Sunday, September 9, 2007

Plain 100 Race Report

I was not able to finish Plain 100 this weekend. In fact, I didn’t even come close, lol. I dropped 45-50 miles in.

I was feeling really good up until mile 35-40 when I came off the grueling 3 hour, 6 mile, 5000 foot climb up to Signal peak, Then all of a sudden one mile later I lost all my energy and spent 10 miles trying to get it back, but it didn’t happen. I’m not sure what happened. I was eating enough, I was hydrated and taking enough S caps, I just ran out of gass. My leg muscles were still strong but didn’t have any energy to use them. I guess it was just a matter of time before trying to do 3 100’s in 3 months caught up to me. I guess I tried to do too much too soon, that will never change, it’s just the type of person I am. The course was unbelievably beautiful and I enjoyed it while I felt good. I definitely don’t have any regrets about dropping. I was ready to drop at mile 40 but had to walk 10 miles before I got to a search and rescue check point to find anyone that cared. Just to show how remote this race is, after I dropped (about a 10 mile run from the start/finish line) and got in the car with the search and rescue people, we had a 100 mile drive back to the start of the race.

I took some good pictures that I will share later.

I would say the hardest part about the race for me was the lack of aid stations. When you start feeling bad, and don’t have the supplies you need there’s nothing you can do about it. The no course markings wasn’t that difficult the written directions and maps were very good, I didn’t take any wrong turns. The elevation change was much tougher than any other race I had done before but it wasn’t the reason for my drop, although it may have been if I was able to continue further into the race. My feet were still in good shape, although they probably would have gotten pretty bad too, had I continued. I don’t think all the extra weight I had to carry really bothered me either. Other than the 6 mile climb up to signal peak, there were enough streams that I only needed my 2 handhelds. I didn’t use any of my iodine tabs, as the water was crystal clear and none of the locals used filters or tabs. I didn’t really have a chance to get deep into the race and experience all of its difficulty, it’s almost like it was over before it started. I really enjoyed this experience and I will definitely be back next year to avenge my defeat and solve the mystery energy bonk.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Can I come? If I am off of work next year, I would like to try this one too....

shawn said...

Josh - I don't think I met you in person this weekend, but I just wanted to say congratulations on giving it your all and having the guts to start the race. I was injured and crewed Arthur and Michelle, but it was the most fantastic and emotional experience watching everyone and getting to meet other ultra families. Hope to see you in '08.

Michmas said...

Josh - nice work out there this weekend (regardless if you finished or not). Remember what Tom said at the pre race briefing it's all about the journey - not the finish line :) Not sure if I saw you out there or not, but hopefully I'll catch you next year!

Michelle

Anonymous said...

Josh:

You are to be congratulated on a great effort and also for knowing when the smart thing to do is to stop and fight another day. Now you know what kind of monster you are up against out there. Recover well and be ready to go again in three weeks.

Happy trails.

echoguy

Pat said...

Good effort. 3 100 milers in a row is amazing. What you accomplished is very good. rest up.

Josh said...

Mike,

You better come with me next year. I think running as a team of 2 or 3 runners would be a big advantage in this race.

Shawn,

Thanks, I had such a great time out there, finishing or not. See you next year!

Michelle,

"finihsing not the only prize" that poem was correct. I would rather have DNF'ed then be too afraid to start.

Echoguy,

I learned alot of valuable info for next years race. I don't know how many years it is going to take me to finish, but I'm going to find out, lol.

Pat,

Thanks! 3 100's would have been great, but I'll settle for 2 1/2 ;)

Anonymous said...

Josh, great effort, great attitude, you are the ultra stud! Focus on those 2 finished 100's...
awesome! I totally agree that better to "get up to bat and get out, than not get up to bat at all". Not even sure you "got out", you had a great experience and learned, and you will finish this race!!

Adelyn said...

great job on completing half of a super tough 100, especially with all the racing you've been doing lately! I love how you're jumping right back in, too, with the 50k this weekend. You're awesome!

I also like that doing 50 miles was like you hadn't even started ;)

E-Speed said...

you are hard core man. You'll finish this race in style next time! good luck at the 50k, have fun!

Josh said...

Tony,

I had such a great time despite not finishing. Thanks for the confidence. I believe I will finish this race!

Addy,

Thanks! I was definitely not saying 50 miles is not a great distance. But when I was planning on and pacing to running 100 stopping at 50 is very weird

E,

Thanks! I will take a finish, with or without style, lol. The 50k should be alot of fun!

Running 2 Mohican said...

GREAT TRY MY MAN!

King Arthur said...

I might see you next year but I don't think I'll be running it. 2 100's in 3 weeks was a bit much for me.