Running adventures and more from the back of the pack
Tag: Ultrarunning
Another reason I wanted to run 100 miles is because I have a daughter who is transitioning to adulthood, and two young nieces who, according to my sister, look up to me like I were Pink. Yes, the singer. I wanted to show them that it’s okay to dream big dreams and follow your passion, no matter how uncertain the outcome; that the joy is in the pursuit; and the reward for having done it is in knowing that you can, and you did.
The decision to run Canyons 100K did not come lightly. I’ve finished other 100Ks before — so the distance was not new to me; but the most I had climbed was 13,000 feet. The course description on Epic Endurance Events’s website both excited and scared me: “Participants will experience some of the most scenic and challenging sections of the iconic WS Trail as they cover up to 15,000 feet of gain through the Canyons between Swinging Bridge and the famous river crossing at Rucky Chucky. Your limits will be tested and your finish will be hard fought as this is the most rugged and difficult of sections of the Western States Trail, RUN TWICE.” If I could finish in 18 hours, I would get my Western States qualifier. Clearly, this race was at the edge of my possible…It was perfect!
Around mile 78, my Garmin died so I switched to Strava on my phone. That too drained by mile 82, so I stopped Strava. No big deal, right? Except it was! I always run with my watch because I rely on the feedback it gives me — primarily, distance and time elapsed. Not having either was distressing. My only source of data in the last 18 miles of the race was the clock on my phone. And to make things worse, it started to drizzle. And I was gagging on my gel and burping. And my tummy was complaining. My Bubble of Joy had shattered and the mental battles started in earnest.
Life’s a Peach.Run 