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.
Starting at Foresthill, we ran through a bit of residential neighborhoods and then onto the Western States Trail. There were a lot of downhills in this stretch (although I hear not as much as Day 1). There were runnable sections, although rocky. Also, there were stretches that were just breathtaking - amazing views of the American River. It's likely that as my runners is reaching this stretch it will be dark, so we soaked up all the views we could!!
According to my Garmin the 15.6 miles that we ran (we walked up the last 2.3 or so - they aren't really part of the course) were at an average pace of 14:35, with 3665 ft of elevation gain and 5791 ft of elevation loss.
According to my Garmin the 15.6 miles that we ran (we walked up the last 2.3 or so - they aren't really part of the course) were at an average pace of 14:35, with 3665 ft of elevation gain and 5791 ft of elevation loss.
After the 15.6, we arrived at the American River. On race day, we'll have to ford the river (and in fact, as a pacer, that's where I pick my runner up!). There are still 2+ miles up to the finish area, but those aren't part of the course. So, we sat at the river for a while, put our feet in - that is until I saw a crayfish and freaked out a bit.
We met up with our crew chief (another relocated North Carolinian to California) and he walked up the last few miles with us. We happily chowed down on the supplied burgers and hot dogs, and then got back to our cars. After well-earned showers, the three of us congregated at a Caribbean restaurant near the hotel to strategize the big race. (As a note, the restaurant was REALLY good - Joe Caribe).
Okay, Day 3! Green Gate to Placer HS. We woke up pretty tired - I only had one day on my legs, but my runner had two, and about 50 miles. Third and last day at Training. We parked at Placer High School (the WS100 Finish Line) and then were bussed out to Green Gate, or close to Green Gate. Come race day, we'll run up to Green Gate from the American River.
We met up with our crew chief (another relocated North Carolinian to California) and he walked up the last few miles with us. We happily chowed down on the supplied burgers and hot dogs, and then got back to our cars. After well-earned showers, the three of us congregated at a Caribbean restaurant near the hotel to strategize the big race. (As a note, the restaurant was REALLY good - Joe Caribe).
Okay, Day 3! Green Gate to Placer HS. We woke up pretty tired - I only had one day on my legs, but my runner had two, and about 50 miles. Third and last day at Training. We parked at Placer High School (the WS100 Finish Line) and then were bussed out to Green Gate, or close to Green Gate. Come race day, we'll run up to Green Gate from the American River.
This stretch was much more runnable. The trails are a bit wider, and overall the course is flatter. Which is good, because this is the stretch where I will be pacing. Although, we do have to run for about 12 miles without any aid stations - doable, but important to know. It's likely we'll be crossing the river around 2 am, and then running this section in the wee hours of the morning.
My garmin died at not quite the end of this run. And maybe it would have been the end, if we hadn't missed a turn and ended up adding about 2.5 miles to our daily mileage. I have a 16:32 average pace, 3762 ft of elevation gain and 4704 ft of elevation loss.
My garmin died at not quite the end of this run. And maybe it would have been the end, if we hadn't missed a turn and ended up adding about 2.5 miles to our daily mileage. I have a 16:32 average pace, 3762 ft of elevation gain and 4704 ft of elevation loss.
After finally making it to the finish, we enjoyed some breakfast food (sausage and hashbrowns for me!). I soaked my feet in a kiddie pool, we may or may not have snuck a beer onto school property. And then a fellow North Carolinian that we ran with was nice enough to let us use her shower (her flight wasn't until the next day).
My highlights for the weekend: the views and being on the trails, making new friends!! not only with my runner, but with others - they were all in good spirits, a distance PR for me over 2 days.
Other things I've learned: (1) Dirty Girl gaiters are the shit, (2) my garmin is shit - I ordered a new one, my 305 has no battery left, (3) trail running doesn't hurt my IT band (yiiippppppeeeee!!!)
My highlights for the weekend: the views and being on the trails, making new friends!! not only with my runner, but with others - they were all in good spirits, a distance PR for me over 2 days.
Other things I've learned: (1) Dirty Girl gaiters are the shit, (2) my garmin is shit - I ordered a new one, my 305 has no battery left, (3) trail running doesn't hurt my IT band (yiiippppppeeeee!!!)