Moab 100 Race Report - March, 2009

I ran the Moab 100, last weekend. It was a somewhat ugly experience in a beautiful location.

For the first few laps (5.37 miles each), everything went pretty well. I started too fast on the first lap. When will I ever learn? By lap 2 & 3, I was in a good groove, doing about 12 minute miles. I had a low point around mile 20. Low energy, lack of speed, typical "wall" for me.Things went generally well for the first 50 miles. I came into the mile 48turnaround at about 11 hours.

Around mile 45, I realized that I hadn't been peeing all day. Made a little stop and found that both quantity and quality did not look good. I decided to stop at the aid station and drink at least a quart, before continuing any further. I also had some pasta with chicken,since I was lolly gagging in a chair, anyway.

Things seemed to be on track shortly thereafter. But, around mile 55-60, I started feeling some blisters starting on the balls of my feet. There was a lot of deep, dry sand on the course. Much more than I remembered from last year (when I dropped at mile 64 of the 24 hour - wimp!). Between the sand in my shoes and the crazy off-camber angles of the slick rock sections, it was turning into a fine sanding on the bottoms of my feet. Although it was a minor problem, I knew that I had to address the issue, or I wasn't going to be continuing. Thus began 3-4 laps of 10 minute stops each lap, farting around with tape, changing socks, dumping out sand. Repeat, repeat, repeat.I was loosing tons of time. My moving pace was reasonably good. But, I felt like I had to take care of my feet, first and foremost. Otherwise, there would be NO pace at all.

My wife, Paige came out with me to pace for three laps, starting at mile 60.I felt like I was moving pretty well, as she did. However, we realized at the end of each lap, that we were still doing about 20 minute pace. Some were quicker, but more time was wasted dealing with keeping blisters at bay.Not good. My wife, on the other hand, was awesome! She has paced me for part of every 100 miler that I have finished. Curiously, the two I did not finish, she did not pace me. Hmm? Around 4:00 am, she went to sleep and I continued on.

I asked the RD how many 100 milers were still out there when I left at mile80. He said there were about 10. I almost asked what my 24 hour mileage was,and what place that put me in. I knew I had the option of dropping down to the 24 hour race.Then, I thought better of it. I wasn't going to get to the finish with that thought in my head. So, out I went, solo. I had one more lap to do in the dark. I knew that I would get a nice boost with the second sunrise. I had 9 hours to go 20 miles. Easy, right?

Overall, I felt pretty good for the last 4 laps. My blistered foot started flaring up again at mile 86. I was out of tape and out of ideas. Arrgh! It was in a very awkward spot between my big toe and the pad of the ball of my foot. I tried to wrap it in duct tape, out of desperation. No deal. It couldn't move and flex. I was literally debating dropping at mile 86.Finally, I looked over and saw some corn pads I had bought. Ah-ha! I stuck one on, no tape. But, It seemed to work. I was back again. I felt like this was the 3rd time I had been able to pull this race out of my ass. There would be a fourth yet to come.

I finished my final lap (mile 98.4) with an hour and 5 minutes left. I knew I had it in the bag! I left for the 1.6 mile out and back. I walked briskly up the hill, feeling like I was moving well (for a walk, anyway). I had some running in me. But, I didn't see much point in trashing myself to knock off10 or 15 minutes from a slow time. During the last couple of hours, the wind had really picked up. By the time I got close to the out and back turnaround, it was screaming! I would estimate it was blowing consistently at 50-60 mph. It was difficult to remain upright, at times. I turned around at the cone. Less than a miles to go. I figured I had lots of time,probably 40-45 minutes left. However, I didn't have a watch. Good move!

I met another runner, about a 1/3 mile from the finish. We walked and chatted.With about 100 yards to go, I saw my wife and daughter. My 5 year old ran out to me and said, "Four minutes, dad!" Holy crap, four minutes!? I wasn't gonna lose a finish at this point. I kicked it into gear and ran hard. Up the hill and even faster toward the finish. My time: 29:57:00. Three minutes to spare!I was very happy to have the finish. And very happy to just be done.

Things I learned:

1) Slick rock is brutal. It's hard on your knees. It's makes your feet slip around, because the surface is uneven. Add in lots of sand, and it's even worse. This is my fourth finish of 100 miles or more, with my worst blister problems, by far. Happily, they are not huge and felt reasonably good, once I stopped.

2) My wife pacing me dramatically increases my chances of finishing. I told her in the middle of the night,"If you hadn't been pacing me, I probably would not have a 100 mile finish to my name." She is awesome! In the wee hours of the night, the company of another is worth a lot. The company of someone you love, and just enjoying the night together is worth even more.

3) Just focus on maintaining forward motion. Once again, I was trying to make excuses for stopping. But, I just kept moving and everything took care of itself.

I also met a few members of the Ultralist. Janet Thomson and her friend Luis had a great race, and smiled the whole way. Janet took the women's category in the 100, around 27 hours. Outstanding for a first 100 miler, on a tough course. Fred Davis, who I met at Ultracentric looked good, but had a tough time with his temperature system. Fred is very prolific. This guy runs 100'sand beyond like most people do training runs. Oh, and he's in his early60's. Wow! Davy Crockett was like a man driven mad. Every time I saw him, he was running HARD. From what I've seen, Davy gives it all he has every time.

I don't know if I'll go back to the Moab 100. I like the race, but the slick rock really gives you a beating. Maybe a shorter 12 hour next year, or a fun relay team? I was excited to get a race shirt this year. This should be a given when you sign up for a race, in my book. I also really liked the warm pasta with chicken and the potatoes with broth. However, the general food spread at the aid station was pretty sparse and didn't change. I'd love to see some more variety.

I think this race is underestimated by many people.The description says 450 feet of vertical per loop. I would estimate at least 600 feet, which was backed up by a Moab local. This would put the total vertical gain as close to 11,000' vs. the 8,200' advertised. And the slick rock will kick your butt!