Race Report

Lean Horse 100 Miles

Hot Springs, South Dakota

August 23/24, 2008





Aug. 23rd, 6:00am. The sun is about to rise over the Black Hills. The weather is great. Temperature is low 60’s at start. However, the expected high is mid 80’s for the day. It’s a little warm for running. But I’ve done some heat training though. I was prepared for the high temps.

My plan for this race was to finish around 21 hours. Altitude wasn’t going to be factor since I had trained for Leadville, but didn’t get to run it. Start elevation is around 3400 ft., and gradually climb to highest point about 5800 ft. near the half-way point. Turnaround point is at 5400 ft. My plan was to start out slow for the first 16 miles, since this would be a hilly country road. Well, mostly ups. The first 2 miles was on sidewalk and little pavement through town before we head off on the graveled Argyle Road. Front runners are gone by then. Most everyone had settled into their pace. The first AS was 4 miles out. I was on target at about 10:45 min./mile. There were still a bunch of us packed together , and I got to chat with a lot of people on the way out.

A gravel road is not one of my favorite running tuff. Large rock gravel tend to kill my feet after 10 miles. I hit the 10 mile AS in good shape, refilled my water bottle, ate some snacks and off I went. I reached the Argyle road AS (mile 16.6) in 3 hrs. I was glad to be off the gravel road. From here, we’re on the Mickelson Trail. A good trail with small loose gravel. This trail was converted from an old railroad line. And no where is it more than 3% grade.

After leaving Argyle AS, I settled into a slow pace to the next AS (mile 20). While this trail is fairly easy to run on, I was reminded again why I not too crazy about running Riverside trail… long and straight. But I think this was worse. I soon realized it was going to be more of a mind game. The trail is only 3% grade, but when you stared at it for 2 to 3 miles at a time, it becomes daunting. I kept my head down and not looking into the distance.
I came into Pringle AS (mile 24) kinda struggling. I was beginning to feel some tightness in my right leg. Other than that, I was still in good shape. My pace had fallen off abit (11 min/mile). I ate a sandwich and snacks with coke, refilled my bottle, and off I went again. I tried to keep stops under 5 minutes.

From Pringle AS, the 3% climb continued. Time was now about 11am. It was getting warm. I kept drinking water and Accelerade, which was not one of my favorite drink, but drank it anyway. I also kept taking in Endurlytes (about 3 or 4 on the hour). Heed is my normal drink for 100 milers. Somehow the supplier didn’t deliver Heed at the AS. I was bummed about that.

For the next 20 miles, I slowed quite a bit. The 3% grade controlled. I thought, I’ll just power walk most of this and run most, if not all, on the way back. A lot of people went by as I just power walk. I kept telling myself, I will catch you guys on the way back. I trudged on to mile 50. I was way behind on my plan. I got to halfway in 11 hours. I took a 20 minute break. I changed my socks, shoe, and sat and ate chicken noodles and crackers. More people were still going by. I just sat and relaxed for a bit. One guy came into the AS in bad shape. He wanted to quit so bad, and needed a ride back. He was having major stomach issues. He sat for a minute, and then hurled off everything. There were a few of us taking a break. We all encouraged him not to quit yet. That taking an hour break could get him back on the trail again. And that’s what usually happens. If you take a little time out, and get some fluids and solids back in your systems, you can be back at it again. I told him to hang in there and not give up yet, and left.

I walked for 5 miles so my stomach could settle abit. Coming back from halfway point, there is a 8 to 10 mile stretch at 3% grade climb again before the 40 mile downgrade back to finish..well for the most part. At mile 55, I was about 12 hours into the race. I knew the 21-hour finish was not going to happen. So my plan was now to finish in 24 hours. I thought, it was now or never. From there, going up a hill, I started into a small shuffle. For the next 10 miles, I passed 10 people. They were all walking back up the hill, while I was just shuffling along. It made me feel great to catch up with people. I know that these people are hurting just as bad as I am. In these ultras, it’s not really a race with other people. It is a challenge as how far you can push yourself to overcome obstacles to finish a course. I gave them encouraging words as I went by. That was now my focus… catching people and just pushing forward.

I got back to Pringle AS (mile 76) in 18 hours. I had 6 hours left to make 24-hour mark. It was now midnight, and temperature was getting cooler, mid 50’s. It feels great when you’re moving, but when you stop for a minute, the chill starts to set in. I had caught and passed several more people coming into the AS. I ate some chicken noodles, snacks, and ice cold coke. And refilled my bottle with ice and water. Even when it’s cold, I still prefer ice and water. I was still keeping my stops to 5 or 6 minutes, and some at 2 minutes. I put on my windbreaker, and off I went. My body was still fine, and my legs were still moving great. I continued with a little shuffling, and gradually get into a slow run to each aid station. Through the night, when I see a light bobbing ahead, I was determined to catch the light.

I got back to Argyle AS (mile 83.5) in 20 hrs. Time was ticking away. I had 4 hours left to cover 16.5 miles. And now I’m back on the Argyle road… the hilly country road. It took me about 2 miles before my footing got use to the road. My legs were now taking a beating. The short steep ups and downs were taking its toll. Even then, I caught a few more people on this stretch. Most were barely moving along…not even long walking strides. I kept pushing forward. I wanted the 24-hour mark so bad. I kept attacking the hills, and kept short strides on the downs. My back was really killing me on the downhills. My quads were screaming,, but I kept pushing. Time was ticking away faster…so it seemed. I got to mile 90 in 21.5 hours. I had 2.5 hours to cover 10 miles. I grabbed a turkey sandwich and refilled my water bottle, and kept on walking. I could only eat half. Food was not going down so easy now.

I had 5 miles left on the hilly road before a turn off to the last AS. The 5 miles was going on and on. And it was basically all downhill. I kept going, and thinking.. the turn off is coming up soon. A few times, I thought… did I miss the turn-off? I really don’t want to go back uphill again. Finally, I saw the turn-off. As soon as I got on the trail, I started to pick it up more to get to the AS, which was almost another mile. I got to the last AS (mile 96) at 23 hrs. 5 mins. I thought… I don’t have time to eat another. I have to keep moving. I got my water bottle filled. And off I went. I had 55 minutes to cover 4 miles. On any normal day, 4 miles in 55 minutes is a piece of cake. But after going 96 miles, legs completely trashed, no sleep for 24 hours, it was going to be tough to make it. I kept telling myself…. I can make it… I know I can…. I am going to beat 24 hours. I caught one more person in this stretch.

It was beginning to get light now, as I came down one last big downhill before coming into town. It was absolute torture by now. I had 20 minutes to go 2 miles on hard surface. With about ½ mile to go, you have to cross back over a river before the final stretch to the finish. I saw 2 bridges. As I came to the first crossing, I didn’t see any markings. I went across, but only to find out I took the wrong turn. I almost just quit then. While I only lost 20 or 30 seconds to get back on the right track, it was tough going the last final stretch. With a ¼ mile left, I gave everything I had left… which at this point… there wasn’t a whole lot. I came over a small mound, and saw the finish line. The clock was ticking fast. I ran through the finish at 23 hrs, 59 mins, 05 secs. I made it… sub 24,,, with only seconds to spare. Talk about cutting it close. I was so glad to be done though.

I congratulate everyone doing this race, and finishing it. Some say Lean Horse is an easy 100. 100 miles is still 100 miles,,, no matter how you slice it. My hat’s off to the RD, Jerry Dunn, and all the volunteers for organizing this race. As with any race, if it wasn’t for volunteers, races do not happen.

Next, Mother Road 100, part II,, November 8th.

My reward for finishing 100 miles. Just awesome!

No Leadville 2008

Wellll.... Leadville Trail 100 didn't happen for me this year. Sometimes you can plan and prepare for a whole year... and yet not make it to the start line. But when it comes to family...especially my son, certain things just take a back sit.

This meant that I had to re-group quickly. Fortunately, I was able to sign up for Lean Horse 100 next weekend. I've rearrange my plans for another great race that I've been meaning to do. This should be a great outing. I look forward to running the Black Hills. I'll have a report when I'm done.

Happy Trails!

Leadville Trail 100

Leadville Trail 100 is next weekend.... yeah!!!

I'm doing my last long training runs this weekend... then doing some tapering monday, tuesday, and wednesday. I can't wait to get there.

Badwater Ultramarathon race report

Badwater Ultramarathon
July 14, 15, 16, 2008
Time limit: 60 hours

Monday, July 14th, 2008. Time is 8:00 am.

A wave of runners begins the 135-mile trek across Death Valley to Mt. Whitney Portal. Temperature is about 100 degrees, overcast and very humid. It had been raining off and on the past few days. There were several places along the course that had washouts. The day before at pre-race meeting, we were warned about the possibility of course change due to major road washouts. But that would only be a last minute change.

The 8 am wave consisted of 30 runners. One of them was Cheryl Zwarkowski from Victorville, CA. I was privileged to be part of her six men road crew. This would be my first crewing/pacing at Badwater.

Temperature is rising as the field heads toward Furnace Creek (17.4 mile marker). The field spreads out quickly after 5 miles. The veterans go out fairly quick, knowing from experience as to how they can pace themselves. While those making their first Badwater attempt, they cautiously make way to Furnace Creek. Cheryl reaches Furnace Creek in 3 hrs 24 minutes. Up to this point, crews are only allowed to aid runner’s needs, but no pacing.

Time is close to noon, humidity is all but gone, but the temperature is rising past 110. Cheryl begins her next leg to Stovepipe Wells (42 mile marker). I begin pacing Cheryl first. Since I was assigned to crewing/pacing her through the night, I wanted to do some pacing early. We get into a slow running mode. After going about 2 miles, the heat really sets in. Temperature was now around 115. We continue to take in fluids, and the crew sprays us with water. We walked the ups, and slow jogging on the flats and downhill. The crew leap frog us and waits at the next mile. They replenish our water bottles, and we take in Thermolytes and Carbo-pro mix drink. Cheryl and I continue. The road was very busy. As a pacer, I also had to make sure Cheryl does not wonder to far into the road, as well as watching out for her well being.

We reached the 23-mile mark. My pacing was done for the day. Day shift took over, while night shift, including me, head to Stovepipe Wells and rest up for the long night.

When I was pacing Cheryl, it seemed like I wasn’t sweating a lot. Cheryl and I were completely covered head, neck, and upper body from sunburning. At temperature around 115, any sweat was just evaporating. The crew would have to spray us down with water to keep us cool. After the pacer exchange, I got in air-conditioned van. I started sweating like crazy. It’s mind-bogging how the harsh heat can drain your body if you not replacing lost fluids.

Cheryl was expecting to arrive in Stovepipe Wells between 5 and 6pm. Apparently she had major stomach problems somewhere around mile 30 to 35. She took more breaks then she expected. She arrived at Stovepipe Wells at 5:49pm. Time elapsed 9 hrs. 49 minutes. Cheryl takes a break for about 30 minutes to eat, change clothes, and re-dress her foot. At this point, there were no blisters.

From Stovepipe Wells to Towne’s pass, it is a torturing 17 miles, 5000 ft climb. Most runners will walk this part of the course. Even the front-runners will walk at some point of this climb. The night crew takes over at mile 50. I begin the pacing duties again. The plan was to pace 2 hrs and switch off. Cheryl is having stomach problems again. As we begin to assess her condition, we encourage her to keep walking instead of completely stopping and re-coup. She needed more solid food. The liquid diet she was doing in the heat of the day took its toll. The body was going down the tubes. She begins to take in solids i.e. Potatoes with salt, chips, PB&J, and drinking Dr. Pepper, Coke, and Mt. Dew with Carbo-pro. The crew vehicle stops at every mile. At each stop, Cheryl eats a little bit. She continues to regain her strength up the climb. Her walking pace increases. Almost two hours into my pacing duties, I begin to develop cramps in my calve muscles. I told Cheryl that I’m not much of a walker for long stretches on an uphill. So I start into a small shuffle, and Cheryl continues with her power walking.

Time was now close to midnight, and we’re reaching 4000 ft. There’s a small breeze, temperature was getting cooling as we approach the top. But it was in the upper 80’s. Compared to a scorching daytime 115 degrees, upper 80’s was cool. About 6 miles from the top, severe cramps hit my calf muscles. I made the mistake of not eating several hours earlier. Now I’m paying the price. Fortunately, it was time for pacer change. Man …was I glad. I got in the crew vehicle and start eating solid food and drinking Gatorade. We continued our climb to the top. Cheryl reaches Towne’s pass around 2am, taking about 7 hrs from Stovepipe Wells.

Once we hit Towne’s pass, it’s bone-crushing decent of 14 miles into Panamint Valley and Panamint Springs, which is the next time station. After going about 7 mile downhill, Cheryl gets really tired and decides to take a 30-minute break. I didn’t sleep and kept my eye on the clock. Making sure the others don’t sleep past the 30 minutes. I take over pacing duties again on the final 7-mile stretch into Panamint Springs. Time was now 6:37am; Cheryl and I make it to Panamint Springs time station. It took almost 13 hrs to cover 31 miles. It was a very long night. At Panamint Springs (72.3 mile marker), we are now 22 hrs 37 minutes into the race. We have passed the halfway point.

At Panamint Springs, Cheryl takes 45-minute break for change of clothes, food, and re-dressing her foot. She was beginning to develop blisters on the outside of her foot. Time is now 7:15am. Cheryl hits the road to Father Crowleys’ point. She is feeling much better now, after taking in solid food through the night. Again it’s another hard climb, an accent of 2000 ft. in 8 miles. The day crew arrives around 8:00am. We go now to Lone Pine to eat breakfast and rest up for the ensuing second night on the road.

I managed to sleep about hour and a half. Around 3pm, we get a call that Cheryl had just passed the 100-mile marker. Lone Pine is at 122-mile marker. She was closing in. About 6pm, we meet up with Cheryl and the crew, she was 8 miles from Lone Pine. We relieve the day crew. Now it was our turn to get her into Lone Pine and up Mt. Whitney portal road.

I begin the pacing duties with 3 miles outside of Lone Pine. Cheryl decides to walk it into Lone Pine, saving some energy for the final climb up Mt. Whitney portal road. We get into Lone Pine time station (122 mile marker) just before midnight. Time elapsed is now 40 hours. Cheryl takes a short 15-minute break for food, change of clothes, and re-dressing her foot.

I continue with Cheryl up the portal road. It is a 13 mile climb. From Lone Pine, the grade increases with every mile. By mile 8 up the portal road, it becomes a steep climb for the last 5 miles. It is the hardest finish of any race. I finished my pacing duties to mile 127.

The day crew catches up at mile 130. While only 2 crewmembers take Cheryl up the portal road, the rest of us drive to the finish line. Cheryl made it to Mt. Whitney trailhead finish line at 4:26am. We all cross the finish line with her. Her finish time was 44 hrs. 26 minutes. 15 sec. She earned the coveted Badwater Ultramarathon belt buckle for finishing under 48 hours.

Out of 80 starters, 73 finish under the time limit of 60 hours. A new womans’ record is set this year by Jamie Donaldson with time of 26 hrs. 51 minutes, 33 sec.

Crewing/pacing at Badwater was a big thrill for me. It was more than I had ever imagine. I congratulate Cheryl for her accomplishment. It was an honor for me to crew and pace her. For me, I look forward to participating in next year’s Badwater race.

photos by AdventureCorp/Chris Kostman