Objective: Finish the course before the cutoff - 22hrs (3am).
Stats: 69.7 miles and 14,500ft in 20:42:38.
Links: Strava. Ramshorn Mountain. Runchallis.com.
Video
This maybe my finest performance in an ultra yet. Make no mistake, I'm a back of the packer and am in no way holding any illusions of being an elite ultra runner. Other than staying safe and taking care of myself, my first, second, third, forth and fifth priorities were only to finish the course before the cutoff. 6 months of training apparently paid off and I was able to finish strong at the RONR Endurance Run 108k. I'll get a video report up soon to detail the event, but here are the highlights.
Training: Ran a lot. Rocked several back-to-back long runs ranging from the 18-10's up to and including 24-12. Focused on logging a lot of vert and time on feet. Made a point to not do anything big (other than training runs) before the race. Err'd on the side of tapering too much, rather than not enough.
Nutrition: Mostly on point, never really got behind on calories. Ate real food in aid stations and used performance food (Gu, ect) only to supplement between. Drank lots of coke! Aid stations were very well stocked. Miso soup was a win, especially at Buster Lake (late, cold, dark, ect).
Gear: Used my handheld water bottle for the first 25k and refueled in the 2 aid stations along the way, rather than starting with my vest and blowing through them. Poles were helpful on the creek crossings, mud and snow but not needed otherwise. Switched back to the handheld at the last aid station for the last few miles.
High points: Topping out on Ramshorn mountain. Seeing crew at Bayhorse Townsite and especially Bayhorse Lake. Crossing the finish line and coming in under my projected finish.
Low points: Not drying my feet and changing socks at Bayhorse Lake. After climbing through/out of Juliette Creek (several creek crossings) the long downhill into Squaw Creek left me with blisters when I could have significantly prevented/reduced them. Snow and mud coming into Buster Lake, in the dark, over 50 miles into the course on tired legs.
Big thanks to Deez and Landen for crewing. Big thanks to each and every volunteer.
Training: Ran a lot. Rocked several back-to-back long runs ranging from the 18-10's up to and including 24-12. Focused on logging a lot of vert and time on feet. Made a point to not do anything big (other than training runs) before the race. Err'd on the side of tapering too much, rather than not enough.
Nutrition: Mostly on point, never really got behind on calories. Ate real food in aid stations and used performance food (Gu, ect) only to supplement between. Drank lots of coke! Aid stations were very well stocked. Miso soup was a win, especially at Buster Lake (late, cold, dark, ect).
Gear: Used my handheld water bottle for the first 25k and refueled in the 2 aid stations along the way, rather than starting with my vest and blowing through them. Poles were helpful on the creek crossings, mud and snow but not needed otherwise. Switched back to the handheld at the last aid station for the last few miles.
High points: Topping out on Ramshorn mountain. Seeing crew at Bayhorse Townsite and especially Bayhorse Lake. Crossing the finish line and coming in under my projected finish.
Low points: Not drying my feet and changing socks at Bayhorse Lake. After climbing through/out of Juliette Creek (several creek crossings) the long downhill into Squaw Creek left me with blisters when I could have significantly prevented/reduced them. Snow and mud coming into Buster Lake, in the dark, over 50 miles into the course on tired legs.
Big thanks to Deez and Landen for crewing. Big thanks to each and every volunteer.
Pictures:
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| Course overview. |
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| Just before the start. |
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| If you know your numerology, this was a good sign. |
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| Waiting for the horn to blow. |
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| Lost River Mountains saying good morning. |
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| Ramshorn Mountain behind me. Approx mile 7. |
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| Views of a nearby peak on the way up to Ramshorn. |
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| Ramshorn Mountain. |
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| View from Ramshorn. |
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| Summit view. |
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| Summit view. |
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| On the summit. |
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| On the summit. |
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| Descent to Juliette Creek. |
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| White Cloud Peaks from the ridge above Juliette Creek. Aprrox mile 35. |
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| Ridge above Juliette Creek. Approx mile 35. |
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| "The Meadow"on the climb to Buster Lake. Approx mile 51. |
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| Packing my jacket into the pocket of my handheld. Approx mile 65. |
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| Finish. Approx mile 69. |
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| Finish. Approx mile 69, almost 2am. |
