August 23, 2007
Reflections on Leadville 100
BOISE, ID, August 23 — I’m stilling mulling over the going ons and absorbing the whole experience of 100 miles in a day, what a trip! It’s been a long while since I’ve put my thoughts down in writing about a race and since this was such a big deal to me I figured I would share.
Since this was my first 100 M race I was in no way taking this lightly in fact just the opposite as I began analyzing all facets of the game plan with a keen eye way back in March. I began to experience anxiety, fear and trepidation, but before long realized I should instead focus on that which I could control such as my current level of conditioning and where I thought it should be come August. I planned to ramp up the mileage steadily throughout the Spring and Summer and even planned a couple races, a 60K in April and 50M in June that I trusted would serve as a yard stick for what might be possible in August.
The June race was Squaw Peak 50M in the Wasatch Mountains outside of Provo UT. I had a great go of it that day and by the time I finished I had loads of confidence the training I put forth so far was positioning me well for the upcoming Leadville gig. My Squaw Peak effort got me to analyzing all sorts of numbers, especially those of 2006 runners (4 in a particular) that posted similar times at Squaw Peak & also finished Leadville in ’06. Oh man, did I ever go over the top and Lynn can attest I went all geeky with all things numbers. I was a crunching my splits and theirs with regards to Squaw and what they accomplished at LT and came away thinking a sub 23:00 finish was possible if I could execute the proper game plan and manage the distance accordingly. After all the number crunching I settled on 22:34. I liked the ring of it and figured it a respectable one.
Over the weekend of June 30th I took the opportunity to attend the LT 100M Training Camp and familiarize myself with two sections of the course. Saturday was spent running from May Queen -mile 13.5 over to Twin Lakes 39.5 and Sunday was the infamous over and back Hope Pass section from Twin Lakes to Winfield mile 50 and back to Twin Lakes. The weekend of running proved invaluable as I now had hard and fast numbers which I could compare with the number crunching I completed back in June. Oh howdy do I like crunching numbers and a funny thing, even after crunching I let my estimated 22:34 lay as it was. Besides the ring of it I figured I’d done a good job in preparation and thought it attainable.
August 18th, 4:00 am start with 9 months of prep behind, I was ready to roll. I planned to run strong and smart and all the while preserve myself for a strong finish. I ran by feel and never got hung up with time. I didn’t plan to adhere to anything other than paying heed to the body and what it might kick back in return. I was fully aware of the many nightmares a runner might confront over the course of 100 miles. I’ve witnessed firsthand over the years through pacing duties at Western States with Craig Thornley a runner should at the very least expect the unexpected. Whether or not this includes debilitating blisters, stomach issues and or energy and fueling challenges a runner must still prepare for shit that might happen. I was prepared and the focus turned to the task at hand, complete the distance.
The splits I penciled out were estimates of what I felt possible should I execute a perfect game plan. At the May Queen AS (mile 13.5) I was behind 2 minutes. At Half Moon AS (30.5) 1 behind. The Winfield (50 mile turn around) still 1 behind. Man was I ever feeling solid for the return trip as I was strong, confident and right on schedule. I picked up my first pacer Brian Price and he had me cranking onto Twin Lakes return (60.5) 2 min behind still hanging in and confident. Somewhere around mile 67 I began to tire of gels and the fluids and my stomach started to rebel. I slowed a bit and adjusted to the discomfort and accepted the fact this is a 100M gig and wouldn’t be all smiles. The march forward continued but at a slower pace than either Brian or I cared for. We arrived at Half Moon AS (69.5) 17 min behind. My legs were great, my attitude intact but the stomach wasn’t something I could shake. We continued on a slow pace to Tree Line (73) where Brian exchanged pacing duties with Heather. I managed to swig some pink stuff at Brian’s urging and did so reluctantly but I got it down. Heather and I took off slowly toward Fish Hatchery (76.5) and this proved to be the most trying section of the race as I was battling the first real Demons of my running career and arrived 25 min behind my splits a loss of 2 minutes a mile over the last 3 miles! I began to recall comments Steve Boyenger made about how “the low spots won’t last forever” along with the comments from Jeff Riley “it will probably get harder than anything you’ve imagined”. Because of this shared advice I felt even more prepared! Before long we were at Fish Hatchery when Thornleys’ comment “potato soup the great elixir” came to mind so I slurped as much as I could. Again, solid advice I knew would carry me through the lows. The lows were somewhat low but never insurmountable, I embraced the dark side and motored on.
I left Fish Hatchery with an improved stomach and even made it up the road a half mile before my pacer Shane caught up with me. He got me cranking up Sugar Loaf and before the top we caught and passed a runner which really got me going. We cruised down back side of Sugar Loaf in fine time and met Mia who was to pace me to Tabor Boat Ramp. I followed in the footsteps of Mia and at times we covered ground at a respectable pace and were rewarded by passing a few runners. At times the stomach threw a wrench in the mix but instead I began to focus on the rewards May Queen (86.5) had to offer in the way of more potato soup. It was here I spent the most time all day in any one AS getting my world in order. I finally decided the stomach wasn’t all that bad and set out to prove Riley wrong “ this really wasn’t anywhere near as hard as I’d imagined” so get along little runner boy!
I met up with Lynn at Tabor Boat Ramp (93) somewhere around 2:00 am and was well aware it past her bed time so best we get going. In typical Lynno fashion she was out front and pushing the pace much like the old times I spent chasing her. I was left with dust and a faint light to follow so follow I did. I managed to run a bit then walk a bit but she kept going and thus forced me try and keep up. Pretty sneaky strategy she formulated and thus I was slightly more inclined to try and latch on. The stomach continued to hold me back a bit but not so much that I couldn’t ask more of my good legs. We continued at times to run a solid pace, even heard Lynno breathing hard during those 400 M stints! About ½ mile out an official was calling in bib numbers to the finish line and over the PA system my name was announced and Lynn starting running. I wasn’t quite ready to respond just yet and suggested she turn off her light so they couldn’t see us walking. After walking a short time I realized what a weak comment I just made, after all this is a run so daddy up and Get er Done! And we did in 23:24:15 and a place in the top 25. An effort I’m happy with and only :50 min off my guesstimated splits not so bad for my first go at 100 miles!
My entire day on the course was a highlight. Even with all the reflection I can’t possibly single out anyone section as better than another they were all heaps of fun. I had a gas running the first half by myself yet I welcomed the company of my pacers for the balance of the day and night, the mix was perfect. What a complete day it was, even with the lows the day was extraordinary. I received dynamic support throughout the day from everyone involved, Brian, Heather, Shane, Mia and Lynn pulled double duty, not only were they supremely confident crew members but all were eager and supportive pacers as well. I can’t imagine a more complete group to surround myself with. A fabulous day, simply fabulous!
