Thumbnail Photo Taken By: @jamesholk @runfreetrail @daybreakracing
The 2024 Gorge Waterfalls 100k began at 5 am on Saturday morning, and I felt cool and calm, echoing Karl Meltzer's sentiment that '100 miles just isn't that far.' After completing the Fat Dog 120 last year to cap off my season, I shared similar feelings about the 100k distance-I wasn't worried about finishing; I was just excited to embark on this long journey.
The race unfolded as expected until around mile 30 when I began to feel ready to be done, although I knew that wasn't an option. Thus, my race turned into a grind, but this time, I was better at maintaining my pace and keeping a positive mindset than in past ultras.
The journey through miles 0-10 was mostly in the dark, navigating wet and slippery switchbacks amidst a conga line of runners. I found my rhythm, passing where I could and conserving energy where necessary. Remarkably, my total time spent at aid stations was under 10 minutes for the entire 62 miles-a significant improvement.
From miles 11-20, I ran alongside Sarah, relishing in the beauty of the waterfalls and single track that lined the gorge. As the terrain grew more challenging, we eventually separated, only reuniting briefly at the Wyeth aid station.
Miles 21-30 saw me maintaining a strong pace, but I knew it wouldn't last. Heading back the way we came, the trails felt unfamiliar, perhaps influenced by the mushrooms I had taken at the start. Despite the fatigue setting in, I pressed on, refueling at aid stations and pushing through the mental barriers.
By miles 31-40, the Inner Bitch began to rear its head, urging me to stop and drop from the race. However, drawing on past experiences, I silenced the negative thoughts and kept moving forward.
The hardest physical challenge came during miles 41-50, where I walked most of the relatively easy trail, battling exhaustion and discomfort. Ditching unnecessary gear at Wyeth aid station, I found renewed energy, spurred on by the proximity to the finish line.
The final push from miles 51-62 was invigorating as I tackled a 3-mile uphill stretch, fueled by the anticipation of seeing my wife and daughter at the finish line. Running across the finish line with Tove in my arms was the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey, reminding me of the joy and fulfillment that come from pushing past my limits.
Thank you for joining me on this incredible adventure. If you enjoyed this video, please hit the like and subscribe buttons, and stay tuned for more exciting races and adventures ahead
19 апр 2024
