TRIandDreamsComeTrue: Bandera 100K Race Report

Bandera 100K Race Report - My first 100K

I run when it's hot - I run when it's cold. I run when I'm tired - I run when I am not. I run when I'm happy - I run when I am sad. I run.

On January 12, 2013 I exchanged an extraordinary experience for a day of my life!

I spent Friday night at Hill Country State Nature Area settling in to sleep in my car (it's quite a large car). Tiffany joined me and we enjoyed some laughs and catching up before we crawled into my boat to sleep on air mattresses. Someday I might graduate in camping to a sleeping pad, but for now I'm sticking to the air mattress! We went to sleep at 8:15! Score! Woke up at 6:00 and opened the door to find drizzle! We prepped for the race and began to run into friends at the park.

7:30 am rolled around and we were off for an adventure! Tiffany headed off to run a 50K in a smoking good time of 6:39! And I spent almost the whole day with friends Carrie and Jessica. The first loop was very muddy! At times my feet would stick to the ground. And at others the mud would accumulate like a giant clown shoe on each foot!

Tiffany, Mel and I at the half way point.

Carrie enjoying the overlook on Sky Island

At 3:30 pm we rolled through the half way point. I seemed to be riding a second wind and feeling great! We spend 10 minutes or so talking to friends and eating some solid foods. I saw Tiffany, my coach Melissa Whan and few other friends. The support was great! When we headed back out for round two, I surprised by running buddies with my energy level and thankfully carried that though the 50 mile mark. It helped that every mile over 31 was a PR to celebrate! This excitement fueled me on!

Carrie, Jessica, and I at the top of Carin's Hill

Sunset on the course

Around 45-48 miles in Jessica was feeling sick. She made it to the Crossroads Aid Station and decided to drop as she couldn't keep anything down.

Carrie and I added some warmer clothes and headed out for the Three Sisters. Those 5 miles were tough. We stopped back at Cross Roads and I made the mistake of eating 3 quesadillas and 2 small cups of ramon noodles. I never run well on a full stomach and this full stomach made me tired!

My excitement waned around 54 miles. I struggled to walk. For the first time I wasn't sure if I would make it to my goal of 62 miles. I was so close and yet so far. The thought of walking 20 plus minute miles meant that I would be out in the cold, dark, wind for three more hours. I reached "last chance" the final aid station at 57.5 miles. I collapsed in a chair next to my running partner Carrie who had run ahead to warm up in the protected and heated aid station. I fought tears and wondered if I would be able to run any more. I asked a simple question to those around me, "Is it worth it to finish?" Together, Carrie and the volunteers all answered with an assuring, "Yes!"

What my running buddy looked like

That was all I needed to hear. I stood up and headed out. Carrie gave me a couple of tylenol pills and helped me get my headphones out. I assured her I would be fine without her and she departed into the cold. With music on, I hiked with determination up Carin's Hill. At the top of the hill, I forced a run, and it worked! I was running again! I had a new pacing buddy right behind me. He looked just like Lily's dad from How I Met Your Mother! I ran, walked, hiked the last 4.5 miles with him right behind me. My doubt was gone and my run was back! I passed about 10 people once my run was back. I ascended the last climb on Boyle's hill and text my husband that I had 3 miles to go and I would make it. I crossed the finish line with an official time of 18:01 around 1:30 am.

It was a long day, but so very worth it! Tejas Trails volunteers are the best! And running with awesome friends can't be beat!

The next morning I made good friends with 20 pounds of ice in my bath tub! And my recovery is going very well! I think my brain has returned now that it's had 48 hrs of non-running!