For the third year in a row, I traveled up to Silverton, Colorado to run the Hardrock 100 mile trail run race in the wild and scenic San Juan Mountains July 11-13. I ran and completed this tough race in 2006 and 2007 finishing it once in each direction to become the "true Hardrocker" as they say. This year I threw my name into the lottery again and ended up 17th on the wait list in February when they did the drawing. By the end of June, enough people had bailed out of the race that I was officially in. However, before that time, I hadn't fully committed to the race mentally so when I decided to run it again this year, I wasn't sure how I felt about it.
It's an awesome scene and I feel like I know so many other Hardrockers that I really enjoy going to Silverton to see everybody and feel the excitement surrounding the race but personally I guess I wasn't ready to run it again. But when I did start on the race on Friday morning at 6:00am, I decided I might as well see if I could run it pretty hard.
That was a bit of a problem! I went out secretly hoping for running under 32 hours but I told no one about this. Since I had finished Hardrock in 2006 and 2007, I knew I could finish the race so I figured I might as well try to really run it. At at mile 35 (really early in the race!) it became obvious to me that I hadn't trained enough to run that pace and I started really feeling it.
The biggest climb in the race comes out of Ouray starting at mile 43 at 7800' to Engineer Pass road at 12,900'. I picked up Bill as my pacer in Ouray and felt like I was crawling all the way up to Engineer Pass road. When we reached Grouse Gulch at about mile 60 a little after midnight, I had lost all desire to continue. My legs still felt pretty good but I was wiped out energy-wise and mentally I just didn't want to commit to going on and going over Handies. Had I not finished the race before in this direction, I would have continued but I had had enough for this year.
It was a great ~60 miles and, Bill, I really appreciate your crewing skills and pacing company from Ouray to Grouse Gulch. Mom, Matt, Allison and Dylan, you guys did a wonderful job of crewing for me and I really enjoyed seeing you all at the aid stations along the way. Thank you so much for taking the time to come support me!
The Hardrock is an amazing 100 miler and there is a great feeling of family amongst all the runners and their families. I'm sure to be back there next year but to see it from the crewing/pacing/aid station side of things. It'll be awesome!
Also, Bill posted some of his photos from the race if you're interested...
4 comments:
I was wondering how this went. Thanks for the update. I know that having completed it twice, 60 miles must feel like 40 too few, but for most of us who are more mortal and less pain tolerant, it's still a huge and impressive feat. Good job!
-Josh
After finishing in both directions you might as well try and go fast and see what happens. I can imagine that after realizing you weren't going to break 32 and facing a long night over Handies that your heart wasn't in it. Good on you for going after 32 hours!!
Tom
Sorry "it" didn't work out Jason. The longer we do this, the more inevitable "it" becomes for all of us. I've certainly been there! I know your tough as nails and a great runner! You will be back with your great attitude in tow! Hope to see you at a race soon!
Scott
It takes more courage to know yourself than to try to prove something for the sake of others. Way to go for understanding your limits and knowing where to take it for next time! You are an impressive athlete! The pics are great, btw! Thanks for the update.
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