POST-RACE
I might as
well put in writing my experience before it gets swept into oblivion. I should
have done this earlier but the mood was not just there.
Besides, the year 2017 was not a good year for me and family. My mother passed away and there were some personal issues I had to deal with. I just thought I needed to venture out (runcation) there and breath in a different place for a while. A much-needed break.
Moreover, people are asking what happened during the race, so that is another motivation for me aside from the obvious, i.e., to share some notes here and there for other runners who have been dreaming of joining the WILD and TOUGH (literally!) Hardrock.
Besides, the year 2017 was not a good year for me and family. My mother passed away and there were some personal issues I had to deal with. I just thought I needed to venture out (runcation) there and breath in a different place for a while. A much-needed break.
Moreover, people are asking what happened during the race, so that is another motivation for me aside from the obvious, i.e., to share some notes here and there for other runners who have been dreaming of joining the WILD and TOUGH (literally!) Hardrock.
At any rate, I
did a short run in the morning 9 days after Hardrock. My toes were still numb.
The race must have pretty banged up my nerves down there what with the amount
of pounding they received. On top of that, I was enjoying being at least 7
pounds lighter (which would not last for too long). The altitude, among others,
during the race created digestive issues for me since I could not eat
properly. Even 3 days after the race, my stomach was hurting and even the
delicious food in New Orleans 3 days after the race did not help.
It has been months
now since I ran Hardrock 100 miles in Silverton, Colorado, USA. To find out
more about it, here is the website. For 2018,
the race happened to celebrate its 25th year, a silver anniversary. In my case,
I waited for almost 6 years just to get in the lottery, which was initially No.
3 in the waiting list until I moved up. I even emailed RD Dale about
my chances of getting in with almost 2 months to go before race day. I told
him I needed to book my flight, accommodation and all. He replied 2 days after
with a delightful news that my chances were statistically high and with that I
started making my preparations.
SUPPORT
Before going further, I
would like to express my sincerest gratitude to this wonderful couple, Rose
Betonio Adams and Michael “Mike” Adams. Rose is from the Philippines and Mike is
based in Lakewood, Colorado. Both excellent runners in their own right. They
have adopted me even if I was a total stranger to them. They made me feel at
home and took care of me especially during my lowest of lows. Thank you so much
guys! I cannot say enough words really.
(As of this posting, Rose
has finished her first 100-mile trail race – Run Rabbit Run. Of course, she was
supported and paced by her hubby, Mike. Awesome!)
TRAINING
If one is
planning to race Hardrock, train as if you are in the start list already even
if your name is still in the waiting list. You’d be surprised how the names of
runners in the waiting list move up. For 2018, I did just that. I joined races
locally like Pulag 100K, Rizal Mountain Run and abroad. If I knew though that I’d be picked up for
Hardrock, I would have probably skipped Tarawera Ultramarathon
in New Zealand simply because of added expenses. So, the first quarter of 2018 was quite busy race wise for me leading up to HR100 or Hardrock.
For the race, I trained with trekking poles since almost all of the runners were carrying a pair. They proved very useful given the intimidating elevation profile of the race. I ran mostly on trails during my long runs on weekends and during weekdays, on the road close to work in Clark. In hindsight, I envied those runners based in Colorado since they could train specifically for the race and given my experience now, that is the best recipe for success. The terrain and altitude are keys to this race.
in New Zealand simply because of added expenses. So, the first quarter of 2018 was quite busy race wise for me leading up to HR100 or Hardrock.
For the race, I trained with trekking poles since almost all of the runners were carrying a pair. They proved very useful given the intimidating elevation profile of the race. I ran mostly on trails during my long runs on weekends and during weekdays, on the road close to work in Clark. In hindsight, I envied those runners based in Colorado since they could train specifically for the race and given my experience now, that is the best recipe for success. The terrain and altitude are keys to this race.
The week
before I left (which was 2 weeks before the race), my peak training week reached
a total distance 110 kilometers. So aside from my races prior to that, I knew I
was fit. Besides, it has been a while since I have reached that total distance
and frankly, it is only 100 miles races that can force me to do that following
the adage known to all long-distance runners, “Respect the distance.”
GEAR
Before I left, I was in dire need of a
pair of trail shoes and rain jacket. Unfortunately, runners here have this
constant problem of finding good brands given the scarcity of stores carrying
ideal gear or products. Even the shop purportedly the biggest outdoor store in
Manila pales in comparison with others. Besides carrying few brands, their
items are relatively expensive.
And one of those good stores
is REI which we had to chance to visit several times in Denver, Colorado. Geez,
it is huge! They are carrying plenty of good gear and products You could
imagine my elation when I got there as if I was a kid lost in a toy store 😊 So I bought a pair of
Hokas, Mammut Wenaha Gore Tex jacket, headlamp x2, several of Injinji socks and
wool socks as well, cap, Patagonia shorts and other essential items. There is
story behind the Mammut jacket, which I felt it was meant for me. Actually,
there were several items on display of the same type and brand but one item was
on sale while the rest were on their original prices. Even Mike said it was a
good buy. Obviously, I took the one on sale. However, the store clerk said
there was a mistake on the pricing so that it should carry the regular price
just like the other jackets of the same model. Given, however, it was their
mistake, they would honor the reduced price just to show customer satisfaction
value. Well, that was just excellent. Thank you REI!
During the race and given some water crossings, the combination of good anti-diaper rash cream all over the foot with Hoka Torrent shoes, double pair of socks of Injinji and Smartwool socks was awesome! (Thank you Mike for the tip on wool socks.) No blisters whatsoever. The Mammut jacket proved to be excellent as well especially during the freak thunderstorm (we will go to that later).
PRE-RACE
After almost daily
coordination through FB with Mike and Rose, I finally made it to Colorado 10
days prior to race day. The Adams couple picked me up at the Denver airport and
we ate dinner in Lakewood where the couple lives. I found out that Mike likes
IPA beer as well so for the next few days, we had been enjoying some plus the
burgers! Elk burger in particular. A must try.
I stayed at their
apartment in Lakewood and went out for a run or two. One of the highlights of
my stay here is when we climbed my first ever 14er (at least 14,000 feet
mountain for the uninitiated). Man, I felt like a drunk going up to the peak.
Dizzy and all. Now, that was some altitude I had to contend with especially
during the race. It did cross my mind whether coming 10 days before the race was
enough to acclimatize.
RACE WEEK
I concurred with the plan
of Mike and Rose that we should go to Silverton a week before the race day. (If
one is running Hardrock, better get an accommodation way in advance. Good
places are scarce). Not only to acclimatize but Mike needed to volunteer for trail
work at Hardrock for those points he needed. It appears that Mike has been
trying his luck in the lottery to run the race itself for the last 6 or so
years! He sometimes complained about it with dry sense of humor and of course, with occasional shake of his head to express his disappointment and his unlucky
streak with the lottery. Tell me who would not? I feel he’ll get lucky next
year! That is of course if he decides to run given our race experience during
Hardrock.
As part of
acclimatization, we climbed a 13er, Kendall Peak sitting at 13,451 feet just
near Silverton. As always, beautiful yet arduous trip. I did not feel the
dizziness like the first time we climbed a 14er but it was a slow climb after
11,000 feet for me and this is the predicament that would haunt me during the
race.
RUNNERS CHECK IN
We took the earliest
schedule, Wednesday before the race to avoid the cue. Nice to see some running
gear on sale like UD, Black Diamond (at 50% off!) and other local products.
Race gave out nice loots like blue Smartwool 25th year anniversary
shirt, etc. I bought the official Hardrock UD vest, which I absolutely adore to
the point I even used it during race proper setting aside my old vest.
As part of the process,
they took my weight and level of acclimatization. The lady said “You are 91%
acclimated. Perhaps, it might be 95% by Friday.” I thought it was good enough
but on the contrary. We went home afterwards and took the next few days easy.
MANDATORY BRIEFING
The next day, Thursday was
the mandatory race briefing. You could sense right away the charged energy in
the air. Come to think of it, I was surrounded by some of the best and/or
strongest ultrarunners in the world! Now, I realized that indeed you have to be
an experienced ultrarunner to be able to handle Hardrock.
The highlight for me
during the briefing is asking the runners to stand as they were called based
on the number of years they have run Hardrock. It started with its first-year
edition until 24th year. You’d be surprised that one runner has run
the race for 21 or 22 straight years!
Of course, RD Dale Garland
introduced the founder of Hardrock 100, Gordon Hardman, who shared how the race
started and what was his main goal. He said it was to bring additional income
to the folks of Silvertown who was then in dire need of additional income or
economic infusion due to closure of mining companies. The rest was history.
There were also testimonials from those local scholars being supported by the
race. In other words, the organizing committee is paying it forward.
Since the race is a
“post-graduate” course, there was no list of mandatory gear. It is
entirely up to the runners to adjust their gear accordingly during race day. Now, that is maturity.
The briefing was capped
off with the kiddie race for 2 to 12 years old. Overall, the briefing was
simple and straightforward.
RACE DAY
The race started at 6AM, Friday. My
usual meal before a big race like this is composed of eggs, banana and coffee
and some sweet to go with it. I prepared some food stuff in my drop bags but
they proved to be unnecessary. As expected, the aid stations were well-stocked.
Instead, I packed more of the gear like extra socks, extra batteries, shirts,
anti-chafing cream, etc. I carried the trekking poles, baselayer, light poncho
and jacket with me all throughout the race. These items are very important and
I was glad I did because there was a thunderstorm during the
race. The extra weight of your vest becomes irrelevant when confronted with
freak weather conditions during the race. It can be a matter of life and death
whether you have the necessary gear or not.
People came out to cheer us on as we started our journey. 100 miles is a long way to go through
mountains. The trip could at least take you a day (if you are an elite runner) or longer. Anything can happen especially in the rugged and remote place like the San Juan mountains.
The first few miles were uneventful. I was in the mid pack and enjoying the company of some runners. I noticed that there were more middle-aged runners (that includes me) than young. Since the race started in the morning, the full glory of San Juan mountains showed itself and I could not help it but be truly amazed at its rugged beauty. Now, I know what some runners before me were saying. You have to witness it by yourself to fully appreciate the landscape. Rugged, raw, remote and unpretentious.
MILE ZERO (Start) to OURAY
(Mile 43.9)
Here is the elevation
profile for 2018
I remember what the lady told me at the medical
station that I was 91% acclimated and perhaps 95% so during race day echoed in
my mind as soon as I reached an elevation of at least 11,000 feet. My breathing
was labored and after 4 or 5 slow agonizing steps going up, I had to stop to
rest for a few seconds or minutes. The higher the altitude, the worse it was
for me. That was very frustrating. To think, I have done some hundos (100
miles) before but this one is entirely a different beast.
After the agonizing climbs
over Putnam, Grant Swamp, Oscar and Virginia passes going to Ouray, I had
seriously considered withdrawing from the race. If this would be the scenario
for the last half of the race, all I’d be doing is to catch the cut-off times
at every station.
I was told that some 25 runners quit already between these points due to altitude issues.
I was told that some 25 runners quit already between these points due to altitude issues.
OURAY (mile 43.9)
This was another aid
station where Rose and Mike met me aside from Telluride. I confided to them
that I was withdrawing from the race and boy, you should have seen the look on their
faces! It is like hearing a seriously unacceptable or disgusting news. I relayed to
them that I had been having difficulty climbing. Gasping for air, resting and
stopping unnecessarily even if I was not even tired or injured. It was the
altitude obviously. While I was consistently managing to come in at the aid
stations 2 hours before the cut-off, there was doubt I could keep up the pace
especially on the latter part of the race when fatigue had already set in.
Rose and Mike would not
have any of it. They said there is plenty of time and the running community
back home is waiting … watching. In fine, we decided to proceed but Mike would
now be pacing me onwards instead of the original plan from Grouse Gulch or around
mile 60. Ate and napped for 15 mins and off we went as soon as the time was up.
My stomach had started acting up. I could not eat as well as I did earlier.
This was the first night of my race.
Again, I was just
mesmerized with the San Juan mountains. Fantastic views!
OURAY (Mile 43.9) to HANDIES
PEAK (Mile 65)
The company of Mike was
certainly a welcome change. We were moving well except those climbs where, it
seemed, I was getting slower even more. Depending on the grade, I was moving
between a mile or 1.5 miles per hour! Even so, I was keeping a positive view.
What time we lost going up, we tried to make up on the downhills on a decent
pace.
At this point of the race,
I had learned to move well on the scree portions where initially I even used
my butt and all on fours to manage until I saw most runners just gliding over.
I learned from them just by watching and with a little recklessness, I finally
could do it comfortably. Also, some parts of the trails were riddled with loose
rocks or what I call “tiles”. Very common when one is traversing the side of a mountain.
These tiles on top of the other tiles cover the trail and so they provide a
sliding effect on your shoes as you step on them. If one is not careful or
should I say moving well on those downhills, it could be a tricky situation. In
fact, there are some of these trails that are too narrow and one wrong step
could send you several feet down off a cliff. That is however one of the inherent
challenges of our sport. It is not for everyone. Otherwise, anyone can do it.
Reaching the highest point
of the race, Handies Peak was again slow, cold and yet awesome. It was good to be in
the company of Mike.
HANDIES PEAK to CUNNINGHAM
(Mile 90++)
We were both tired now. I
was worried about Mike since and he and Rose had a race the next weekend. So,
for Mike to be running with me this long and hard a week before their race was
not ideal.
This is the part where we
got in a thunderstorm. That was my first time to be up so close with it at
12,000 feet. Lightnings striking one after the other in concert and then the
rain started pouring down. It was nighttime. From afar, the thunder looks
white or bluish until you are up close. Once it unleashes, the streak looks pink
at least that is how I saw it.
At any rate, Mike and I
sensed the danger and rushed to the nearest cluster of trees but not too close.
Good thing we were not above tree line when it all started. We hurriedly took
out our jackets and, in my case, my flimsy poncho as well. Flimsy because the
material was really thin (Rose and Mike bought it for me. Thanks!) and which was
worn on top of the jacket. It somehow
provided extra protection against the wind but not enough. Too cold now just sitting on
our butt while waiting for the storm to subside/pass. It seemed not happening soon.
Mike said we had to keep
moving or risk hypothermia. I agreed. We lost at least 30 minutes here. As soon as we sensed that the storm was
veering away, we started moving. It was still raining and cold though. Exposing
ourselves out in the open again while the thunders were streaking nearby was
unnerving but we had no choice. Time was ticking. Notwithstanding this setback,
we kept plodding on. We were now in the back of the pack and the thought of the
same was disconcerting enough.
The rain eventually
stopped.
CUNNINGHAM to DIVES – LITTLE GIANT
(Mile 90++)
Dear Lord, what a climb to
the peak! It was made worse since we had just left the last aid station and thus,
carrying a full weight of supplies. Night had overtaken us again and we were
moving with runners far older than us. The way to the Dives seemed endless. We
were behind 3 older runners. They were moving well ahead of us with a sense of
urgency. Slow but steady. It seems this
is the only way to get to the finish line. As usual, I had to stop every 4 or 5
steps to catch my breath and our trip here was made even slower when I had to
answer the call of Nature. The way to the top was just agonizing and I was
consoled only by the fact that this is the last climb to the finish line or so
it seemed. Both Mike and I were very sleepy.
DIVES – LITTLE GIANT to FINISH
LINE
Mike and I spoke and he
said I could make it but he said, if my recollection serves me right, I had to “run
like you are qualifying for Olympics” (Mike if you are reading this, chime in 😊) So I bombed the downhill
… fast even those sections that Mike considered dangerous. Mike was trailing behind.
I must have been almost 10 or so minutes ahead of Mike when the batteries of my
headlamp started to wane. F$&#! Not now. So I started calling out Mike but
he could hardly hear me. I had to stop or risk injuring myself since I could hardly
see the terrain ahead of me. So we swapped headlamp and off I went again …
fast.
Mike was trailing behind
me now. From the top, we could see the town of Silvertown slowly coming to full
view. My heart was pumping hard now not only from exhaustion but from
excitement and fear. Fear that I might not make it. Our time had diminished
considerably and the remaining time was getting just too tight. On the way
down, we reached a fork – left or right was the question. The marking on the
gate showed us the way. This is where Mike let me go and he said I have to push
it hard.
Several long minutes into
the trail, I could not see any marking. It was unnerving at this point to get
lost. “Why is it I am nowhere getting closer to the town?” was the recurring question
in my head. So, I decided to go back just to make sure I did not miss any
confidence marking. There was none. The last marking is the marking when Mike
and I reached that fork. F$&# again! That was costly in terms of time. No
matter how fast I went on again, there was just enough time. Then I discovered
the next marking was several kilometers
away from the fork. Even if I did not go back, it was still a long way to go.
This is the part where I
cried and agonized. Heart-wrenching. I lost it. I lost the chance to make
history.
A WEEK AFTER THE RACE …
Mike sent me this message.
He, well both of us were a bit emotional (for lack of better term). Mike gave
me permission to share it with you. For what it is worth, the runner and his
pacer seem to form a unique bond, kinship or brotherhood in long races like 100
miles that transcends beyond the finish line. The pain and agony of going
through those hard miles seem to weld them together and the pacer by experiencing
those same emotions with his runners unwittingly understands the empathy that
comes with it. This is not the first time for me. Remember the epic experience during WS100 in 2012 with
Rick Gaston. The same experience which proves my philosophy in life that deep friendship
is born not out of happiness, partying or good times but through pain, hardship and … time.
JUL 25TH, 5:12AM
Hey Jonnifer! Hope your
recovery is going well. I typed a message that I was going to post to Facebook,
but I wanted to send it to you directly instead.
Thank you Jonnifer for
giving me the opportunity to pace you. It was an honor and privilege to share
the trail with you for 57 miles of the Hard Rock 100 course. I wish the results
would have been better, finishing 28 minutes after the 48-hour cutoff was not
what either of us wanted. I was inspired many times throughout the race by your
strength and determination. I witnessed you struggle many times because of the
elevation and sleep deprivation, but you just kept pushing through. That
mountain course will humble the strongest of trail runners. I found myself
questioning whether I ever wanted to run the course again. The sheer drop-offs
as we crossed over washouts, the 2 different lightning storms, one of which was
the worst I have ever encountered while on the mountain and steep descents that
were not for the faint of heart. In the end we didn’t get the result we hoped
for, but the bond formed will last a lifetime. I’m proud to have shared the
miles with you and proud to call you my friend.
JUL
25TH, 6:40AM
Hey Mike! I am getting
there but my stomach is not okay yet. Thank you thank you so much for your and
Rose's support!
During the race, I would
have understood you could have quit or simply made up some reason not to pace
me or discontinue to do so but you did not. That says alot about your heart ...
kind and persistent. I was a stranger after all. Perhaps, the result is meant
to be that in exchange for that 30 or so minutes respite from the thunderstorm
meant saving our lives rather than a finish. I totally agree that HR100 gave us
the bond between us that will last a lifetime. Our team finished the race and
nobody can take that away from us despite the huge odds and handicap against
me. I mighty proud to call you my friend as well. I told you so. Take care now
and please do keep in touch.
HINDSIGHT & ADVISE
1. I am just glad that I was not injured or worse. There are some realization and gratitude that come with this experience and even a reason to celebrate. The gift of endurance. Yes. If my more than 10 years of ultrarunning is any indication, that fact I cannot deny.
2. On HR100 terrain. The trail course is raw and unpretentious. Unspoiled. To think, the race almost got cancelled or at the very least re-routed because of wildfire before the race. Among all the trail races I have joined, this race is on the top of my list in terms of elevation, terrain, rugged beauty and remoteness. The race description, “Wild and Tough” is apt! So it is true after all with all the stories I have read before how beautiful the race course is.
2. On HR100 terrain. The trail course is raw and unpretentious. Unspoiled. To think, the race almost got cancelled or at the very least re-routed because of wildfire before the race. Among all the trail races I have joined, this race is on the top of my list in terms of elevation, terrain, rugged beauty and remoteness. The race description, “Wild and Tough” is apt! So it is true after all with all the stories I have read before how beautiful the race course is.
3. There is more to it
than your finish time in 100 miles.
4. Get early to the
elevation or race course. I’d say minimum 3 weeks before the race day. The longer
the better. You might as well train and run there during your peak weeks. Time being
away for an extended period is a commodity I cannot afford now. So whether I am
going back for a “redemption” seems remote now.
5. Bring enough budget to cover unexpected expenses.
6. Train with trekking poles. Not mandatory but they will help
immensely.
7. Do more 100 miles before attempting this. Now, I know why
HR100 is called “post-graduate” race.
LIGHT MOMENTS & THANK YOU NOTES
When you are Silverton,
try the Elk burger with IPA. Awesome!, Trail running in US is on a different
level. Imagine elite runners as volunteers taking care of the needs of runners. I
met on the trail as aid station crew the likes of Anna Frost, Joe Grant, and
others. Wonderful folks.
Thank you again to Mike and Rose as I have said, not enough words to thank them both. Also to my fellow RDs Jonel Mendoza, Atty. Aldean Lim for the complimentary races at Pulag 100k and RMR, respectively, Andrea Blumberg and Greg Hartman for the tips, my colleagues for the support, the trail community for their well wishes, prayers and the nerve-wracking waiting that some of you did :) My apologies. My friends as well.
So 'till the next adventure!
Cheers,
Jon (no races abroad for me for a while until I win a lotto:)
So 'till the next adventure!
Cheers,
Jon (no races abroad for me for a while until I win a lotto:)
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