Marin Headlands, Golden Gate Bridge, San Fransisco, Bolinas Ridge, classic/competitive ultra, I was pumped to run the Miwok 100k. Race morning came very early with a 3:15am alarm. After getting prep'd and driving to the start, the 400 runners and myself were rather disappointed by the news of a shortened course due to fire danger. Not an actual fire, just the threat. I run fast but I don't think I've ever sparked any flames....
So I drove back 30 minutes to the hotel, slept for 1 1/2 hours and headed back for what would now be a 60k race. I was still excited and most runners were positive. Big kudo's for Tia and the volunteers to making the best of a less-than-perfect situation.
The race funneled to a singletrack within 200 meters from the start. It was a tough decision to figure out how fast to go. I chose wisely. Not too fast but fast enough to avoid the funnel. The first climb was long and full of stairs. Yep, uneven stairs mixed with short stretches of trail for almost 2 miles. Dense forest shaded and protected us for a stretch from what would be a scorching hot day (no flames though). Once on top, the views were amazing. After a few miles I picked up the pace and found myself accelerating. It felt so natural that I just let it happen. Within 7-8 miles from the start I was throttling it! I thought...its only 60k so why not?!
Turns out it was a good move. I held form and had one of the better races in years! The views from the exposed ridgelines were amazing, the singletrack firm and fast, and I was having an ON day. The trail next to Golden Gate bridge was everything it was hyped to be. A friend who I've barely seen since high-school randomly showed up to run the last 12 miles with me (they we supposed to be miles 49-61 but were 26-38). The volunteers were awesome and the decent into Muir Beach was as pretty of a trail as I've ever seen.
Hot...yes but it didn't slow me down as I felt strong the whole day finishing 10th overall in a time of 5:39.45! The 60k distance was probably better for me than the 100k due to my fitness but I finished feeling like I could have kept going. I would have needed more salt pills though as I was on the verge of cramping those last 3-4 miles. It was also great to have my wife Zanna and youngest son Riley there supporting me. Great day, great race!
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| Getting ready pre-race |
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| Finishing strong |
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| Happy and hanging with Riley post race |
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| Feeling good 14 miles in... |
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| Me, Zanna, and Riley post race on Fishermans Wharf |
1 comment:
Nice job man! Always nice when things click!
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