Miwok 100k has always be on my bucket list, but the timing in relation to Western States has always made me weary enough to not register. This season I really wanted to enter into races that either intrigued me or inspired me in some way, so despite my worry I decided to toe the line.
The two days prior to the race I explored different sections of the course. The first day was a blue bird kind of day, panoramic views, dry conditions, just breathe taking. The day before the race the clouds rolled in along with rain, but it didn't bring my spirits down and exploring still brought me happiness. I was eager to see the entire course and to see how my fitness was coming along.
Race morning was typical, a long line for the bathrooms followed by some of us thinking the start line was 100 meters further back than reality, resulting in not realizing the race started. Immediately my leg speed and agility were tested as I wanted to not get stuck behind the field at the start of the single track. I was able to fall into place in proximity of where I should have been so that was a relief. I had run this first section the previous day so knew to settle in for a long climb.
I was running with Katie Arnold and could hear another female voice not far behind. As we crested the first climb know as "cardiac" at mile 2.8 we were serenaded by a bagpipe, still running by the light from our headlamps. Shortly after this Bree Lambert passed Kate and I, and this brought me back to reality. I evaluated how much effort I was putting out and felt that I could keep pace with her without overextending, as the plan was to run the first 40 miles conseveratively.
There was a male shadowing Bree and I tucked in not far behind him. It was now light enough that I could turn my headlamp off and tuck it away in my pack. Then stride for stride Bree and I entered the Muir Beach aid station together, outbound I was sure to give a high five to Glenn Tachiyama before getting back to work. I checked in with myself, feet fine, legs fine, stomach fine, heart rate fine, head not engaged. It was still fairly early so I wasn't overly worried since I was still getting warmed up. The miles clicked off and before I knew it we were at the first crew station, Tennessee Valley, where I swapped out packs with my Salomon crew (Tyler and Alice) and then followed Bree up the hill.
The day was cloudy, but eventually we could see the Golden Gate Bridge. I was feeling good on the descents, but was cautious to not pound my quads early on. It was just technical enough that I had to be engaged with the trail, but not so difficult that I had to hyper focus. Everything was on track, calories in, hydration and pace. As Bree and I ran into Bridge View aid station she peeled off to use the bathroom and one of the volunteers ask if I was the girl from Vermont? It brought a smile to my face as I am always proud to represent the Green Mountain state. I got some water and then started down the trail before Bree reappeared, figuring she would catch up within a few minutes. Eventually I could see her about a tenth of a mile behind me, but didn't worry as I was enjoying her company.
Running alone I started focusing on catching the males within sight. One at a time I caught them, passed them and exchanged words of encouragement. It became a game, there was no rush, but it kept my mind occupied. At this point I knew I was a bit grumpy, my mind wasn't engaged and I was just going through the motions. My running seemed effortless so I worked to keep my thoughts positive and hoped that more enjoyment would transpire. I was now on a section that was doubling back on the course so got to see other runners and appreciated their cheers. Then came a long descent into the Miwok Stables where all runners have to walk so not to spook the horses. It felt weird to try and power walk and I felt internal panic that I was losing time. Once I was cleared to run again I found Alice, swapped out packs. She asked me how it was going and all I know is a grumbled something back at her, unsure even if they were words. Bree pulled into the aid station just as I was leaving so knew I didn't have time to waste. I felt like crap that I had just grumbled at Alice, we had just met 24 hours prior so I feared she would not yet know what mumbles were truly about.
Knowing that the next crew station wasn't that far I focused on getting to Tyler. At this point it started to rain lightly. The field was really getting spread apart and it began to feel more like a training run, which I enjoy. I was able to pass 3 or 4 male competitors on the climb, which gave me reassurance that I was doing okay. I turned on my music, put my head down and continued to work. I wasn't completely mind and body in the race, but was holding it together and as I crested the long climb I was treated to some sporadic views as I began my descent into Muir Beach. With the ocean far below and an incredible single track in front of me I turned off my music and was present in the moment. Once I reached the bottom Tyler was waiting with soft flasks for me and was eager to fill my pack for me. Again I grumbled something as we struggled to determine who would fill my pack. I wanted to do it, he wanted to do it, I wanted to do it and ultimately he did it.
I was a bit anxious about the next section as I had heard the climb back up Cardiac was a difficult one. The rain had become more consistent, the fog had moved in even more and the wind was picking up on the ridges. The fog in conjunction with the terrain made me have a feeling of vertigo. I was forced to put my head down and focus my gaze directly on the trail. I again turned off my music and just found solace in listening to the wind. I knew that Brett Rivers would be manning the Cardiac aid station so was eager to get there and say hello. I am sure on a normal day the views are incredible, but nothing but fog and moisture to be seen when I arrived. I did a quick refill on my water, gave my greetings and took off.
The next section to Bolians aid station was socked in and I tried to diligently focus on following course markers so not to make an unneccessary mistake. Despite my focus I kept questioning if I had missed a turn as I wasn't seeing any racers, but each time as I contemplated turning around I would see a ribbon. My focus was also drawn to my right arch which was suddenly bothering me. Was my sock bunching? Something in my shoe? Had my orthodic shifted? I gave it a few miles and it wasn't resolving by itself so I decided to stop. I pulled off my shoe, pulled up my sock and in the midst of this process got a massive leg crap in my left leg. One of those feelings where you think "holly shit where did that come from and why?" I quickly put my shoe back on and gingerly started running again. My left leg was fine, but my right foot still hurt and with the wind and rain I was getting too cold to stop and fuss too much over it.
The trails were really starting to get wet now and the temperature seemed to be dropping. I wanted to walk some of the uphills, but felt like it would be dangerous to do so since I just had shorts and a t-shirt on. I kept plugging along until I hit the Bolians aid station where I filled my pack and saw some hypothermic runners wrapped in emergency blankets. I asked how far the male runners were in front of me, hoping to be able to find some company to run with. I was told a 3 to 5 minutes so I doubted that I would catch them before the turn around.
Streams on the trails started to form along with large stagnate puddles. I was soaked and chilled. I saw a dirty random pair of Nike socks on the side of the trail and was tempted to put them on my hands to help keep warm. Luckily I had passed them faster than my mind could make a decision on grabbing them or not. Since I was already drenched I made child's play out of the wet conditions in hopes of lifting my mood and in the midst of running in streams and through puddles I was able to catch some of the guys. We shared conversation as we worked our way to the last crew station.
Coming into the Randall aid station I had formulated a list of things I wanted from my crew and was excited to have Alice pace me the last 13 miles. A fresh pack, arm warmers, gloves and a dry hat were all on the list. I ran down to the aid station and stopped dead looking around. One guy started yelling "Salomon, Salomon, Salomon Crew?" then "Alice, Alice, Alice?" Everyone looked around and then some said "they aren't here!". I turned around and started running back up the hill and then within a minute realized that I had made a major mistake. I hadn't filled my pack, which meant I didn't have any calories or water.
I was mentally frustrated, I had a long climb back to Bolians and was thirsty and feeling like my energy was on the decline. I tried to think of my options, I could drink from a puddle? I could look for dropped shot blocks or gu? I could curl up in a ball and hope to be rescued? I wanted to cry, but told myself I couldn't waste the hydration. I ran with my mouth open for a while hoping to add moisture to my parched mouth, no shock that didn't help. I tried to be strong, cheer other runners on has they passed me in the opposite direction and keeping moving in hopes that something would shake out. Finally I made it to the aid station and filled up with water, but there wasn't anything there I could eat so I headed out as I was encouraged along by Meghan Arbogast and then Kelsie Clausen. I needed their words, they were extremely valuable as I worked to tackle the final section to the finish.
Once back up on the ridge I was once again greeted by the wind and now the trails were really starting to show the wear of having so many runners on course. Tacky mud made each stride a little more labor intensive, but each stride but me that much closer to the finish line. For the next mile or two I kept glancing over my shoulder to see if Bree was within sight, but I couldn't see her so I kept an even pace. Then out of the fog emerged my pacer Alice! She had run up from the finish to find me after they missed me at Randall. She had plenty of stories from the day to keep me entertained as we worked through the technical portions of the final miles.
Finally we emerged on the pavement and I headed for the finish chute and stopped just prior to the line as they were a delayed with the finish line ribbon. It made me smile as they were determined to have a tape for me to run through. Crossing the line in 10:25:26 I had mixed feelings. Winning is always nice, but I was disappointed that my mind hadn't been super engaged throughout the day. Maybe I was tired from travel or work, maybe it was just an off day, but it made me a bit sad.
Miwok 100k Race Gear:
Shoes - Salomon S Lab Wings Soft Ground
Pack - Salomon S Lab Advanced Skin 5Set
Socks - Drymax "Sage"
Fuel - Untapped