Rocky Raccoon 50mi &100mi

Held February 2005

"Ohh-oh, we're halfway there,
whoah, we're livin' on a prayer.
Take my haaand, we'll make it I swear.
Woah, livin' on a prayer!"

This song was stuck in my head at the "Far Side" aid staion, which is in the middle of a 20 mile loop that runners traversed five times over a 24hr period.

I volunteered to help out at the Rocky Raccoon 100 this weekend, and it was the most educational running experience of my life. It was also one of the most fun times I've ever had at an event. All the volunteers were great people; all eager to help me get my feet wet at this event. I showed up to the park at 0600, and waited for the race to begin, after which time I met with a volunteer who went with me to my assigned station. They had french toast and hot bacon ready for me when I got there (one of the many perks of volunteering). It was a huge rush while Larry(another volunteer) and I frantically wrote down bib numbers and times. After the first wave of runners came through it got much quieter.

I worked all morning and afternoon refilling bottles, and setting out food and drinks. One runner named Jorge was on time to beat the world record for a 100 mile ultra, but unfortunately finished 58 seconds over. The guy would just fly into our aid station at a 7:45 pace, and not even stop for refreshments. It blew our minds! During long periods with nobody coming through, I got to listen to stories from volunteers Jim and Mike who have run several Ultras, including Western States 100. I had a great time at the aid station until my runner (the woman I would pace for) came by on her third lap. She had 10miles from there to finish her loop at the lodge station where I would start the 4th loop with her. I packed up and took a shortcut back to the lodge where I changed, stretched, and waited for her to show up.

She came in looking pretty strong, and I helped her get some ears, and gloves out of her pack while she tried to get down some hot soup. I think we took off around 2100, well after dark. I was pretty chilly, but I quickly warmed up. It felt like we moved consistently at a 12:00 pace on the flats, walked the uphills, and 10:00 or faster on the downhills. It was a pleasant surprise because I anticipated a lot slower pace during the loop. She was funny though, because she kept apologizing for us going so slowly, saying it had to be killing my legs to shuffle along. The weather was great, and I came to find out that I had prepared perfectly for it, which was something I had been very nervous about. My headlamp worked great, my clothing was kept me at a good temp, and I brought just enough fuel (gatorade and gel).

I took advantage of all the great food offered at the stations and the fact that I have no problems eating on the run. During my 20mile loop I ate 2 meatball sandwiches, 1 peanut butter sandwich, a cup of chicken noodle soup, 2 cups of hot chocolate, a handfull of jelly beans, and a handful of M&Ms and 5 GU packets. Cheryl(my runner) unfortunately didn't get to eat too much of anything solid becuase she was having bad issues with her stomach. I finished my loop with her, and headed immediately back to the Far Side aid station where they were all shocked to see me. They just figured I would've headed home after my loop. It was fortunate that I came back though because they were a little short-handed.

We had the last runner come through around 0830 and the station broken down by 0900. I headed to my car, drove, home, had a late lunch and was asleep at 1600 on Sunday. I didn't wake back up until 0600 on Monday. I learned a lot and met some great people.

I was exhuasted, but it was a blast!!!