Western States Report pt 1
I didn’t sleep a wink. I didn’t sleep a wink! I didn’t sleep a wink. Oh god, oh god, oh god! I can’t do this! I didn’t sleep a wink. I can’t run 100 miles. What am I going to do. I can’t do this! I can’t run through a second night without any sleep. Oh my god! What am I going to do?
I half open my eyes. The others are moving around the room getting ready. They move silently and with purpose preparing for the big day.
I close my eyes again and just lay there my mind spinning around. Ok what are my options? I can just tell them I am not going and go back to sleep? No way. They aren’t going to let me. Ok what else is there? I could just get up and get ready?
I open my eyes again and my feet hit the floor. I think there is talking but I can not connect. My gear is all sitting in order on the floor ready to put on. I take great care with each item, for I am dressing for battle and each item has its own power. Do not rush with a sock for a crease could mean a blister. Slowly I dress with what I guess is called mindfulness.
All ready we head for breakfast. Many of the group are there and chatting full of nervous energy. I can not connect my mind is else where. Dog would say I am in the zone. I am not sure where I am I just know that casual conversation is beyond me. I eat a toasted peanut butter and jelly bagel and some black coffee. I sit there quietly and stare into the unknown. The room is filled with movement. Lets go Spud tells me I march out the door and into the car. I can not even tell you who was driving on that cool dark morning I was just a lump.
We arrived at Squaw Valley and head off to get our numbers and chips. I took the same care with them as I did with the rest of my gear. Now we were in a room with 400 runners and crew and everyone was excited. I found a corner and sat on the floor. The room swirled around me as I sat there watching everyone’s shoes and gaiters. I closed my eyes for a moment. There was nothing more to do, the time was now almost here and I felt a kind of peace as I surrendered to what was about to come.
Soon everyone was heading outside into the cold. Pictures were taken under the start and then all facing the mountain ahead we waited. Aussie Aussie Aussie came echoning from the back of the crowd. Oi Oi Oi was the reply from different parts of the group. We were there as individuals yes but we were also there as a team and as a team we were going to be watched by so many so far away. The enormity hit me and I staggered for a second. I was here! This was my dream and I am now here. Then the voices of the crowd started 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 the shotgun fired and we were released like large smelly flightless doves set free on the mountain. I was with Whippet, our plan was start slow and slow down.
As we climbed the mountain we saw Gordy. Gordy was god. He started the Western States and 100 mile races. I have so few heros and yet here was one and I was running next to him. Whippet says to me as he points at Gordy “Mr Sub 24, stay with Gordy and we will be fine”. As we climb the mountain the sun starts to rise, I look back down the mountain at lake Tahoe and the surrounding valleys. It is simply magical. We climb further and chat with those around. I feel good to be here and finally on my way.
The top is soon here and the track winds down in single file. Tim Tweitmeyer said to just settle into the group you are in and not to worry about overtaking since you will probably end up tripping in the scrub and bang yourself up very early in the race. But then Gordy took off around the group and Whippet soon followed. I was happy to just stay and although slow cruised down the trail in the middle of a large group of runners. The landscape was beautiful with wildflowers everywhere in full bloom. I choose a nice spot for a pee and stood looking out on the mountains and valleys and the colours of the flowers as I water the small patch of ground in front of me.
The trail opened out and I opened up my stride and passed a few people. Soon I saw Tanky and she was telling me whippet was just by. I was happy with my pace and kept it going. Soon RMC was there in front. He said he was not sure what was coming so had no idea of pace. I have no idea either but I guess we will have to figure it out as we go I said. Then in the distance I saw Brendan. Hey this is cool I know Brendan finishes these things well and is about my pace so I will try to keep him in sight and all will be good. I strode down a hill and bang. Rolled my ankle. Fear and apprehension rocked my happy little world. Oh crap! I can’t run 100 miles on a rolled ankle. Is this how my run is going to be?? I tried to settle my head down and assess what my ankle was doing. It felt ok. It will be fine I told myself you are just panicking. Then bang I fell over. Now I was really stressing. But I kept moving forward. I slowed my pace and started to take care with every single step. This was going to be a long long day.
Things did settle and the checkpoints were so amazing. There was always someone there to be your “slave” they would fill your bottles and make sure you had everything you need. They would stand there next to you whilst you ate with your bottles in hand ready to see you off. It was so cool. The novelty of it all soon had my head in an ok place but then over I went again.
Now I was feeling crappy, my ankle hurt and I had a splitting headache and I was feeling tired from no sleep. I wondered if I could do it. I could still see Brendan so my pace was good but everything else was a mess. Then I lost Brendan as he flew down a hill but I was too scared of another fall and took my time.
Another checkpoint and I decided I would walk. The guy in front asked me if I wanted to pass but I said now I was feeling like crap and I was going to walk for a while. He said he had stomach issues and was going to walk too. The company made it a little easier. I kept telling myself that this bad patch would pass and all I needed to do was keep relentlessly moving forward. A women passed me and then a moment later she fell badly. She quickly got up shook herself off and kept going. It was a wake up call for me to stop being a baby shake myself off and get running. I did. My spirits were still down but I was running. Then we hit a climb. I enjoyed the climbs. After this climb was Robertson Flats and crew and supporters would be there. I could do with some familiar faces. As I strode into the checkpoint I could see the green and gold. There was cheering and I heard my name. I then unloaded all my woes on those around me. I did some blister care and then I was told to get going. I did and was out there on the trail again. I felt a little lighter after leaving some of my woes back there.
It is quiet a long downhill after Robertson’s Flat and I seem to be travelling pretty slowly. It felt like everyone was passing me. It is single trail and so every time I heard the beat of feet I would move aside. It was starting to get quite warm too and this is how I travelled for ages.
I knew I had a big climb at Devils Thumb but other then that I was just running and walking and trying to keep my fluid intake up. They measure you at so many different aid stations I did not want to have any weight issues.
I hit Last Chance and noticed they had a big Aussie Assault banner hanging there which was pretty cool. I suddenly felt like I was getting somewhere since it was only a few more miles (all up hill mind you) to Devils Thumb and that was near enough half way. I felt hot and tired and started to not want to eat what was available at the ccheckpoints. My weight was good – phew. Then someone was talking to me. I was vague and was too busy forcing food into me to really engage but as I hit the trail I realised it was Penny an ex pat. I wish I had been more present. As I sttod there I noticed Brendan leaving. Wow! I am still near Brendan! Ok that is not too bad I must still be travelling ok. Then I hear Kel. He is over in the medical getting his blisters done. “What’s the odds. 365 starts and never a blister before now. I looked down at Kel’s nike frees with the safety pins and reply “maybe it is your shoe choice?” I start to head out but stop for a moment and cool down with the bucket and sponge. Ok Devil’s Thumb here I come.
Down, Down, Down I head but I have been watching the people that pass me and try to emulate there downhill technique. They land on their heels and there steps are small and they roll along. It seems to be working since I do not get passed for ages. I look out over the edge and can see how far down the canyon goes. It is a bloody long way down and I know not only do I have to run down there but then back up the other side. It is kind of depressing but I put it out of my mind and focus on running down the rocky path. Before long I could see the bottom. I remember on the DVD “race for the Soul” how they all have a soak in the river just before Devil’s Thumb. I wanted to add that experience to my adventure and climbed down to the water’s edge. I seem to be the only one with this in mind but I don’t care. I take off my shoes and socks and soak my feet in the cool water. It feels divine. My feet are starting to look a bit beaten up and there is a big white crease on the ball of my left foot. A few people now seeing me down at the water head down too. One fellow asks if I am ok.
I get my socks and shoes on and start heading back up. I feel happy to be heading up hill and just settle into a nice pace. There is a girl looking distressed I stop and have a chat to her. She is feeling dizzy. I told her to take a gu and some water ‘cause it is just a sugar low. I offer her a gu but she has one and says she will have a sit, take the gu and will be fine. I keep heading up. I just plod along. Then there are some people cheering. People always mean you are close to the checkpoint. They are yelling about popsicles. It takes me a while to figure out they are taking about iceblocks. Then I am there in the hustle bustle of the aid station. I give my water bottles to my helper. Ice and water in both I please. I weight in. 161lbs which is what I weighed in at the start so that is perfect. I look at the food. Every aid station is the same and I am so over all the choices. But I still need the fuel so I eat some fruit and some cookies and take some for the trail then I grab a popsicle. I notice a pile of people sitting in the chairs on the side like a pile of wounded. I am glad I am not one of them.
Down, down, down I go. My quads are starting to complain. I start doing the maths. Ok if it took me 12 1/2 hours to get to half way I am not going to make sub 24. Now I have so much daylight left and my main light is 15 miles away (Foresthill School). I am only just going to make to Michigan Bluff before dark. Luckily I have a spare light there.
My blisters start to bother me more and more so when I hit the next checkpoint I ask about sorting my blister out. I take of my wet manky sock and the guy puts a piece of tape on my foot in a vein attempt at trying to sort the problem out. Whilst this is happening there is a guy behind me throwing his guts up. They are going to pull him. I look at my watch for the first time since I can see the board with the cut off times. I am blown away to see I have 5 minutes before the 30 hr split. Crap!! I head up the mountain toward Michigan Bluff .
For the first time since Robertson Flats I feel tired. I know that it will be night soon enough and I am worried about my tiredness and being alone through the night. I know that with the dark and my tiredness I will get into a bad head space and DNF-ing will be a big issue. I start to wonder if I will see any Aussies at the next place. Maybe I can ask if they can organise a pacer for me at Foresthill. Yeah that is what I will do get a pacer and the company will get me through the night. After the long climb I enter Michigan Bluff feeling a bit down. My foot is really hurting and I am worn out. I can not see anyone I know. I move to the food table and just stare. I then see Steve (Tanky’s other) and he is chatting to me. I really needed the familiar face and it brings me back. I tell him about the pacer idea and then I head over to the medical area. The guys in the medical area sort out my feet. They do a brilliant job. It is nice just sitting there. A fellow with a dog comes over and keeps me company chatting away. We laugh about nothing and then I am done with new socks from my drop back and all bandaged up. I see Phil (Mushroom Boy) and he tells me I can come over and drink Bills champagne. I head over and have some juice and also tell phil my need for a pacer. It was rather long stay but I came out of there feeling good. I head up the road as the darkness fell, it was a nice smooth fire trail and it felt wonderful to run without watching my feet. There are a few people in front of me. Everyone seems to have picked up a pacer I soon catch them and pass them. I am feeling good. I get my light on and settle into a nice running pace. Soon I am back to downhill on single trail. There is a noise behind me in the dark. I shit myself and turn my light back to see what the hell it is. There is an old guy running down the trail without a light on. We chat for a bit as I run behind him. He tells me that I need to move my feet like a big wheel and not to break ‘cause it trashes your quads. He also asks me about blisters. Yep I am having problems. He tells me “your foot and shoe should just meld into one and that way there is not rubbing and no rubbing means no blisters. Then he is gone, down into the dark. I try to follow his advice and wonder if I just hallucinated the whole thing. His advice worked and I was now back to climbing.
I hit the road and for a moment my mind could not make out where I was or what I was looking at. The checkpoint was there but my brain had just spent too much time alone in the dark. I grabbed some water and food and headed up the road. I wish I had asked where to next because I was not sure if I was suppose to just follow the road or maybe there was a bush trail I should be looking out for. I just followed the road and before long people were coming down the road. I guess to see their runner. Cool people means checkpoint. Then I met up with Steve, Tanky was doing well and he walked with me for a bit before heading back down to see Tanky. I started to run up the hill wanting to get to the checkpoint and see if there was a pacer for me. As I ran I started to really feel good. Plus the words of encouragement from all the passing people helped me along. I know that after Foresthill it was a gradual downhill to Rucky Chucky and after Rucky Chucky it was much easier running. So the hard stuff was behind me and I was still running. This is definitely a good sign. I ran into Foresthill and there was vegie and a fellow named Ian. Ian was going to pace me. Fantastic. I mucked around a bit and was told to stop pfaffing and get moving. Ian and I headed off into the night.
I half open my eyes. The others are moving around the room getting ready. They move silently and with purpose preparing for the big day.
I close my eyes again and just lay there my mind spinning around. Ok what are my options? I can just tell them I am not going and go back to sleep? No way. They aren’t going to let me. Ok what else is there? I could just get up and get ready?
I open my eyes again and my feet hit the floor. I think there is talking but I can not connect. My gear is all sitting in order on the floor ready to put on. I take great care with each item, for I am dressing for battle and each item has its own power. Do not rush with a sock for a crease could mean a blister. Slowly I dress with what I guess is called mindfulness.
All ready we head for breakfast. Many of the group are there and chatting full of nervous energy. I can not connect my mind is else where. Dog would say I am in the zone. I am not sure where I am I just know that casual conversation is beyond me. I eat a toasted peanut butter and jelly bagel and some black coffee. I sit there quietly and stare into the unknown. The room is filled with movement. Lets go Spud tells me I march out the door and into the car. I can not even tell you who was driving on that cool dark morning I was just a lump.
We arrived at Squaw Valley and head off to get our numbers and chips. I took the same care with them as I did with the rest of my gear. Now we were in a room with 400 runners and crew and everyone was excited. I found a corner and sat on the floor. The room swirled around me as I sat there watching everyone’s shoes and gaiters. I closed my eyes for a moment. There was nothing more to do, the time was now almost here and I felt a kind of peace as I surrendered to what was about to come.
Soon everyone was heading outside into the cold. Pictures were taken under the start and then all facing the mountain ahead we waited. Aussie Aussie Aussie came echoning from the back of the crowd. Oi Oi Oi was the reply from different parts of the group. We were there as individuals yes but we were also there as a team and as a team we were going to be watched by so many so far away. The enormity hit me and I staggered for a second. I was here! This was my dream and I am now here. Then the voices of the crowd started 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 the shotgun fired and we were released like large smelly flightless doves set free on the mountain. I was with Whippet, our plan was start slow and slow down.
As we climbed the mountain we saw Gordy. Gordy was god. He started the Western States and 100 mile races. I have so few heros and yet here was one and I was running next to him. Whippet says to me as he points at Gordy “Mr Sub 24, stay with Gordy and we will be fine”. As we climb the mountain the sun starts to rise, I look back down the mountain at lake Tahoe and the surrounding valleys. It is simply magical. We climb further and chat with those around. I feel good to be here and finally on my way.
The top is soon here and the track winds down in single file. Tim Tweitmeyer said to just settle into the group you are in and not to worry about overtaking since you will probably end up tripping in the scrub and bang yourself up very early in the race. But then Gordy took off around the group and Whippet soon followed. I was happy to just stay and although slow cruised down the trail in the middle of a large group of runners. The landscape was beautiful with wildflowers everywhere in full bloom. I choose a nice spot for a pee and stood looking out on the mountains and valleys and the colours of the flowers as I water the small patch of ground in front of me.
The trail opened out and I opened up my stride and passed a few people. Soon I saw Tanky and she was telling me whippet was just by. I was happy with my pace and kept it going. Soon RMC was there in front. He said he was not sure what was coming so had no idea of pace. I have no idea either but I guess we will have to figure it out as we go I said. Then in the distance I saw Brendan. Hey this is cool I know Brendan finishes these things well and is about my pace so I will try to keep him in sight and all will be good. I strode down a hill and bang. Rolled my ankle. Fear and apprehension rocked my happy little world. Oh crap! I can’t run 100 miles on a rolled ankle. Is this how my run is going to be?? I tried to settle my head down and assess what my ankle was doing. It felt ok. It will be fine I told myself you are just panicking. Then bang I fell over. Now I was really stressing. But I kept moving forward. I slowed my pace and started to take care with every single step. This was going to be a long long day.
Things did settle and the checkpoints were so amazing. There was always someone there to be your “slave” they would fill your bottles and make sure you had everything you need. They would stand there next to you whilst you ate with your bottles in hand ready to see you off. It was so cool. The novelty of it all soon had my head in an ok place but then over I went again.
Now I was feeling crappy, my ankle hurt and I had a splitting headache and I was feeling tired from no sleep. I wondered if I could do it. I could still see Brendan so my pace was good but everything else was a mess. Then I lost Brendan as he flew down a hill but I was too scared of another fall and took my time.
Another checkpoint and I decided I would walk. The guy in front asked me if I wanted to pass but I said now I was feeling like crap and I was going to walk for a while. He said he had stomach issues and was going to walk too. The company made it a little easier. I kept telling myself that this bad patch would pass and all I needed to do was keep relentlessly moving forward. A women passed me and then a moment later she fell badly. She quickly got up shook herself off and kept going. It was a wake up call for me to stop being a baby shake myself off and get running. I did. My spirits were still down but I was running. Then we hit a climb. I enjoyed the climbs. After this climb was Robertson Flats and crew and supporters would be there. I could do with some familiar faces. As I strode into the checkpoint I could see the green and gold. There was cheering and I heard my name. I then unloaded all my woes on those around me. I did some blister care and then I was told to get going. I did and was out there on the trail again. I felt a little lighter after leaving some of my woes back there.
It is quiet a long downhill after Robertson’s Flat and I seem to be travelling pretty slowly. It felt like everyone was passing me. It is single trail and so every time I heard the beat of feet I would move aside. It was starting to get quite warm too and this is how I travelled for ages.
I knew I had a big climb at Devils Thumb but other then that I was just running and walking and trying to keep my fluid intake up. They measure you at so many different aid stations I did not want to have any weight issues.
I hit Last Chance and noticed they had a big Aussie Assault banner hanging there which was pretty cool. I suddenly felt like I was getting somewhere since it was only a few more miles (all up hill mind you) to Devils Thumb and that was near enough half way. I felt hot and tired and started to not want to eat what was available at the ccheckpoints. My weight was good – phew. Then someone was talking to me. I was vague and was too busy forcing food into me to really engage but as I hit the trail I realised it was Penny an ex pat. I wish I had been more present. As I sttod there I noticed Brendan leaving. Wow! I am still near Brendan! Ok that is not too bad I must still be travelling ok. Then I hear Kel. He is over in the medical getting his blisters done. “What’s the odds. 365 starts and never a blister before now. I looked down at Kel’s nike frees with the safety pins and reply “maybe it is your shoe choice?” I start to head out but stop for a moment and cool down with the bucket and sponge. Ok Devil’s Thumb here I come.
Down, Down, Down I head but I have been watching the people that pass me and try to emulate there downhill technique. They land on their heels and there steps are small and they roll along. It seems to be working since I do not get passed for ages. I look out over the edge and can see how far down the canyon goes. It is a bloody long way down and I know not only do I have to run down there but then back up the other side. It is kind of depressing but I put it out of my mind and focus on running down the rocky path. Before long I could see the bottom. I remember on the DVD “race for the Soul” how they all have a soak in the river just before Devil’s Thumb. I wanted to add that experience to my adventure and climbed down to the water’s edge. I seem to be the only one with this in mind but I don’t care. I take off my shoes and socks and soak my feet in the cool water. It feels divine. My feet are starting to look a bit beaten up and there is a big white crease on the ball of my left foot. A few people now seeing me down at the water head down too. One fellow asks if I am ok.
I get my socks and shoes on and start heading back up. I feel happy to be heading up hill and just settle into a nice pace. There is a girl looking distressed I stop and have a chat to her. She is feeling dizzy. I told her to take a gu and some water ‘cause it is just a sugar low. I offer her a gu but she has one and says she will have a sit, take the gu and will be fine. I keep heading up. I just plod along. Then there are some people cheering. People always mean you are close to the checkpoint. They are yelling about popsicles. It takes me a while to figure out they are taking about iceblocks. Then I am there in the hustle bustle of the aid station. I give my water bottles to my helper. Ice and water in both I please. I weight in. 161lbs which is what I weighed in at the start so that is perfect. I look at the food. Every aid station is the same and I am so over all the choices. But I still need the fuel so I eat some fruit and some cookies and take some for the trail then I grab a popsicle. I notice a pile of people sitting in the chairs on the side like a pile of wounded. I am glad I am not one of them.
Down, down, down I go. My quads are starting to complain. I start doing the maths. Ok if it took me 12 1/2 hours to get to half way I am not going to make sub 24. Now I have so much daylight left and my main light is 15 miles away (Foresthill School). I am only just going to make to Michigan Bluff before dark. Luckily I have a spare light there.
My blisters start to bother me more and more so when I hit the next checkpoint I ask about sorting my blister out. I take of my wet manky sock and the guy puts a piece of tape on my foot in a vein attempt at trying to sort the problem out. Whilst this is happening there is a guy behind me throwing his guts up. They are going to pull him. I look at my watch for the first time since I can see the board with the cut off times. I am blown away to see I have 5 minutes before the 30 hr split. Crap!! I head up the mountain toward Michigan Bluff .
For the first time since Robertson Flats I feel tired. I know that it will be night soon enough and I am worried about my tiredness and being alone through the night. I know that with the dark and my tiredness I will get into a bad head space and DNF-ing will be a big issue. I start to wonder if I will see any Aussies at the next place. Maybe I can ask if they can organise a pacer for me at Foresthill. Yeah that is what I will do get a pacer and the company will get me through the night. After the long climb I enter Michigan Bluff feeling a bit down. My foot is really hurting and I am worn out. I can not see anyone I know. I move to the food table and just stare. I then see Steve (Tanky’s other) and he is chatting to me. I really needed the familiar face and it brings me back. I tell him about the pacer idea and then I head over to the medical area. The guys in the medical area sort out my feet. They do a brilliant job. It is nice just sitting there. A fellow with a dog comes over and keeps me company chatting away. We laugh about nothing and then I am done with new socks from my drop back and all bandaged up. I see Phil (Mushroom Boy) and he tells me I can come over and drink Bills champagne. I head over and have some juice and also tell phil my need for a pacer. It was rather long stay but I came out of there feeling good. I head up the road as the darkness fell, it was a nice smooth fire trail and it felt wonderful to run without watching my feet. There are a few people in front of me. Everyone seems to have picked up a pacer I soon catch them and pass them. I am feeling good. I get my light on and settle into a nice running pace. Soon I am back to downhill on single trail. There is a noise behind me in the dark. I shit myself and turn my light back to see what the hell it is. There is an old guy running down the trail without a light on. We chat for a bit as I run behind him. He tells me that I need to move my feet like a big wheel and not to break ‘cause it trashes your quads. He also asks me about blisters. Yep I am having problems. He tells me “your foot and shoe should just meld into one and that way there is not rubbing and no rubbing means no blisters. Then he is gone, down into the dark. I try to follow his advice and wonder if I just hallucinated the whole thing. His advice worked and I was now back to climbing.
I hit the road and for a moment my mind could not make out where I was or what I was looking at. The checkpoint was there but my brain had just spent too much time alone in the dark. I grabbed some water and food and headed up the road. I wish I had asked where to next because I was not sure if I was suppose to just follow the road or maybe there was a bush trail I should be looking out for. I just followed the road and before long people were coming down the road. I guess to see their runner. Cool people means checkpoint. Then I met up with Steve, Tanky was doing well and he walked with me for a bit before heading back down to see Tanky. I started to run up the hill wanting to get to the checkpoint and see if there was a pacer for me. As I ran I started to really feel good. Plus the words of encouragement from all the passing people helped me along. I know that after Foresthill it was a gradual downhill to Rucky Chucky and after Rucky Chucky it was much easier running. So the hard stuff was behind me and I was still running. This is definitely a good sign. I ran into Foresthill and there was vegie and a fellow named Ian. Ian was going to pace me. Fantastic. I mucked around a bit and was told to stop pfaffing and get moving. Ian and I headed off into the night.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 10:40 AM.
