66.4 miles according to my Garmin 13:06:15
7:00 am) 20's sunny at start warming to low 50's
22 overall 1st Age group 40-44
200 Registered 143 Starters 78 Finishers 55% Finishers rate
First 100k so a PR for me. Very happy with my race. This was one tough run. From the
start they have you climbing. I was smart all day and hiked anything that was steep.
My hiking was very strong all day with the exception of the 5 mile climb out of Minturn.
By that point I was pretty spent. We had to deal with some deep snow and wind at the
12,000 ft part of the race. It was probably a foot deep in spots with the drifts. I
was happy not to be in the lead pack making the path. I kept the effort consistent
all day as I knew I couldn't blow up or I would not finish. Running through the snow
was hard but I accepted it and dealt with it. I had to be not only physically strong
but mentally tough. I think I did well at both. I can't remember having any negative
thoughts all day. I made sure to drink and eat well. This is so important in the
very long races. I ate better than I have in past ultras. Part of this was due to my
awesome crew they had my bottles and food ready for me at each possible aid station
they could crew at. I had a pacer lined up for me at mile 27. She ran with me briefly
before realizing the sinus infection she got the day before was kicking her in the butt.
I told her sorry but I got to go. She understood and I took off. This was the flat
part of the course on the paved bike trail. I put down some pretty fast miles here
and gained some ground on the field. After the bike path the course went back on
the trails with more up and downs. I felt very good at this time. I think miles
35-40 I felt the best all day. Around mile 50 I felt the fatigue set in. I basically
just kept moving and did the best I could. Last 5 miles I had to run in the dark.
I got slightly off course with a mile to go but found my way and finished.
This was such a great experience and so glad I signed up for this race. I want
to say a special thanks to my coach Paul DeWitt www.dewittcoaching.com
for preparing me so well for this race. I came into this race fit and healthy thanks
to his plan for me. I also want to thank my girlfriend Bethany she is 100% supportive of
this crazy hobby I have. It means a lot to me to have her support. My friend Alicia
from Wisconsin flew out to help Bethany crew me. She is also a great support system.
Her and Bethany were a awesome team out there. Jill my pacer did her best to try to
help pace me it just wasn't meant to be with her infection. I do appreciate her giving
it a go though.
Plan is to take it easy for a few days. Maybe do some short trail race in the next
few weeks. Basically just having fun and no structure for a bit. Starting Dec. 1
I do plan on starting my marathon cycle for Little Rock Marathon in March.
pi/79
