Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Leadville 2022: Part III - Analysis & Reflections

What an adventure! How does one sum up an experience like this? Overall, I’m happy with how it went because I FINISHED. It was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done (time to take a backseat, Ironman). I’m proud of myself for pushing through when it hurt, and I didn’t want to run another step; for coming back and doing it a year after dropping out with an injury.

Leadville was a special place before, and now it is even more special to me. It’s not just the scenic beauty that’s all around, it’s the atmosphere and the people: crew, pacers, family, and friends (who are often the crew and pacers), volunteers, spectators, and the other crazy runners. After pacing a (now) friend to the finish line back in 2017, I thought I might just want to do this someday. 5 years later, here we are! I now have a better appreciation of what you were feeling out there, Jodi!

The best way I can think to analyze it all is to break it down into sections, like a good race strategy. So, here we go:

Training

Training was a roller coaster, to say the least. That said, I think I was able to get back to a fitness level high enough to get ‘r done. There were times throughout training when I felt like I wouldn’t be ready, and times when I thought it was possible. I never really felt strong, as I was training through an injury – and eventually, injuries… and then having COVID two months before the race just added another hurdle.

After extended time off and minimal running last fall and winter, I was trying to walk (run?) the line of getting “enough” training in, while at the same time, not only avoiding injury, but healing the foot injury from last year’s race. The light brace I wore for a long time really helped my peroneal tendon heal (eventually), but it also restricted my dorsiflexion and ankle mobility – which I guess is why it helped the foot heal… leading to shin splints. I took quite a bit of time off in the middle of training to let the “shin splints” calm down but ended up with tibialis posterior soreness – at least on long and/or steep climbs. In the end, none of it bothered me on race day, but it made the training road juuuuust a bit bumpy.

Neal had me in such great shape last year, that I used last year’s training plan as a guide, modifying it to account for being behind to start, and keeping it very flexible/dynamic. Mainly, the volume wasn’t quite as high, and I couldn’t do as many of the speedier workouts. It worked well enough to get me there!

Fuel

I mentioned my gut issues on race day… I partially attribute this to a podcast where I heard that drinking some kombucha (or having other fermented foods) can help your stomach deal with the trauma of running 100 miles a little better. Great idea! Probably should have tried it out first. It’s not that I’ve never had kombucha before, but I wouldn’t say that fermented foods are a staple for me. I drank two bottles in the week before, which may or may not have contributed to the gut troubles on race day.

Generally, I had a decent, non-specific fueling plan for the race. During training, I was using salted chocolate cherry rice balls that worked pretty well over the last two years. At Leadville last year, I got tired of chocolate and needed more salt. So, this year I decided to make them a little heavier on the cherry and lighter on the chocolate – and take fewer (3-4 per section). I incorporated some saltier options in to my fueling and less of the chocolate. At aid stations, pretzels, mashed potatoes, broth/ramen, and flat Coke played a primary role. The biggest help on the sodium end, though, was mixing in the LMNT packets for my fluids.

For hydration, I did one bottle with water and one with some kind of mix – typically Tailwind (berry flavor). On a few refills, I used the LMNT packets mentioned above for some extra sodium. Throughout the race, I think I hydrated well. The goal was to have consumed most or all of the fluids in my bottles by the time I reached the next aid station. I didn’t run out of fluids at any point either, which is most likely to happen on the way back up Hope Pass after Winfield. In training, I tended to not drink enough, but I think what I did on race day worked for me.

I would say that I fueled well during the first 40 miles or so. I stuck to fluids on the way up Hope Pass, maybe a gel. I’m not sure what caused me to need a bathroom, but it would have been okay – or at least much, much better – had I stopped and used the toilet they had at the aid station before the top. This was my biggest mistake, I think. Not only did the pain of needing to go slow me down quite a bit on the way down to Winfield, it also made me very hesitant to eat anything for a couple of hours, and probably less than I should have after nightfall. Had I fueled better, I may not have struggled so much on the last two legs. Or maybe I would have – who knows! I have a strong feeling that I would have been a little faster there though.

Lastly, I was surprised that I was still okay with eating some solid stuff later in the race. Sure, they were just energy chews, but the word “chew” is what was surprising about it. Normally, I get tired of chewing food on a super long run. Chews and GUs (well, Clif Shots) got me to the end (outside of aid station goodies).

Aid Stations

I mentioned the fueling part of the aid stations already. My outbound aid stations went smoothly and quickly, I think (3-3-6 for crew spots, just a quick refueling at the others). Inbound (9-17-15) was a different story – longer was not unexpected, but I should definitely have spent less time in the last two. My crew helped me be efficient outbound. Winfield was long, for reasons made clear, and I was happy with single digits at Twin Lakes inbound, considering the shoe change. I don’t think I sat down at Outward Bound, but 17 minutes is way too long there. I know I changed some clothes, but I don’t even know what I did for 17 minutes…! Lastly, my little break down at May Queen while sitting for a few minutes is the obvious reason for the 15-minute stay. Thank you to my crew for all their hard work at the aid stations!

Mental

Discounting the toilet gaff, I felt like I was pretty strong mentally. I stayed calm and patient, happily tootling along early on. The aspen groves before Twin Lakes inbound is where I first started to really feel it, and while I was tired, I didn’t find myself in any dark places. From about halfway down Hope Pass to Winfield was tough, given my bathroom situation. Relieved (in more ways than one) after Winfield, I was back in business. I was in a good mood most of the way with Ben, from Twin Lakes to Outward Bound, despite a little bit of knee pain. Going up Power Line with Neal, I was hyper-focused on the climb and just being a machine. The way down was actually much tougher mentally. I was really starting to hurt there.

I can’t pinpoint when or where in the race – definitely late, when it was dark – but there were a few times that I had kind of a surreal feeling. Almost like an out-of-body experience; very dreamlike. I swear it had nothing to do with “Space Camp” on Sugar Loaf…

I would have been surprised if I made it through the race without hitting a rough spot like at May Queen. The last couple of hours had been quite painful, and I think the tears were not only releasing pain but also out of relief – and being so, so happy to see my family there. It was good to receive some comfort and sit for a couple of minutes. Through all of it, like I mentioned earlier in the report, there was still no question in my mind that I would continue and that I would finish. I’m proud of being able to get through that rough spot (with the help of my family and crew, of course!).

Some Numbers

Just some interesting notes looking back at my race data…

(Strava)

Time = 29:46:02
Elevation Gain = 14,683’ (+)

  • Fastest mile = 10:10, mile 23, just before Outward Bound
  • Slowest mile = about 30 minutes (not including aid station time), miles 43/44/55 on Hope Pass
  • Average pace = 17:47 (average moving pace closer to 15:30)
  • Pace for first 40 miles = 13:20, max pace = 7:21
  • Outbound climb from river to Hope Pass (about 4 miles/3218’ gain) took me about 2 hours
  • Max HR 174 (95% of max), average HR 132 (72%)
  • I spent about half the time in Zone 3, below HR 150, and more in Zone 2 than in Zone 4 (makes sense, given all the hiking)
  • I hit the first checkpoint (May Queen outbound) in 530th place out of 700+; 368 of us finished
  • I apparently passed 166 people from May Queen to Outward Bound
  • After my peak of 294th at Half Pipe inbound, I slowly dropped in the ranks
  • Despite finishing 350th of 368 (and 87th out of 88 in my age group), I technically also beat the 350ish people that didn’t make it all the way
  • My watch ran out of battery 85 miles and 25 hours in (have to figure out how to stop the light from turning on… that probably ran it down more)

Gratitude

There is so much to be thankful for with an adventure like this. I was certainly thankful for good weather. When I got a spot on the First Descents team back in January, I was apprehensive about how many people I could get to donate. Luckily, I have a lot of people in my life with good hearts, and I greatly appreciate each and every one of them who donated. Speaking of First Descents – thank you to them for allowing me to be a part of #TeamFD! I strongly believe in their mission and hope to get more involved in the future by volunteering on some of their adventures.

It was amazing to see and feel the love and support on race weekend from friends and family. People I knew (and some I didn’t!) from not only across the U.S. – but also in several countries! – were following my progress and awaiting the results. My brother and sister-in-law got back from a day on their African safari just in time to see my finish time appear. The well-wishes for Leadville, online encouragement on race day (unknown to me until later, of course), and words of congratulations post-finish… it is all very humbling and heartwarming.

Most importantly…

Courtney: I couldn’t do this without your love and support – and everything you did on race weekend. Thank you for living with (and marrying!) “someone like that.” 😉

Vicki: Sorry again for the grunting soundtrack… thanks for bringing me in on time! I did my best to listen to my big sister – LOL.

Neal: Thanks for pushing me through what I consider the hardest part of the weekend. And for whipping me into such good shape last year – I needed every ounce of what we built me into last year.

Ben: Glad your ankle was good to go – thanks for the company in the early (late?) hours and helping me survive the cow pasture from hell. Excited for your future ultra plans!

Mom & Dad: It meant so much to me for you both to be there and to share the experience with you! Thanks for your help the whole weekend and instilling in me that I can do anything I put my mind to.

Drew: a surprise crew member! Thanks for coming and taking good care of my feet at Twin Lakes. You inspired the beginning of this journey, and it was great to have you there for my first 100 finish!

Milo & Lily: Thanks for making the trip out to Leadville again this year – your presence was very welcome, and you are both always so helpful!

Last, but not least, I want to thank all race volunteers and Leadville Race Series staff (llamas included!). I try to make sure that I thanked everyone as I left aid stations because I know a lot of hard work goes into making this all happen, and the encouragement along the way is essential.

Several people have asked me whether I’d do it again. My answer right now is “I am not doing it next year” – which, let’s be honest, is basically a big ol’ YES.

I have had a couple of emotional finishes in my 25 years of racing, but this one almost surely takes the cake. Sure, finishing faster would have been great, but finishing in the last hour – the last 15 minutes – may have made it even more special. I finished in 350th place, but I finished, and the energy of the cheering crowd on 6th Street made it feel like I finished 1st.


 

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Leadville 2022: Part II - Race Day

Saturday, August 20th, 2:45 AM

The night’s sleep, if you can call it that, went roughly as expected. Nerves dominated my overnight “nap,” but I managed to at least get about 5 hours. I was probably already half-awake when the alarm went off. First tasks: hydrate, eat my oats, get dressed. Last year it was slightly chiller at the start (30s) – this year: the 40s… shorts weather! At 3:30, we drive a few minutes closer and walk the rest of the way to the start line.

Walking to the start line with Courtney

At the start line with my parents and sister

Saturday, August 20th, 3:59 AM

Go time. After exchanging hugs with my family, I’m ready for adventure! I barely hear the shotgun start at 4:00, and while I’m pretty sure I’m not hallucinating yet, I follow Hulk Hogan across the start line. Me and 700+ other headlamps set off down 6th Street into the darkness.

Start of the 2022 Leadville 100

I start off cautiously, not wanting to anger anything right away. Starting closer to the middle of the pack helps me avoid the conga line along Turquoise Lake until the very end of the leg. I weave my way through the crowded field as we arrive at May Queen, checking into the first aid station (12.6 mi) in 2:38:12. Surprised to be 7 minutes behind last year already – and to get/stay ahead of the mass of runners fueling up around me, I make it a quick pit stop (3 minutes) with the crew.

Crew waiting for me to arrive at May Queen

All smiles early on at May Queen

I try to stay patient as I join this year’s conga line dancing its way up the singletrack trail to Hagerman Pass Road, where we finally get a little more breathing room. It is still cool and cloudy despite the sunrise, so the jacket and gloves stay on until we hit Hagerman. I cruised up Sugar Loaf last year, running a fair amount of the gentle(r) climb. I take it a little easier this year, walking more of it to conserve my energy and keep the niggles at bay. Before starting the steep descent down Power Line, I dodge a brief scare of needing to use my emergency toilet paper. I take my jacket off, but with the cloudy conditions, the arm warmers stay on. I handle the descent a little better (i.e. faster) this year and stay more relaxed coming in to the second checkpoint, Outward Bound (23.5 mi), at 5:00:41 – about 4 minutes behind last year.

Overlooking Turquoise Lake from Hagerman Pass Road

The last little climb before lots and lots of downhill

No laughable drizzle squirt of sunscreen needed this year, so I get a bug spray shower and 3 minutes later, I am off and running again.

Checking in with Courtney at Outward Bound

A bit of blue sky peeks through as I take off from Outward Bound

I avoid pushing as much on the paved portion this year, keeping things steady. The sun makes a nice cameo for a few minutes shortly before Half Pipe – enough to lose the arm warmers, but the clouds take over again soon enough. I feel strong as I pass through Half Pipe (29.3 mi) without stopping, 4 minutes ahead of last year (6:01:08).

Cruising on Forest Road 130S after Half Pipe

Starting to tire in the aspen grove near Mt. Elbert

Despite tiring a little on the climb up to Mt. Elbert (35.3 mi), it’s still easy enough to enjoy the singletrack through a beautiful aspen grove. Then it's time for downhill. Boy am I happy to be rolling down into Twin Lakes (37.9 mi). While I “lost” a good 10+ minutes between HP and TL, I’m still feeling good about things. At 8:17:10, I’m still over 70 minutes in front of the cutoff. I enjoy a few minutes with my crew, get another bug spray shower, and gratefully grab my poles – time for the fun to really begin… 

Happy to be arriving in Twin Lakes

Re-stocking at Twin Lakes outbound

Poles in hand, it's time to get to work!

Splash! It’s not quite as refreshing going through the river with no sun this year, but at least it’s the warmest part of the day (upper 50s).

Crossing the creek before the big climb

Last year, I charged up to Hope Pass. Knowing that I had plenty of time to get to Winfield if I hadn’t gotten injured, I settle into a steady climb this time. It’s a long climb with some pretty steep sections; we go from the lowest point on the course (river crossing at 9200’) to the highest (Hope Pass at 12,500’) in 4.5 miles. Just before I emerge from the forest, about a mile before Hopeless Aid Station, I hear rain falling and the wind picking up. Even on such a long climb, it feels a little cool. Rain jacket: ON. I arrive at Hopeless (43.5 mi, 10:53:31) after a half hour of drizzle, and I’m feeling like I could use a bathroom stop. No way they have a bathroom way up here, right? I’ll just try to hold it until Winfield. I get some mashed potatoes from “volunteer” Neal (as opposed to “coach” Neal or “friend” Neal) and set out on the last stretch of the climb. I cheer on Rodrigo, the Dream Chaser, who catches me just before the top.

I've been caught by Rodrigo

Happy to be at the top!

On to Winfield!

Saturday, August 20th, 3:00 PM-ish

My first step down from Hope Pass does NOT send a shooting pain through my foot like last year – sweet! Unfortunately, my stomach starts majorly cramping. Trying to hold things together makes me double over in pain several times on the way down. Afraid to eat anything, I’m able to shuffle along the entire 6.5 miles down to Winfield. Man, that trip down to Winfield is ALWAYS longer than I think… I am even more thankful to arrive there than I was at Twin Lakes! I head straight for the port-a-potties; needless to say, this one ends up a lengthy aid station stop. I depart Winfield (50+ miles) just before 5pm, refreshed and a million times more comfortable.

Clouds add more drama to the climb back up to Hope Pass

The climb up the back side of Hope Pass is never easy… steep, sweaty, grueling. Having left some…weight…back in Winfield, I have a pretty good couple of miles leading up to the sheep trail. That’s where it gets gnarly. While it’s shorter than the front end, it’s even steeper (generally 15-30% grade?), gaining almost 2000 feet in about 2.25 miles. I felt strong, though, and lighter. I slog up to the pass in about 75 minutes, much faster than last year’s hobble up (~100 minutes). I am ecstatic to reach Hope Pass again. At this point, I know that I can make it.

Daylight hinting at sunset as I reach treeline

Pumped to enjoy the sunset from the top of Hope Pass

I take in the sunset as I descend into Hopeless inbound (56.5 mi), about 15.5 hours in. No need for medical care this year – just some mashed potatoes and broth; headlamp and jacket back on, I’m out quickly. Oh hey, what do you know, there’s a little tent with a toilet! Clearly, I should have asked on the way up… There is still some light left as I descend 3000’ in 4 miles. A slight stomach cramp about halfway down brings back thoughts of the trip down to Winfield, but it passes. I did start eating again after Winfield but probably should still be getting more calories.

Obligatory llama selfie!

The second time through the river is a tad chillier, but I’m in good spirits. Last year, I came into Twin Lakes inbound (62.5 mi) knowing that I was done. This year, I feel tears building, but tears of joy instead of pain and disappointment. A surprise appearance by my buddy Drew adds to the adrenaline as I sit down for a change (of socks and shoes) at Twin Lakes. He takes great care of my feet, checking for blisters during the necessary shoe swap. You want Drew on your crew. Your crew wants Drew on your crew. After 9 minutes at Twin Lakes, Ben – my first pacer – and I begin the 3-mile climb out of Twin Lakes, about 17.5 hours in and 30 minutes ahead of the cut.

Shoe change at Twin Lakes inbound

I enjoy the company and comfort of having someone there to keep me moving the rest of the way. We chat a bit and tell a few jokes. My knee starts bothering me a little before Mt. Elbert (65.1 mi); while warming in the tent, I ask if they have any Tylenol or Icy Hot – no luck. The pain isn’t enough to slow me too much; Half Pipe (71.1 mi) comes and goes (20:41:51). Ben’s enthusiasm and energy keeps me going, especially the last mile into Outward Bound that seems to take FOR. EVER. Finally, after precariously navigating the ankle-shattering cow pasture, we pull into Outward Bound (76.9 mi) just after 2am.

Sunday, August 21st, 2:21 AM

The cold just sits in the basin here. Typically, temps plummet into the 20s, but with the overcast skies, the temps don’t dip much below 40. Despite the knee discomfort, Ben and I were able to make up some time, coming in nearly 1 hour ahead of cutoff. Confident that I don’t need the heavy jacket, I put on a warmer layer. After spending a little too much time (17 minutes) near the fires at Outward Bound, we need to get moving. Pacer #2, Neal, lights a fire as soon as we get out onto the road.

Getting some warmer clothes on at Outward Bound

I break into a labored run – even on the uphill parts of the road, somehow. [That was the last time I felt like I really wanted to run, which was probably a stretch even at that point.] Neal knows what he’s doing and knows that I need to keep moving to make the May Queen cut. One last big climb – Power Line – looms.

This is where the grunting begins. I put my head down and go – I feel like a machine going up Power Line: we clock a 22-23 minute average pace up the 4-mile, 1500’ climb. Relieved when we reached the top, I am mostly oblivious to the party going on at “Space Camp” (crazy unofficial aid station). It‘s mostly downhill from here, but that doesn’t mean a ton when you’re 83 miles and 24+ hours in. Neal urges me to keep pushing, and again, somehow I do. Later I told Neal, “I kind of hated you the whole way, but THANK YOU!”

Sunday, August 21st, 6:00 AM

In an ultra, it’s inevitable that there will be lows. It’s about how you respond – and persevering through those lows, knowing a high will eventually come. May Queen (87.8 mi) is one of those lows; probably the lowest point emotionally for me. I am hurting. I am exhausted. I imagine it was hard for my family to see me like this; what I didn’t have the capacity to communicate at May Queen as I took a seat and shed some tears was that despite how much pain I was in, there was absolutely no way I was dropping, and no doubt in my mind that I was finishing this thing.

Sunrise is on the horizon. Too tired to cry anymore, and with encouragement from my crew, my final pacer – my sister Vicki – and I take off toward Turquoise Lake. We barely make it out of the aid station when I decide I should make another bathroom stop at the campground toilets. It adds a few minutes and a lot more stress, but we hit the trail again ready to go – time to bring it home.

Relentless forward motion - after sunrise at Turquoise Lake

Probably the funniest part of the experience happens around mile 90. After passing another runner, Vicki suggests it is “a good time to run a little” – I think, “I AM running!” 😊 Apparently it didn’t look like it! Vicki does a great job getting me to run in spurts; she demands, and like a good little brother, I listen. We somehow manage to move at about a 16:00 pace most of the way around the lake. We have about 75 minutes to go the last 3.5 miles uphill into the finish. Very doable.

Determination on the boulevard

Shortly after we get to the “boulevard” (county road 36), we see my dad running toward us – he had run the 3+ miles from the finish line out to meet us. His excitement is evident, while I’m in full grunt mode (sorry, Vic!). We pick up Drew with about a mile to go. 30 minutes before the buckle cutoff… I’m going to do it! Before turning onto 6th Street for the final stretch, they help me get my windpants off so that my bib is visible for the finish, to the amusement of some young spectators on the corner.

Final stretch with the crew!

I don’t even really notice the last little uphill on 6th Street before we can see the finish. After 100 miles in the mountains, it could have gone either way… Watching runners appear at the top of that hill is a cool thing to see as a spectator – and cresting that hill as a runner coming to the finish is, well, just as cool. The finish line is now in sight! We start “running” with a little over 1/4 mile to go, growing in numbers along the way: we’re joined by my wife Courtney, my mom, and the other crew. The energy is incredible as I close in on Harrison Ave. I hold back tears and ride the wave through the narrowing crowd to finish in 29:46:02 – with 14 minutes to spare.

FINISH!!

Coming into the finish!
credit: Melanie Bryant
 

Sunday, August 21st, 9:47 AM

I receive my medal, then a belt buckle and hug from race co-founder Merilee, and then find my family. And a chair. As I down a chocolate milk, some water, and a few potato chips, I sit there and let out some tears of joy, relief, and disbelief. Surrounded by people that I love. [It took a while for it to really sink in that I had done it... hours? days? weeks?)] We talk, high-five, and take pictures. I try to eat a breakfast burrito. After a while, I need to use the finish line port-a-potties. My legs refuse when I rise from the chair, so Courtney and my dad each lend a shoulder. About halfway there, we pass the medical tent and decide to see how things are going in there…

At the finish line with my crew

Showing off the goods

My achy legs are so painful, hurting more than any point during the race, and I get very cold. The staff helps me to a cot and cover me with some heavy blankets and/or sleeping bags. It feels like forever for me to warm up even a little; meanwhile, I cannot get comfortable. My whole body aches (particularly the hips). My vitals seem to be normal; apparently, I win the day for highest blood oxygen level (99%?) in the finish line medical tent. Go me! After a while, we decide it’s not going to get much better in there – what I really need is a hot shower and some warm clothes. [I can’t remember if I even ended up going to the bathroom!]

The legs were done...

With assistance, I get into a nice hot shower, which I enjoy for a long time (sorry drought-ridden west). Immediately after, I follow the lead of my crew one more time: nap time! After waking, I am moving surprisingly well. Relatively, anyway...

According to caloriesburnedhq.com, I burned roughly 14,000 calories in the race. A late lunch at Tennessee Pass Café gets me started on replenishing. If we assume 700-calorie meals for easy math, I still need 19 more meals to fully replenish...

For the next two weeks, I couldn’t get enough to eat. With the caveat that I didn’t even think about trying to run, the muscle soreness wore off after a couple of days; the knee was sore for about a week. But mostly I was hungry. And tired.

Medal, Buckle, Number, Poster