The running of the Western States was my 15th attempt at the 100 mile distance. I love this distance in particular because of how difficult it is. I can physically train all I want and run through the race in my head to prepare mentally but in my experience, race day is race day, and I don’t know what I’m going to get until I get into the second half of the race.
The lead up to Western States was something like I’ve never experienced. No packet pick-up I’ve been to has compared. There was an incredible energy that filled the Palisades at Tahoe with excitement. I ate lunch at a table next to David Roche, saw runners like Killian Jornet, Scott Jurek, Hal Koerner and many others. I took pictures at the start line with family and friends. It was a day I’ll never forget!
The morning came and the race started. I felt great! The energy could not be missed. Runners were so excited to have the opportunity, and you had fan fare all the way to the top of the Escarpment. I started out the race strong, breezed through Lyons Ridge and picked off mile after mile. Looking back, when I sat down at Robinson Flat I could tell my stomach was starting to turn on me. In my experience this was about 20-30miles too early to be happening. I look back now and acknowledge that I got too caught up in the excitement of the race and the prospect of a sub 24 hour finish that I neglected my nutrition. This would compound as the race continued on. The day was hot. The climb at Devil’s Thumb and descent down into El Dorado Canyon were tough. It was hot, the air was stale, and the dust dried out my throat and eyes. I made my way through those sections and got to Michigan Bluff. My stomach was getting worse. I got to Forrest Hill and ended up sitting for a few minutes. I was able to eat a couple popsicles but had not been able to take down solid food for some time. John Minkema and I made our way out to Cal 1. Things really began to break down for me and jogging became walking. I got to Cal 2 and Cal 3 and was now taking long breaks at each aid station. I eventually got to Rucky Chucky and sat for a while and ultimately decided to quit there.
The greatest challenge for me in these races is keeping things one mile at a time (or one aid station at a time). As my mind and body become exhausted, I think about the prospect of having 22 miles to go versus just getting through the next mile. Some do it very well, I tend to struggle with that a lot. The days following the race and as I sit here this morning writing this, I cannot help but to feel an amount of sadness and regret. It’s a great example to life. Sometimes we get beat down, sometimes we lose. How we choose to respond to that is an opportunity. Western States in 2025 may not have worked out, but it is part of my journey. There is no other option but to pick myself up, and use this experience as an opportunity to get better and move forward. I’m grateful to God that I am healthy and look forward to the next race.
I am forever grateful and appreciative to ShadowChase for providing this incredible opportunity. I thank the wonderful volunteers at Western States for providing a unique experience. I thank my crew of Ana Rowe, Dan Von Berkefeldt, Elisabeth Davidson, John Minkema, and Peter Fish for dedicating a weekend of your time to come out and support me.
Until next time….
