Tahoe 100K / 25K
Fall of 2018, I had finally stepped beyond the 50K distance. In August I had ran Bigfoot 40, and then in November having just completed my first 50 Miler in TN, I knew, instantly, that I wanted to do an epic 100K. I knew I wanted to be in the mountains, and so I was drawn to the Tahoe 100K, being close to where I grew up, I found it to fill a part of my mind and I'd get to explore new areas.
This was to be my A race for 2019, so everything else became training and practice for this day.
Closer to the race, I had the novel (?) idea to not only run the 100k, but follow it up the next day with the 25k. Partially I wanted to see my wife as she ran, and partially wanted to do something new (and was inspired by the Squamish 50/50).
And running 75 miles with 14K' of gain in around ~27 hours (with a nice break in the middle), is the closest I've come to feeling what a 100 miler will throw at me, and it doesn't scare me, it has fueled the desire to push even more.
So, how do I break down a giant race weekend? I guess I'll do it in the same way I run it; Segments, individual pieces, specifically, Aid station legs.
****Edit to add photo album: It only took 2 weeks :) Flickr Album - Tahoe 100k & 25k
(PS: Part 1 will be more of the details. Cruise to the bottom, if you want to read some more personal thoughts.)
Here goes.
Started to settle into a pace that was quick but comfortable. As always, I found a few runners that were at a similar speed and hung with them. Much of the first leg was runnable with a few climbs, but a very nice introduction into the day. I did work hard to maintain a decent distance to anyone in front, I've become very aware of the subconscious habit many runners have of tailgating right behind someone, and that's typically when I trip or fall since I'm not giving myself adequate space.
Probably by mile 6 we started to get views of the lake, and with the sun still low in the sky, it was really refreshing to see some of those views to the west. Cold enough and at altitude, so I was still wearing my long shirt and gloves, trucking along at a solid pace (averaging 5 mph).
Ran into Genoa, an aid worker helped me stuff my gloves into my pack, I grabbed a few bites and hit the trail back out.
We continue through the forest, crossed a highway (mile 15), and that's when I saw the leader of the 200 running opposite (soon after, #2 was seen as well).
Continue through more forest and we started to cross more clearings, signs that we're getting closer to a ski resort. Heavenly was the first place Crew was allowed, so I was looking forward to seeing my crew chief/wife and getting restocked on some supplies.
It was a downhill segment to the aid station, so my I continued along quickly.
I quickly swapped electrolyte bottles and a few baggies of foods, and stuffed my long sleeve shirt away for the day in my pack. Took off after a few minutes with some new snacks, and started the climb out of the parking lot. When I left Heavenly, a total of 20 miles have elapsed and my pace (after exiting) was still at 5 mph (basically exactly 4 hours to this point), so faster than I was expecting, but that's how I always end up on race day.
Oh, and because I have limited space in my pack, I did not carry my filter bottle, another mistake I won't do again. I didn't feel so bad to risk drinking from natural sources, but I did enjoy dunking my hat in them and washing the massive amounts of salt from my face while cooling down.
At this point, with the elevation and low energy, my pace was starting to range from 15-19 minutes, but I still tried when I could.
By the time I crested the pass and started downhill (if that's really accurate), I was pretty dried up and didn't have a lot of energy to push, so I know a few people passed me and pulled ahead. I feel my training in heat helped, but still I had to deal with this little problem in order to finish the day, so I did what I could.
I finally got to the intersection where I knew the next aid station was 1 mile away, so I finished my electrolytes and proceeded down the hill, still just didn't have gas in the tank to push, realized this when I walked a flat section.
Regardless, I made it to Armstrong, bottle in hand, I sat in some shade and drank several bottles before doing anything else. Feeling mildly alive again, I refilled my bladder and grabbed some snacks (that aid station didn't have much real food prepared, they were only making things on demand geared towards the 200's).
I still felt like garbage, but had all the water I could carry and a gut full, so on I go.
I pulled out my poles and marched on.
More and more 200 runners, more and more encouraging words and smiles (and painful faces).
It was great to be see fellow runners for a brief moment instead of just hours of solace.
As I rose the 2nd pass, my speed sucked, but I was eating food, drinking water & electrolytes, salt tabs, all my tricks to rejuvenate my body. And it worked. As I finally started another descent, I actually felt like moving. I jogged some flats, I ran some down hills, and I ate as often as I wanted to, knowing I had a deficit to fill and a long day ahead of me still.
The altitude dropped, the tree cover returned, and the trail got even softer. My pace improved a bit as I was able to move again, and I was feeling pretty good (all things considered) until about 1/2 mile before the next aid station when I spaced off into the forest and fell. Soft fall but in the process of trying to stop myself I almost cramped up, so I had to lay there for a few moments until my calves/quads quieted down. Ooops, Oh well, no time to dust off, the next stop is just down the hill.
I entered this aid station feeling like me. Stupid smile, good attitude, alive, enjoying myself again. The last 10 miles of repair had worked and I was back (and of course was dirty from a stumble).
I made it a few hundred feet down the trail before turning around to retrieve my poles, little mistake.
I would love to say my pace picked up greatly, it didn't, but I feel like it did improve. We were back to some flat sections, I could shuffle along on those, but when the trail got technical I had to walk, which was fine, better to finish slower and not blow up my legs.
Housewife hill was an interesting route, nothing major but perhaps it was enjoyable since dusk was approaching. Lower trees and some old rock slides, so I was able to occupy myself looking for critters. My speed wasn't great but I was being relatively consistent, so happy enough. Also, it was looking more and more like I'd make it to the final aid station before dark, an ideal time to swap sunglasses for headlamp.
Runners are more scarce, I passed one or two, two or three passed me, and the occasional back of the pack runner from the 200 would cross paths, but besides that a nice quiet evening run.
I could hear the party at Housewife Aid, again, an aid station that kind of didn't know they were supporting the 100k runners, luckily my wife was there to help me out with the gear swap and some food (and a full beer for motivation).
Started up a long grade, and could see a few headlamps way up ahead, so I pushed to keep them in sight for as long as I could. New trails at night, was a weird feeling being alone.
I kept up with those 2 lights for a bit, but between lack of great light (didn't gear up the big one) and a few technical steps here and there, I lost them, but by now I'm feeling like I'm ok, even if my pace is slowing more than I wanted. Wove through the forest, the full moon was rising and peaking through the trees on occasion, definitely added to the mood. Since I was all alone, I turned on some music (no headphones - gasp!), heavy metal wasn't fitting the mood, so I flipped over to the Glitch Mob and it helped me truck along.
Dark and cold, seeing not much besides the dirt single track in front of me, shuffling along when I can and stepping over rocky steps as needed, I knew I would finish, part of me enjoyed being alone with nature as I love, but part of me wouldn't have complained to have company for a bit.
I started to see lights ahead, which meant I was drawing close to the final uphill stretch (on road). Once I got to the asphalt I could at lease let my senses relax a touch, but besides my headlamp and a full moon, I can't see anything else. I don't know if the finish is around the next bend or 2 miles away. My watch is always off and trail races are always different, so I just have to push. By now I broke my glowstick in my front pocket, so that whenever I finish my wife will see me coming.
I am jogging the best I can up a mountain road when I hear a hoot, at first I thought it was whatever random SUV was near by, but as I got closer I could hear my wife yelling at me that it was right here.
I do recall she ran it in with me, but I was pretty toast. I felt good mentally, not weak, but my body was done, my legs just didn't have anything left to push.
And like that it was done.
There's no giant fanfare at the end of an ultra for the average runner.
The crowds are dissipated, the winners are already home, it's 7 stragglers and family members and the volunteers who cheer for every runner that shows up with long gaps in between.
Finished sub 15 which I'm super happy with (14:52), of course I wonder how much better could I have done had I not made a few mistakes, but regardless, I felt I did the best with what I could.
I've learned now that it's crucial for me to get in dry warm clothes after a race, as my body temp tanks. I peed (yay, 2nd time in 15 hours), washed off my legs and put on some dry pants and a hoodie, where I then proceeded to get some soup and wedge my way into a spot by the bonfire (technically all because my wife guided me and got me taken care of).
I sat for a few, ate my soup, and then we picked up our shirts and hit the road. My wife had spent all day tending to me, so we needed to get good food in her as there's a race the next morning.
So dirty feet and salty face, sore legs and tired body, we headed into South Lake Tahoe (stateline/casinos) to get some late night grub before calling it a night.
Pesto/Chicken pizza, & a big old salad!
Shower/soak, followed by 4 hours of sleep is at best what we got, before starting it all again.
6 x pouches of Honeystinger chews (we put 2 into a Ziploc, so ~320 calories per bag)
4-6 x Honeystinger gels, lost count
3-4 x Spring Energies as they were on course
2 x bags of trail mix (home mixed, ~ 350 calories each)
3 x tortilla/pb wraps (or nutella)
I think 4-6 quarter sandwiches (so 1-1.5 whole), some nutella, PB, or meat & cheese.
1-2 cheese quesadilla's
Rice Krispy treat.
Any other assortment of candy/cookies/etc grabbed off a table.
8-10 600 ml bottles of Tailwind
1 x 600 ml bottle of Nuun Endurance
2 x 600 ml bottle of various sodas
1 x 600 ml bottle of fruit juice
9-10 L of plain water
1 x 12 oz can of IPA
**edited to add Garmin workout link: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4059526595 **
I asked around to some people who've toed the line at the Squamish 50/50, and the common thread was to relax/recover as much as possible after the first race (I failed there), and then just to show up for race #2 and walk. Your training and legs will let you know what you can do.
So I did that.
I showed up.
Zero expectations.
Accepting that I may be chased by cutoff if needed.
**and while my original goal was to spend the race with my wife, we decided to run our own races so that neither of us felt obligated to stay with the other, nor would either of us feel the need to try and run at a pace too quick**
The start line puts you right into an incline. The first 2 miles, you gain a solid 1400' of elevation gain. There was very little runnable (for me), there are a few flatter spots, but very little I could run. But I can hike, damn can I dig in for the climb.
I made alright time all things considered. I passed many people as I just leaned into the mountain with my poles and pushed. I did stop at the first aid stop, just grabbed a few Spring Energys for the trail since I still wasn't sure how long I'd make it before maybe I blew up.
So far so good.
On the climbs, I'm passing people.
On the flats, they're passing me as I shuffle along in the 11-12 min/mile pace.
We leave the dirt road and get to single track as we continue to climb into the forests. The temps stay cool, the wind keeps things from getting hot, and the tree cover is a nice change for my slightly sunburned self.
Once you hit the top of the mountain, you get exposed again. More rocky, dusty, hard trail, but you quickly get views in almost all directions, which made for a nice reprieve.
Before you know it, you start the descent via switchbacks under the canopy again to reach the turnaround point. By now I'm aware my downhill legs are more sore, so I have to take my time.
Quickly grab a few snacks and right back to it.
Back to the exposed top section, but now you're facing the lake, so the views change.
Here's where I got to see the wifey and take a few pictures.
A few more sharp climbs before it's all downhill.
Through the forest my pace was ok, the crowds had spread out so I had very little pressure to go faster than I wanted, I could just pick my own route and take my steps carefully.
(and I stopped to pee again, yay for rehydration!)
I did slip on a dusty step and fall on my butt, but nothing major and just as expected for tired legs.
As the single track became dirt road again, I knew my day was getting shorter by the step so I picked up the pace as best I could.
My calves were angry but my quads didn't feel destroyed, but I was just unable to push as hard as I wanted and still feel like I could remain in control.
The path was soft dirt and rocks, so relatively unstable but still you could pick out a route and try.
Now in front of you is a massive drop and you can see so much of Lake Tahoe in front of you, and you realize the water level is the same elevation as the finish line...
Push push push, try my best to not fall.
One guy had blown up, I think he was puking, and a few hikers were moving up, but nothing else of note.
I kept waiting to see the 200 winners to pass me, didn't happen, and my trip down was almost done.
As the finish line approached, the terrain became less treacherous, so I ran it in with what I had left.
I was worried I would be close to the 6 hour cut-off, boy was I wrong.
My legs got me up and down that mountain in 3:21.
Being the over dramatic person I am, I collapsed to a knee once I finished and was given my race ribbon by a small child, so that was kinda fun.
During long races I struggle to eat frequently, but for this I just did, knowing I was at a deficit from the day before.
Much less precise recording for this day, but essentially:
1 x Spring Energy gel every 45 minutes
2 x bottles of Tailwind (refilled on the return trip down)
1 x 1/4 Nutella sandwhich at the turnaround
And a few cookies & bite size candy bar.
Followed up by a giant burger and some potato salad and numerous beers to soothe the pains :)
**edited to add Garmin workout link: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4062440036 **
Sure, why not. I bet I subconsciously saved some energy in the tank on day 1 for day 2, but at the same time I don't feel like I had much else to give on day 1.
Do I think I'm original for doing it?
No, I mean, yeah no one's done this one yet, but there are others that I got my inspiration from. And I didn't set any speed records, next time someone chooses to do this, they'll have an easy record to break.
Am I happy I did it?
Hell yes. It took a great weekend and made it a little bit greater. I'm super satisfied with myself and proud of what I've done.
And I absolutely know I was able to persevere and push as much as I did knowing my wife was at aid stations whether she could help me or not, simply seeing her face was enough to propel me on for one more piece.
I guess my final thoughts are this.
I'm not at all disappointed in how I did, I am a little upset that I let myself run low on water, I should know better
Mentally I hit a few points that I had to deal with, but can't say I ever got to the brink of quitting, never even crossed my mind, I just had to readjust my goals on the fly.
My gear all did it's job perfectly. Zero chaffing. Zero blisters or hot spots on the feet. The kit I have now is pretty stellar.
Inov-8 Trailroc 285's for the 100 (better toe cap & stability for my foot)
Darn tough wool socks on day 1
Inov-8 Trailtalon 290's for the 25k (slightly more cushion and room for swollen feet)
Smartwool socks on day 2
My Columbia running shirts give zero issue (properly sized in a small lol) I haven't had to tape a nipple since marathon training years ago.
I wore my compression calf sleeves the days after to help reduce swelling, but nothing major, considering car & air travel is so restrictive for relaxing.
.
A few days of light relaxing and travel, and I'm feeling stellar. Thursday night even got out and ran 3 with the dog, no discomfort anywhere besides general fatigue.
I'm walking away from this very much stoked for the next thing. Maybe I won't do back to back races, and maybe I'll find more speed for my big race, but I had a blast trying something new in a gorgeous place!
If I get around to uploading all my random pictures (and my wife's), I'll add the album here, but we'll see how long that takes (looks like only 2 weeks :) Flickr Album - Tahoe 100k & 25k )
**********
One last additional note in case anyone scopes this out for next year.
Be VERY cautions w/ Genoa Peak, the original race map put it at mile 7 of the 100k, and that is DEEP down a 4x4/ATV/Jeep road, almost too extreme for a general midsize SUV. I won’t detail it, but as a car enthusiast, take my word, don’t go there…..
By race day it had shifted to a civilized parking lot trailhead @ mile 12
This was to be my A race for 2019, so everything else became training and practice for this day.
Closer to the race, I had the novel (?) idea to not only run the 100k, but follow it up the next day with the 25k. Partially I wanted to see my wife as she ran, and partially wanted to do something new (and was inspired by the Squamish 50/50).
And running 75 miles with 14K' of gain in around ~27 hours (with a nice break in the middle), is the closest I've come to feeling what a 100 miler will throw at me, and it doesn't scare me, it has fueled the desire to push even more.
So, how do I break down a giant race weekend? I guess I'll do it in the same way I run it; Segments, individual pieces, specifically, Aid station legs.
****Edit to add photo album: It only took 2 weeks :) Flickr Album - Tahoe 100k & 25k
(PS: Part 1 will be more of the details. Cruise to the bottom, if you want to read some more personal thoughts.)
Here goes.
Race #1, 100K, Saturday 9/14/19, 630AM
Stated to be 60.6 miles with 10,564' of ascent.
 |
| True to form, I analyzed and digested the profile and details to the max to try and prepare |
Spooner Summit (start) to Genoa, 12 miles
My planning put sunrise right at 625, so it was under the breaking light of day we started off, no need for headlamps as we ran. Having scoped out the start line the day before, I knew there would be a bottle neck as we all tried to fit onto single track, so I tried to place myself in the middle/front, but at the same time knew that I'd need to be patient for the first few miles as we rose in altitude and warmed up. 100 runners on single track, definitely wore a buff over my face to keep some dust out of my nose & mouth.Started to settle into a pace that was quick but comfortable. As always, I found a few runners that were at a similar speed and hung with them. Much of the first leg was runnable with a few climbs, but a very nice introduction into the day. I did work hard to maintain a decent distance to anyone in front, I've become very aware of the subconscious habit many runners have of tailgating right behind someone, and that's typically when I trip or fall since I'm not giving myself adequate space.
Probably by mile 6 we started to get views of the lake, and with the sun still low in the sky, it was really refreshing to see some of those views to the west. Cold enough and at altitude, so I was still wearing my long shirt and gloves, trucking along at a solid pace (averaging 5 mph).
Ran into Genoa, an aid worker helped me stuff my gloves into my pack, I grabbed a few bites and hit the trail back out.
Genoa to Heavenly, 8 miles (total distance 20 miles)
Starting to warm up finally, starting to experience more climbs, still having a good run. By now the crowds have spaced out and I'm alone more often, perfect!We continue through the forest, crossed a highway (mile 15), and that's when I saw the leader of the 200 running opposite (soon after, #2 was seen as well).
Continue through more forest and we started to cross more clearings, signs that we're getting closer to a ski resort. Heavenly was the first place Crew was allowed, so I was looking forward to seeing my crew chief/wife and getting restocked on some supplies.
It was a downhill segment to the aid station, so my I continued along quickly.
I quickly swapped electrolyte bottles and a few baggies of foods, and stuffed my long sleeve shirt away for the day in my pack. Took off after a few minutes with some new snacks, and started the climb out of the parking lot. When I left Heavenly, a total of 20 miles have elapsed and my pace (after exiting) was still at 5 mph (basically exactly 4 hours to this point), so faster than I was expecting, but that's how I always end up on race day.
Heavenly to Armstrong, 15 miles (total distance 35 miles)
I was very aware that these next 15 would be hard, I knew I was going to climb over a pass that got us near an altitude of 10K'. I knew this would be mid day warmth happening. I knew this, and yet something didn't click. I did not anticipate the barren nature and the exposure of the top of the range. I also did not refill my plain water bladder previously, and that would prove to be a mistake. I was only a few miles into this leg when I realized my water wasn't as full as I wanted, coupled with the constant climbing (specifically miles 25-31), my pace tanked. Not only did I need to conserve what water I had for the next 10 miles, I also was unable to eat much since everything needed moisture to get down. The bottle of Tailwind I picked up must have been mixed to at least double strength from Heavenly, so I had to take baby sips of that. My normal real foods were inedible due to dry mouth, luckily I did have 2 bags of chews that were easy enough to get down, a safe 320 calories for the moment.Oh, and because I have limited space in my pack, I did not carry my filter bottle, another mistake I won't do again. I didn't feel so bad to risk drinking from natural sources, but I did enjoy dunking my hat in them and washing the massive amounts of salt from my face while cooling down.
At this point, with the elevation and low energy, my pace was starting to range from 15-19 minutes, but I still tried when I could.
By the time I crested the pass and started downhill (if that's really accurate), I was pretty dried up and didn't have a lot of energy to push, so I know a few people passed me and pulled ahead. I feel my training in heat helped, but still I had to deal with this little problem in order to finish the day, so I did what I could.
I finally got to the intersection where I knew the next aid station was 1 mile away, so I finished my electrolytes and proceeded down the hill, still just didn't have gas in the tank to push, realized this when I walked a flat section.
Regardless, I made it to Armstrong, bottle in hand, I sat in some shade and drank several bottles before doing anything else. Feeling mildly alive again, I refilled my bladder and grabbed some snacks (that aid station didn't have much real food prepared, they were only making things on demand geared towards the 200's).
I still felt like garbage, but had all the water I could carry and a gut full, so on I go.
Armstrong to Big Meadow, 10 miles (total distance 45 miles)
Immediately I climbed out of the valley and prepared for the 2nd high pass. The next stop was 10 miles, and I knew I had a lot liquid available to try to repair as I hiked, knowing I'd be alright.I pulled out my poles and marched on.
More and more 200 runners, more and more encouraging words and smiles (and painful faces).
It was great to be see fellow runners for a brief moment instead of just hours of solace.
As I rose the 2nd pass, my speed sucked, but I was eating food, drinking water & electrolytes, salt tabs, all my tricks to rejuvenate my body. And it worked. As I finally started another descent, I actually felt like moving. I jogged some flats, I ran some down hills, and I ate as often as I wanted to, knowing I had a deficit to fill and a long day ahead of me still.
The altitude dropped, the tree cover returned, and the trail got even softer. My pace improved a bit as I was able to move again, and I was feeling pretty good (all things considered) until about 1/2 mile before the next aid station when I spaced off into the forest and fell. Soft fall but in the process of trying to stop myself I almost cramped up, so I had to lay there for a few moments until my calves/quads quieted down. Ooops, Oh well, no time to dust off, the next stop is just down the hill.
Big Meadow to Housewife, 8 miles (total distance 53 miles)
This was a minor aid station, I slammed a bottle of grape juice and tried to fix my gator that messed up when I fell, quickly refilled my beverages and hit the road with a hummus wrap.I entered this aid station feeling like me. Stupid smile, good attitude, alive, enjoying myself again. The last 10 miles of repair had worked and I was back (and of course was dirty from a stumble).
I made it a few hundred feet down the trail before turning around to retrieve my poles, little mistake.
I would love to say my pace picked up greatly, it didn't, but I feel like it did improve. We were back to some flat sections, I could shuffle along on those, but when the trail got technical I had to walk, which was fine, better to finish slower and not blow up my legs.
Housewife hill was an interesting route, nothing major but perhaps it was enjoyable since dusk was approaching. Lower trees and some old rock slides, so I was able to occupy myself looking for critters. My speed wasn't great but I was being relatively consistent, so happy enough. Also, it was looking more and more like I'd make it to the final aid station before dark, an ideal time to swap sunglasses for headlamp.
Runners are more scarce, I passed one or two, two or three passed me, and the occasional back of the pack runner from the 200 would cross paths, but besides that a nice quiet evening run.
I could hear the party at Housewife Aid, again, an aid station that kind of didn't know they were supporting the 100k runners, luckily my wife was there to help me out with the gear swap and some food (and a full beer for motivation).
Housewife to Sierra at Tahoe (finish), 7 miles (total distance 60 miles)
Quickly (relatively) ran out of there and made it about a half mile before I had to remember to put on my long sleeve shirt and gloves, the temperature tanks quickly in the mountains as the sun sets.Started up a long grade, and could see a few headlamps way up ahead, so I pushed to keep them in sight for as long as I could. New trails at night, was a weird feeling being alone.
I kept up with those 2 lights for a bit, but between lack of great light (didn't gear up the big one) and a few technical steps here and there, I lost them, but by now I'm feeling like I'm ok, even if my pace is slowing more than I wanted. Wove through the forest, the full moon was rising and peaking through the trees on occasion, definitely added to the mood. Since I was all alone, I turned on some music (no headphones - gasp!), heavy metal wasn't fitting the mood, so I flipped over to the Glitch Mob and it helped me truck along.
Dark and cold, seeing not much besides the dirt single track in front of me, shuffling along when I can and stepping over rocky steps as needed, I knew I would finish, part of me enjoyed being alone with nature as I love, but part of me wouldn't have complained to have company for a bit.
I started to see lights ahead, which meant I was drawing close to the final uphill stretch (on road). Once I got to the asphalt I could at lease let my senses relax a touch, but besides my headlamp and a full moon, I can't see anything else. I don't know if the finish is around the next bend or 2 miles away. My watch is always off and trail races are always different, so I just have to push. By now I broke my glowstick in my front pocket, so that whenever I finish my wife will see me coming.
I am jogging the best I can up a mountain road when I hear a hoot, at first I thought it was whatever random SUV was near by, but as I got closer I could hear my wife yelling at me that it was right here.
I do recall she ran it in with me, but I was pretty toast. I felt good mentally, not weak, but my body was done, my legs just didn't have anything left to push.
And like that it was done.
There's no giant fanfare at the end of an ultra for the average runner.
The crowds are dissipated, the winners are already home, it's 7 stragglers and family members and the volunteers who cheer for every runner that shows up with long gaps in between.
Finished sub 15 which I'm super happy with (14:52), of course I wonder how much better could I have done had I not made a few mistakes, but regardless, I felt I did the best with what I could.
I've learned now that it's crucial for me to get in dry warm clothes after a race, as my body temp tanks. I peed (yay, 2nd time in 15 hours), washed off my legs and put on some dry pants and a hoodie, where I then proceeded to get some soup and wedge my way into a spot by the bonfire (technically all because my wife guided me and got me taken care of).
I sat for a few, ate my soup, and then we picked up our shirts and hit the road. My wife had spent all day tending to me, so we needed to get good food in her as there's a race the next morning.
So dirty feet and salty face, sore legs and tired body, we headed into South Lake Tahoe (stateline/casinos) to get some late night grub before calling it a night.
Pesto/Chicken pizza, & a big old salad!
Race #1 food
Lots of food, started with a giant breakfast, but still didn't eat nearly as much as I should have tried.6 x pouches of Honeystinger chews (we put 2 into a Ziploc, so ~320 calories per bag)
4-6 x Honeystinger gels, lost count
3-4 x Spring Energies as they were on course
2 x bags of trail mix (home mixed, ~ 350 calories each)
3 x tortilla/pb wraps (or nutella)
I think 4-6 quarter sandwiches (so 1-1.5 whole), some nutella, PB, or meat & cheese.
1-2 cheese quesadilla's
Rice Krispy treat.
Any other assortment of candy/cookies/etc grabbed off a table.
8-10 600 ml bottles of Tailwind
1 x 600 ml bottle of Nuun Endurance
2 x 600 ml bottle of various sodas
1 x 600 ml bottle of fruit juice
9-10 L of plain water
1 x 12 oz can of IPA
**edited to add Garmin workout link: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4059526595 **
Race #2, 25K, Sunday 9/15/19, 8AM
Stated to be 15.0 miles with 3879' of ascent
I asked around to some people who've toed the line at the Squamish 50/50, and the common thread was to relax/recover as much as possible after the first race (I failed there), and then just to show up for race #2 and walk. Your training and legs will let you know what you can do.
So I did that.
I showed up.
Zero expectations.
Accepting that I may be chased by cutoff if needed.
**and while my original goal was to spend the race with my wife, we decided to run our own races so that neither of us felt obligated to stay with the other, nor would either of us feel the need to try and run at a pace too quick**
Homewood (start) to Lake Louise, 2 miles
There is no beating around the bush on this race. It's legit, up a ski mountain (and down a bit), to a turnaround, to do it all home.The start line puts you right into an incline. The first 2 miles, you gain a solid 1400' of elevation gain. There was very little runnable (for me), there are a few flatter spots, but very little I could run. But I can hike, damn can I dig in for the climb.
I made alright time all things considered. I passed many people as I just leaned into the mountain with my poles and pushed. I did stop at the first aid stop, just grabbed a few Spring Energys for the trail since I still wasn't sure how long I'd make it before maybe I blew up.
So far so good.
Lake Louise to Barker pass (turnaround), 5.5 miles (total distance 7.5 miles)
By this point my legs are definitely warmed up and I'm getting a feel for what I can do.On the climbs, I'm passing people.
On the flats, they're passing me as I shuffle along in the 11-12 min/mile pace.
We leave the dirt road and get to single track as we continue to climb into the forests. The temps stay cool, the wind keeps things from getting hot, and the tree cover is a nice change for my slightly sunburned self.
Once you hit the top of the mountain, you get exposed again. More rocky, dusty, hard trail, but you quickly get views in almost all directions, which made for a nice reprieve.
Before you know it, you start the descent via switchbacks under the canopy again to reach the turnaround point. By now I'm aware my downhill legs are more sore, so I have to take my time.
Quickly grab a few snacks and right back to it.
Barker pass to Lake Louise, 5.5 miles(total distance 13 miles)
And right back up those switchbacks.Back to the exposed top section, but now you're facing the lake, so the views change.
Here's where I got to see the wifey and take a few pictures.
A few more sharp climbs before it's all downhill.
Through the forest my pace was ok, the crowds had spread out so I had very little pressure to go faster than I wanted, I could just pick my own route and take my steps carefully.
(and I stopped to pee again, yay for rehydration!)
I did slip on a dusty step and fall on my butt, but nothing major and just as expected for tired legs.
As the single track became dirt road again, I knew my day was getting shorter by the step so I picked up the pace as best I could.
Lake Louise to Homewood (finish), 2 miles (total distance 15 miles)
I grabbed a bite at this aid and began down the final 2 miles (and 1400' loss). I tried to run the flats and push the downs.My calves were angry but my quads didn't feel destroyed, but I was just unable to push as hard as I wanted and still feel like I could remain in control.
The path was soft dirt and rocks, so relatively unstable but still you could pick out a route and try.
Now in front of you is a massive drop and you can see so much of Lake Tahoe in front of you, and you realize the water level is the same elevation as the finish line...
Push push push, try my best to not fall.
One guy had blown up, I think he was puking, and a few hikers were moving up, but nothing else of note.
I kept waiting to see the 200 winners to pass me, didn't happen, and my trip down was almost done.
As the finish line approached, the terrain became less treacherous, so I ran it in with what I had left.
I was worried I would be close to the 6 hour cut-off, boy was I wrong.
My legs got me up and down that mountain in 3:21.
Being the over dramatic person I am, I collapsed to a knee once I finished and was given my race ribbon by a small child, so that was kinda fun.
Race #2 food
I didn't eat a giant breakfast like I sometimes do, but had almost 900 calories to get me moving, so a positive start.During long races I struggle to eat frequently, but for this I just did, knowing I was at a deficit from the day before.
Much less precise recording for this day, but essentially:
1 x Spring Energy gel every 45 minutes
2 x bottles of Tailwind (refilled on the return trip down)
1 x 1/4 Nutella sandwhich at the turnaround
And a few cookies & bite size candy bar.
Followed up by a giant burger and some potato salad and numerous beers to soothe the pains :)
**edited to add Garmin workout link: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4062440036 **
Summary
Do I think it was super smart to do the 100/25?Sure, why not. I bet I subconsciously saved some energy in the tank on day 1 for day 2, but at the same time I don't feel like I had much else to give on day 1.
Do I think I'm original for doing it?
No, I mean, yeah no one's done this one yet, but there are others that I got my inspiration from. And I didn't set any speed records, next time someone chooses to do this, they'll have an easy record to break.
Am I happy I did it?
Hell yes. It took a great weekend and made it a little bit greater. I'm super satisfied with myself and proud of what I've done.
And I absolutely know I was able to persevere and push as much as I did knowing my wife was at aid stations whether she could help me or not, simply seeing her face was enough to propel me on for one more piece.
I guess my final thoughts are this.
I'm not at all disappointed in how I did, I am a little upset that I let myself run low on water, I should know better
Mentally I hit a few points that I had to deal with, but can't say I ever got to the brink of quitting, never even crossed my mind, I just had to readjust my goals on the fly.
My gear all did it's job perfectly. Zero chaffing. Zero blisters or hot spots on the feet. The kit I have now is pretty stellar.
Inov-8 Trailroc 285's for the 100 (better toe cap & stability for my foot)
Darn tough wool socks on day 1
Inov-8 Trailtalon 290's for the 25k (slightly more cushion and room for swollen feet)
Smartwool socks on day 2
My Columbia running shirts give zero issue (properly sized in a small lol) I haven't had to tape a nipple since marathon training years ago.
I wore my compression calf sleeves the days after to help reduce swelling, but nothing major, considering car & air travel is so restrictive for relaxing.
.
A few days of light relaxing and travel, and I'm feeling stellar. Thursday night even got out and ran 3 with the dog, no discomfort anywhere besides general fatigue.
I'm walking away from this very much stoked for the next thing. Maybe I won't do back to back races, and maybe I'll find more speed for my big race, but I had a blast trying something new in a gorgeous place!
If I get around to uploading all my random pictures (and my wife's), I'll add the album here, but we'll see how long that takes (looks like only 2 weeks :) Flickr Album - Tahoe 100k & 25k )
**********
One last additional note in case anyone scopes this out for next year.
Be VERY cautions w/ Genoa Peak, the original race map put it at mile 7 of the 100k, and that is DEEP down a 4x4/ATV/Jeep road, almost too extreme for a general midsize SUV. I won’t detail it, but as a car enthusiast, take my word, don’t go there…..
By race day it had shifted to a civilized parking lot trailhead @ mile 12
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