Western States 100 Race Report

Well it's been over two months but here it is!

My alarm was set for 330am, I of course was already awake. Jet lag. I was pretty much ready to go so headed into the kitchen to get some breakfast. I saw headlamps fluttering outside and all the people sleeping in trucks and vans were getting up as well. We all went through the normal routine trying to be quiet as a few people were sleeping in, preparing for a long day and night running and crewing.

pre-race breakfast

loading up Alex's van

I think we headed over to Squaw about 4am. I needed to check in yet again. As we drove up into Squaw Valley you could see the row of lights, normally for skiers, illuminating the beginning of the race up to the Escarpment. I lined up to check in, the volunteers were relentlessly awesome! They were helping me get my number on, my shoe tag in place, herding me where I needed to be even before I had a chance to make eye contact! I didn't even have a chance to get confused and wonder what to do or where to go next! 

lights on the course driving up to Squaw

I appreciated the "good lucks" from my parents and friends. Nathan let me know I'd see him along the starting chute crowds because he'd "be the one with the cowbell!" That's Nathan's dry humor talking, since there would be a million cowbells ringing! I milled about awaiting the start. Supposedly a shotgun signifies the start, I never heard it. Oh well, the countdown was enough.

Nathan, Alex, West, and I

start

Slowly jogging up the road I saw Nathan and no one else, I didn't hear the cowbell! It was still dark out and the orange lights obscured my vision. I transitioned from running and walking as the terrain warranted keeping in mind to eat and drink early and number one, take it easy! The sun was soon rising over Lake Tahoe in the distance. I thought nothing of it as I'd seen hundreds of sunrises over "big blue" far more extravagant than this from my days breaking trail pre-dawn in order to ski glorious backcountry powder! Anyway, back to running before I get depressed. We were soon running on snow. No big deal really. I kept to the sun cups for traction and avoided the footprints of others. I wasn't talking much to other people, just wasn't in the mood, but one guy wouldn't shut up. I picked up the pace to get away from him!

runners going up the Escarpment

At the top of the escarpment a group of people had made the hike up early, some camped out to avoid the super early start, long before the runners. I miss people like that. People who rally, people who get after it, willing to put in a little effort for an experience. The guy who runs Ultra Runner Podcast was up there with his goofy-ass alpenhorn. You know, from the Ricola commercial? Those HUGE horns? It was funny. He even was dressed the part in laderhosen! The people surrounding this world are awesome! Keep in mind he had to haul that thing uphill! The snow continued.

me with the eventual women's winner

It had been light out for a while now and people scooted, slid, and glissaded across the snow. I never found it too tough or annoying. I guess old experience never really goes away. I spent many days out as a ranger in Sequoia and Kings Canyon shuffling around in boots on the snow early season. I knew what to look for as far as easiest routes and ways to avoid tree wells and snow bridges which were everywhere. I only saw one guy really fall badly breaking through. He was fortunately ok though. Other than that it was people either giggling or falling in frustration. People in Nike trail shoes appeared to struggle the most.

exposed, snow free ridge running! 

I was running with the top women's elites when the snow started to break up. "Break up" sounds like a good thing but it was just marginally better, or maybe a different frustration. Kind of like strong coffee after a hard night of drinking, a different kind of bad. Now we traversed large swathes of snow and inbetween were temporary creeks surrounded by ankle deep mud! Any creek crossings were running deep and fast but I think we were still high enough in elevation that they were still narrow and easily hopped across. I've become comfortable with wet feet living in the UK and especially after racing Snowdonia 50 in Wales where off and on all day rain and knee deep moorland gave no respite from wet feet. Many people were REALLY frustrated! I found it funny as the Western US trails are pretty dry and if you do get wet you'll usually dry out, over here you're wet, and you're not going to dry out until you're home.

running past "Cougar Rock" I believe

Soon we were at the first aid station, Lyon Ridge 10.3 miles. My pace was dead on as I stepped on the timing mat. The volunteers here had to carry in all their supplies I believe at least a mile over snow! In a normal year they just drive in! The 3000 volunteers were unbelievable throughout the entire race. A quick water fill up, grab some food, on I go. I had been eating ok, better early on than other 100's, but looking back I need to get more of a solid plan in place just like Nathan suggested.

The snow was pretty much gone now if I recall and it was sunny, dry, rocky single track. Really nice running and very scenic. I looked back at the Sierra and tried to name peaks I've skied. Seeing them from the west was all new to me. At some point we passed Cougar Rock and a photographer. I had been keeping my pace and stride in check however every once in a while I'd catch my toe on a fixed rock making me stumble a bit. I usually recover fairly well and avoid crashing into the dirt, I like to think my body weight training routine helps in these situations. However, there's always one I don't pull out of; caught my toe, stumbled, stumbled, boom! Eatin' dirt! My entire right side was covered in Sierra moon dust. Other than a few scrapes, one big "motherfuck!", and the shock, I was alright. I dusted off and kept on truckin'. As my shoes dried out from the snow and mud I noticed some rocks in my shoes scuttling back and forth. I was tempted to stop and do a clean out as these little things become major problems, but figured I'd do it at an aid station.

post fall, just a bit dirty

I don't recall going through Red Star Ridge aid station (15.8 miles) but seeing my splits once again I was right on target with my pace. We ran on beautifully groomed single track in what looked like old growth forest. A few trees over the trail here and there but probably nothing like it was before it was cleared by volunteers. I assessed the cleared trees, looking at the saw dust to see if it was cut with chainsaw or crosscut saw. We do pass through a section of Designated Wilderness at some point where the US Forest Service requires maintenance by non-motorized means; no chainsaws. The trail had quite a bit of smooth, fun descending but I kept my pace easy. I was tempted to go faster but my goal was to get to Foresthill in good shape. I'd never focused on keeping my pace easy at the beginning so it was a bit frustrating being passed on the downhills but I had to stick to the plan.

in the high country

Soon the trail descended steeply on a wider really dusty, rocky trail. I could see a canyon dropping off steeply to my right and could hear people cheering, I must be at Duncan Canyon aid station, mile 24.4. On my way in I saw a guy with a Minnesota shirt on who I spoke with in passing, around a corner and into a giant crowd of people, pop up tents, and cheering. My crew grabbed me and sat me down interrogating me about what I needed and how I was doing. Without knowing I was already filled up with water and my pockets had energy chews stuffed in them. Nathan and Weston were ripping my socks off and putting new ones on. It was odd as I'd rather do this all myself! These guys had crewed before and got right to it! I ditched my hat and put my visor on, my red paisley Buff (a tip of the cap to my old cross country running days) was loaded with ice, and I was off running down single track.

 I cantered on at an easy pace, wondering what the hell just happened, trying to get my focus back, as we traversed along the canyon bank slowly descending. At the bottom a deeper water crossing had a rope across it. The guy in front of me had done a whole body dunking to keep cool, seeing the huge splash I had thought he slipped and fell. The water was running fast and about knee deep, a photographer was on the opposite bank.  From here we starting going up. The trail was fairly exposed despite being surrounded my huge pines and was littered with baby head size rocks making footwork frustrating. It was hot but the heat never really bothered me, I could've been in a low point too. I recalled this section not being much fun. I chatted with a guy from the Midwest for a while who was complaining like crazy about the heat and how he was down on his pace.

water crossing just after Duncan Canyon Aid Station

Thankfully this section was over and into Robinson Flat I strolled, mile 30.3. Nathan had said this aid station is "a huge party." It was an enormous aid station with people everywhere, it must've had easy vehicle access. I wasn't expecting crew here so I filled my water, grabbed some food, refilled ice in my Buff and race vest, and headed out the fire road. The road was smooth dirt and gradually climbed away from the crowds. I was feeling decent and trying to keep food and water intake up. I was into the hottest portion of the course and needed to stay hydrated. Unfortunately I was already unknowingly in the hole.

Aid stations at Miller's Defeat (mile 34.4), Dusty Corners (mile 38), and Last Chance (mile 43.3) all seem a blur as does the conditions and scenery. I was starting to worry about my fluids. I had peed but it was deep brown, in the sun it appeared red. Yeah, red. Or was it brown? I was probably just overly concerned but blood in your urine during an event like this means your kidneys aren't processing waste properly. Not good. I tried to chug water, tried electrolyte drinks, anything, all the time concerned about taking in too much and hoping I'd pee soon. 

I'd been pretty much running alone seeing a person randomly doing the same. The trails varied from single track to fire roads as we came in and out of aid stations. At the bottom of each canyon a bridge and a climb out. I talked for a while with a guy from Montana. This was his second time at WS100. We were hiking up Devil's Thumb, one of the more well known climbs (this may have been Michigan Bluff too). One guy near us was in pretty bad shape, another guy who looked South American was trucking away going up, up, up!  We talked about training with family, other races we'd done, etc; the usual. As we pulled into the Devil's Thumb aid station (mile 47.8) I noticed John Horns from Minnesota on a cot covered in a blanket. He won Superior 100 the year I got 4th. I hope he was alright. 

On I went with one more big climb, Michigan Bluff, but before that a super long descent. I had researched the course a bit but none of that info really stuck. So, I would put two and two together and be like "this must be......" not really knowing what was ahead until I was on it. At some point in here John Horns caught up to me. I introduced myself and mentioned Superior. His reply, as with everyone's who ran that year, "oh, the hot year!" He explained how just before Devil's Thumb he'd forgotten to take his salt tablets, got nauseous and bonky. Popped some salt, had a lie down, and felt better within ten minutes at Devil's Thumb! He was going hyponatremic from too little salt and too much water. The human body is an amazing thing!

The long gradual descent went down from Devil's Thumb into El Dorado Creek aid station at mile 52.9, was pretty much entirely single track if I recall with a wall to the left and a drop off to the right. I was alone. I needed to shit. I was hesitant because I'd assume as soon as I was scrambling for a smooth stone or stick, ideal ass-wiping materials, shorts around my dusty ankles, someone would pop around the corner! I'd guess they wouldn't care but embarrassing none the less. Fortunately no one did when I finally committed to the process. In other "toilet news" I peed again, dark, but it seemed to be getting better which made me slightly more confident.

The descent went on forever and I wanted to open up my pace. Looking back I definitely took the downhills too easy. The key to running this race fast is in these downhills. If you're prepared for them and can confidently run them knowing you won't blow your quads out for the final third one could haul ass! So many of downhill trails were smooth single track, you easily could do 6 minute miles (or faster) on them. I still feel high mileage training is the key to building that durability.

Into El Dorado I rolled, mile 52.9. The weather was beautiful, the volunteers happy and helpful, as was the norm. As I left I recall a bridge and into a climb immediately, unless I'm confusing it with Devil's Thumb (again!). Up I went towards Michigan Bluff. Towards the top I recognized some "celebrity" faces of the ultra world looking for a runner. Then a doctor. Another person in bad shape it sounds from the heat, made me worry about my pee situation but I felt alright. 

strollin' into Michigan Bluff

On this climb I felt as if I was nodding off and needed a nap. People in the past had taken naps and still finished in 24 hours. Maybe considering my poor sleep and jet lag leading up to the race this could be a good strategy for me? Yeah. That's a good idea! A nap! I pushed on soon arriving at Michigan Bluff aid station, mile 55.7. 

We really aren't that different in height! Brendan escorting me into Michigan Bluff

I vaguely remember seeing Brendan who gave me some course info leading up to Foresthill where I'd see my parents, entire crew, and get Nathan on board as a pacer. I turned off of the dirt and onto a more developed road where some guy said a short uphill run until pavement. Yep. He didn't lie. At the top I saw Nathan! Crew was allowed to run into Foresthill aid station for a portion leading up to it. We ran together as Nathan took stock of my condition. I told him about my pee, food and water intake, feet, etc, and of course my plan to have a nap. We ran together for quite a while on the side of the road. There were cars and people everywhere and getting to the actual aid station went on and on. 

Nathan running with me into Foresthill

Foresthill, mile 62. I made it, and in good condition. Goal accomplished. I saw my parents and entire crew. I took a seat as my needs were taken care of without even asking. My plan to nap was ignored. No one even commented. After the race Brendan and Nathan laughingly both said it wasn't even an option! My pace had been good but I was behind and needed to make up time in order to run sub 24 hours. After eating, a change of shoes and socks, making sure I had a headlamp, we were off. Having familiar faces is such a HUGE motivator. I felt great and Nathan and I took off, "let's go catch some people!"

shoe changin' at Foresthill

thanks to my awesome crew!

locked and loaded, Foresthill

We ran seemingly a normal pace down the streets of Foresthill. It was awesome to be running with Nathan. I hadn't seen him in over 7 years and I think back then we actually had gone for a run in Corvallis, something we'd never done before coming from a cycling background at school. Anyway, we zig-zagged through town and soon were back on single track. There were more runners around, most, if not all, had pacers. 

The next few aid stations were a blur: Dardanelles (mile 65.7), Peachstone (mile 70.7), Ford's Bar (mile 73). I was on auto pilot and Nathan was my handler! I ran when he said to run, ate and drank when he told me to. He led and I followed. It wasn't long before we put on our headlamps and it was pitch black out, running in a tunnel of light and sleep deprivation. At one point we had just passed some people and were approaching a switchback. I was startled as a skunk shot across the trail right in front of me! Shit! Pink asshole! "A skunk!" I shouted. We all slammed the brakes on afraid of getting sprayed! Screw it, I thought, kept running and jumped over it and sped off. Nathan and I continued on ahead laughing. 

Nathan could see my sugar levels dropping as my energy came and went. He kept trying to get me to eat more but I was worried about puking, something I'd never done in a race. Well my time came. Shortly after an aid station I was gagging on crackers and an insane amount of puke chucked up! It still blows my mind, the quantity! But, I felt great! It's not like when you've got some illness and feel like crap anyway, it was like hitting reset. My salt levels were probably low so I wasn't dumping fluids: pee. My body was holding it all in. So, we started over. I felt better. I realized how bloated I had felt. We picked up the pace and seemed to be going faster the further we ran.

We could hear an aid station and soon could see lights and activity. It was Rucky Chucky aid station, mile 78. Rucky Chucky is where normally you wade and swim across the American River. I checked in, saw through tunnel vision my crew, fed, refilled, briefly spoke to the aid workers, and rolled on. We walked down to the river bank which was lined with crazy lighting, I could see the water with all the tracers of light bouncing off it. This year with the crazy snow levels the river was too high for a hand line across so they had river guides ferry runners across. They put a PFD on each of us and we hopped in a raft where we were safely brought across. Up the river bank and back on the trail system.

boats n' runners, no hoes!

 hiking up from the boat

Shortly we were at Green Gate, mile 79.8, I don't remember this or the next few stations specifically. Auburn Lake Trails (85.2), Quarry Road (90.7), and Pointed Rocks (94.3). I do remember some events however. Our pace was solid, considering I'd ran 80 miles and don't forget Nathan had ran 20 miles and it was the middle of the night! Nathan had a solid eye on the target, 24 hours. My watch made no sense at all to me, I didn't know where I was, or how far we had left, I just ran and did what I was told. We had been making time up and were cutting it close. We ran hills I'd normally would have walked. I couldn't believe how good I felt. We were running nearly everything! Unheard of this late in the race! At two aid stations I had a doctor, yeah that's right, A DOCTOR, patch up some chafing I had on my thighs. At some point Nathan got hit in the head by a bat which gave us a laugh also! My headlamp went dead but fortunately Nathan had a spare battery. I neglected to shut off the auto adjust on it so it ate batteries like crazy. Note to self: always carry a spare battery, not just a spare light. Finally, I recall the Highway crossing which was manned by police. It reminded me of the train crossing during South Downs Way 100; late night bright flashing lights. 

And I can't leave out the glowing eyes above us. As we ran along my headlamp reflected off two eyes above us. Obviously some animal. They were orange and I thought nothing of it as I was sure cougars reflected green. I mentioned it to Nathan and he brushed it off as "probably a cat," as we were close to houses. The next week a local paper published an article on how a runner was halted by a cougar. I did some "eye research" and I was wrong, Nathan was partially right (it was a cat!), and we indeed were being watched by a mountain lion! The article reported the same location we spotted the eyes! 

post race messaging, remember, Nathan paced for 40 miles at night!

Soon we approached No Hands Bridge aid station at mile 96.8. The bridge spans the American River and is lined with Christmas lights at night. We were close but had to keep moving in order to make 24 hours. We pulled in and Hal Koerner, previous multiple time WS100 winner was the aid station captain. His running store, Rogue Valley Running in Ashland, OR, sponsored the station. Nathan knew Hal from Oregon, I'd met him briefly at the Mt. Ashland Hill Climb Run way back at Nathan's wedding in 2006 I think. We said hi and left. No need to fuel or drink now! I dumped any water out of my bottles as a motivator. The countdown was on. We had to run everything from here on in. Sure it's only 3 miles but after 97 it's not that easy, especially with the final climb up to Robie Point.

No Hands Bridge during the day. I stole this photo from the internet, sorry for no citiation

Up we went. Up we ran. We had no time to spare. I scanned the darkness for any resemblance of an aid station or ridge line hoping to be close. Soon we hit Robie Point, mile 98.9. We didn't stop. I think we had 20 minutes to get in. We did it. We walked the final unexpectedly steep road section through a neighborhood. Another runner was with us and had an entourage. The final mile it's ok to have other crew members and family run with you. We zig-zagged down the streets of Auburn until finally seeing the gate to the track. Nathan must have pulled off here as I ran in, legs feeling great! 

I excitedly ran around the track, under the lights, to finish under 24 hours with about 5 minutes to spare! 

my parents and I

And we were done. I crossed the line, received a hand shake and finishing medal/bottle opener. Then a pile of congrats from my parents and crew. We were all pretty cooked. Time for bed. We piled into vehicles to try to get a little sleep before the sun returned. 

post race breakfast, fuck full-English breakfast, this was REAL eatin'!

After attempting some sleep I took advantage of the free breakfast. I wasn't even hungry but hadn't had pancakes, maple syrup, hash browns (not the lame McDonalds triangle bullshit), sausage, and eggs in seemingly years. I was reminded why so many people in the US are over weight, the food is insanely good! 

final finisher running in just seconds under 30 hours! More exciting than the elites! 

Soon it was the Golden Hour. 29 hours. Anyone who finishes after 30 hours officially does not finish. It's a pretty special time as these people probably have suffered harder than anyone else in the race. 

new belt buckle! 

After cooking in the hot sun all morning it was finally time to get my buckle! Silver, produced in Reno, and my name engraved on the back! Pretty cool. Soon everyone went their separate ways. I still can't comprehend what happened or how to thank all those who made it happen, sure I ran, but I wouldn't have done it without all my friends and family. 

Nathan and I 

I first read about this race when I was in high school cross country. I was probably 17 and an article was published in Outside Magazine. I still have that article I tore out. I never quite knew how to approach a race like this back then. Back then there was no internet, no books, all of the training information was from people who took part in these races of which was a tiny percentage of the running population. It took me over twenty years to get here.

I always dreamed of my daughter finishing the final lap of the track, under the lights, into the finish with me. I guess that being said, it looks like I'll be taking my chances at the lottery yet again, as although I officially finished under 24 hours, it wasn't with her. Personally I have unfinished business with Western States 100. 

See you in Squaw. 

Busy couple weeks with my parents visiting. Still managed to get out early and run as normal. I've finally purchased the WS100 race photos, just need to put them up on my race report and it will be posted, hopefully within a couple days. Until then here's some photos since my last post. Some may have been posted on Instagram and also manipulated a bit, and some may be the lesser quality of a few photos I took. I didn't really have the patience to do it right!

panorama of sunrise

panorama looking over the shitty carnival in Stouport

probably really only dangerous to drunk people, a shame the river isn't used recreationally more

Staffordshire Worcestershire Canal near Kidderminster

sign

ground score left from a Friday night

sunrise - Heightington

Severn Way

church near Astley

canal in Stourport

Geopark Way signpost, field of spring onions behind (stinks!)

sunrise over Severn River Valley

Another solid week of running last week. Feeling good. Oh, my WS100 race report is done! I need to get photos in it and I'll post hopefully this week. I'll probably eventually do a write up on my post race thoughts too: what went right, what went wrong. It's a good way to jog my memory end improve on things in the future. 

And mornings are back

Only just started a race day report for WS100. Just been focusing on other things lately. Had a solid week of running this past week which I was very happy about, mainly because it was all in the morning. I'd been consistently waking at 430-5am and the little guy had been up after 615am so I decided to commit. My alarm, although set at 5am, never had the chance to go off as I'd be up at 430am. I'm back by 6am with time to spare which has been awesome. Morning running is the best. It's just you, no cars, people, nice light, etc and then you're done for the day! Best of all is I'm sleeping better at night and of course I'm much happier all day long. Fun bonus is more photos!

I signed up for the Thames Path 100 in early May 2018. It's a WS100 qualifier, close to home here in the UK, and a very well organized race. I had been signed up for it this past May but fortunately got into Western States. Nothing else really officially planned right now. Trying to set habits again and formulate a plan to better myself with the usual: Jeet Kune Do, running, calisthenics. 

I do have an entry to Snowdonia 50 in September but considering it's a whole weekend away (Friday night thru Sunday) I'm not sure if I'll make it. I've also got an entry to the new Worcester Half Marathon in September. It's a new race, a fast course, and since my job is affiliated with the race I get in for free! Ideally I'd like to do both but not sure if the wife would be into that. Really tempted by the half marathon. I want to get faster so shorter races would be beneficial. Thames Path 100 is pancake flat so a faster pace would be good going into the longer distance training this winter too.

Got my hands on a juicer via eBay for super cheap. My friend Brendan inspired me to get one and it's pretty fun whipping up super food cocktails. It's a nice way to get more turmeric, ginger, and kale in. Kale rips me in half with all the fiber and the other stuff is difficult to consume in quantity in food. It's messy but if you juice and clean it asap it's really no big deal, maybe 5-10 minutes to get a super nice glass of goodness. It's fun too! Gave the kids carrot juice the other day, it was hilarious seeing them with orange mustaches! 

Ok, on with the show. Daughter is out of school for 6 weeks so my job has become possibly more difficult! 

Tahoe: The lead up to Western States 100

I got in my car somewhere around 530am to head to Birmingham Airport. I had about a 45 minute drive to do and needed to miss rush hour. The roads here in the UK are pretty much always a mess at this time of the day. After "trusting" my sat nav (British for GPS) I wound up taking the scenic way to the airport. No big deal really, just a tiny bit of added stress. I arrived with plenty of time, got parked, and walked on in.

British airports

The morning and initial flights were uneventful. I immediately switched my watch to California time and attempted to sleep. I pretty much meditated for 3 hours, then managed maybe a hour of sleep before my watch said 5am and I gave up really trying. Wide awake it was movie time! During the remainder of the flight to Newark I watched a couple action movies, something I never get to do anymore. We landed late and I had minimal time to get off, get organized, and then on my flight to Denver. 

I can't recall what mindless entertainment passed the time to Denver but what I do remember is how we were arriving at the last minute. Previous to arriving late I already only had about 40 minutes until my flight to Reno but as we touched down now I had maybe 15 until they stopped boarding! The captain made an announcement "we understand there are a few of you with close connections (NO SHIT!), if you are not one of these people please stay seated." Fortunately most people did as requested and let me by. As I stepped out the door I immediately began running. I stopped briefly to confirm the gate, got my bearings, and sprinted! 

I cursed DIA as I ran. This place is just as fucking huge as I remember it! I arrived at Gate B52 and ran towards B12. I was lucky that the lazy asses sitting still on the magic carpets, ALL FOUR I RAN ON, were few and far between! I literally arrived as they were closing the door! That was close. Some other dipshit commented how they had to run too - from the bar! I rolled my eyes. 

The flight to Reno was short and uneventful, I arrived shortly later than normal. I assumed my bag didn't make it. I saw my good friend Brendan's dad, Kevin, waiting on a bench. We greeted each other and were off to confirm my bag didn't make it. Kevin suggested I go directly to the baggage desk because they'll know for sure if it didn't make it saving time waiting for nothing at the carousel. Yep. Didn't make it. No big deal, not only did I have a set of running clothes and shoes in my carry on but I trusted the systems in place that it wasn't lost. After going through the motions the two women said my bag was on its way from SFO and should arrive tonight. Then a courier will bring it to me in Tahoe "tonight or tomorrow." Knowing Tahoe I assumed if it came tonight it's unlikely they'll find Brendan's house. Addresses are hidden, signs knocked down, roads unclear, and Internet directions are usually wrong.

sorry, no night photos of Tahoe City! - Commons Beach

We hit the road to Tahoe. Kevin, whom I'd met in the past, and I chatted the entire drive. He updated me on pretty much all the on-goings in Tahoe, with his son's Brendan and Patrick, the ginormous winter they had, etc. I arrived knowing pretty much everything I'd have asked anyway! In all honesty it was a great chat and nice to hear things were going so well with him and his family.

We pulled into the hidden access to the "Pink Palace," a typical Tahoe West Shore home: overgrown road in, dark because of no streetlights, driveway rammed with cars. Why the Pink Palace? Their house is painted a dark pink color. We got out and I was greeted by old and new friends relaxing in the cool mountain air on the deck that was dimly lit by white Christmas lights strung about, the noise of McKinney Creek sputtered in the background. Outside of hugs and happy faces an ice cold High Life was immediately cracked open for me, rather funny in this day and age of the craft brew! Friends don't forget!

West Shore the best shore

It had been an exhausting week for my hosts, my old friend Brendan and his wife Christin, as they had just finished their race, The Broken Arrow SkyRace, and were in the middle of Alpenglow Summer Mountain Fest, a week long festival of pretty much all free events geared toward outdoor beginners: yoga, stargazing, running, backpacking, hiking, etc.. After a beer or two and chowing down some excellent leftovers we were all soon in bed. 

Of course I slept like shit, awake from 2-4am. Around 3am I saw the lights of a car zip past the house, I saw a flashlight out the window scanning houses for possibly a house number.  It had to be my bag! I ran out front in my boxers chasing the van down, I yelled and he slammed his brakes on, I had probably scared the hell out of the guy jumping at his car from the pitch black! I cannot believe he found this place! I fell back asleep and woke at about 6. I kind of had already given up hope of starting fully rested, sleep-wise, a couple weeks ago already. The kids always challenge sleep and with such a short travel window I'd just have to deal with it.

The next few days leading up to the race were filled with catching up with friends, making new ones, attempting to over come jet lag, all while preparing for the Western States 100. My social life compared to the UK had exploded! I honestly can't count the amount of new people I met while in California. People from California, Colorado, New York, New Zealand, Montana, Australia, Ohio; the list goes on. Sure, just quick acquaintances but people I could and did talk to for hours on end. People who usually I could link to old friends in Colorado or the Nordic ski world, there was almost always some connection.  It was super fun to swap stories and experiences, and to give advice on where to go to those in transit traveling to other parts of the west.

Thursday night feast at the Pink Palace! 

Wednesday morning I went into town to check out the "new" Alpenglow Sports with Brendan, my close friend and "new" proprietor. "New" because I haven't been there in 7 years. It was unreal how much it had changed! The store had awesome product as always but had been significantly upgraded and expanded. He's been working his ass off with this place and the events surrounding it and it shows. Despite making it more visually appealing he's kept to the soul of the shop and focused greatly on the community around it providing events throughout the year: free winter and summer film series, speakers, winter and summer mountain festivals, company product demos, Broken Arrow SkyRace, the list goes on. It's great to see his success without much of an online presence. What he's doing is being seen as a great thing in the outdoor retail community as well, proven by the many industry awards and articles that I've seen. Just awesome. I sure wish I was still a part of this store, tough thing is the opportunity is there, I just live in the UK.

view from Lakeview Trail at Tahoe XC

The same morning my old friend Alex from Aspen arrived. He lives in Half Moon Bay, CA now and is a rep for a footwear company. We went out for a killer breakfast at The Log Cabin in King's Beach, a Bloody Mary took my coffee shakes away. Brendan had a pimp espresso machine that was all too convenient! After breakfast we went for a hike at Tahoe XC, the local Nordic center I used to drive snow cats at. We walked and chatted to the top of Lakeview trail. I was hoping to find my former employer's memorial, he sadly died a couple years back, but couldn't find it. It was possibly the huge amounts of snow from winter ruined it. I was kind of bummed but just walking the trails for a bit brought back good memories.

Alpenglow Mountain Fest beer run

That evening I jumped into the Salomon sponsored Alpenglow Mountain Fest beer run. Salomon had provided a boatload of trail shoes to demo and a group of people were hitting the trail for an easy 3 - 7 mile run. It was fun to run the trails in Tahoe. There's so much access even directly from town. I met some new people while chatting while we ran, did a little interpretation of the peaks and ski shots on the skyline to out of towners, and got in an easy 5 miles. Afterwards everyone met up at The River Grill for beers and apps where I met even more people! I felt home among people I had tons in common with. It was awesome and such a nice change! I even bumped into a guy I raced the Mt. Ashland Hill Climb Run with in 2006! Once "home" for the night Christin had once again cooked up a ton of killer food so we all hung out and socialized despite being exhausted. 

Thursday my parents arrived from a crazy drive from Minnesota via the Pacific Northwest. I hadn't seen them for about a year when I visited Minnesota with my wife and kids. I was very jealous of their road trip, I sure miss hours on end of driving exploring new places. We hung out at Alpenglow for a while, me dragging my feet on buying supplies for the race, and my mom shopping a bit herself. 

Alex and I hanging with my parents

Speaking of me dragging my feet. What did I actually need? Well the main thing I needed was a pair of shoes. The UK is always behind the US in cool shit it seems. Altra running shoes are my latest preference and have been difficult to come by until recently. Stock is still low and not all models available. I had one pair of Lone Peaks but wanted another. I couldn't get a second pair in the UK so before leaving I opted to buy a pair of Brooks PureGrit 5. I'd had good luck with all previous models except the 4, the reason I went with Altra, the Grit 4 were too narrow. The 5's seemed much better but I wasn't convinced. In Tahoe I ended up buying a pair of Lone Peaks from Alpenglow the day before the race! Some people think that's a cardinal sin, new shoes, never worn. I'm confident in my shoe fitting and my foot strike, both factors in foot problems. I think most folks got a kick out of my lack of planning and last minute purchases. Many people totally freak out about having everything measured, planned out, in place. I don't. My reasoning? Well, if you think about it there really isn't much you need beside shorts, socks, and shoes! Aid stations have food and water, I carry a tiny blister kit I've never needed, and always have a little BodyGlide for chafing. My preferences are always in flux so food intake is rarely a sure thing. Yes, a change of socks (or two) and shoes I plan ahead for and have available. Otherwise I feel being too precise planning ahead only causes stress; stress pre-planning, stress during the race if things change. Shit happens and you need to be able to and be ok with things changing. 

We're not in the UK anymore! - Bridgetender

After messing around Alpenglow my parents treated Alex and I to lunch at the Bridgetender. It was a beautifully sunny day and we sat outside along the Truckee River. Holy shit do I miss good weather. I forget how nice it gets in Tahoe! I could've sat outside all day visiting with my parents drinking beer as the green-blue frothing river rolled on by.

drinks at Jake's

That evening there was yet again another nightly feast at Brendan and Christin's. A ton of people from all over and different backgrounds meeting up enjoying great food and company. Most people would get stressed out having their house loaded up with people but my gracious hosts seemed to wholly embrace it. It was awesome and everything I miss about living in California. Good healthy eating and great people. Unfortunately I didn't take enough photos of people, kind of regret that!  

"close the door or he'll sleep on your head"

not in the UK

Christin's great grandpa's cast iron DIY grill! 

That night would be a packed house and driveway! The house was full and there would be five people sleeping in vans and trucks in the driveway! 

After all the festivities as things started to mellow out my good friend Nathan rolled in from Corvallis, Oregon. Nathan was like me, used to race bikes but job and family had limited time so started running. Of course trail running and ultra marathons were our main focus. He was deep into training for the Fatdog 120 in Canada so had pretty solid fitness. He'd been driving all day and I think was more excited than anyone, even me, to come help out at the race. I had gotten a ton of emails from him leading up to the day pertaining to heat training, tapering, food intake, course info, racing strategy, pacing, the list goes on! For those that read my blog leading up to the race my training had been extremely minimal during the final most important 9 weeks due to injury. I really had lost confidence in myself but one message from Nathan gave it all back: "Get to Foresthill in good shape and I'll get you to Auburn." I never really have had pacer before, I was in good hands. 

maxin' and relaxin' in the afternoon, Weston, Nathan, Alex

Friday, the day before the race. We all had a leisurely morning and then went up to Squaw Valley to check-in. The sun was hot as we waited in line. I don't really follow the elite runners much but it was cool to see them hanging out with everyone else. I recognized many faces from the Internet world. Nathan pointed people out to me throughout the check in process too. I went to all the "stations:" survey questions were taken, wristband attached, medical info confirmed, photo taken, swag accumulated. Then outside we checked in pacers. I had been planning only Nathan, but you can have I believe up to 4, figured just in case and added Weston, Alex, and planned on Patrick who would be arriving Friday night. We took some photos, chatted with Brendan who was helping out Altra Running at the expo, and then heading out to try to relax and get out of the sun.

just under 18 hours until the start, Nathan and I

We took Alex's van to a trailhead, pulled out the sun shade, made some sandwiches and chilled out for a while. Soon it was time for the mandatory pre-race meeting. Back up to Squaw we went. 

Alex is pretty proud of his van, bought it naked and dressed it up rather nicely all himself! 

turkey sandwiches make Nathan happy

The conference hall was packed solid. It was hot and sticky, uncomfortable. We grabbed some floor at the back. Overall I didn't find it very informative for the racers per safety etc. but more a welcome, a bunch of thank yous, and introduction of the elite runners and other people of note. One cool thing was that this year they had a wait list which was a first. 39 people who initially after the lottery were put on the wait list made it into the race due to people dropping out before the start. Probably mainly due to injury but I'd guess other situations occurred as well. Anyway, the 39th person is a cool story. I'm not exactly sure of the details but for some reason this guy I believe had trained for race, traveled from Vermont to California, hoping to run and initially wasn't going to be allowed to. I don't know if he was told he could or not but the dude was super upset.

Friday check in, no smiles

The race founder heard about this and decided to give up his place so this guy could run! The funny part is the why. Another first this year was drug testing. Never before had they tested for performance enhancing drugs. So, back to the why. The race founder said he's giving up his spot, which he is guaranteed every year for life, because he'd been smoking weed all week long and probably wouldn't pass the drug test! The guy from Vermont was in tears and elated he was going to run! Pretty cool story. 

Nathan gettin' logistical

So, out of the hot box and back to the Pink Palace for the evening and yet another feast! This one a tad bit earlier than the others since most of us would be up at 3:30am in order to get to the race start, check-in again, and line up for the 5am shotgun blast signifying the beginning of a long day.

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This whole week was such a blur my timeline is sure to be off a bit. Photos may be marginally out of order, possibly random! I really wish I'd taken more photos of people. Many of these folks I hadn't seen in over 7 years and who knows when I'll see them again. Leading up to my flight I hadn't been sleeping enough (kids!), throw in a 26 hour day of traveling, jet lag, and a sporadic schedule and the days all blend together! I'm still trying to recall much of the actual race. I'll be posting that in another blog post, mainly so it's not one huge read, and hopefully within a week of this post!