Last year, Leadville was my first 100 miler.
I covered the history of the race in last year's report (you can see it here), so won't repeat it - but essentially it's a high altitude race, run through the Rocky Mountains, with most of the race run above 10,000 feet in altitude. Runners cover about 15,000 foot of climbing and the same descending, on an out and back course, running from the town of Leadville, over Hope Pass at 12,600 feet, to the small mining town of Winfield, and then back.
Billy Yang did a great video about the 'Why' of running 100 miles, at Leadville in 2017, which, as well as talking about why people run 100 miles, it also gives you some idea of the course and terrain. You can see that video here.
That video was also a good reminder that a 100 miler is hard, and that there will be low points.
Anton Krupicka, a 2 time Leadville winner, was interviewed and said the following.
"The low points in a 100 mile race,
I try to remind myself this was why I signed up for the event.
To be challenged
To get to a point where it's not easy anymore.
Where I don't feel like I can finish maybe.
But then find something internal where you're able to overcome a challenge.
Remind myself that it's going to be a lot more rewarding than if I just quit."
So true.
I had some low points the previous year, but held it together and finished in 26 hours, 12 minutes and received the ‘smaller buckle’ (25-30 hours).
I was very happy to have ‘run Leadville’, and swore at the finish that I'd never run it again.
Too painful. Nothing to prove.
But then, as is want to happen, I started to think of the mistakes I'd made. Things I felt I could have done better. I was only 72 minutes outside of sub 25 hours for the big buckle. If I got things right, maybe I could make that time back ?
So my 'never again' turned into 'next year'. I received my entry in December
9 months to plan the race and get things right.
Too painful. Nothing to prove.
But then, as is want to happen, I started to think of the mistakes I'd made. Things I felt I could have done better. I was only 72 minutes outside of sub 25 hours for the big buckle. If I got things right, maybe I could make that time back ?
So my 'never again' turned into 'next year'. I received my entry in December
9 months to plan the race and get things right.
The Plan
- Strengthen quads, and improve technical descending. The downhills had been my undoing in 2017. I was timid and slow going down the technical sections, and towards the end of the race, my quads were totally shot and I could barely run.
- Improve nutrition - I bonked last year from not consuming enough calories. Figure out ways to get in the calories.
- Don't mess around in aid stations - get in, and get out. The clock is ticking.
- Better mental training. Believe in myself more, have fun as I'm running, and smile ! Attitude plays such an important role in how you handle adversity.
- Improved equipment. Lighter shoes, and better headlamp.
My 2018 running calendar was all about Leadville.
I skipped Boston to concentrate on trails to improve my technical descending skills, and also strengthen the quads.
The first half of the year went well. I got in a lot of trails, even winning a small scale trail marathon near San Francisco. But then June happened. I got a hip injury, that morphed into a hamstring problem.
I had to bail on 2 races, and drop out of another. I ran very few miles in June, and 6 weeks before the race, I was seriously considering deferring until 2019.
Then things started to improve. With intensive PT, ART, Dry Needling, and the kitchen sink, I was able to get in 4 weeks of decent mileage.
I realized nothing was guaranteed. If I could run the race this year, then it was probably better to take that opportunity. Who knows what shape I'd be in 2019. By the time I toed the line, I 'd run 1900 miles and had 135,000 feet of climbing in the legs for 2018.
Speaking of toes.
3 nights before the race I had a scare. Packing at home in my bare feet, I kicked the corner of a table and badly stubbed my toe. That night it got really painful and I couldn’t walk. I went to bed convinced I’d broken my toe and my race was over. Urgent care x-ray the next morning showed that nothing was broken and that I couldn’t do any more damage running on it
I'm going to Leadville !!!
The mandatory pre-race meeting the day before is always fun, with founder Ken Chlouber hyping everyone up.
I stood and committed not to quit.
I was staying on my own, so after the meeting went back to my room and just chilled. Made myself an early dinner, and tried to go to bed at 7pm.
Not easy to do with an over-active mind, but with a 2:20am alarm call, an early night was required.
Race Plan
Leadville is an out and back, mostly on the trails, with a variety of ups and downs through the race.
On the map, it leaves Leadville, loops around Turquoise Lake, then heads south towards Twin Lakes, skimming the side of Mt Elbert, before going over the big climb - Hope Pass - down to the turnaround at Winfield, and then back.
My crew chief from 2017 had a new baby to occupy her, and because I felt I knew the course pretty well, I decided to go with more of a 'drop bag' approach and not have a full crew.
This meant I had to plan out where on the course I'd need jackets, headlamps, gloves, various levels of nutrition, shoe changes etc - and put those in the bags accordingly.
I studied my splits from the previous year, where I'd run well, where I hadn't, and came up with an optimistic A-Goal of 24 hours. Try and finish Leadville in less than a day. I 'only' needed sub 25 hours for the big buckle, but I wanted a stretch goal to aim for. It would be 2 hours and 12 mins faster than 2017.
A stretch, but not impossible. And if I didn't make it, I had an hour of wiggle room to get below 25 hours for the big buckle.
Race Morning
2:20am alarm. Ambien fueled ‘sleep’, but I didn’t feel too bad. Got myself ready, then drove to the start line and parked a few blocks away. Fortunately Leadville is a pretty laid back town. Leaving a car parked on the street for 24 hours+ is okay.
I walked up the hill to the start line. A buzz. Met and chatted to some friends. Sean, Jarrod, Phil, Christy, Andrew, Ryan.
More relaxed this year, although wanting to start a smidge faster.
National anthem, count down - and we’re off. Realization - you're running the Leadville 100 again !!
START. 4am
A lot of people dressed in jackets for the mid 40 degree temps, but as I had last year, I went with just a technical short sleeve shirts, shorts, arm panties, gloves, beanie and cheap headlamp that only needed to last until the sun came up around 6am. Road shoes. 2 handhelds - 700 ml each, 1 water, 1 paedaealite.
Heading out of town in the dark, I found myself running with Sean and Jarrod - goofing around. Jarrod showed us a full moon twice over the first few miles. Something I can never unsee.
I was trying to take it easy, with a goal to pick off runners throughout the race after the first aid station.
4 miles in, I realized I was running with Wes Sandoval, which made me nervous.
He’d run sub 20 before and had the all-time Leadman record (Leadman is another level of crazy - details here). I’d run up Hope Pass a few weeks earlier with him and his brother. He said he wasn’t feeling good, so I pensively pushed on ahead of him.
It's hard to judge in those early miles. The pace feels easy, but you don't want to go too quickly.
Off the jeep path onto the trails
Up mini power line, a short, sharp, hill, that I’d really struggled on last year on the return leg.
Onto the single track around the lake.
As last year, there were times when I got caught up in a conga line in the dark behind a slower runner who’d started too fast, and was now holding everyone up on the slightly more technical trails.
Nothing to do. Overtaking was hard. Don't waste energy, or risk a fall.
Drinking fluid. Making a conscious effort to finish the bottles before the first aid station.
Ate a gel, had a pee.
Talking to people around me (not while I was peeing). Trying to distract myself and make it into a group fun run. It's going to be a long day. Or two.
The dark turned to a grey light, then lighter, until we could see without the headlamps.
Off the single track, onto a short road into May Queen, the first aid station. Picked it up and overtook the blockers.
MAY QUEEN. 12 miles.
107th (out of 713 starters)
2017: 6:09am
A-Goal: 6:05am
Actual: 6:03am
Last year I’d been confused, wondering if I should use my drop bag or crew. No dilemma this time. No crew. I got my drop bag, and had the volunteer help me fill my bottles. Thanks.
Glugged an ensure. The first of many. 350 calories in 2 gulps. This was my main nutrition plan. Take them at every aid station, and more the second half. I'd been able to keep them down pretty well last year, so hoped the same thing would hold true this year.
Leadville is an out and back, mostly on the trails, with a variety of ups and downs through the race.
On the map, it leaves Leadville, loops around Turquoise Lake, then heads south towards Twin Lakes, skimming the side of Mt Elbert, before going over the big climb - Hope Pass - down to the turnaround at Winfield, and then back.
My crew chief from 2017 had a new baby to occupy her, and because I felt I knew the course pretty well, I decided to go with more of a 'drop bag' approach and not have a full crew.
This meant I had to plan out where on the course I'd need jackets, headlamps, gloves, various levels of nutrition, shoe changes etc - and put those in the bags accordingly.
I studied my splits from the previous year, where I'd run well, where I hadn't, and came up with an optimistic A-Goal of 24 hours. Try and finish Leadville in less than a day. I 'only' needed sub 25 hours for the big buckle, but I wanted a stretch goal to aim for. It would be 2 hours and 12 mins faster than 2017.
A stretch, but not impossible. And if I didn't make it, I had an hour of wiggle room to get below 25 hours for the big buckle.
2:20am alarm. Ambien fueled ‘sleep’, but I didn’t feel too bad. Got myself ready, then drove to the start line and parked a few blocks away. Fortunately Leadville is a pretty laid back town. Leaving a car parked on the street for 24 hours+ is okay.
I walked up the hill to the start line. A buzz. Met and chatted to some friends. Sean, Jarrod, Phil, Christy, Andrew, Ryan.
More relaxed this year, although wanting to start a smidge faster.
National anthem, count down - and we’re off. Realization - you're running the Leadville 100 again !!
START. 4am
A lot of people dressed in jackets for the mid 40 degree temps, but as I had last year, I went with just a technical short sleeve shirts, shorts, arm panties, gloves, beanie and cheap headlamp that only needed to last until the sun came up around 6am. Road shoes. 2 handhelds - 700 ml each, 1 water, 1 paedaealite.
Heading out of town in the dark, I found myself running with Sean and Jarrod - goofing around. Jarrod showed us a full moon twice over the first few miles. Something I can never unsee.
I was trying to take it easy, with a goal to pick off runners throughout the race after the first aid station.
4 miles in, I realized I was running with Wes Sandoval, which made me nervous.
He’d run sub 20 before and had the all-time Leadman record (Leadman is another level of crazy - details here). I’d run up Hope Pass a few weeks earlier with him and his brother. He said he wasn’t feeling good, so I pensively pushed on ahead of him.
It's hard to judge in those early miles. The pace feels easy, but you don't want to go too quickly.
Off the jeep path onto the trails
Up mini power line, a short, sharp, hill, that I’d really struggled on last year on the return leg.
Onto the single track around the lake.
As last year, there were times when I got caught up in a conga line in the dark behind a slower runner who’d started too fast, and was now holding everyone up on the slightly more technical trails.
Nothing to do. Overtaking was hard. Don't waste energy, or risk a fall.
Drinking fluid. Making a conscious effort to finish the bottles before the first aid station.
Ate a gel, had a pee.
Talking to people around me (not while I was peeing). Trying to distract myself and make it into a group fun run. It's going to be a long day. Or two.
The dark turned to a grey light, then lighter, until we could see without the headlamps.
Off the single track, onto a short road into May Queen, the first aid station. Picked it up and overtook the blockers.
MAY QUEEN. 12 miles.
107th (out of 713 starters)
2017: 6:09am
A-Goal: 6:05am
Actual: 6:03am
Last year I’d been confused, wondering if I should use my drop bag or crew. No dilemma this time. No crew. I got my drop bag, and had the volunteer help me fill my bottles. Thanks.
Glugged an ensure. The first of many. 350 calories in 2 gulps. This was my main nutrition plan. Take them at every aid station, and more the second half. I'd been able to keep them down pretty well last year, so hoped the same thing would hold true this year.
Grabbed some more gels. Headlamp and arm panties off. Kept hat and gloves. And out. 2 minutes.
Leaving May Queen you run through a crowd of crews and supporters waiting for their runners.
I saw a couple of friends in the crowd.
Leaving May Queen you run through a crowd of crews and supporters waiting for their runners.
I saw a couple of friends in the crowd.
Yanko, the legend, waved and smiled.
Chris, who'd starting his own running store the previous year, gave me some good natured ribbing about my running shirt - the race team from another store - and then back onto the trails.
Up now. Paying attention. Coming back last year, this had been one of my slowest miles of the race as I stumbled down the rock strewn trail. It didn’t seem too bad in the light, although there were definitely patches where I had to stop to clamber up rocks, and plenty of walking too.
Up, up and then onto a jeep path. Music on. Last year I’d purposely held back a bit here, but this year I wanted to try and make up a bit more time.
Because - you know - banking time works in races, right ? I was still being pretty conservative. I could definitely had gone faster. I walked a lot of the uphill when I wanted to run it. Walk before you have to.
Beautiful views. Try to take them in. Be thankful that you can be out here doing this again. Positive mental attitude.
Getting close to the point I fell last year. That came out of the blue. Concentrate and be aware of your surroundings. Pick up your feet. Watch the ground.
At the top of Powerline. A 4 mile descent, that would be the last major hill coming back tonight. 1,500 foot down.
(here's a great YouTube video to give you an idea of what running down Powerline is like - and also an idea of what you're going up again in pitch darkness)
Such a difference. This was the 5th time I was running down it. The first time, a year ago at run camp, I’d been incredibly pensive, barely able to run 9 min / mile pace down the steep pitch. Today I had to try and hold back, often seeing 7 min/pace on the watch.
Although be careful. Last year I thought I probably shot my quads going down here.
Trying to take smaller pitty pat strides to reduce the load. Over-striding on a downhill will beat you up.
Putting in practice the descending skills I'd been learning over the winter.
But it felt so easy. I was overtaking most people around me, so I stopped for another pee to prevent a sub 7 min mile...
Onto the flat and the road.
Now going a little slower. A Canadian guy overtook me. The first time I'd been overtaken since the first few miles. We chatted briefly, asking where the next aid station was. “About a mile” - 2 run camps and running the race last year - I knew the course. Easy to visualize.
To improve nutrition, I’d read the Feedzone Edibles book over the winter. I’d heard good things about it, so had made some rice cakes. They tasted great at home, so I was hopefully they’d work for me during the race. Give me something solid to eat.
OUTWARD BOUND. 24 miles.
87th place. 20 places gained.
2017: 8:14am
A-Goal: 8:10am
Actual: 8:02am
I was 12 minutes up on last year and 8 minutes up on my A-goal. But it's early. I wasn't checking the splits at the time, just knew ball park that I was on track.
Into Outward Bound aid station. Again - straight to the drop bag. Glugged ensure, glugged some Gatorade, filled handhelds - grabbed one of the rice cakes I’d made. Beanie off, visor on, but kept the gloves. 3 minutes tops.
Chris, who'd starting his own running store the previous year, gave me some good natured ribbing about my running shirt - the race team from another store - and then back onto the trails.
Up now. Paying attention. Coming back last year, this had been one of my slowest miles of the race as I stumbled down the rock strewn trail. It didn’t seem too bad in the light, although there were definitely patches where I had to stop to clamber up rocks, and plenty of walking too.
Up, up and then onto a jeep path. Music on. Last year I’d purposely held back a bit here, but this year I wanted to try and make up a bit more time.
Because - you know - banking time works in races, right ? I was still being pretty conservative. I could definitely had gone faster. I walked a lot of the uphill when I wanted to run it. Walk before you have to.
Beautiful views. Try to take them in. Be thankful that you can be out here doing this again. Positive mental attitude.
Getting close to the point I fell last year. That came out of the blue. Concentrate and be aware of your surroundings. Pick up your feet. Watch the ground.
At the top of Powerline. A 4 mile descent, that would be the last major hill coming back tonight. 1,500 foot down.
(here's a great YouTube video to give you an idea of what running down Powerline is like - and also an idea of what you're going up again in pitch darkness)
Such a difference. This was the 5th time I was running down it. The first time, a year ago at run camp, I’d been incredibly pensive, barely able to run 9 min / mile pace down the steep pitch. Today I had to try and hold back, often seeing 7 min/pace on the watch.
Although be careful. Last year I thought I probably shot my quads going down here.
Trying to take smaller pitty pat strides to reduce the load. Over-striding on a downhill will beat you up.
Putting in practice the descending skills I'd been learning over the winter.
But it felt so easy. I was overtaking most people around me, so I stopped for another pee to prevent a sub 7 min mile...
Onto the flat and the road.
Now going a little slower. A Canadian guy overtook me. The first time I'd been overtaken since the first few miles. We chatted briefly, asking where the next aid station was. “About a mile” - 2 run camps and running the race last year - I knew the course. Easy to visualize.
To improve nutrition, I’d read the Feedzone Edibles book over the winter. I’d heard good things about it, so had made some rice cakes. They tasted great at home, so I was hopefully they’d work for me during the race. Give me something solid to eat.
OUTWARD BOUND. 24 miles.
87th place. 20 places gained.
2017: 8:14am
A-Goal: 8:10am
Actual: 8:02am
I was 12 minutes up on last year and 8 minutes up on my A-goal. But it's early. I wasn't checking the splits at the time, just knew ball park that I was on track.
Into Outward Bound aid station. Again - straight to the drop bag. Glugged ensure, glugged some Gatorade, filled handhelds - grabbed one of the rice cakes I’d made. Beanie off, visor on, but kept the gloves. 3 minutes tops.
Out away from the support. Through the miserable field. Last year I’d run the next section pretty well, but I’d had to walk in the field, so I made a conscious effort to keep going and not walk there. Make up small chunks of time.
Storm clouds brewing behind me.
I tried to eat the rice cake, but it was too dry and quickly glued up in my mouth. So much for that idea… I threw it down for some lucky animal to eat. Although it may not have liked the cayenne and curry powder I'd included :)
Out onto the road briefly for a mile, then back to the trail - starting heading up. Someone telling me ‘it’s all downhill to Twin Lakes’. Bullshit it is !! It’s all uphill to the Mt Elbert aid station.
Through the alternative crew zone. Thinking of the Billy Yang movie where he stopped there last year, then pranced out. No prancing for me, but I was slowly overtaking folks around me, although it suddenly felt harder than last year.
Hopefully you haven’t gone out too quickly. The 10 mins you're ahead - that’s not worth blowing yourself up.
Storm clouds continuing to build on the nearby peaks of the 14ers, including Elbert. Hold off rain - I’ll put my jacket on at Twin. I promise.
HALF PIPE. 29 miles.
77th place. 10 places gained.
2017: 9:19am
A-Goal: 9:15am
Actual: 9:00am
A few more minutes gained. 15 minutes up on the A-Goal, and 19 mins ahead of last year.
Into Half Pipe aid station. Rain still holding off. This was the last drop bag until Twin Lakes, 11 miles away. Normal routine, glugged an ensure, glugged gatorade, filled handhelds
I tried to eat the rice cake, but it was too dry and quickly glued up in my mouth. So much for that idea… I threw it down for some lucky animal to eat. Although it may not have liked the cayenne and curry powder I'd included :)
Out onto the road briefly for a mile, then back to the trail - starting heading up. Someone telling me ‘it’s all downhill to Twin Lakes’. Bullshit it is !! It’s all uphill to the Mt Elbert aid station.
Through the alternative crew zone. Thinking of the Billy Yang movie where he stopped there last year, then pranced out. No prancing for me, but I was slowly overtaking folks around me, although it suddenly felt harder than last year.
Hopefully you haven’t gone out too quickly. The 10 mins you're ahead - that’s not worth blowing yourself up.
Storm clouds continuing to build on the nearby peaks of the 14ers, including Elbert. Hold off rain - I’ll put my jacket on at Twin. I promise.
HALF PIPE. 29 miles.
77th place. 10 places gained.
2017: 9:19am
A-Goal: 9:15am
Actual: 9:00am
A few more minutes gained. 15 minutes up on the A-Goal, and 19 mins ahead of last year.
Into Half Pipe aid station. Rain still holding off. This was the last drop bag until Twin Lakes, 11 miles away. Normal routine, glugged an ensure, glugged gatorade, filled handhelds
Asked the volunteers ‘is it going to rain’ - ‘yes - but not until later today’.
Hesitated for a moment, seeing a spare rain jacket in my drop bag. Take it ! No - it’s extra weight that I won’t need if it’s not raining.
Decide to push on. It’s just 11 miles to Twin - I’ll put one on then.
Half a mile out of the aid station - it started raining.
Others around me pulled out jackets. Not me, because I was stupid. Turn back and get it ? Heck no. You'd lose too much time. Nothing to do but suck it up. You’d rather have rain than heat, right ?...
Maybe.
A female runner, Muriel, caught me and chatted. She was bubbly, and said she was feeling good. Looking forward to seeing her husband to pace her back over Hope. I told her that would be a good test of the marriage !! :)
She was pushing faster than I wanted to go, so I wished her well and let her go. Starting to struggle more. The 2nd person to overtake me.
Gradual climbing, into the trees, getting wet and cold as the rain picked up. I wasn't feeling good. I have 70 miles to go
How can I do this ?
The enormity of the task setting in. This is miserable. I’m not having fun.
Maybe I can quit at Twin Lakes ? That’s 40 miles in. You wouldn’t need to do Hope Pass then. The longest you've run this year is 26 miles. No wonder you're struggling. This isn't going to happen.
Wait - your son will be at Twin Lakes. That’s not a good example to set. "Son - watch me quit this 100 mile race at 40 miles.”
Ok - here's the deal. It’s still 10 miles away - let's not worry now. Just keep going and try and get that far. Last year you learned that things can change quickly. Wait and see. Remember what Anton said. This is why you sign up for this thing, to be challenged. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
So much of running a 100 is mental. Trying to do my best to maintain a positive attitude.
Up to Elbert aid station (36 miles). Didn’t bother stopping - I hadn’t been drinking much water in the cold, so still had plenty left to make it to Twin."
Running solo, now downhill.
Narrow paths - slick with the rain.
Decide to push on. It’s just 11 miles to Twin - I’ll put one on then.
Half a mile out of the aid station - it started raining.
Others around me pulled out jackets. Not me, because I was stupid. Turn back and get it ? Heck no. You'd lose too much time. Nothing to do but suck it up. You’d rather have rain than heat, right ?...
Maybe.
A female runner, Muriel, caught me and chatted. She was bubbly, and said she was feeling good. Looking forward to seeing her husband to pace her back over Hope. I told her that would be a good test of the marriage !! :)
She was pushing faster than I wanted to go, so I wished her well and let her go. Starting to struggle more. The 2nd person to overtake me.
Gradual climbing, into the trees, getting wet and cold as the rain picked up. I wasn't feeling good. I have 70 miles to go
How can I do this ?
The enormity of the task setting in. This is miserable. I’m not having fun.
Maybe I can quit at Twin Lakes ? That’s 40 miles in. You wouldn’t need to do Hope Pass then. The longest you've run this year is 26 miles. No wonder you're struggling. This isn't going to happen.
Wait - your son will be at Twin Lakes. That’s not a good example to set. "Son - watch me quit this 100 mile race at 40 miles.”
Ok - here's the deal. It’s still 10 miles away - let's not worry now. Just keep going and try and get that far. Last year you learned that things can change quickly. Wait and see. Remember what Anton said. This is why you sign up for this thing, to be challenged. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
So much of running a 100 is mental. Trying to do my best to maintain a positive attitude.
Up to Elbert aid station (36 miles). Didn’t bother stopping - I hadn’t been drinking much water in the cold, so still had plenty left to make it to Twin."
Running solo, now downhill.
Narrow paths - slick with the rain.
I had to walk down several downhills for fear of slipping.
Regretting wearing road shoes - I had no traction. Slipping and almost falling multiple times in the mud. Ugh.
I ran past a hiker, just as the photographer took this, clearly showing his intelligent level of dress for the rainy conditions, and my level of stupid cold soak...
I felt like I was going slower than last year at this point. Losing a lot of time because of the road shoes on the wet muddy trails, and my general malaise. I’m probably behind now. Meh. So much for trying to pick up some time early.
Out of the single track trail, and onto the Jeep trail. 1.5 miles down to the big aid station where I knew I'd have people.
I felt like I was going slower than last year at this point. Losing a lot of time because of the road shoes on the wet muddy trails, and my general malaise. I’m probably behind now. Meh. So much for trying to pick up some time early.
Out of the single track trail, and onto the Jeep trail. 1.5 miles down to the big aid station where I knew I'd have people.
Catch a guy who asks how far the aid station is. Hey - you’re English. We chat for a few mins - he lives in Cornwall where my family used to take summer vacations as a kid. Accomplished runner - he’d run UTMB as well. Good stuff and a emotional lift for me from running solo for so long. Felt a bit better. Maybe I can keep going.
TWIN LAKES OUT. 40 miles.
74th place. 3 places gained.
2017: 11:02am
A-Goal: 10:55am
Actual: 10:45am
So I had lost a bit of time, but just 2 mins. I was still 17 mins up on last year, and 10 mins ahead of my A-goal. I hadn't expected to make up too much time to this point, although I knew I'd wasted time in this aid station last year.
The final steep clamber down, and then we were in Twin with all the hustle and bustle and crowds cheering.
Trevor was there and motioned for me to follow him. I sat in the chairs at the aid station and got to work.
Gary, Krista and George were there too. Quick photo. The rain had stopped. This was the lowest point elevation wise of the race. 9,200 feet.
I switched out of the road shoes and put on my inov-8 trail shoes. Glugged another ensure, drank gatorade. Refilled the handhelds. I took a caffeine pill and some salt caps, and then put on another waist belt. That had a water proof jacket in it, and also 2 more ensure shakes. My rocket fuel.
I grabbed a honey sandwich that I’d made, and carried that out. I’ll eat that on the big climb. None of those rice cakes.
And then I was out. Much quicker than last year. My son, George, ran with me as we went through the small town, and another friend - Sarah, who’d come 5th the previous year, appeared and ran and chatted for a few seconds as well.
TWIN LAKES OUT. 40 miles.
74th place. 3 places gained.
2017: 11:02am
A-Goal: 10:55am
Actual: 10:45am
So I had lost a bit of time, but just 2 mins. I was still 17 mins up on last year, and 10 mins ahead of my A-goal. I hadn't expected to make up too much time to this point, although I knew I'd wasted time in this aid station last year.
The final steep clamber down, and then we were in Twin with all the hustle and bustle and crowds cheering.
Trevor was there and motioned for me to follow him. I sat in the chairs at the aid station and got to work.
Gary, Krista and George were there too. Quick photo. The rain had stopped. This was the lowest point elevation wise of the race. 9,200 feet.
I switched out of the road shoes and put on my inov-8 trail shoes. Glugged another ensure, drank gatorade. Refilled the handhelds. I took a caffeine pill and some salt caps, and then put on another waist belt. That had a water proof jacket in it, and also 2 more ensure shakes. My rocket fuel.
I grabbed a honey sandwich that I’d made, and carried that out. I’ll eat that on the big climb. None of those rice cakes.
And then I was out. Much quicker than last year. My son, George, ran with me as we went through the small town, and another friend - Sarah, who’d come 5th the previous year, appeared and ran and chatted for a few seconds as well.
Across the road - and back onto the trails on my own again.
Last year I’d struggled coming out of Twin, so knew that if I kept going here, and was able to run to the lower slopes of Hope, I’d be making up more time. So I did.
The water levels were much lower than the previous year, with only 2 crossings and no other ponds or streams to wade through. Despite the gators I was wearing, I still managed to get stones in my shoes, so I stopped after the last crossing and took out the stones. A hundred yards past that, I realized I’d dropped my sandwich as I’d emptied my shoe. Oh well - no worries. You have the ensures still.
And then I was onto the climb. No more running - just hiking from here.
4 miles to climb 3,225 feet with an average pitch of 15%.
I was power hiking, with the occasional brief jog. But faster than almost all around me. Seeing runners appear ahead, slowly catch them, then past. Repeat.
Drank another ensure. Cramming in the calories.
Up up.
I knew this climb. I’d done it a few weeks earlier with Christy and Andrew. My 5th time.
It's a long grind, but knowing the various landmarks, I was able to check them off as I went.
Last year I’d struggled coming out of Twin, so knew that if I kept going here, and was able to run to the lower slopes of Hope, I’d be making up more time. So I did.
The water levels were much lower than the previous year, with only 2 crossings and no other ponds or streams to wade through. Despite the gators I was wearing, I still managed to get stones in my shoes, so I stopped after the last crossing and took out the stones. A hundred yards past that, I realized I’d dropped my sandwich as I’d emptied my shoe. Oh well - no worries. You have the ensures still.
And then I was onto the climb. No more running - just hiking from here.
4 miles to climb 3,225 feet with an average pitch of 15%.
I was power hiking, with the occasional brief jog. But faster than almost all around me. Seeing runners appear ahead, slowly catch them, then past. Repeat.
Drank another ensure. Cramming in the calories.
Up up.
I knew this climb. I’d done it a few weeks earlier with Christy and Andrew. My 5th time.
It's a long grind, but knowing the various landmarks, I was able to check them off as I went.
It wasn’t intimidating, just something to get through. A landmark in the race. A right of passage.
Finally above tree line, there in the distance was the aid station with the lamas. Tried to soak that in and smile. Mental attitude plays so much of a factor. Fake it until you make it. Smile - you’re having fun, right ?!!
HOPE OUT. 45 miles.
61st place. 13 places gained.
2017: 1:16pm
A-Goal: 1:00pm
Actual: 12:39pm
I’d gained 20 minutes in this section over last year, and overtaken 13 runners. Now 21 minutes up on the A-Goal. Although again, I wasn't thinking about this at all. Just knew I was doing better.
At the aid station I filled the hand-helds, glugged the other ensure I’d carried up, took a caffeine pill, and a tylenol, then kept going. The tylenol was a pre-emptive attempt to temper the pain of the quads on the descent.
Still 500 feet of climbing to the summit. The steepest of the climb. Rocky. Slow.
Finally to the Tibetan flags. Over the top. One Hope Pass ascent down, one to go.
Finally above tree line, there in the distance was the aid station with the lamas. Tried to soak that in and smile. Mental attitude plays so much of a factor. Fake it until you make it. Smile - you’re having fun, right ?!!
HOPE OUT. 45 miles.
61st place. 13 places gained.
2017: 1:16pm
A-Goal: 1:00pm
Actual: 12:39pm
I’d gained 20 minutes in this section over last year, and overtaken 13 runners. Now 21 minutes up on the A-Goal. Although again, I wasn't thinking about this at all. Just knew I was doing better.
At the aid station I filled the hand-helds, glugged the other ensure I’d carried up, took a caffeine pill, and a tylenol, then kept going. The tylenol was a pre-emptive attempt to temper the pain of the quads on the descent.
Still 500 feet of climbing to the summit. The steepest of the climb. Rocky. Slow.
Finally to the Tibetan flags. Over the top. One Hope Pass ascent down, one to go.
Let’s see if all that work on descending and quad strengthing paid off. Last year I was very slow going down the trails, being over-taken by a lot of runners.
This year I was keeping pace with those around, and also over-taking.
Down the switchbacks. Wow - I’m running well.
Wondering when I’d see the leader coming the other way. Last year it was about this point when I saw Ian Sharman, but this year I’m 45 mins ahead of that pace, so probably a bit later.
Wait - who’s this guy run hiking up towards me. Oh shit - it’s Rob Krar - and he’s working hard. I step aside and a brief acknowledgement. The dude is a beast ! He doesn’t have a pacer - although based on the speed he was going, very few people in the world would have been able to keep up with him. He went on to win, and ran just a few minutes off the course record, but the course was 4 miles longer this year than back then, so really - he was the fastest ever on the course. Beast !!!
Clambering down over the rocky section. Careful not to fall.
Past the stream, into the trees.
Maybe a mile later, the second placed man with his pacer.
Steep down, but I was able to run them. Definitely doing better than last year. Having fun as I pick people off.
It's getting hot though. The cool rain from earlier gone. I know there are several miles to go to the turn, so I'm rationing my fluids. Starting to feel dehydrated.
See training mate Andrew, coming the other way. Nice. He had a serious running pedigree, having run for Australia, but had never run near this distance before. He was killing it. Nice going mate.
Reaching the point where the trail splits. In previous years the course took the direct route down to Winfield. I could see the cars and people down there. But last year, the land-owner declined access for the race, so we had to run an extra mile out past Winfield, then back in.
More miles for our money.
Finally down towards the turn. Feeling pretty good. Into the crowds of crews waiting. Great energy and support.
This year I was keeping pace with those around, and also over-taking.
Down the switchbacks. Wow - I’m running well.
Wondering when I’d see the leader coming the other way. Last year it was about this point when I saw Ian Sharman, but this year I’m 45 mins ahead of that pace, so probably a bit later.
Wait - who’s this guy run hiking up towards me. Oh shit - it’s Rob Krar - and he’s working hard. I step aside and a brief acknowledgement. The dude is a beast ! He doesn’t have a pacer - although based on the speed he was going, very few people in the world would have been able to keep up with him. He went on to win, and ran just a few minutes off the course record, but the course was 4 miles longer this year than back then, so really - he was the fastest ever on the course. Beast !!!
Clambering down over the rocky section. Careful not to fall.
Past the stream, into the trees.
Maybe a mile later, the second placed man with his pacer.
Steep down, but I was able to run them. Definitely doing better than last year. Having fun as I pick people off.
It's getting hot though. The cool rain from earlier gone. I know there are several miles to go to the turn, so I'm rationing my fluids. Starting to feel dehydrated.
See training mate Andrew, coming the other way. Nice. He had a serious running pedigree, having run for Australia, but had never run near this distance before. He was killing it. Nice going mate.
Reaching the point where the trail splits. In previous years the course took the direct route down to Winfield. I could see the cars and people down there. But last year, the land-owner declined access for the race, so we had to run an extra mile out past Winfield, then back in.
More miles for our money.
Finally down towards the turn. Feeling pretty good. Into the crowds of crews waiting. Great energy and support.
9 hours 58 mins to the half way point. 50 miles down, 50 to go. Sub 10 hours for 50 miles in the mountains. That's quicker than my Silver Rush 50 mile run last year...
WINFIELD. 50 miles.
56th place. 5 places gained.
2017: 2:56pm
A-Goal: 2:30pm
Actual: 1:58pm
Into the aid station, grabbed the drop bag, just as the crew arrived. I surprised them by being so far ahead of A-Goal. Great timing !
Sat and drank gatorade, glugged an ensure, and got the hand-helds filled. Grabbed a couple more ensures for my belt - some photos - and then we were off. Less than 5 minutes.
Trevor now with me, pacing for the next 26 miles.
Running pretty well - I ran a lot of the less steep ups, although knew that would stop when we hit the main climb.
The back side of Hope is harder than the front side. Most of the climbing done in a 2.5 mile stretch (2,456 feet in that section). An average gradient of 18%, although at points it kicks up to 40%. That’s just silly.
This is the grind.
The toughest miles of the race.
But everyone who’s finished Leadville, has gone through this.
Everyone who has the big buckle had to push up here.
No choice but get to suck it up and get it done. You've got this Richard.
One nice thing about an out and back, is you get to see other runners still going the other way to the turnaround point.
I noticed people I'd been running with earlier, heading into the turn. Some several miles back up the trail.
This was really the first realization of how much better I was doing than I expected. Some good runners were behind me. Although take it easy. It's a long way to go. Last year it took you more than 15 hours to ‘run’ the second half.
Onto the steeper climb - this thing is ridiculously steep - at points it felt as though I was standing still.
This was really the first realization of how much better I was doing than I expected. Some good runners were behind me. Although take it easy. It's a long way to go. Last year it took you more than 15 hours to ‘run’ the second half.
Onto the steeper climb - this thing is ridiculously steep - at points it felt as though I was standing still.
4 miles into the return I saw Sean and Jarrod - still together. Both looking great. Fortunately no mooning. But wow - 4 miles - that meant I was 8 miles ahead of them now.
Hopefully you’ve not gone too fast ?!!....
Sipping on one of the ensures, A liquid diet for the last 12 hours was taking it’s toll - I was starting to get some pretty evil gas.
Each fart made me feel better, but Trevor - who was behind me - had to deal with the scortched earth of the napalm that I was dropping. Literally all plant life around me vaporized and small animals curled up and died. A few times he’d push his way past me to get some fresh air.
Continuing up. Up. Up.
Finally I can see the top. Overtaking most people, although a couple of times I was over-taken. No longer with the middle of the pack people. I didn’t feel as though I wast going up as strongly as last year. Cause for concern ?
It’s only 5 miles, but those 5 miles from Winfield to the top of Hope are a LONG FUCKING WAY !!!
Finally to the top. Trevor took a little video. A few seconds to enjoy it - then back to business.
Let's get going :)
Talking to myself. "ok Richard - this is where you can gain some time" Last year you literally stumbled down this mountain, so any semblance of running you can muster you’ll make up gobs of time. It was hurting - but not as much as last year.
Trevor ran ahead to the aid station to fill up one of my handhelds. I wasn’t going quick - maybe a slow jog. But far quicker than the slow stumble from last year.
HOPE IN. 55 miles.
47th place. 9 places gained.
2017: 5:06pm
A-Goal: 4:35pm
Actual: 4:01pm
9 places gained. Actually a few minutes quicker than last year on this section, although that would have been early in the leg.
I sipped on a little broth, but that was it. Caffeine pill and more ensure.
Saw my friend Phil sitting down. Still going the other way. He wasn’t doing well. The volunteers were trying to get the runners still on the outward leg of the race leave the aid station. The countdown to the cut-off was a minute away. Runners struggling to get in and out of the aid station in time. Phil wasn’t going anywhere, his race over. Sorry mate. Watched the countdown - a bit like Comrades - with the volunteers counting down. Ugh. Many races over.
We headed out, although I probably wasted too much time here, watching the countdown. A number of other runners came in and out while I was there.
We caught Muriel, the lady who'd overtaken me earlier, and her husband. Ran with her for a mile as we worked our way into treeline. Still seeing a few runners coming the other way, feeling bad for them that their races were done, whether they realized that or not.
I was feeling good. The toughest miles of the race were over. Only 45 ‘hilly’ miles to go.
Finally to the top. Trevor took a little video. A few seconds to enjoy it - then back to business.
Let's get going :)
Talking to myself. "ok Richard - this is where you can gain some time" Last year you literally stumbled down this mountain, so any semblance of running you can muster you’ll make up gobs of time. It was hurting - but not as much as last year.
Trevor ran ahead to the aid station to fill up one of my handhelds. I wasn’t going quick - maybe a slow jog. But far quicker than the slow stumble from last year.
HOPE IN. 55 miles.
47th place. 9 places gained.
2017: 5:06pm
A-Goal: 4:35pm
Actual: 4:01pm
9 places gained. Actually a few minutes quicker than last year on this section, although that would have been early in the leg.
I sipped on a little broth, but that was it. Caffeine pill and more ensure.
Saw my friend Phil sitting down. Still going the other way. He wasn’t doing well. The volunteers were trying to get the runners still on the outward leg of the race leave the aid station. The countdown to the cut-off was a minute away. Runners struggling to get in and out of the aid station in time. Phil wasn’t going anywhere, his race over. Sorry mate. Watched the countdown - a bit like Comrades - with the volunteers counting down. Ugh. Many races over.
We headed out, although I probably wasted too much time here, watching the countdown. A number of other runners came in and out while I was there.
We caught Muriel, the lady who'd overtaken me earlier, and her husband. Ran with her for a mile as we worked our way into treeline. Still seeing a few runners coming the other way, feeling bad for them that their races were done, whether they realized that or not.
I was feeling good. The toughest miles of the race were over. Only 45 ‘hilly’ miles to go.
I picked up the pace and pushed ahead of Muriel, over-taking a few others as we ran down the hill - definitely going a lot better than last year. My fears of trashing my quads earlier in the race perhaps unfounded ?
Finally down to the flat - through the river, into the field. Kept going - no stopping.
Into Twin - again Trevor ran ahead to get my drop bag and fill the handhelds. Learning from last year - let’s not waste any extra time in the aid stations than I need.
I saw Sarah again and yelled out 'big buckle baby'. I was growing in confidence. Big smile too.
TWIN LAKES IN. 60 miles.
48th place. 1 place lost.
HOPE OUT
2017: 7:19pm
A-Goal: 6:15pm
Actual: 5:29pm
I’d gained 45 mins on this single leg over last year, although dropped 1 spot. That was probably the extra time I'd spent at the Hope aid station. I wasn’t really thinking about my time though, I knew I was ahead. Although no real understanding of how much ahead I was. At this point I was almost 2 hours ahead of last year, and 46 mins up on my optimistic A-Goal pace.
Finally down to the flat - through the river, into the field. Kept going - no stopping.
Into Twin - again Trevor ran ahead to get my drop bag and fill the handhelds. Learning from last year - let’s not waste any extra time in the aid stations than I need.
I saw Sarah again and yelled out 'big buckle baby'. I was growing in confidence. Big smile too.
TWIN LAKES IN. 60 miles.
48th place. 1 place lost.
HOPE OUT
2017: 7:19pm
A-Goal: 6:15pm
Actual: 5:29pm
I’d gained 45 mins on this single leg over last year, although dropped 1 spot. That was probably the extra time I'd spent at the Hope aid station. I wasn’t really thinking about my time though, I knew I was ahead. Although no real understanding of how much ahead I was. At this point I was almost 2 hours ahead of last year, and 46 mins up on my optimistic A-Goal pace.
More ensures, changed out of my trail shoes and back to my road shoes. Got the jacket out of my waist pack, put on a hat and gloves, and put on my headlamp. I didn’t need it - but this was where I’d stashed it. Pre-race planning didn’t have me getting here this early. There were no other lights ahead in my drop bags. Last year it got dark within 30 mins of leaving Twin - that wouldn’t be happening this year.
Dave, my second pacer, who’d be picking me up in 14 miles, was there too - he helped us get things together, then we headed out. I knew from last year that the first few miles out of Twin were all hiking uphill - 1,000 feet of climbing - so may as well use that time to get calories in, and not sitting in a chair. Another ensure as I climbed.
More napalm bombs.
Along the narrow ledge that I’d wanted to make last year before dark. This time the sun was still out.
Climbing up, but the trails that had been muddy and slippery earlier in the day, had now dried out.
Stopping briefly at the Elbert Aid Station, I glugged the second ensure I was carrying and filled up a handheld with water.
The ensures were basically my salvation. Most of my calories came from them.
I’d gotten a second wind on this section last year, so didn’t expect to pick up much time here, but we pushed on. Overtaking occasionally.
My second wind this time was coming from my bottom. Sorry Trevor. The gas explosions continued. More plant life vaporized.
It was still light as we got into Half Pipe.
HALF PIPE IN. 71 miles.
45th place. 3 places gained.
2017: 9:23pm
A-Goal: 8:15pm
Actual: 7:28pm
Did I say it was still light ?!
I’d gained 5 mins on last year on that section. Glugged another ensure, and stashed another in my waist belt. Filled the hand held with paedealite, drank some gatorade, and pushed on. Wondering how far I’d get before it got dark.
We caught a female runner here, and hopskotched with her for a good mile or two. I’d take a brief walk break and she’d overtake with her pacer. Then she’d do the same, and we’d over-take. A bit of bantering as we continually passed each other. I later found out she was the 3rd place female.
Through the alternate crew zone - some runners stopping for their crews. We kept going - dusk setting in, but still light enough to see without needing the lamp.
Heading down the trail towards the mile section of road. I was determined to wait until we got to the road before turning on the lamp. Thinking in my mind about how far I ahead I was distance wise of last year at this time. My light was needed 2 miles out of Twin, so perhaps 38 miles to go. Here I was 10 miles up the road. Starting to realize now that I might be on for a good time.
Onto the road, and finally turned on the light. Running with a couple of other pairs of runners / pacers. Brief banter as we continued the game of hopscotch. Trying to keep the mood light. Make this thing fun.
Trevor’s leg coming to an end. Thank him for his help. Really appreciate it. He phoned ahead to let Dave know we’d be there in 20 minutes.
Into the miserable field. Remembering the barbed wire from last year, and the uneven footing - keeping the headlamp trained on the ground in front. Slowly making our way towards the lights of the Outward Bound aid station. Trevor hit a small pothole and twisted his ankle slightly. Fortunately nothing serious, but another warning of the gnarly footing. The race could end in an instant. Stay focused.
Finally to the aid-station.
OUTWARD BOUND IN. 76 miles.
44th place. 1 place gained.
2017: 10:45pm
A-Goal: 9:350pm
Actual: 8:40pm
Another 10 minutes gained, which surprised me looking back. I thought I was struggling more here.
Dave was there with my drop bag. I put on a heavier jacket and thicker gloves, and of course drank my ensure, gatorade and refilled the handhelds.
I took another tylenol, although just one - I wanted to have another at the top of Powerline. I gave Dave an extra layer for me to use later. Something I hadn’t needed the year before, but in my planning had thought it might be a good idea. It turned out to be a very good decision.
It started to rain again. Said a thank-you to Trevor, and then Dave and I headed out for the final 24 miles.
Heading down the trail towards the mile section of road. I was determined to wait until we got to the road before turning on the lamp. Thinking in my mind about how far I ahead I was distance wise of last year at this time. My light was needed 2 miles out of Twin, so perhaps 38 miles to go. Here I was 10 miles up the road. Starting to realize now that I might be on for a good time.
Onto the road, and finally turned on the light. Running with a couple of other pairs of runners / pacers. Brief banter as we continued the game of hopscotch. Trying to keep the mood light. Make this thing fun.
Trevor’s leg coming to an end. Thank him for his help. Really appreciate it. He phoned ahead to let Dave know we’d be there in 20 minutes.
Into the miserable field. Remembering the barbed wire from last year, and the uneven footing - keeping the headlamp trained on the ground in front. Slowly making our way towards the lights of the Outward Bound aid station. Trevor hit a small pothole and twisted his ankle slightly. Fortunately nothing serious, but another warning of the gnarly footing. The race could end in an instant. Stay focused.
Finally to the aid-station.
OUTWARD BOUND IN. 76 miles.
44th place. 1 place gained.
2017: 10:45pm
A-Goal: 9:350pm
Actual: 8:40pm
Another 10 minutes gained, which surprised me looking back. I thought I was struggling more here.
Dave was there with my drop bag. I put on a heavier jacket and thicker gloves, and of course drank my ensure, gatorade and refilled the handhelds.
I took another tylenol, although just one - I wanted to have another at the top of Powerline. I gave Dave an extra layer for me to use later. Something I hadn’t needed the year before, but in my planning had thought it might be a good idea. It turned out to be a very good decision.
It started to rain again. Said a thank-you to Trevor, and then Dave and I headed out for the final 24 miles.
A few yards out of the aid-station, I went into shivering spasms. My whole body racked with pain. I wanted to go back to the aid-station and stand by the fire, but Dave wouldn’t let me. I put on the extra layer under my jacket - and then we started out. Dave reasoning that I was cold because of the fluids I’d just taken, and the extra layer and activity would help warm me. Sound judgement Dave !
Back on the road - about a mile and a half before turning to the final big climb of the race. Powerline. It was dark and raining - we could see a several sets of runners headlamps a few hundred yards up the road and used them as a guide.
The turn-off for Powerline seemed to be taking forever to reach. In the distance a car stopped the other runners - and after a few seconds, the headlamps started coming back towards us. Oh shit - confirming our fear - we’d all missed the turn-off. Crap crap crap. How much time would I lose here. We turned and went back - I sent Dave ahead to look for the turn to confirm we had missed it.
We had indeed missed it !! It wasn’t lit well at all, and very little in the way of signage. The car that had warned us of the mistake, now sat there with its lights pointed at the trail. I wondered how many people had over-taken me with this detour.
Checking the GPS plot after the race, we’d added 12 minutes, and about a mile, to the course.
Back on track - and now on Powerline. Hiking and attempting to sip more ensure, but even that starting to become harder to get down. Need to force it in though to keep the calories. I couldn't stomach a gel or anything else at that point.
Dropping more napalm bombs, with Dave quickly pulling ahead to avoid most of the impact. I'd literally drunk all my nutrition in the form of ensure shakes and gatorade. Fortunately the gas seemed to be the only side-effect.
Last year we could hear the ‘bong’ of the gong at the Psychadelic Aid station the whole way up Powerline. This year nothing. I wondered if they were there. Heck - maybe we’re too early. Maybe they’re only there later in the night ?
Dave commenting about the buzz we could hear from the Powerlines above us.
A mile from the top we finally heard the gong - turns out the wind was going the other way, so the sound wasn’t traveling as far.
I took another tylenol. More pre-emptive work ahead of the section I fell apart last year. After another 20 minutes of climbing we arrived at the 'psychedelic aid station’. Multi-colored glow sticks led us in, with blow up characters along the side of the trail. A really cool experience. Others were stopping to re-fuel - but we kept going.
I was anxious to see how I’d do on the descent into May Queen. Still 5 miles away. This was where I was still on-track for the big buckle last year, but couldn’t run down the hill at all. My quads totally shot. This time I was able to continue to run, albeit 10-12 min / mile pace.
Down Sugarloaf trail - I could tell I was doing a lot better than last year. Dave commented the same - he'd been my pacer on this section last year as well.
Wow - onto the jeep path already ?? That was quick. Overtaking more runners, before plunging down onto the trail again. Raining again. The rain had been off and on all night.
Ok - this steep section is hard. Big steep steps, I had to walk a number of the steeper sections, but forced myself to jog where I could. In the trees, very rocky, and very dark, particularly with the rainy dark sky.
Back on the road - about a mile and a half before turning to the final big climb of the race. Powerline. It was dark and raining - we could see a several sets of runners headlamps a few hundred yards up the road and used them as a guide.
The turn-off for Powerline seemed to be taking forever to reach. In the distance a car stopped the other runners - and after a few seconds, the headlamps started coming back towards us. Oh shit - confirming our fear - we’d all missed the turn-off. Crap crap crap. How much time would I lose here. We turned and went back - I sent Dave ahead to look for the turn to confirm we had missed it.
We had indeed missed it !! It wasn’t lit well at all, and very little in the way of signage. The car that had warned us of the mistake, now sat there with its lights pointed at the trail. I wondered how many people had over-taken me with this detour.
Checking the GPS plot after the race, we’d added 12 minutes, and about a mile, to the course.
Back on track - and now on Powerline. Hiking and attempting to sip more ensure, but even that starting to become harder to get down. Need to force it in though to keep the calories. I couldn't stomach a gel or anything else at that point.
Dropping more napalm bombs, with Dave quickly pulling ahead to avoid most of the impact. I'd literally drunk all my nutrition in the form of ensure shakes and gatorade. Fortunately the gas seemed to be the only side-effect.
Last year we could hear the ‘bong’ of the gong at the Psychadelic Aid station the whole way up Powerline. This year nothing. I wondered if they were there. Heck - maybe we’re too early. Maybe they’re only there later in the night ?
Dave commenting about the buzz we could hear from the Powerlines above us.
A mile from the top we finally heard the gong - turns out the wind was going the other way, so the sound wasn’t traveling as far.
I took another tylenol. More pre-emptive work ahead of the section I fell apart last year. After another 20 minutes of climbing we arrived at the 'psychedelic aid station’. Multi-colored glow sticks led us in, with blow up characters along the side of the trail. A really cool experience. Others were stopping to re-fuel - but we kept going.
I was anxious to see how I’d do on the descent into May Queen. Still 5 miles away. This was where I was still on-track for the big buckle last year, but couldn’t run down the hill at all. My quads totally shot. This time I was able to continue to run, albeit 10-12 min / mile pace.
Down Sugarloaf trail - I could tell I was doing a lot better than last year. Dave commented the same - he'd been my pacer on this section last year as well.
Wow - onto the jeep path already ?? That was quick. Overtaking more runners, before plunging down onto the trail again. Raining again. The rain had been off and on all night.
Ok - this steep section is hard. Big steep steps, I had to walk a number of the steeper sections, but forced myself to jog where I could. In the trees, very rocky, and very dark, particularly with the rainy dark sky.
No one overtook us, despite the slower pace. Looking at my watch each time it buzzed a mile split. Slower miles, but wow - I'm doing a lot better than last year.
To get the big buckle I needed to average 15 min/miles for the race, but my watch was showing me with a 13:30 average with only 13 miles to go. That’s a big cushion. 87 x 90 seconds... can't do the math, but that's a big number.
Finally out of the trail and onto the road briefly. May Queen was coming up. I sent Dave ahead to get the drop bag.
MAY QUEEN IN. 88 miles.
37th place. 7 places gained.
2017: 2:24am
A-Goal: 1:00am
Actual: 11:53pm
25 minutes made on that leg, despite the extra mile detour, and 7 places gained. While I wasn't going fast, I seemed to be fading less than others around me.
Finally starting to allow myself to think about getting the big buckle. Calculate that I have 5 hours to get 12.5 miles for the big buckle. Holy shit - I could walk that.
To get the big buckle I needed to average 15 min/miles for the race, but my watch was showing me with a 13:30 average with only 13 miles to go. That’s a big cushion. 87 x 90 seconds... can't do the math, but that's a big number.
Finally out of the trail and onto the road briefly. May Queen was coming up. I sent Dave ahead to get the drop bag.
MAY QUEEN IN. 88 miles.
37th place. 7 places gained.
2017: 2:24am
A-Goal: 1:00am
Actual: 11:53pm
25 minutes made on that leg, despite the extra mile detour, and 7 places gained. While I wasn't going fast, I seemed to be fading less than others around me.
Finally starting to allow myself to think about getting the big buckle. Calculate that I have 5 hours to get 12.5 miles for the big buckle. Holy shit - I could walk that.
This plan might actually play out !! Forget sub 25 hours - you want sub 24 remember.
That's 4 hours to get there. You took almost that long last year on this leg. Don’t back off.
Another ensure, pack one on the belt, more refills of handhelds - and then we're off out.
Along the road for half a mile, I was making good time. Next stop is the finish.
That's 4 hours to get there. You took almost that long last year on this leg. Don’t back off.
Another ensure, pack one on the belt, more refills of handhelds - and then we're off out.
Along the road for half a mile, I was making good time. Next stop is the finish.
Despite the time on my feet, I was remarkably clear headed, and not in any discomfort. 12 min/ miles were common.
Back onto the trail Undulating around the lake, although a lot more uphill than I remembered. Still - I was feeling pretty good. Able to run all but the steepest up hill.
Once I got down to under 10 miles to go, I was calculating my finish time. Sub 25 looked to be in the bag. I realized if I kept going at 18 min/mile pace - I’d get sub 24.
I started to realize that if I kept going at my current 12 min / mile pace - I might go sub 23. Holy shit.
I didn’t talk about it out-loud. I didn’t want to tempt fate, but every mile split that clicked by - I realized that was definitely a possibility. Can that be right ? Is your math just messed up ?
The miles seemed to take forever around the lake though - past midnight and into my second day of running. I didn’t know how long we had left to go, because of the extra distance we’d added. I was thinking 101 miles would be the finish distance, so tried to calculate back. 93 miles down - so about 8 to go ?
Finally off the trail - and now to go down mini-powerline. Last year this had been truly pathetic. I’d probably taken 10 mins to go the 300 yards, and that was with my hands on the shoulders of my pacer Kevin. No such issues this time. I was able to hike down pretty quickly. We reached the bottom - wait - is that it ? Seriously ? That wasn’t bad at all.
Back onto a jeep trail - let’s keep running. 5 miles to go.
5 up-hill miles to the finish. Seriously Ken ?!! Still, just 5 miles. Picking off a few runners. This is taking forever - but the miles are slowly clicking away.
I knew the last mile was going to be on the road into Leadville. Where the heck does this jeep trail end ? My watch clicked over 100 miles and still no road in sight. Jeez - this is crazy. But I knew it was coming to an end. Enjoy this !! Ok, endure this...
Finally - there in the distance I see the road. Up onto it - knowing there’s one last little climb to go, then the finish would be visible. I’d thought I might run that last hill - but heck no.
Dave looked over his shoulder and saw another running catching me. “How concerned are you about your finishing position”, he asked. “I’m not” was the response. So we let the other team go with just some congratulatory comments. At the top of the hill - I could see the finish line way in the distance. I knew a sub 23 was definitely in the bag and talked with Dave about it.
It was crazy how well the day had gone. Sure - there had been some low points - but I’d run far better than I’d even dared to hope. I’d never been in real discomfort, hadn’t fallen, had been able to keep running throughout.
Running to the finish - the last block. Thanked Dave and he peeled off, while I pushed up to the line.
Hear them announce my name. 22:45:29.
I shout ‘big buckle baby’ and get a giggle from the crowd. Hug from Merliee.
A surprising number of people out to support at 2:45am.
FINISH
36th overall out of 713 starters. 378 finishers. 53% finish rate.
2017: 6:12:am
A-Goal: 4:00am
Actual: 2:45am
Holy shit. 22 hours 45 mins ?? And that was with the extra 12 mins we’d added from the detour.
Out in 9 hours 58 mins, and back in 12 hours 47 mins.
9 months in the planning. I'd put in a lot of work, but this was one of those rare races where everything went mostly to plan. Lady luck had smiled on me.
Below the official splits, and also the table show last year, the A-Goal, and the actual splits below.
Dave appeared and we went to get some warm noodles, but they were out. I was starting to shiver, so we quickly got to the car and headed away. I tried to drink some gatorade, but immediately threw it up.
I was in a worse way than I realized.
At the condo I went back into shivering fits and had to take off the wet clothes, put on multiple layers, and then climbed into bed. The thoughts of stopping to eat fried chicken, washed down with tequila were long forgotten.
Dave babysitting me to make sure I didn't die...
It was a few hours, and several cups of tea later, before I was able to warm up. So much for getting some sleep that second night.
So that's it for the Leadville 100 for me.
No room for improvement. No reason to run it again.
Maybe.... ;)
Leadville truly is a special race. The town itself with rough edges. The beauty of the course. The history of the race, and its impact on Leadville's economy. The challenge. The camaraderie from other runners, crew and supporters. The achievement. Pushing boundaries that didn't seem possible.
No one does it alone. Big thanks to Krista, Dave, Trevor, and Gary for helping get me to the finish. It takes a village. I appreciate you all for the help. Trevor and Dave - let me know if you need help pacing when you get back on the course.
Comrades is probably still my favourite race experience. This run at Leadville was perhaps my proudest running achievement.
So far.
Now my sights are set on qualifying for, and hopefully running Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) - click this link for a cool trailer.
That will take a few years, but it's the big 'scary' race goals that I need to keep getting me out there to train.
And the big buckle. This thing is obnoxious, but it's not going in a box.
I'm damn well wearing the thing.
(should you be interested in the strava plot / splits, it's here)
Back onto the trail Undulating around the lake, although a lot more uphill than I remembered. Still - I was feeling pretty good. Able to run all but the steepest up hill.
Once I got down to under 10 miles to go, I was calculating my finish time. Sub 25 looked to be in the bag. I realized if I kept going at 18 min/mile pace - I’d get sub 24.
I started to realize that if I kept going at my current 12 min / mile pace - I might go sub 23. Holy shit.
I didn’t talk about it out-loud. I didn’t want to tempt fate, but every mile split that clicked by - I realized that was definitely a possibility. Can that be right ? Is your math just messed up ?
The miles seemed to take forever around the lake though - past midnight and into my second day of running. I didn’t know how long we had left to go, because of the extra distance we’d added. I was thinking 101 miles would be the finish distance, so tried to calculate back. 93 miles down - so about 8 to go ?
Finally off the trail - and now to go down mini-powerline. Last year this had been truly pathetic. I’d probably taken 10 mins to go the 300 yards, and that was with my hands on the shoulders of my pacer Kevin. No such issues this time. I was able to hike down pretty quickly. We reached the bottom - wait - is that it ? Seriously ? That wasn’t bad at all.
Back onto a jeep trail - let’s keep running. 5 miles to go.
5 up-hill miles to the finish. Seriously Ken ?!! Still, just 5 miles. Picking off a few runners. This is taking forever - but the miles are slowly clicking away.
I knew the last mile was going to be on the road into Leadville. Where the heck does this jeep trail end ? My watch clicked over 100 miles and still no road in sight. Jeez - this is crazy. But I knew it was coming to an end. Enjoy this !! Ok, endure this...
Finally - there in the distance I see the road. Up onto it - knowing there’s one last little climb to go, then the finish would be visible. I’d thought I might run that last hill - but heck no.
Dave looked over his shoulder and saw another running catching me. “How concerned are you about your finishing position”, he asked. “I’m not” was the response. So we let the other team go with just some congratulatory comments. At the top of the hill - I could see the finish line way in the distance. I knew a sub 23 was definitely in the bag and talked with Dave about it.
It was crazy how well the day had gone. Sure - there had been some low points - but I’d run far better than I’d even dared to hope. I’d never been in real discomfort, hadn’t fallen, had been able to keep running throughout.
Running to the finish - the last block. Thanked Dave and he peeled off, while I pushed up to the line.
Hear them announce my name. 22:45:29.
I shout ‘big buckle baby’ and get a giggle from the crowd. Hug from Merliee.
A surprising number of people out to support at 2:45am.
FINISH
36th overall out of 713 starters. 378 finishers. 53% finish rate.
2017: 6:12:am
A-Goal: 4:00am
Actual: 2:45am
Holy shit. 22 hours 45 mins ?? And that was with the extra 12 mins we’d added from the detour.
Out in 9 hours 58 mins, and back in 12 hours 47 mins.
9 months in the planning. I'd put in a lot of work, but this was one of those rare races where everything went mostly to plan. Lady luck had smiled on me.
Below the official splits, and also the table show last year, the A-Goal, and the actual splits below.
I was in a worse way than I realized.
At the condo I went back into shivering fits and had to take off the wet clothes, put on multiple layers, and then climbed into bed. The thoughts of stopping to eat fried chicken, washed down with tequila were long forgotten.
Dave babysitting me to make sure I didn't die...
It was a few hours, and several cups of tea later, before I was able to warm up. So much for getting some sleep that second night.
So that's it for the Leadville 100 for me.
No room for improvement. No reason to run it again.
Maybe.... ;)
Leadville truly is a special race. The town itself with rough edges. The beauty of the course. The history of the race, and its impact on Leadville's economy. The challenge. The camaraderie from other runners, crew and supporters. The achievement. Pushing boundaries that didn't seem possible.
No one does it alone. Big thanks to Krista, Dave, Trevor, and Gary for helping get me to the finish. It takes a village. I appreciate you all for the help. Trevor and Dave - let me know if you need help pacing when you get back on the course.
Comrades is probably still my favourite race experience. This run at Leadville was perhaps my proudest running achievement.
So far.
Now my sights are set on qualifying for, and hopefully running Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) - click this link for a cool trailer.
That will take a few years, but it's the big 'scary' race goals that I need to keep getting me out there to train.
And the big buckle. This thing is obnoxious, but it's not going in a box.
I'm damn well wearing the thing.
(should you be interested in the strava plot / splits, it's here)
