2019 Boulder Field 100K Race Report

Today I’m bringing your a race report on the latest ultramarathon I’ve run, the Boulder Field 100K, which was held at Hickory Run State Park in Carbon County, Pennsylvania.

This was my second 100K race both this year and overall, and marks my 13th ultramarathon to date.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect leading into this race, my first 100K was very difficult (very technical and tons of vert) and though this race was not going to be the same, it did have a final cutoff that was 3 hours shorter. So I was hoping the lack the elevation change would help me finish on time and my only true goal was to beat that 16 hour time limit. I considered getting under 15 hours to be my “B” goal. Anything beyond that would just be icing on the cake.

I camped out at the park on Friday night and had picked up my bib and the hat and pullover they were giving to participants at early packet pickup Friday evening to have less to worry about race morning. This also let me know where things were and orient myself race morning since it was going to be dark for the 5AM start.

The course is a figure 8 type route, with a 13 mile shorter loop followed by the larger 18 mile loop that totals 50K. 100K runners obviously run this twice. I had a park map that I marked on the turns from what the race sent online and carried that map with me just in case I made a wrong turn but didn’t need the map at all. Race workers had the course very well marked I thought, though I did hear of a few runners taking a wrong turn. I think that was a result of them not paying attention but that’s just my opinion. As for other info on the course, the website for the race, (uberendurancesports.com), stated that it has about 4000ft elevation per feet 50K loop. It was mostly trail (of all sorts), just a bit road running, and of course the crossing of the boulder field!

I had signed up for this race about 2 months ago, but when I looked into this race a little more than a week or so before its date, I realized it was much smaller than I thought. The last 3 years there were only about 3 dozen finishers on average. This made me realize that I’d probably have to run a fair portion of the race on my own at times, which ultimately lead to be true.

Not only did the race have few finishers, but that was a result of few starters. I had heard where there were 43 starters, and the crowd did look small during pre-race announcements. I was actually shocked that it was 43 runners honestly. The 50K and 18 mile races had many more runners participate. Race officials states it was about 400 total participants in the 3 distances. Clearly the 100K is not the race of choice!

Nonetheless, pre-race announcements were short and with a very short countdown, we were off to it!

The start of the race is slight downhill and then a quick road crossing that takes you basically right through the park campground until reaching a single track trail that truly gets you into the woods and having that trail race feel. The first few miles were flatter than I expected, and due to this I likely went out too fast. My first mile was definitely too fast I saw when I went back and reviewed the splits from my watch—a 9:37 first mile. Note to self—don’t do that again! Honestly I didn’t think I was running that fast though. Through those first few miles I was at the tail end of the second pack of runners.

I wasn’t long before I came upon the first aid station at mile 5. I looked at my watch and saw I was under and hour! This meant sub 12 minute mile pace so far and I knew I had to slow it down because for me that is very quick to even attempt to sustain for even a 50K, yet alone a 100K. I drank some liquid and spent minimal time here, moving on but being mindful of slowing down.

It wasn’t long before I would slow down due to the course. The next 5 miles until you come back around and hit that same aid station at mile 10 are the hilliest miles of the course. The trail slowly meandered upward and runners spread out a bit. There were finally the first glimpses of daylight. Up and up we went and upon coming to a lookout of the Lehigh River, it was about 1.5 hours into the race and I could finally feel comfortable with turning off my headlamp. The course changed back to single track and lead back down the hill to that same aid station.

I looked at my watch when I first saw the aid station tent and it showed 2:00:29. Again I was still averaging 12 minute miles exactly. I spent minimal time at the aid station again, only slightly longer as I put my headlamp in my race pack since there was plenty of light now despite it being cloudy. I laughed as the runner in front of me told the aid station workers “see you again at lunch time!” His words would definitely hold true though.

The next few miles back to the start/finish were some of the most scenic in my opinion. There was a spot just a few minutes after the aid station were you ran through a tunnel of rhododendron. I don’t know what it is about that species of shrub/tree, but I always love seeing them along a race course, and going through a canopy of them is even better!

Rhododendron around mile 11

Just farther down is another highlight, the Shades of Death Trail. It is a lot spookier sounding than what it is though. While not easy, any average hiker or even children can handle it. It just has some tricky spots with LOTS of roots and some with lots of rocks, some slightly wet. Just take your time though and you’ll be fine. Overall it is a very picturesque trail. You’ll see water cascading over rocks several spots with one waterfall near an old dam. There’s also a spot where rocks form steps between two huge boulders. It might be a tough spot to squeeze through if you’re hiking and would have a wide backpack.

Squeezing though here!

After finishing the 1-mile Shades of Death Trail it’s only a short way to the start/finish. I made sure the race official had my number to check in and grabbed some aid station food while also getting fluid. Each aid station I made sure to drink. That is kinda a weakness of mine (being underhydrated) and with these recent long race I’ve been making more of effort to be conscious to correct it. Overall I didn’t spend too much time there and went out for the second part of the first lap.

From here the course is more flat and easier to run, but the fact I ran the first 13ish miles fast I had to incorporate some (purposeful) walking breaks. I didn’t really enjoy the next 5 miles to the next aid station that much—I don’t know, just nothing exciting to see and too flat. There was small section mixed in there that was singletrack trail and did enjoy that part but that was about it. The only good thing was I was now catching up to the back of pack for the 18 mile distance runners and there was some company.

I hit the next aid station and ate some more and kept moving. Out of the aid station was a long gentle downhill and then a turn onto the Boulder Field Trail. It quickly turned more technical and difficult which I liked at first. Eventually the trail became VERY narrow and mildly overgrown. Since I was running with trekking poles, the narrow trail made it hard to advance them. It was also hard to pass anyone. I made it through there and I can say it was very cool eventually when you could see more daylight and catch the first glimpse of the Boulder Field! This to me is the highlight of race and of course what gives the race its name.

Boulder Field

I wasn’t sure how this section would go but it turned out to be fine. I took it cautiously to avoid injury but most of the rocks were really stable. I actually gained “ground” on other runners and passed a few. Some people seemed to really be struggling with this section. I thought it was fun. I did stop for 10-20 seconds a few times just to take in the spectacle of it all since this was the first time ever seeing it. I didn’t want to totally miss the beauty of everything, even if I was in a race.

Coming out of the boulder field was an aid station again. It was there where they had bacon. I had one piece and I swear it tasted like the best, most succulent piece of bacon I had ever ate. Really—it tasted that good! I drank some more, thanked  the volunteers and kept moving. By now runners were reaching the farthest reaches of the park. To me, again the course was “boring.” At one long stretch it was very narrow again. Intermittent rocks made it hard to run. I could not get momentum due to this.

About the time the course opened up again, another runner had caught up to me. This was the first time I really engaged in much conversation with anyone during the race. As continued to the next aid station we went back and forth on how it’s going so far, favorite (and least favorite) parts of the course, goals for the race, and what other ultras we’ve each done.

I have to admit, I forgot how tired I was starting to feel while talking to him. The miles did seem to go by fast as we were at about the same pace. It wasn’t long before we hit the last aid station. I did stop at this one for a little longer, I don’t know why really, I just did. Again I made sure I fueled up both nutrition and hydration and me and the other runner left at the same time.

We covered the miles back to the end of the 50K loop actually. The end miles were diverse and enjoyable. Some open spots, some more single track and an eventual long slow descent to the park and end of the 50K loop. There was a road section in there that was mostly uphill and felt like it went on forever but a cool waterfall at another dam did make it worth it.

Waterfall at Saylorsville Dam

During the long gradual descent was a surprise highlight of the race. Me and the other runner were still talking when all of the sudden from the right side of the doubletrack trail darts out a bear! He sprinted down the trail and ducked in the weeds/woods again to the left of the trail. We had both stopped in our tracks. When we looked to make sure that was the only bear and no cubs around or anything we continued as I banged my trekking poles together to make noise. I guess the bear was a juvenile, it wasn’t full grown but not a cub either. The experience actually didn’t scare me at all—I kind of thought it was a cool experience.

Getting to and crossing the start/finish at the 50K occurred just under 6 and a half hours. I did some stretching at the aid station to ease my aching muscles while again eating and drinking. I was starting to think that maybe this could be a really good day. I was right about where I thought I should be time-wise for 50K. My muscles, especially my quads and hip flexors were aching already though. I knew though that by just slowing down a playing things smart the second half I could turn in a good time. While I knew I couldn’t hit the 13 hour pace I was at currently, with smart race management on my part I could still turn in a very respectful finish time.

Going out for the second half of race was more solo racing for sure right from the start of it. I somewhat jockeyed with a few runners through the second loop catching up to them near an aid station only to see them leave just as I was stopping at it and vice versa. Overall just more solo running though.

The big difference for the early course miles now doing it the second time, was at least I could see what was up ahead in those early miles since it was all in the dark the first go around. It’s funny, the same course had a different feel the second time. Sections that seemed to go by quick on the first half seemed to drag out on the second loop. The hills seemed steeper too. My quads were screaming back at me on the steeper inclines.

I also spent more time at each aid station, but not excessively. I made sure to eat since my stomach was allowing me too (I didn’t have much of an appetite during my first 100K) and also drink too. It was wasn’t excessively hot but it felt like it. I guess it was mostly humidity. The temperature was about 58 degrees at the start and rose to the mid-high 60s I guess from what was forecasted. Coke and Gatorade were the go to choice for aid station drinks with the Coke tasting especially good to me for whatever reason. I made sure my water bottle was always filled at each station and that got me through things out on the course. Grilled Cheese sandwiches cut into quarters and bacon were definitely the go food choices. Each tasted so good! One aid station did have some chicken and that tasted very good too! I did eat some candy and cookies but for the most part stayed away from the sweets this race—they just didn’t appeal to me. I also had just a few chips, pretzels, and half a banana, but none of those really appealed to me.

I got to mile 43 in about 9 hours. The cutoff was 10 hours 50 minutes. I was in good shape hitting that cutoff which was the start/finish after the 13 mile section of the second loop. I got some energy from the spectators watching us racers. After doing some mild stretching before heading out to do the last 18 mile section, I felt infused from the cheers. I would try and soak in as much of that as I could because I knew more solitude lie ahead. I just kept ticking off mile after mile, trying mentally not to get too far ahead of myself and think about the miles and fatigue and intermittent boredom that lie ahead. With no one around to talk to your mind can wander easily and think about things too much. Like what aches, what hurts, how this section is the same as 10 minutes ago and the same as 10 minutes from now. I had to remind myself just run the mile you’re in right now and keep putting one foot in front of the other. More walking was involved this second half of the race. I knew that though and was expecting it. All it was was just managing it the best I could, which I did.

I finally got the boulder field again and felt energized from this, my favorite section of the course. I scrambled through there, but again did take just a little time to soak in this naturally occurring phenomenon. Within about 10 minutes of leaving the boulder field the rain that was forecasted started to fall. I was sure glad I was past the boulder field because I feel it would have been much harder when the rocks are wet. The rain came down fairly steady for awhile and I definitely started to get wet. I grabbed my hat from my race pack and put on to keep the rain somewhat off my head and from running down onto my face. This really helped. The rain did slow to a more tolerable level. I was thinking how the exact same thing had happened in my first 100K. Just after reaching the 50 mile mark it started to rain. This was much easier though as with the first rain it was a thunderstorm with pouring, driving rain that persisted much longer.

My GPS watch also ran out of battery life about this time. I took time to swap out and put on my old standard Casio wristwatch on since I knew the battery would eventually die. At least with this watch I knew what time of day it was and with a little math could figure out my race time.

It seemed like forever to reach that last aid station but finally I got there! I fueled up on the grilled cheese, bacon and Coke again for the stretch run. All of it tasted so good in the cooling rain! I stopped briefly to introduce myself to another runner that was in charge of that aid station who I connected with on Instagram weeks priors after commenting on the same race we both ran. Two other runners came into the aid station while I was still there, one being the guy I ran with on the first half of the course for many miles.

After I thanked the aid station volunteers, me and the other runner both left at the same time. We started talking and kept the same pace and it made the stretch run more fun as I forget how tired I was. Eventually he dropped back during the technical single track section and I kept pulling forward. With maybe 3 miles to go I was by myself and knew the finish was getting close. I came out to the final road section and kept pushing uphill. Back on the trail I passed two 50K participants hiking and kept pushing fairly hard up the slight incline. The trail crested and upon it declining, I knew the final push was on! Down the trail to where the bear ran out the first loop and then a right turn to the dirt road lead me to speed up some. I saw on my watch that it was just past 6:30 PM, meaning the 13.5 hour mark. I was so surprised I would finishing this quick. After a few turns on park roads the home stretch was in sight and I could see the (albeit few) people still remaining to cheer at the finish line. I completed my second 100K with a  really strong finish!

A lady almost immediately handed me a finishers award and the announcer, also checking his electronic device for the race, asked me my age group. He checked his device and told me to hold on—then he told me I was 3rd place in my age group and handed me a trophy! Despite it being a small race I was very shocked and needless to say very surprised!

My official finish time was 13:34:40. I was 14th out of 24 finishers.

Post race I did some mild stretching to try and stay loose while talking to a 50K runner waiting for his girlfriend to finish her 50K. This was his first ultra and he stated he is quickly finding out how supportive the trail and ultra community is.

Quite frankly, that is what I love about it too. So many other runners I the events I’ve been doing have been supportive and positive. There is something about this and the atmosphere of the race that I just don’t see on the same level as a road race or shorter distances like 5K’s and 10K’s. Perhaps to some degree this support and positivity is what is drawing me into the sport.

Overall, I had a good time at this race. Hickory Run State Park is one of the places I wanted to check off my list of places in Pennsylvania to visit. I also had a great finish time that was about as good as I could have expected to run. Also positive, while I was sore, my body didn’t feel as bad after this race as my first 100K, likely due to being easier.

Contemplation

This past weekend I competed in the Boulder Field 100K, an ultramarathon held at Hickory Run State Park in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. The race was my “B” race for the year, with another 100K, World’s End 100K, having been my “A” race earlier this year. Both were challenging.

Running both of these races were a step up for me in my ultra running. My longest event prior was a 12 hour race that I’ve done 3 times, reaching distances of 50-55 miles in each of those.

The step up to 100K distance served a greater purpose. While a lofty goal in itself, the 100K was let me see where I stand in relationship to my ultimate running goal, and whether I think I have it within me to truly pursue that that ultimate goal. The ultimate goal, something that has intrigued me ever since the day I learn about them… is a 100 miler.

I remember first hearing of a 100 miler, something I had no idea existed, and while sounding so incredibly insane and intimidating, for whatever reason stuck with me and sounded so wild and I could only imagine what it would take to do one. At this time I had been built up to half marathon distance or so and only begun to head off road and start explore this new (to me) world of trail running. I liked the feeling of being out in the woods and nature and how trails were constantly up and down and weaving around. It was so different from the same footfalls of road running.

I researched these 100 milers and learned there were many, and that they were incredibly difficult. But somehow the fascination of what it would be like to say you attempted (or hopefully completed one) stuck with me. The intriguing aspect of this type of event never went away. It was like a spark was lit inside of me. I knew next to nothing about these 100’s, and by all means was nowhere near ready to even think about trying something half that long, but the thought of “well, maybe some day” was in me.

I did get my running built up and meet my goal of running a marathon… 3 in fact in total. I still wasn’t ready for the ultra thing though. The long distance running was still new to me and while I could handle it, pushing even farther was not in me yet as I didn’t feel I could tolerate the increased training load.

A change of careers and going back to school derailed my running for a period of 2 years or so. During this time I just kept a base really, with anything over five miles almost seeming like a bonus of some sorts. Keeping my base was my only goal while returning to school. This way I wouldn’t have to start from zero since the same goal, even now more distant in achieving, was still in my head.

Upon graduating, a few months later I did a trail 25K. I considered that my re-entry and start point for building things back up. It went well and I loved it. The following year I got brave enough to try my first ultra, and doing 2 overall just 3 weeks apart that first year. The following year, I did 4 ultras, and then 3 more the next year. I had sort of stagnated I guess, doing ultra but not increasing distance too terribly much.

That’s where this year comes into play. I decided I needed to test myself and start to really push myself. I had my eye on a few 100K’s and decided I needed to do these or I’ll never advance toward that ultimate goal.

With successful completion of two 100K’s, which you can read about at this link (World’s End 100K) and at this link (Boulder Field 100K), my confidence has grown. I am now pondering if it’s time to pursue the ultimate goal. There are several reasons why.

Had I failed at those races, then I’d know I wasn’t ready. Granted neither were easy and both were challenging, but being I did complete them, then I feel I have some legitimate times were I felt the challenge of what I could face in a 100 miler. I also now with both the 100K’s know the experience of having to drive a good distance to the race and camp the night—essentially being out of one’s comfort zone. With the 100K’s I also gained experience with running in the dark since both started at 5 AM and I finished my first 100K in the dark too. That is something I definitely will need practice with.

Being that I’m in my mid 40’s, I know I’m not getting any younger. Each year older I get it will be just a bit tougher to push myself to my max.

I feel kinda at a crossroads now though. I know there’s several reasons why I should probably go after the goal, but several that still cast doubt. Each of the 100K were tough! When you tire to this degree, I find it daunting to go for another 40 miles and, depending on difficulty, be out there another on the trails another 10-20 hours.

I know probably every ultra runner debates this in a pursuit of 100 miles. I guess I’m just bugged by the fact I don’t know if I’m ready. I like to know if I’m ready or not, and right now I’m unsure.

In conclusion, I know I have to weigh many items and do some soul searching. We’ll see. The other point sticking with me is I’ll likely have regret if I never at least attempt a 100 miler, and I think that is what weighs on me the most.

If anyone reading this has any advice, feel free to share. Thanks as always for reading!

2019 Worlds End 100K Race Report

It has been too long since I’ve written a post here on my blog, so I figured a race report on my first ever 100K was as good of topic as any to get back at it. This past weekend I participated (and finished!) in Worlds End 100K ultramarathon (WEU) at Worlds End State Park and the surrounding Loyalsock State Forest in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania.

The race website describes it as one of the premier ultras on the east coast. I haven’t run any races or ultras outside of PA so I can’t attest to that statement, but I would say it is difficult and going into the race I was feeling nervous about my ability to finish the race within the 19 hour cutoff.

I felt more nervous the day before the race, but luckily come race morning when I woke up nerves were minimal and I felt ready to tackle it as I had my pack set to go and even slept in the clothes I was going to wear to run to avoid one other task to have to tackle race morning.

Now I am not a newbie when it comes to ultras. This was my 11th ultra, three of which were 12 hour events (all Labor Pain 12 hour in Reading, PA) and I had covered distances of 50, 50, and 55 miles respectively in those events. While WEU would be another 8.8 miles further, it was not the distance aspect of the race that concerned me. It was elevation profile that lead to doubts I had. WEU has ~24,790 ft of net elevation change whereas the 55 miles I did at Labor Pain was only ~13,000 ft. That’s a big difference and being my quads and hip flexors got very fatigued on prolonged climbs at a 50K tuneup race 6 wks prior to WEU, I was worried about the same on the hills for this race.

This got me to thinking though and I laid out a couple "rules” for myself and got them in my head the week or so leading up to the race. What I did was look at the race as just getting from aid station to aid station. While I knew to carry fluids and nutrition with me for in between aid stations, it was just breaking the race down to a series of small ones that made it so much simpler. Can I run 4.3 miles? Yep! Now how about 6.0… and 5.6… and 3.4? Yep. Yep. And yep again. It seemed like a good plan going in and it worked race day. Breaking down race into segments was just easier for my mind.

Photo of the Start/Finish area taken the day prior to the race.

I started out at the start line somewhere in the second half of it. I did speed up some on the road section at the beginning but didn’t want to get too caught up in things. About a half mile into it, the course turns to the trail and uphill right of way. I slowed down to a fast(er) hike like everyone else and up we went. There were two really rocky and technical sections early where you were essentially standing and waiting until those ahead got moving. I just took it in stride, letting my heart rate lower. Overall there was a lot of climbing to get to that first aid station at mile 4.3.

I always let the terrain dictate my pace (another rule I had) and I feel I managed this well too. If it was an uphill then I slowed so as not to push myself too much (especially early in the race) and I would use downhills to my advantage when I could. I say this for two reasons. Some downhills were very steep or technical and then late in the race my quads were feeling fatigued and I had a more difficult time tackling downhill running.

There wasn’t big sections of fairly flat running but one of them did come between aid stations 1 & 2. This was a nice break from the long uphill to aid station 1. The problem however was how wet it was! This was any overwhelming theme throughout the entire race—mud, muck, standing water. Some spots I felt like I was traversing a bog or marsh. Many spots were ankle deep at least. It dried out some approaching aid station 2 and it was fun hearing the noise and cheers ahead as I approached the aid station. It was much more action and bustling than aid station one. Things went smooth and going out of it there was a dirt road section that eventually lead to going over a neat old one lane bridge and from there runners turned right and ran a trial along the Loyalsock Creek. Personally I really enjoyed this section. It wasn’t overly technical but did go up and down to break any monotony.

The iron bridge after aid station 2 (crossing over Loyalsock Creek)

After crossing the road running parallel to the creek, it was uphill to aid station 3. I started to feel fatigue in my legs during this long climb. I actually felt a little just after crossing that bridge. I slowed at tried to do an assessment of how I was feeling because I was only 3+ hrs and less than 15 miles into this race. I had a lot more to go!

I got to aid station 3 okay and felt better. I made sure to drink at every aid station as well as fill up my main bottle while grabbing something to eat and headed out. My philosophy for aid stations at this event was as follows: get what need, maybe take just a little minute break or so to stretch, but then get going. I didn’t want to linger and lose time. As long as I got my hydration and nutrition, I was good. I carried some of own food with me so I felt confident even if I didn’t grab too much.

Two of my other rules by the way were “drink before you’re thirsty” and “eat before you’re hungry”—in that order!

One aid station worker said while leaving “it’s downhill now to the next aid station.” It wasn’t. There was still a fair amount of uphill to go. Their form of amusement I guess. It was too bad though and eventually it was all downhill and sections I was familiar with from prior times hiking in that area. Runners made there way back to the river and came out at the Park Office and we crossed the road to aid station 4. A fair amount of people were there cheering—and this definitely helps!

I grabbed a ham and cheese wrap and boy did that hit the spot! That was the best aid station food I’d found yet! I ate a little bit of other stuff while getting my bottle filled as usually and knew what was ahead—uphill!

The course got steep quickly at this point and lead up to a vista that looks back down on the creek and beach. What was most interesting on this section was seeing the downed trees from a tornado in April. Lots of destruction took place and quick minor re-route due to damage. It was just mostly unrelenting uphill—a few downhill sections with niceties like water cascading over rocks—that made up this short segment to aid station 5 at the beautiful Canyon Vista!

Canyon Vista! So beautiful!

Canyon Vista is one of nicest spots on the course in my opinion. I just like the lookout—seeing the hills gentle grade to the valley, some from the left and some from the right. I ate only a little at this aid station. I did get patched up a some as I had slipped at one spot and had two superficial scrapes on right leg and when I asked an aid station worker about having something to clean it off she had me sit down and helped to clean and bandage it.

I rolled out of there and headed for more. To be honest I don’t remember much about the section between aid station 5 and 6. I recall it being mostly flat with minimal ups and downs and that weaved around quite a bit but nothing really stands out. What I was focused on is still taking things easy and remembering to properly refuel at the next aid station. This would be important because from aid station 6 to 7 was the longest stretch between aid stations—8.1 miles. I knew, especially if it was hot, I’d being drinking a lot and there was climbing involved in that section too so I figured I’d take at least 2 hrs for that section.

Aid station 6 was rockin’! Ahead of it were 3 guys yelling and using a safety cone as amplifier that you hear probably 10 minutes before even reaching them! It had a festive atmosphere for being out in the middle of nowhere. I drank a little more than usual because of the aforementioned long stretch ahead ate some food. I had freezy pop which tasted sooo cold and delicious! That really hit the spot as by now the temperature was starting to rise and it was getting hot!

The section between aid station 6 & 7 did take a long time. There was climbing and descending involved and more mud and muck. The temps didn’t ease either. It was getting hot. Quite a bit of hiking took place in this section. In reality the whole course involved a lot of hiking but by now for sure.

Upon getting to the top of High Knob us runners were now past half way and coming up on the first aid station with a cutoff. Cutoff time was 5:00. I hit that aid station just minutes past 3:00. I felt good knowing I was hitting this early. In studying the aid station planner document on the race website I saying that if you just hit the cutoffs you will have to speed up the rest of way and each time it only got harder as the pace decreased each time. I used the bathroom at this aid station for the first time did some true stretching to try and loosen up the muscles a bit as I was now out here for 10 hrs with many more to go. I left the aid station at 3:14.

View from aid station 7 (High Knob) the day after the race

I was warned by another runner that the section coming up had a long down hill and then one of most brutal climbs. She was right! I had to take the downhill cautiously as my quads were starting to feel it. The downhill wasn’t technical or steep but just enough to let you know it took muscle control to avoid go too fast. After reaching the bottom was stream crossing and this felt very good on the legs, cooling them down. It was one the widest stream crossings (maybe 40ft???) and no stone to tip toe across—just trudge through it. Like I said it felt good.

Now for the climb! Yes it was steep and long and unrelenting. Then toward the top it was more of the mud and muck again—all while trying to now go uphill in it. Traction was poor and it made you feel like you would loose most of your power. Luckily I had my trekking poles along for the race and it really helped for this climb as I passed a few other runners on the climb which made me feel good. I reached the summit and then there was a downhill to aid station 8 with another stream crossing directly before the aid station. I made it through without slipping—it was deeper and on an angle—and as soon as I did the people gathered there started cheering for me. It was much appreciated and a boost.

I didn’t really see much I liked at this aid station but I did eat half a grilled cheese sandwich and maybe something else but I didn’t spend much time here and moved on. The next aid station (#9) was water only that was 4 miles away and then the next true aid station (#10) another 4 miles after that. I just chugged along, hitting the climb out of there and moving on down the line. This was another section I don’t remember much about. I passed a guy soon after aid station 8 and then saw no one for miles until coming up on a couple. I was glad to see someone again. It does feel lonely at times if no one is around you out in these long races. I caught up to them at the water stop but they left before me as I ate some of my own food. After going through more mud, etc I eventually caught up to them and they let me pass them as the female told me I looked faster than them. In reality I did like passing them as the next aid station had another cutoff and I wanted to get to it as quickly as I could since it was a gentle downhill to it. The cutoff was 9:00 and I wanted to hit it by 7:30 to give me extra time for finishing the rest. That aid station would be mile 50 and I know it would not get any easier so the earlier I could hit it the better.

Things were starting to go downhill though—and I mean more than just the terrain. Gone was sun and I could hear thunder in the distance. I also had a stomach that was starting to feel not so good—something that I’m not used to and isn’t normal.

I hit the aid station when I wanted to. Coming up on it I saw a porta-john and that was my first stop after checking in. Having taken care of things I felt mildly better. I’m not sure what happen really—perhaps I was not eating enough. It didn’t help when I saw minimal at this stop too that I liked. I had some watermelon (something I ate at many of the aid stations) and filled up my water bottle.

I didn’t screw around much because the thunder was more frequent. I left this aid station feeling defeated. Although ahead of cutoff I didn’t feel good, a climb was ahead, and the sky didn’t look good. For the first time in the race I felt like I wasn’t going to finish. I felt like I could cry really. 50 miles of good racing just to see things slip away. Things were going to get tough now until the next true aid station. The next actual aid station was water only and 8 miles to the true aid station. Darkness would also set in, slowing things down as one can no longer see as well for each step you’d take.

Heading out a guy told me “You got this.” My reply was “I sure as hell hope so!” He responded with another, “Come on, you got this! I finished my piece of banana and set out not knowing what lies in store.

Things did turn worse—and it didn’t take long. Upon the climb up from there it started to rain. I stopped to get my headlamp out of my pack (something I should have done at the aid station) because it was getting dark quickly. It didn’t take long before the rain turned to a heavy rain. It was narrow section of trail and it was difficult to see with the rain coming down. It was mostly a game of staying in the middle of trail. Upon getting to the top there was some mild confusion. There was a flag at the corner of a fenced in area and that was it. I didn’t know which way to go. I turned right to follow the fence only to quickly see a headlamp coming my way. That runner said no that’s not the way. We backtracked and together saw another flag on a gate at the fence. We both were puzzled but as soon as he opened the gate I saw a flag inside. Seemed very weird but we went inside and soon saw another flag assuring us we were indeed on course. By now it was a complete downpour. There was more slop to run through and this were just downright nasty. Every square inch of me was soaked. What concerned me the most was how cold the rain was—I was concerned I might even get hypothermic if for some reason I had to slow too much. Soon there was a loud crack of thunder. We were both running fast through here as it was an open area with no cover. We made it to the far gate and kept going after getting through it, and soon came up on some other runners.

That runner sped up and I settled in with the new runners as I was slipping a lot and could speed up safely. The rain was still heavy but not quite as bad. It was nothing but weaving and winding and a slick mess. A lot became a blur at this point. Again I had doubts I would make it. I knew an uphill section was coming and my pace would slow. How tired would I be? Would I get cold? Honestly it was an emotional roller coaster. This weather (the storm) was making already bad course conditions even worse.

There was nothing else to do though than plow on. The rain was starting to slow and I never did get cold for any extended period so mentally I felt better—just a little anyway. I just kept on going, know I had to get to that final aid station 12 ahead of schedule to have any chance of finishing.

I was at the back of a group of runners and just trying to keep them in sight, which I did. Then came yet another stream crossing. While only 10-12 ft wide it was moving rapidly and almost knee deep. I took this cautiously while hoping the others didn’t gain much on me. I definitely didn’t want to slip crossing this stream. I made it across with success! Upon catching up to the others it was only 2 of them. In awhile the guy in front of me said something and I asked him to repeat it. He said this was the last long climb. This was music to my ears. I felt if my legs can just hold out for this then maybe there's a chance I can get to the finish. At one point on the climb the lead guy stopped and the other waved me on saying I looked stronger. The lead guy was another 100K rookie like me but the other guy had done it before. I guess he was sticking with him. I went on and actually gained ground on them.

Luckily the rain total stopped by this time. Another good sign I thought to myself. One less thing to deal with. It was not easy though. It was just more slop and mess to trudge through. I didn’t even care at that point. Everyone had a hard time seeing where they're stepping as it was truly dark now and your feet were already wet. The climbing hadn’t stopped either but it did greatly even out. I eventually was catching up to 2 other runners, a husband and wife, right around the water only aid stop. I didn’t even stop. A guy sitting in a truck was jotting down racers numbers. I yelled out “77” and just kept moving.

Right at a road section I caught up to the other 2 runners for good. I asked if they minded if I stuck with them and they didn’t care. They were very friendly and we navigated the short flatter section together to aid station 12, again wet and sloppy. Upon come to the end of that trail we saw strings of light—the final aid station! A few other runners were catching up to us too. Almost at the end of the trail we heard clapping and cheering. They likely saw our headlamps the wife said.

It was already 10:15, only a half hour before final cutoff! This was going to be tough! As in really speed up tough. No major climbs anymore but still some ups and downs. I grabbed my final piece of watermelon for the race and while eating it a volunteer asked me what I needed. I told him nothing. “How about water?” he asked. I told him have enough water and that I didn’t need anything more.

He said “I’d get leaving in the next 3-4 minutes if you want to finish this.” I didn’t plan on staying long anyway but something about that statement ignited me. I told him “Just show me where to go!” I got turned around at the aid station and was sure which direction to go. He quickly pointed me in the right direction along the cars and turn left to get back on the trail.

I took off. This was it. Now or never. Do or die (so to speak.) I was going to have to speed up and work hard to get to the finish before the cutoff but I had a lot of determination in me at this point. I might have been out there for over 17 hrs but no way was I going to give up. This section wasn’t too bad at first. The course was on a dirt road then for awhile and made for picking up the pace easier. It then headed back in the woods and the course became tougher again, more technical with it seeming like the reflective flagging becoming farther away and wondering am I on course. The technical section didn’t last long but it didn’t get any easier. The course followed something resembling a fire road I guess (unpaved obviously) and that was a mess. My poles definitely came in handy helping propelling me forward as with every step your foot slid and slipped and lost traction. My legs were tiring fast with every slip. And it seemed to just go on and on. I didn’t study this section of course map much and in my head I kept thinking the course map was different. I felt disoriented and unsure of how far I had to go yet. I thought I was moving fast but my watch was just ticking away..11:00… 11:10… 11:20.

Now doubt crept in again. Here I was 40 minutes before final cutoff and I didn’t know how far I had to go yet. My GPS watch died at the 12 hr mark and I was now just relying on a digital watch and math in my head. I figured if I could average ~16 minute miles for the 5.9 miles to the finish from that aid station 12 I’d have just a few minutes extra which I would need for the technical descent right at the end. At this time I came up on 2 more runners with one more coming up on me too. The two ahead of me were looking to see where the next turn was, which I had no idea. All I know is we weren’t to it yet.

Within minutes a great sound came out of nowhere! I could hear the Creek! Loyalsock Creek that runs by the Start/Finish area! Almost immediately, we came up where the trail bears left to descend. I looked at my watch—11:34. 26 minutes to make the descent and the a quick run through the park area to the finish! I had little doubt the descent would take that long and I felt like finishing was within grasp.

Again it wasn’t easy though. I slipped once making a turn on just a mild descent and went to my knees. That was a wakeup call not to get out of control for the steep part of the descent. I took the rest of the descent cautiously, twice letting to other runners pass. I didn’t want slip and get hurt just a half mile or less from the finish. I made it through the tough part, legs holding out and got down to where it flattens out. I saw I had about 12 minutes left and it felt great. One minor descent then under the bridge and through the parking lot. Finally I could see the string of lights on the ground they had laid out and all the lights at the finish line. I just kept running strong right up to the finish line and I did it!

A quick glance at the clock and I saw 18:51 something. I didn’t care what the seconds were—I just finished a 100K!!! Of course everyone was cheering. A few others finished before the cutoff and I cheered them on, knowing just minutes before how good it felt!

It felt so awesome to finish it! It felt like a battle. A battle with the elements. The mud, the muck, the slop, the heat, the rain, the hills, the dark. I probably looked like a mess and was very tired but I indeed did finish this beast called Worlds End 100K!

Belt buckle finisher medal

My official finish time was 18:51:34. I know that isn’t impressive, but I will definitely take it! I was 92nd out of 97 finishers, next to last male finisher, and last in my age group.

You know what though? As tough as it was I loved it. I had doubts I could pull this off, but with determination, I was successful. I managed things as well I could and ran my own race. I did the best I could on that day and that all anyone can ask for.

I really owe a lot to my trekking poles with this event/course. I know for a fact I would not have finished had I not used them the entire race. They helped me tremendously with climbing, aided in balance many, many times and eased downhills late in the race. Most of all they really helped me power through that last stretch to the finish were I was using them on all grades as I was in such a hurry to try reach the finish before the clock ran out.

Here's what the shoes looked like post race.

Overall, while I got tired, I was surprised that at no time did it seem overwhelming. That saying a lot considering I was out there for 8 hrs more than what I ever have been before in a race.

So I guess the ultimate question is: would I do this again? I can say without a doubt—YES!!! While exceptionally challenging, I really did have fun do this race. Many of my ultras so far have been a multiple loop course, so I think a race like this with a single loop—and such beautiful scenery throughout—made for an experience where there was no monotony.

I also like pushing myself to see just how far I can go and what I capable of. I have another 100K in mind... I have a feeling it just a matter of time before I sign up!