Lessons Learned from Run Rabbit Run 100

In the blink of an eye, I went from being in 2nd place, to almost dropping out, to finishing with 45 minutes to spare. Starting at mile 62, things went downhill fast, despite running downhill slowly.

2011: The Beginning

In September 2011, I entered my first Ultra, the Run Rabbit Run 50 miler. You can read my race report [here].

2012: A New Challenge

In 2012, the race director added the Run Rabbit Run 100 miler (which was actually 110 miles) with two divisions: Tortoise and Hare. I was convinced to run the RRR 100 as a Hare, since there was big prize money on the line for the top 5 finishers. Hares started at 1pm with a 30-hour cutoff, while Tortoises started at 8am with 36 hours to complete the course.

Training in 2012 consisted of lots of running, including a couple of marathons and one 50-miler. Besides the RRR 50 miler in 2011, I ran the Running with the Devil 50 miler in 2012 in Vegas, on the road, in 108-degree weather. Not exactly ideal preparation for running at altitude with 20,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. Come race day, I was injured and over-trained—not the mental and physical state you want to be in for a 100-mile run. Despite being in 5th place at mile 70 (in position to win $1,000), I did not make the 70-mile aid station cutoff and was forced to stop. It was bittersweet. My mind wanted to finish, but my body was glad to be done. I was determined to finish in 2013. Revenge Rabbit Revenge.

2013: Smarter Training

With more race experience to practice pacing and nutrition (using PowerBar Performance Energy Blends) at Pocatello and Leadville 50 milers, as well as Bighorn 50k, I trained smarter and was confident and excited to Run Rabbit Run again. My #1 goal was to finish this year.

Race Day: The Rollercoaster

The first 20 miles felt “easy” like I was holding back and in control. Fish Creek Falls, the most technical and rockiest part of the course, was challenging but manageable.

Lesson 1: Be Prepared for Technical Sections I survived Fish Creek Falls, my least favorite section.

From mile 20 to 30, then back over to mile 40, my favorite part of the course, was uneventful. I reached the aid station at mile 30 about 30 minutes before I told my crew, so they missed me. I continued to mile 42, where I picked up my first pacer at 6pm.

Lesson 2: Communicate with Your Crew Having reliable communication with your crew can help avoid missed connections and missed nutrition opportunities.

We headed back up Fish Creek Falls, feeling good and happy to have company. A quick snack at Long Lake aid station (mile 50), then continued to hike up to Summit (mile 56), then to Dry Lake (mile 65) where I met my crew and switched pacers.

Lesson 3: Stay Hydrated and Monitor Your Electrolytes At mile 62, my quads started hurting, progressively worse with each step. I didn’t realize the cramping was occurring because I never cramp (I also never run that far). A small downpour at mile 63 made me really cold despite having my raincoat. The last 2 miles to Dry Creek aid station took forever.

At mile 65, I finally met my crew and started to change clothes. I could barely lift my legs; my quads hurt so badly. It was still pouring rain. I put on 3 layers, a winter jacket, winter gloves, tights, and rain pants. I was overdressed and still shivering. Between my quads cramping, shivering/hypothermia, and sudden nausea, for the first time, I didn’t think I would be able to finish.

I went to the aid station but just wanted to keep moving. Barely able to lift my legs, the next half-mile took 30 minutes. My pacer Jenn suggested we turn around because I was still shivering and barely walking. I did turn around and took 2 steps before deciding I was not ready to quit. If it took me 3.5 hours to cover the next 5 miles, I was going to do it. Thanks to Jenn for feeding me and forcing me to sip on my gel, which revived my quads and took away the cramps. Within an hour, I could walk again. We reached mile 70 in 3 hours, where I was able to drink 2 cups of Ramen and 2 cups of coffee. I felt like a new person.

We turned around to hike the 5 miles back to mile 75, same aid station as mile 65, to meet my crew. This time, going uphill, only took 2.5 hours.

Lesson 4: Stay Positive and Keep Moving During those 10 miles, my mind was set on not running anymore. I needed to do what was comfortable to finish the race. The thought of almost dropping out at mile 65 was not an option, and I didn’t want to put myself in a situation where I could get hurt and not finish. I had 20 hours left on the clock—plenty of time.

At mile 75, I was excited to see my crew, change my clothes, shoes, and socks, but they were not there. The next 30 miles had no crew access. Thankfully, we were headed back up to the summit on a dirt road, and they were able to drive up to meet me at mile 78. I forgot about changing my shoes and socks and just put on shorts and kept warmer gear. Slowly, I made my way walking to the finish line, wanting to jog, but my feet hurt with each step.

Lesson 5: Expect the Unexpected Wet Feet and Blisters. Now you can see why I hurt so badly. I didn’t realize the damage done until I finished. This is what I saw when I took off my shoes and socks after the event—ouch, the heels looked similar.

I wanted to finish. Cramping and hypothermia almost caused me to drop out. The first 65 miles took me 16 hours, the last 35-40 miles took me 19.25 hours. 35.25 hours later, I ran across the finish line. In the world of Ultra running, time is not important—finishing is.

I never thought I would be so happy to receive a belt buckle.

Lesson 6: Learn from Each Experience As I reflect on my race, I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t recognize the cramping in my quads, nausea, and shivering meant I needed some salt. I also realized that jumping into a 100-mile trail run in the second year of running Ultras is not the best thing to do. When I started triathlons back in 1992, I raced numerous sprint triathlon, the next year an OLY distance, then a half ironman before tackling the  Iron Distance 5 years into the sport. I know with a few more years of Ultra running experience, I will have this 100-miler thing figured out. Yes, I do plan to finish a 100-miler again.

Lesson 7: Appreciate Your Support System Thank you to my crew, Edie, Eddie, Jenn, and Debi. Thank you to Timex, Powerbar, and Pearl Izumi (Shannon Price) for your support during the years.