Pacifica 50km, Fun with Hydration

Pacifica 50km Start

On Saturday, January 17th I completed the PCTR Pacifica 50km. I was tracking 2 time benchmarks for this race: 1) Last June’s time of 6:59 and 2) my goal time of 6:30. I knew that this course was hard (6,700′ elevation) and I was under-trained (ran 5 times in the last 1.5 months).  So slow it was going to be.

Prior to the race I saw surprisingly few familiar faces: Mike Weston, Nancy Warren, Will Gothart… There was the customary fleeting ‘hellos’ as we all scrambled to complete our pre-race preparations. Of course I was running late. I had a quick pow-wow with my beautiful crew Jennifer Dill and was off, running incognito in the back of the pack. The Montara mountain north peak ascent went by quickly as I was deeply distracted by the coastal views. The big wave Maverick’s competition was almost on for today and I was enamored by the clean swells rolling in. So much so I ran into a knee-high manzanita bush off the right side of the trail. With a goofy smile I pressed on to the peak, touched the “You Made it!” sign, then descended.

I soon pulled into the aid station for my hydration and food hand-off. I consumed 28 oz. of H2o + nuun tablet, 3-4 cliff shots, and 2 servings of Hammer Gel. I dropped off bottles and bags with Jen and she re-supplied me in the span of 15 seconds. It was AMAZING! I put in an order for a Power Bar type substance for my next visit then blazed off.

Hazelnut Lap 1: Felling good. Struggled a little with over eating (that’s a first for me). 28 oz. of H2o + nuun and food.
Hazelnut Lap 2: Still feeling good. 28 oz. of H2o + nuun and food.
Each of the Hazelnut loops were adding 10 minutes to my estimated times – every aid station stop (or should I say pause) leaped me minutes beyond those around me. It was masterfull and I LOVED it. I was in awe at the gaps it created. Thanks so much Jen!

North Peak Ascent 2: At this point I was 20-30 minutes ahead of schedule but I had some work before me. I powered ahead and caught another runner at the single track trail junction on the Montara mountain trail. Soon after the front runners had doubled back and were passing me on the way down. I thought cool, I can figure out what place I’m in! So, the count was on. 1,2,3,4,5… 10,11… I thought, hey this number is getting BIG. I got up to 22 or so and was severely bummed out. Hell, I thought I was flying… I WAS flying, yet I’m back at 25! Whatever, I mentally ratcheted back to tracking time rather than place. I reached the top devoid of energy, out of water, and tired. Down I went to chase some speed maniacs.

I got to the aid station (3.5 miles from the top) and was thirsty and dehydrated. I had my longest pause of the day, exchanged some knuckles with my glorious Jen and her friend Kim, then was off while muttering, “I’m going to try to break 6 hours.” So with 45 minutes to do it I was off with only a stretch of the Weller Ranch trail and the infinite in number Hazelnut switchbacks before me. I knew, once at the top, it takes me 18 minutes to reach the finish line. My goal was laid before me all I needed to do was execute. The only problem was my body had yet to recover from my lack of water in the previous 3.5 mile stretch. The pace wasn’t there on the Hazelnut uphills… I was hitting around 13 min/miles and wasn’t happy. It felt like there was 100 switchbacks to the top of this nutty trail. Everytime I thought I was at the top, I wasn’t! You’d think I’d get a clue having run it 2x already today, but no. Time was pressing, I was within a minute of my 5:42 minute mark of apexing.

Pacifica 50km Finish

Then, finally, I was at the top. The Hammer Gel was flowing and I had some downhill to conquer. I had gapped the next runner behind me by over 20 minutes, so no one was pressing me but the clock. I ran with everthing I had, breaking into the nature trail near the finish with a meer 2 minutes to spare. Requesting a sprint, my calves responded with a cramp so I laid off a bit as I rounded the corner to the finish. With 5:58 on the clock I powered through wearing a dorky visor and a HUGE goofy smile.

Pacifica, I got ya this time!

Upcoming Pacifica 50km – Retribution?

So I’m here at work, trying to work – but the Pacifica 50km is looming for tomorrow.  I’ve gone to this point repeating the internal mantra of it’s just a training run with the plan of “tricking” myself into running slow by planning a negative split (slow at first then finish fast).  There’s a point to it – I’m not trained to run this one fast.

I’ve been a non-running bum since the North Face 50, only running 5 times since then (3 of those in the past week)!  The drawing temptation that haunts my sleep and that’s building up bigger and bigger as today grows longer is that none of the fast names that I know are signed up for this race.  Meaning, I could potentially compete in this one.  The opportunity is there.  What that means I don’t know… but it’s what’s in my head.

Another item in my head is my hydration blunders to date.  Pacifica marks the site of my worst run yet due to hydration neglect.  Fortunately I powered through with the grand assistance of the very beautiful Jennifer Dill and her crewing mentor Denise Vaughan (aka the ultra-angel) rallying to squeeze in at 6:59:16.   This time around I’m experimenting with some pre-hydration consisting of:  2 days out drink 2 extra 20 oz. glasses of water (taken with a SaltTab) and 1 day out drink 2 extra 20 oz. glasses of Liquid Endurance with a Nuun Tab.  The Liquid Endurance is very likely overkill, but I thought I’d throw it in there to see what happens.  And, I’m liking the Nuun Tabs so far.  I *think* during the initial part of races it’s difficult for me to absorb hydration because I wasn’t using electrolytes initially.  So rather than going just water in Pacifica I’m going to run using the Nuun Tabs and, well, I’ll see what happens.

So my goal is a mere 6:30:00 with the background realization of if my body isn’t feeling it, … it was always just a training run anyway.

The North Face 50 Mile Endurance Challenge

I really missed the boat here on capturing a race report.  So to keep things short:

• It was an early morning for me and the crew (Jen and Eli)
• What a “big time” event – the added hype and competitive spirit was cool
• I met Erik Skaggs briefly
• During the first 5 miles I lost my pace & distance chart  BOOOOO
• I was running ahead of schedule and feeling really good (I was feeling a sub 9:40 time) HOORAY
• At around mile 22 on the downhill from Pantoll to Stinson Beach I, for lack of a better term, sprained my ankle
• The first 18 miles of the race I was averaging 12 min/mile.
• The remaining portion of the race I averaged 14 min/mile.
• Stopping made my ankle worse, so I practiced tearing through aid stations.
• Lastly, I LOVED my finish!

Here’s what I wrote up immediately following the race:

The guy in red was attempting to cross the finish-line “slowly”. I was 100 yards behind him and laid into a full out sprint to catch him. He had no idea I was closing until the announcer began calling “ladies and gentleman, we have a race here!” He turned, saw me and tried to hold his lead. It will be my most memorable finish for years to come!

The video is here:    http://www.flickr.com/photos/munson/3095071793/

I had a wonderful time, but this race was hard.  Aside from the injury, I don’t feel my hydration is tuned in correctly still.  From Stinson up to the turn-around (up the steep Matt Davis trail) I had a hard go of it and became “out-of-it” for a stint there.

What? NF Endurance Challenge in 1 Day?

Typical to past races, this Saturday’s race day is sneaking up on me.  I have to drum up 1) a pace chart 2) a nutruition plan and 3) crew plans for my wonderful crew of Jen and Eli.  I’m really lucky to have those 2 helping me make it through the day!

Pace - 10,731 ft. view here, I’m going to set a new PR this Saturday – the time of 9:57:26.  Sure it’s a tougher course but I’m a tougher runner and better trained for this one.  I’ve tapered like crazy to the point that I feel like a lazy couch potato right now.  My 50 mile weeks have shrunk to 5 and that’s crazy.  I must admit, tapering over Thanksgiving IS the way to go!

Fueling & Nutrition – As always I’m sticking to 250 – 300 calories per hour from a combination of ShotBlocks, Hammer Gel, and Perpetuem all items I’ve used before.  Related I will try and take an Imodium AD prior to the race.  I’m risking trying something new on race day with this but what the hell.  Overall I think the risk/reward is worth it.  I’ll of course eat some potatoes and drink some Coke along the way.  I’ll also be trying out my new Nathan HPL020 Hydration pack.

Crew Plans – Jen AND Eli are going to be following me around the Marin Headlands for fleeting glances of my hopefully smiling face.  In reviewing the race ‘rules’, the crew only has access to 5 of the 11 aid stations so I really need to map my needs accordingly.

Take Care All!

I’m off to Marin.

Stinson Beach 50km – Training Run

On Saturday 11/15 I met up with 450 other runners and numerous volunteers for PCTR’s Stinson Beach trail run in the Marin Headlands.  It was a perfect day, clear as can be and warm (not hot).  I tackled this as a training run to both get in a long run for the NF50 and to become more familiar with the NF50 trails.  I’m really glad I made it out.

My fueling was a mix of Hammer Gel, Clif Shot Bloks, and aid station potatoes.  I carried 2 water bottles: 28 and 20oz UD bottles.  I also tried out my new Vasque Velocity trail shoes.  Overall I can only say that 2 things concerned me.  One, my shoes were a 1/2 size too small and, as a result, the downhills gave my toes a beating.  Yup, I now have a few black toenails    Secondly, I had yet a 2nd race that included bouts of upset stomach.  The stomach irritation started at about mile 9 and continued on through mile 23 – not continuously though.  I’m convinced it’s a reaction to the Hammer Gel which seems to cause a lot of gas then diarrhea.  Energy wise the Gel works for me though.  I may try taking some Imodium AD prior to a run to counter act this.  It’s no fun and embarrassing!

On a huge plus side, I could really feel my training out there.  On the uphills I had a lot of power allowing me to pass others and still feel like I had a lot in the tank.  My quads never felt fried on the 2x Matt Davis trail descents.  My shin splints were never an issue.  My downhill pace was strong and I excelled on the technical downhills

Now it’s some resting with a few longish runs… then the NF50 in 3 weeks.

Musings of The North Face SF Endurance Challenge – 50 Miles

For those that may not have noticed, I’ve signed up to run my 3rd 50 mile race of the year – the North Face Endurance Challenge.  The course is set in the Marin Headlands and includes 2 traverses to Pantoll totaling 10,731 ft. of total elevation gain and descent.  Why’d I sign up for this?  Well, after the Dick Collins 50 mile I felt good, that I had some momentuem.  My original plan was to race the Woodside 50km, but I preferred something longer.  A few weeks ago Ron Little’s blog brought this to my attention and I immediately lit up and, well, signed up.

Bootjack Trail - photo www.bahiker.com

I’m trying something a little different with this race, I’ve built a training plan and am tracking weekly mileage.  Also, I’ve signed up for PCTR’s Nov. 15th Stinson Beach 50km as a long training run for the NF50 2 weeks following – a perfect compliment because it covers some of the same trails (Dispsea, Steep Ravine, Heather Cut-off, Matt Davis, Redwood Creek).

I’ve been researching the NF50 trails a bit and reading the website course description.  In doing so I came across a trail description that brought an instant smile to my face.  Although the Bootjack trail isn’t run in the PCTR event, hitting it at mile 30.4 to 36 in the NF50 will be a race highlight.  Here’s the description from the NF50 website:

Pantoll Station to Old Inn Aid Station:

Lost Trail - photo www.bahiker.com

Get ready to enjoy this ride! The Bootjack trail descends almost 1,300 feet in less than two miles along a stream through the beginning of a valley of redwoods. The single track trail is very technical. This is arguably the toughest trail descent in all of Marin. It is steep, rocky and root-filled. Be sure to keep your focus through here.

Where there’s a sweet downhill there’s always a climb and Muir Woods doesn’t disappoint.  The course turns left to the Pelvin Cut fire road then transitions to the Lost trail.  The Lost trail gains over 800 ft. in less than 1/2 mile!  The steepest part covered in about 260 steps.  Thankfully it’s under the cover of redwoods and california bay.

So this is one small section of the course that peaked my curiosity and I thought I’d share.  It’ll be a wonderful run.

Black Mountain Run

This Friday was my “long” run day.  I decided to post my run stats because 1) I’m trying out my GPS uploads onto this fairly impressive website called Bones in Motion and 2) I had a really good run – a run that everything felt right.

This route is a very common one for me that I run about 1x per week.  I start in Monte Bello OSP, peak at Black Mountain, then run through Rancho San Antonio (taking various routes) then finish at work (Cupertino).  Today I took the “unmarked trail” — PG&E Lookout — Upper High Meadow — High Meadow — Coyote Trail.

The run started out fairly normal, a long press up the Bella Vista trail towards the peak of Black Mountain.  I had downloaded a running Podcast of 142 bpm 1 hour long techno mix and was blasting it, only dropping one ear bud to look for mountain lions on a section of trail that if I were a mountain lion I’d pounce on a runner “here”.

I’ll be damned if the combination of that techo music and me being late for work put me into state of great focus.  I felt as if I was racing and racing well.  I took a Gel 30 minutes into the run and another at 1hour and 20 minutes and my energy levels were great.  Usually when I press my HR up to 165 bpm I experience an energy crash, but today I didn’t.  I can only attribute this change to endurance gained from my recent 50 miler and a prolong rest period because I was sick.

I’m really liking the fueling strategy of just using Hammer Gels (1 or more per hour).

Performance

Distance:	11.71 miles
Time:	1:41:02
Speed:	6.9 mph
Pace:	8′ 38 /mi	Heart Rate:	164 bpm (Avg)
Calories:	1280		190 bpm (Peak)

Map

Elevation (ft)

Pace (min/mile)

Heart Rate (bpm)

Heart Rate Zones

Zone	Range (bpm)	Time In Zone		Distance In Zone
Zone 5	176 – 195	0h 08m	8%	1.12 mi
Zone 4	156 – 176	1h 25m	84%	9.83 mi
Zone 3	137 – 156	0h 07m	7%	0.72 mi
Zone 2	117 – 137	0h 01m	1%	0.18 mi
Zone 1	98 – 117	0h 00m	0%	0.05 mi
(none)	out of range	0h 01m	0%	0.09 mi

Posted from bimactive.com

I Love Rock’n Roll, 50 miles on a Saturday Baby

On Saturday the 11th Jen and I pulled into Lake Chabot parking lot for the Dick Collins Fire Trails 50. We began preparations for a long Saturday run and I was privileged to have the wonderful Jen crewing for me at all the aid stations except one (what a sweetheart)! I gathered my gear and we set forth into the darkness to find the start. Bringing a flashlight would have been good but in the spirit of just making do Jen used the camera’s flash to illuminate the path! Another funny anecdote: In the parking lot an amped up runner was blarring some pre-race Joan Jett, I Love Rock’n Roll. And YES, I had that song stuck in MY head for at least 10 miles!

6:00AM - Gearing for FireTrails 50m start

The race was off at 6:30AM just as planned. I was a bit worried as it was announced the first part of the course wasn’t marked at all. The RD gave some brief directions… turn left, a single-track bridge. I figured I’d follow the masses and all would be well. Thankfully it worked and the remainder of the course was marked superbly. I mean very well (flour, chalk, ribbons, signs). Many kudos to the RDs!

The miles just rolled by, eased by the beautiful views and terrain in perfect running weather. The course was primarily fire roads but included some very nice rolling redwood single track – some of which I remembered from the Sequioa 50km. We soon reached the Skyline Gate aid station (one of my favorites) at mile 17. I liked it because of the “mini-finish” atmosphere. Because it was such a high traffic area for many weekend hikers, bikers, and runners a fair amount of spectators gathered. What a rush to have so many people cheering you on! What a boost!

Skyline Gate - Mile 15

After traversing some really sweet redwood single track followed by the steepest climb of the day we approached Sibley Park (mile 18.4) then Steam Trains (mile 21.7). Steam Trains beacons you with it’s train whistle carrying through the air. You make a beautiful and exposed climb with the peak being the Steam Trains aid station; the train whistle draws you up the hill.

It was here and the long, long decent to Lone Pine that (in retrospect) my waning hydration caught up to me. I didn’t feel right. Jen handed me 2 bottles this time – although I wasn’t happy carrying so much weight at the time when I was suppose to be bounding downhill. It turned out to be just what I needed. I sucked up that 28 oz. of water quickly, dumped my entire bottle of Perpetuem (because at the time the mere taste of it made me nauseous) and blazed down the mountain. Now, this is one long hill on hard packed fire road. My legs were good for, say 2 miles but the hard impacts wore my quads out and the jostling really aggravated my developing stomach problems.

I finally pulled into Lone Pine (mile 26) and there was Jen! It was so wonderful to see her there! Unfortunately I was distraught and told her, “No Perpetuem, only water and GU, where’s the bathroom, I need music” then shuffled off in the direction of ‘over there’.

Fueling at Lone Pine (Mile 26)

So there’s beware of the chair, right? Well, I can really relate because I sat down in that outhouse-ish thing and was in H-E-A-V-E-N. To sit was magical and to have a cool breeze blowing up my underside formed a moment in time I will never forget. It sounds gross but pain makes the most mundane things special and special it was! I eventually sprang from the outhouse-ish thing and ran back towards the aid station, immediately babbling to Jen about my out-of-this world pottying experience (boy she must have thought I was looney). She had loaded up my waist pack for me and filled my water bottle… it was perfect and off I was to tackle the climb back to Steam Trains.

As the aid stations went by my energy picked up. I was drinking between 20-30 oz. of water and downing 2-3 GUs in between aid stations. On top of that I upped my electrolyte intake to >1 hr. because of my increased water consumption and pace.

Arriving at Skyline Gate (mile 37)

As a result I was beginning to feel good, really good in fact.  At around Sibley Park (mile 33.6) I was back to feeling like my old self – although my stomach problems continued to stick with me.  I pressed forward and started picking people off as my focus felt like a spotlight on the trail before me.  I was now in a zone and really looking forward to the Skyline Gate aid station (mile 37).  It was everything I had hoped it was…  like a mini-finish line.  20 or so strangers lined the paved path leading to the aid station all clapping as I arrived.  I was in and out of the station in no time and dead set on passing the girl in front off me that I had recognized from a recent Headlands 50miler – she beat me that day… today would be my day.

I ran almost alone to Big Bear (mile 41.5) and, with much relief, through the bee sting area.  {Ya, by the way I got stung 3-4 times back at mile 9}.  It was at Big Bear that I put together that I actually had a chance to pull out a sub-10hour finish.  So I started pressing harder. Soon came Bort Meadows and then the final aid station Bass Cove (mile 47).

I arrived at Bass Cove at 9:30 with 2.9 miles to go.  The volunteers appropriately warned, “this section can take you 30 minutes or an hour.  It all depends on what you have left in your tank.”  They then offered me a beer!  Oh! the torture!  I was so tempted.  I bolted off, and was quickly greeted by a series of very steep rolling hills – the clock was ticking.  I pressed hard, in fact my mind pressed to a point my body simply couldn’t go.  There was an inner turmoil and my mind and body weren’t in sync.  My energy was low and I began feeling sleepy as I pushed my pace.  I recognized it as the initial phase of a bonk and took 2 GUs, although my stomach really wasn’t ‘in the mood’.  In no time I could hold a decent pace.  I cranked an NIN techo remix with both earbuds in then pushed with all I had.  I passed a group of 4 one mile out from the finish.  From behind I heard, “wow, I wish I could finish like that.”

I saw Jen at the finish cheering me like crazy (and some random really happy guy) along with a ton of other people.  I pulled in strong.  My in-laws, Eli, and Max had arrived just in time to see me finish, a minute later and they would have missed me – perfect timing.  It was great to see everyone and even better to be done.

The post race festivities were unrivaled with drinks, hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream… and the list goes on not only for the runners but ALSO for our friends and families.  It was fabulous and so over-the-top generous.  I must also give them the swag award.  I got a embroidered running jacket, a very nice running shirt, and a fire trails wine glass.  Sweet.

I’m absolutely doing this race next year.  A+ all around to the volunteers and RDs but especially to my one woman crew Jen!  I have a lot to improve upon for next year.  I’ll lay it down right now: next year I’ll pull a sub 9 hour finish.  Guaranteed.

Here are my stats for this run on bones in motion.

Entering the Finish

Fire Trails 50m Finish

Eli Toasts Mom and Dad – Pillar Point 3km

Photo Courtesy of George Miller

This Sunday was a BIG day for Eli – it was the day of Eli’s BIG RACE where he got his own NUMBER! He was very excited and days before the race call me, his father out. He said, “Daddy, I’m going to beat you. I’m going to win!”

He practiced for days. Initially Jen and I used the word “training” but he kept asking where the train was. He ran back to the car at the Pacifica Fog Fest – a challenging ascent up the hills of Oceana highschool. He ran circles around Jen and I’s bedroom calling himself blue fuzz. And there were the sprints in the front yard which included an “On your mark, Get set, GO!” then a dash to the gate and back.

Needless to say he was ready for the deceptively flat 3km course with its many trippable sidewalk edges and beckoning benches for which to pop a squat. We arrived just after 8:00, missing the start of the 1/2 marathon and started our pre-race stretches and nervous potty breaks. (Side note: this was the first race that there was no line for the bathroom!) Grandpa Ravi and Nani made it just before the start and Eli was ecstatic to see them! He was so excited that they’d be at the finish line cheering for him.

Photo Courtesy of George Miller

Eli was a trooper and charged out running.  We took a few rest breaks and began his power walking training   We passed a garden and he pointed out the sprinklers.  A bench temped him, but we pressed on.  Soon we approached the turn around.  Eli and Jen took water.  Eli passed his water to me (like any good olympian team does, they share water amongst teammates).  We made good time and saw a girl in pink in the distance ahead – but alas couldn’t close the gap as we paused momentarily to wish some of the boat workers a “buenos dias”.

With the finish in site Eli bolted forward with a kick to be envied by even a 4 year old.  He successfully traversed the sidewalk step-down and sprinted for the massage tables.  Ummm, yea it was cute.  He veered left off course away from the finish but luckily George Miller was there to steer him back to the finisher’s chute.  He crossed the finish before BOTH Mom, Dad, and baby brother Max with an ear-to-ear grin asking, “Where’s my special treat?”  He received his very first medal, a t-shirt, and asked a wonderful volunteer to paint a red airplane on his face.

Eli, and the entire family, had a wonderful time.  This is a wonderful event to bring kids and you better believe we’re coming back next year!

Skyline to Sea 50km

As I sit here writing up a brief race report, I have quite a few friendly reminders of last Saturday’s race: My left pec, the back of my head and the inside of my right knee all itch with the 3 day remenants of a brutal yellowjacket attack. “Luckily” I’ve experienced this before and I think I’m building up an immunity to the pesky critter’s venom Needless to say races in Big Basin in August – September have never failed to pen ultrarunners against nature’s yellow stinging beasts. I’m happy to annouce that the ultrarunners are 2-0!

Before going into the drama of the run, I must say the Skyline to Sea 50km was absolutely wonderful. Although this was only my 4th 50km race I set a personal record of 5:16:46 good for 36th place out of 181 runners. This will be a marque race for years to come and rightfully attracted a number of VERY fast runners. As one runner said, “This is like a mini Western States”. I was satisfied with my time and place – but recognize room for future improvement.

My morning started at 4:30AM. I was at the Greyhound Rock bus stop at 6:15AM. I shared a bus seat with Georganna Quarles, a great ultrarunner and 3 time Ironman finisher, I met during last year’s 3 step run. She’ll be running next year’s Western States and is planning on running 2010’s Badwater. And… she’s 54. Wow! We arrived at Saratoga Gap and settled in – holding onto our warm clothes until the last possible moment before stuffing them into a drop bag to be transported back to finish. I spend some time talking to Mike Weston about the great run over Black Mountain into Rancho San Antonio! We crossed highway 35 to start the run at 9:00AM. I caught a glimpse of one of the 1st place winners, Lon Freeman. Wow, dude has huge quads!

We were off at a brisk pace cutting through redwood forests shrouded in morning fog. Down the steep drop offs, which also skirted highway 9, there were old cars that had flown off the road and left to rust. I settled in behind 2 guys that I knew only from message boards: Steve and Craig. And, it wasn’t long before the first attack happened. Craig got hit on his right wrist just before the first aid station. He was a bit shaken but okay.

We rolled into Waterman’s gap aid station that was being worked by Stan Jenson. And guess what… he recognized our CRC shirt! He said, “Coastside Running Club, that’s Ron Little’s group isn’t it?” I said it sure is! I introduced myself and thanked him for his volunteer work then sped off.

The next stretch between Waterman’s Gap and China Grade was mostly uneventful aside from another small yellowjacket attack. I got hit 2x – others about the same.

Steve, Craig, and I hit the China Grade aid station and I was the last to leave, trailing them by about 10 seconds. About 1/4 mile out is when the big attack happened. Steve and Craig began flailing and screaming which turned into wind sprints mixed with random jumping and lots of self-slapping. I however heard them then immediately stopped, ran back 5 steps and stopped. I looked forward at the trail ahead and saw Steve and Craig on the other side of a 2 foot wide BALL of yellowjackets hoovering in the center of the trail. Within the span of 5 seconds I thought, “okay what am I going to do?” Well I could run back, but why? Where am I going to go? Ummm, this is a race. So, I pulled down my sunglasses and CHARGED right through the swarm. I got stung and bit numerous times. It hurt, yes, a lot. I too began the strange sprinting bee attack dance that involved self-slapping…

As most ultrarunners do, we helped each other by slapping bees off one another for the next 1/4 mile…. while continuing to run and traverse some moderately technical single track. It was quite a challenge! Steve gave my back one last check then sprinted ahead. It was then I spotted another bee on him, in a not so friendly place. I yelled, “Steve, there’s a bee in you ass crack!” He didn’t hear me… then both Craig and I yelled in unison… while laughing (we really couldn’t help it). This time it registered with Steve and he cleared his derriere without incident

Some miles went by as we joked about the attacks. Then we heard a scream up ahead. Craig and I braced for an attack. It stopped being funny really quick! To our relief the scream up ahead wasn’t an attack, but Mike Nuttall taking a hard spill. There were 2 people helping him and he was up and walking by the time we arrived. All was good and there was HUGE relief that we were not going to be attacked again!

We rolled into Big Basin and hit the park loop (the only significant climb of the course). I used it to energy up and when we crested the hill I took off like wildfire. I bolted down the Meteor trail feeling great and passing runner after runner. I hit the aid station supplied up for the 8 mile stretch between aid stations and took off keeping my same quick pace. I burned down to Berry Creek falls really pushing my quads knowing that I was going into energy depletion. My legs were hinting at being sore and my energy was dropping signaling it was time to hit 2 GUs and increase my calorie intake and pull back my pace.

Well, to my HORRIBLE surprise I flipped my waist pack around and the zipper was completely open. I reached in and EVERYTHING had fallen out. 3 GUs, 2 packs of Cliff Shots… all gone. My mind immediately sunk! I did have my 30 oz. bottle with Perpetuem but that was almost done. To attempt to pull myself out of an impending energy null I drank everything. But, it didn’t help. I soon ran out of water/perpetuem. The only variable I had to control was my pace. I ran on the borderline of bonking for a good 4 miles – speeding up when I could and slowing down or walking when needed. I shared my plight with Steve who caught up to me and he graciously shared a GU. He was awesome. The bonking was a good exercise in energy-pace management but not something I’d like to repeat.

Finally the last aid station, with 3km left to go to the finish. I had 2 cups of Coke, 1 GU, and filled my bottle with water. I was off and my energy slowly picked up. I brought in a strong finish of 5:16.

I’d do it again next year… I had a wonderful time!