San Diego 100(really really late race report)

San Siego 100(really late entry)

So this is only the second post I have done, and I'm really, really late in getting it out. But here is my experience with the toughest race I'v run so far.

San Diego 100 was to be my second 100 mile race, and I was eager to see how well I could do. I had run the Western States 100 last year and had had a great experience, no big lows, no real issues and finished very near my goal. I had put in some solid training after recovering from a pretty bad groin pull at the end of November. This was the first time I had followed a true training plan, and I felt like I was stronger than ever. I ran the Canyons 100K in May, as a training race, and managed a PR for the distance and took 1:20 off of my time from last year. So I felt ready to take on this new challenge. The SD course, on paper, looks easier than the WS course, so I was very hopeful to break the 20 hour mark. I could not have been more wrong.

Amber and I drove down to Huntington Wednesday before the race and stayed at our friend Keevins house. Keevin and Amber were to be my crew and pacers. On Thursday we drove up to Lake Cuyamaca to set up camp with our friend and fellow racer Berry. We set up camp and headed over to race check in and to listen to the pre race briefing. It was hot, in the briefing Scotty Mills told us the predicted heat index for race day was to be 108. Holy cow, I thought. I had spent some time in a sauna to help heat acclimate, but the mild spring in our neck of the woods had not allowed me to get in much in the way of true heat training. After the meeting we had dinner, got our things ready for the next day and were off to bed.

A beautiful way to start the day.

Race morning was cool and pleasant, perfect running temps(at 5:00AM). While eating, I nervously went about making sure everything was ready to go. I always seem to have trouble eating on race morning, I'm just too excited. Before I knew it we were in the starting coral, listening to last minute instructions and then we were off. Nerves quickly faded away as I set into what felt like an easyish pace. We made our way around the lake and meadow and soon began the first hill. I felt I was running easy, but after passing a couple of other runners walking that warned me not to forget to take walk breaks, decided I should head the warning and back off a little. I walk ran the first hill and enjoyed the scenery. On the first descent I noted how rocky and over grown the trail was, I'd need to take care not to trip or role and ankle. Soon we were going threw the first aid Paso Picacho, where some lovely ladies were handing out iced buffs. I took one, put it around my neck and was instantly glad for its coolness. It was already getting quite warm, and it was only 7:00.

Quickly out of the aid and up the next climb I settled into a good rhythm, enjoyed to scenery and was soon running with a Guy named Michael, who told me he had just run a 100 miler in the desert, I was amazed at how well he was running so close to running another 100. We chatted as the miles passed, the trail continued to be rocky and challenging in places, perhaps I had underestimated this corse. We continued to chat as we descended back to the lake and the Chambers aid station. I filled both waters, grabbed a handful of food and put some ice in my bandanna and was on my way. Michael had pulled away during my aid stop and I found my self alone on a long rolling gradual climb. The course becomes very exposed at this point and I was really starting to feel the heat start come on. I backed off on my pace, realizing it was only going to get warmer, and I had a long day ahead.

The next section of trail passed easily enough, I felt like I was moving well, and the scenery was nice. This section was not too technical  and soon I was into Sunrise 1 aid and the first time I would see my aid.

OH sweet ICE

Quickly Amber, Brian, (a friend that came out to enjoy the weekend) and Keevin had my pack traded for one with fresh fluids, and a back full of ICE(man that felt good) and they had me back on the trail in short order. The next section climbs up to a ridge on the PCT with great views of the desert to the east, and more sun. My memories of this section are vague, but I do remember thinking perhaps I had been a bit overzealous in my initial pace, as I was starting to suffer a bit in the heat.

Before long the woman that would end up second overall passed me and commented that it was way too early for us to be worrying about overheating. I had been running with one bottle normal mix of tailwind and the other with concentrated Perpetum, this turned out to be a bad decision as the day heated up. The Tailwind was quickly gone and as I forced down the strong thick Perpetum my stomach started to show the first signs of rebellion. I ran out of water on the last descent to Pioneer Mail aid and was so thankful when I got there and was able to down some ice cold water and get a new ice pack and ice bandanna from my amazing crew. I asked for no Perpetum and was soon off, running down, down and down. The trail soon became very rocky and technical and I was enjoying the trail. The trail wound its way toward Nobal Canyon and soon rocky downhill gave away to rolling Jeep road then to paved downhill. The paved section was downright hot and I ran out of water again about a mile from the aid station. My shins and calves were showing the first signs of cramping and every gel I took in threatened to come back up. At this point the calorie intake slowed to basically what ever was in my drink. Finally I was at Pine Creek aid, and took some salt tabs and pickle juice. I drank as much fluid as I could handle, made sure I had lots of ice in my pack and bandanna and headed out for the long climb out of the canyon. The air was still and oppressive and the flies relentless. the climb went on and on. I felt like I was going to puke every time I pushed the pace so I walked, trying to at least swing my arms and hike as fast as I could. As the climb got higher the trees thinned and the heat pressed. Still climbing I ran out of water, this was not good. I pushed on, seriously contemplating dropping out. I was not having any fun. I could not fathom how not one person had passed me in the eternity that had passed sense the last aid station. 45 minutes to an hour later I finally reached the Penny Pines aid, staggering and feeling like it was time to throw in the towel.
Then I was seated, cold drink in hand, bottles filled and kids were dousing my head and shoulder in ice cold water. 3 or 4 people came in as I sat there recovering, one being my friend Jenny, who commented that that section was brutal. The aid station crew did a great job of ushering me out of the station when they felt I had cooled down sufficiently. As soon as I was out of the aid station my shins and claves began to cramp, running ceased and shuffling ensued. Jenny passed me, offering me words of encouragement, and reminded me that the night was a new race, and she was soon out of sight. I settled into a rhythm of walking the slightest climb and shuffling the flats and downs. I drank water as best as I could, my stomach was queasy and unhappy, but I was moving. I determined to make it to the cooler evening. Finally, with about two miles to the next aid my legs finally stopped cramping at every upward pitch and my shuffling gait began to resemble a half ass jog. Things were looking up, or so I thought.

I don't want to get out of this chair

On arrival to the next aid, my crew ushered me to a chair, cooled me with water, and put coconut water into my hand. Amber told me every one was looking haggard as well. (I thought I was doing better. I guess I didn't look too good). But as a good crew chief Amber kicked me out of the chair as soon as the last of the coconut water was down. I continued to have intermittent leg cramps, which I was able to keep mostly at bay by walking for a minute. This section was short but another low was setting in and I began to struggle with motivation. I knew that Amber and Keevin had sacrificed their time and energy to help me so I used that to get me through to the next aid, Red Tailed Roost, where to my surprise Amber was waiting with running gear on and ready to pace, early, I hadn't planned on picking up a pacer until mile 64. Amber said I looked like I needed some motivation so she jumped in. I grabbed a coconut water and we headed out of the aid, at a walk. Soon Amber was pushing me to pick up the pace and jog. I finished the water and started to move better, by the time we reached Dales Kitchen 1 I was feeling better and by the single track descent started to feel good, the trail had good flow and I picked up the pace. I began to have fun, for the first time in many hours. I thanked Amber for getting me out of my funk, and being such an amazing wife, and continued to pick up the pace and was soon flying. About 3 miles into the 7ish mile descent I kicked a large rock, OK boulder, with my right foot. My body lurched forward, I ran off the side of the trail, barely managing to keep my feet under me. But my big toe and inner side of my foot was screaming at me. I tried to run it off, but the pain wouldn't allow it. So I walked for a bit. Then I tried running again and found that if I kept my weight to the outside of my foot I was able to run fairly descent pace. Nearing the bottom of the descent my stomach started to grumble and I began gaging. With much effort and occasional walk breaks I was able to keep its contents in check.
Near sunset Amber and I pulled into Cibbets Flat aid, where Keevin was waiting to pace me for the next 20 miles. I took in an assortment of fluids and calories, including chicken soup, water, coke, a quesadilla and maybe some ginger ale. Keevin and Amber pushed me to hit the trail and return up the long climb back up.

we got this.

About 200 yards out of the aid station my stomach ordered everything out. I puked and puked on the side of the trail for what seemed an eternity.

Everything OUT!!!

When I was finally able to stop retching Keevin and I started to move. This time my hamstrings chimed in and seized up. I tried walking backward, no dice. So I just suffered and tried to replace some of the fluids and calories I'd just left on the trailside. Before long my body started to cooperate and we began to power hike and run a little. we were soon joined by a woman running her first 100 and her pacer. They encouraged us to stay with them and toed us up the hill. By the top at Dales Kitchen 2 I was feeling much better, and much to Keevins delight, I began eating. I was actually hungry. We moved quickly through the aid and were back on the trail, chatting and catching up on life. I was feeling pretty good, only my right foot still hurt and now my ankle felt tight, I stopped and loosened my shoe several times, but it just seemed to keep getting tight again. We reached Tobys Cabin aid, which was like a party in the woods. I didn't want to leave, the fire, chairs and beer looked mighty good, but the race finish called.
The next section seemed to go forever. We could see the next aid, then the trail would turn and head the wrong direction. It was a big mental challenge. We made it through Penny Pines 2 and were on to Pioneer Mail 2. ON the descents on this section I began to have trouble running. My ankle and foot were starting to hurt, but I pushed on,  determined to finish. As we approached Pioneer Mail my ankle was getting increasingly tight and painful.
I reached the aid station, sat in a chair and commented on the issue of my ankle. I figured I would be able to push to the end.  Amber joined me and we headed out. The first part out of the aid is a slight uphill and I was able to jog ok, then the down came and I was only able to manage a shuffle. I figured I would loosen up as we moved on. Before long I found I was unable to run. I would try and stop after maybe 10 strides. This was not good. OK I can walk the last 15 miles right? NO. Every step was painful, I was having trouble getting over rocks. At one point I hobbled over to the bushes, grabbed a large dead manzanita branch and broke it off, making it into a walking stick.  The walking stick soon became more of a cain/crutch. Through all of this Amber encouraged me, never telling me it was time to throw in the towel. With perhaps 3 miles to go the the next aid I sat down on a rock and holding back tears asked Amber to call Keevin and tell him to meet us at the nearest escape point. She checked her Gaia App on her phone, called Keevin and had my escape planned. Now was just to make the 2ish mile hike out. Time dragged on, but finally, after nearly 2 hours, as we started to crest a road and saw the lights of the car. I flopped into the front seat and we drove to the Sunrise 2 aid where I handed in my bib, thus ending my race, 9 miles from the finish.

Me, Berry, Brian, Keevin and My extraordinary wife.

The next morning my ankle and foot had mostly morphed into a big puffy painful thing. The next couple weeks would find me going from using a cain to walk to wearing a walking boot(bootsy returns). I didn't run at all until 5 days before Western States(where I was happily able to pace my friend Ryan Peel to a outstanding finish of 2230ish hours).
So how does it feel to drop so close to the finish? Crummy. I gave this race my all, from training, to changing my diet to leaving everything I had on the trail. I know Ill be back to conquer this race, maybe next summer.
Lessons learned.
1) Heat train more
2) Don't bomb the down hill 60 miles into a race
3) It's going to hurt.
4) Save it for the night time.

John Muir Trail take 2

"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." John Muir

I'm not sure exactly when my mind changed about attempting another FKT attempt on the JMT, but I do know that around mid February the seed had been planted. I had made mistakes the prior year and thought it would be possible to go faster if things went mostly according to plan. I was racing a 100 miler in Zion April 8 so I would have some good base miles in the tank. I put in for permits and anxiously awaited April 1 permit drawing and got a whole lot of nothing. Then my summer vacation request got denied. May 1 I was back on the computer waiting to snap up permits that hadn't been claimed by the lottery winners. I sat there refreshing every 15 minutes for half the morning hoping for something.... anything. I lucked out and snagged one for the end of July and also one for the end of August. Then a coworker gave up their vacation on the dated of my July permit. 

Zion 100 was a solid effort and I felt great afterwards for about 2 weeks until I ended up with severe knee pain. It was bad enough that I would make it a mile from home and then turn around and walk home defeated. Running and being in the mountains is my therapy so I really needed to get back out there. Several painful massages later, some rolphing, and a lot of ART (tears were involved)  in Truckee and by the beginning of June I was running again pain free. 

I'll write another blog post about some of my trips leading up to my JMT attempt because they were a blast and fully the reason why I do these things. In short I did 3 backpacking trips and a lot of big mile days carrying a weighted pack. One trip was a solo 5 day trip mid June in over Piute Pass up through Evolution and Muir and out over Bishop Pass. Snow was plentiful (7 miles over Muir), and I had a blast. My second trip was a 2 nighter with my husband Ryan and fur kid Bliksem leaving on the 4th of July escaping the Tahoe basin for solitude in Desolation Wilderness.  My last trip was a 60 mile 3 day trip (full backpack) in over McGee Pass to 1000 Island Lake and out Agnew Meadows.

In preparation I also made some big diet changes eating much cleaner than I have in years. We basically ate fruit, veggies, nuts, and meats (kind of a loose version of the Whole 30). Eliminating dairy had me eliminating coffee because I couldn't handle the taste without sweet cream creamer. During my attempt I would take caffeine pills at night to help me stay alert. I took my first one on day 2 and it felt like rocket fuel! All these changes I think helped me start this attempt as prepared as I could be.  I was as lean as I had been when I had finished the year before.

Ryan was able to drop me off in Lone Pine on Thursday after picking up my permit, but had to work Friday.  I arranged a ride to the Portal with Kathleen from the Chamber of Commerce. Thanks Kathleen for the early ride! She picked me up at 5:15am and after getting dropped off I spent a few minutes eating a banana (the last fresh food I would have in days) and finishing off my water. I was worried about the high temps forecasted this week because I suffer in the heat. I was not looking forward to this first climb with the heat coming up from the valley.

Shortly before 6am I started up Mt Whitney. I had forgotten a watch (have to forget something) so I paced myself by effort. I was surprised to find myself at the top  in just under 4 hours without running a step. During the climb I felt like I had been moving slower compared to the prior year (where I did run a little). I guess all those boot camp box jumps and lung jumps really paid off. Thanks Erika at Moxy Fitness! There was only a small snow field left on Whitney and it was almost easier to walk on than the surrounding granite. Before I knew it I was signing the registrar and on top. 

Starting about 2 hours later in the day compared to the prior year meant no head lamp needed but it was already HOT!

All my belongings in the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20- I'll get a blog up about gear soon.

18 pounds fully loaded with 750ml of water and 600ml of Perpetuem (about 2.7 pounds of the 18 pound weight). Yes, there is a bear canister which accounted for 1.6 pounds of the weight.

Quick pic at the top and a snack and then I was off again.

Descending Mt Whitney

I noticed a lot of helicopters circling around Whitney this day and later found out that they were looking for John Lee who was later found deceased.  Another reminder to stay safe out there. 

Day 1 felt uneventful, but I felt like I was moving much slower and did almost no running. The heat was oppressive and I dipped my arm sleeves and bandana in the water at every crossing. From prior races in the heat I know this is my weak point and I needed to take in easy during the daytime. Night time and cooler temps are my friend. My backpack felt heavy, but not nearly as it had the previous year. Score one for hiking with a weighted pack this summer. As sunset closed in I could tell I was further miles wise than I had been at sunset the year before. Crossing Glen Pass in the dark for the second time was crazy. I just had this feeling of walking on a knife edge with inky darkness all around.  My goal this night was to make it to Woods Creek before stopping to sleep. I got lost at some point around Baxter Creek and turned on my phone to use the Gaia app. This app has saved me on more than one occasion navigating in the dark. Crossing the Woods Creek Bridge in the dark was interesting, and soon I stopped to sleep for a couple hours. It took me about 10 minutes to stop, brush teeth, set up "camp" and fall asleep. I set an alarm on my phone and I was out immediately. 

I woke up before my planned 4 hour sleep was up so I got up and started moving. No use in restless half sleep. It was nice and cool while climbing Pinchot and I had a rare sighting of John Ladd. Yes I did the survey, but I think I'm what they call an outlier. The heat kicked on during the climb up Mather and I continued my process of dipping my arm sleeves and bandana in the water ever change I got. The Palisades Lakes looked like a pool party with lots of people taking breaks and dip while I looked on enviously. The oven was fully on as I descended the Golden Staircase and as miserable as I was I could not imagine what the backpackers going up were feeling. I stopped in Deer Meadow for a 30 minute break to take shoes and socks off and let me feet air. They were still in good shape at this point and I was trying to keep them happy. The climb up Muir was enjoyable as it was the first time I had seen it in daylight. Last year I did it in the dark on the morning of day 3, and when I was here in June it was completely under snow. I reached Muir Hut just as the sun was setting. 

Only small snow fields were left on the climb up to Muir and none on the descent. It was a very wet descent though. After the descent from Evolution Lake I stopped to sleep again. 

Again I woke up before my alarm so I got moving. I felt good and hadn't been having any hallucinations. I also planned on a mid day stop again to eat and air my feet. Evolution Creek which had been hip deep in June was now calf deep. I took my shoes off to cross to keep my shoes and socks dry. My goal was to make it to the top of Seldon before the heat of the day. At this point I was seeing all new things again because last year this was a night time section. I love seeing new trail!

This is a view of Marie Lake. 

I took a 30 minute break at the top of Seldon and aired my feet and noticed the first hot spot on my left heel. I started taping my feet here. I had 3 pairs of socks this year compared to having 2 last year and I think that having clean dry feet kept everything happy longer. Looking back I wish I would have brought 1 more pair. At this point none of my food was tasting good. Mac nuts were getting hard to chew, Perpetuem tasted and smelt like vomit, and the chocolate almond butter I would gag on to get it down. I remembered Ryan and San Diego 100 in June handing me back the Perpetuem telling me he couldn't drink it anymore in the heat. This was not an option here. I kept powering it down. Good times!

Bear Creek involved taking my shoes off and another short break to swim in the creek and then dry my feet again. The icy water felt sooo good, but it was time to get moving. I suffered from here all the way to the top of Bear Ridge Trail. I stopped at the top again for about a 15 minute nap. I felt better on the descent towards Edison and was looking forward to climbing Silver Pass. This was the hardest climb for me as it seemed never ending and I wasn't feeling great. I kept having to remind myself that this isn't supposed to be easy and to embrace the pain. It was going to hurt and I should just get used to it. I stopped near Fish Creek Trail for another planned 4 hour sleep.

Again I woke up way before my alarm. My feet hurt too bad to sleep. I was a little worried about my lack of rest, but I figured I could just take a nap during the day if I needed. I was well ahead of my planned time at this point. My foot pain seemed better when walking than lying down so I might as well be making progress if I was going to hurt.

The descent to Reds went well and I was managing my foot pain. The oven turned on once I crossed the river and the climb up to Shadow Lake was a battle. I was feeling a bit dehydrated and dizzy after the climb so I stopped at the creek just after the lake with the intention of sleeping 2 hours and getting some fluids onboard. I managed to rehydrate and slept for about an hour or so and woke up feeling somewhat refreshed. 

Garnet and 1000 Island Lake are another favorite section of this trail for me and I enjoyed myself as much as I could. I consider Donahue the last major climb and I was up and over just as the sunset. Sorry no photos..... I was just too tired to even turn my phone on at this point. The first half of the descent was fun. Then it was completely dark and the descent turned sketchy and I was TIRED!. I started slipping and having some near falls. I was losing my coordination quickly. I made a deal with myself that I would rest at the bottom. Since my one goal was to beat my time from last year I was more worried about injuring myself then losing a couple hours for sleep. 

I think I slept about 2 hours and again woke before my alarm. Lyell Canyon seemed to last forever and coyotes were howling everywhere. Eventually I made it Tuolumne Meadows and started the climb to Cathedral Pass. I think I sat down here for a minute and promptly blacked out for about 10 minutes. Sunrise could not come soon enough. Every foot step was like stepping on a fire and one of the blisters on my right foot broke, bringing me to tears. At this point I had run out of KT tape and used duct tape to  finish the last 10 miles. Good times!

The last 3 miles on the pavement were pure torture and seemed to last forever. It was strange seeing herds of people everywhere. I sorted my way through the crowds and finally saw Ryan waiting for me at the trailhead. A tear or two or joy or pain might have been shed. 

Whitney Portal to Happy Isles time 4 days 5 hours 6 minutes

JMT time 4 days 1 hour 13 minutes

Totally happy with this new women's unsupported time! Last years attempt I had made mistakes and was hoping that with my knowledge of the course and another year of running in my legs I'd be able to go faster. Each year I seem to learn more about how to push myself into these dark places. Prior to last years attempt I had never been on the trail. I had studied maps, watched some moves, and read many blogs. Nothing beats actual experience. This year upon finishing I knew I had put my best out there. No need to do an attempt #3 unless it is for the SKT (slowest known time). My training this year was a blast and more focused play than real training. Strangely with much less rest this year I had zero hallucinations. I did lay down and take more cat naps, but my overall rest time was far less than the prior attempt. For now I'm happy. There are other trails and places to explore. I have learned so much about my body and myself during this process and most of this carries over to my other life as a nurse and a wife. Happy trails to all. 

And done!! Can't wait to get these shoes off.

I remember this sign from my first trip to Yosemite back when I was in my early 20s and never imagined that anyone actually hiked all the way to Mt Whitney from here. 

 Blister carnage

The day after finishing I was floating on Lake Tahoe for recovery. I love my home!

Super big thanks to my husband Ryan for supporting and believing in my crazy dreams.

Zion 100- April 8, 2016.

Zion was not a planned race for me this year. In fact I had planned to take the year off. We came back from Africa with a +1 on board. 10 weeks later with a misadventure that landed me in the ED and in emergency surgery I was depressed and my body was rebelling.  The hormonal changes had me putting on 15 pounds in 2 weeks and growing chin hair. Mentally I was in a dark place. Because you're not supposed to tell anyone that you are pregnant until after the first trimester very few people knew. This left me very isolated and grieving in private. 

The end of January rolled around and I decided that I needed to make a change. I turned to the trails because they have always helped heal me. I started to look for a race to sign up for, but I had missed most of the lotteries and everything was already full. Then I came across Zion. It was a race that hadn't grabbed my attention before because I tend to like big mountains with lots of elevation change. While Zion didn't meet this criteria it was a place I hadn't been before and looked beautiful so I signed up. From 5 to 100 miles in 10 weeks..... totally doable. 

I started up a boot camp class and did a couple local 10Ks in the 2 months leading up to Zion. The boot camp added a lot of functional strength and my running form slowly started to come around. By race day I was feeling about 75% of normal and felt like I could pull this off. They say it's better to be under than overtrained. I definitely met this criteria. 

The week leading up to the race I got an email from the race director with a weather forecast of lots of rain. We were offered transfer to another event if we chose because the entire 100 miles might not be runnable if it rained hard on the fragile desert soils. I thought is really amazing of them to offer this option. I chose to go ahead and race and see what happened with the weather. I tend to like crazy weather when racing anyway. We camped at Zion River Resort on gravel (hurray for good drainage). It didn't rain at all leading up to the race, but during and afterwards it was nice to have a dry place to sleep. 

After the long drive I went out for a shake out run on part of the course that I would hopefully be on during the night.

Photo doesn't quite capture how beautiful this section is. This is from Virgin Desert aid station back to finish.

This is the same section as above. Running on a cliffside in the dark during an epic rainstorm on tired legs kept me on my toes during the race. 

Race day started with clear skies. The race starts with a big climb up Flying Monkey Mesa. The history behind this name is interesting and kept my mind busy during the first climb. http://www.flyingmonkeymesa.com/#!about_us/c1ztv 

I felt like I pushed hard enough to get in front of most of the congo line but not too hard to burn myself out. It already felt hot to me (anything is hot coming from Tahoe in early April). The loop on the mesa was uneventful and then we plunged back down Flying Monkey. About this time I noticed that my pinky toes were hurting. I went with the Hoka Clifton 2. I had been running in the original version for over a year and loved them, but had failed to notice the significantly smaller toe box on the new version. I had old version of them in my drop bag at the Goosebump AS (miles 35,47,68) so I planned to change my shoes there. This left me with 20 or so miles to deal with the pain. I changed my gait a bit which ended up biting me in the butt as the day went on.  The changed gait started causing leg cramps that would bring me to a walk and eventually a stop. I sat down at the Guacamole AS (mile 15) and used a stick to try and roll out my legs. I hobbled around the Guacamole mesa hoping that things would get better. This was definitely the lowest point in the race for me. This mesa is largely slickrock with lots of little ups and downs that beat me up. The route finding between flagging and finding the white paint on the rocks was slightly difficult and mentally draining. Between the heat and cramping legs I was starting to dread the next 75 miles. I took my time on the descent back down from Guacamole Mesa to Dalton and then began the climb to Goosebump.

The climb up to Goosebump was murder. The sun was beating down and my legs weren't cooperating. I think we climb 1500ft in about a mile. There were ropes set up in sections to help with the descent back down that we would be doing in about 33 miles in the dark and rain. I finally made it to the top and sat down and changed my shoes. It also started raining at this time. The shoe change didn't fix things immediately, but about 10 miles after changing them (plus the cooler temps) my legs and body started coming around. I was picking up Ryan as my pace at Grafton Mesa (mile 53) where we would have a steep descent and the last major climb back up the Mesa. It was getting dark, the rain really started coming down, and I was loving it. The worse the weather the better I seemed to feel. After picking up Ryan I never got passed and kept moving forward in the field. The descent back down Goosebump was sketchy but we hit it before it got too wet. I can only imagine how it was for runners further back. 

I love night running! With my running buddy behind me we cranked out the miles and soon we were through Virgin Desert Aid station for the last time (you go through a total of 4 times with various loops). I was one of the lucky few that made it through the whole course. As the rain continued they ended up shortening the course and sending people back to the start/finish from Virgin Desert no matter where they were on their 3 loops. It was the right call to make as running on fragile desert trails when wet can destroy them. 

I was flying (or so it felt like) at this point and trying to break 23 hours. The course had other intentions for me though and the last 5 miles were a slip and slide in the mud and the finish never seemed to get any closer. It was a full on downpour at this point and sliding down small hills on my butt seemed a smarted option than trying to stay upright. Soaked from head to toe we finally crossed the finish line in 23:10. 

Hurray for the campground having hot showers. We went back to camp and crashed for a few hours before heading out for an afternoon "hike" in Zion NP.

Note the tarp over the tent. 

The Narrows. We will have to go back someday and check it out. 

The next day we packed up and headed out to Bryce NP. On our way out we stopped at the Canyon Overlook. 

The race organizers offer discounted entries if you go to certain placed the day after the race. I totally forgot to send this in to them though. 

Bryce Canyon was beautiful and I hobbled though some more hiking. Not to shabby for the day after a 100 miler. 

Zion 100 ended up being much more difficult that it looked on paper. I was very happy with my choice (or lack of choice) of this race. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for an early season 100. My time on the dirt ended up helping me heal and get back to feeling more normal.