that another bag had trekking poles which resembled mine a lot. They were REI, slightly warn, and red. I commented to the aid station volunteers and they thought the same - that I shouldn't take them. They said they would look into it. </p><p>Now Ann was trying to settle me down as I knew Sugarloaf was the hardest part of the course. At mile 67 you climb to 10,000 feet and up about 2,900 on loose rock. I wanted my trekking poles. I even planned to have my trekking poles here. It felt like I disobeyed the disorganizational gods and they were punishing me for being so prepared. Ann eventually let me borrow hers. What I'll say about Ann is she is about 5'2 and her trekking poles were up to my quad. But, it was better than nothing. The other high is I saw my neighbors, Savannah and Gabe. I was not expecting them and it was a very pleasant surprise, though they definitely saw me in a less than enthusiastic state.</p><p>Even though I was hunchbacked going up Sugarloaf, the trekking poles were extremely efficient. I had also trained on this mountain so I knew what to expect on the worse of the trail. My stomach was also tolerating the soup and I was getting energy back. All I remember about Sugarloaf is I made a lot of progress. I saw headlamps up ahead and pressed on. Someone who made the summit said "this is soulcrushing" as he was going back down and I was going up. I felt much stronger than he looked and knew others were suffering as I was gaining up to many of them.</p><p>Maybe it was Ann's magic trekking poles, the fact I could hold food down, or a combination of things, all I know is things were really coming along. There were groups of people I passed and I got to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain at about midnight. Two women were at the top and they punched a hole in my bib. I turned around and knew I wanted to put the foot to the floor. I made excellent headway on this section and passed more groups of people. I was basically sprinting past them. This was exactly how I wanted to feel. The moon was a bloody crest in the sky, protected by the diamond-like stars surrounding it. </p><p>It was all downhill and I made great progress. I put my music back in and was jamming to tunes at midnight on a mountain. I got to Balky Horse, grabbed some soup, and headed back out. It was all downhill. When I got back to Sugarloaf for mile 81, Ann said that the other bag that had my trekking poles hadn't come in yet, so she let me continue with hers (I later learned those trekking poles were mine and they were accidentally put into the other bag when they were being transported).</p><p>I took a caffeine pill to help me stay awake, and kept pressing on. I could feel my body getting stronger. It astounds me what my body is capable of when it gets the energy that it needs. The next section was relatively flat. It did include some pavement which hurt a little but eventually saw some other runners and decided to put the pedal to the metal again. Next thing I knew I was at Skyfall (or so I called it). </p><p>Here I grabbed my provisions, noticed another runner and kept going. It was a slight uphill and then down, down, down. If the former hill was "The Stupid Hill", then this one was "The Stupid Downhill." It never ended. I do love downhill running, but when it just goes on and on and on, it gets annoying. Eventually it did flatten out and there was an aid station at the bottom. It was a guy who just gave water out before the big climb.</p><p>Since I was warned on this one, I found this to be signficantly easier than Siberia Canyon. Sugarloaf is on a whole different playing field as well. However, I do think when you're mentally prepared that a section will be hard and it is, it feels less punishing when you get to the hard part. Having false expectations and false realities is what's hurt the most. I think the same could be said of life. Here the sun was coming up as well, or at least partial light. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzN2VksMW8NOht6XfGMWRQaPWI2J-3tkPR6Xef8rakLavj_nP14GhG9xLCFieos6gaHOauzy5hFmafMjhv6rymoLGUyyTB6VYNd_ybS_mtwqDY7OUArDXc-ogiBU02Tw_coJM16t28HR6kzwx1A02ejkCQDS2BPXCnFzhlD7omOj9gshkpSYChQ/s3264/PXL_20220820_125624875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1836" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzN2VksMW8NOht6XfGMWRQaPWI2J-3tkPR6Xef8rakLavj_nP14GhG9xLCFieos6gaHOauzy5hFmafMjhv6rymoLGUyyTB6VYNd_ybS_mtwqDY7OUArDXc-ogiBU02Tw_coJM16t28HR6kzwx1A02ejkCQDS2BPXCnFzhlD7omOj9gshkpSYChQ/s320/PXL_20220820_125624875.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I pressed up the hill and eventually got to the final aid station. I was so relieved to make it to mile 96. The race was over at this point. I learned all of the volunteers stayed up all night. We all seemed a little loopy and laughed at pretty much everything. After grabbing a ginger ale, I headed out. Thankfully this was mostly all downhill. I was so happy to know the finish was in sight. I knew I was going to miss my 24 hour goal, but I was happy with how I readjusted that goal and overcame circumstances that just got thrown at me. I'm also happy with the final push at the end and feeling better at the end of a 100 than I think I've ever felt. </p><p>Once I hit the pavement, deep relief overwhelmed me. It was an amazing feeling to know that I just ran around all of Big Bear Valley. It was a beautiful experience and I'm so grateful that I got to experience it. I could see the sign ahead with the time of 24:33. The race directors congratulated me and I got the Kodiak 100 belt buckle - and 7th overall. There were about 105 that started and 69 finished, so congrats to all of those who did. The drop rate was certainly higher than most I've run, and I can see why.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurg7JeCLnilBpgn-sxH6Fh59sfpU6wSfoyRo1SnNuStT77vB5pAETUnN8XTu4gQkNywwaLhygwOctdLM8zYMZqO9L5GW6x2daghUOwnSXDiNQVzPjECtq9QUNli0S30pWNRijMdwkmTiytddOgRBkzcf4xB_jiRCvA_zPUbgGeYmnQ7GRgnanAA/s4032/PXL_20220820_205643022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurg7JeCLnilBpgn-sxH6Fh59sfpU6wSfoyRo1SnNuStT77vB5pAETUnN8XTu4gQkNywwaLhygwOctdLM8zYMZqO9L5GW6x2daghUOwnSXDiNQVzPjECtq9QUNli0S30pWNRijMdwkmTiytddOgRBkzcf4xB_jiRCvA_zPUbgGeYmnQ7GRgnanAA/s320/PXL_20220820_205643022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Given that I was at 15th at one point, I couldn't be more pleased with passing 8-9 people on the last 20 miles. I felt strong and I think there are some takeways from this race. The last couple haven't been the most smooth, but they certainly continue to test me mentally and physically, and there is just something primal about them that has me going back for more.</p><p>Thanks to the race directors, volunteers, friends family, and others who supported me, both in-person and in spirit. It's much appreciated!</p>Don't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-46245499106446108202020-03-13T11:37:00.001-07:002020-03-13T11:37:05.402-07:00Lone Star 100: An Unexpected Journey<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Never would I have thought that Texas has mountains. In fact, if you had asked me, I probably would have laughed and said, "no way!" This changed when I came across a local race in El Paso called Lone Star 100. Rob Gurney created a masterpiece of a course comprising of 3 loops in Franklin Mountain State Park, averaging about 34 miles per loop. In fact, the course starts at about 4,000 feet of elevation and you climb to just about 7,200 at the highest point on North Franklin Peak. The elevation is one thing but the scree fields you go on are a whole different playing field.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">When I registered for Lone Star 100 3 weeks before the start, I knew going in that finishing was my number one priority. Truth is I haven't ran a 100 miler since June of 2018. No doubt going in the pain cave was a fleeting memory, but something I missed and so finishing was really all I cared about. My second goal was to control the stomach. Historically GU and other sugary foods never really did the trick for me. It is good for 20-40 miles, but then my body starts to puke incessantly. This ruined my last 100 attempt at Superior in Minnesota when I couldn't keep anything down. I was super dizzy and seeing doubles of everything. It all centralized around nutrition. So, going in, I was willing to experiment a bit and forego the GU. Although a bit risky, I don't believe in insanity in doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I'm a firm believer that growth means change and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown. That unknown for me in this race was baby food, and boy did that pay dividends, but more on that later.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I was also lucky in that my good friend, Mark, was willing to tag along. I met Mark in San Diego and he has been instrumental in figuring out nutrition and helping me look at it totally different than I had before. Although he doesn't prefer running, we did go on a few hikes with me and was really intrigued with the sport and wanted to tag along to which I had no qualms. It is also worth mentioning that he was fantastic at crewing and knew what I needed before I got there-a rare trait for someone who's never done the sport!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">To the start. The "race" started at 5:00 AM MT. Surprisingly, I slept great the night before which isn't always the case. But now it was time to get situated and ready. When I got to the start, there were about 40 of us there. Rob sent us off and there we went!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Loop one was all about getting to know the course and taking it easy. Since I wasn't approaching this as a race but something to just finish, I certainly didn't push the pace at the start. I followed a core group of people up the initial incline, and boy was it an incline. Not only that, but it was loose rocks that were super slippery. Since I don't really study course descriptions before a race, it is always a little surprise of what I'm actually in for. This start was also how we would finish and I had to do this section six times. The 5.5 miles is just a quick loop, that aside from that first climb, was fairy simple (all relative to the course, of course). I met a girl named Rachel who didn't finish last year and that was what she was gunning for (and glad to say she eventually did!)-to make it to the finish. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">After passing Rachel I continued making my way up to the group leaders of about 5. This included Alyson and the eventual 2nd place male. We were making good headway and we got to a flat section. This eventually led to a gradual incline and there we were-back to the beginning! It is also worth noting that the 100k runners were about to start. So 5.5 miles had taken about an hour. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">This is where the fun really started. I got my things and started to head to the steepest part of the entire course. Below is a pic for reference:</span></div>
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The scree section reminds me of a lot of Ouray's technical down hill, but worse. It is like an old Disney movie where there is a beautiful paved road with flowers and butterflies that leads to the dark lord's fortress. However, with any good classic Disney movie, there was success getting up it. I was blessed to hike this section with Alyson. Alyson happened to win the women's division the past 2 years and would be the eventual champion again for her third straight win. She knew the course well and communicated that being sub 24 hours on this course was her goal. When I heard this, I knew she meant to win it outright. </div>
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Prior to coming here, I did see that there were only 3 sub 24 hour times on this course and 2/3 were the same guy, Karl Meltzer, the same guy who has won more 100s than anyone alive. He also has the 2nd fastest known time doing all 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Basically, sub 24 seemed other-worldly to me, but was very impressed with Alyson's fortitude. I think it brushed on me a little bit too.</div>
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We also started talking about other races that we did as we both were dodging the jagged rocks, walking straight up the highest point of the race, North Franklin Peak. However, before getting there we would have to stop at Mundy's Gap Aid Station which was about halfway up. Although this section to that aid station was only about 2.5 miles, you would think that would be no time. However, when you go straight up it can take a while.</div>
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After connecting with Alyson, I was surprisingly feeling pretty good and decided to march on. I honestly had no intention of taking the lead for the sole purpose of trying to win, but more because I felt good and I know that my bad spells would come later so needed to use the highs while I had them.</div>
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With that said, I continued climbing straight up and it eventually flattened out to a forest service road which then connected to the aid station about 400 meters out. After getting there, the sunrise was beginning to come out. I restocked my water and headed to the top. I was being very intentional with the foods that I ate. This section was baby food which consisted of bananas and blueberries. I was very pleased with this combo and was glad to report that it packed 90 calories-not bad!</div>
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Getting to the top of this aid station seemed to take forever. There were loads of false summits but I could tell it was getting beautiful out as the sky made a bright orange and red color. This is also where I noticed Jesse Ellis taking pics. Below is my view from about 7,000 feet:</div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: Nick Kopp, smiling, mountain, sky, ocean, outdoor and nature" height="213" src="https://scontent.fsan1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p640x640/86433204_10212518139107033_6038525345873788928_o.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=dd7718&_nc_ohc=CY6Cg_yMnxYAX_axrqu&_nc_ht=scontent.fsan1-1.fna&_nc_tp=6&oh=d42a0ab9831665198610d227d7d1d5f4&oe=5E91775E" width="320" /></div>
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Once I got to the top, I noticed the tower and the orange box that you had to open to retrieve the bracelet to prove you were at the top before heading back to Mundy's Gap Aid Station. It was white. I put it on my wrist and took off back down the mountain. Close to summit was Alyson and we fist bumped as I headed back down the steep peak. From here it was down, down, down for quite some time. I wasn't too disappointed in that since we had just climbed for what seemed like forever.</div>
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After getting near the bottom, I was passing quite a few other runners. We gave each other our condolences. It made me feel better that everyone was feeling the mountain a little bit. I'll admit that I didn't train vertically as much as I would have liked, but this was also just a massive experiment with training that consisted mostly of 2-3 hour runs once a week, several walks throughout the day, and a lot of rest peppered in throughout the week. It was amazing what some rest will accomplish.</div>
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After bombing down that section, I got back to Mundy's Gap and attempted to give them my white bracelet. They said to give it to the people at the start which meant I had to wear it for another 20ish miles. It was time to go to Bowen. This was probably my favorite part. You continued to bomb down the forest service road on a slight downhill, non-technical trail. This section was about 7.5 miles. I thrived here. After the sun was coming up, I decided to take off my gloves as I was running downhill and stuffed them in my bag. About 50 minutes into this section I was noticing that I didn't have my bracelet anymore- it had disappeared! Go figure! I go through all of this trouble and have no actual proof that I made it to the summit. All of the good that I was feeling that day disappeared within a moment's notice.</div>
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I figured that my story of bumping fists with Alyson at the top and trying to give the bracelet to the Mundy's Gap Aid Station people was compelling enough to at least make a case in case they wanted to disqualify me. However, to be in first and not show that I made it to the top made me feel like a legitimate cheater even though that was far from the case. Most people in this sport I like to think don't cut corners given the distance covered and the mentality of why we even enter these things. It just doesn't make sense. Thankfully this never became an issue. With that said, I was frantic in explaining to Mark when I got to Bowen that I did in fact go to the top of Franklin Peak and had lost it on the last section. He seemed as cool as cucumber hearing it and I felt like a frantic mess.</div>
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After restocking here it was time to head to West Aid Station. This section was probably my least favorite. It was gradual uphill for about 3 miles and then up and down for 3.5 miles and then mostly downhill the last mile. It just seemed to take forever. Although there wasn't a lot of climbing in this section, I did feel that I made good progress. I did however drink 2 liters of water on this section and was out with about a mile to the aid station. This section was also completely deserted. I passed no people all 3 loops on this section and was in complete solitude. I continued to eat the baby food that I picked up and learned that although I can get mango, apple, and carrot down, it wasn't my favorite but it certainly beat puking it up which likely would have been the case if it were GU.</div>
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On the final mile there were two women who seemed pretty happy to see someone. They were like "we were wondering if any people were going to come." Needless to say I felt like a king as they got everything I could possibly want. After thanking them, I took off on the last section back to the start/finish. This section was about 7.5 miles and this too seemed to take an eternity. At this point you could see North Franklin Peak way out in the distance and I knew that I had to go all the way back there since that is where the start/finish was. I pressed on and found this section to be fairly flat. </div>
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About 2/3 of the way there I ran into a mountain biker who was out with some friends, but he was by himself at the time. He made small talk and asked how much I was running. I told him and he about lost his mind. He couldn't believe it. He then started to follow me and talk. I had no qualms chatting, but I also can be a very focused runner and feel I can come across as very stern at times. He eventually saw his friends and stopped following me and hung out with them. I pressed on. Right towards the end of this loop there was a diversion in the trail. It was very confusing as to which way I should go. I was completely out of water at this point and it didn't seem to make sense. Although I didn't have a lot of lows in this race, this was undoubtedly the lowest the entire time. I contemplated going the way the sign seemed to be pointing but that just didn't make sense given where the other trail led. </div>
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After waiting a few minutes, the bikers had caught up. I stopped them and asked if they knew which way. Being locals, they advised how far each trail was and they suggested I go the way that the sign said not to go. Oddly enough this was my intuition from the get-go and took their advice (this was after already running to the top of the hill that this goes and thinking I had done this wrong and ran back to the bottom of the diversion). After taking their advice I went back up the hill and hoped that I had gone the right way.</div>
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I went up the stairs and passed a few hikers and asked if they knew, which they didn't. I trusted my instinct on this and pressed on. This was the section that had about 5-6 false summits and was extremely technical. However, I was still feeling pretty good and bombed down the technical downhill into the aid station. I vocalized that I got lost and spent about 10-15 minutes on that section trying to figure out which way to go. Rob and the team apologized and went to the course to make the change. For once I had selected the right way!</div>
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Time for lap 2. As I restocked my food supply, I headed back to the top of the hill for the 5.5 mile loop. I passed Alyson and she was looking pretty good. This section went by fairly quickly and I was back at the start.</div>
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Time to go back up to North Franklin Peak and the super gnarly climb. On the road section, there was a lady by the name of Sandy who asked if I was Nick. I told her that I was and she said "Connie from Hawaii says hello!" It was a major pick-me-up as I continued onward and really made me miss Connie. Connie was a friend that I stayed with in Hawaii as I ran HURT 100. She also helped me celebrate my birthday while I was there. Nothing but fond memories and something I was very appreciative of as I was about 35 miles into the race. </div>
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Up the steep incline I went and to Mundy's Gap Aid Station. I quickly refilled my water and headed to the actual summit. This section did seem to take forever. Although it isn't as steep as the other section to get here, this one just took forever and was very deceiving as you constantly wondered where the top was. However, just with any other race, one foot in front of the other develops the best results. At this point the sun too was high in the sky. I checked my watch for the second time the entire day and it was about 2:30 PM. Not bad to bag this peak by that time.</div>
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Down, down, down was the next part. I saw Alyson pretty close to Mundy's Gap Aid Station, but she was just starting her ascent and I was nearly completing mine. I could tell that I made solid progress on this section. I also made sure that the white bracelet that I had I held onto for dear life. Heaven forbid I show up to the start/finish twice without the bracelet (they never did ask the first time).</div>
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From here it was down, down, down. There were a few hikers out there and some mountain bikers who were very chatty. Not sure if it is a Texas thing or the fact that all of us runners looked a little worn down that made everyone want to stop and ask us questions. Nonetheless, I really appreciated the hello's and found it very uplifting. That and the fact I had to give little effort on this downhill. One thing I didn't consider is although it felt like a free pass to go down, down, down, I forgot the impact that this would have on my quads later down the road. </div>
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I continued to eat my baby food and orange shot blocks (which work incredible by the way), and got to Bowen Aid Station. I was now halfway through the course. I reconnected with Mark, restocked my food supply and water, and headed back out to West. I'll admit that I did walk a bit more on this section, but was happy to do so given that I had just bombed down the last section and felt I had made tremendous progress.</div>
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About halfway through this section my stomach demanded that I use the restroom. With very little notice I pulled over to use the bathroom. It is in situations like this that I'm always grateful that I carry some tp. You never know when mother nature will strike and you have to be prepared. Also, I was very happy it was an issue from that end and not the other. Traditionally I puke my guts out and this seemed like a happy alternative. I suspect that the baby food I ate all day caused this to happen.</div>
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After taking care of business, I pressed on. I climbed the final mountain and could then oversee the entire downhilll section that I had to go on to get to West Aid Station. I pressed on downhill and got to the aid station. There were two individuals. An older gentleman and a lady I'd guess in her 30s and they were very surprised to see me. The complimented me on the progress that I was making and quickly got me the supplies I thought I needed for the final push to the start/finish. </div>
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I took the gear and headed out. Thankfully at this point I knew exactly what was in front of me, including which way the route goes. It was just a matter of sustaining and not doing anything abnormally stupid. The good news with this course is that it does force you to slow down on sections and therefore you can conserve energy. I continued on and at this point it was a beautiful 70 degrees and all sun. There was no shade on this course, so, although it isn't super warm, it did bake you under the sun. My water supply again ran out, but at least I knew where I was and that I was close to the start/finish.</div>
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After getting there, Mark had my gear ready to go. This lap I decided that I was going to take my trekking poles. I would forego them the first 5.5 miles since it was relatively flat, but I would take them for the super technical section up to Mundy's Gap. At this point I had my headlamp so things were moving a little slower, but this also meant that everyone else was slowing down too. </div>
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I finished the 5.5 miles and grabbed my trekking poles. This also was a first for me too. I have never used trekking poles in a race before and now I feel cheated from everyone who has used them against me before. They are a complete game changer, especially on courses where it is straight vertical and your legs are toast. Uphill became my strong point and downhill was somewhat of a struggle. After slogging my way to the top of Mundy's Gap, I was passing quite a few other runners at this point. It was a combination of both 100 milers and 100kers. Most of them were on lap 2 and I was lucky enough to be on my last.</div>
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When I got to the aid station most thought that I was doing the 100k and when I told them it was the 100 miler, they too lost their minds. It made me feel pretty good given that it felt like I had taken an extremely long time getting to the top of this section and I still had to get to the top of the peak.</div>
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After restocking my water, I continued to eat more baby food and walk up the the final stretch to the peak. It felt great knowing that this was my last time having to climb this. To think that the 200 mile people had to do this 6 times instead of 3 was absolutely astounding to me. It certainly made my struggle less of a struggle when compared to what they were enduring.</div>
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After passing lots of people, I finally made it to the top. The view of El Paso at night was absolutely incredible. Below is a pic for reference:</div>
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We also were warned quite regularly that the peak was extremely windy and to proceed with caution. Personally, I thought the wind wasn't that bad thanks to my Patagonia Houdini jacket, but it certainly picked up at the very top. After opening the orange chest to retrieve my bracelet, I noticed that they were completely out. I did a double search but couldn't find any. Great! Hopefully this doesn't come back to haunt me. </div>
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As I headed back down the peak, I passed a couple of others and asked if they had a bracelet. They admitted that there weren't any and they asked for my number just in case I get scrutinized for not having it. I appreciated they were willing to do so. After getting to Mundy's Gap for the final time, I refilled my bottles and headed to Bowen.</div>
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From here I felt like I was flying. However, with my most races at night time it always feels like you're running a 5 minute mile but it probably closer to 13-14 minute. Regardless I felt great on this section and passed more people here than at any other part of the course. About halfway to Bowen, I passed a group of 4 which had two men and 2 women. The one guy yelled "and here is your 100 mile champion!" At this point I was jamming out to "Lonely Together" by Avicci but did manage to make out what he said. The wind also seemed to really pick up at this point as well. </div>
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One thing I noticed with the trekking poles is they engage your upper body more. Given that my legs were fairly well toast at this point, the trekking poles were incredible for running up the small inclines on this section. Usually I hate these sections late in a course when the uphill is short enough and not steep enough to run but you have nothing left, the trekking poles were a fantastic alternative. I was essentially running the uphills now and still somewhat cruising on the downhill.</div>
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I entered Bowen and saw Mark about .1 miles from the aid station. He was, I guess, trying to blind me with his headlamp as I was coming in, and I tried playing the game of losing him to the aid station. My effort must have been valiant because he admitted he was having a hard time keeping up and didn't think I should have looked this good, which is something I agreed with.</div>
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We got in the tent and could hear the entire thing just howling with the wind. I was wondering if the whole tent was going to blow away. I gave him my bottles and he refilled them as I munched on Oreos. I couldn't believe how easy Oreos went down. They were a God send. They have so many calories and they taste incredible, I was in awe of how much they helped (and in fact I carried a bag of them the past two aid stations as I was tired of baby food). Mark asked if I was done with my trekking poles and I quickly advised that I wasn't and took off to West. About .5 mile into this section, I went for a drink of my water only to learn that it was Heed!</div>
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Heed is an electrolyte mix that some runners take but that I personally don't believe in at all. Mark had accidentally filled both liters with heed instead of water. This was somewhat of a problem given this is one of the longer sections and I had been running out of water to begin with on the first two laps. Suddenly I became a little annoyed, but then realized it was an honest mistake and that I easily could have made the same error. Both the water and the heed are in the same container and not as well marked as it could have been. The only downfall here is I would have to trudge on with no water. I did take a few sips of the heed on this section, but I think my optimistic outlook overpowered the negative one that I was feeling.</div>
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I pressed on and took a few sips of the heed. The wind was ferocious up high and I was glad that I wasn't having to go back to the top of Franklin Peak and endure that a bit more. I still continued eating but cut that down given that I didn't want to get super thirsty on this section. I was lucky in that it was night time and the sun that was beating down on me earlier in the day had subsided and a full moon had taken over for the light. I really could have done the night section without a headlamp if I wanted. Obviously not the most intelligent decision to do so, but good to know that that was an option. Seeing the time, I knew that I had a fighting chance of getting under 24 hours and that is exactly what I wanted to strive for.</div>
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After going up and down throughout this entire section, I was getting pretty thirsty. I just had to get to West Aid Station and then the finish would be the final stop. I got to the final ascent of this section and started downhill. I could tell my quads were absolutely obliterated at this point and I wasn't moving too well. All of the downhill that I bombed down had definitely caught up. I'll admit that I didn't train as much for this race as I should have and that was a contributing factor, but I also know that mile 80 to the end presented all unique challenges of their own. I could see lights out in the distance and knew that was the aid station.</div>
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After moving slowly downhill, I could also tell that there were blisters forming on the inside of my toenails. This tends to happen when I bash against rocks all day. I'm blessed in that some ultrarunners really have terrible foot blisters throughout the day, and, aside from these blisters, there was nothing major happening to my body.</div>
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I finally got to West Aid Station and restocked my supplies. After standing for a couple of minutes, I noticed that by not moving you do get cold very quickly. I got enough Oreos for the finish and continued to press on. I left this aid station at about 2:30 AM. I had 2.5 hours to get to the start/finish to be the 4th person ever to be under 24 hours on this course. I started to walk the beginning of this section as I downed some Oreos. Getting the calories in that I ignored the past 2.5 hours was pivotal. I also chugged tons of water at that aid station as I didn't have any.</div>
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This section took forever. I felt I was running consistently and constantly on this section and was making no headway. North Franklin Peak in the distance was moonlit and inspiring, but extremely demoralizing as it was so far away and that was essentially when my day would end. However, I pressed on. I passed a couple of more runners on the way but for the most part I was solo on this section. </div>
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After getting to the final uphill segment, I thought that I was almost done but this is when the false summits really took their toll. Every uphill I went I thought "this has to be the end" and then it would lead to another downhill with a steep, rocky incline. I did this for seemingly forever. The clock was ticking away, but when I saw the start/finish at about 4:42 AM, I knew there was no way that I wasn't going to get sub 24. This was all mostly downhill but was very rocky. I was side stepping as my quads were absolutely shattered. They had nothing more to give on this section since I used them on the runnable downhills earlier.</div>
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The contrast of how I looked finishing here compared to lap 1 or lap 2 coming down must have been painful to see. I went from a galloping mountain goat to a lame camel that forgot how to walk. However, with a little umph, I made it to the end in 23:49. I was so ecstactic and relieved to have made it. To be sub 24 on this course felt like a miracle. Below is a pic of the finish:</div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: one or more people, people standing, shoes, child and outdoor" height="320" src="https://scontent.fsan1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p720x720/85109918_10212484613188906_1589086359912448000_o.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=DUEwubTajO0AX9ibm05&_nc_ht=scontent.fsan1-2.fna&_nc_tp=6&oh=41ad3ee1f42f704a078233e5b438915a&oe=5E91010A" width="240" /></div>
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I learned a lot from this course. First, taking it easy from the get-go is super important. Too many times I let the adrenaline of the start overpower smart decisions and I pay dearly down the road. I felt I controlled that a lot more on this course and forced myself to slow down in spots where I would normally pick it up. Second, baby food works! I probably owe my brother a lot for his recommendation of using this and testing out a few flavors. I now have something aside from GU that I can use. Third, Oreos remain a favorite food. I love these on and off the course and my love for them only increased. </div>
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Thank you to Rob and the volunteers who put this race on. It is a very exciting event and love what you have done in the Texas Trail racing community. Thanks Mark for crewing and helping me out! Lastly, thanks to everyone else who read this blog. Hopefully you found some amusement during the course of this. </div>
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Best,</div>
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Don't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-72276672791843718412018-06-14T07:10:00.000-07:002018-06-14T19:01:31.077-07:00Kettle Moraine 100: Getting Crushed But Gaining Far More<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2000866905395098209" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for kettle moraine 100 images" border="0" 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" 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I like to think some of the best decisions are those that are made the spur of the moment, because, incidentally, that was me about a month ago before registering for the Kettle Moraine 100 in LaGrange, Wisconsin. After doing a group 20 mile run in the Cleveland National Forest (just outside of San Diego) with SURF, the local trail running community, I was left feeling like I needed to do another 100 miler, and soon before I started my new job at Classy. For some reason, I decided to head back to the Midwest and do another "easier" course. Hence, I registered for Kettle Moraine 100.<br />
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So, with 3 weeks leading up to the race,mnhb I knew that I didn't have much time to prepare for something that I clearly wasn't going to be getting into shape for. However, being the competitive person as I am, I wanted to do well. Although winning was the goal, that is what I stated to friends and family even though I knew that likely wasn't going to happen, especially racing guys who put in far more miles than me. Instead, I was depending on muscle memory and pure grit heading into this. Despite not feeling entirely prepared, I did know that KM100 isn't very hilly, nor is it technical, so I was even more curious to see how I could do with more road miles and less trail. This race also had about 260 people registered, which is a lot given the sport.<br />
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<a href="https://scontent.fhhr1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/34102767_10208880191200609_1409288922843840512_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=0a0be65f08cda4884f78f67aab84e6bf&oe=5BA993F8" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Image may contain: Nick Kopp, smiling, sky, tree, outdoor and nature" border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent.fhhr1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/34102767_10208880191200609_1409288922843840512_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=0a0be65f08cda4884f78f67aab84e6bf&oe=5BA993F8" width="320" /></a><br />
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So fast forward to race day. After just moving from Seattle to San Diego, I didn't have any of the gear as that is in shipping (ask personally how that is going), so I had to compromise my entire race strategy. Since all of my gear was in shipping and I didn't know I would be running 100 miles in between me moving and racing, I had to switch all of my tactics. Typically I go with Orange Mud's VP2 or VP1, but instead, I bought a handheld bottle and was dependent on that for the entire day. I knew that the furthest aid station was only about 5 miles away and it wasn't going to be super hot, so I thought I'd get away with the handheld. In addition, I didn't have any of my GU that I usually had and the race has Hammer, which is something my stomach just can't tolerate. Finally I had no dropbags. I was donated some at the checkin on Friday but then forget them when I left to head back to my campsite (classic Nick). Then Annie Wiess saved the day. She's a fellow runner for Orange Mud. Her and her husband Brian provided the garbage bags and I was good to go for the day.<br />
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So, with that buildup, more to the race. 6 am rolled around pretty quickly. I didn't really sleep too well and I was pretty stiff upon waking up. "How is this going to work?" was the first question I asked myself when I woke up. I remember my back cracking 20 different times and my shoulders crunching like I was eating a bag of potato chips. If they were malfunctioning that early, I knew running 100 miles would certainly add additional layers of stress.<br />
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Once I'm at the start, the RD's send us off. There were about 4 of us that took off at the beginning. One guy in the front who I never really spoke to, a guy with long hair who was initially leading (I internally named him Jesus and we were his disciples following him), and a guy named Brad who I mostly spoke with in that initial group. Brad had a look in his eyes that didn't show he was here for a good time but on a mission to destroy everyone, and boy did he eventually succeed at that. 4.8 miles in and we get to the first aid station. I let the other three go so I could fill up. I was really wanting to be intentional throughout the day stopping, as I didn't have crew or lots of water being a single bottle.<br />
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After leaving Tamarack, I ran and tried catching up to the others. They were running about 7:30 miles for the first 7 miles. Truthfully, I wanted to take an aggressive approach, but I knew I didn't have the mileage to run that fast for that long. Additionally the second half of the race tends to be my strong point. After taking off there I kept my cool for basically the next 30 miles. This is when the first accident happened.<br />
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After running through a prairie that was fairly exposed and after running out of GU's, I knew I had to get some calories. I was bonking on a flat at about 34 miles. I did take a tropical hammer at the last aid station as a last resort and a last resort it was. After taking the first swallow my stomach went into total rejection mode. As per previous situations with puking, the watery mouth got out of control and all of the contents came spewing out. This now marks more races of puking than those that I didn't. I tried compromising Hammer products before in that I always puked because I had lots of sugar throughout the day, but now I'm concluding that I just don't get along with Hammer products. The good news is it was pretty clear, which meant I had drank a lot of water and that everything else was being properly digested.<br />
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At this point, Ukraine and Russia passed me. This was a couple of friends that were running the 100k together. I called them that because the one had a yellow and blue tank top on, similar to the Ukraine. And the other guy had grey and red. Lame, I know, but you have to create some games to get the miles to pass! However, unlike Ukraine and Russia, they smiled and I never felt like they were going to go to war with me. Once I got to Emma Carlin for the second time, I saw Brandi. She was here supporting a friend, and, arguably me. She always seemed to give me a helping hand and provided words of encouragement. This is what is so spectacular about the sport. To have people assist you in situations when you don't ask and they get nothing in return. She was also infatuated with my Ink n' Burn hippy shirt (as was about every other runner and aid station person), so there is that as well. Either way, I was very appreciate of her support.<br />
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Once at Emma Carlin, I reloaded my strawberry banana GUs and headed back out. Again, I passed Ukraine and Russia and got another wind. After getting back to Nordic, I was again feeling a little depressed. I was over the halfway mark, but was kind of getting tired of this section. KM100 is a T. The part getting back to Nordic was my least favorite. It is a series of hills that go up and down. Although they were justifiable to climb, it didn't pair with basically bonking. However, the good news was that when I would get to Nordic would mark the 100k mark and confirm the close to the rest of the race. With this in mind, I powered on and saw that Jesus was starting to slow down as well as the guy directly in front of me. Brad was about 7 miles in front of me at that point and looking strong, so I knew I wasn't going to be catching him.<br />
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Knowing the state everyone was in, including myself, I was going to be content striving for 5th unless another wind came. After snailing my way into the Nordic aid station (mile 63), I was again greeted by Brandi and her bubbly personality. This inevitably led to a smile and people cheering, thinking that I was done with the 100k race. Dismay spread across the audience as they misclapped and I crushed their expectations of another finisher. However, once the information was disclosed that I had another 38 miles to go, everyone came to help. After thanking the volunteers, I took off again and noticed the guy in 6th was only about 1.5 miles behind. At this point I had been taking my time at the aid stations and allowed others to catch up that way. Usually when I'm in full race mode, I minimize as much time as possible when I get in.<br />
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After again getting back to Tamarask, I got some soup and this is when the game changed. Soup has traditionally been a magic bullet and it again was the case for this race. Where sugar and Gu fail, soup strives in flying colors. After having some chicken noodle soup, everything changed. And for the better. If Campbell's is looking for athletes in the ultra world, I'd happily put my name beside them! Not only does soup solve the flu, but it cures an angry runner's stomach as well. At this aid station, I took two cups of soup and took off.<br />
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Despite feeling really good here, the 6th placer had caught up, and he was looking strong. I think when he saw me just 1.5 miles ahead and walking, he gained inspiration to try and catch me. His desire to do so was admirable, but it also reminded me that this was a race. Regardless if I was trained or not, I wasn't about to walk my way into a 5th place finish. I told a couple of people that if I was going to lose, I'd make it hurt. Excluding Brad who blew everyone away, I felt like I won this race. Although I didn't enter this race with lots of endurance to back me up, I did show up with a mindset that wasn't going to accept defeat unless it was so uncomfortably challenging I couldn't step up to the challenge. Defending this position and disclosing what happened next was an invaluable lesson that I have been learning, particularly lately. It is interesting how ultrarunning has so many parallels to daily life and how much more so for the recent move I had just made. Although much opposition came from close family and friends about the decision to press on, I did and have no regrets for doing so. Similar to this, I came in with ambitious goals knowing that I didn't necessarily have the skillset to pull off a win. Instead, this race was all about mental stamina.<br />
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So once he caught up we were heading to the other section of the T and Rice Lake. Adam was his name and he haled from Duluth, Minnesota, the same location as Superior 100, which I will be running this September. Adam has run it 6 times and said he was "tired of running." I totally could relate with what he was talking about. Because the course is so flat, there really is no excuse to walk, but you make them up with the smallest incline. However, when a substantial climb did come, I noticed that Adam was significantly stronger than me. However, the downhills and the flats were my specialty. Any gain he got on me there quickly turned when a flat came.<br />
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This is when I had the Clifbar Mocha. This is my other game changer. Not only does it have caffeine for the night section, but it went down like butter. For being a gel, I was shocked at how easily it went down for the mileage that I was at. However, I knew that I would need the caffeine and the calories as it had been a while since I had any calories. I don't want to think about the amount of calories I take in versus the amount I burn. With that bite of the clifbar is when the jets got turned on. I started to leave Adam and I caught up to the guy who had been leading all day. He was walking and not looking so good as we were getting closer to the mile 80 mark.<br />
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After getting into the aid station, everyone, myself included, were surprised at how good I felt and looked. After getting some more chicken noodle soup and thanking the staff, I headed back out. I knew that they were calling for rain between 8pm and 1 am. At this point it was just sprinkling and<br />
not too intense. Usually I hate rain in races, but this was quite refreshing.<br />
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After powering on, Adam and I crossed paths again. He was heading to the direction of the aid station and was about 10 minutes behind, so I definitely put some distance on him. At this point I was in the 3rd position. The chicken noodle soup really started to kick in as well. I felt energy levels come back to me and I suffered no stomach issues. This next section was the worst in my opinion as it was about 9 miles to the next real aid station. About 4.5 miles in you hit an aid station with just water, but no food. One of these days I'll calculate the amount of calories I intake versus burn off. However, I think I'd be fearful to see the result of that. It is no secret that these races probably aren't good for you, but I'm also a firm believer that sometimes ignorance is bliss.<br />
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Regardless, I eventually got to the self man station. I passed a ton of runners that were going on the out section at this point. As nice as it was to see people, there seemed to be a lot. Although usually not an issue, because it was now the night time section, my foot placements and joints weren't exactly great, and I ran the risk of twisting an ankle on a rock or root every time I had to get off path for the runners coming the opposite direction of me. However, thankfully, we all seemed to take our time when we crossed paths and ensured that none of us got injured.<br />
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After getting through these sections, I finally made it back to Emma Carlin Aid Station. After getting some more chicken noodle soup and revitalizing what I needed, I took off again. I wasn't about to hang out here. Adam looked strong back there and I had a weird feeling that he wasn't letting off the pedal, and neither should I. After getting the essentials I took off again with only about 8 miles to go. This is where I passed the 2nd placer. He incidentally had taken a beating throughout the day and was now really feeling the consequences of doing so. He and his pacer were hardly walking. Certainly I have been there before and felt bad for him. I offered a few words of encouragement and made my way.<br />
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The next section is fairly flat and only about 3 miles to Tamarack, the final aid station. At this point I was just ready to be done. I pressed on and got to the final aid station. The volunteers here were arguably my favorite. Most had done some pretty hard 100's, including Orcas Island in Washington State. It was fun to exchange quick stories and learn a bit about them. Besides the killer soup they made, I joked that I was dropping (not with them knowing I was kidding). All of their faces dropped as I pretty smiley at this point. No one seemed to know what to say. "You can't drop here" one of them told me. I laughed and told them I was kidding. "Leave it up to the hippy to do that!" the same aid station worker told me.<br />
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After switching my batteries out for the final section of the race, I took a cup of soup and headed out. Only 4.8 miles to go! This is when it started to rain. Not only rain, but a more of a torrential downpour. It was so intense you could hardly see in front of you. As I was passing people who were going the opposite direction, all I could feel was pity for the 30 miles they had left. With it being 58 and now soaking wet, things were great, but I was still moving so the rain likely impacted me significantly less than those who weren't moving as well. I continued powering through and finally got to the end in 18:28 as an official time. However, only 2 minutes behind was Adam, finishing in 18:30. He and I had both passed about 3 runners in the final 15 miles. Not bad!<br />
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This race was a giant learning lesson. First, controlling the mind is key. I certainly didn't enter this race as the most trained or in shape. In fact, I'd argue it was the opposite. The most I had run in any week leading up to this race was 75 miles. Adjusting my race strategy and putting mind over matter really worked out well for me. I knew that Brad (the person who eventually won) was significantly in better shape than I heading into this. Having realistic goals with a strong mental fortitude paid pretty dividends in this race for me. Although winning would have been nice and that was the goal I communicated to others, I'm very grateful for the performance and strategy I deployed on race day, especially given the situation.<br />
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A special shout out to David who hosted me in Chicago and allowed me to borrow his gear for the race. Brandi was awesome. She's the one that captured the shots and acted as my crew since I didn't have any. Lastly, thanks to Brian and Annie for the trash bags, and Brian for the words of encouragement throughout the day. It is awesome to see people come together for a unified purpose, to push yourself and see what the body is made of. I think if the lessons I learn in ultrarunning can be translated into human terms, I'm not sure what language it would be in, but this sport continues to impress me with the draw and mental intrigue that I'm hoping to continue this quest to complete a 100 in all of the US states. With 12 down and 38 to go, I think I'm making some good progress on this!<br />
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Thanks for all who read this. Hopefully this was entertaining to some degree.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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-Nick KDon't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-22865321880201524612017-09-16T10:54:00.000-07:002017-09-16T10:54:10.811-07:00Hawk 100: Feeling Human<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If event planning was my occupation, I'd seriously have to consider a career change. My goal this was year was to run 3 100 mile races, ideally in geographically unique states, meaning not 2 Midwestern States in the same year. However, poor planning on my part means I ended up in both Illinois and Kansas in the same year. Perhaps now my biased "West coast is best coast vibe," I didn't honestly think that these two states would have much beauty to offer. Illinois surprised me earlier this year and now Kansas would do the same.</div>
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The Hawk 100 is a 4 loop, 25 mile course at Clinton State Park in eastern Kansas. The reason I selected this race is twofold. First, I failed to enter the lottery for the Superior 100 in Minnesota so I couldn't run that, and second I received sponsorship from Orange Mud for a free entry. As such, it was a no-brainer. This, in combination with the offer of my mom and sister to come out and support me ultimately led me to enter yet another race in the Midwest. Thankfully fellow OM ambassador Sherry Klover was the Race Director and had much beauty in store (which I didn't think was possible for Kansas). </div>
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So fast forward to the race briefing Friday night. I had the chance to meet several other OM ambassadors including the man himself, Josh Sprague. After learning the course was only 4-5,000 total feet of climbing over the 100 miles, I actually think I laughed out loud. Coming into this race I was feeling nowhere near the fitness level I wanted to be. Sure I had put in a couple of 40+ mile runs around Mt. Hood, the Cascade Mountains, and the PCT, but they weren't fast miles, nor were they flat like this course was going to be. Unbeknownst to most, I had a goal that I could actually dip under 16 hours for this course (later to be learned this was far from happening). Knowing this and also knowing that Jeremy, last years champion, was back (who had run low 16's) I thought I had the perfect combination to reach the sub 16 mark. Really the only thing in question was how would my slow, mountain miles translate to almost flat and "runnable" trail?</div>
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At the start of the race, it was no surprise that the standard starting line nerves were running rampant among all of the runners. The 50 and 100 mile runners all started together which isn't exactly my desired state, as I didn't want to necessarily run with the faster people, but I secretly had some time goals that I wanted to hit. So, when we started, I naturally found myself among this group. Jeremy blasted to the front and left the rest of us together. This is when I joined Jeff Gregg (another OM ambassador running the 50 mile) and a guy from Arkansas named Daniel, also running the 50 miler. </div>
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We started off and of course everything felt good. We hit the first part of the trail and I was a bit shocked how rocky it was. It reminded me of the Arkansas rock, where I went to school. Jeff, Daniel, and I were all running together and enjoying the trail together. We passed the first aid station and were all feeling pretty good. The reason I chose to run with them is they had time goals to be under 8 hours, but not a significant amount under 8 hours. That was something that I was also aiming for for the first 50 miles and thought that we could all support each other in reaching our goals. </div>
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I got to the halfway point of the first loop and everything was feeling fantastic. This lap was completed in 3:30! Basically a marathon in 3.5 hours...I had a hunch I wouldn't be able to continue this, but I did feel good. I learned that Jeremy is one of those runners that pushes himself so hard that he could potentially tank later. He's also not afraid to drop if things aren't going great. This was insight that I gathered from Jeff who has run with him in Nebraska and said that that is typically how he performs. With that said, Jeremy you'll find later is someone who's got much grit and doesn't lose very often. Unlike me, he is used to these flatter, faster courses being from Nebraska. My strategy then would be to hang behind him and let him destroy himself for the first half and then I'd make my move in the second 50 miles, which is typically how I race anyways. However this didn't really happen.</div>
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As Daniel and I went out to complete the West Road 2.5 mile loop, we were really cranking the miles out. Daniel reported that we had just run the last 2 miles in about a 7:30 pace...not exactly the smartest thing for me to do considering that the longer miles might make me pay for this. I think he realized how fast we were going and we both agreed that slowing down might not be a bad idea. We got back to the aid station. I collected my things from my mom and sister and immediately left. Back to the start we went. This section was very surpisingly rocky. Although there wasn't a ton of climbing, the rocks made it very difficult to navigate. I love technical terrain so this section wasn't horrible (at least for now) and we both moved very well, right back to the beginning of the start. </div>
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At this point I learned that Jeremy was only a couple of minutes ahead of me. He too was moving really well. I also managed to catch back up to Daniel at this point. I had a few more Honey Stinger waffles and we were running and talking together. Daniel is for sure a competitive athlete as he kept mentioning winning the 50 miler, and to be honest, I knew he probably would as there didn't seem like anyone else who'd challenge him at the distance. I started to feel really good and when we got to the technical section along the lake, I passed Daniel and ran this solo. It was here also that I passed Jeremy and was heading to the 50k mark of the race. Not exactly my race strategy to be in the lead at the 50k, but why stop a good feeling? I continued to stuff my face with more waffles and water. The humidity was really starting to kick in and I could feel that it was getting stronger. I eventually made it back to the aid station and my mom and sister were happy to see me and provide some much coveted blueberries. </div>
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I quickly went out and ran the 2.5 mile loop. After restocking it was back to the start and the halfway point. I could feel a little pain in my heel at this point, but was hoping it was nothing. I again continued to shove my face with more waffles and water. I was beginning to notice that this rocky section of the trail was getting a little harder. However, everything was still functioning fairly normal and the heel was beginning to feel better. Then, out of the blue, intense cramping in my calves began. This was right when I was coming in the 50 mile point in 7:38, which I would learn later would be the 2nd fastest time for a 50 miler on this course. This was my 3rd fastest 50 miler as well. Was this good or bad? My calves were flexing fairly intensely and I was feeling slightly bloated, but I thought it was manageable. After making small chat with mom and Mikala, Daniel brought it home to win the actual 50 mile race in about 7:42. I was stoked that he reached his goal and pulled out a win. However, my celebration was about to end soon because I knew Jeremy was hot on my heels and I didn't want him to see me, so I made it as short of a visit as I could. Back out for the 3rd loop I went.</div>
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I headed to Sander's Mound and passed Jeremy on his way to the mound. I was walking up the slight hill at this point and he was bombing down the opposite way. I knew dang well that he could see a little pain in my eyes and he struck fear in me as he didn't even look like he too ran 50 miles. I was hoping that I would have gained a little more of a margin on him but that was far from the case. As I progressed, things only started to get worst. My calves were flexing uncontrollably. I was walking at this point. On flat ground. I knew Jeremy was going to come blasting up at any moment. The heat of the sun and the humidity was also starting to kick in. As with all flight or flight systems, my body began to implement security controls to get me to stop. With every step, both calves were convulsing relentlessly and refusing to relax. It was here that Jeremy passed me, at about the mile 54 mark. </div>
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I came into that aid station and grabbed some salt tablets and more pickle juice and pop. The bloating was really starting to kick in. I started to walk from this aid station as my calves refused to relax. This section was the worst of the entire course to my recollection. I basically walked the next 6 miles. Aside from the convulsing calves, the bloating transformed into a GI monster. I swallowed the banana I picked up and this is when my body went in full retaliation. Since my body didn't win the first battle with the calves it resorted to a grosser and more disgusting game that it's played in the past. Puking. And boy, oh boy, was there puking. Since event planning isn't the direction I should probably go for an occupation, I should consider being a professional puker because I very quickly learned I'd excel at this.</div>
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(Skip next paragraph if food contents aren't your thing)</div>
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The ingredient list of what came up is something I envision a witch throwing in a boiling pot of stew as she's about to curse someone. The banana, pickle juice, waffles, salt tablets, and potato wedge I ate for the past 3 hours came out in a yellowish, half digested state of hard substances and liquid. Of course this puking section was done in front of 3 women I had passed. I didn't puke once, not even twice, it was more like 4 or 5 times in this one spot. I'd walk a little and more and more contents would spew out. The look on the women's faces is how I envision someone looking at someone else who had just dropped a baby. Abhorred disgust. The best part? Some of the contents ended up on the trail, the same one they were walking on. Similar to someone who had just dropped a baby, they were immediately quick to assist. Something that never ceases me in the ultra community. One offered a peppermint. Apparently these are good for stomach problems. However, it was probably to protect my breath. I agreed to it and thanked them. At this point, I was bonking hardcore, the heat of the day was settling in, and each step was done on fully convulsed calves. Things were very, very slow.. this is when I started to puke 2-3 more times. However, there was nothing to puke up. I was literally just dry heaving and puking nothing up. I took a swig of water and started to puke uncontrollably again. Not. Good. I had 0 energy, no water, no air conditioning system, and a non-functioning body. I started to feel incredibly light-headed and things were going black. "Just get to the aid station, Nick, just get to the aid station." This was all I could think. I've puked before but this was different. This was much, much different.</div>
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As I got to the next aid station, I could see my mom and sister. I asked for a chair and sat down. This is something I'd never done before in a 100 mile race. Ever. However, I knew that this is what I needed. I could barely stand at this point as I thought I was going to pass out. I asked for soup, but it wasn't being prepared yet. All sugar I couldn't keep down. In fact, I couldn't even keep water down. The aid station workers came over and asked what was wrong. I told them and they said that this happens to everyone. In full disclosure, I was slightly offended. I had run these before, and much much harder ones at that, and I can say this wasn't normal for me. I haven't felt like I was going to get a heat stroke before, nor have I been this dizzy. I've had low moments, but this was a "is something worst going to happen?" Dropping suddenly became an option. I was humbled insanely well as I had never even considered dropping in a 100 mile race, outside of my first 100, and it being in Kansas of all places! They put an ice towel around me and mom and Mikala were asking me questions. I probably sat there for 15 minutes, just pondering what to do. My mom and sister flew out and here I was practically dying in front of them at mile 60. Dropping after they came out to support me seemed like a bad idea, but I also didn't want them planning a funeral either. I seriously didn't know what do...</div>
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The worker said that he thinks I should do the 2.5 mile loop. At this point, it was smoldering out, I was completely dehydrated, couldn't keep food down still, still dizzy, and was on the edge of dropping, but I decided to go out. I asked Mikala if she could walk with me. Not surprisingly, she jumped right at the opportunity. My sister, being a nurse, has internal instincts of where and when help is needed. This was a clear situation of that. We started walking and I didn't feel good at all. She handed me a couple of pretzels and I could only get them down with water. Each swallow of a pretzel left me gagging. Thankfully nothing came up. She and I talked and I must say it was a nice pick me up. I thought I was going to start crying on her! Never have I felt so weak and not in control. Of all the races, this one brought a level of humanness out of me that I'm not sure I've experienced before. Here was my sister, handing me pretzels and helping me consider my options. Dropping would probably be the smartest thing, but we both agreed that sitting at the aid station for another 20-30 minutes wouldn't be a bad idea either.</div>
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We got back and that is what I did. Soup was starting to be made and I made sure I grabbed some. The ice came back over me and the sun was starting to weaken. I needed calories, water, and a mental boost. After sitting again for a while, the 3rd placer came into the aid station. How I haven't been passed at this point was beyond my understanding. Truly the entire world should have passed me. After much deliberation I decided to continue onward. My sister selflessly agreed to go the next 11 miles with me, much of which would be walking. We both headed out and suddenly a wave of power came over me. The three cups of soup I ate was able to stay down (something soup has always successfully done when I have major stomach issues). The pace was picking up drastically and talking with my sister was a huge mental boost. </div>
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We both put our headlamps on and this is when Mikala yelled at me to leave her and she will walk back into the aid station. Since my goal of being under 16 hours was LONG gone, I thought I'd heed her advice and try to finish asap. I left her and made it back to the 75 mile mark, finally feeling strong again. This 25 miles had taken about the same amount of time to finish as the first 50 miles, not something that I'm proud of.</div>
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I got to the aid station and I think mom was surprised to see me looking so good. I quickly downed another 2 cups of soup, took one to go, and headed back out. I wanted to try to finish under 21 hours, which would mean I had to complete this lap into about 6 hours, something I knew I could do since I felt so good. At this point, I knew I could manage to secure a 2nd place finish if I continued to feel this good. I took off and ran into a shadow of an animal with an oddly white stripe...it was indeed a skunk. I was so thankful that it didn't spray all over the place, although it may have made me smell better than I currently did...Things were really feeling not bad. I was managing to run, my calves were cooperating, and I was much cooler than I had been during the heat of the day. I got back to the halfway point of the loop, got what I needed and did the 2.5 mile loop. Mom and Mikala I could tell were relieved that I was feeling better. I downed another 2 cups of soup and took one to go. </div>
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With this, I headed out and made it to the final aid station before finishing the race. They all congratulated me and I informed them that I would not be doing a 5th lap. Shortly thereafter, I came to a copperhead. It was in the middle of the trail and was just looking at me. Fantastic. I run 94 miles, survive a potential heat stroke, and then potentially get killed by a snake. We both had a moment of just looking at each other. Do I kick a rock at it? Do I try to walk in the plants to the side? Do I bring back my hurdling skills (which definitely didn't exist at this point of the race)? I decided to just have a stare down. Finally the snake slithered its way off the trail. Snakes really aren't my thing, but giant, poisonous snakes in the middle of the woods in a completely destroyed state definitely aren't my thing. </div>
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After saying goodbye to the snake I knew that I was going to make my desired time of sub 21 hours. I headed back to the trails and saw the beloved 1/4 mile to go sign. I was relieved. I continued onward and got to the finish.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPoaMIl8zHQ/Wb1elNaHLkI/AAAAAAAAAWo/PmKvB475Wv8Z9SPwBPI50L0Lxgk6AXRPACLcBGAs/s1600/Hawk%2B100-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPoaMIl8zHQ/Wb1elNaHLkI/AAAAAAAAAWo/PmKvB475Wv8Z9SPwBPI50L0Lxgk6AXRPACLcBGAs/s320/Hawk%2B100-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To say I was relieved to have finished is an understatement. I thought I'd come into this race and blow away my fastest time of 17:04, but I was again reminded that these races don't always unravel how we plan or want them to. I am hugely relieved and blessed to have finished and finish second on a day that went anything but as planned. I later learned that Jeremy too had tanked and was 4 hours slower than the previous year. He put about 24 minutes on me. I think we both destroyed each other early on and we both paid our dues as the day went on. Overall I am pleased with my 20:40 finish. This year I managed to snag 2 firsts and 1 second, so I have no room to complain. Also, I think looking back, I'm not sure I would have been mad at myself for dropping, something that I didn't think I'd say. There truly is a fine line of pushing yourself and being unhealthily stupid about a decision. I was arguably the latter. </div>
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<img alt="Image result for hawk 100 belt buckle" 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" 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A huge thanks to Orange Mud for the opportunity to run this, Sherry and Ami for putting on a great event, all of the volunteers who selflessly gave of their time and of course my mom and sister who shock me with their willingness to help. This is for sure a selfish sport, but I have come to learn that the community of those on the trail and those behind the aid stations are there to support and encourage, something I think humans can get better at, myself included! I take these lessons with a grain of salt and try to incorporate them in my every day living. There is something gloriously wonderful about suffering and coming to a conclusion with loving, warm arms of people you care about. Although all of this pain is self-inflicted, there is much to be learned and I will continue learning more about myself and other humans through the dark valleys that this sport naturally produces.</div>
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Thank you all and hope this blog finds you well!</div>
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Don't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-54185781208337986892017-07-03T10:41:00.000-07:002017-07-03T10:41:40.953-07:00Black Hills 100: Tethering the Beast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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" 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In my world of logic completing a 100 mile run in every state doesn't seem impossible, just highly idealistic. What this goal also means is picking up races and plane tickets to places most people most likely don't think about going. In this case that meant the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota. With this being the 10th undertaking of a 100 miler in my 10th state, I am still shocked that I knew people who lived in the area of the race and who could help out. I had graduated with Tori (then Zody) and ran track with her husband, Morgan Haudenschield. Being seven years since we've last connected I thought that I'd reach out to them. Not too surprising, they were more than emphatic to host and assist in my endeavor in tackling this beastly 100. Amazing. Now the logistics of getting to and from the airport were set, all while be in great company.</div>
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The Black Hills 100 was in its 7th annual running of the event. It isn't abnormal for this race to be over 90 degrees during the day. Hence, the finisher rate at this exposed, hot race typically ranges in just over 30% completion. The heat isn't even taking into consideration the rocky and technical terrain of the Centennial Trail that we would be on for the entire duration. This is an out and back race of 50 miles. This excited me as I have never done an out and back before. I was approaching this race from the angle that the first 50 miles would be strictly exploratory and the second half would be all business.The rest of the runners can thank me this year for bringing the Seattle weather with me. Conditions this year brought a high of 66 during the day and a low of 42 during the night. In full disclosure I wasn't too sad when I learned what the conditions were going to be like. Certainly I wasn't prepared to take on a 100 in that type of heat when I've had 0 heat training for the past 9 months. </div>
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What was also unique with this race is that there were several other Orange Mud ambassadors running the race with me. I met Chad Hause who is part of OM's Dirt Unit and his family. Also at the start were Jeff, Sarah (who would be pacing), and Michael. Of course we had a group photo. At the start the nerves weren't necessarily going but with the 10 AM start, I knew that an all nighter was automatically going to happen. Thankfully the race directors had a sense of humor with the mascot of the race and had a goat all prepared and ready for the photo shoot. I was secretly hoping that finishers would get goat milk or meat (not milk in this case as it clearly was a male).</div>
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<br />After we all gathered and were ready at the start, the race directors let us go! Off we were! I started running with a group of five or six in the front. The first mile and a half was on pavement and allowed for the field to decide how they were going to run. Naturally I spoke with those in the pack with me. I came to find out that the only one who has run this was my fellow OM ambassador, Jeff. He made the recommendation that the first half is harder than the second half. Most of the climbing is done in the first half and the second half is more downhill. I continued to pick his brain and found out that he was certainly in shape and ready to take on this race. He had qualified for the Boston Marathon just 3 weeks ago by winning a marathon in Nebraska. His goals for this race were very lofty, 20 hours. However, given the conditions of the weather and his experience, I had no questions that he could get there. My goal going into this was of course to compete well, but most importantly, to finish. </div>
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Jeff and I left the other 4 that were with us and made up our own ground. He and I were first and second, respectively.Of course, being mile 5 of the race, I wasn't too concerned with where I was currently at. One thing I've learned and learned well is that most 100 mile races don't start until the second half. It wasn't much later that he had to pull over and use the restroom. At this point I just left him. I didn't realize that I was going to be running solo for the next 95 miles. I came cruising into the first aid station at mile seven and felt really good. I refilled my bottles and quickly left before the rest of the field could get in.</div>
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Next step was to Bulldog. I remember it was this section that we cross I-90 and then ran what seemed like infinite pastures. It seemed odd to me that the Centennial Trail is going through pastures and cattle. I guess that is unique to South Dakota. Thankfully I never encountered any full charging bison on the journey. Something tells me this would have ended differently...I soon got to Bulldog and could see how this course was challenging. It was a technical, rocky trail. However the real kicker was the terrain in some sections. It was incredibly rocky and I could see the night section being problematic as I was likely going to be stumbling and tripping on the rocks from exhaustion from the earlier miles.</div>
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" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Image result for black hills 100" border="0" height="320" 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" 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After Bulldog it was on to Eagle Creek. It was in this transition that I decided to reapply cortizone cream for chaffing. As stupid and funny as this sounds, I was most nervous about the shorts that I was wearing. Prior to this, I had run 8/9 100's in a single pair of Adidas shorts that were arguably worn out long ago. However, they were perfect for chaffing. This was only the 2nd 100 miler that I was running outside of that pair of shorts. Consequently, I made sure to pack the cream and apply at the first hint of chaffing. The first 100 I ran had such extreme chaffing that I wanted to scream in the shower (not to get too graphic). Up to this point, my morale was pretty good. Mechanically everything felt tremendous. There were 0 issues. I quickly got into the aid station and there were quite a few people there, cheering. I definitely don't think that I'm a smiley runner, so hopefully the audience wasn't too offended when I kept my head down and kept going. It was at this aid station also that I picked up Hammer Gel. This is arguably an early indication of what was going to happen in the later miles. </div>
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The flavor was Apple Cinnamon. It sounds amazing, right? Wrong. I knew traditionally that my stomach and Hammer do not get along. At Oil Creek 2 years ago I had the tropical flavor and dry heaved. This was a similar experience. I opened the delightfully sounding apple cinnamon and the journey down the esophagus was the equivalent of how I envision someone eating raw intestines from Fear Factor. I gagged, but someone kept it down. I guess if I was on Fear Factor I would have made it to the final round with the tarantulas on my face. As far as sugar contents, my body can only handle Gu and Pro Bars. Outside of this I don't have much success. With that said, I continued onward and got to the next aid station. My recollection of Crooked Tree was two older guys who took a huge liking to me (not in a creepy way). As soon as I got in, they were quickly coming to my aid and wanting pictures. I was hugely flattered but also confused why they wanted to be beside a sweating, gross smelling person. However, you can't always stop the paparazzi, so I let them go on. </div>
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After Crooked Tree was arguably the most scenic part of the course. I left and started to climb more technical terrain. I remember more climbing here than any other section. Thankfully my suicidal training runs at Mailbox Peak in Washington have prepared me for any degree of climb. It was here that I looked over and saw the Black Hills in all their splendor. Cliffs for miles and miles. They are termed the Black Hills for the numerous Ponderosa Pines that cover the hillsides (so I read on a historic marker, not from my doctorate degree in Geography). They are exposed and from afar give off a black color. Hence, the name of Black Hills. It's always nice to have these vistas while taking on an endeavor, especially since I was solo. </div>
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I then reached Dalton Aid Station. Again, there were lots of people and it was another mental boost to hear many compliments. They said I looked strong (and for once I felt that way). I quickly left and started towards Nemo. This was not my favorite part. I had to cross ATV trails. I met a few of them on the way. Thankfully they saw me and stopped. They were probably more confused than anything, but I suppose most people are when you talk to them about running 100 miles through the wilderness.</div>
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After going through this section I found Nemo! Nemo to my surprise and most likely to others was not a fish. It was a small little town with a couple of aid station workers. I quickly got more bananas and potatoes with salt and headed out. The next section was more gnarly ATV trail as I headed towards Pilot Knob. All I remember about this section was hitting a bajillion rocks, but thankfully never falling.As soon as I came into Pilot, everyone was shocked to see me so early. They quickly catered to my needs and got what I needed.Next step was the halfway point to Silvery City.</div>
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I think this session was my favorite. It started very gradual through pasture grass. I remember crossing a couple of cattleguards and seeing a few bikers who were very respectful. They either pitied me or were just ultra gracious and got out of the way. Hopefully it was the latter. I then started to get to the steepest hill of the section. I then transitioned onto the Deerfield trail. There was one steep climb that I distinctly remember. However, I then went down, down, down. This reconnected with the pastures and the next thing I saw was what looked like a lighthouse. It was a fantastic sign. I came into the halfway point in 8:41, far ahead of course record pace. I felt tremendous for being halfway. However, I knew that this was when things would slow down as the second half always does.The best news is that I got here in the daylight and still had quite a bit of sun left. </div>
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I then started towards Pilot Knob again. I was about halfway through this section where I passed Jeremy, who has won this twice and was third once. He looked strong. I then passed Gia (the women's champion). The next events that unfolded weren't great. By mile 55, I experienced some major stomach issues. I tried eating my strawberry flavored pro bar and my stomach was PISSED. It quickly punished me for making such a sinful decision. That bite came up with the partial quesadilla and banana that I was able to get down just before it. This was all done in front of the eventual men's 3rd place finisher. I'm not sure he wanted to watch that show, but he wasn't going to get an option. He stopped and asked if I was ok. I said I was great and advised he go on. Not good. This basically meant that my entire died of sugar was over. Of all the 100's I've done, this was no doubt the soonest that my stomach had quit on me. Just as a dog returns to its vomit, I thought I'd try to down a couple of more probars. I dry heaved these up too. Yup, this was 100% confirmation that all sugar intake was absolutely out of the picture for the rest of the race.</div>
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I remember passing Chad and then I was back at the aid station. Everyone was surprised to see that I was already there. I informed them I had bad stomach issues and went straight for the coke and broth. I downed two cups of broth and was on my way. The energy I derived was fantastic. I felt like superman for three miles and then the bonking came. Because I couldn't supplement the broth calories with sugar, I was strictly dependent on broth calories for 45 miles...considering everything mechanically was working flawlessly, I was very nervous that Jeremy was going to catch up as I literally wouldn't be able to produce any energy from food. I then got back to Nemo and turned the headlamp on. I ate two more cups of broth and was on my way. Again, the same story. I was good for three miles and then bonked terribly the next three. The beast of the Black Hills was tethering me in the most aggressive way, watching me fade step by step as my calories drained and I had nothing to sustain energy levels moving forward. My mind said yes, but my body said no with the caloric deficit.</div>
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I again passed more ATV's. At this point it was quite dark. They again stopped for me, but were probably more confused than the first go around. They were probably wondering what this person with a headlamp was doing in the early part of the night. I continued onward and noticed that the temperature was dropping substantially. By the time I got to Dalton Lake, it was an elderly couple manning it by themselves. They said that they were hoping to sleep but heard that I was likely coming in and didn't want to risk missing me. The mindset and willingness to help out from the volunteers will always impress me as long as I do this hobby. They sacrifice sleep to assist those who voluntarily punish themselves. They quickly got me my broth and I picked my OM long sleeve up. I took my broth and similar story, I was fine for the first 3 miles and then the bonking came back. The bad part is the bonking got worst and worst as I got to each aid station. Not surprising, as more miles were beginning to ad up. I sluggishly made my way to Crooked Tree.</div>
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The paparazzi never ceased to amazed me at this aid station. Despite being just 2 guys in the middle of the wilderness, they had a way to pick me up. They were taking bets on when I would come in. Unfortunately I disappointed both. One guessed I would arrive 30 minutes earlier than I did and the other was off by 15 minutes. I apologized that I failed them and then we all laughed. By this point it was midnight and I needed far more calories. I ate 3 cups this time and took one to go. It was the next section that was THE WORST. Getting to Eagle Creek was awful. The last half was all bonking and it was all uphill to the next aid station. All I could think of is how close the other racers must be coming. I felt like a hare all day but the wise tortoises were bound to catch me at any point as the tortoise typically wins.</div>
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I was drinking like a fish, but I was failing hardcore at eating like a horse. This is the general strategy to effectively get through an ultra (or so I hear). I guess I would make a good fish but a terrible horse. The bonking getting here was horrendous. Every step uphill felt like 75 pound weights on each leg as there was literally 0 energy propelling me upward. I desperately wished the first half was uphill when I had energy and the second half was downhill. I wasn't so lucky. I FINALLY made it to Eagle Creek and lost a ton of time to the course record. At this point I just wanted to sustain and get as close to it as I could.</div>
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Next step was Bulldog. This was mostly downhill, which was nice, but that didn't stop the bonking. I got around the bend and the aid station was there with no lights. I was two hours ahead of schedule so the lone worker was taking a nap on the truck bed. She shot straight up and made me broth. I ate 3 more cups and off I went. Next stop was to the first aid station. I remember that this is when the sun started to come up. I got there and she and her daughter got me more broth and encouraged me that it was only 7 more miles to the end. </div>
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The sun coming up was a huge pick me up. It's amazing how sunlight pumps new energy into you despite pulling an all nighter. I remember regularly looking back to make sure I wasn't being chased. I kept the standard pace and was again bonking hardcore for the second half. It didn't matter much to me as I knew that I was so close to the end. I hit the pavement and continued that section for what seemed like forever. However, I could see the stadium with the Sturgis Mascot of a "Scooper" and couldn't be happier to have gotten there. Conveniently for me, they could scoop my energy deprived body off the ground as soon as I got to the end.</div>
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It was 5:20 am and the race directors were there to welcome me in. Ryan congratulated me and informed me that I ran the 3rd fastest time on the course in 19:20, just 22 minutes off the course record of 18:58. I later would find out that the 2nd place finisher would be the women's champion, Gia, who ran 22:16. The phantom telling me that I was closely being pursued isn't always a bad thing, it just isn't pleasant to live in a state of fear of being passed, especially late in the race. I won arguably the coolest award ever. It was a local bison head pained by local artists with a story talking about the tatanka (bison).</div>
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<img alt="Displaying 20170625_092829_011.jpg" height="180" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f195158e39&view=fimg&th=15d09268ffca6567&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1571917234423463936-local0&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ__ZS9afWgVgq8fqRT649xqfv9Bds0wK4ohtosGRldWsV-3yy-9yojBqTu_P4mfo8xrl0rpO2prSXkUrVDQFGcnAGDyoQArRxrD4uTJvtztOLVXALyYxoouQ4Y&ats=1499098500039&rm=15d09268ffca6567&zw&sz=w1600-h799" width="320" /></div>
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This was alongside an awesome belt buckle.</div>
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<img alt="Image result for black hills 100 belt buckle" 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" /></div>
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Overall, I am very pleased with the outcome. It was my 3rd best time on a 100 mile course. However, this course was more challenging than the other 2 100's where I ran faster. I need to learn the right sugars to eat during the day and figure out how to handle the stomach issues. If I can figure this out I think that I will perform even far better. </div>
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A major THANK YOU to Morgan and Tori for taking care of all the logistics and providing fantastic company as I explored South Dakota. I'd rank this race as the 4th most difficult 100 I've done. It was an easier version of IMTUF in Idaho, but it had the technical terrain of HURT in some sections which made it challenging. Thank you to the race directors for putting on an amazing event and for having such memorable winner's awards. Lastly, thanks to OM and others that take the time to read this. Hopefully this was entertaining to some degree.</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Nick Kopp</div>
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Don't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-38054242082895067892017-04-14T18:01:00.003-07:002017-04-14T18:01:46.603-07:00Potawatomi 100:The Circles of Life and Death<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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GmjMoJ2BIF8Z/jfEqUuVlQu7LrlvsBpsdNMQ+KuIRyxPDlEjHoBcpcgFgejAbetsDaWMIVGUFmYkEm5KIgF79ztvpceuMriesr3mMYWPlxx3CxgakZlDaDawtb39cXDMoUxoNdAoO18rWt8lP6d8Qx1ZeQRRIWax2toDYjU6WIt/YwsPCqiWT/L5SrZC7EXy9ctr3PS/T54gbUSNJE2VdLWBW9j5BsRsLkAX9cH/DNSrxKuUhk3DAggkanXe/fF+hhSCNY49FUWHX+zhtbWhVZzfygk23NhsPXFQJ4pEZagyEHLTKBodzILyEeqqEI9ziblzq7PGySI4B101A3uNDcW+mLFGpjj85GY3aQ9LnVv8ASNh6KMCOBcTzXQ6A/eRDX/LYnKD+9azW6B1wQR4cGV5eaVMjZT5dglrKB3sc3zY4ul8Dq9stpOqb/wAJ+L6b/LFgS9jpgiV3xVmUNocSs+ImxAIrqVChilXPE+mv4e3/AJxl+alEr0VaM9I6s0Mh12BOQ/vDp8rY3joGBBwD4nwxJ43pZdiLxt1Uja3qD+mAy/A/BT1Mju6PDDeymQlnIDDKLHey9Tpfa+Dvi3wjH9nj+ynLJSguBe7kbm53v1HTpiv4V4tVyMlExAkgf/iJGOrR65MnctbU9AcXl47w2CSqnRi1Q5KOvmJcr5QFB0C3G/bBMDfBXHooOF1ErHNLnkLg6s8khtGO5v5f1xoPCDy0f2egqcrCSAmMgWsVA5kbd7Zhr110x5bwCER1VM8wtGZQTfa4ByEj3sceh8RqJayqaopWULQIwViLrNKwBkS/QKoAv3OAxPjXgRo6p0HwN54/4T0+R0wBv88eq+OohX8MirUFmRRJ/ob4h8tD8seR8w9xgyma46465xDnPcYTP6jATXx2Ieae/wDPHYi44yrholXCGQdscGU9MZb1ofAdKJaxDuIwZPpoP1I+mNjW1JFc4CGZxCnLH4YwxbOWP4SSB6kDTAj9lsIvPJ2yr/Mn+mCFBPNmniiQcznvzZ21X4vJbqxCZRbYWxGoGeLYpjyleQM7Zm5aiyrltlPc79e2D/hasiiijcFR5fvM1rk284N/mMBZ4QtY4DtIRGmZmIJDEeZRYCw2NvXD5OGoxuVHfFUOr6tmTImnMkIQfulvKPoRjY09OIoViQbC3yG/1OuM5w6ASV8aDaNS1vlYfqR9MR8Rmkkq5yruFViiAE2+7GX9SCfrixNamb7uJnylyouFG5xUoamqcZ/swC75c4D29AdPlfFGBJ1ZSJiVHxBtelx65f1xK0EjMbvICSRodBrodNh1xcVfbjrDRKWdm9VIH1xapfE7pkWSkmViCTcECw1OUtbNpgbw7ngq6SuEbYNYi2UlXN+h8ot64IniE8yDmhcoY5SOwDXYk7C3UfmtjSJ+LeKyY15aMufRGYW1ykjTf/yMDpuGsVkJaQkMLkMw/EL6aaAdfXBDhcSMyFijEKDDfysLrqtv4evvgvUGUZGjsdfOul2FybDte364ANT8PAyZIimcZsx3HlQ2730tY/lxNT0aoCBlN1te1+xZQN7asRgtVIgJJUuQ2b1B6H2GKzSjOyFbWF+vbTL39bYihNPDJBrCuZWAPm0NlVQNemnT904lg49KyZ+TINDpp0PbfBCnCgE21FwwGuq6Gw1tvfvYjEKU5yZTcZmJa+989zoPwnUfTADTxatJuIkC2uLkkkkkWsPa99tRi7w2vepYIVsEYNIdwcuqAH+IBvZfXD+JPykuL3QFsot5rDRfn09vli1wqnWkp/O2y55XPe12JxUN4weYVp+jAtMe0S/ED/GfL7Z+2BXC6NpZDKfK2XmjpZpW8gI/dhjjUj97FgxMy2cWlq2846pCouUPsnlP78xwV4eNHfbPIx+S2RflZAfniIjpahZEzD1BHYg2YfXAtuIx033czhAD92T1XcD/AE7fIYkp25EQk/CGZZPbmsA3y6+h9Md4o4dzoMygM8fnTY301HzH9MVDf8UWUqsEgc2LHLroLC3pcsP9uEfxDTC95lFrixOosbHQYj8GRK0JfkKkh8plAsXHv6bW9MBouDikWGKQKXlLXZB8IWx1Y9SBtiAxTeJqZ72kC2/MCt+xF9xi9UsrqCGF91N+owBruHRyEeQXBsSRftcD5E2PvtvgVUcACoDzGBXVbtbKD+g/rbAT+M4njMXEYDlkUcuQ2vowsCfY6fMYHeHeFpGue+Ytre22CHhCVqqGrpJWztbyk9mHl+jDGa4fXMtNlJIYOEb0F7HEqC3iaEPExFtNRg1wHio/w6GjpLGonUx2H/Lv/nSv2Cgk+pIGDXiHg1N9gZ41VDHHnVx+Kw/F3zf1xif2bcdgpftLuCZWKiNFF3kveyJ7tipW78Mx5OdwuU51hjVVa1s0bqQuYbZhY/THiXEqUwyyRMTdHK7djbHrnDRU01bFLUFS9eSHjGvJMaXjUHqAmh9b4wf7WaIRcSkOwlVZB7kWP6jBGVJHf+WEv64jEd9iMK0JHUfXASW9RjsQcpvT647EFrmHquF5g7YcJe4IwnNGMtvR/wBmK3ppSNLy2v2si2/niPgks0kKwRjlCO6TTHUtIGPMydDdrnMe+JP2bsGpZADb74i/a8a64g4ck0kYpV+6SD7uaQal3X4xGexOpY66974jSpSZRPVCBWeONtWuWJJsCL7sc1/kDizTxTyyAEPFGykq1hcEGwvfa+v0wJp6v7JPVJAl1zBUuxsMvxAk6nc6+mJ6PxZJzVEqjJY6RhmLN0A+o/s4qwd8JxL/AInUhR5UsguST8S31PqMCODuS0j/APuM+nW7Ncf3/XBbw1Ll4tVAi2YB7afuHp/FgTSRhZZozcZZJEH+/wDnYDX0xpmDVPLckDSyi+moYjr6WA+vpixE7FmUAi2l/wA2tj6WF769DihA1pCSTqpUkdLWIHq2u/cWxaoqgC0bEs+Unt8R29Nxb5YrQlHBlGhsq2VVtcZSFFvXW/yYdsWBkcBcvlDcu1tPKbnX8twL33sRihTPcsSzkq4Frfm7AC9srAa9r4LCXKQotvdx3BBvpbfY/XFKs0kXMQHJkW1lawzC3wsPS3Q4YZG5hyMWMZLMhWxCkEKBpr+L3wyacQtGI75XfVQCRYgCwH4bGxI7X9cT8TqBym0DBgNiNNba9d7/AEwZPnbXNnsMnwkDTW4Y/TDJAWZXBBFjZha9ywsB6WFv9WIIfvQxYhTIqi2h08xHlPoT72OOM6AFQ2Ut8Jtsx0FvmPrg0sRo2ULfKe46k367721O+FgFiBfQKLb69Dr/AH1xCKnNDfOEsuraEi1wfS98dL5xYZl8gsx/eOotpYgAb/mwDKqJALHQWsFG5t631J0/u+IKClklkYM5aFGBswHmcG4W/UKbH6DobpWRWKRoujPYZrHKCCWI66a79cWq6sjjhMULDMLRqRrlLEAsf4Qcx9sEdSShmmqTqqgxx/woTzGH8Ti3qI1OLtHHljRTqQoB97a/rinOsawJFERl8sS2N9NAf/iDgicGQ9qcvDLH3MgHuWa39MCayqdacFC6idRystsySML5NfwnXXpr6YP027/xn9bHAyodEgmRwCI2OUdSW80QW2ua7BRbW4wBOghyRImVUsNVUkgHc2J1Ot9Tvgb4qpnaEtGIwVVi0j/8tALuUH5jYDBKgDcqPPfPkXNffNYZr+t8QcdkdKd2jjVzY3D6qAASSR+K1vh63GCAFFMjKliDmW5Ox1BuTrfpb5AYdWoLa3J2sDpqe56AW37YrcPlkkLzSNnaRVF1FlHlsoUDoB1vi3KCBr6D00/W1/riDO+E3MfFLDZ4iP8AaQR/U/PEVNw9DWVsDDymQkfM3/rh3ARfisXor/8A1xbo05nGamNbgkMQRsCqi2b0vh1F0eHrxiJ5pGjGoQtp6X72wG4FVwUvEXebyqkf3VgTqegA3YjQe+NxUcKq0QeVJTexCNbS2/mt10tjGkpScUjesGUcvOuhbU/DoNc24t32wxRriM1WJafiMyiNeaIY6Yi7KkxAzsekpNiV6AW3vgF+3JCJ6Zh+KJgf9L6f/bGh8STVTciskURQxTpy6Zhd5C7ZA72NlYZrqmttb64B/t3P/wCGfST+aYI8tu3b9Bjrt2/TEQY4cZm74IkDN+X9MdhnObHYLgmMcfbEfLGEKepxht6B+zWcBJ07OrfUEH+QxyLKpahQ5CjM8s4N/JI7MpX99geu1jgL+z6oyVDITpIhHzXzD9AcH+LtJBK/LXM1Uy8ttLIyxhXDDeygZx3vbEUHdKaOteHKoi5IBux0fKC2t7lj9dTgrw3iETQO9Ml+WSFS2XMTb+d9z2wH45Tx0rUjobuJGMjkXZx5CWPe3mt2vhW8QuzGKmhDb5TttsbaWFu+KCLVMkdbSVEoVDNHkdV6EeUXPU/B9MTeJV5NYzXIWdQ4I/MQVb/5i/zxRrOH1MtIzSvmljbmoFsAq2+89yAAfkd8E6yT7dQpIussRzWHW2kq+vRgPT1xqIqQ1GUgXuzast+yqNP5+uU4L0rKcshG4A1HmUEHQ/32wDo43B80bB7m91JtY3sNNbW+dx2xeMtiSwYC2zAi/wAJNr+hIH/bFWC9DV+dg+4clDc2Nx8I/MRfb27YnFUQoRlNichJ0OhABJvpfU+u2+AVEHmzshDFY7uEUkJc6m41vrc/LDpOIeRQyqzNoQT8NzYnX0JP1xTWp+0OXdWYAXGTf4NM/wDqtfXpcYs1ZULsGtZbZb31t+t+wAuTjN0kxkqEha5z7MwtlCgXIFhc3ANwf5YmpOJl7oTcm4zC48yk5gSNhp+uBBrmMeVLl1IvIAdgVve3XKdL+vrh6gFRlIuR620K3P8AEN++mBlPVAKfP5VN+p0sNN9+ny2w81CsdHP4WC6KQbFrX3sdDY66HfbBVmBgIgy5WQDMBbUWta1/S5164iilHKF2YWOZmFjcnXLqNddLDqAOuGIQEygkoNACdguh17gi4Jxc4HTGVhKwsi/CLfE3VsQVqypjpvs5na5YnMpF7DL5WIHYgDtd8Ef8dUNlccryhhmIuQ7FV8o1BJG2Czye3bA/iFTHGM8oWxIBJW/tfTbFZtDeGozsr/EvMmkL9yHyRC3bKTb+H1wZZhgQeNxgAqjCIX84QhBY2GWw1B1sRpt3GHVvE+XJGjL5XB8x/Da1r/UfUYIt0soLyjs4/WNT/XFPi0AZ7EhRLGVDHXK8d3jb3ALH/ThvCqgO87KQymUAEbaRRg2PXW+JuKj7vNbWNg/yB8/1QsPngJOCzu8QLX7Bzb7wW0cDcA+tsXKrWNxlLeRhlFgTdToL9Tt88A+GZoJWjZfu3e8bAWVSwY5NWuQFUagWuSMLxbiQkmFFG2VmF5JAbcsflBAP3rdBpYa9sEA+CCRIcj3BUlSDrkAuOm5xeqzlAOwA0B327b9TqfTA+lTkk07kIynzeYkt1Ur3B/p74p8frAqsetuuItSeAYubxCaTpHHlv6uw/XynCeB4FquIVkxd1W5syPkvmckAka7DpifgJ+w8Jmqm0kn1T/UMsX6Xf5nEHhDgFJNRiCebl1DtzbCySILWQajVSNbetxisPS6hJI0tTosh/wDdmkF/nlbHmI4nl420lSgd0XKiQBpPOFUALfXMNddADfbDuN8MrOHsmSrlMJsFcnQNuQw1tc3se2H+A6yQVVVKYHnncixjAVADq12PlQbept1xNBzjzVTS0c84SOMVKqtLfM12VssjuPLnXfKAQO5xm/26TDm0qnpG7bbXcf8ATGpy1H+J0/2lo3zQyMkcYOWAgqC1z8bENlzkDqBjzz9slasnEStyRFEifM3Y/wD2wViGcdsLzF/LhTk9cMIXucEPzr+U/U4TDco747BRASY4y44sMKDjDSfh1fypUkF/KwPuL6j6Y9H4pFmCTJ5jFmfLf40dLNlvpmAsbdRfHmNsbzwjWrJAEfXl+Rh3RgQP0uPkMStfPik6LJBPUTDzSwsY768tVF4gD0YsAT3zWxLwCdpKQtEEMyrYLa2YrYAadcu3rjpqVs8NG1jGg5mcHSVIzlj03GtswPUdcU/ETn7RJyiwDRoagqDZXvZTf8JIC/MnGkWI/EZiqJW5b6KFEZItnW4b0VSNDv1xV8OcXEE7L8MUjXAvflm/l/TQ4oUqNK3LjGp3Y9O5JxqqLhFOYvsTv53IlzDRgwuoa35NSLdieuuEB2okEfmZgEPUmwB6i5xQr+PHKyQ+eMxky3UkOMyLkXa5ObcXtbAzwvxcXajqbEqxUE9SptufxAjQ4fxeNqfnCV3YPEogkOuZlkzWAUWRhYadbX16aVoOHVrRjLHTSItractRY+mbE/DqeOP4aMj/APVf65sZJOYFjeWabNJmHKBs6WtlY3OoIvpYbjBGlRLpm+2MBcPaRRmvsd9LdsVGl4rxNrw3jaMKzkFimn3En5ST6/LEvC3i5CL9kK+UE5ljuSQLm5a9ycZccPIlikOeSNWa6M5J1BUNYm2YAm49TizBSyqgz1TrYd1/mRirjXxToLfcAZVyjyobL0HXTHJLErmRYLOeojGM1HTvbMJ5m7Eea/sLWOL60lTy8wntdb2dUBXS9j5dDhot1lXHUF41iVSrDmvkClbWYgHqxHXYA+wN/wC0gBQCoXQLt8gPljOyo0kPLjZFznKxWQFgGPnJuBdrEm4vc9cTTcNiTIXeyoAI10+7YfijG5Y2tl10JGxIxAaMmKXGJ1EMmc2AQt7ZRmBHqCL/ACwK4dSuCaiWV4i9gysqXIW+S17hdyctr64jqOHcyUsCcrRNGzygXGY7IunTTUAafiucEXuI1DFaYHRi6sVt5fIhZwR6C5A/Mq4o8GqPtLyyPc2YrCrbCNgmpTrdl3N9umCdRRKzRvmZTGCFtY6MADe4Oum/vh1JTrGiot7KLAnc++g7/riIq8Ir/wDhw72UqSrAbkoxT5s1hp3OG0HFJpY8whBOexXOLKuaxGbZnGtwNPXph608UUgAQlpGZszEtY3ubX+HU9Lfpi/DGFUKoAUCwA2GAoy14lWJgpUicKVYWKkBgQfriaiEbRTK+ic6QnW1vObG/QjocVazha543jQ5hNnbzGxvcMSCbdemH0nDWzTGRyFMhaILYZcwBL9fNe9r7bgX1wQAg4hFXS8oOwmiJ5cxW3NTYhux97d9L2wMouGSV1SsDoVSM3nvuADt7tsPS5xrIeFGNitPLkJVUVcgbIi/ESWNySSTc9T10GKfi/xAKCHkxtnq5VuzgAEaWzkDr0UenprUoT41qGr6qOhp0MkcLfeBLb7Pa+gCjy69S2NDxKj4fVMIamNqadFARnIR8o0Uq4JVwO1zvgd+zeOFKaUQ1C/apVu5IuYzY5BY/EAdT3wR8Q8Ngmip4eIVSiYNo6pbOW0sLj27YIoeKqqnpuHNRioNRK1suZgzDzA3NtgALC+LngZKxKOOOKmERPmeWdrAkk6qi3d9Lb5R64yFLwzPxAR0kX2iKBxmvlQG2jEk6WzXt3t1xs/Gk9clKzmeKAsQixRBndyzWCiQ2sSD+FdO+IJvBWbmVks7iV1mMZntZSkYByqNlRSTcA73vc48S8RcQFTUzT3/AMyRmHtfyj6Wx7F44q0oeFmGNRGZByUUdMwvIe97X17tjw0wH+74kVyID1/TC8n1/v64byjjuWf7tiodyfXCYZlOOxQRK47LhATjiT2xhsuXF/gdeYJg+6nyuO6nf5jf5YHh/TDg2Br0yemz5JIyDIgIUE2WVHIOXNrlYEXB21IPfAjhso+xTyv/AM5JHk+d8g+RCgYreD+MbQMdRrEf1y/1GLfiGiKxPyyBAzq0qMDePNKM+QjdC2tjtrviTxq+hlNVzUkGSRMjvHngbKDmBOuYg7i+x264v8G4008l1hUTKmUynUBb9tybna/TfTE3iWPm/ZacEKXlYhjeyqEGfbW2oNvTFfw8BSyzU01g9wb3tnWxsVPzuPf0xpF2g4DSTNLEXZpwdZMxujsSblRYEE7/ANMN8P8AigZBBWLdG0WQg2JU9/zKRo41BA2wOWpioY5Aj55nBs25vrlzdgL39Tgnwco9CkFRFlivdLnzKSdGBPwlidut/XFB+vEkcJDLJW0+YOpRhz4QOm33iWvr66jS+HTKFAnp2MtK6Zw+hMewZX9bkfX0xlRxKXh1QIqeY1EZN1isc69lIGz27aHewwcgqKDiIPmannb4shy5j+/H8L6gaix03xQQE9x0IwOglRp7zPyRE10XbPpuWOmXW1hrh03DKqnF8v2iMfji1IH7yfGPoR64r09fHLpmBI6HBrWg4jxsFCIJULnRFBzEm4sANtddToLXOmKtJBNP8UofI1nJNgSPiVQo0sbAuRc6gWGBs1PZkkjC5kN+moPxD6YIwy0bvqklNK5+JCQGY79Suu9hbA4KyO8Q80cZQkAWN9yAASw397YbKIwRJ/kvqozDf90A6/7P1xXczgvGShjC6zuLDKQbjJexYddQuvXbFenqgWtTqZZCATM+tweoOgCe1l7A4Mu5M4IkYOQSbnZgptbUXMajYqoU6XJwQSQi2Rst9sxDK/8ACwNx/emIxP8AZxmnmLsx0X/+VA397DFGiq+e8gsIj0XRs4PVxezfIXH5sEootVrlbyt2PX1B6j9fTD7nFGFQbxSgjqoJJ+avuddr+YeumOdwXEJctpqFJz26Zso8oPfy7b9MERT1a8xX1yLu1jYaPm169Dp29sWJOIkr93HIzGwHl0F2AJJ2Ww117dTpiyWVQBoANANLadLYVJmk0jBb22HuToMQNjqstlcgHofzf98PjkaXSPbq/Qf9T6DDKynjjTmVUihRra9luNtfiY+gt88Y/jfjWSVHjoI2WNELNLlsQoOpUfgFyNTrr0xTR3xJ4pjohyoRzKltMvxWJ2LW1J7IP0xi6qhkp5YpqvMz1C59d1N7EN67aDQYJ+GeDQzUkklNIWrNGzsNY5F83lv+bUZtb4K8B4mlfC1JWgLUx3FmBDXA0cdjrqB/LBlnK2kAYTQSBZBsRi5/6vnlpjSlM9U55a2QG6kWY66BiNPnibjHBo6Kg/4if74SM0eQXJNrBehKnQknRf5kPCfg5/u6uWdoZLXVUVCQpH4i1xf0tiLoj4O8MVlJAY+bTxXbOxCNK+2x1VbgdbtjvDlKZq2eZ5mqoorJBI4ACuR97kC2W40GcD0vvipx+kFQ8dNBVVFRIJFM93XlpF+MSctVUE7BdziX9oviRKGmEENkkkXKiqAOWmxYAaDsPW/bAjz39p/iH7XVlUN4obonqb+dvmdPZRjIhj3OFz4dnHbARhsO5xw669jhPL64I7nHHYflXvhMFWs2FwgIwlhjLR4vjtewwgGE174rJwcgg9QdD2xu/DnGxOpWQKXykOrbSKRY/pv9cYGx/s4dHK6kMrWINwe2GLK3tVQ8qaGUO7QgtHZ7Hk5wMl2tcgkZbnayi5vhtbw+Kpris5YItOoBW1wSzZTruBfbrjvDniATDI+XORlZCAVkHXQ6H2xM3C+W/Op42IsRNGCzELe6ugN2IW2UqNgQbb4RpkxQRRVbQ1DgBGy3A0fa3sCDfBHxjxA3+zj4Rlcm/XdcpGwAP19sEuE1cL1dVdUmjkWMOGF7+Szi+4II3GxGBdPwSVKqoFNCJ1gNwrEBiD5lKi/mcL2v7YIv+GuFtE6VMrtzGPkGt8zAm7HfNYHTpbEHHo46jiCQqOS5b72UXN2YczMFuLEA2sLYI8C4uKidlDBVOVUjbR81vOfa9x8sB+HzGXimZ73Ej22FgoZVv8vniqLyV9dw/LmlSZGJC+Y5hltudx6XvgrB4wo6mwqYlDH8Trr62kTzW069sC/EnAnnZ5PxsY44hfQKB52b9fp64l8WcQjp6eOnZElk5WRCyi6KPx3A0N72HqcUaGn4dBILwVLD0usi/plI+d8OqODzEWIjkHSzWPv5gLH54zXAPDMUtGkj54Zic5lzGwS+vkFvwi4O+uuE8JfaKoS8qsKCNso5hYhgdjs1tMAZnoapF8kco7rpIrDqCATof64LU3EmdbNFUQGwveFwB7MVK/3tgOZOIxRNKzRFFBZsxS4AGulwfphOF8a4jNEZo4FeMC+axFx3UF7t8hioNUvDkp7zZJXk35rBpHP8Nhp2soGB0dDNXOZpKaSBFBERCskpa/xt5bWFtFPc4p0PievnF4adZAWy3Ga1+3xYpReLq6aQRRJEXNxazaZd73e2mIa0VDwyulBjnyRqjf5oIDyj90a8v1bftbfD6rw9IU5Uc6UsN7tygzO/cl2y2J6t5j64zrNxWSXlNPFC5j5gXyXIzZTsCbjf2xmPFEUsc5hlqHnIAJOZragEix0wZa403B6I3kk58i/ncym538q+QE+owj+M6qo+7oKUhRYZ2UWUHbyjyKLbXJ22w/w3w/hxMfLiUyhBIQzM5ANhrfyb9AP54o/+qG/xQAho0b7mRHZct1zZGXoBt9cBB4h8IVZjNRPMKhwLsqliUHXKCALDsuNB4O4l9ooMsiZ1U8kogPwGw0AN9iCbeuCC0nLmmkExZ5k8kLtZQVW3l9Nr2HXGS8BVD0TVMVTeNEUSebbchio/FfT4b3xB3E+Hy8GnWogDSU7eWS+pXzXsbbG2zH266p46mplniq4ZLVXkkyAaMOjOQfKbaW6jD+HcXr6kSU9GWlUOS1TLlXyMNFs+i637m1tBgr4M8M1FBmY0kU0hPlcTR+VbbDNsfUYIC8AFFVFqniNQGkcm0OcoEF/Q5rdgLD3xoJfsE6NFRUhq3y5c2aVo4riwLSSNlW29hc6aDBKi8T1VRLNBDAkUkJyyNNJdVJ2sIwc/e1x74aHg4RTyPLLmZ3MjkAAyyNuEUbD06Dc4oVJouEcPRZCGyCwC6c2Q6kL7nr21x4nxqvlqpnmlN3Y/JR0UdgBpifxN4hlrpjLKbDZEB0Rew7nuev0GBN8QLy/n7YcYcMwoY4KXknHGE4TOcOL4KTk+uOwvMPfHYC1bC5BhhJGEEhxkPMYwmQYffTERl9MUcU9ThMp74fnw0nBHBmGo3GxGmNTwTxVsk5II+GUdP4rfzxlGGG4LLj1GSNZcrFwki3yS/Erhjco9tSpOoYXIPQ4owNLDUmeRVRJcqBlfMOZGtlubArmF7XGtsYnhvF5IDZTdeqnb/sfbG44DxcTIzBBlPleNwGVvQjqMVqOm4ZA/EXadXtNEJUMbZCr3CyMCPxAgmx082B8HC5aOv5UMf2sumaI3yllNyTc6BtCpv1HrbBmDgaTSDks8cw/ybuzxruSpDEtkba4NxpvtgPxPxGuaBwrCWGVo21upU6OAdz5gCLgdcVBLhniPIkyVX3c6sx5bqy20uq2te3T/AM3xn+BU8tdVB5SXVTme4uAL3CAbAE9O18ajxoiSwR1Ei5jA6Zu7xswBQn3It7nC+KOBxJA9VSZ6Zo7NJGjvkcXABAJJVhfbbfAaCkmjkkdVfNlAjeMWsh1v00JBt28o9cefeCZWFaIkd0izM5Te+UEAE+gt9MaROHV1JSLXCaGVJLSyqykPdlFhmGjAadsZfhnE1pah53jDFwcoQ5QmZrsPa38sQHvF1c8lWlFnXkzCMOCNVs5Y2PdgAPptg3W8aeKtpqWMRhHQk6kFbXy26AeXbrr2xiuOVS1M4qYQyMoRrNr5l226WH88bOi47DLEtS0XmQHXKpZfzBWOoBxUS8CiMVVWIrDKWSUKG+Eupz6dLkX+eK9DwpYqyWrB+7kRcv8AFI1m/UD/AHYB+FeMXmrKuS/mKDKuthqF3I2Fh9TivX8fWMtSnOUWqVw2l8mYS5fcPoPTAFePMI+LUkha2dCh0/iA+pP6YGftAgC1cbgHzKCe2ht/IYpeIvE8NTLDKkb5oZLkMQAyhri1tQbjHcS47JxB4ouVHGTIFRrtcBjYAnt10GILfAzya2PIukgytYDbv9cQftGogKjmq6nmDUBgWVlABuOnT9cF/EfgeqhhzmaJigvcZ1I06aH+mLfhbgXD6mnBFO2b8bu8mYt1Oj2tf0GCaoS8Rqa2KMU1G8nKytz3A8si2Jy/hO1t+u2GcO4bHI7ScXadZAbIJMyJl30YLa1ydARbGjl4VNRQu1LMOVGrPyZkzjS5YK4IYX9b4t+H6+srKVJ15EKvfW0khFiQfLdR07nBA6GHhtOCaetaHMb5YpkkzH0Vlck+wxN4fo6uoMpqZqlIM1oQFSF5F/M/kzLcW2ynfBrw5wOOgjflsxLMXdyACx9hoB2Ax554r/aRK5eKmBjAJVpGsXNjrlGoX31PtgNVxvxBRcLjMUUY5h83KUm5J/FIxufmbk9MeRcb4xNVyGSZrnoBoqjso6DFJmJJJNyTck6kk73PU4QHAIFGHhVwoHphdO2Cw3IMIY/XDwowpQYiIuWfTCZPbE+T1OEaMYohyHHYflwuCv/Z" 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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>"I am speechless, I am without speech." These are the words that came out of Elaine Benis's mouth when she was shocked to discover something ridiculous in the sitcom, Seinfeld. These same words came out of my mouth when I discovered the weather that I would have in Pekin, Illinois the first weekend in April. Because I am from the Midwest, I know that typically that time of year consists of rain that would make even a fish drown. However, the reason for the lack of speech was because I was going to have 70 degree weather. Unbelievable! I manage to travel to Utah and Colorado and get buckets and buckets of rain and I come to the Midwest in April and get absolute perfection (and yes, the parents use this to bribe me to come back to Ohio).<br />
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Let's just say that I wasn't going to complain. When I planned this trip I had anything but a brain. First off, I decided 2 months before the start of the race that I would go ahead and give it a go. Usually most people like to invest an adequate amount of time for something like this to ensure they are properly trained and ready to go. However, that wasn't me. The reason I decided to take on the Potawatomi 100 is because my good friend, Callie, informed me that she had connections in the town. I ultimately took her up on the offer and registered for the race. I also managed to book a red eye flight from Seattle to Chicago Thursday night, I landed Friday morning at 6 am CT, and then the race started Saturday AM CT. Basically I was running an ultra sleep deprived.<br />
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Another friend from Ohio, Kyle, did the 150 mile run out here a few years ago and warned me that it is a tough race for the middle of Illinois. He was right. The course gains 1600 feet of elevation per loop. Each loop is 10 miles for a grand total of 100 miles and 16,000 feet of climbing. Comparatively, this one is probably ranked in the middle as far as difficulty to others that I ran. It certainly was no Ouray or HURT. I'd classify it more along the lines of Mohican and Pinhoti.<br />
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Training leading up to Potawatomi was anything but vigorous, minus one specific workout up Mailbox Peak. I ran about an hour everyday after work and then did a 3-6 hour run on Saturdays. As with most 100's that I have run, I didn't feel that I was adequately ready for this. It was probably my workout two weeks before Potawatomi that saved the race for me. I went up and down the Old Trail at Mailbox Peak. Each time up and down is 4,000 feet of climbing and 4,000 feet of descent in a 5 mile distance. This times 4=a very, very sore Nick. Of course I was well rested by the time this race came around.<br />
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The night before the race we made it to the race location at 7 PM. I got to meet one of the race Directors, Rich. We got there and perhaps it was the sleep deprivation (I'm definitely blaming it on this), I asked where/who I should make the cash donation to. The lady serving the food said the guy in the orange shirt. Although he was sitting right beside me I walked over to the guy in the green shirt. I could hear muttering and when I passed the money to the guy in the green shirt I came back and David, Callie, and Rich were all wondering what I was doing. It suddenly struck me what he had said...they then started joking and said what I was on. Thankfully my Kopp out was that I had taken a redeye from Seattle. At that point the Race Director was elated. I come to find out that his son is moving out next month to a suburb of Seattle. From that point on I was known as "The Seattle Man." After eating dinner we made it to the host family's house. They welcomed us with otherworldly hospitality and kindess-thanks Seth and Angie!<br />
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Fast forward to 6 AM the Saturday of the race. I was huddled around my crew, Callie and David, and we were discussing my strategy and plan for the day. I knew that I was aiming for 20 hours on the trail. This means that I would have to complete each loop in 2 hours or less. Although I'm not a huge fan of loop courses, especially going around 10 times, I must confess that this made the drop bag incredibly easy as well as figuring out where I was at time wise. This of course comes with a double-edged sword. Because I always knew where I was at and how long it took, I easily could have gotten psyched out easily. Thankfully this rationale didn't fully apply to me this day.<br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f195158e39&view=fimg&th=15b6ec24d59b136c&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1564697559133323264-local0&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_lLRqF0g3cqtnGaCDMEMz9ky6n9q3cM08b6YNEi4ZX3gGdZZiYXuAWGHbdcgReVZG4Y7fTPV6KVBSYtbrNAAPAOClfRvti-r6-4P-UJAPKDGhm7TgpL4ga6P4&ats=1492213501892&rm=15b6ec24d59b136c&zw&sz=w1600-h799" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying 44100.jpeg" border="0" height="240" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f195158e39&view=fimg&th=15b6ec24d59b136c&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1564697559133323264-local0&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_lLRqF0g3cqtnGaCDMEMz9ky6n9q3cM08b6YNEi4ZX3gGdZZiYXuAWGHbdcgReVZG4Y7fTPV6KVBSYtbrNAAPAOClfRvti-r6-4P-UJAPKDGhm7TgpL4ga6P4&ats=1492213501892&rm=15b6ec24d59b136c&zw&sz=w1600-h799" width="320" /></a>Callie and David were planning to crew me throughout the day and provide me with the support that I likely needed after going around the loop 10 times. Once the race was about to start I went to the bathroom one final time and then we were off. My one qualm I suppose was that the 100 mile runners were starting with the 50 mile racers. We didn't have separate bibs so it was difficult to tell who I would be racing against. Unlike most races that I've run I found myself at the front of the start. Most of all races that I've done most people are so eager to get out to the front and take the lead. This wasn't the case here. It was like everyone was afraid to do that. I started about 15 feet from the start of the line but by default I was at the front. It was like I was a lion and everyone was cowarding behind me! Although a bit unorthodox for most races I've done and a bit out of character for how I usually race, I decided to go ahead and take the lead. One reason I didn't really want to do this is I wanted to get an idea of how a loop felt and not find myself getting carried away trying to race the 50 milers.<br />
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Once we were off I started talking to two guys named Dean and David. They both had run this before. They were registered for the 50 miler. They told me that their best times were around 9 hours for a 50. In full disclosure, they seemed like good people to follow. I knew that they had to get to a concert by 6 pm in a town 1.5 hours away so following them for a while seemed like an intelligent move. As we started to move along the first mile I found was very flat. I heard that miles 2-4 are when the climbing begin. This was most definitely true. By mile 4 David was sweating rather profusely. The thing with this trail is that it is either all flat or you're going to be going straight up.<br />
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<a href="http://timetorun.net/Event%20Media/2010/McNaughton%20Park/McNaughton%20Park%202010/DSCI0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for mcnaughton park streams" border="0" src="http://timetorun.net/Event%20Media/2010/McNaughton%20Park/McNaughton%20Park%202010/DSCI0033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>We came to the first river crossing. I knew that I would have to cross a couple of streams for this race, I just thought that I'd be able to get through without getting wet. The first one, there was no way that was possible. I kind of looked at it. I felt like a rich person who left their high maintenance lifestyle and had to stay in a shack. Very quickly someone from behind just ran through it. Hopefully Laz doesn't find out that I don't want to get wet (he's the Director of the infamous Barkley Marathons). I suppose that I had to follow suit as well. I ran through and my entire lower body was saturated below my knees. Right away I knew that this was going to be potentially a long day. As we continued onward, I found myself leaving both Dean and David. I got to the next aid station and took the wrong route. At this aid station you're supposed to make a right hand turn, run a 1.5 mile loop and get back to the aid station and then go left at the fork. I went left right away.<br />
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I continued onward and got to the second stream. This one too was unavoidable. Right when my feet were getting somewhat dry, I had to emerge them in the water again. Thankfully this one wasn't as bad as the first one. I continued onward and got to the start line. Rich was shocked to see me there, and so was I. I got there in 1:24. I knew that something was wrong. Although running 10 miles in that timeframe is doable for me, I was nervous that I messed something up. I was moving WAY too fast that early on. I knew that I had taken a wrong turn somewhere. Rich clarified that I was running the 100 and not the 50. I gave him the validation and started lap 2.<br />
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Then came lap two. I was still feeling pretty good. Prior to this race I was battling some painful sciatica about 3 weeks before. I was noticing that my my hamstring was twitching a bit. Probably not a good thing for only being 15ish miles into the race. I did the river crossing again and did the mandatory baptizing. Onward I went. I could definitely tell that after this second river is when most of the climbing was. I kept on and Callie and David surprised me with a visit at a random parking lot. They both were smiling emphatically which put me in a better mood right away. I continued past them and got to the aid station. To my fear, I was right. I had missed the loop. I went back and reported to the aid station workers what had happened. I asked if I could do two loops on this. They said that that should be fine. I quickly did the two loops and got back to the start. I quickly confessed my mistake to the Rich and he said that I was about the 5th person to do that. He said that as long as I made it up, I should be good to go. Cheating in running is the last thing that I will tolerate.<br />
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Lap 3 I continued onward. It was at this point that I was getting a bit familiar with the trail. This would be my first "real loop"with all of the proper turns. Although the course was well marked, I just didn't pay attention as I should have. However, this loop everything was done right. Usually by mile 30 I have a low, this didn't really happen. I got back to the start and Rich was super elated to see me again. "What are you doing here? Get outta here!" I followed the general's orders. I continued onward. Laps 4 and 5 were basically the same-nothing too major happened. It was towards the end of 5 that gave me a good chuckle. There was one 50 miler ahead of me who kept looking back. He then took off and when I got to the end of lap 5 he was on the ground, collapsed. He had won the 50 in 8:12. I came in the loop around 8:16, a very solid first 50 miles. I grabbed my water and took off. It was at mile 55 that I picked David up.<br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f195158e39&view=fimg&th=15b6ec18b0001b82&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1564697502647582720-local0&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ9QMXpEta45b737xtIvChUY4l_sw0JzGwjPxmEISy2t-mTMRLwUEzgQSDCfl3p36R5ggw6QBEgNSrowXOo2dxVqnpo4LBjopKWG-q1p4G0jer2qbT8ezJ_4V1s&ats=1492213611634&rm=15b6ec18b0001b82&zw&sz=w1600-h799" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying IMG_20170411_161554_258.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f195158e39&view=fimg&th=15b6ec18b0001b82&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1564697502647582720-local0&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ9QMXpEta45b737xtIvChUY4l_sw0JzGwjPxmEISy2t-mTMRLwUEzgQSDCfl3p36R5ggw6QBEgNSrowXOo2dxVqnpo4LBjopKWG-q1p4G0jer2qbT8ezJ_4V1s&ats=1492213611634&rm=15b6ec18b0001b82&zw&sz=w1600-h799" width="256" /></a><br />
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He thankfully ran with me for 15 miles and we made small conversation. He had nice, white shoes on. Hopefully he wasn't too sad when we got to the river crossings and he had to get them wet...Regardless, he was a good trooper and powered through the water as well. At this point, I felt like a Nascar Driver. I think I passed more 100, 150, and 200 mile runners than I ever have. I guess there has to be some form of entertainment when you're going in circles. There were even a couple of crashes on the course too that I got to witness (myself included). One guy slipped on the rock and ate the mud shortly after the river crossing. Although I probably should have been a bit more sympathetic, I laughed and asked if he was ok. I ate it shortly thereafter.<br />
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Loops 6-8 were the worst. Although I always had food in my hands I didn't always eat it...I wasn't bonking terribly but I was certainly slowing down. My diet of Gu and ProBars was no longer going to work. I needed to supplement it with something else. I must say that the cantaloupe did the trick! Potato Chips were also a regular part of the diet all throughout the day. When I finished lap 7 or 8, I was told that I was right on pace with Karl Meltzer's course record (he currently holds the Appalachian Trail Course record from Georgia to Maine). I was flabbergasted. I had no idea that I was moving that well. Sub 20 was definitely going to happen.<br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f195158e39&view=fimg&th=15b6f1ab97e13f2a&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1564703633325424640-local0&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_FkD90HXGihnC2nHS3_nxmBV-W4ZqI7yr8W9M33lLPAv6sUgmexgbcaken9NLgVCytc2t7UpPu7whPngzR3FW-hnlvg4Ihsr1U5WcMPkRmXkY-IfwpXyf_kFk&ats=1492217677492&rm=15b6f1ab97e13f2a&zw&sz=w1600-h799" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying 44101.jpeg" border="0" height="240" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f195158e39&view=fimg&th=15b6f1ab97e13f2a&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1564703633325424640-local0&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_FkD90HXGihnC2nHS3_nxmBV-W4ZqI7yr8W9M33lLPAv6sUgmexgbcaken9NLgVCytc2t7UpPu7whPngzR3FW-hnlvg4Ihsr1U5WcMPkRmXkY-IfwpXyf_kFk&ats=1492217677492&rm=15b6f1ab97e13f2a&zw&sz=w1600-h799" width="320" /></a>Loop 9 I had a huge second wind. It was at this point that I felt like I was flying. I had some broth and this certainly picked the pace up! I think I'm learning that real food later in the race is key for me. Sugar no longer works well, especially as my stomach is not able to settle that level of artificial sugars. Broth on the other hand is high in calories and a liquid that tends to go down very easily (when it isn't burning your mouth). I then came into loop 10 and the race director was equally emphatic as before. He encouraged me to take off again. Although I was likely no longer in contention with the course record, I still had high hopes of finishing sub 18 hours. Other than Meltzers 17:40, there were only 3 other people who have gotten sub 20 at this event in the 12 years of its existence. I was determined to break 18. With a little mental push and fortitude, I powered on. The first aid station workers were so happy. "Seattle Man! You're flying out here!" I wasn't going to argue too much. I knew that I was having a good day with very little going wrong. I quickly left. I was following this lady and her pacer. I noticed that her back was super red-likely from all of the sun. "You're fried!" I yelled at her. She then responded, "yeah, I like fries." I started to laugh uncontrollably. Here we were at 11:10 at night running circles like rats in a maze testing drugs. Everything suddenly became more hilarious. I told her what I actually said and all 3 of us started dying laughing.<br />
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From here, I got to the last aid station, did the final right hand loop and then powered to the end. I just started complementing all of the other runners on random things. I passed another female couple. One of them was wearing a too too. I told her I was digging it and that I should have told her that all day. Nothing like hitting on someone at 11:45 at night in the middle of the woods. I'm pretty sure they both looked at each other like I was some schmuck. Or, they wanted to caress my sweat infested, mud dunked body.<br />
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Other than feeling like a rat in a maze and Nascar driver, I think I can sum up the course in the following format:<br />
Loops 1-3: I became acquainted and familiar with the course<br />
Loops 4-8: I became intimate with the course, knowing every rock, root, stream, and muddy spot<br />
Loops 9-10: The course and I were one and the same creature<br />
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I finally came to the final hill and made my way to the finish in 17:56, just 16 minutes shy of the course record and 2nd fastest time overall. Callie and David were emphatic but I thought that Rich was going to collapse with excitement. I think he was more emphatic than all 3 of us combined. He quickly congratulated and shook my hand about 10 times in a 3 minute time frame. He motioned that we go over for a picture. He explained that he was impressed with my endeavor of trying to run a 100 in every US State. I was happy to have finished my 9th 100 and still no DNF's. The best part is it come with a very convincing victory. I believe second finished around 25 or 26 hours. Although not a competitive race, the time would have done well in most competitions, so I was very pleased with the results.<br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f195158e39&view=fimg&th=15b6ec34f7272805&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1564697622282764288-local0&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_614xGdFaKD3yDUgM5HbUZffVIDOyGOG17vWVhvJJgN8KsRT7soKCjVzl7s0-OFs78j-bS9-yo7YNevDuGKodqL2Eo429IiIlwDMbAuxtAqIXWqJTIzAC2TNM&ats=1492213501880&rm=15b6ec34f7272805&zw&sz=w1600-h799" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying 44093.jpeg" border="0" height="240" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f195158e39&view=fimg&th=15b6ec34f7272805&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1564697622282764288-local0&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_614xGdFaKD3yDUgM5HbUZffVIDOyGOG17vWVhvJJgN8KsRT7soKCjVzl7s0-OFs78j-bS9-yo7YNevDuGKodqL2Eo429IiIlwDMbAuxtAqIXWqJTIzAC2TNM&ats=1492213501880&rm=15b6ec34f7272805&zw&sz=w1600-h799" width="320" /></a></div>
Huge thanks to both Callie and David for assisting with the logistics, Seth and Angie for giving us all a place to sleep, and of course Orange Mud for a product that allowed me to press on throughout the entire day with minimal gear issues.<br />
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Thanks to all who have read this. Hopefully this proved to be amusing to some degree.<br />
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Cheers,<br />
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Nick<br />
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<br />Don't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-21071122479755815402016-11-17T14:05:00.002-08:002016-11-17T14:08:05.435-08:00Pinhoti 100: Getting Served Humble Pie<div>
<img alt="Image result for pinhoti 100" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OyjjNc99vyM/TrlMU3S0msI/AAAAAAAAA3M/KIOKt8Botrw/s1600/pinhoti-100-trail-race.png" /></div>
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If you had asked me which races I was planning to run at the beginning of this year, I'm not sure that Pinhoti 100 would have made the list. However, timing for this classic fall race aligned well with other races that I had done this year and shooting for a 3rd 100 mile run this year was certainly on the to-do list. That, combined with the fact that I needed a race in Alabama in my pursuit of a 100 miler in every US State. Lastly, my good friends Jen and Shawn were already registered so logistics aligned well, too.<br />
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Despite its obscure location in Alabama, this race attracts strong talent. A quick gander at the fastest times shows the types of athletes that have completed this point-to-point course from Helfin, Alabama to Sylacauga, Alabama via the Pinhoti trail in Talladega National Forest. Karl Melzer, the then course record holder, ran a 16:44. This is the same man who has the current record for the fastest traverse of the Appalachian Trail. Not surprisingly, this year wouldn't disappoint with the talent levels. David Riddle from Ohio was registered. This is a man who has run several sub 6 hour 50 milers and rarely loses. I suppose my one claim to fame was my win against him at the Mohican 50 earlier this year ( in fact his only non 1st place finish in 3 years). I noticed that he registered for the race after I did. In my brain I told myself he was seeking revenge. Although that was a completely different race, one will find that he and I never really had a race. He ran away with the win and an eventual course record of 16:24.</div>
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Weather for this year was the best that I had all year. Earlier I had run Zion 100 in Utah and Ouray 100 in Colorado. Although two states that are typically labeled as "sunny," I of course brought the Seattle rain. I was glad that this wasn't a repeat of those experiences. We had mid 70's for the day and upper 40's for the night. It was my first race that I had great weather! The start was as usual, very fidgety. There were over 200 runners registered for this race. Going into it, I was quite sure that there were 8-10 that could easily win it-it would depend on who had the best day. </div>
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Once we got started promptly at 7 am in Heflin, it was a sprint to single track. I was warned by my friend Jen that it turns single track early on, it just caught me off guard. I noticed that I was probably in 15th during the start. Not surprisingly, Riddle took off (and in fact I never saw him the rest of the race). I remember conversing with a guy named Anthony who had run some 50ks and 50 milers, but never a 100. He was a bit nervous but I assured him to put just one foot in front of the other. Not that I'm a super seasoned ultrarunner, but I certainly won't forget my first 100. I wanted to quit so bad. However, getting a talking to, I was quickly reminded that I registered for the torture and it was up to me to get to the end. Hopefully that advice served Anthony to some degree on his endeavor that day. I hung out with him for a few miles before I found my target. </div>
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<img alt="Image result for pinhoti trail" src="http://atlantatrails.com/images/Pinhoti_Trail_South_Snake_Creek_Gap/1-pinhoti-trail-georgia-hiking@2x.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></div>
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I found Caleb. Caleb had a strong, thick Southern accent but was by no means a joke. The 24 year old had run Orcas Island in Washington earlier this year (a very mountainy 100 miler in WA State). In fact, he was good friends with the Race Director at Pinhoti and was dating his daughter. We talked about our careers and goals for the day. We ran into the first aid station together. His crew had his bottles ready so he blew right past through. I spent about a minute refilling my water bottles. I know how important it is to eat and drink early on. Both Caleb and I agreed that the race really doesn't start until mile 50. Riddle and others that took off, I was convinced that I was going to catch up to. </div>
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A different part of this race for me is that I was already we were in 4th and 5th, respectively. I think this is still the hardest challenge for me. I'm not sure if I should have gone out that aggressive or go out more steady and maintain during the day. The results of this race likely indicate that I need to run my own race. Too often I get caught up with what everyone else is doing and I lose my own rhythm. After going through the 2nd aid station, I quickly became acquainted with the ground. I remember following Caleb through this dirt section and somehow fell. There were no rocks or roots. I literally just fell down. Caleb turned around and asked if I was good. I laughed and said that I was but was a bit confused how I managed to fall on nothing. Thank to the fall, I managed to get a nice skid mark too, similar to carpet burn. It's odd how I can run courses that have boulder and root after root and manage not to fall, but then eat it on flat dirt. Regardless, I got up and continued moving. </div>
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This is when the course started to climb a little. The first 40ish miles are incredibly deceiving. There is very little climbing and tons of rolling, undulating hills. This too is a terrain that I'm figuring out if it is a strong suit of mine or not. I'm thinking that I prefer the medium length ups and downs. For this race, I was running too many hills too early on. I certainly paid for this later on. As I was following Caleb I noticed the terrain was a bit like running on ice. The course is covered in pine needles that make climbing seem like you're climbing on ice. This really wore on me as the race went on. Every step forward I took a half step back.</div>
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<img alt="Image result for rocks and roots on pinhoti trail" src="https://cdn.apstatic.com/photos/mtb/29/86/2712986_smallMed_1987101372603275.jpg" /></div>
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After about 15ish miles with Caleb, we split paths. I moved in front of him and was by myself for a while. Really I was feeling good at this point. This is eventually when I caught up with Adam Tekacs. Adam is a Canadian runner who hails from Toronto. He's had a rough year with injuries and was focusing on just a finish. Not only would Adam finish, but he would put over an hour on me. With that said, we became very well acquainted throughout the race. I'm not sure I've ever played leap frog with someone so much. We came into mile 27 together and we left that section. I remember seeing a sign that said "one marathon down, 3 to go." Those signs are in fact very demotivating to me. Mile 30ish is usually when I get my first wave of depression. It is the reality check that I'm not even a 3rd of the way there. This sign was certainly not a kind reminder of that. With that said, Adam and me were in 2nd and 3rd. The only one in front of us was Dave Riddle. </div>
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We continued for several miles together. I remember the next section we both were running out of water and wondering where the next stop was. When we came to it, we both refilled and headed back out in the woods. It was at this moment that the hip flexors were not happy. it was about mile 33 and they were already agitated. In retrospect, I think that it was caused by the running of the smaller hills and the pine needles. They were being forced to work harder on the climbs as every step we fell back a tad. Unfortunately for me, this is a problem that persisted for the other 77 miles. Certainly there were some moments better and worse than others but mentally it was already freaking me out. I entered this race wanting to finish top 5 but always have higher expectations, despite not being mentioned (perhaps superstitious thing?).</div>
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It was here that we were climbing up Mt. Cheaha, the highest point in the State of Alabama. I remember the climb not being as bad as others that were about to come. This certainly had tons of boulders. As Adam and I were summitting, we saw tons of tourists enjoying the 70 degree day. They were all waving. They knew that we were running from Heflin to Sylacauga and still had a LONG ways to go. Shortly after was the aid station. I quickly got what I needed and headed out. I think what my hip flexors lacked in the day, my efficiency at the aid station gave me a consistent lead over Adam throughout the day. My one minute that I spent was being compared to his 5-10 minutes at the aid stations. The next section was perhaps my favorite. After Cheaha, we headed down the largest boulder field of the course and then all roads. I remember making tremendous progress here. This is also when gastro problems started to arise. My timing for this was impeccable. There was a porta pot on the road. I quickly stopped and moved on. </div>
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<img alt="Image result for mt. cheaha" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Cheaha_Lake_in_the_Fall.jpg/280px-Cheaha_Lake_in_the_Fall.jpg" /></div>
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After checking in this aid station, I remember the next being the 2nd worst section. It was back in the woods but on a really long section. I believe this was the 8 mile section. The problem is that Adam stayed at the previous aid station longer and I didn't have anyone near me. Consequently, I became very lazy. My hiking was getting worse and the hip flexors were wanting nothing to do with climbing anymore. This was a very sad reality, not only that I train in Seattle, but that there was much more climbing in the second half of the race. After finally getting to this aid station, I collected my gear and finished the short 3 mile section that was next. It was here that I collected my headlamp for the night section. It was about mile 55. Many roads were to come. After about 10 minutes on this section, I saw Adam coming up from behind. He was looking really strong. When it came to the roads, I didn't have a chance. I'll just accredit this to Adam's training in Toronto and probably having tons of exposure to roads. It was here too that I learned that he is actually part of the Canadian 100k world team that is competing next month. After he caught up we ran a little bit and then he took off. This is basically when I never saw him again.</div>
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He took off and shortly thereafter, it was time for the headlamps. It was a depressing concept that we would need headlamps for practically half of the race...night sections are not my favorite and this course was tough with all of the pine needles and leaves covering the boulders. Shortly after turning the headlamp on I quickly ate it again. There were a couple of choice words released and then I felt better. Basically the only part I remember from this section was that I eventually got to a sign that said "hill ahead :)" Something told me that I won't be smiling here soon...typically the climbing is a strong point, but not this race and not this day. My hip flexors were convulsing and refusing to cooperate. I could hear music from the aid station which was located at the top of the hill, but all I remember is a tons of switchbacks that seemed to go on forever. However, after probably the 20th switchback, I was at the top. </div>
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I drank some coke and other salty foods. My diet for the day had been power bars, similar to gummy bears. My stomach was getting a tad sick of all of the sugars and demanded foods that were a bit more real. From this section I remember that we continued climbing. This was another low moment for me. I wasn't climbing a ton but I couldn't run. It was covered in tons of boulders and leaves. Then there were the hip flexors. Every step was a reminder that I couldn't move quickly. After practically walking this entire section I made it to mile 79. I'll call this Liar Aid Station. The adults told me that it was all down hill. In fact, they promised me that. Very quickly a teenager of probably 15 years quickly informed me that I would be going uphill on more roads. The adults quickly shut him up. Too bad for these adults, I know how aid station people work sometimes. The teenager was absolutely right. It wasn't downhill, it was more uphill on a gravel road. </div>
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After laughing to myself about the aid station workers I know that they were just wanting to be helpful. It was back on single track. It was at this point that I saw two headlamps behind me. My initial thought was that there were 2 people going to pass me. Although true, it was only one racer with their pacer. The person happened to be the eventual women's winner, Jacqueline Merritt. I was about to get served a huge dose of humble pie. I have no qualms losing to women, but it certainly isn't a morality boost. I've been "chicked" 3 times in 100's. The first was in my first 100 (doesn't count, right?), the second was to the Amy Sproston, the women's 100k world champion, and now to Jacqueline. With that said, Jacqueline is a solid runner. So solid in fact, she crushed the women's record by 20 minutes. Needless to say it looked like she had just started. She passed and was like "you feeling ok?" I actually thought that I was moving somewhat ok but it looked like Jacqueline had just woken up and started running. I never would have guessed she had 85 miles under her belt.</div>
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After letting her by, it was about another 15 minutes until the next aid station. The next section was the worst of the entire course. The temps dropped by about 20 degrees in this section and it was all on road. It sounds really pleasant, however, the hip flexors were again just giving up. Not to mention it is about 8 miles all by yourself on this road. There is a water drop about halfway. Not sure why, but the song "Running with the Devil" came into my brain. This was probably because this was the longest road section ever and I started to get incredibly drowsy. So drowsy in fact that I couldn't walk in a straight line. I was wobbling side to side on this road. I was in desperate need of some caffeine. Not sure why, but I get tired very easily. It was about 1 am at this point. I finally made it to the the last aid station and they informed that it was only 5 miles to the end. I got some updates and moved on.</div>
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This was another section that seemed to take a while. It takes you past this swamp and then dumps you on this road for 4 miles. The race ends at Sylacauga High School but getting to the high school felt like an eternity too. The last two miles I got "attacked" by about 3 dogs. The first was the worst. His teeth were showing and you could tell that he wanted nothing to do with a person at 2:45 in the morning. Go figure, I finish 98 miles and then get pulverized by a huge dog. Thankfully, with my dog charming skills he just growled and barked. There were two other dogs that did the same but they were thankfully not as bad as the first. As laziness fully kicked in, I was walking tons of this section, being sure to look back for lights in case another racer were to come. However, I was in the clear. I could see the lights of the track stadium and knew that my suffering was over. I pressed forward and was greeted by the race director and others at the finish. They congratulated me for my 4th overall finish and 3rd overall male. I was very happy that this one was over. Official finish was 20:04:00.</div>
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<img alt="Image result for pinhoti 100" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmmbjpmflB0/UbZIKY7UeJI/AAAAAAAAAWE/S88cFtE395U/s320/Pinhoti+002+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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In retrospect, I learned a lot from this race. First, it is important to keep my own pace. Second, I think I underestimated the course. The boulders, pine needles, and the leaves made this course incredibly challenging. I'm also beginning to conclude that I do better on courses that have a bit longer climbs. Although there was nothing I could do about the hip flexors, I do question if I should have trained a bit more. I have been taking 2 days off a week and only getting about 50-80 miles a week. Some of my best results in 100's have been in 6 days of training. This certainly is something I will continue to experiment in. The good news with Pinhoti is that I managed a top 5 finish and successfully completed my 8th 100 miler in 8 states. Just 42 to go....!</div>
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Lastly, just want to give a huge thanks to Orange Mud and their VP2. Once again, it served me well and provided all of the hydration needs that I needed. Congrats to Jacqeline on her course record and Dave Riddle on his. Also, thanks to Shawn and Jen Merchant for figuring the logistics out and Ellen for the ride to the start. Finally, I want to thank everyone who continue to read about these adventures. Hopefully these continue to be enjoyable.</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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NK</div>
Don't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-946808356907626992016-08-12T15:58:00.001-07:002016-08-12T15:58:52.274-07:00At the Crest of Everest and Half a Time"They're so beautiful!" These were the words that I sent via text to my good ultrarunning friend, Jen Edwards, in regards to the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado. Shortly thereafter I received a message back stating, "we have to go there!"<br />
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These were words that were shared about 4 months ago as I was trying to figure out which 100 I was going to run this summer. The San Juan Mountains hosts an incredibly historic event known as the Hardrock 100. My only qualm with this race is that unless you are incredibly lucky, your odds of getting in are minimal, as the lottery system places a heavy emphasis on veterans who had already completed the race. Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful course with lots of history and difficulty in completing, but I knew that I wanted to try something a little different. That is when I decided to check in on Ouray 100. It is a race that is the equivalent on the beauty factor, but arguably even more difficult. The race boasts close to 42,000 feet of climbing and 42,000 feet of descending. A total of about 84,000 feet of elevation gain-A LOT! This would be the equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest from sea level one and a half times. Then you have to consider that the lowest elevation of the entire race is at 7600 feet. At one point, it gets over 13,300...Unfortunately in Washington, I just don't get that type of elevation training. The climbing is a lot, but the elevation is a completely different story.<br />
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To be quite honest, this intimidated me a little bit. Had Jen not pushed me into it and a free race entry from Josh and Orange Mud, I probably wouldn't have signed up. However, sometimes the beauty of nature and a kind push from friends to do rad things make me a bit of a pushover and susceptible to making irrational decisions. I'm surprised I never got into drugs...<br />
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Next thing I knew I was registered and I had my crew member, Jen, going along with me. This undoubtedly would be the most difficult race I had done up to this point. HURT 100 in Hawaii was probably the hardest to date, but total climbing there was about 25,000. This would only be about 17,000 feet more and at a much higher elevation...<br />
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As soon as the tickets were purchased, I checked the weather for the week of the race. It was rain for a week straight...of course it would be! Sunny Colorado turns into Stormy Colorado whenever I signed up for this. Jen and I joke that anything we plan to go to together turns into a hot mess, weather wise. Last year I paced Jen at Fat Dog 120 and the weather was hailing and raining for her entire 40 hour race. It was just so much fun seeing nothing but dark clouds and freezing to death on the peaks. I literally couldn't wait to get blown off a mountain from hurricane like winds and freeze to death on the peaks for my race this year...it was like living a dream that was about to come back-except this time she would get to stay warm and I would be in the Hunger Games, trying to survive.<br />
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At the start of the race, only 31 people showed up. We each were given our trackers and were ready to go. Similar to the Hunger Games, it was so the Race Directors could keep track of where everyone was at and pick people up who selected the "pick up" button. Really the only difference between this race and the Hunger Games is that there were no cannons going off when people died or quit. The rest is quite comparable.<br />
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At the start, the weather wasn't terrible. The sun was shining and everything looked hopeful. I knew better. I had checked the weather before it started and knew that as the day progressed, the chance of thunderstorms and rain was almost inevitable. I toed the line with the other runners at 8 AM Friday morning and knew that I would be out here for an incredibly long time. This wasn't really a race as much as a hike in the mountains. I had that mindset going in and believe that that helped me throughout the entire course of the race.<br />
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Once we were all lined up, the Race Director let us go. The first couple of miles were essentially all jeep trails. I followed these and intentionally didn't run any hills. I'd get my fair share of climbing and needed to conserve my legs as much as possible. As we started off, there were a couple of guys who were doing just that, running all of the hills. I kept my cool and went at my own pace, making sure that I was being strategic about this race. Most people probably wouldn't finish, and 100 miles is a long way to begin with, not to mention the elevation profile. The pic below is the views that we had at the beginning, about 3 miles into the race.<br />
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When I hit the first aid station, we then started to head to our first climb.This is when I would learn very quickly what I had registered for. The ascent started to get a bit vertical. Like a lot vertical. My heart-lung machine was pumping blood harder than it otherwise would. It kinda felt like I was an obese person who was forced to hit the treadmill for the first time. My love for the idea of doing something epic was quickly beginning to change. Training leading up to this race, I had done extensive training at Mt. Rainier, running Camp Muir repeats from Paradise to train for the elevation as well as the climbing. Certainly this helped me out, but I was running against some mountain goats in this race (the winner I found out lives at 10,000 feet in Colorado). There were a couple of guys who got up that first climb like they were Sherpa's. I was a lost, confused wanderer who wasn't sure what I was getting into...</div>
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With that said, it was the first climb and it wasn't as dramatic as I'm making it sound; however, it did take the breath away from me. As with all mountain races, there typically is a big reward for those willing to do the work. I shouldn't have been surprised with the views rewarded:</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHMrxwZXbHw/V6450bIt9NI/AAAAAAAAANU/XxzddoR_Jh4qFx2HerFq0FG3NpjvRVgowCLcB/s1600/Alpine%2BLake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHMrxwZXbHw/V6450bIt9NI/AAAAAAAAANU/XxzddoR_Jh4qFx2HerFq0FG3NpjvRVgowCLcB/s320/Alpine%2BLake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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From here, I grabbed the hole punch and punched my bib to prove that I was following the course. Now it was time to go down, down, down. I was moving pretty quickly on this downhill as it wasn't super technical, but not too fast as to blow my quads up too early. There were many more downhills to run and needed to be sure that I was conserving my body as much as possible. I sometimes like to think of myself as a controlled runner-not going out too fast and not going out too slow. Typically it is in the later stages of races where I make my move on other runners. The adrenaline in the beginning is hard to let go but you have to think perspective and constantly remind yourself that it will be a long time. After I got back to that initial aid station, I then started to head to Richmond Aid Station. It was here that I noticed the sky was beginning to blacken.</div>
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The next point from here was Chicago Tunnel. This is when things started to get bad. The climb to Chicago Tunnel is difficult to start, and then the rain started. Great! As if this course wasn't hard enough, the rain would be my worst enemy. Thankfully I had planned that things would get bad, and that is why I put my secret weapon in my Orange Mud pack-a trash bag. My high tech trash bag likely saved this entire race for me. Chicago Tunnel certainly felt like Chicago to me in the winter. It was blowing horribly and the rain started to pelt down on us. I was questioning if it was going to start sleeting here soon. The problem with the exposed Rockies is that there is no protection from the rain. We were above tree coverage and I didn't have the nice foliage of the trees like Washington to protect me from getting pelted in the face. The trail also started to get much more technical. It was scree, lose rock, that every step I took I took about a half step back. It was HORRIBLE. We have this scree in Washington, but here is seemed to be 2 feet deep. Between trying to climb at elevation, fighting the loose rock, and getting pelted in the face by gale force winds and raindrops, I was having the vacation of my life. I just couldn't think of anything else I'd rather be doing. After finally making it to the top of Chicago Tunnel, I punched the hole bib. I attempted to take a picture, but my camera was fogging up. This is the best that I could conjure:</div>
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From here, I started to head over to Peabody Fort, the highest point of the race and probably my lowest moment overall. First off, there were tons of jeeps that were on this road as they were heading up to the fort. Shockingly they were all incredibly kind, but that probably was more out of pity. They were witnessing a person in shorts, a trash bag, and the face of someone who looks like someone was punching them in the face as I couldn't see a thing on the climb. Truly this climb felt like an eternity. It was like I was a slug trying to get to the top of a building-I just wasn't going to get there! More jeep drivers continued waving and even stopping for me as the road was only big enough for one of us to get by. I'm sure too that they were thinking we were all psychopaths for being out here.</div>
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The rain continued falling down and the winds were getting really, really bad. It blew my hat off a couple of times and I had to backtrack to retrieve it. It was also this point that I started to bonk. I hadn't been eating because I didn't want to take my gloves off. I desperately paid for this. By the time I was getting closer to the top, I was bonking and my hands were too cold to open my pack of jelly beans. It was at this point that the leaders were heading back down. Their faces were incredibly red. It sort of looked like someone took a pan of boiling water and poured it on their face. Of course, it was from the wind hitting their face. They were at least going the opposite direction of the wind and I was heading straight into the thick of it. They gave me a look like "good luck" and I'm sure I gave them one back of "when am I getting off this thing!" About 20ish minutes later the bonking continued to get worse. It got so bad that I waived a jeep down. I felt like a kid who really wanted a piece of candy but mommy and daddy had to open it as the kid was either too dumb or weak to do so. This jeep saved me. I asked if they could open it as my hands were too cold and the lady inside said, "oh, please come inside, it's warm." I quickly rejected but appreciated it and the guy driving passed the beans back over. I was back in business!</div>
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I shoved the jelly beans in my mouth and finished my climb to Fort Peabody at 13,365'. I was struggling getting my bib punched as my hands were freezing and my bib was blowing in the wind, but I finally got it to work. I quickly turned around and headed back down. I laughed to myself as there were probably amazing views here and I didn't see a single one. Typical! I hit the aid station again and started to head towards Ironton. </div>
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The rain let up again and the climbing began again. More technical climbing here too. Eventually the trail turned off the road and went into a prairie. There were tons of wildflowers all over but I couldn't see the trail markers. However, it was clear that the runners weren't supposed to follow the road. I searched for the orange markers and found them hidden in the flowers. I began to follow them and was back on course. The view here was out of this world:</div>
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I continued to follow this trail and shortly after the iron in the Ironton Mountains (so I call them) quickly came into view as well. I was at a complete loss of words:</div>
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The wildflowers here and the views of the mountains is something that can't be expressed into words. They are a view that I could only dream about. Certainly the weather could have cooperated a bit more, but all of the struggles and pains that I had gone through to get to this point were completely worth it. There were no other people up here but me. It was like I was given the gift of the world and I was the only person there to enjoy it. It was both an amazing feeling and also one that made me wish that other loved ones I know could have seen this with me. Nature has a way of gripping the strings of the soul and this view expressed something that can't be articulated into words. That is essentially what was happening to me at this point. However, the reality check quickly came back in that it was indeed cold up here too. I was marveling in the views but also knew that I needed to progress. I started to head down this mountain and it was incredibly vertical. There was tons of descending in such a short time frame. Good for me this go around, but bad as I also knew I would have to climb this, likely in the dark. I pressed on and got to the highway. From here, I followed this and was heading to the Ironton Aid Station, the primary aid station of the race. It was here that I would see the CEO of Orange Mud, Josh, and my crew member, Jen. </div>
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Jen and I had planned that I would get here around 5:00 pm. I got here closer to I believe 3:30, which was a great thing. This has happened before at Oil Creek in PA when my parents expected me to get to the aid station at a certain time and I got there much earlier. However, there was nothing urgent that I needed and knew that I would run around this road again and could meet Jen then. I met Josh for the first time and he greeted me. I quickly accepted aid from him and headed back on the road. This section was another low moment in an odd way. It wasn't super technical, but you definitely weren't going to run this. It went up, up, and up. Again, I was getting some odd looks from the jeep drivers but in a way I think they understood what I was doing. Here the rain started to pick up again and just make my life so much better. However, it did clear up again and I did get some reward with more views:</div>
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I got to the top and quickly started my descent down. Again, it was a very technical descent but knew that I had to keep going. I got into the aid station here and saw Jen this time. She felt horrible for missing me the first time as she had my music, but I think it was good that I procrastinated the music this go around. I also dropped my phone off as well. We both decided that I wouldn't need my light for this go-around as I likely would be back before nightfall. It was a strategic decision in the sense that if I got caught in the dark, I would have to wait for someone with a light. However, I was quite confident that I would be OK and used it as motivation to keep moving when I would become lazy. I continued up the ascent that I just descended and quickly began to despise that mountain much more. There were some guys at the top who waved at me and gave me a look of awe, yet complete confusion and satisfaction that it was me suffering and panting for air and not them. Nonetheless, I happily took their look of confusion and pressed on. I summitted the top again and started working my way back down. I was passing tons of other 100 milers who were heading for the aid station on the first loop. They were hours behind and I knew that I was sitting at 3rd in the moment. I kept on and saw Jen again at the Ironton Aid Station. At this point I knew that I needed my headlamp. I took it from her and started to head back to the Richmond Aid Station. It was the climb that I was resenting the most. This had been the steepest of them it seemed, and although at one point it offered amazing views, this time I knew it would be a different story. I was right. Dissimilar to the wolf who huffed and puffed and blew the house down, I was huffing and puffing but collapsing uphill and praying for the top. However, with most things, every step forward gets you there. I was at the top and started to head through the prairie field of flowers. It was actually easier at night finding the markers as they had reflectors-rather than trying to find orange flags in a field of orange, yellow, and red flowers. I avoided more technical terrain and to Richmond Aid Station I went.</div>
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When I got there the workers informed me that it was 4.5 miles to the next one, mostly downhill. They were actually right. Sometimes I think aid station workers are programmed to lie and tell you what you want to hear rather than what is actually true. These were honest aid station workers. It was all down hill and I believe I made great headway on this section. Got to the next aid station and they informed me that the leader has been out there for 1.5 hours and hasn't come back. Probably not a good sign...I left and started to climb. Of all the sections, this was one of my least favorite. It was a complete car wash. It was raining harder and harder the higher I went and the plants were beyond saturated. I think I would have had more pleasure getting licked by a whale. I arguably would have been drier... It was at this point that I saw a headlamp. The leader! He was heading back. That was a good sight. I continued onward and was zigzagging up this mountain. It was like the eternal zigzags. No views, complete soaking, and incessant climbing. Love that. Eventually I saw the second placer. He was much behind the leader. I continued on for about 10 minutes and found the coveted hole punch! I quickly punched my bib and turned around. I was moving down and continuing to get completely soaked. This is when I saw 2 other headlamps. It was the eventual champion with his pacer. He was moving very well. </div>
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I got to the aid station and they informed me that the 2nd placer had dropped out. He apparently didn't have the leg strength to move forward. Not shocking. We had already climbed close to 23,000 feet already. I moved on and this was another least favorite section. Not sure if this was because it was nighttime or because it was another swimming pool that I couldn't even swim in. I continued climbing up, up, and up again and then got off course. I couldn't see the markers and decided that I was off course. After about 10 minutes of looking around, I finally found the course and began moving in the right direction. From here, I kept moving towards Silver Lake. It was a giant prairie up here. I could tell because the wind was smacking me in the face again and I was again completely exposed. I pressed on and not long after I saw the two headlamps coming from behind. It was Avery and his pacer. This guy was moving so well downhill that I looked like I was frozen. I let him by and pressed on to the aid station. We both were there and I saw Jen. I had my headlamp changed and prayed for a miracle with the bonking. She handed me my common banana and half avocado and I took off with Avery. This was my slowest section yet. Climbing back up the mountain I just came down was incredibly demoralizing. Then I saw Avery and his pacer disappear. The sun was beginning to come back up as I was over the top and heading back to Fellin Park.</div>
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I was beyond excited. The sun is like an extra energy boost. I finally turned the headlamp off and my sleepiness was beginning to go away a bit. Pulling all-nighters is not my cup of tea but the sun has a way of tricking your body into thinking that you actually slept. Although I didn't have my camera at this point, this was a pic of some Aspens that were similar to this part of the course that I did see:</div>
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From here I continued on and took the wrong turn on the road back to Fellin Park. I was heading the direction that we started the morning before and realized that I was going the wrong way....I waved a car down and asked if this was the direction of Fellin Park, knowing full well that it wasn't. They said no and felt horrible for me. They asked if I wanted a ride. I politely (I think politely) declined and turned around and ran additional mileage. This mistake cost me about 30 minutes total. I got to the aid station and was delighted to see Jen. She gave me some noodles and I had told her that I was bonking terribly. I had tried to eat jelly beans that night knowing full well that my stomach wouldn't take them. I puked them right up along with the avocado and banana I could keep down. This was likely why the bonking was even worse. However, in desperate measures, anything was better than bonking and thought that I should give it a try. Apparently the human body can only handle so much sugar. I knew that jelly beans and the quick sugars would no longer be a part of my diet.</div>
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From here was the nicest part of the trail. It was up to Twin Peaks. It is incredibly steep with no protection if you fall. It was the perfect section for after pulling an all nighter. However, the reason I approved is because I made great progress on catching the leaders. Avery and Rob (the guy who had been leading the entire race) were slowing down a lot. I saw them towards the top. The sun was actually out at this part and I was stunned at the views. I was mad at myself for not having my phone with me. I then started to head towards Silver Basin. From here I saw that Avery was coming back and had passed Rob. I knew that Rob was likely hurting. I continued on and came to the Silver Basin Aid Station. To my surprise, I saw Josh and Jen here. I was informed that Josh, the CEO of Orange Mud, would pace me. I was ecstatic! It was about mile 80. I was actually getting hot for the first time in the race and took my trash bag and jacket off. Jen asked if I wanted to change my shirt and Josh just got to the root of the problem. "You smell!" Those were essentially the first words he told me. I laughed, completely out of it from the no sleep. I told him that it wouldn't matter and apologized that he would have to smell me for 10 miles. </div>
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We basically hiked this section and we talked about the company and just lots of things. He probably thought that I was a crazy person and couldn't hold a conversation, but I am beyond appreciative to have had someone to talk to me. Anything to get my mind off of the 20 miles in front of me.</div>
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We continued on and he told me about adventures that he had had in the past. My feet were also suffering terribly by this point. I had many hot spots earlier but it was to a whole new degree. It felt with every step that daggers were being thrown at my feet. The technical trail had obliterated my feet and I had developed trench foot from all of the car washes and rain. Josh and I passed Rob and moved into second. We saw Jen at Fellin Park again and quickly snapped a pic:</div>
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We then headed to the Perimeter Trail. From here, we moved on again and I attempted to run the downhills. The switchbacks here seemed to be eternal. We asked one person how many more and they said about 7 more switchbacks. Great. Just what I wanted to hear! However, we pressed on and got to cross another stream. I hopped over and moved a little more until we got to the hole punch. Josh seemed happy to do some reading on Chief Ouray, a building at the top, but I cared far more about getting the small hole on my bib as another signature that this road was coming to a close. We moved on and I attempted to run the downhill. My feet really were not having this section. I had to put the trash bag on again as the rain started and back to Fellin Park we went. After we got here, there was just one climb left: The Bridge to Heaven. I was 92 miles in and had about 10.5 to go. Finishing was no longer a question. It was just if I would get there before the second nightfall. </div>
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I didn't take my headlamp as it was only 3:30 in the afternoon. I thought that it would be motivation to move quicker. I set out with my standard banana and avocado and left Josh behind. Jen walked with me for part of this and we were moving our way up this section. It was another scree field. I'm not sure that I have been in so much scree in my life. The Bridge of Heaven was going to be the Bridge of Hell for me. The rain was starting to come again and I had to put my trash bag on one final time. </div>
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To say that I was slow as a turtle on this section would be a complete insult to a turtle. I looked like someone who had gotten hit by 3 buses, ran over by 4 trains, and hit by 5 cars and was hardly moving. That is what this section felt like to me. Not to mention there were so many pins and needles in my feet that the only thing that I could focus on was the pain. In an odd way this was probably a good thing as I haven't slept in a really long time. Focusing on the pain diverted my attention to that rather than the fact that I could pass out really easily. However, the sleep eventually won in the end...</div>
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It was here that I saw Avery and his, I think, 3rd pacer coming down the mountain to the finish. I congratulated him and he warned me that it was further than what they had advertised. Nothing really surprised me at this point. I just kept my survival pace and saw a huge mountain in the distance. "I'm glad I don't have to climb that" I thought to myself. Little did I know that the joke would be on me. Every time I got to a summit, the markers just kept going...I was beginning to get a bit pissed and annoyed at this point. Eventually the course got to the green mountain....I literally laughed out loud. I was so angry. The Bridge of Heaven of course was going to be at the top of this green mountain. I did the zigzags and the exposed area allowed the rain to pelt me in the face again. It kept raining harder and harder. I looked around and saw that no other mountain was raining. It was literally just the one that I was on. I laughed a satanic laugh and continued pressing onwards. I got around the corner and actually saw the hold punch!! I grabbed it and started my descent. By the 3rd switchback down, I spotted Rob. He looked equally terrible. He asked if I had some salt. This perhaps was one of the greatest bonding moments in both of our lives. I checked my pockets and had about 8 Dorito Chips. No longer was this about "racing" as much as surviving. I could tell that his level of appreciation was outside of this world. </div>
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With that said, I wasn't about to get second at this point. I pressed on downhill with the pins and needles in my feet. This is when the hallucination hit full force. I saw logs that I could have sworn were bear cubs or mama bears. One log about halfway down the mountain I was so convinced was a guy with a camera that I stared for about 20 seconds at the log. It was a log. Shortly thereafter was my last episode of hallucination. This was my favorite. Soon the loose rock and scree turned into data shards. I thought that I was in a software program running through data. The rocks and shards were data, and it was my job to dodge them and get to the end of the software program. In my brain I told myself that these couldn't hurt me but in reality, they would cause some major damage. I moved on and pushed hard until I hit the last road section. Only 3 tenths of a mile to the end. I pressed on and saw Jen and the others at the finish. A big smile came to my face and tears were coming as well. Jen was essentially sobbing and after 35.5 hours of pure grit and perseverance, my eyes couldn't take it. I had soft teardrops come out and we embraced as I took my seat at the end. </div>
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To say that this was was tough would be an understatement. It was an emotional train ride filled with an adventure that can't be articulated into words. How do I explain to someone what climbing 42,000 feet and all at elevation feels like? How does not sitting for close to 36 hours and no sleep feel? I wish that there was an explanation as to how difficult this was and a way to put that explanation into a sentence. There just isn't. Why do I do this to myself? I don't know. I wish that I did. There isn't a reason behind these things. All I know is that I think we were made for adventure and pushing limitations that we didn't think were humanly possible. Some people do things for the bragging rights. Most ultrarunners I know are far from that. They do these things for reasons they can't even explain. I guess I'm in that odd group of people...</div>
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Can't begin to thank enough people for the support. First off, thanks Jen for coming out and crewing me. Certainly this wouldn't have been possible without your help! Josh, you're the man. Couldn't be more grateful for the surprise pacer and the ability to have that company. Lastly, thanks to my family and friends all over the US who continue to amaze me with their interest in this sport. Certainly no regrets for finishing second in this race. Beyond appreciative for the experience of this race and the support of the Race Director. So appreciative for an event like this and hope that it stays low-key, yet in existence. With the exception of the Barkley Marathon, I'm not sure what would be more difficult than this. Also the belt buckle is kinda cool...</div>
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Hope you enjoy this read! </div>
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Cheers,</div>
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NK</div>
Don't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-90117513478081334982016-06-21T14:48:00.001-07:002016-06-21T14:48:26.445-07:00Mohican 50: At It AgainIn June, I found myself in my hometown state of Ohio. Coincidentally, it happened to be on the same course and race that made me swear 4 years ago that I would never run an ultramarathon again-the Mohican 50 miler. However, just as The Fray so eloquently puts it,"Never Say Never." The reason for my return is simple. First, I hadn't been home in 9 months and the race was conveniently located 10 minutes from where I grew up. Also, I had no intention of being out there for 24 hours (as I was last year running the Mohican 100), as I wanted to spend some more time with family. The thought of finishing by 2:00 PM in the afternoon seemed like a dream. Last year I finished the 100 in 3rd overall in 20:08. For the 50 this year, I was aiming for sub 7:30 (personal best was 7:34). Thankfully conditions this year would be much better than last as I wouldn't be battling the rain and mud that never ended at last year's race.<br /><div>
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The 50 mile race started at 6 am and it was a field of over 200 runners, some of which were incredibly talented. Among this group included Salomon runner, David Riddle, Vertical Runner, Brian Polen, and a couple of other guys who had quite the running resume. Truthfully, my goal for this race wasn't to place high (although top 5 is always the ideal), but to break my personal best for the 50. The problem was that I hadn't run a 50 miler in over a year and when I did, I had anything but the best time on the course. The worry with the 50 is that it is at a much more aggressive pace than a 100. Although the 100 is twice the distance, I find that it is generally easier to pace yourself than a 50 as you have to be fast, but not burn yourself too quickly-something I did at the Capitol Peak 50 in 2015. </div>
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Not surprisingly the start was full of all kinds of jitters. The sun was up so I wouldn't need my headlamp, but the anxiety of runners was prevalent. Racing is bittersweet to me. Bitter in the sense that I hate being anxious and having external pressures on me (thanks parents) and sweet in that part of me still likes competing. The reason I got into the sport is because I enjoy being out in nature and getting a decent exercise in the process. However, the competitive nature in me also thrives and that is why I find myself entering races-to see how fast I can go. With the field that toed the start line this year, I should have known that fast times would be had. Below is a pic of the start</div>
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As soon as 6 am came around we all were off. Right away, there was a posse of about 6 of us that took off at the start. The beginning is very friendly. It starts on a paved road that goes through the campground. This lasts about a mile and then it is on single track trail in the Mohican wilderness. The 6 of us were moving at quite a pace. This tends to happen as you don't want to get behind people that are too slow, especially when you get on the single track. The reason for this is it is difficult to pass people and you start falling behind those that you know you need to keep up with. Maybe it was the fact that I hadn't run a 50 in a while, but this pace seemed to be blistering. At first I wasn't sure if I registered for a 50 mile or a 50k... As we marched through the woods we basically were running all of the uphills as we headed to The Gorge Aid Station. These hills are short, but steep enough that I wasn't fully convinced that I should be running them, especially this early in the race. However, to not lose pace or look too much like a pansy, I basically mimicked the other 4 in front of me-nothing like giving into peer pressure! As I got to the first aid station I tied my shoes and refilled my water bottle. For this race I stuck with Orange Mud's VP1, which is essentially a single water bottle. With aid stations every 5 miles apart, I figured that was sufficient for what I would need. The other 4 runners all blasted off without stopping. I'm all for being as efficient on time as possible but also value taking care of oneself. I wasn't about to get myself on the wrong foot at the start.</div>
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I continued on and eventually caught up to them as we were heading towards the next station. The pace was moving very quickly. Earlier I overheard one of the runners in the group say that we were under 8 minute miles for the first 5 miles. I can't say that I was too surprised by that. When I got to the second aid station, I saw Terri Lemke-a bad ass runner who's son I ran track with (who also happens to run 200 milers). I patted her back and wished her well as she was endeavoring the 100 mile race. Shortly passing her, I came to Don Baun, my former high school track coach. He too was enduring the 100 mile race and wanted to give some level of encouragement. He wished me well and I went passed him. The pace was still moving really well. The 5 of us were beginning to separate a little bit but I knew that it was much too early to be concerned about place. Currently, I was sitting in 5th. </div>
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As I started to head to the Covered Bridge, the guy in the green shirt completely ate it. He tripped on a tree root and took a pretty hard landing. He quickly got up and pressed on. When it came to the downhills this dude just blasted past everyone. I consider myself more of an uphill climber but a somewhat decent downhill runner, too. This guy made me look like I was standing still on the downhills. We continued on and got to the Covered Bridge. By this point I was in 4th. Hickory Ridge was next and this is the worst climb of the entire race. I worked my way up and eventually caught up to the 3rd placer. He was moving at a decent pace and I followed him for a couple of miles. We made small chat but overall we kept our minds on other things (for me, that was laying down at the finish). Just passed the last aid station, I went around him and never saw him for the duration of the race (he eventually finished 5th). As I came out of the woods I could feel the heat and the humidity settle in. I saw all my family at the start, as well as Kyle Lemke, a good trail running friend and high school teammate. After restocking my GU stash, I saw that the 2nd placer, Joe, was also there. He suggested that we run together and push each other for the second lap.</div>
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We both left together and I was the one leading it. Joe had run a 50k before but never a 50 miler. He was running with David, the Salomon runner, who was about 5 minutes in front of both of us but decided that he wanted to break longer than David. Joe had run competitively at Shawnee State and is good friends with the 100 mile champion of both last year and this year, Michael Owen. We tagged along and this is when I started to get very tired. I'm thinking it was the humidity. I had been eating the entire race and am convinced that it wasn't from bonking. Unfortunately in Washington State, I don't get the high temps that we had (88 was the high for the race) but even worst, the humidity. Even in the shade of the trees, I was getting very tired. It was this section where I felt very slow and that the whole world should have passed me. However, we both pressed on and got to The Gorge Aid Station. I quickly got more water and headed out. Joe really wanted to get 2nd and 3rd together, but secretly I wanted to move quicker than we were (even though my body earlier said 'no way!'). Shortly after leaving this station, Joe started to fade behind. In fact, I never saw him for the rest of the race. As soon as I got to the next station, I quickly got more water and headed out. Thankfully I hit another high. Now it was to the Covered Bridge again. This is the shortest distance to any aid station and I felt it. It is basically all down hill and I felt tremendous moving through this section. </div>
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I hit the aid station and the workers were very helpful in getting me what I needed. I refilled my water supply and headed back out in the wilderness. Basically for every aid station, banana's were the main food. It is loaded with potassium (I guess runners are supposed to eat lots of that) and it is soft and goes down easily. One would think that of all the races I've run, I should have learned eating the PBJ sandwich wouldn't work. I kept chewing a single bite for probably 2 miles and decided that I would take a swig of water to push it down. Chewing those sandwiches is the equivalent of eating sandpaper for me. After marching my up Hickory Ridge, I continued on and was passing marathoners and other 50 milers like crazy. There were trains of people running together and passing them was difficult on occasion. </div>
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That is when suddenly, out of nowhere, Michael Owen passed me. I had a double take to see if a 100 mile runner actually passed me-he did. The USA 24 hour champion, Lewis Harvey, was right behind him too. Suddenly, my 2nd place position made me feel terrible! I started following both him and Lewis, and all 3 of us entered the final aid station together. This is when David Riddle, the Salomon runner, and current 50 mile leader was spotted. I think he was shocked to see me there as well. He had dominated the entire 45 miles and was trying to finish up at the last station. Basically it was the top two 100 runners and the top two 50 mile runners all at one stop. We quickly all got our gear together and headed out. It was a cool feeling to be with 3 top-notch runners. Owen, a wicked talented runner from Ohio, Harvey, a USA champion, and Riddle, an elite Salomon runner who has won huge events such as Ice Age 50 and JFK 50. Part of me felt that I had no place in this posse! </div>
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For whatever reason I was the designated runner for this group. I took charge for about a mile and that is when an unsuspecting tree root caught my foot and I took a tumble. The other three tapped my back and pressed on. I walked a little to brush off the fall. It was here that I hit another low moment. For some reason I began to justify and settle for second. Then the voice in my brain was shouting, "you just ran 46 miles and now you're just going to give up?" Thankfully the voice of intelligence redirected my intentions. I was on point for breaking my sub 7:30 time and in a position to potentially win this thing overall. </div>
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That is when I picked my pace up and tried catching them. Off in the distance I saw Riddle by himself. He was walking and I knew that he too was suffering. Both of the 100 mile runners passed him. I nodded at him and went by him as well. I was now back in the lead! I pressed on and got a huge urge to keep pushing forward. Only 3 more miles to go. The next two miles went by fairly well as I passed more runners, including the 100 mile leaders. I never saw them again and the victory was within reach. I came out of the woods and pushed the last road section to my screaming family.</div>
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I got to the finish line in 7:24:41, which averaged 8:54 a mile. Less than 4 minutes behind was Riddle. Of all the races, this one was by far the closest I have been a part of. This race I had my parents, sister, cousins, aunt, grandparents, and local friends all come out to support me at the finish-about 15-20 people. Again, I was reminded of how blessed I am to have such a supportive family. Although they don't understand why I do this sport (I don't entirely either), they are there to support those goals. Truly this was a reminder of the awesome family in Ohio that I have. Below is a pic of sister, dad, mom, and cousin from TN (his wife far right). Not pictured but there were grandparents, aunt, 3 other cousins, and friends.</div>
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Huge thanks goes to Ryan O'Dell, the RD, Don Baun for getting me into the sport, and of course, to all of my family and friends who came out. Lastly, is for Josh and his innovative running gear. Certainly couldn't have thought of better hydration gear to use. This race ultimately taught me to never discredit oneself. Sometimes life becomes a huge comparison game. One thing I've learned is comparison is the the thief of all joy. Had I come in and discredited myself against some of these other runners, I really do think that I would have psyched myself out. The underdog always has a chance-sometimes one just has to overlook the competition and stay focused on your own goal. Lastly, below is a pic at the awards ceremony.</div>
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Thanks for all who read this!</div>
Don't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-79247226118954260002016-04-15T15:43:00.002-07:002016-04-15T15:43:57.659-07:00Through Blood and Hail"This ought to be easy." Those were the initial words that entered my mind as I briefly analyzed the race profile for the Zion 100 in Virgin, Utah. It had been a while since I had done an "easy" 100 and after a near flawless race at Oil Creek in October, I thought that I could contend with the course record at Zion. You see, Oil Creek had 17,700 feet of total climbing and this one only has about 10,600 feet. However, as the saying goes, "never judge a book by its cover." That is precisely the lesson that I learned at Zion.<br />
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When my friend, Joel Ballezza, and I traveled to Zion, we received about 5 different emails stating that rain was likely going to be inevitable during the race. There were warnings from the Race Director stating the risk associated with running a desert race while it's raining. Unlike areas that regularly receive rainfall, the desert isn't a location that absorbs water well. It tends to run like streams of water and create mud that can't be imagined, but only experienced. Despite the warnings, Joel and I decided that we already made plans for this and we weren't about to back out due to inclimate weather. This is ultrarunning after all.<br />
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The night before the race, we should have known how this was going to be. Neither of us had packed our drop bags, but we attended the race briefing the night before the race. As we got there, we noticed that every runner had packed their drop bags and were dropping them off. However, we didn't have ours. We were quickly asked if we had any at the check-in. We both said "no" and were informed that we had to have them dropped by 8:00 PM Thursday night or we wouldn't be allowed to have them. It was 6:30 PM and we were 30 minutes from all of our gear. We asked if they could make an exception and were given a resounding "no." We quickly turned around and headed back to the house we were staying at to pack our gear. After looking at the aid stations (a bit more in depth) we decided which ones we wanted to put our gear in. We quickly packed the drop bags and headed back to the start of the race. It was 7:45 PM when we dropped them off. Although normally I'm a minimalist, having some gear in drop bags is better to have and not need it than needing it and not having it. After that stressful moment of racing to get there in time and missing the entire race briefing, we arrived and at least got our gear dropped off.<br />
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The morning of the race, we were up at 3:45 AM for the 6 AM start. Very, very early. I had a knife and a bottle of peanut butter. That was my breakfast. I took 5 knife fulls and scarfed down the peanut butter. From there we changed and headed to the race. After taking the shuttle to the start of the race we were one of the first ones there. I sat down by the bonfire to stay warm. As I was sitting there, Sam Reed, another ultrarunner, was there who had run HURT 100 with me in January 2015. He remembered me and asked if I was Nick. He noticed my hat (and likely tattoo) and to my surprise, I said "yes." We made small chat and discussed the weather and how it can't be as bad as Hawaii. From here, we headed to the start of the race.<br />
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Once we got to the start, we were off. It starts off very gradual. I noticed that my shoes had a couple of holes in them by the big toes. This was something that I never noticed when I packed them. This was not a good thing, especially considering that the majority of the trail is sand and small pebbles. I could feel them getting into my shoes early on and filling my shoe. Fantastic! I contemplated getting duct tape or something else to cover my shoe but ultimately decided that I would be ok. We then started the ascent up Flying Monkey Aid Station which is a dramatic climb early in the morning. The image below shows how dramatic the climb is.<br />
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Being a mesa, we started to run all over the top once we reached the top. At this point, I started running with two 100k runners. I thought that this was a good idea as they were moving a little faster. To be honest, I didn't even know what place I was in this early on as they started all of the 100k and 100 milers together. This makes it extra challenging to figure out who the competition is. Once we checked in at the Flying Monkey Aid Station a second time, we continued down the descent towards Dalton Wash. Getting here was a bit of a challenge. We crossed a couple moist areas and even a river (thankfully I avoided getting my feet wet) and reached the aid station. By this point, the 100k runners started to get ahead of me. This was more than OK with me as I wasn't racing them and wanted to keep my own pace. From Dalton Wash Aid Station I started to head towards Guacamole Aid Station. Getting here wasn't too difficult. It was mostly on all roads and I could tell that I was moving really well in getting there. I was sure to fill up my bottles to make sure that I was hydrating on this flat section, especially as the sun was coming up a bit more. Once I got there, I grabbed some avocados and ran around the top up here.<br />
<br />
This section reminded me of the scene off of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. It was the scene where the Hobbits were in the woods and were warned of getting off the trail. If they got off, they got dazed and confused and fell into the trap. That is kind of what this section felt like to me. I got there and found myself running in what felt like a maze. Even though there were nice pink flags, it wasn't easy to stay on course and I found myself getting off a lot and not knowing where to go. I felt like one of those hobbits that was about to get completely lost on the trail. However, after passing Joel and being informed that I was heading the right direction, I quickly escaped this trap!<br />
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From here, I headed back to the Dalton Aid Station. It was here that I again had one of my fastest splits. I zoomed past the road section and got to meet another Orange Mud Ambassador, Eric Aditya. He welcomed me and helped me with my bottles. Although I couldn't stay and talk much, I'm very appreciative of his help and encouragement. From here, I started to head towards Goosebump. It was this aid station when nothing went right. Although I passed a couple of runners, things were about to get bad. This climb was probably the worst of the entire race. As I approached it, it looked like I had never seen a mountain in my life. I started to bonk. Usually hills and mountains are a strong suit being from Washington, however, I feel like the entire world could have passed me on this climb! It was a slog and the two runners who I passed then passed me about halfway up this climb. A huge pet peeve of mine is passing someone and then getting passed by them. To me it's a sign that I don't really know what I'm doing.<br />
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<img height="640" src="https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12990918_10101288908693837_7907763445472201347_n.jpg?oh=36c07cf097fa586455a7bc3f30737247&oe=577D5DD5" width="480" /><br />
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Once I got to the top, my calf muscle completely cramped up. It wouldn't stop flexing. It was incredibly painful and I wasn't exactly sure what to do about it. After standing still for about a minute I finished the rest of the climb and asked the aid station workers what their input was. They suggested salt. After taking a couple of salt tablets and taking longer at the aid station than I should have, the calf finally stopped flexing. I grabbed some more of my food that I stashed at this aid station and headed out. It was at this point where things really started to get bad. Because I hadn't been drinking nearly the amount of water that I should have, I noticed that my urine was not normal looking at all. Like at all. It was a very dark brown, borderline red color. To say I was panicked would be an understatement! I began to walk and have some serious concerns. A few other runners started to pass me and I asked their input.They were worried for me and said that they have never had that happen to them before. It was like a true nightmare coming to reality. The fear of pissing blood was something that I needed to somehow resolve. It was only mile 35ish, far short of the end of this race. Ultrarunning is an adventure to me, but if this problem persisted, I would have dropped. I'm sure that my doctor would be proud of me for continuing 10 extra miles of this questionable bodily dysfunction....<br />
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Once I hit that aid station, I drank tons of water and continued on. I took it an easy for about 1.5 hour and walked most of it. I wasn't about to risk this. Thankfully, my urine got more clear and I started to feel good about pushing it a bit harder again. I headed back to Goosebump Aid Station and onto Cemetery I was! This was another road section. I zoomed past this and got there and caught up to a couple of other runners. I felt really good, especially as I got my music and treated myself to some Coldplay and ChainSmokers. As I was heading to the Cemetery aid station, there was this lady that for some unknown reason wanted to touch my calf muscles...Without asking, she just reached down and started to feel my muscles...She then exclaimed "I have no idea how you guys do this!" I was completely flabbergasted and completely confused. I wasn't sure if this was from finishing 50 some miles or the fact that this lady voluntarily touched dirty, sweat-infested calf muscles. Either way, I left with something else to think about on my run. After climbing up this hill, the good vibes were soon about to die...This is when the rain settled in. In my brain, I picture the desert getting a light rain. This isn't at all what I experienced. No. It was a torrential downpour for 5 minutes followed up by 10 minutes of hail. Being on a mesa, there was no place to take shelter and I was in a short sleeve shirt getting pelted by these ice crystals. I was hating life. I was beyond freezing and there was nothing that I could do about it. I started to yell out loud "why am I doing this!?" as they continued to smack me in the face. I looked over at the other mesa and saw sunshine. Hahahhaha. But seriously. Why does it seem that I am ALWAYS in the wrong place at the wrong time? I started to walk again and the winds were picking up even more. I finally got to the aid station and the rain started to fall even more...<br />
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While there, there were about 3 other 100 mile runners who came in. They all had rain gear and looked extra prepared-something that I wasn't. A lady named Nancy came to me and asked if I had any ponchos. Of course not! She then said that she would go find an extra. She did and came back. She said that it was my lucky day as it was the only one left. I gave this lady a hug and think I cried internally. Finally, something that went right! Back in the rain and roads I went. However, this time, the roads were completely mud and about a foot of mud was sticking to my shoes. I practically walked this entire 4.5 miles back to the aid station. My hands were so cold from the hail and that I didn't even have the strength to open my food packets. Consequently, I started to bonk again. I finally got to the aid station. From here, I gathered my other jacket and headed back down the long hill. At the bottom I put my headlamp on and started to on the roads again.<br />
<br />
After getting another high and hitting the aid station, I began to catch up to people. This is where the 3 loops began. They give you a different colored wrist band every time you finish one of their unique loops. They had this bomb ramen noodle soup that made this aid station my favorite. I had it every time and didn't have a hard time keeping it down. By the second loop, I had passed 4 other runners. I was feeling really good and continued on. This is when I got to the blue and final loop before the finish. This had to be the loop from hell. It started off gradual and then took me in the middle of nowhere. And I mean the middle of nowhere. I couldn't see lights anywhere. I started to get incredibly annoyed and questioned if I was even on the course anymore, something that I knew that I was as I continued to follow the blue course markers.<br />
<br />
This is when the rain started again. It was about 12:30 AM at night and was beyond tired of this loop. The wind picked up big time and I grabbed the poncho that Nancy gave me but couldn't even put it on as the wind was blowing so hard that I couldn't get it to stop blowing in the wind so badly. Awesome. Freezing, can't get poncho on, and getting soaked. Again. I finally gave up and said I will continue this death march to the aid station. About 2 hours later, I finally saw light which indicated the end of this death loop and hope for the finish. I checked in and started to head towards the end. One worker told me that it was 8 miles and another 6. There is a huge difference, especially at mile 94. I continued onward and got to the road section. I honestly thought that I was close to finishing. I was wrong. Ended up rounding the corner and got back on this dirt section. I could tell that the ups and downs were beginning again and that my glorious ending wasn't in sight. This is when my headlamp started to die. I had packed extra batteries in my Orange Mud pack but didn't have the ability to get to them without being completely in the dark. That is when I saw two lights pretty far in front of me. I started running much harder and made tremendous ground on them. I noticed that they both started to look back and picked their pace up.<br />
<br />
Truth is is that I wasn't trying to race them but only ask for some light as I change my headlamp to ensure that I get to the end. They continued to pick up the pace and that is when I noticed the light at the end. Finally! There was light at the end of the tunnel and chance to finally be able to sit down! I was over this race and just wanted it to end. Between the blood and the hail, this race was absolutely nothing as I had anticipated. After getting there, I crossed the finish line and was informed that I placed 9th overall. However, results later show that I was 7th in 21:40. The two guys in front of me finished 1:30 minutes in front of me in 6th and 5th. Had I known this, I might have pushed a little harder. I also had a couple of hot spots on my feet from the consistent rubbing of the sand and pebbles that entered my shoes from the holes.<br />
<br />
Overall, I learned that hydration is key and that being a minimalist and even having a risk of rain, it is better to pack and not need than to need and not have. After freezing to death and being saved by an aid station worker, I decided that this isn't something that I want to risk again. I thought sub 20 would have been easy but the conditions and the inability of taking care of myself during this race proves that nothing is ever a given. Huge thanks to Orange Mud and their gear. It never ceases to amaze me how efficient the gear is and how it contributes to my accomplishments in this sport. Thanks to all of the volunteers and Nancy who for sure saved this race for me. I look forward to heading home for the Mohican 50 in OH in June and then likely Ouray 100 in Colorado in August. Very happy to have finished my 6th 100 in 6 States!<br />
<br />Don't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-29769126284330327452015-10-18T08:10:00.000-07:002015-10-18T08:10:12.255-07:00At Long Last
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sixty five and sunny is what smacked my face when I got off
the plane after a red-eye from Seattle to Cleveland. Is it really October? That
was my initial question. Oftentimes Ohio is mid 40’s, snowing, or just plain
out miserable. I couldn’t believe that this was going to be the weather that I
was going to have for the duration of my stay in Ohio and Pennsylvania. I flew
home to take on the 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> annual Oil Creek 100 in Titusville, PA. The
course is known to be rocky, technical, and difficult overall. It boasts an
impressive 17.6k feet of climbing during the duration of the race. Challenge
accepted. I in an odd way enjoy technical courses, particularly if climbing is
involved. Ever since moving to WA, my climbing technique has improved
drastically. As odd as it may sound my mentality going into this race wasn’t
that of a “a race,” but more of an experience. Trees and fall foliage are
impressive this time of year in the Midwest. I have heard rumors how beautiful
the course would be. This, along with proximity to family, is what brought me
home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before heading to PA, I had the opportunity to see some old
friends and family and attend my hometown fair. Considering I hadn’t been to
the fair since a senior in high school, it was an experience! It would be
criminal to be at a fair and not get fair food…I succumbed and got a coveted
elephant ear. Just as I was stuffing my face a fellow ultra-runner spotted me
and called me out. Terri Lemke exclaimed “You shouldn’t be eating that!” In
half embarrassment I scarfed down another bite in front of her face. I figured
I am going to be burning a lot of calories so I might as well load up, right?
Terri ran the race a few years back. Her husband, Mark, shook his head and
looked a bit nervous that I was attempting the race. Terri quickly told him
that “Nick is used to those races.” Not exactly what I wanted to hear two days
before the race…We exchanged a few more words and parted ways.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Around Aid Station 2</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day before the race we made it out to Titusville. Not to
my surprise the Allegheny Mountains were absolutely stunning. Vibrant colors
ranging from crimson reds, mustard yellows, and magma orange is what met our
eyes. Titusville is a quaint town in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains. It’s
a beautiful town with tons of history. In fact, it was the first spot in the
United States where oil derricks were used to drill for oil. Hence the name of
the race, Oil Creek 100. I would get to explore the site of where this
occurred. We had dinner at a small restaurant called Maria’s. I ordered the
spaghetti and got some last final calories before the day of the race. Then we
went to the pavilion and picked up the race packet and I got to meet my pacer,
Todd. He willingly volunteered to pace me for the last 25 miles of the race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That night I packed my gear and was ready to wake up at 4 in
the morning for a 5 am start…The thing with flying from the West Coast to the
East Coast is that 4 in the morning was more like 1 in the morning. After
having a somewhat restless night I beat the alarm clock. My parents awoke with
me and my mom gave me some great words of wisdom, “I don’t know why you do this
to yourself.” I thought the same thing to myself. I suppose there is no
fabricated answer as to why people run that distance. I gave them the final
instructions of what I needed when I saw them. We then headed out to the start
of the race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We got there and it was cold out. It was about 39 according
to our car. However, the good news was that it was supposed to warm up to about
62 and be sunny all day. I decided to just where shorts and a long sleeve
shirt. For hydration I of course went with Orange Mud’s VP2. I toed the start
of the line towards the front. Going into this race my expectation was to place
in the top 5. GO! We were off. I was now going to be out in the wilderness for
what I thought the next 20 hours. In the beginning I was following the leaders.
There were about 5 of us running together. I talked to one guy who had run
Grindstone the year before. We exchanged some of our running stories while the
two guys in front of us did the same thing. We were on pavement for the first
1.5 miles. We would go on this pavement a total of 8 times. Flat and pavement.
I knew that I shouldn’t be deceived. This was far from a road race! Once we hit
the trail we started to ascend. This is when one guy took off and he was gone.
Me and two others were together now. I found out that a guy in our group ran
the Mohican 100 and placed pretty well. That was a race that I had done earlier
this year as well and placed 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup>. Thankfully conditions were much
more favorable this go around! We joked about how terrible this year was for
that race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was following the Mohican guy and I noticed that his back
was getting wet. Turns out his water bladder was leaking. Apparently he hadn’t
sealed it properly. He pulled over and addressed the situation. The other guy
with us stopped as well. I continued on. In retrospect I guess I feel a little
guilty; however, what would I have done for him? It isn’t a 3 man show to seal
up a bladder. I needed to progress onward. In my mind I did pity him a little.
It was mile 4 and his day was not off to a great start…with that said, I was
very appreciative of the Orange Mud hydration pack and company that I am
blessed to represent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">About mile 7 I crossed a road and didn’t see the ground
appropriately. Consequently, I had my first fall. Nothing dramatic but falling
is never an enjoyable ordeal. I’m not a believer in karma, but maybe this was
for not helping the guy back there? Regardless I continued on. For this race I
made it a goal to make sure that I stay on top of nutrition and hydration. A
race can easily go bad early on if one isn’t intentional with the food that
they eat. For this race I veered away from GU and gels. I had power gummies in
their place. They are similar to gummy bears except with better flavor and much
more vitamins. This is a food that I thought my stomach would be able to
tolerate much easier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">About halfway through the first loop I shut my headlamp off.
As the sun was coming up I could see the colors and the trail much easier. It
was stunning. Colors bursting into life. This was a reminder of why I do what I
do. Running for me is the perfect fusion of activity and my addiction to
nature. This was proof of that. Right now I was in second and just got out of
the 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> aid station. The course is 4 aid stations and 4 laps. The
first 3 laps are 50k, which is about 31 miles. The last loop is a 7.5 mile
loop. After the 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> aid station my stomach decided that it needed to
use the restroom. Thankfully there was a porta pot in the middle of the woods!
This sport isn’t always glamorous, but let me tell you, that a porta pot in the
middle of the woods is the equivalent of finding an oasis in the Sahara. After
that pit stop I continued on and to the fourth aid station. Unfortunately the
parents weren’t there…we had discussed that the loops should take me about 7
hours. It took me 5. I was getting a little nervous because I was running out
of power gummies and my parents had the only stash. None of the aid stations had
them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grabbed what I could and headed out. No sense in waiting
for the parents. I did pass the first placer on his way back. He was about 15
minutes in front of me. In this sport 15 minutes is practically nothing. I
continued on. My legs were feeling great. I continued with the nutrition and
hydration. My secret for this race was filling up the water bottles 2/3 full. I
didn’t want the pack to be too heavy, yet I needed to make sure that I had
enough water. This worked well as I was about out each time I entered an aid
station. I continued on and got the second aid station. This is where I saw the
parents. They were super apologetic for missing me the first time. They both
commended me and said that I looked good. For once, looks were accurate. I felt
tremendous. I was about at the halfway point and really my legs felt like they
had just started. They encouraged me and said that the leader was about 5
minutes ahead. I closed the gap! I continued on and up Heisman Hill. Of all the
hills in this race, this one takes the crown. It is gradual enough that one
should run it, but I refused. The gradual incline is my least favorite of all
terrains. I’d take super rocky and steep any day of the week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I continued on and sure enough I caught up to the leader. We
exchanged greetings and ran a little together. We were passing tons of 100k and
50k runners. We never really talked but I felt like I was being stalked. I have
never led a race before. Ever. I didn’t like this feeling one bit. It felt like
everyone was chasing me and were really close behind. This guy I know was no
joke, He ran the course last year and ended up winning it in 18:18. That was a
very respectable time for this course. I felt like he was plotting something-he
just wanted to use me to keep a pace and then he would ditch me. A huge pet
peeve of mine is to lead and then get passed by people. Once I pass someone, I
don’t allow myself to get passed by them again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We both continued onward. I tried a Tropical Hammer gel. I
about puked it up. I haven’t tasted such a terrible tasting gel before! Back to
the power gummies I go! The guy was still behind me…As we got out of the 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup>
aid station I noticed that I was making some distance on him. We climbed up
Cemetery Hill and then shortly after, Roosevelt’s Revenge. I did gain some
ground on him on these. To the flat section and then we completed lap 2! 62
miles done, 38ish to go. This lap too took 5 hours. A 100k in about 10 hours.
Somehow I was still feeling great. My legs still felt solid. I continued onward
and passed last year’s champion. I was about 10ish minutes ahead of him. I
didn’t feel that that was comfortable enough. I continued on and got to the
first aid station. One of the girls there exclaimed, “he’s on his 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup>
lap!” That was definitely a pick-me-up. Between my music and that great
compliment, I felt I had a lot going for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I continued eating and drinking. Next thing I knew I was at
the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> aid station and my dad asked “how are you doing that?” I
laughed and thought to myself the same thing. I have never felt this good for a
100. Ever. This is also where I picked Todd up. We started running together and
he took the lead. I gave him a run down that I don’t run the hills anymore and
that I run all the flats and downhills. He understood and we moved on. We
passed a couple of his friends and they joked with him saying, “he hasn’t
dropped you yet!” Both Todd and I laughed. We got to the 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> aid
station and this is when we turned the headlamps on. This was my favorite aid
station as they had fresh blueberries. I scarfed down 3 cups of these. I think
they have some magical power of some kind. Todd and I continued onward in the
darkness. We started climbing the hills and Todd’s stomach was getting bad. He
urged me to continue on without him. I did so. Although Todd only accompanied
me for 10 miles, I sincerely appreciate his willingness to help me out. I was
glad to hear his stomach was better post-race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I continued in the darkness, alone. I ate it a couple more
times. Running in the dark over rocks and roots isn’t what I’d recommend to
someone. Not to mention that the legs were beginning to feel the distance. They
had about 85 miles. Next thing I knew I hit the pavement and was at the aid
station. Lap 3 was completed, but, more importantly, 93 miles were done. Just
7.5 to go! My parents reloaded my food and water. Mom told me that I had 2
hours to run 7.5 miles to break the course record. I couldn’t believe it. I
continued out and passed the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> placer. He was walking on the flat
pavement. I knew that he was hurting. No one walks flat pavement unless they
are at a very bad low. I think he was in his low. I ran past him and we both
wished each other well. I hit the woods and continued on. The last lap contains
a hill called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Hill of Truth.</i> It
is a 600 foot hill that connects with the main trail. Before getting to the
hill, I ate it one more time. Both bottles came shooting out like rockets. I
picked myself up and kept going. I just needed to survive 4 more miles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Climbing the hill was easier than expected. I attribute my
good climbing game to the numerous mountain trainings in WA that I did this
summer. The ones in WA were more technical, steeper, and longer. After getting
up the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Hill of Truth, </i>I hit the
pavement and knew that I had it won. I continued onward, got around the corner
and could see lights at the finish. I got to the end and was greeted by my
parents, about 20 volunteers, and the Race Director. My final time was
17:04:50. He informed me that I had beat the previous course record by 21
minutes and that I averaged 10:15 a mile. I was in disbelief. I pinched myself
to see if it was real. I hugged both parents and claimed a chair! Finally, I
had won an ultra. I thought it was funny that I had to beat a course record to
win one! Nonetheless it felt great. The last 2 races weren’t the best. Mohican
was a mud pit the entire time and Volcanic I ran an additional 3 miles on a 31
mile course. This race all of the stars aligned perfectly. I couldn’t have been
happier.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish with the parents</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have so many people to thank for this event: Tom for
coming up with the idea of hosting this event, the volunteers who consistently
amaze me with their willingness to put up with not always happy runners and
Todd for volunteering to pace me, and Josh and Orange Mud for the gear that
they provide. Lastly, I have to thank my parents for getting reservations,
riding with me to the race, crewing me, and staying up with me the ENTIRE time.
Each time I passed them they had a smile on their face. I’m beyond blessed to
have them and am appreciative of their support. Even though they don’t get it,
I think they do in an odd way. Thanks to all who read this. Hopefully it was
amusement to some degree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cheers,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">NK</span></div>
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Don't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000866905395098209.post-87685989458758434802015-09-07T15:13:00.000-07:002015-09-07T15:13:48.267-07:00Just look at the mountain!After a full day at work and then 3 hours of driving, I finally made it to Marble Mountain of Mt. St. Helen's National Monument for the Volcanic 50k! You can rest assured that I was ready to wind down for the day and catch up on luxurious sleep in my Volkswagon Jetta! It seems every time I drive to races, I don't exert the energy to pitch a tent. No, I unfold my sleeping bag, put the back seats of my car down, and throw extra blankets over me to maximize beauty sleep! My sleeping strategy was about as well planned as my race strategy for Volcanic. I ran this course last year and placed 3rd accidentally after taking my camera and snapping pics of the mountain while circumnavigating around it. I passed the 4th placer who told me I took the podium. That is when I powered to finish 3rd last year. This year was more intentional. I knew I had the ability to smash my time from last year and hopefully if all goes well, place even better.<br />
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When race day rolled around, I was up and ready to go. The rules of the race state that we need to carry a whistle, blanket, jacket, and hydration pack. The only thing I managed to pack was the jacket and pack...Last year they didn't check this mandatory gear, so I didn't think they would this year and didn't even bother packing them. Big mistake. I found myself for the next hour trying to round up the other gear. Thankfully I met this guy from Portland named Nate. He let me borrow his blanket so I could claim the coveted race bib. Thanks Nate!<br />
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At the start of the race, all 200 runners lined up. I took my place at the front of the pack. I didn't see any sense trying to push my way through hoards of people on single track while going uphill for the first 2 miles. As we started, that is exactly what we did. Up, up, and away! Normally I like to take an easy in the beginning and not push the uphills; however, this is only a 50k and not a 50 mile or 100 mile. I don't really have time to take it easy. There were about 7 of us that actually ran the entire 2 miles uphill. Talk about a good way to get the heart going! Things were going very swell. My legs felt comfortable and my breathing was very controlled. This is when we started going over the boulder fields. You can't really run over these...no, it's more like just trying to survive and not twist an ankle or worse. Then we started to climb again. This is when the leaders pulled away a bit. I didn't bother on this section because the grade was much too steep. One could almost hike as quickly as these guys were running them. I knew the course from last year and I knew where I can use the legs for later in the race. In fact, it was in the last 8 miles where I passed 7 people to take my place on the podium. There wasn't much sense in pushing it here this year.<br />
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So as we passed from here, the leaders began to make a margin on the rest of the field. I met this guy named Bill Huggins, and we happened to talk for basically the duration of the race. He was a former Seattleite who transplanted to Portland. We discussed life in the PNW. He was just returning from ultrarunning as he hurt his back from last year. Let's put it this way, the guy made a great return. I ran with him for probably 8 miles. We would trade places of who lead between us every now and then. At this point we were sitting in 6th and 7th places. The other 5 were the valiant souls who decided to run every single hill.<br />
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It was probably around mile 18 that I decided to leave Bill. As nice as it was to have the company, I was here for a very different reason than he was. He was making his debut back into ultrarunning. I wanted to run faster and place better than last year. After crossing a river and using the rope to get past up the steep grade, this is when I came across the sand section. Basically you are running in sand for about a mile. Oh, and the exciting part is that if you slip, you take a tumble a thousand yards into a dry river that we just crossed about 3 miles back. It was in this section that I started to put the distance on Bill. In fact, I was out there all by myself. I could see mountains far off in the distance. The comical part is that this race is supposed to be ultra scenic as you circumnavigate around Mt. St. Helens. You get to see every angle of the mountain from when it was blown to smithereens back in 1980. However, you couldn't really see the mountain. The fog was heavy and the air cold. Not many scenes that direction. But you could see really far everywhere else. By this time it was fairly smooth and you could run. This is when I ate a GU, and tapped into the reserves! This section I was moving very well. I passed a couple of hikers who said that 2 guys in front of me weren't that far up and that I looked much better. They said they were breathing heavy and exerting a lot of energy. Just what I had hoped for! They burnt their energy on the earlier climbs and now were going to pay the penalty later on in the race! A rule of ultrarunning is to never overexert yourself early on. There are always more miles to be ran.<br />
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As I went over this knoll, there was a heard of elk. I would say about 10 doe and a GINORMOUS bull elk with antlers about two of me. It was truly huge. I stopped and gazed at the herd. The does were completely oblivious and kept moving down the hill. However, the bull elk didn't really do the same thing...he kind of stopped and we made eye contact for about 5 minutes. I wasn't about to play the matador because I conveniently didn't bring my cape. The best part is that there were no trees I could run up and the course marker was literally by his hoof. After he decided that I wasn't the most interesting thing around, he decided to carry on his business and followed the rest of the herd. I can honestly say that it was a unique experience, but in the moment, I wanted nothing more than the bull elk to go. In fact, I wish I hadn't seen him because if he had charged, I would have been toast. Glad the rest of the herd left him!<br />
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After that encounter I continued on and entered the next aid station. This is where things took a turn for the worse. They told me that the 4th placer left 3 minutes ago. I left and saw him out in the distance a bit. I was following the course and then down, down, down, I went! The weird part? I could see really far out, but I didn't see any runners...There was no way that he had gotten that far ahead...no way! Another dumb mistake I made is that I kept going even though I didn't see any course makings...They had done an amazing job with the markings the entire time up to this point...and then nothing. I went around the corner and saw a parking lot! I definitely didn't remember this from last year! I asked a couple of pedestrians and they informed me that I wasn't on the trail! Fantastic! I had just run 1.5 miles in the wrong direction! I quickly turned around and worked my way up the hill that I had just flew down. Nothing like being punished for a stupid mistake!<br />
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I kept going and I could see Bill up in the distance. After wasting 30 minutes to get back to the trail, Bill had finally caught up. I eventually saw him at the last aid station and all of the workers there felt bad for me. Bill had told them my mistake and I soaked up all of their pity. I mean honestly, who gets off course on a circle! All I had to do was make sure the mountain was to the right of me and everything would have been all right. I spoke with Bill for the next 3 miles and our experience of the race so far. I then left him (again) and tried to catch up to the 4th placer. I hopped over some more boulder fields and zoomed down the last hill to the finish in 6:03. My time last year was 6:26. I bested that time by about 25 minutes and the best part is I ran 3 miles further. The Race Directors felt bad when I told them my pitiful mistake. Definitely not their faults! The winner took the crown in 5:21 and crushed the old record of 5:49. Truth be told, had I stayed on course, I honestly believe that I could have contended with him because I know I spent a minimum of 30 minutes getting back on the course. However, as with all speculation, anything could of happened. Very pleased with the overall result. The talent this year was much stronger than last.<br />
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Lessons learned this year is to try and pay attention to course markings and just look at the mountain! Never assume that you are on course. Also, I need to remember to bring a whistle and blanket. Oh, and next time, I'll take my cape that way I'm ready to be tackled by a bull elk. Huge thanks to Orange Mud for their amazing gear. The VP2 worked brilliantly (as usual). Hopefully you enjoy the read and have a stellar rest of a Labor Day Weekend!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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NickDon't Kopp Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513569257902354784noreply@blogger.com0