Monday, November 21, 2011

Chimera 100K

On Saturday, November 19th, at first light, the Chimera 100K began. The day started out overcast, and slightly chilly. It was perfect running weather. I had a goal for the day to break the top time on the course of 14 hours and 20 minutes. My plan was simple: start out easy and just keep a steady pace throughout the race. At the end of the first 10 miles I was sitting in about 19th place and felt good with that knowing that others may have started out fast. At around mile 13 we began a decent of nearly 5 miles and 2500 feet elevation loss. The trail was a single track, rocky, and technical in some spots. I was able to catch two runners through this section. The next section is where the climbing of the race really began. We ascending roughly 3,800 feet in 7 miles. Again, I was able to pick off a few more runners. By the next aid station at 30 miles, I was sitting in 7th place. So far my strategy was working and I was still feeling really strong. The next section of the course was another long downhill. While downhills may seem like a rest, they begin to take a toll on your quads. During this decent, I was able to pick up one more place and move into 6th. For the next 12 miles, he and I would trade positions which helped the miles pass a little quicker. Following the downhill section was a 3 mile single track climb that seemed straight up. I took it easy here, knowing that all the elevation I gave back on the downhill would have to come back. For the next 14 miles, we ascended the 3,700 feet back up to the 5,500 foot peak. At the aid station at mile 48, I was still sitting in 6th place. I knew that I had better pick up the pace or I will never catch the other runners. As night fell, the course took us down a very steep and technical single track. A few times, I nearly ran off the trail due to the slippery rocks and sand. Night also brought on the cold. All day we had been running in and out of the clouds and through intermittent light rain. Thankfully I picked up my vest at the 48 mile aid station. Once down the steep single track, it was back on to the fire road for the remainder of the race. Still sitting in 6th, I pushed up each hill and began to wonder if I made my move too late. The miles continued ticking away and there was no one in sight. No headlamps in the distance, no signs of leaders anywhere. As I headed up to the second to last aid station indicating 5 miles to go, I ran into 5th place. Once he saw me he took off. I quickly filled my water bottle and took off after him. I seemed to be gaining ground on him on the uphills, but once we hit the downhill, he pulled away. At night, I have a very difficult time with depth perception and the rocks made it tough even with a bright light. I plugged away as best I could, getting frustrated at myself, but chose to be cautious rather than end up with an injury that could take me out for a long time. To save time, I blew through the last aid station. I figured with only 2.5 miles to go, I wouldn't need anything. With a mile and a half to go, the trail became asphalt and I picked up the pace again. Unfortunately, I had lost too much time. The final section was single track, and I had a great time running through it to the finish. I finished in 5th place with a time of 13 hours and 22 minutes.
At the Start/Finish line, they were grilling up cheese burgers and I could not wait to get my hands on one. After eating energy gels, and PB&J's all day, I knew it would be a real treat. However, once I stopped running it got real cold, so I headed to the car to change and warm up. I got into my beanie, jacket, and warm Mountain Khakis and headed back out to get my burger. As I imagined, it was fantastic!

Kudos go out to all the volunteers at the aid stations. The food selection was incredible and they were willing to help in any way possible. They even had warm quesadillas!

Final Thought:
Leading up to the race, I thought a time in the 13 hour range would be what it took to win, however, the competition was tougher today. Overall, I was very happy with the race. I felt strong all the way to the end and accomplished what I set out to do. Success is not always winning, but setting a goal and accomplishing it.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

6 Days and Counting

My next race is the Chimera 100K located in the hills between Riverside and Orange County on November 19th. Touted as one of the toughest 100K's in the nation, you are either running uphill or downhill, no real flat spots in between. Much of the course is also run on technical single-track, so mental awareness is key especially later in the race when you are tired and sloppy.
My training up to this point has not been where I have wanted it to be, however, with a short 13 miler yesterday, the legs felt really strong and fresh. I am hoping that my endurance is there though. Last weekend I ran a 23 miler with nearly 4800 feet of elevation gain and felt good as well. That was my longest such run since September. There is not much more I can do training wise from this point until the race. As they say, "the hay is already in the barn." Now is the time to get mentally prepared and get plenty of rest.


Currently the course record is 14hours and 20minutes. This shows you how tough this course can be. The weather forecast right now shows rain on the day of the race. While I enjoy running in the rain and the cooler weather, this will add yet another difficult element with the mud.
I have been looking forward to this race for the good part of the year and am excited to see what this race will throw at me.