Picking out the site of my first 100 mile run wasn't an easy task, there were a lot of things to consider. Terrain, elevation gain/loss, aid stations, cost and location were among some of the more important things for me to consider. I wanted a course that would challenge me, but 100 miles was going to be challenging enough so I wanted to make sure I didn't get myself into something to crazy. I found the Rocky Road Run on ultrasignup.com, it was around the perfect time in mid February and the course was designed for first time 100 mile racers. The course is laid out amongst an upscale community called Cota de Coza in Orange County, it is a 7.5 mile out and back dirt trail that travels along the roadside. Now those two things that make it ideal for 1st timers are the two things I avoid when I go trail running, cars on the road and multiple out and back repeats, neither of those appeal to me. But in the interest of having a successful race I realized that having access to almost constant aid, every 2.5 miles and being able to know exactly where I am with the out and back repeats, would make my 100mile journey very possible.
When I signed up for the race I told my friends and family what I had gotten myself into and asked if they wanted to be a part of it, as I would need all the support I could get. I got one of my good friends and his wife to drive down with my wife and I, then my family and my in-laws were going to meet us down there on race day. I couldn't ask for anything better than having so many people with me that I care about to help support me throughout the race, I was really happy that so many of them could make it.
We left for the race on friday at about 3pm, which turned out to be a big mistake, we made it all the way to LA without hitting any traffic, from LA on it was a crawl for about 4 hours until we finally hit the toll roads that lead to Lake Forest. By the time we ate dinner and got back to the hotel it was after 10pm and I had to be up by about 4:30am, I didn't fall asleep until sometime after 12:30. Waking up after 4 hours of sleep knowing that you are committed to running a 100 miles makes you wonder if you should have made sleep more of a priority before such an endeavor, but eh screw it. We got to the start of the race with time to spare, I picked up my race bib, we set up our canopy and I got the rest of my gear ready to go while I stayed warm in the car.
Getting ready for a long day |
mile 45 |
Grubbing on some In N Out at mile 60 |
My hotdog sister at mile 75 |
My amazing wife and I at mile 95 |
Jordan and Ash w/me and my new buckle |
The whole crew at the finish |
As the days have gone by since the race I am beginning to appreciate my accomplishment and all that went into getting me to the finish. I am blessed to have a body that will do all the things I ask of it and more. To have such great people in my life that support the crazy things I do is also a blessing. Now what's next?
Rocky Road Endurance Run 2012 Results