Race Day:
The Cascade Crest 100 starts at 10:00am. According to the runner's manuel the reason for the late start is to give everyone, including the front runners, the chance to run at night. As anyone who as ran at night can attest, one becomes much slower when it gets dark. The 10:00am. start also gives everyone the opportunity for a good night sleep (personally I tossed and turned all night), and a big breakfast before the race.
I arrived at the Easton Fire Department at 8:30am. for the race briefing and pancake breakfast served by the wonderful fire department. Also at the race briefing was the Ultraholics contingent of Chiphing Fu, Hao, and Steve Ansell. Also unique to this race was the number of dogs in attendance. The Cascade Crest 100 is definetly a dog friendly race and many runners brought their best friends to cheer them on. The runners manuel says it all, "we love dogs, we love trails, and we love dogs on trails!" For the race I brought my dog Gordy, and my parents brought Gwenie; an Australia Shepherd/Golden retriever mix. Watching all the dogs running around and playing together kept my mind diverted from the immensity of the upcoming task.
(One of the many cool aspects of CCC100, photo courtesy of Chiphing Fu)At 10:00am the gun went off and we headed out on the flat John Wayne trail, which besides the finish is the only flat part on the course. The flatness was short lived as we soon turned on to the Goat Peak Trail and it was all uphill from here.
 |
(Goat Peak)
The runners Manuel made sure to include a warning for the first climb up Goat Peak,
"the climb up Goat Peak is not triffling. To put it in perspective, it is essentially the same elevation up to the Escarpment at the start of Western States except the footing is tougher and you'll do it in the heat of mid-morning. Do not take Goat Peak lightly. Many CCC dnfs start on this climb. If you have aspirations of course record glory, by all means, take off. For the rest of you, settle in, downshift a gear and drink on the climb."
Wow!! With that kind of warning I made sure to take it very conservatively. I emptied both of my 20 oz. water bottles by the second aid station at Cole Bute (11m). It was around lunchtime when I arrived at Cole Bute and my stomach, was yelling "me want food!" I quickly wolfed down 6 peanut butter and jelly squares, filled up both water bottles and continued out on the trail. This would be a familiar theme throughout the race, a 24 hour eating, endurance event!
Leaving Cole Butte, the temperatures had reached close to 90 degrees, and my PCTR Mt. Diablo Patagonia long sleeve performance shirt was just to warm (sorry Sarah), so I tied the shirt around my race and this would be my racing outfit for the rest of the day. At this point the trail dropped down 1,500' and then climbed another 1500' in a mile. This part of the trail was very hot, and again I drained both water botles a couple of miles before the aid station. Reaching the Blowout Mt. aid station, I was awarded with spectacular views of Mt. Rainer the Stewart Mountain Range, and the course I would be spending the better part of a day on.
Running along the PCT, I was reminded why I was attracted to ultra running, the gorgeous views, smell of pine, and the support of everyone involved, these positive vibes pushed out the negative thoughts of impending doom that had been haunting me for weeks.
The next aid station (Tacoma Pass 23m) could be heard a 1/2 mile away, as music reached up through the Evergreen trees and beckoned me forward. It is often strange to come from the remoteness of the forest into the embrance of a crowded aid station. Whereas all I had been listening to for the better part of an hour was the birds chirping and a slight breeze rustling the pine trees, I felt strangely out of place stepping back into civilization (if an otherwise remote fireroad can be called that).
During my run with Rod Bien at Paulina Lake, Rod told me that the Pacific Crest Trail is especially gnarly on the CCC100 course. Rod was right. This year Washington got dumped on with lots of snow, and I heard that snow covered this section of the PCT through June. The trail had many loose rocks, streams, fallen trees, and uneven surface. The going was pretty slow at parts as I climbed over trees, slid down loose rocks, and splashed through mountain streams.
Reaching Stampede Pass (33m), I was excited to finally meet up with my crew (Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Heidi, Kati, and the dogs). My crew was very attentive; giving me new water bottles, a sandwich made by mom, and some melon. Stocked up with food I continued onward to the next crew point, which would be Olallie Meadows 14 miles away. This section seemed to go on forever, as I was feeling low on energy and spirit. Furthermore, all of the aid stations were spread at least 7 miles apart and I ran a lot of the sections without water
Reaching the Meadow Mt. aid station (41m), I decided it was time to put on the ipod. Usually I don't run with an ipod during training or races, but it gave me a nice energy boost. Soon I was singing to rage against the machine, stone temple pilots, and my favorite: Iron Maiden's Run through the Hills. I was now rocking through the course powering through the uphills, and tearing through the downhills. I was amazed to still see some snow through some of these sections, and there were many downed trees and creek crossing during this section.
Arriving at Olallie Meadows (47m), I was greeted by my crew and the aid station being run by Scott McCoubrey and The Seattle Running Company. Scott gave me some pirogues and curry that were absolutley to die for! This is one of the many highlights of the race and thank god I still had the stomach to enjoy them!
(Olallie Meadows)
Leaving Olallie Meadows, I grabbed 2 head lamps; I learned from the 24 hours of Cool that it is helpful to have a headlamp on the waist and one on the head. It was around 8:00pm, and starting to get dark, but not dark enough to use the headlamp. Using the Ipod to my advantage, I continued to fly down the downhills to the infamous ropes section. What would normally look like a steep bank of brush and trees on the side of the trail, was actually the trail! Finding the first rope, I turned on both of my headlamps and rappelled down the steep bank. Soon the rope ended, and I had no idea where to go. Looking around, I saw a faint light in the distance and I skied down the bank toward the beckoning light. "Ahaha!" I muttered excitedly as I grabbed onto the next rope. Holding the rope with my hand and armpit I continued to repel through the thick brush and outreaching branches. I repeated the process of finding glowsticks and repelling about 5 times, until I could eventually hear people talking below. Coming out of the thicket I was back on the John Wayne trail and greeted by a couple of volunteers who directed me towards the train tunnel.
The train tunnel is another original aspect of the CCC100. The tunnel is an abondoned railway line that is 4 miles of length and goes under Snoqualmie Summit. Watching the sun dissapear over the mountains in front of me, I reached the dark abyss that is the train tunnel. "Time for the headlamp and Ipod," I thought to myself, as I entered the black entryway. Having seen the movie, The Descent, I knew of the dangers of cave people. Besidescave people, I was alerted to the signs in the tunnel that warned of the dangers of tunnel collapse, and to not stay in one place. Well, I wasn't going to waste my time dawdling in complete darkness, so I focused on turning my legs over and getting out as soon as possible. Water dripped from the walls and onto my forehead. I could feel and hear the wind as it rushed from an unseen exit. My eyes, focusing on a distant, told my brain that the exit was nearing, but as the light got closer I would be disheartened to see that it was just a reflector. After 8..,9...,10 songs, the tunnel opened up and I was embraced by the cool night air.
A short jaunt through the town of Snoqualmie, I was soon greeted by elves, reindeer, candy canes, and Frosty the Snowman! Seriously! this wasn't an exhaustion induced hallucination, or an extreme case of the runners high, but actually Christmas in August, presented at the Hyak Aid Station!
(Frosty the Snowman!)
The Hyak A.S. is organized by Rob Hester and Paul Morrison of the Bonney Lake Fleet Feet store, as well as the Puyallup Y Run Club. My crew was here to get me some brownies, Red Bull, and a Candy Cane! Thanking the Christmas Crew as I left, I realized that to cope with the insanity of running 100 miles one has to have a sense of humor and I thank the Hyak A.S. for giving me the emotional boost of laughter!
Leaving the cheer of Hyak, I was soon alone traveling alone on the road to Keechelus Ridge. Suddenly feeling the isolation of the night, I began to second guess if I was going the right way. With no headlamps in sight, I slowed down to see if anyone would catch up to me. Soon enough, I was caught by Gwen and her pacer (2nd place woman). Enjoying the company I ran with them up to Keechelus Ridge. The trail soon started going downhill, and I continued speeding down the hill with Gwen, when Suzanna Bon (1st place woman) caught up to us going the other way. I guess Gwen had ran down the hill all the way back down the freeway, and knowing the course realized that we had to go over the ridge. "Well, shit..." I thought as I was hiking and running back up the hill. We soon had a large group of runners and we found the missing turn (I lost about 20-30 min.). As I learned later the glow stick had been moved by a group of delinquent teenagers, and they continued moving the marker until later confronted by volunteers. Very, very, bad!!
Continuing to Keechelus Ridge, I ran with Suzanna and her pacer. I was feeling pretty good at this point, and we continued to run at a good clip to the Keechelus Ridge (60M). I left the Keechelus Ridge aid station ahead of Suzanna, but she soon caught me on the long downhill section. Winding down the ridge on fireroad, I was able to keep a good speed, fast but comfortable into the Lake Kachess A.S. (68m).
My crew and pacer (brother Jesse) were waiting for me at the Lake Kachess A.S. I slammed down a Mocha Frappachino, a grilled cheese sandwich, and a cup of chicken noodle soup, before I left for the "Trail From Hell."
The Trail From Hell is a technical 5 mile section of trail that takes an average of 2 hours to complete. I was able to pass a few runners on this section, due in a large part to my brother Jesse who displayed a natural talent for running technical trail, and finding glowsticks. Along this section I first passed North Face Runner Sam Thompson, and then again Suzanna Bon. At the end of Lake Kachess there was a log that formed a bridge over a gorge of water. There were 2 options for this sections; work our way down to the creek and cross the creek, or cross the log and hope to not get injured. In the spirit of this 100 mile adventure I decided to do the log crossing. I could now add log crossing along with rope rapel, train tunnel, and the conquering of the evil forest to my day's accomplishments! Jesse crossed first, and then used his headlamp to light the log. I made it across, but I would be lying if I said I didn't have any wobble in my legs! Crossing the log I had a nagging voice in the back of my head that said, "Sean this is crazy, you are balancing across a log after running more than 70 miles!" but my legs stayed true and I crossed river without any fatalities.
Leaving the Trail from Hell, I was soon again on fireroad with the goal of climbing 3,000 ft. in 7 miles to No Name Ridge. The long uphill gave me a chance to do some star gazing (don't get to do that to much in San Jose), it was such a clear night I felt that the stars were just an arm length away. Besides being hypnotized by the stars, I was starting to feel pretty tired at this point. At a few points I closed my eyes and walked in a half sleep, and Jesse made sure that I walked relatively straight. Nearing the top of the ridge, I looked down and was shocked to see a pair of headlights gaining on me. I turned off my headlamp, and listened to see if I could tell who it was. I could hear a pair of women's voices so I could tell it was probably Suzanna and her pacer.
Doesn't she ever slow down! I thought. Later I would read of Suzanna's course record run at the Angels Crest 100 and it would explain her late race kick. Knowing that Suzanna was closing in on me, definetly put a fire in the legs and I alternated between power hiking and running all the way into the No Name Ridge Aid Station (80m).
The aid station volunteers informed me that I was in 7th place, and 15 minutes behind the 6th place runner. The knowledge that I was gaining on the runners infront of me, motivated to push forward and tackle the toughest section of the course, the Cardiac Needles. Leaving the Aid Station I heard Suzanna and her pacer enter, so this gave me further motivation. The Cardiac Needles is basically 4 steep climbs, and steep is an understatement. Soon Jesse and I were climbing up what seemed to be a 30 degree incline and at some points where reduced to doing a bear crawl. After summiting the first climb, I looked to the bottom and again there was Suzanna. Usually I am not in the running for first place; so it is often my goal to beat the first place woman. Suzanna was definetly making my plans difficult.
Although the Cardiac Needles was kicking my butt, I was awarded with the most amazing sunrise I had ever seen. The sun was slowly peeking over the Stuart Mountain range and was splashing pink across the morning sky.
Coming into the Thorpe Mt. A.S. I could see the 6th place runner ahead. I was continually gaining on him, and I entered the aid station as he was leaving. At the aid station I was told that I must climb Thorpe Mt., where I would collect a card to prove that I summited the Mt. I would then go back down Thorpe Mt. and give the card to the aid station volunteer. Climbing up Thorpe Mt. is where I hit the wall in a big way. The muscles in my quads were protesting the steep climb. Suzanna soon passed me, and I watched in dismay as she Mountain Goated up the Mt., unbelievable! I continued to slog up the switchbacks to the top of the Mt., and I was rewarded with views of the sun rising over Mt. Raineer, and Lake Kachess thousands of feet below me. I think I am going to stay here for a while, I told Jesse, "No you got to keep moving!" my brother replied. What a great pacer I choose for my first 100 miler. Although Jesse protested the craziness of pacing me for 25 miles, he really maned up and showed great talent at not only trail running, but keeping me motivated and moving throughout the run. For someone who had never ran longer than 4 hours, Jesse ran with me for a total of 6 hours and never did he let on that he was tired! In large part I owe my finishing to him. With Jesse continuing to guide me through the remaining Needles, I arrived at the French Cabin Aid Station at 7:25am. Looking at my split time from mile 80 to 88 reminds me of the pain of this sections, 3 hours to cover 8 miles.
(Following Jesse down Thorpe Mt.)
(Looking at the Cardiac Needles from French Cabin)
I probably spent 10-15 minutes at the French Cabin Aid Station. My crew and the Aid Station volunteers were very helpful. First, I slammed a mocha frappachino and I followed it with a bacon and egg english muffin. This seemed to do the trick as I felt my energy level returning. Finally, I got out of the chair and continued my march to the Finish!
(Sitting for the first time, still eating though!)
My sister in law Kati was pacing me for the remaining 12 miles. My energy felt good, but my knees were completely destroyed. The remainder of the course was mostly downhill, and I grimaced and cussed with each painful step. I continued to pick my way down the mountain, running the slight downhills and flat, and hobbling down the steep hills (usually sideways or backwards). During this section I got passed by Gwenn Scott (2nd place woman, big horn 50 female winner), and it seemed that she was having similiar knee issues. Finally I entered the Silver Creek Aid Station (96M), and I was relieved to be done with the hills. All that was left was a 4 mile run through the town of Easton!
I pulled out the Ipod Nano and selected Iron Maiden's Run Through the Hills (see above for song), and I was surprised to be able to run a sub 10 hour pace for the last 4 miles. As I exited the trail and entered the road I was suprised to see my crew car going flying down the road kicking up a huge cloud of dust (I guess they didn't want to miss me finish). Running into the finish line I was overcome with relief. My family was cheering for me as I ran by, and my parents dog Gwenni ran with me through the finish line. My official finishing tie was 24:17:37, 12th overall, and 2nd in the 20-29 age group.
(Man's best pacer, making sure I finish!!)
I was giving the royal treatment at the finish line, a cold bucket of water to put my legs in, my first belt buckle, and an art print by Linda Jurek. I think I will be hard pressed to find a more rewarding experience than finishing my first 100 mile race, and a month after the race I continue to dream of the Cascade Crest trails.
Equipment used:
Nike Air Trail Zoom
Amphipod Airflow Endurance
Injini T-Socks
Ipod Nano
Ultimate Direction Fast Draw
The runners Manuel made sure to include a warning for the first climb up Goat Peak,
"the climb up Goat Peak is not triffling. To put it in perspective, it is essentially the same elevation up to the Escarpment at the start of Western States except the footing is tougher and you'll do it in the heat of mid-morning. Do not take Goat Peak lightly. Many CCC dnfs start on this climb. If you have aspirations of course record glory, by all means, take off. For the rest of you, settle in, downshift a gear and drink on the climb."
Wow!! With that kind of warning I made sure to take it very conservatively. I emptied both of my 20 oz. water bottles by the second aid station at Cole Bute (11m). It was around lunchtime when I arrived at Cole Bute and my stomach, was yelling "me want food!" I quickly wolfed down 6 peanut butter and jelly squares, filled up both water bottles and continued out on the trail. This would be a familiar theme throughout the race, a 24 hour eating, endurance event!
Leaving Cole Butte, the temperatures had reached close to 90 degrees, and my PCTR Mt. Diablo Patagonia long sleeve performance shirt was just to warm (sorry Sarah), so I tied the shirt around my race and this would be my racing outfit for the rest of the day. At this point the trail dropped down 1,500' and then climbed another 1500' in a mile. This part of the trail was very hot, and again I drained both water botles a couple of miles before the aid station. Reaching the Blowout Mt. aid station, I was awarded with spectacular views of Mt. Rainer the Stewart Mountain Range, and the course I would be spending the better part of a day on.
Running along the PCT, I was reminded why I was attracted to ultra running, the gorgeous views, smell of pine, and the support of everyone involved, these positive vibes pushed out the negative thoughts of impending doom that had been haunting me for weeks.
The next aid station (Tacoma Pass 23m) could be heard a 1/2 mile away, as music reached up through the Evergreen trees and beckoned me forward. It is often strange to come from the remoteness of the forest into the embrance of a crowded aid station. Whereas all I had been listening to for the better part of an hour was the birds chirping and a slight breeze rustling the pine trees, I felt strangely out of place stepping back into civilization (if an otherwise remote fireroad can be called that).
During my run with Rod Bien at Paulina Lake, Rod told me that the Pacific Crest Trail is especially gnarly on the CCC100 course. Rod was right. This year Washington got dumped on with lots of snow, and I heard that snow covered this section of the PCT through June. The trail had many loose rocks, streams, fallen trees, and uneven surface. The going was pretty slow at parts as I climbed over trees, slid down loose rocks, and splashed through mountain streams.
Reaching Stampede Pass (33m), I was excited to finally meet up with my crew (Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Heidi, Kati, and the dogs). My crew was very attentive; giving me new water bottles, a sandwich made by mom, and some melon. Stocked up with food I continued onward to the next crew point, which would be Olallie Meadows 14 miles away. This section seemed to go on forever, as I was feeling low on energy and spirit. Furthermore, all of the aid stations were spread at least 7 miles apart and I ran a lot of the sections without water
Reaching the Meadow Mt. aid station (41m), I decided it was time to put on the ipod. Usually I don't run with an ipod during training or races, but it gave me a nice energy boost. Soon I was singing to rage against the machine, stone temple pilots, and my favorite: Iron Maiden's Run through the Hills. I was now rocking through the course powering through the uphills, and tearing through the downhills. I was amazed to still see some snow through some of these sections, and there were many downed trees and creek crossing during this section.
Arriving at Olallie Meadows (47m), I was greeted by my crew and the aid station being run by Scott McCoubrey and The Seattle Running Company. Scott gave me some pirogues and curry that were absolutley to die for! This is one of the many highlights of the race and thank god I still had the stomach to enjoy them!
(Olallie Meadows)
Leaving Olallie Meadows, I grabbed 2 head lamps; I learned from the 24 hours of Cool that it is helpful to have a headlamp on the waist and one on the head. It was around 8:00pm, and starting to get dark, but not dark enough to use the headlamp. Using the Ipod to my advantage, I continued to fly down the downhills to the infamous ropes section. What would normally look like a steep bank of brush and trees on the side of the trail, was actually the trail! Finding the first rope, I turned on both of my headlamps and rappelled down the steep bank. Soon the rope ended, and I had no idea where to go. Looking around, I saw a faint light in the distance and I skied down the bank toward the beckoning light. "Ahaha!" I muttered excitedly as I grabbed onto the next rope. Holding the rope with my hand and armpit I continued to repel through the thick brush and outreaching branches. I repeated the process of finding glowsticks and repelling about 5 times, until I could eventually hear people talking below. Coming out of the thicket I was back on the John Wayne trail and greeted by a couple of volunteers who directed me towards the train tunnel.
The train tunnel is another original aspect of the CCC100. The tunnel is an abondoned railway line that is 4 miles of length and goes under Snoqualmie Summit. Watching the sun dissapear over the mountains in front of me, I reached the dark abyss that is the train tunnel. "Time for the headlamp and Ipod," I thought to myself, as I entered the black entryway. Having seen the movie, The Descent, I knew of the dangers of cave people. Besidescave people, I was alerted to the signs in the tunnel that warned of the dangers of tunnel collapse, and to not stay in one place. Well, I wasn't going to waste my time dawdling in complete darkness, so I focused on turning my legs over and getting out as soon as possible. Water dripped from the walls and onto my forehead. I could feel and hear the wind as it rushed from an unseen exit. My eyes, focusing on a distant, told my brain that the exit was nearing, but as the light got closer I would be disheartened to see that it was just a reflector. After 8..,9...,10 songs, the tunnel opened up and I was embraced by the cool night air.
A short jaunt through the town of Snoqualmie, I was soon greeted by elves, reindeer, candy canes, and Frosty the Snowman! Seriously! this wasn't an exhaustion induced hallucination, or an extreme case of the runners high, but actually Christmas in August, presented at the Hyak Aid Station!
(Frosty the Snowman!)The Hyak A.S. is organized by Rob Hester and Paul Morrison of the Bonney Lake Fleet Feet store, as well as the Puyallup Y Run Club. My crew was here to get me some brownies, Red Bull, and a Candy Cane! Thanking the Christmas Crew as I left, I realized that to cope with the insanity of running 100 miles one has to have a sense of humor and I thank the Hyak A.S. for giving me the emotional boost of laughter!
Leaving the cheer of Hyak, I was soon alone traveling alone on the road to Keechelus Ridge. Suddenly feeling the isolation of the night, I began to second guess if I was going the right way. With no headlamps in sight, I slowed down to see if anyone would catch up to me. Soon enough, I was caught by Gwen and her pacer (2nd place woman). Enjoying the company I ran with them up to Keechelus Ridge. The trail soon started going downhill, and I continued speeding down the hill with Gwen, when Suzanna Bon (1st place woman) caught up to us going the other way. I guess Gwen had ran down the hill all the way back down the freeway, and knowing the course realized that we had to go over the ridge. "Well, shit..." I thought as I was hiking and running back up the hill. We soon had a large group of runners and we found the missing turn (I lost about 20-30 min.). As I learned later the glow stick had been moved by a group of delinquent teenagers, and they continued moving the marker until later confronted by volunteers. Very, very, bad!!
Continuing to Keechelus Ridge, I ran with Suzanna and her pacer. I was feeling pretty good at this point, and we continued to run at a good clip to the Keechelus Ridge (60M). I left the Keechelus Ridge aid station ahead of Suzanna, but she soon caught me on the long downhill section. Winding down the ridge on fireroad, I was able to keep a good speed, fast but comfortable into the Lake Kachess A.S. (68m).
My crew and pacer (brother Jesse) were waiting for me at the Lake Kachess A.S. I slammed down a Mocha Frappachino, a grilled cheese sandwich, and a cup of chicken noodle soup, before I left for the "Trail From Hell."
The Trail From Hell is a technical 5 mile section of trail that takes an average of 2 hours to complete. I was able to pass a few runners on this section, due in a large part to my brother Jesse who displayed a natural talent for running technical trail, and finding glowsticks. Along this section I first passed North Face Runner Sam Thompson, and then again Suzanna Bon. At the end of Lake Kachess there was a log that formed a bridge over a gorge of water. There were 2 options for this sections; work our way down to the creek and cross the creek, or cross the log and hope to not get injured. In the spirit of this 100 mile adventure I decided to do the log crossing. I could now add log crossing along with rope rapel, train tunnel, and the conquering of the evil forest to my day's accomplishments! Jesse crossed first, and then used his headlamp to light the log. I made it across, but I would be lying if I said I didn't have any wobble in my legs! Crossing the log I had a nagging voice in the back of my head that said, "Sean this is crazy, you are balancing across a log after running more than 70 miles!" but my legs stayed true and I crossed river without any fatalities.
Leaving the Trail from Hell, I was soon again on fireroad with the goal of climbing 3,000 ft. in 7 miles to No Name Ridge. The long uphill gave me a chance to do some star gazing (don't get to do that to much in San Jose), it was such a clear night I felt that the stars were just an arm length away. Besides being hypnotized by the stars, I was starting to feel pretty tired at this point. At a few points I closed my eyes and walked in a half sleep, and Jesse made sure that I walked relatively straight. Nearing the top of the ridge, I looked down and was shocked to see a pair of headlights gaining on me. I turned off my headlamp, and listened to see if I could tell who it was. I could hear a pair of women's voices so I could tell it was probably Suzanna and her pacer.
Doesn't she ever slow down! I thought. Later I would read of Suzanna's course record run at the Angels Crest 100 and it would explain her late race kick. Knowing that Suzanna was closing in on me, definetly put a fire in the legs and I alternated between power hiking and running all the way into the No Name Ridge Aid Station (80m).
The aid station volunteers informed me that I was in 7th place, and 15 minutes behind the 6th place runner. The knowledge that I was gaining on the runners infront of me, motivated to push forward and tackle the toughest section of the course, the Cardiac Needles. Leaving the Aid Station I heard Suzanna and her pacer enter, so this gave me further motivation. The Cardiac Needles is basically 4 steep climbs, and steep is an understatement. Soon Jesse and I were climbing up what seemed to be a 30 degree incline and at some points where reduced to doing a bear crawl. After summiting the first climb, I looked to the bottom and again there was Suzanna. Usually I am not in the running for first place; so it is often my goal to beat the first place woman. Suzanna was definetly making my plans difficult.
Although the Cardiac Needles was kicking my butt, I was awarded with the most amazing sunrise I had ever seen. The sun was slowly peeking over the Stuart Mountain range and was splashing pink across the morning sky.
Coming into the Thorpe Mt. A.S. I could see the 6th place runner ahead. I was continually gaining on him, and I entered the aid station as he was leaving. At the aid station I was told that I must climb Thorpe Mt., where I would collect a card to prove that I summited the Mt. I would then go back down Thorpe Mt. and give the card to the aid station volunteer. Climbing up Thorpe Mt. is where I hit the wall in a big way. The muscles in my quads were protesting the steep climb. Suzanna soon passed me, and I watched in dismay as she Mountain Goated up the Mt., unbelievable! I continued to slog up the switchbacks to the top of the Mt., and I was rewarded with views of the sun rising over Mt. Raineer, and Lake Kachess thousands of feet below me. I think I am going to stay here for a while, I told Jesse, "No you got to keep moving!" my brother replied. What a great pacer I choose for my first 100 miler. Although Jesse protested the craziness of pacing me for 25 miles, he really maned up and showed great talent at not only trail running, but keeping me motivated and moving throughout the run. For someone who had never ran longer than 4 hours, Jesse ran with me for a total of 6 hours and never did he let on that he was tired! In large part I owe my finishing to him. With Jesse continuing to guide me through the remaining Needles, I arrived at the French Cabin Aid Station at 7:25am. Looking at my split time from mile 80 to 88 reminds me of the pain of this sections, 3 hours to cover 8 miles
(Following Jesse down Thorpe Mt.)(Looking at the Cardiac Needles from French Cabin)(Sitting for the first time, still eating though!)
I pulled out the Ipod Nano and selected Iron Maiden's Run Through the Hills (see above for song), and I was surprised to be able to run a sub 10 hour pace for the last 4 miles. As I exited the trail and entered the road I was suprised to see my crew car going flying down the road kicking up a huge cloud of dust (I guess they didn't want to miss me finish). Running into the finish line I was overcome with relief. My family was cheering for me as I ran by, and my parents dog Gwenni ran with me through the finish line. My official finishing tie was 24:17:37, 12th overall, and 2nd in the 20-29 age group.
(Man's best pacer, making sure I finish!!)
Equipment used:
Nike Air Trail Zoom
Amphipod Airflow Endurance
Injini T-Socks
Ipod Nano
Ultimate Direction Fast Draw
