Best Intentions and an Important Guest Race Report

 I really intended to write up a Riverlands race report. I also had planned so many other posts while I ran. On Ryan's birthday, I wrote (in my head) a tribute to him and musings about how we influenced each other. Squirrel and I have crewed three solo hundred adventures (not formal races). There was lots of material there. Oh well...

Meanwhile, Jeff Mikesell has continued to send me his race reports of his seemingly endless 100s. I still want to make a library of them. He includes helpful information that anyone planning on running a race would be smart to read. It also could be useful in deciding on a race. 

A race or two back, he sent me a report that I feel needs to be posted on its own. Jeff, about as veteran as it gets, learned an important lesson on the trail. He is fine, but it landed him in the hospital. Here's his story: Iron Will 100. 

 

Catching Up (or mostly recovered from Riverlands)

 I'm coming back from Riverlands 100. It is all consuming for many months. This year, with each step, especially the tedious ones, Squirrel and I would say, "Just one more year." It became our mantra. I never thought I would get to the point where I was ready to say, "I'm done." But I'm there. Putting on a successful 100 takes more work that you can imagine, unless you've RDed one. 

Mindy and I aim to make our race the best experience the runners can have. We know our race is challenging. It is unrelenting. Our roots, rocks, and constant undulation are enough on their own, but then throw in spring weather in Maine, giving us "The Hot Year" and 2025's "The Mud Year."  The Hot Year's finishing rate was 28.8%. Yikes!! This year's rate was 28.3% 

We have the best volunteers. Though Mindy and I fret every year about filling the slots, we've never been let down. Most are Trail Monsters or other runners, but, even volunteers new to aid stations quickly learn from the seasoned folks. I think every year we have a few runners that dropped make sure to find me or Mindy to let us know how great the aid stations were.

Turner Timberland ATV Club haul all our supplies and volunteers to and from Middle Earth (the aid station about 4 miles in  by ATV). It's been a great partnership. We don't know how we would have been able to do the race without them. I think it was the very first year when I went over to their Trailer to ask a question that I found them following the race on our tracker! They were in to it!!

 I am going to try to get a race report done from the RD perspective, but I still have to put together the photo album I promised for the FaceBook page. I received so many good pic and videos, but Facebook isn't letting me download the videos. I took a break from it to stop from being so frustrated.

 I also need to get more of Jeff Mikesell's race reports up. I at least want to create a list of the races he's done with links to the reports. It would be a great resource for runners considering what race to do next.

I also am starting to get back to a training plan. With Riverlands, my own running has suffered a bit. No races for this year yet, but I have some interesting ideas for 2026!

Guest Writer - Jeff's 2024 is worth sharing!

One of the things I love most about Riverlands 100 is getting to know some of our runners and feeling a part of their journeys. Jeff Mikesell is one of those runners. His finish this year brought joyful tears to my eyes! This 63 year old did not just run Riverlands in 2024. Sit back and read his recap of his amazing year:

2024 Recap

2024 is in the books. It was a great adventure driving from West Virginia to races in Maine, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, South Dakota, and several other states closer to home. I made some new friends and met up with old friends along the way.

By the numbers:

• 100-mile races started/finished in 2024:  18
• Consecutive 100-mile finishes:  22
• Life-time 100-mile and longer finishes: 55

2024 Most Notables

Best Attempt to DNF - RED Dirt Ultra, Provencal, LA: At mile 42, I was running downhill, probably a big too fast, stepped on a rock and rolled my right ankle. I heard the ligaments or whatever pop, cussed a big, and kept walking to keep it warm and loose. The ankle never became an issue, but the incident prompted me to slow down and run with more caution.

Around mile 78, I was drowsy when my headlamp died. I used my hand-held flashlight to swap out the headlamps and while doing so, I inadvertently rotated 90 degrees to my left. 

With both lights now functional, I continued in the night. After several minutes, I began to suspect something wasn't right. I wasn't seeing the reflective flags and tree blazes that marked the course, so I moved slowly along. This trail just didn't look or feel "right."

Eventually, I turned around and retraced my steps to my last know trail-marker. When I reached a t-intersection, there were 6 flags directing me past this trail. I suspect then when my headlamp died, neither of my lights lit up the reflective flags, I inadvertently rotated (away from the flags) and walked off with my back to them, doh! I wasted approximately 25 minutes with this snafu!

Around mile 90, my back began to tighten up and by mile 97 I was barely moving and doing so with my hands on my quads to support my lower back. That's how I crossed the finish line, hunched over and in agony in 30:48. While my back issue was unforeseeable, the ankle injury and getting off course were avoidable.

Dragon Slayed - Riverlands 100, Androscoggin SP, Turner, ME: 2024 was my third trip to Riverlands in four years. My first attempt in 2021 ended at mile 75. While struggling late in the third 25-mile loop and dangerously close to the cutoff, I missed a turn and short-cut a section of the course. Lacking the time and mettle required to retrace and fix my mistake, I walked to the Start/Finish and DQed myself. My wife (Lyn) was disappointed (to say the least) that she wouldn't pace me the final 25 miles.

I returned in 2022 without Lyn. Late in my second loop (mile 47) my feet were trashed (again) by the technical nature of the course. The 92-degree temps in early May in Maine caught many runners unacclimated and took their toll on me. I stopped at mile 50.

I told the RD, as I sat in the dark, dejected for the second consecutive year that, "I simply cannot finish this course in 32 hours." I would not return in 2023!

Sometime in 2023, I decided to take a third shot at Riverlands! I strategized for months, lost weight, began core and stretching programs, intensified weight-training and felt great as I progressed through winter and spring races. 

In April 2024 while running Capitan Mt. 34 hour in NM, the race prior to 2024 Riverlands, my nemesis 100 was in the forefront of my thoughts. I must execute one more additional strategic move; convince Lyn to accompany me to Riverlands and pace me through the night (loop three).

She agreed once I confessed, "Yes, I need you."

We executed "the plan" flawlessly and I finished Riverlands in 30:50!

Most Stressful Entry Process - Kettle Moraine 100, La Grange, WI: On January 1st, 2024, I logged into Ultrasignup to register for the Kettle Moraine 100-mile Endurance Run. Trail talk suggested this race fills up within seconds.

I anxiously scanned our laptop and GPS clocks as the minutes very slowly ticked towards noon. Precisely at noon, the "Register" button activated; I hit is immediately. I began to complete the entry form, my mouse hand shaking to the extent that I struggled to click on each box. I finally steadied m right hand with my left and selected, "shirt size" and proceeded through the process.

Final step, "I'm not a robot". I watched for what felt like several moments as it spun and spun and...timed out! Crap! Again, I checked the box. And once again, it spun and spun, but finally recognized me as a human and not a robot.

It seemed forever for the registration confirmation to arrive but eventually, it did. Whew!

Best Vibes - Hallucination 100, Gregory, MI: Hallucination 100 is part of the Run Woodstock Festival held each September in Gregory, MI. The weekend event is attended by ultra-runners and non-running hippies, young and old. The event provides floks the opportunity to break out their psychedelic-retro attire, listen to live music and to party like it's, well, 1969!

The end of each of the six loops consist of two stretches through busy and energetic camping areas and this runner was usually greeted with loud, enthusiastic cheers, encouraging words, and even a gong bang! The final 100 yards of the race is one of the coolest and far-out trips I've ever experience.

Slammed! - Indiana Trail 100, Albion, IN: I signed up for the 2024 Midwest Grand Slam. To complete the "slam", I needed to finish Kettle Moraine 100, Burning River 100, Hallucination 100, and Indiana Trail 100. A fifth option was Mohican 100.

I suspect upon reflection, my most notable take from this four-race event was the comradery that manifested between myself and a few other "slammers."

"Don't Give Up! - Cactus Rose 100, Bandera, TX: Cactus Rose was possibly the toughest 100-mile course I've ever completed. The 4pm start provided a unique challenge in that I was awake almost 8 hours prior to the start. The 4pm start also meant that sunset would ensue shortly after the start of the race so much of my first and all of my second 25 mile loops were in the dark Texas night.

Sunrise was welcomed relief...for a while. Much too soon, cool morning temps gave way to oppressive heat as temps approached 90 degrees on the exposed course. I informed my trail partner, a Texan gal named Charmin, that I would need to spot at the Equestrian AS (mile 65) to evaluate my condition and situation. I was hot and struggling!

As I approached the AS, my resolve had broken and negative thoughts crept into my head. I had accepted defeat and was eager for the shade of the pavilion followed by the short walk by to my truck where a cold beer awaited. I rationalized:

•  There was no way I could stay awake for a second night to complete the final 35 miles!
•  The heat had simply overwhelmed me!
• I can't manage 35 more miles of the rock and scree laden steep ascents and descents!
• I had complete 14 100-mile races at this point in 2024 and 18 consecutive 100-mile races, so one DNF isn't a big deal!

All that - bunk! We've all been there!

 

Prior to her heading back out on the trail alone, Charmin put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Don't give up!"

 

My 30-minutes (or longer) in the pavilion consisted of an attempt to sleep (benches too hard, too much noise and activity), and time in the "DNF" chair soul-searching and trying to formulate a plan to escape from the sad state I found myself in.

 

Finally, I chugged an energy drink, gagged down a gel and headed back out. I was still hurting, but soon found myself running some and power-walking with a new-found intensity. I managed to reel in Charmin at the next AS (mile 69ish). We would finish the race together in 37:58.

 

(The devil said, "you can't handle the storm." I replied, "I am the storm!")

 

C'mon Man!!! - Firefest Ultras, Logandale Trails, NV: During the inbound of my third loop, I came upon some caution tape lying on the ground with fagging marking the trail to my right, so I followed it. I wondered about this turn because I didn't recall it from the previous loops.

The second indication that suggested something was amiss was the wind which had been at my back was now directly in my face. Still, I pressed on, somewhat confident that I, a veteran trail runner, would not end up running the wrong direction on the course.

The third indication was a trail sign telling runners where to turn around on the final out and back. On the outbound, I'd see the sign from the front. On the inbound, I'd approach is from the rear. I approached the sign from the front and was now certain I was running in the wrong direction.

Be it fatigue, the mystique of the Nevada desert at night, aliens, I don't know, but I still couldn't convice myself I had become turned around. Then two runners came toward me. I asked from which AS had they just come. Their response finally convinced me I was running in the wrong direction.

I noted my watch time and it took me 20 minutes to retrace back to the caution tape. Forty minutes total time and by my estimate, 2.5 miles! C'mon man, trust your gut!

Thanks for reading

Scout here now. Thanks for sharing, Jeff! What a year!!

Run Rabbit Run Wrap Up

 After my finish-line hug with Rick, I really don't remember how I was ushered to a chair they'd readied for me. What do you want to eat? I really don't want to eat. I'd love a beer. Fortunately for me, the Brewery we ate at for our pre-race dinner was providing beers at the finish. I got the same beer at the finish as at the start of it all. A second beer and I was ready to enjoy the finish festivities. Jedi was stretched out on the other side of the finish. Tammy and Kenny saw him to all the miles that were in him given his rib injury early on. 

Rick asked if I was good to walk or if he should get the vehicle. I totally misunderstood. Of course I was able to walk to the car...but he meant the condo. Yup, I guess I was okay to walk the mile mostly uphill cause we got there! I still didn't feel like eating. The shower was joyous. I couldn't get all the dirt off; it was deeply imbedded, but I got as much off as I could.

I didn't get my usual 100 mile sleep. I don't know why; Rick and I had a great bed. Bucky was up first of the others. We talked about the race some and tried to make coffee. There were issues with our coffee maker. Everyone was up in time to meet our whole TMR gang for breakfast. It was everything a post ultra breakfast should be: over the top breakfasts that could feed an army, breakfast beverages, and stories and love from the trail. We said bye to Tammy, Kenny, Jedi, and Ann, but the rest of us continued the fun at our condo with football, munchies, beers, and take out. It was a great post-race way to end it.

Then it was all about getting home and back to "normal." The post 100 let down is interesting. You've bonded harder with your people than most can imagine. You've completed what you've been working for months and months. You're super happy, but there's this void. And fog. I am so happy to have finished. I am officially the oldest woman to have ever finished Run Rabbit Run. I didn't need the extra time that they give women over 50 and men over 60. No other women over 60 started this year. Of the seven 50 year olds, 3 dropped, and two finished behind me. The two that finished ahead of me were 50 and 53. 53 is the age I was when I finished my first 100. I felt good being done.

Since then, I have had a hip issue. Well, that's not totally correct; I've had a hip issue for years. It hurt enough for me to finally see someone. We'll see if we can get it corrected! 

I love the 100 because of what it does to and for you. So the last thing I want to talk about is what worked and what didn't. First and foremost, what worked for me was my amazing husband and friends. Rick has been okay with our vacations for the last 10 or more years being mainly about my races. And that doesn't even count all the days that were about my training.

Then there's Tanya, Mindy, and Bucky. Tanya and Mindy were back for 3rd times the charm. Neither of them got to do anything on the 2022 RRR try. Mindy was going to do miles 44 -70 and Tanya was going to bring me home. But that year, Bucky and I both went south together very early. By the time we got to Mindy at Dry Lake, we'd both quit. We didn't even try to recover. Regretting that decision, Bucky and I both signed up for 2023. Mindy and Tanya were both in for the same miles. Well, Bucky found out that altitude was really his enemy and dropped earlier than in 2022. Mindy got me to Tanya, who dealt with my folded body until the final aid station before the finish. Sigh,

These three amazing, wonderful, best of friends agreed to come back again. Three years, my race dictated their vacations. How blessed am I? I learned weeks after, that Bucky paid the price for heading up to Werner to see me to the finish. Upon getting me to my buckle, he proceeded to throw up profusely. He gets to be my favorite trail kid for a long time. 

The random things that were my friend during the race....So, Tailwind is the reason I can get through an ultra. Turns out, I can't stomach just any flavor though. I'd say 3/4 or more of the calories I took in during were from Tailwind. The rest were pancakes and hot chocolate. Hot chocolate, if you can get it not to b brown water, is an amazing resource. Coffee saved me for a third time in the three 100s that I've finished. The first, Haliburton, and this one might have been the most dramatic saves. 

The Solomon quiver that Todd lent me was a definite win. The new gloves that I bought in Breckenridge were very handy (snicker, snicker!), as was the fleece headband that Squirrel picked up for me at REI in Silverthorne (I was shocked to find I hadn't packed a headband when I was doing my drop bags). It was so warm, I mostly pulled it down around my neck, but pulled it up at aid stations when the cold air made it presence known. Motion, especially climbing, keeps you warm.

The other things that worked, and I have no idea in what ratio, were yoga, core work, and more hill repeats. Oh, and maybe going slower. I think in 2023 I was ahead of my times at most of the aid stations until 60 something miles. I'm sure all of those things contributed, but I really have no idea in what propotion. 

Today was the first day I said what if I wanted to do another 100. Rick had no comment. I don't know if I really do, but Ghost Train just happened and it might have made me miss the ultra community. I know I get my share at Riverlands where I feel all the feels of our runners...but it's not the same. We'll see. I still like feeling like I'm done.

2024 Run Rabbit Run - Mile 71 to the Finish!

Tanya and I headed out at a fast hike. Soon we were in the place where the two bull moose were in the trail last year. Fortunately then, Tammy V sang them away. More fortunately, this year we had no moose in the trail, just the memory.

OH! Wait!! There are some things that I really wanted to remember from the Bucky miles, not sure how I forgot them. Somewhere in the loop back to Lane of Pain aid station the second time, pretty sure on the last big up, we saw the most magnificent shooting star I've ever seen. Bucky!! Did you see?! Yes!!! The head was nearly the size of the moon and the streak stayed in the sky for what seemed like minutes. Wow!!! I think when we told Kenny, he said he and Jedi noticed a weird blue flickering in the sky in that direction. They had the mountain between them and seeing the actual shooting star. Still cool that they had part of it!

Also, when I fell, I think I mentioned how sore my feet were. Bucky teased that I couldn't be a Patrick - no dropping for blisters. No kidding! I would not be doing that, but I was going to complain a little. It wasn't just the blisters, my toes were killing me. I think between the downs and kicking rocks, they were just getting beat up. I also gripe that my hip was really getting angry. Bucky said, "Harden the fuck up!" He said that's the first time I've said it. We both laughed. I was sporting my Harden the Fuck Up bracelet from last year. I wanted to be able to throw it away this year. Bucky then theorized that it might be due to the fall; that was the side that took the brunt of it. Definitely could be a contributing factor, but this is the hip that has been an issue with me for years, just not to this degree.

Oh, and a few miles before we ran into Dry Lake, my Coros died. I still had the watch, but the gps was done. Last year it had lasted almost 27 hours, this year it didn't quite make 24. I had really enjoyed using the pace feature, that I could finally see due to my new glasses. It's nice to know that your power walk is still banking you lots of minutes per mile. With the extra time allowed for us old folks, I could actually average over 22 min/mile and still make it. Without the added time, I could still do 21 min/mile. So seeing 16 min/mile while power hiking (and lots faster, too!), I could do a 26 min/mile and still be doing fine. When I reached Dry Lake and my watch wasn't doing anything for me, I decided to drop the glasses and switch to sunglasses since I was going to be running into the sun for a long time. For some reason, I couldn't see through the sunglasses. Were they dirty? Was it something else? Whatever, I ditched them. 

Ok, back to miles 71 to finish....

It didn't take us long to get to the technical, hard climb from Dry Lake to Billy's. Last year, though still moving well, this is where I started to lean (fold? bend?). This year, there was no sign of that. In fact, I may have picked up the pace on the climb. I started passing people. I called back to Tanya. You good? Yup. Pretty soon, I realized I'd dropped Tanya. While a little worried, last year we'd talked about it. I am really good at up, Tanya prefers down. I should just keep going and she'd catch me. I went with that this time. 

With the climbing and the sun getting higher, I was getting really hot. I made myself keep keeping at the Tailwind. I felt really good! But hot. As I passed people, I told them I was getting my shorts at Summit. No one cared at all, but I kept telling people. Yes, I do like to talk, plus I really was looking forward to my shorts...and my hat! That would help with the sun. 

Oh!!! I have some bars on the cell. I called Rick to let him know I was good, but I was solo now. I really was good. Normally, I would say Tanya would catch me. She definitely would have last year if I'd gotten ahead on the climb. But I was moving really well. 

Billy's!!! I told the people at the aid station to watch for my pacer. They gave me all kinds of props for being able to drop my pacer lol. I appreciated what they were doing. What did I need? Pancakes? Yes, here, but you might need something; they're really hot. I'll just use my fingers. They acted all worried, but little did they know that Rick calls me "asbestos fingers" lol! They were delicious!!! Even though I'd eaten many pancakes by now, these were the first that were yummy! I'm sure I refilled my Tailwind and got back on my way to Summit and my shorts and hat. I was so happy to learn after the fact that they told Tanya when I'd left and were able to get her back to town. They were so helpful and had hot pancakes!!!

So, here's the thing. I loved that Tanya came back with me for redemption. I'm also a little proud that I was able to drop her, but then she had one of her weird alergy-ish reaction things. I know for a fact that if I had started to struggle, she would have caught me and taken the care of me that she did last year. But!!! I was good. I didn't need anyone from 71 to finish (though I was so very happy to have a little wish fulfilled at the end). 

I'd like to say I remembered more from Billy's to Summit (77ish to 81ish miles) but I didn't. Except I told way more people that I was going to get to put on shorts. Take note Scout, not one runner gave a shit! It was really important to me though.

Summit! Do you have a drop bag? Yes, 300. They brought it to me and I tried to figure out my changing plan. I grabbed a chair and brought it to the front of a Uhaul. I opened one of the doors and then got naked. I changed everything on my person. Ah! No one need to hear about my shorts again. Shoving my old pants and clothes into my drop bag, I made a note it needed to be washed before we left Steamboat. Yuck! When I handed it back to the volunteer, I hoped the Ziplok contained its smell. 

Onto Long Lake! I had very little memory of what this stretch looked like since I could only see my feet as I plodded on bent over last year. I did remember some parts when we'd stop so I could stand up. I must not have done it very often because very little was familiar. I'd like to say the 8.2 miles went quickly, but not really. I continued to pass people though. That felt good. There wasn't much flagging, but there weren't many intersecting trails. Be confident, dammit.

Finally, I saw the aid station. Last year, I cried here. I almost cried going in; I'm going to finish!!! Karl Meltzer recognized me!!! I said, but I'm totally vertical this year. He congratulated me on finishing (I did't tell him that it could always go south...I just appreciated it). He also told me I was definitely going to cry at the finish. I told him I already did. The guy who gave me a massage and the ibuprofen last year also remembered me. Fun times!! For real, I loved this little reunion, knowing that it was going to end so differently. Last year we left Long Lake with lots and lots of time to get to Werner, the last aid station. I couldn't do better than 40 - 50 min miles. Ugh. This year, I'd be fine.

I had no signal. I wanted to make sure that Tanya had gotten back. Sigh. Then I had a little fantasy. Bucky had asked if I thought he could run back a little further from the Gondola where you can meet runners. I said I bet Fred wouldn't care, but I am not going to break any rules. Meet me at the gondola. I appreciate rules. But, then I realized that I'm allowed a pacer the entire course. Right now I don't have one. Wouldn't it be cool if Bucky could get Tanya's pacer bib and find me sooner. 

How did I think this was treacherous terrain last year? I guess if you can't stand up or lift your feet, lots of stuff can seem treacherous. This is the same trail I ran out on yesterday morning. It is runnable. I did lots of pretending to run but switching right back to power hiking for fear of tripping. Still making great time! 

Holy Shit!!! There's Bucky with a pacer bib!!! The universe heard me! Bucky told me that he'd gotten a ride from the gondola to Werner from Joel. OMFG!!!! Joel was the aid station captain (or he and his wife were) at Werner last year who cared for me so well and gave me a drive down the mountain back to town. Bucky said he was so psyched to hear I was on my way. He and his family had been talking about me, wondering if I'd be back. Tears welling.

It seemed to take forever. Fuck, I'm tired of stepping off the trail. The 50 milers were running strong to the finish. Sigh. That's what we do and I'm okay with that. It's just I've been out here forever. Oh, something else I didn't mention and probably don't really need to, but Bucky had commented before that this was the first time I'd had to take a bio brake (no, that's not his words, but I'm being delicate lol) on a run with him. Well, we got way past that. At one point, when there really wasn't much cover or place to step off, Bucky held his jacket to shield me from the coming 50 milers as I, well, pooped. If anyone needs a pacer or crew, Bucky is amazing. Nothing bothers him. I'm proud to be his trail mom and again so thankful he thought to grab the pacer bib and run further with me at the altitudes his body hates.

He wondered whether we'd recognize Steph Nicols (Billy's daughter doing the 50, fresh off a hip stress fracture). I think I would, but I did ask Mindy to look up her bib number, but then didn't remember to get it. Did she recognize us or did Bucky recognize her? I don't remember, but it was a big pick-me-up for us and I hope for her. Sounds like her stomach had been very grouchy, but she was still kicking ass! d

Finally, finally, we heard the sounds of an aid station. I got multiple big hugs from Joel (I now feel really bad that I forgot his wife and daughters name) and family. They made me feel like a rock star. I think I had a coke. That may have been it. Let's get it done.

Well, it's only a little over 6 to the finish, but you can see where you need to get. That's a long way to see. It is down all the way and steeper than my toes, shin, and hip really were at all happy with. It was going to happen, but it wasn't going to be pretty. When Bucky would give me the miles to go, it didn't help that much because I was always sure it had to be less. And then there was Tammy!!! What a great surprise! When I complained of my toes, she told me how sore hers were last year. While she was all about what pace I wanted to go, she still seemed to encourage a faster one.

Oh! Charlie puppy!! What a sweet pup! His people tried to admonish him for keeping us from our finish. We're like it wasn't his fault, except for being so cute! Down, down, down. Really? We still have that much more to do? Finally, Tammy started describing the last miles to the finish. I think I still peed two more times. Eyes ahead people!

Finally, finally we could hear the finish. I was where I knew I could run it in. Bucky asked if he/they ran me through the finish. I said that would only seem right if Tanya and Squirrel were in on it. I'd run through the finish alone. And run I would! I felt like I was flying, except then there was that silly, tiny stream to cross. I navigated the rocks and climbed back up the little bank to run it in....Again I was flying (except I saw Pete's video of my finish...yeah, I was running, but not all that fast)! Hallelujah! A huge hug from Rick and I was done.

One more post to wrap it up and then 2024 RRR is put to bed.

2024 Run Rabbit Run - Miles 44 to 71 (or the Bucky Miles)

 I don't think I took too long at Dry Lake. Long enough to get changed, refill the flasks, eat a couple of little pancakes and hot chocolate. Of course they said it was all down hill to Olympian. Just for the record, I don't think anything is all down hill, especially to someone running all the miles.

I don't much remember the miles from Dry Lake till we hit town. I told Bucky, even though I knew we were following the markings and we were with/around people going the same way, that this didn't seem like what we did last year. Turns out I was right. They were doing maintenance on the bike/walking path that we were now following. It was nice to have less city street miles. I definitely would have known if we went through the tunnel. We ran into Olympian with Rick cheering us on. He wasn't allowed in with us. The facility is filled with runners and pacers, no crew allowed. I went to the bathroom, then found a bench to sit on. Bucky got me one hot chocolate and then another. I was next to where a woman was doing blister/feet repair for runners. Noted. Bucky called over, "Tailwind is watermelon." My response was a forceful no, not sure of the exact phrasing. But I needed Tailwind. Bucky noticed other bags of it on the shelf. He asked for Mandarin. The volunteer said she didn't know if we had it. He pointed it out. She didn't know if she could make it. Bucky found someone to make it happen. Basically just scooped some into flasks for me and added water. Then, thinking ahead, Bucky secured some in a baggie in case we ran into a similar scenario later, but they didn't have Mandarin.

We noticed Rick out the window; he was pointing to his watch in a way that was saying, get the hell out of there! Were we here that long? It seemed much shorter than last year, but I was good to get going. Rick met us outside, "Did you have coffee?" "No, but I had two hot chocolates." I thought that was fine.

Bucky and I, well maybe Bucky, found the way to the climb out of Olympian with ease. Instead of being grumpy like I was for Mindy on this long, steep climb, I started to fall asleep. Bucky kept telling me to get away from the edge. He would say things but there would be gaps in my hearing because I was starting to be asleep on my feet. I don't think I can make it to the aid station, Bucky. We'll get you coffee and a nap when we get there. Then we were worried that they might not have coffee. It's billed as a potentially water only aid station. I don't think I'm going to be able to keep going.

But, we went up, up, and up. I stumbled and Bucky said, "Scout! Stay in the middle!" It would be so sad to not make it now because I couldn't stay awake on the trail. Is that a glow? Do we hear music? Holy Fuck!!! Lane of Pain aid station was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!! They were cooking everything and had fresh brewed coffee!!! Bucky plopped me in a chair and brought me coffee with cream. It was heavenly! I don't think I've had coffee that good since. He set an alarm and I was supposed to sleep for 20 minutes. I gave it a try, but the music was a little too loud and the smoke/grease coming off the cooking was somehow not conducive to sleep. He brought me a second cup of coffee, just as good as the first. I was ready to go. I never felt sleepy again!

From the aid station, the course goes down for a while. Bucky forewarned me that we had to go back up that long up a second time. He had checked this section out on Wednesday. I knew we hit the aid station again, but I didn't realize we had that bear of a climb to do so. UGH!!! At least this time I'd be awake. We were power walking/hiking, but fast enough we were passing people. Sure some people ran faster, but not too many. OH! Then we got to a turn and started up. Bucky realized we didn't go all the way back down. Our up would be shorter than the first long climb to the aid station!

SNORT!!!! "Bucky? Are we good?!" "Yes, just keep going." A bull moose, very close to us, let us know he didn't like us there. Fortunately, though close, he was down a steep section maybe 20' and there were lots of trees in between. Bucky said he'd loved to have gotten a pic, but knew that would be foolish. Continue on! Wow!!! Back to Lane of Pain aid station. I want more coffee, but decide a 1/2 cup might be a good decision. 

Oh, I totally didn't remember how long the descent back to Olympian was. While the up was straight up, the down, was long sweeping switchbacks where we could see where we were ultimately going. We never seemed to get closer.

Hmmm, I don't know where exactly, but somewhere between Lane of Pain visits, I took a hard fall (one of three in my race, but definitely the hardest even though I did do a bit of a roll out). My lower shin hit into a rock pretty hard. Bucky complemented me on my roll out, but knew I felt the ground. The impact seemed to grow as I ran.

Finally! We were almost down. The course was better marked than last year. We found our way back to Olympian without. Sorry, Squirrel, your duty was again harder than it should have been last year. Bucky had already planned to give his pacer bib to Rick so he could go into Olympian with me. I found my previous bench and planned to find the blister woman. I asked a dude where she was. He told me it was his shift now. I took off my left shoe and sock and left it to him to decide how to deal with the blisters. There was two different types of tape involved. I might have been skeptical, but figured I could tear it all of if it was worse. While the blister dude was working, Rick came back. They don't have the right Tailwind. Oh, they do, they just don't know it. He was able to get me refilled. I think I still had the scoops that Bucky had put aside just in case. Very good. I put my shoes back on. It felt weird, but not as painful. Ready to head back out!

See you at Dry Lake to Rick. And Bucky and I headed back out. I started to doubt where Bucky was leading me. This is just like how we came in. Yes, that's the course. No, it's like a link sausage; you hit the same aid stations but from a different way. Yes, for some of them, but this section is the same. I made him produce the map. It's a good thing we still had a signal! Ask Brian Emerson; he had to produce evidence that we were going the right way, too. 

We actually arrived at Dry Lake a few minutes after last year. I didn't take as long here. Rick brought me hot chocolate. It was horrible. It looked like brown water. There was no chocolate taste. He brought me another. It was no better. I'm good. Thank you, Bucky!!! Let's go, Tanya. See you all at the finish!

2024 Run Rabbit Run - "GO!"

I threw Tammy's jacket back to her as the countdown began. There weren't as many starting early this year as last, but still a nice group. To my surprise we headed out in the opposite direction as last year. They do say, don't be surprised with a different start; it all depends on the construction the ski resort is doing. It didn't take long to get back to where I expected to be. And the up. This was what a good portion of my hill repeats at Lost Valley was all about. I would get about 3,500' in less than 5 miles. Even though I did down during my ups at LV, for the up, I gain 1,000'/miles. The 20 reps I did amounted to 4,200' of gain. I knew I was ready for this. Even with the altitude, my heart rate stayed under 160 bpm and mostly was in the 130s. Still, 3,500' of gain with no break in climbing is no joke.

Getting to the aid station was a relief. That would be the end of the real climbing for a while. I topped of my Tailwind and filled the two flasks that I'd stored in the back of my pack. It's a long way to the next aid station. The sun would be strong. It was worth carrying extra just in case. There was no food I wanted there so I got moving. I did grab a cookies-n-cream Honey Stinger waffle, but spit it out as soon as I tried it. It was cloyingly sweet. Yuck!! I'm fairly certain a squirrel or chipmunk would love it. This is where I did most of my real running. It was single track with some rocks but not crazy bad (ask me if I had that same assessment on the way back...). I was moving well.

Eleven miles into the race, the 100 milers make a hard left to go down Fish Creek Falls. At the end of the down, 17 miles in, will be the 2nd aid station, Fish Creek Falls. The first year is was really scary for me. We had rain. It is the most technical down and the rocks were slick. Last year, with Patrick, I wasn't scared at all. I wasn't this year either. I was just focused. The trail is popular with hikers. Remember to thank them for stepping off. It's not always easy to find a good place. This is tedious. It's down, but not at all runnable. Just stay focused. 

Last year, Patrick got happy me for 50 miles. I said we had type one fun the entire way. Then poor Squirrel got grumpy me. I wasn't happy, threw up in the Lane of Pain loop and complained of a achy back until the sun started to rise, when my spirits did, too. I was glad for Squirrel that she was doing early miles this year. She should get happy me. Sigh...

I arrived at the aid station to a eager, helpful crew. My flasks were filled. Food was offered. Did avocado sandwiches with bacon sound like a good idea? Why yes they did! After the second quarter, I reconsidered that decision. I don't like them! Squirrel and I left for the next 28 miles. I think I quickly became grumpy me again. Poor Squirrel!

The two hour head start for us old folks resulted in the faster Tortoises hitting Fish Creek Falls just as I was heading up. We had strings of 10 or more runners expecting us to step off. Again, it wasn't always easy to find a great place to do that, plus, that many runners coming through definitely slows you down. Sigh. Still, I like going up better so there was at least that. Squirrel reminded me to drink. I am, but it's not feeling good. My stomach was definitely feeling, um, off.

I'm not sure I appreciated the view of the falls like I did last year. Between my stomach and the string of runners, my head wasn't in an appreciative mood. I was very happy to get off the two way traffic trail and headed to Long Lake. Squirrel looked forward to seeing Karl Meltzer. Oh, wait! We did fist bump Jedi in the two way traffic somewhere. It was good for that, at least!

At Long Lake, I was really feeling green. Squirrel noticed Saltines. How about Saltines and ginger ale? I'll try it. It is what you eat when you're a kid and have tummy troubles. I also found Saltines good at Olympian last year. Meh. We didn't stay long. Topped off our flasks and headed out. '

Summit Lake is the next aid station, a little over 8 miles out. Squirrel asked me about running. Not now. Stomach is not having it. I had some dry heaves. It's hard to keep doing fluids when you're stomach feels like this. I know Squirrel was reminding me of things and checking in, but I don't remember much. I was feeling like I didn't want to be doing this. I didn't say it, but boy did I feel it. Finally, I threw up. Squirrel was sure it  my puke and rally moment. I kept waiting to feel better. Not so much. Keep drinking. Ugh.

At Summit, now 50k in, I tried more Saltines and ginger ale. Yeah, still not the answer. Puke! what the hell kind of Tail Wind did they give me?! Gonna hurl again soon. Billy's (the next aid station) is just over 4 miles away. I need something else in my flasks! Uh oh! Get off to the side. After a few false starts, I power puked a few good times. Poor puke-a-phobe Squirrel handled it fine. She did have to deal with a few runners implying she should be right by my side or something. Nope, we both know to give the proper space. It's good to have someone who knows you so well.

 Billy's Rabbit Hole. I found a chair. I'm going to sit. My neighbor was Steve, also an early start. He commented how far behind he was. He finished last year and was way behind schedule. I told him I was way ahead. I never throw up until 60+ miles, but here we were at 36 miles and I'd had two bouts of hurling already. He laughed a little. 

Squirrel was filling my flasks and heard somehow that it was caffeinated. How do you just give out caffeinated Tailwind as the only choice? She got them to make me some separate Mandarin Orange. Ah, familiar territory. We headed out for Dry Lake, about 9.5 miles. As we went, I realized maybe I had puked and rallied! Am I okay? Maybe!! There were places where I felt safe running, but where ever the terrain looked like I could easily trip, I'd power walk. I could hear when Squirrel told runners to let her know when they wanted to pass.This was almost all down hill; no wonder people were passing. 

Time to break out the head lamps. The sun setting was pretty beautiful. I think Squirrel took some pics. I didn't take any during the race. Nope. Getting it done. It was getting cool. Remind me to change into pants at Dry Lake. 

Some where along here, in the dark, a runner asked if we saw the bear, about a mile back. I'm pretty sure if it wasn't in the trail, I wouldn't have seen it. Squirrel said no and wondered how we missed it. I think a mile back it might not have been there when we were. There are lots and lots of wild life out there. 

We were almost to Dry Lake. I told Squirrel how pissed Bucky and I were two years ago when someone said we were almost there. And a little climb later, we were all, "What the hell???" Never tell a 100 miler you're almost there unless you can see the finish!

Ok, this is a good transition place. I say goodbye to Squirrel and pick up Bucky at Dry Lake. I needed to change first. There was Tammy holding a blanket or towel for me to hide my sorry ass as I got into long pants. It was really good to ditch those shorts cause I totally cop to peeing them with the force of puking. Things aren't so pretty in an ultra.

The pretty thing, beautiful really, is the love and care given by your crew/friends and then all the volunteers who care about you for the duration. I did feel cared for. I think this was the first place I ate pancakes. They weren't good, but they weren't bad and went down well. I also had hot chocolate here. Ready, set, go....