A few months back, I found out a friend of mine had gotten in to Western States 100 Mile Endurance Race for 2015. She lives back in North Carolina, and since I knew that getting a crew to come across the country could be difficult, and also who doesn't want the opportunity to run (even as a pacer) at Western States, I volunteered. Full disclosure, I've only met my runner face to face once before, while she was running a marathon, and I was volunteering at an aid station, but we have been friends on various social media platforms for a while, and we ran in the same circles in North Carolina.
Fast forward to now, Western States Training Camp, three days and 70ish miles on the course. This training camp is welcome to all that register, and I have to say, if you're even just considering it, do it! Each day is $50 and that includes a either a shuttle to the start or to the finish, aid stations on the course, well-marked courses, and a finish with food and complimentary massages. Plus you're out there with a great group of runners - runners that are famous, have run Western States before, or they're just super excited to be out there.
I did not register, or show up for Day 1. Those that registered ran a 50k from Robinson Flat to Foresthill, CA. From what I hear, this run has some of the hardest climbs in the race, including something called Devil's Thumb.
Let's jump in to Day 2, which I'll call the short 20 (both days 2 and 3 were advertised as 20 milers). This run was from Foresthill to Ruck-a-Chucky.
I did not register, or show up for Day 1. Those that registered ran a 50k from Robinson Flat to Foresthill, CA. From what I hear, this run has some of the hardest climbs in the race, including something called Devil's Thumb.
Let's jump in to Day 2, which I'll call the short 20 (both days 2 and 3 were advertised as 20 milers). This run was from Foresthill to Ruck-a-Chucky.