2016 Western States 100 Race Report — The Power of Being Present

Western States 2016 was a really memorable day for a number of reasons. I had lots of family crewing for me and cheering me on and two great pacers and I was fortunate enough to have the support of WS race sponsor SportHill — I didn't want to take any of that for granted. Throughout the day, I made a point of reminding myself how fortunate I was to be there. I thought of WS Race Director Craig Thornley's words that "We don't have to run 100 miles, we get to run 100 miles." Remaining as "present" as possible instead of just trying to fight my way through it would prove to make this race a much more rewarding experience. 

My plan was to go out slow, make it through the mountains and the heat and hopefully be in a good position to catch a few people in the final 30 miles. 

Just minutes before launch at the starting line in Squaw Valley

I started the race with a cold, which probably slowed me down a bit and messed with my temperature regulation, but it did not prove to be a major obstacle. I often struggle with altitude in the high country and, miles later, after Robinson Flat AS, I would be very happy to start descending into those hot, hot canyons. 

I had done quite a bit of heat training in Eugene — both in the sauna and by running in a Tyvek suit with several layers underneath — and I think it paid off. I used an ice bandana and did a lot of dousing in the creeks and springs and took pretty good care of myself throughout the day. Devil's Thumb was the peak of the heat for me and the toughest climb I faced. 

In the high country, going down, down, down very slowly

Stomach problems are always an issue for me, but I dealt with the vomiting as expeditiously as possible and was able to refuel and avoid losing too much time because of it. When I got to Foresthill to meet my first pacer, my stomach was calming down a bit, the heat was fading and I was ready to try to make up some time and pass a few people. It's always nice at WS when it cools down and you're able to run again in those closing miles. 

I tell myself it's not about the finish, but my face says otherwise

Cal Street is a good section to catch people and the last 20 miles from Green Gate to the finish are highly runnable -- especially if you have good pacers like I did who can push you to keep running instead of walking. I think I moved up about 30 spots in the last 38 miles, and passing people gave me good motivation to keep pushing forward. My pacer got me to run the final uphill sections on the streets of Auburn and we passed a runner in the closing mile of the race. 

In short, I've run faster at Western States before but I've never had this much fun. I felt so well-supported and in control of my race. I can't thank my pacers and my family enough for being there. I know you've put in a lot of hours to help get me to this finish line and other finish lines and I take none of it for granted.