After casually chatting with a gf through Instagram about her up-coming goals / race schedule I quickly learnt she was looking to sell her FatDog entry and with it being a race high on my agenda, I was immediately sold and instantly intimidated! (What’s the saying “If your goals are not terrifying, they’re not big enough?” Yah, this one check marked that criteria!).
-120 Miles (Actual distance 127 miles)
-8682m Vert (Actual vert 8400m)
-Point to Point, traveling through 3 provincial parks located in BC
-Considered second hardest race to Hardrock
-Considered one of the top 9 toughest ultras by Outside Online
-Voted most scenic ultra in Canada!
Training started on Jan 01, 2022, a month later than the previous year when I started my block for Sin Triple in December but, I owed myself an extended recovery after the mileage I put myself through last summer. When Day 1 of training came around and I woke up with my first ever bout of Plantar Fasciitis, I knew it might be setting a precedence for what the months ahead would hold and as expected, the months ahead were very up and down. Physically, I went through the 7-month build injury free. I managed to curb the Plantar pain within the first month and keep it at bay, and any other aches and pains were managed through a variety of massage, a manageable training load, recovery and towards the end, regular visits to physio for some extra, EXTRA deep tissue release on my calves but, mentally this training block was fueled with chaos.
During my recovery period from the Sinister Triple series, I felt like I had recovered physically. I enjoyed being active for the sake of being active! Doing what I wanted, when I wanted and when the new training build came around, I was physically ready to build but mentally, I didn’t feel rested and after months and months of “Giving it everything I’ve got” at work, I was exhausted! Mix that in with some life stresses and well, my emotional well-being rapidly declined. I’m a very “Wear my heart on my sleeve kind of gal” and so, this exhaustion/mental fatigue wasn’t something I kept secret and my levels of agitation, anger, tiredness, lethargy & general emotional rollercoaster-ness were very apparent but, I was adamant that I didn’t want my work life to effect my personal life and goals which I enjoy so much so I made it my #1 priority to stay focused on the months ahead and to “Keep showing up” even though many days were spent procrastinating, tired and not wanting to train. Throw that in with some financial stresses too, whilst trying to alleviate it with a very hands-on 2nd job, training was suddenly being fit into early hours of the morning in -30 degree Celsius, making the days even longer and the mental fatigue hit harder.
Training Stats (Jan 01 2022 – August 4 2022)
-Running: 1659KM, 218 hours, 51,670m climbed, 51,203m descent
-Biking (Cross Train: Gravel, Mountain, Indoor Cycling, Road): 587KM, 38 hours, 6653m climbed, 6538m descent
-Cross Country Skiing (Cross Train: Skate & Classic): 312KM, 34 hours, 5473m climbed, 5399m descent
-Yoga: 1860 hours
-Strength & Stability: 1860 hours
-Rest Days: One per week over 3 weeks, 2 during a recovery week
-Longest Training Run: 50.1KM
-Longest training run vert: 3014m
-Longest training week: 98.41KM
-Longest training week vert: 4265M
In April I applied for a new job and was I was successful. I was able to release the 2nd job. Life stress turned into excitement and opportunity, emotions balanced, and I started to feel like a normal human again. I was worried that the period leading up to this may have made me over trained (those 2 words don’t always have to be physically associated) as I was noticing I couldn’t reach higher HR zones in interval training, my legs felt sluggish more often and I was counting down the clock time (sometimes minute by minute) during my endurance runs which is something I have never done. So, I kept this in the back of my mind and decided to really focus on me for the final 2 builds, saying “No” to trips or adventures that I felt could tire me out and instead, deeply concentrating on the effort levels I could bring to those crucial weeks of training when I had felt like so much of it was lost to simply “Getting er done”.
When people asked how I felt leading into the race, I simply felt “Okay”. I was trained, I had done the work but, I just didn’t know if that prolonged period of feeling blah had screwed things up for me, so I wasn’t overly excited, or time goal focused. I just wanted to put myself out there and proceed with however long it would take me to complete the 120 miles whilst enjoying the ups and downs an ultra would bring, not to mention the scenery and getting to explore a new to me location with my own 2 feet.
A few weeks ahead of the course, the course was re-routed due to the November 2021 floods. This took the overall distance up a few miles and the vert too. When you’ve signed up to a 120 miler, a couple of extra miles doesn’t seem ‘That big of a deal” so I wasn’t overly concerned by those numbers & at the end of the race when the total distanced clocked in at 127 miles again, it wasn’t really a surprise as:
- You’re out there for a long time regardless.
- You tend to take these long distances aid by aid station.
- My GPS watch doesn’t last so I usually have no idea how many km’s I’m out there for. All’s I knew is that if I was out there for a long stretch during the 2nd night, it’s likely because I was deep in the pain cave and just aiming to finish.
The race
I am lucky I had my partner and my best friends out to support, crew and pace for FatDog. Nichole & Tyson drove down with me and Bre met us there the following day. I love these guys so much, and I feel like each of their personalities were welcomed and needed at different times during the weekend. Tyson & Nichole took the lead of organizing /scheduling getting to and from the different aid stations, Bre & Nichole took the lead of crewing & Tyson was readily available to pace me when I needed an extra boost (Even if it that meant accomplishing his furthest time/distance on feet during the event too). When we arrived in Manning Park on Thursday and my car had only lost it’s second wheel arch the crux of the trip was over & the rest had to be a breeze! (Haha!)
We were camping relatively close to the finish line of the point-to-point race which meant driving 2.5 hrs-ish to get to the start line for a 10AM start time. The mood was relaxed. I slept well throughout the night despite the cheap 8man tent I bought for extra room blowing over multiple times before we even got in it for the night (LOL) and I woke up 1 min prior to my alarm going off….
The start was marked by a piece of tape strewn across the ground (Old school, retro and remote) I liked this! With many people gathering, the atmosphere was starting to become that of an ultra race, and I was trying to decide where I should position myself. I knew I wasn’t there to race but, in the back of my mind I also knew this race wasn’t chip timed, so it did matter where I positioned myself if I felt fine and decided to ‘start racing’. But I shook my ego into its place and positioned myself in the latter section of the pack to the point where I walked off from the start line in a very tight, huddled group.
Leg 1 12.7KM / 1435m ascent/148m descent
Leg 1 is an instant climb with approx. 1500m of vert from the get-go. I knew this was just the start of a long adventure and so pushing the pace was not in the forefront of my mind. The air was smoky from a near by forest fire and not having experienced that this summer in the Rockies (Thankfully!) I knew it would cause turmoil on my chest so breathing hard wasn’t an option. I started off with a friend of a friend, Alex, who was also out to run the 120! Alex looked very comfortable on the climbs and was moving fast (A bit too fast for my liking so I would hang back when her pace got a little too ballsy for me). It was nice making conversation and chatting. It made the first few km’s tick by and I don’t think I looked at my watch once (only for calorie intake). I did notice when we pulled up to the remote aid station that the distance was already off, calculating in at 14KM and not 12.5KM so I knew early on that counting down distance was pointless as no one reallllllly new how long this course would pan out to be. Alex & I were chatting about different races on our agenda and how she mentioned entering 200 mile lotteries in the states, I on the other hand, outwardly spoke about how I needed a break after this and that I didn’t have any further lofty goals on the horizon (….LOL!)
Leg #2 14.4KM / 309m ascent/1259m descent
The first remote aid station came by, and I checked in but, didn’t check out. DANG. Rule #1 Faye “Always check out” but, it was hectic and lots of people were stopped. I didn’t need anything at this point, so I carried on. I lost Alex again as she continued pushing her ups and I figured I wouldn’t see her again but, as it goes, we caught up on the ridge and as we proceeded down the first section of descent, I overtook and didn’t see her again (Although I was half expecting to on the next climb).
The course up to this point was stunning but, it had that real remote feeling to it. The single track was sometimes non-existent, and the course had it’s very wild feeling with rocks and boulders and random holes just waiting to gobble up runners’ ankles. I checked in with myself to not lose concentration and be mindful of every step. It would suck to roll an ankle, trip, slip or, fall and that the day was so young. I took my downs easy, enjoying the leg and keeping my eye on the clock for when to eat. Usually, I have a notification beep every 45 mins to consume calories but, in my attempt to save battery I accidentally switched this notification off so, I had to stay extra attentive to the timing of my calories and I continually sipped away on water and electrolyte to stay hydrated. I had a tight right hip flexor which seems to always identify itself during early stages of a race (& not in training or, at any other time) so, I instantly declined the feeling of it hurting, put it at the back of my mind and didn’t focus on it (Turns out after 50km or so later I had forgotten all about it and it stopped bugging me, excellent mental skill I’ve mastered over the years).
There was a neat section of course that flowed downhill through a burnt forest. With down’s being my favourite, I cruised through this section but, again never pushing the pace as the day was still so young and I didn’t feel it necessary to start destroying the quads that early on. I passed a girl here with a “100” something on her bib so, I assumed she was in another race category and not the 120 (I was under the impression 120’s had 200 numbered bibs) not that it mattered who I was passing as I had to do an ego-check and remind myself, I wasn’t out there racing.
The course meandered past water and waterfalls and I really wanted to stop and douse myself but, it wasn’t terribly hot, and I was feeling fine, so I decided this was unnecessary and to keep moving forward.
The aid station came in sight and my crew spotted me running in, minus Nichole (Nichole is training for WAM and was scheduled to run 40+ km’s that day for her training so we all figured first thing in the morning would be the most ideal time for her to get her training in) Very grateful I have a buddy who will prioritize crewing in and around her own training, thank you!! I made this aid short & sweet; my prepacked fuel bag was swapped out, my water was to, and I ate some potato salad, a mini avo & mayo wrap, downed a bubbly water, received an ice bandana for my neck, topped my hat full of ice and I was off. Bre also let me know I was coming 2nd woman to which I was very surprised but, I also reminded myself to remain mellow: “I am here to finish”.
Leg #3 7KM / 637m ascent / 23m descent
As I headed out onto Leg #3, I noticed the girl from earlier in front of me (The one with the 100 something on her race bib), she mentioned she was excited for the river crossing coming up, so I asked what distance she was in and she confirmed the 120. I assumed with her ‘taking over’ I was now 3rd woman and shortly ahead that was confirmed when 1st place came into sight. They were moving fast on the ups, and I just didn’t want to move fast at all so conveniently my lace became undone, and I let them go. I didn’t have the best up-hill experience here, not sure if food was digesting or, I hadn’t eaten enough sugar but, I felt a bit shaky, so I took in some sugary fuel, moved slow and waited patiently for my body to regulate again. I noticed a guy who my friend (Etienne) had said to watch out for as a 36hr finisher (If that time seemed appealing to me) but he looked deep in the pain cave so early on, so I wished him well and hoped I would see him bounce back. I don’t believe I came across him again but, I am certain he finished (Congrats!!).
The course rolled through some beautiful open terrain and meadows. I spent time yo-yoing with a few guys, one who couldn’t keep himself on course (The course marking wasn’t my favourite either, it did require extra attention but, I didn’t become off route) this guy would run completely in the wrong direction and be very unaware until I yelled out. We made jokes that he might not make it through the night but, sure enough the following morning I came across him on and out and back section & he made it – woooop!
The next aid came into sight, and I ate some watermelon, topped up my electrolytes that I had guzzled back on the climb and headed on out. It was here that I saw Elliot (A guy who I chatted with who solo’d death race last year who I had a convo with whilst he was getting aid when I DNF’d) It was fun to see him, and we quickly had a catch up noting I looked in a much better place than last year at the Death Race LOL.
Leg 4 #18.1 / 493 ascent / 656 descent
Leg 4 was pretty rolling with some ups thrown into the mix and the latter half being a solid descent. I remember feeling comfortable as I was enjoying the pace I had comfortably set. I was taking pictures of an open meadow vista, full of wildflowers and I spotted the girl with the 100 bib not too far ahead. I noticed a few people around me looked to be having their first bonk of the day but, I still felt good, and I was excited that it was already the late afternoon and nearing the river crossing. I was a little anxious I’d be crossing this currented river in darkness so each time I got closer with daylight still left I was getting less and less anxious. The meadow finally plateaued and there was a beautiful stretch of ridge running that eventually gave way to some flowy downs – my favorite. It was here I overtook the girl in front again (100’s) and continued at a reasonable pace enjoying my second state of flow. As I rounded a bend, 1st place female was moving a little slower and stepped aside to let me pass saying “Good job, you look strong” I did feel strong and I rolled with it as I continued doing what I do best, descending with purpose. I got a little ahead of myself and started pushing especially when I turned my head and noticed the female who I had just past not far behind, she looked right at me, and I just knew I wanted to play chase for a section. My head was telling me to calm down and that it would likely catch up with me later on but, I was in the zone, so I decided to just roll with it. I had a few close calls when I was out there pushing including running so fast, I ended up running up an embankment just so I could put the breaks on, so I chose to slow down as I didn’t want to injure myself out of competition and ego.
Soon enough the aid station came into sight, and I swapped out my calorie bag in a drop bag I had placed here. I remember one of the volunteers was so stoked I was first female asking what my goals were & my answer was still “I’m in first now, I don’t really know how that happened, I have no plans to hold onto it & I will be majorly happy if I finish hopefully in good spirits & not deep in the pain cave” she agreed that was a good approach & off I went.
Leg 5 11 / 101m ascent / 733m descent
The next section which included a downhill to the river went by quick. I noticed for the first time I wasn’t keeping to my nutrition, and I had started to let it slack. I was not super stoked that I had gotten over my racecourse food already so I kept at it as best as I could. My stomach was also starting to swirl so I did my best to eat something even though the sugar wasn’t sitting so well.
I was running on and off with a couple of guys keeping the convo flowing and the miles moving. My stomach churned and I new I needed to dip into the forest. Luckily, I had no signs of dehydration and I genuinely just needed to go so, I sore this as a positive sign and figured if I could at least eat something substantial at the next aid then that would get me through to the aid where my crew awaited and all of my tasty snacks that didn’t seem so tasty and appealing any more (Typical…).
After some more down hill running the river came into sight, and I was happy to be chasing another guy who got in first and showed me how it was done. The river had a current and one misplace of a foot would have sent me flailing. There was also a rope to aid runners across but, I didn’t notice this until I looked back on the images from the race! So, I did the whole “plant 2 poles, take 1 step approach” until I got to the other side.
The aid station was pretty much right after the crossing & I packed a pair of dry shoes & socks to change into to avoid any blisters. I also picked up a mini hot dog which was honestly disgusting. I got 1 bite in and swallowed it with 3 gulps of water. I then got rid of the remainder and continued to taste sausage on and off for the rest of the race until I was able to brush & floss my braces. Yukkkk.
I asked the aid station volunteers what the next section entailed and they all kind of laughed & said “You will see”.
Leg 6 6.3 /350 ascent/264 descent
I left the aid with another guy, both optimistic that it can’t be ‘that bad’ and as we crossed the road and took a turn, boom a double track with a 40+% grade that seemed to go on and on and on. You couldn’t see what was beyond the first steep incline but, the series of mini grinds didn’t let up, until they did, and it was free flowing, with a beautiful sunset down into the next aid where my crew awaited & the evening atmosphere was pumping. I felt strong and hyped up running into this aid but, I was also very aware my nutrition out on course had pretty much stopped & I needed to get some calories into me pronto.
Leg 7 16.5 / 1155 ascent / 237 descent
I left this aid station with 12 hours of food to take through the night & into the first part of the morning. I was also salted up on chicken noodle broth and potato salad. I felt comfortable running off into the night and not as apprehensive as I usually am for wildlife (Cougar in particular) I feel like this anxiety of mine has really eased over the years and I guess with more experience, the more at ease I feel. After the atmosphere at the last aid and into the coolness of the evening I felt like I had a fresh wave of energy come over me. Everything was feeling good!
My watch was about to peace out and I had become really acquainted with following my tracker, not to mention a feature on my watch telling me exactly how far up a climb I was to the top and the distance remaining to the next aid station so, when it finally died, I reverted to Nichole’s watch for back up. Unfortunately, I couldn’t figure out how it worked (even after her introduction) and although I got it tracking, I couldn’t work out how to follow the course, so I reverted to checking my Garmin In-reach occasionally, as the course marking did not become more distinct with distance. The attentiveness that the course required did occupy my mind from the fact I wasn’t eating and the fact I felt a little nauseous because of it so, it was a great way to distract the mind/body.
With aid stations being close in distance I figured a good strategy would be to keep rolling to the aids and then stopping and ensuring I ate something substantial that would get me through to the next aid as absolutely nothing in my 12-hour food pack seemed appetizing. I sipped on my bottle which I had requested be filled with Tailwind into the night and nearly winced when I tasted electrolyte instead. SHIT! The strong Tailwind was meant to act as a calorie substance… It’s hard to not become fixated on things that are not working out in your favour but, a good strategy I have learnt is to fixate on things going well. I wasn’t vomiting, I was keeping food down, the air was cooler, my body didn’t hurt, and I was moving efficiently, the fact I didn’t want to eat my candy and fuel was not a big issue in the grand scheme of ultra running so I continued with a positive mind-set wondering when the next aid would show up.
For about 3km’s I could hear it and as I rounded a corner, I did see a light and thought yes finally! But as I got closer it was a guy taking a break under a tree. He looked rough and asked if he could join my pace. As we chatted, I learnt he had done Hardrock 100 only 3 weeks prior and was feeling it (Yah, no sh*t buddy!) we were chatting continuously & then my questions were no longer being answered and as I looked back, he’d made it 2 more switchbacks before seeing another rest stop under a tree. Poor guy (He did bounce back and whizzed past later the following day). It turns out the noise of the aid station I could hear was all in my head and was either the start of some hallucinations or, I just wanted to see the aid so badly I was dreaming it up.
Eventually the next aid did come into sight – It was cold, windy, and extremely basic! They did have a water boiler though and hot chocolate seemed the most appealing item on the menu. I drank a full cup with 2 Oreo’s dunked in. Just as I was about to leave, they offered me some noodle soup which I took with me as I walked out of the aid, using my hands to scoop the noodles – classy gal.
Leg 8 15.5 / 453m ascent / 707m descent
This section through the night was great! I knew I hadn’t eaten enough but, I had eaten enough to focus on the next couple of km’s in front of me. I was passing solo guys who were hollering that I was doing well and to keep it up. I honestly felt strong given the fact I was moving on a severe calorie deficit. One guy ran past me at full speed who was from Banff & knew Bre, he gave me a “You look so strong” compliment, which was returned, and the motivation was pumped up some more.
The air was cold though, like bitterly cold mixed in with wind chill so I had my jacket firmly done up, buff on, hood up and jacket hand covers on. The lady at the aid station mentioned that we would run back this way the following day and the wildflowers were in full bloom, so I was trying to visualise it for the next day imagining how beautiful it was and to keep moving forward to get to finally see it in daylight.
The stretch of up, down, flat, rolling through the night continued and with still not being able to figure out how to work Nichole’s watch the latter stretch of this leg did start to drag when nausea kicked in a little more. I kept reminding myself that I had a bag full of food to dig into if needed but, I didn’t want to start vomiting so the thought of gagging and bringing up calories I had consumed kind of terrified me. I just kept on with the approach of moving continuously though to the next station trying to fixate on everything other than calories or, lack of.
Eventually signs started appearing with a count down to the next aid but, they didn’t feel real as I couldn’t hear any aid stations. Usually, you see the warm lights from a distance or hear some chatter but, there was nothing. Signs kept appearing telling me I was close and I did start to wonder if it was all in my head. Eventually a very, cute and very, remote backcountry aid station deep into a forest appeared (Woohoo I’m not going crazy yet). I kept yo-yoing with a couple of guys (Owen!), so I’d be stoked to have caught up, only to play chase again moments later. Salt crackers appealed the most and I think I ate about 6 and had some more soup. Great, this will hopefully tie me over to the AM. As I left the aid, I made it 50m before the wind was too cold, I needed to pull out some gloves and a 2nd jacket before proceeding with the long descent.
Leg 9 9.8KM / 82m ascent / 911 m descent
The descent consisted of 1000m of continuous runnable switch backs. It was fun. I was still moving, I was still running, I was still feeling great (despite the energy / fuel systems dwindling). I don’t remember anything substantial regarding this down just that I felt closer to dawn breaking and that it was the home stretch of leading into Day 2 and I was still moving strong and somehow still leading first. My Petzl headlamp died about 30 mins into entering the next aid station and about 45 mins before dawn broke so I stopped to switch out to my second and continued.
I drank more hot chocolate at yet another remote aid station, consumed more crackers & had a very English looking package of candies (Jelly tot style). I wanted to keep moving knowing the next aid had my crew and some breakfast items, so I grabbed a Spring Energy Gel (Pomegranate sounded the most appetizing) and off I went.
Leg 10 15.5 KM / 1026 ascent / 325 descent
I left the aid and joined a train of 2 guys and a girl pacing one of them. They were moving swiftly as the trail was runnable, meandering through the woods. I told myself to just stay with them although the pace was a little brisk for the energy I didn’t have to lose. After about 4KM of following along I decided to dwindle and go back to shuffling and power hiking, this came at the right time as the course started to go up and didn’t let up. Dawn had well and truly broken at this point and an extreme wave of tiredness hit me (Which is odd because I never once felt this during Sinister the year prior) but, perhaps knowing subconsciously that I would be out here for another day and another night made the tiredness hit hard. Every water crossing that I came across I would swill my face and neck just to make me more alert and awake. This approach lasted for 15 mins and then tiredness would hit me again. I toyed with the idea of sitting under a tree and setting a 5-minute alarm to nap but, I figured if someone came across me, they would ask if I was okay and I wouldn’t really get any solid rest so I made a promise with myself that if I still felt this way at the next aid, I would allow myself a power nap.
After a few more switch backs I came across one of the guys from the running train who was now walking and saying he hadn’t moved this slow in a race before and if I wanted to pass to let him know. I did not want to pass and instead decided this would be a great opportunity to make conversation and to keep awake. We chatted a lot about different topics including XC skiing, working for Parks, other ultras, our partners, pacing, nutrition etc. He popped out a Spring Energy Gel and it prompted me to consume mine. I opened it, squeezed the gel out and instantly heaved, as I retched the gel out, I noticed it was a creamy, thicker substance which made me heave even more. Luckily no vomit came up but, I was not tempting fate and I decided to pack the gel away and muster on.
I kept hearing the aid station but, the guy I was running with told me either I had fantastic ears or, it was all in my head. I could still hear it, so I just rolled with this new experience of hearing what I wanted to see haha. Once the climb plateaued, we were up in a forested, meadow rolling area. My new friend went to use the forest washroom and I continued. Runners who were now on the out and back section who had already reached the aid told me I didn’t have far to go which was re-assuring. I noticed a couple of hot spots on my feet but, nothing alarming and figured once I got to the aid, I would switch out my shoes and socks as a precaution.
Finally, the aid!! I ran in and in the back of my mind remembered Bre saying “I will only be mad if you haven’t eaten” knowing I was about to pull out a 12 hour bag of fuel with roughly 2 items eaten and a half spat out gel I sheepishly admitted my fuelling was off but, backed it up with “I promise I ate at aid stations” which wasn’t totally a lie. Bre got me some bacon, hashbrowns and perogies which were swallowed down with some lemonade, and I felt great again. The 2nd pierogi nearly came back up but, at least I had something soluble in me.
I asked Tyson to pace me here (A little earlier than expected as I hadn’t reached the 100-mile mark and I only wanted pacing after this distance) but, I wasn’t sure how my body would hold up without substantial food (I don’t have a great track record of this) and when I start to pass out, it does scare me. So, I figured I would still lead my own pace but, having him there would be great incase my lack of eating caught up with me.
Leg 11, 12.4 km / 467 ascent / 334 descent
As I headed out of the station with fresh shoes & socks (& declined pre blister care treatment. DANG how I regret that!!) I came across the 2 ladies I overtook earlier on. My pace had either declined dramatically or, they were moving fast however I noted that one looked rough and the other strong. Tyson gave my ego a check and reminded me I still had a long way to go and that I should focus on myself. Solid advice, thank you!
The first km’s went by easily, we chatted, laughed, rolled with the runnable terrain, took it easy on the ups and ran the flats/down. All was good. I on and off mentioned I felt nauseous, and I think this is what I disliked the most about having someone out there with me. The ability to complain to someone when, if you’re moving alone you tend to just bury it or, try not to focus on it but, I felt I was talking a little too often about how uncomfortable I felt nausea wise. Still, we were moving, and Tyson was being really supportive on how strong my pace was given the distance I had accomplished so far (I was coming up to 100 miles).
The second day felt hotter than the first so creek breaks were a must. I was starting to get a little disheartened when the 40 or 70 milers started whizzing by at full speed and the realization my pace had declined rapidly, and hot spots were turning into blisters was dampening the mood.
We came across the aid station I thought would never appear during the night again and you could tell the volunteers were tired. I grabbed a couple of crackers, sat for a few minutes but, when it started to get busy, I left.
Leg 12, 15.5 km / 698 km ascent / 441 km descent
I hadn’t realised there was a huge lake off to the side and the scenery and views made up for the way I was feeling. We played tag back and forth with the strong guy (Bre’s friend) who passed me during the night as we climbed back up to the rolling section filled with wildflowers that I was daydreaming of the night prior. We joked that we both were not feeling or looking as great as the night prior. Tyson was trying to make conversation but, I just wanted to sit with my nausea and be quiet. I’d make it known; he’d last for 5 minutes & then he’d be back talking to me. I just laughed.
The course was stunning, and this took away from the nausea and my painful hobbles. Every water crossing I now came across I purposefully ran through as my feet felt like they were on fire. This wasn’t the most logic idea given the fact I had formed blisters, but the coldness offered sweet release for a few split seconds.
During this period the 3rd female who was now 2nd (100 #’d bib) came passing looking strong! It fuelled a fire in me as I tried to push the pain of each step away and to not let her get too far ahead. I kept this momentum up to the next aid station with moral support given from Tyson. I should have stopped here, taken my shoes & socks off and treated my blisters but, I didn’t want her to go get too far ahead (Looks like I had committed to competition) so I tried to muster through. It didn’t last too long.
Leg 13 10.6km / 232m ascent / 484 m descent
The next section was down hill but not super runnable. Given the fact I couldn’t use my feet in their regular way of moving Tyson told me to hold off and just let her go. He reminded me again there was still over 40KM’s to go, and anything can happen that it’s best to just focus on myself. Again, solid advice, so I continued moving forward, shuffling, walking and NOT running as the blisters were too much. 20 mins later and I was in instant pain, a blister on the pad of my foot popped and the sensation was way too much. I told Tyson I needed to stop right now and address it if there was any chance of me picking up the pace otherwise, I felt I’d be crawling (So dramatic…)
Tyson was not having a great time as black flies consumed us. I knew I needed to focus on the task at hand, so I worked on wrapping my left foot. This must have taken about 5 minutes but, it felt even longer with the swarms of mosquitoes and juicy black flies. The initial pressure on it was still painful but after a few steps I realised it wasn’t as bad and that I could weight it, runnable. So, we continued to shuffle, run, hobble out onto the gravel road and into the next aid. Tyson was haaangry and mixed in with my uncomfortableness (nausea/feet) he out loudly questioned whether he’d continue or, whether he’d ask Nichole to jump in as pacer but, I felt disappointed he was feeling over it already, so I tried to chirp myself up and muster another shuffle run into the aid.
I ran into the Aid shouting “Big Hiker Chick” as that section took way longer than anticipated and the way I was feeling, I was now mentally preparing myself for a long stretch into the evening and night hoping to reach the finish line by the AM. I hadn’t wanted this but, I figured it was how the race was panning itself out and I had to adjust my mentality and goals with each moment, so I told my crew I was sitting here for a while to 1. Sort out my blisters & 2. Eat some food. I was in ZERO rush and would stay there for however long each task took that set me up for a smoother journey.
Leg 14 10.7 km 104m ascent / 707 m descent
With food in me, blisters treated & some nausea meds taken I was ready for this next leg. Only 10.7 km with the 104m climb at the start and then a descent, on road, all the way to the next aid station. Easy!
Within 10 minutes of movement, I instantly new I had turned a new leaf as I felt really fresh. I started to run, and I literally ran with it. I don’t know if Tyson thought it wouldn’t last but, I felt like the leg prior was a delusion because I felt so insanely strong again, like I was just starting out. We ran, laughed, chatted all the way into the next aid. It was literally a breeze.
As we ran into the next aid, Tyson was having a blister issue and wanted to address this. I had no issues with this but, I didn’t need anything from the crew or station. I was still very much good to go for the next leg. As soon as he was sorted, we we’re good to go. 2 more legs left, lets do this!!!!
Leg 15 7.9km 300m ascent / 118 descent
The next leg was a breeze, just like the leg prior. We turned our headlamps on halfway through and enjoyed the forest and atmosphere in and around the Lighting Lake area. We were both in good spirits and pumped up to get running into the night. I still was feeling great but, figured at the next aid I would take one last opportunity to get some more food into me before the home stretch which still included a major climb and descent.
Leg 16 17.5km, 960m ascent / 1091 m descent
After a stop at the aid to chow down some more potato salad (Gosh I love that stuff!) we were on our way. Home stretch baby! WOOHOO. Moods were still high, nausea was still at bay and blisters were treated / numb that I honestly couldn’t really feel them anymore. We we’re moving quickly and efficiently into the night, and it was a beautiful evening (fresh, not too cold, no wind and stunningly clear).
The climb started and it was up a set of switchbacks. I want to compare it to Ha Ling trail. That’s kind of the feel it had. Very consistent and very manageable. With this being the last climb, I just wanted to get er going so I was pushing the pace reasonably and feeling good with it. During the climb I shouted out on 2 occasions that there was a cougar (& it wasn’t far off in the distance either) however, Tyson very quickly shot me down advising that they were in fact tree stumps and that there wasn’t a cougar. I felt I could have reached out and petted it. It’s crazy how vividly I could see them though and when I got closer, they did in fact change their features back into tree stumps. A little later I went to pick up a $10 bill in the middle of the forest floor but, as I got closer it morphed, right before my eyes into a stick and not a bill. This experience was so trippy but kind of neat. I think it would be terrifying if I was alone or, if I was seeing things which were more terrifying than Cougar’s but, the hallucinations were not the worst and at least I had Tyson to set me straight.
Tyson’s watch beeped that the climb was over but, when I looked ahead the climb was still very much there so we just rolled with it knowing that it will be over when it’s over. But, it continued. On and on, every corner another climb, then a plateau, a slight descent then BOOM another climb. It was a never-ending rolling ridge. Also, a narrow, skinny ledge kind of traversed along side the mountain which when you’re on no sleep & night #2 (& you suffer from vertigo during the day let alone the night) this made the whole experience nauseating and terrifying. I kept thinking don’t you dare slip but the more concentration that was needed the dizzier I felt and so, the nausea started to make itself apparent again (Great, it was good whilst it lasted). I started to feel like I was going to vomit but, I had no time to truly concentrate on that when another uphill presented itself. HOLY Fudgeeeee will this let up anytime soon?
Then I heard a female behind me, 2 of them. I wasn’t hallucinating as Tyson could hear them too. Maybe it was 3rd place coming in strong, maybe it was relay or someone’s pacer but, I was not sticking around to find out. I put my gear up a notch and I started working hard. I had no time to think about nausea or, self pity I needed to fight and now was the time. Tyson’s encouragement fueled me even more and when the descent finally came into motion (A very technical, rocky descent) I concentrated so hard and rolled with it. Tyson was keeping up, but, I wanted to push the gap between myself and whoever was behind and I wasn’t going to ease off. This was some of my strongest running. I was moving!!!! Infact, I moved so swiftly and with so much precision I think Tyson was having a hard time keeping up… 😉I kept this going, right through to the flat and with less than 1 km to go and with extra encouragement I let rip.
I ran as hard and as fast as my legs could take me. I heard Nichole cheer from the finish as she could see headlamps through the forest not knowing it was me, I hollered back and she cheered again, so loud. This surged me through to the finish line chute where I was so excited yet so sad that it was over. I felt amazing and I genuinely did not want this race to end. As I crossed the finish line in 40 hours, 3 mins, 22nd finisher & 2nd female my gratitude was expressed; for the race, for my people, for the course and for myself. I am stronger than I think, emotionally and physically and with how I felt crossing that finish line, there’s no doubt in my mind that I can achieve more! But the best part is, I still want it, I want the next adventure, I want to put myself back put there and get after something that terrifies me again. I am so unbelievable impressed by the lengths my body can go (Especially since I have found out I have a not so efficient heart, I’ll save the details of my large leaky heart for another day).
2 weeks post race
I woke up the next day and I felt fine. That isn’t an understatement. Yes, my blisters hurt, and I was tired but physically no DOMS were present, no pain, no muscle fatigue. WTF? The next day… nothing, a few days after that, nothing! I genuinely believe this is down to amazing training that my coach Jen Segger provided, finally getting my nutrition dialled (prerace) I have a lot more healthier eating habits and I finally have control over my iron! I still have many areas to work on (nutrition wise) throughout racing but, everything aligned as best as it could for the day and I had another chance and experience to problem solve and take my lack of calories / nausea as another learning curve.
Since the race I’ve been resting but, I’ve also continued to run and taking myself on weekend adventures. I’m feeling a few little tweaks here and there (Mainly on my right side including my hip flexor and knee bursa) that I will be mindful of and are likely overuse pains but, for the most part I feel fantastic and I am SO excited to see where the next build & race will take me. I have my eye on a 200 miler but, logistically I must give it some more thought and not sign up because I am full of the post race highs. I just know that this is the start of an even bigger adventure, and I can’t wait to see where it will take me. Until the next goal is set in stone and the count down to training begins, I am going to continue enjoying this down period of doing what I want, when I want as well as doing absolutely nothing! I’m very content with where I am at right now 😊
& If I haven’t told them enough already… THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU ALL for the most amazing few days vacationing and having you all by my side through one of my most memorable highs! I truly have the bestest of friends & the most laid-back loving guy! (Nichole, Bre & Tyson) It will be hard to beat the vibes of FatDog 2020 (2022**) (Tyson lost 2 years during that race Bahahaha) lol 😉
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