Running race 30:59:32 [3] 100.0 mi (18:36 / mi)
This race really kicked by a$$, even more so than Cruel Jewel I think (although it's always hard to look back and remember race to race how exactly you felt).
Things that went well:
- I think I managed the heat in the afternoon really well, I didn't throw up and was able to stay steady in the afternoon.
- I was climbing steady through the race, but I'm sure I could have gone faster.
- I was still moving well in the last 20 miles and catching people who were suffering near the end.
- At the 80 mile mark I set a goal to see if I could come in under 31 hours, mainly to keep me focused on moving. On the long descent into the finish I figured I'd missed it as the descent was steep so you weren't really running it, but was surprised to cross the finish and realize I had just made it.
Things that could have gone better.
- I tried taping my feet this time to see if that helped with blisters, but found after 60 miles I had either worn through the tape, or it had come off, still ended up with blisters on my baby toes and around the outside of my forefoot.
- I definitely needed more hill repeats and longer runs (which were both hard to fit in over the summer) leading up to this.
- I found myself really tired around 3 am (needed a caffeine pill which I didn't have) so took a 15 min cat nap on the trail, this really helped me re-focus.
- My quads were pretty sore and I had to use Ibuprofen to help reduce the inflammation as it was affecting my knees.
Overall this is a good race, loved the fact it was a single loop, but boy it's tough. Lots of climbs and descents, but also very rocky which makes it hard going. I can't believe someone ran it in 18 hours to win, unbelievable to me.