4th Overall 22:07:00
I guess I should start off by explaining, the why? For some reason I knew I wanted this race to be my first 100 miler. There’s something about the Ozark area and the trails in Missouri that I’m drawn to. After completing a 50 mile MTB race on the OT I’ve been messing with the idea of doubling the OT100MTB and OT100 trail race. I wasn’t able to do the MTB portion of this challenge but looking back now I’m ok w/ that. Why the 100 mile distance, because it’s a true test of the human spirit I think. I wanted to test myself and push my physical and mental capability.
Training leading up to the race wasn’t your typical 100 mile training program by any means. I did a 53k a month ago and waited to the deadline to sign up and said screw it, let’s go, why not. I had done a few long runs but that was a while ago and my weekly mileage was laughable for leading up to a 100 mile race. Still I felt I was ready physically and mentally for the challenge.
The race is a point to point race. After getting some decent sleep in the back of the Xterra at the camp grounds we loaded a bus at 3am and drove for 2 hours to the start. Race started at 6 a.m. which gave us about and hour and a half with our headlamps before the sun came up. I went out with past champs Tommy Doias and Ben Creehan and we settled into a good pace on an out and back section on some fire road to thin out the pack before entering the trailhead. I ran with them for the opening miles and then I quickly noticed my right IT band insertion on the knee was acting up. I figured it would go away as I warmed up but it continued to get tighter and tighter and never loosened up...the entire race. Anyway I found myself in 3rd for a good majority of the first quarter then started going back and forth with 4th place. Got to Gunstock Hollow where my first drop bag was and exited in 3rd and stayed there till about mile 96. Goal was get to Hazel Creek Mile 65.4 before dark which I almost did. Entered in just as I needed a headlamp. Rain was rumored to move in over night so I grabbed my hat and rain jacket refueled and I was out. Night running, especially on the OT, is definitely a unique experience. I was in complete solitude, except for the aid stations, from mile 60-96. Alone in the woods with my headlamp and my mind playing tricks on me. It was pretty rough going at night. The constant focus to not miss a turn. The non stop stubbing of the toe on hidden roots and rocks is enough to drive one insane. When you stare at a light bouncing off passing objects in the dark for so long it’ll start to mess with you. At this point it was just a matter of stocking up enough fuel to get me to the next aid station. Each aid station carried between 5.3-9.6 miles apart. Nutrition wise I think I nailed that. I continued to pee all race which was good. I got a good mix of solids and liquid gels throughout. No stomach issues. With 20 to go by legs really started to go but I was still moving forward we’ll, if that makes any sense. I knew I’d finish. If it meant walking most of the damn thing I would have. But it was really at Berryman 78.6 mile checkpoint that I though damnit your actually gunna finish this thing.
Overall, unbelievable experience. Really happy with the result. Choosing this course for my first 100 was rough but I got er done and really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the pain and placing myself in unfamiliar territory. I think that’s why we do this. To feel alive and know that somethings there inside of us wanting to be pushed and tested. Will I do another 100? Yes. But not for a very long time.
* The results have me listed as 23 hour 07 minutes. With the time change that night I think they got messed up. My watch had me at 22 hours and 5 minutes. Not sure if it was my watch that didn't "fall back" or if the timing results didn't account for the time change.
Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/athletes/2617345#interval?interval=201844&interval_type=week&chart_type=miles&year_offset=0
Results Link: http://ozarktrail100.com
