Kat'cina Mosa 100k

My first 100k!!  This would be the farthest distance I have ever gone.  I chose to do this race to help build my confidence for the Pony Express 100 miler in October.  And what a race to choose!  The course description: "A VERY, VERY challenging, difficult and scenic loop course through the Wasatch Mountains above Provo, Utah.  Elevation gain is 17,404 feet and loss is 17, 404 ft.  13,000 feet of elev. gain by mile 28.5 in 3 separate climbs, then the last half only has about another 4,000 feet of climb."  Just looking at the elevation chart was intimidating!  My goals for this race: stay positive and don't get lost!  I printed off the elevation chart and distances between aid stations and taped it on the back of my bib.  The race director also sent out detailed course descriptions for each section of the course which I made sure were on my phone so that I could reference them if needed.  

Race start - 3 a.m.  (There was also an option for an early start of 1 a.m. for those who needed the extra time to finish.)  Since the start was so early, I ended up with no sleep.  I figured I would be on the course for at least 16 hours and knew that the lack of sleep would eventually catch up to me.  I didn't have any drop bags to drop off at the race start since Chad was going to be my crew.  There were 9 different aid stations and he would have access to 4 of them.  I started off with just my handheld water bottle and my Spi belt to hold gels.  The weather was cooler since the sun wasn't out and I knew I wouldn't need my hydration pack until later on. 

Start - Camel Pass (8.49 miles)  The race started 5 minutes after 3 a.m.   We headed up the paved road up Hobble Creek Canyon for just over 2 miles until we came to the glow sticks marking a left turn onto a rocky dirt road. The course would continue on this road for the next 14 miles.  The light in my headlamp wasn't as bright as I would have liked it to be and so I eventually joined up with 2 other runners, DJ and Jason, so I could share in their light.  I love meeting new people and hearing their running adventures.  Both were experienced ultra runners.  DJ had already run 9 ultras this year.  As we went up the dirt road, I took the opportunity to ask their advice and tips for running ultra marathons.  The advice that they gave me that stuck with me the most is to not look at the whole distance since it can become overwhelming, but take it mile by mile.  Just run the mile that you are in and accept it for what it is. 

AS #1 Camel Pass - Slate Canyon (8.49 - 13.06) - I didn't stop too long at this aid station.  Just long enough for a volunteer to top off my water bottle and for me to quickly down some cantaloupe and I was off again.  Jason went ahead and I ran with DJ to the next station.  This section we were still climbing and then enjoyed a mile downhill before it leveled out to the next aid station.  

AS#2 - Rock Canyon (13.06 - 16.42) - I loved this section!  The sun was starting to come out and finally a good downhill section where I could stretch out my legs.  I was running at a good pace, but didn't want to push it since there were still a LOT of miles yet to complete so I slowed my pace a little.  DJ went ahead and I followed not too far behind. Coming into the aid station I could see Chad and my little Lindsay cheering me in.  I gave Chad my belt, water bottle, and headlamp and he handed me my hydration pack all filled and ready to go. Chris joined me at this point.  He graciously volunteered to be my pacer through the middle section of tougher climbs.  He would join me for the next 3 sections of the race.  It was GREAT to have someone to share in the journey.

AS#3 - Big Springs (16.42 - 23.48)  - And CLIMB!  Up and up we go!  This section was challenging, but sooo beautiful!  As we climbed higher and higher, I got a little dizzy, but still kept moving forward. The views were definitely worth the climb!

 

And then after the climb, came a good steep downhill section.  The downhill sections can be just as challenging as the steep uphill sections.  With my legs not being fresh, and a little more wobbly then normal I definitely had to choose my steps carefully.  The downhill section went from rocky to a smoother dirt path. 

Up to this point, I had some stumbles, but was always able to regain my balance.  And then the inevitable happened, I tripped and made a not so graceful plummet into the dirt.  Luckily it was on smoother dirt and I just had a few scrapes on my hand and on my knees.  I got up and was covered in dirt.  I had to laugh a little.  All part of the adventure!!  Coming into the next aid station I took some water and cleaned off my hands as Chad refilled my front water bottles on my pack.  I should have grabbed something to eat before I left, but wasn't really thinking and headed out.  I still had gels in my pack I could refuel with and thought that it would be fine.  

AS #4 - Windy Pass (23.48 - 29.58)  Starting out on this section was a downhill, woo hoo!  AND then we were climbing again up to Windy Pass.  There was little shade in this section and a lot of sun!  It was getting hot!  Good thing I had lots of water with me.  There were parts of the trail that were really rocky.  I began feeling a little wiped and told Chris that I should have refueled better at the last aid station. 

We continued on our way up to Windy Pass and was so grateful when we finally reached the next aid station!  I quickly ate a part of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some fruit and then was off again. 

AS #5 - Little Valley (29.58 - 38.78) Coming out of this aid station, you are still climbing for a bit.  Then it levels off and eventually heads downhill.  I turned on my music on my i-Pod and had to chuckle since I could hear Chris singing to his music.  Chris has the same singing ability as me.  It definitely made for some good entertainment. 

I went from feeling better at the start of this section to feeling awful right in the middle.  The sections that I should have been able to run and pick up my pace, I couldn't find the energy to get my legs to go.  I felt if I closed my eyes, I could easily fall asleep on the side of the trail.  This was definitely the low part of the race.  Luckily, I had Chris with me to offer me words of encouragement even though I felt a bad that my effort on this section was pathetic. There are definitely highs and lows in an ultra and I knew even though I wasn't feeling great now that if I kept going things could change.  I knew I was going to finish the race, I just didn't know if I would have to walk the last 20 plus miles or if I would be able to find the energy to begin running again.   Being a little discouraged, I came into the next aid station.  Chad handed me my handheld water bottle and I gave him my pack.  Chris joined me for a short .65 miles out and then back while Chad refilled my pack with water, electrolyte drink, and gels.  Coming back to the aid station, Chad gave me back my pack and asked if I needed to sit and rest for a minute.  He knew that I was feeling great and was a little worried since he wasn't going to see me for the next 17 miles since he couldn't access the next 2 aid stations.  I knew it wouldn't be good to sit and that I should keep on moving.   I had to say good-bye to Chris.  I was grateful that he could join me for the tough middle section.  I decided to drink some Red Bull that the aid station offered to see if it would help.  This was a gamble since I had never tried Red Bull before and had no idea how my body would react.  Well, turns out that it worked wonders!!  It wasn't long before I headed out the aid station with a little bit of spring to my step. 
AS #6 - Bath Tub (38.78 - 45.83)  After a short jaunt down the dirt road, the road turned and I was climbing again.  I had a renewed energy and plugged away until I reached the top.  I loved the views at the top! 

Then came the bumpy dirt road with big rocks scattered everywhere.  I carefully placed my feet as I ran to make sure that I didn't trip.  I was just grateful to be running again.  I was feeling pretty good coming into the next aid station.

AS #7 - Dry Fork (45.83 - 52.51)  Leaving the aid station, I decided to mentally break down the rest of the course.  I had just over a 10k, 5k, and another 10k and then I would be done!  I tried to stayed focused just on the section I was on.  There was more uphill on this section and then finally some downhill.  I just have to add that the course was well marked.  Blue and orange flags marking the turns and then orange flags indicating you were on the right trail.   Whenever I saw an orange flag, it was always a sense of relief that I was on the right trail.  As I passed 50 miles, I had to smile.  I was going farther than I had ever gone before! 

AS #8 - Corral (52.51 - 56.28)  Just over a 5k and I would be able to see Chad and my family at the last aid station!  I downed some more Red Bull at this aid station and headed down the narrow wooded trail.  I came to what I would like to call the mud pit.  I held onto the bushes on the side of the trail and did my best to maneuver around it to keep my shoes dry.  After the mud pit, I headed down the trail to the next aid station.  My left ankle was starting to throb and the top of my right foot ached, but I knew I was getting soooo close.  Nearing the last aid station I could see Chad and my kids cheering me on.  It was good to see them!  I told Chad that I was feeling much better since he last saw me and he was relieved. 

AS #9 - Finish (56.28 - 62.17)  Leaving the aid station, Chad told me the finish was just down the paved road.  Less than a 10k - I could totally do this!  I knew if I continued at my pace running that I could break 15 1/2 hours.  I could walk/run and break 16 hours, but knew I could push myself.  I told myself to just take it mile by mile and then the finish would be there in no time.  

Step by step, mile by mile, I made it down the road.  Coming into the finish I could see my family and my good friends Tami and Kylie that came to cheer me in.  They were AWESOME to come down to support me.  It was sooooo good to make the final turn and come into the finish. 

I had made it and after 15 hours and 24 minutes I was definitely ending on a good note!  2nd place overall female.  This was the most challenging race that I have ever ran - but with the challenge it makes the feeling of finishing even more amazing!