I have been dabbling with running on trails for the past eight months or so. During that time span, I’ve only had 6 or 8 quality trail runs. I’ve run two trail races, the Wildwood 10K and the Wildwood Trail Half Marathon. I’ve also run withPam in the SoCal mountains and in Palm Springs. My latest run, this past weekend at the Where’s Waldo race was definitely the toughest run I’ve attempted.
But this weekend, I’m about to get my tail whipped in one of the hardest ultramarathons around—and I’m not even running it! Pam’s the one running the race, and just like I did for her Western States debut, I’m crewing for her.
I’ll help her at each of the aid stations as she comes through. I’ll make sure that she’s got whatever she needs to get herself to the next aid station, keep her informed of her competition, and do what I can to keep her spirits high.
Elevation profile for miles 75-100 of the AC100 endurance run
A pacer’s job is much different than a crew member’s job. Many ultramarathons allow pacers in the interest of keeping the runners safe. In addition to keeping the racer on schedule, they monitor hydration and nutrition, help with navigation and illumination on the trail, and try to keep the racer’s spirits high when the inevitable rough patch(es) hit.
If you look at the elevation profile above, you can see why I’m a little bit concerned about this crash course. Right off the bat, we start by climbing 3100 feet in 6 miles. Then, at about mile 10 (85 of the race) we climb again—this time about 2000 feet in 4 miles. These are serious climbs and they have me terrified. I hope I don’t end up being one of those pacers who end up getting dropped by their racers.
Part of me really wants Pam to find a pacer that can do just that—pace her. But another part of me wants to see just how far I’ve come in my journey towards physical fitness. For Pam’s sake, I just hope that I don’t learn how much further I really have to go.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow. Too bad you’re not pacing miles 50-75 which look much easier. Hah. Easier! Easy for me to say. I might be able to make it from mile 70-75 or so (almost entirely downhill).
Anyway, while I certainly understand being terrified in the face of this, you’re in great shape and you’ll be running with your wife. I’m sure you’ll do fine.
fit36—That was my first choice also but there are more logistical problems in terms of parking and the retrieval of cars if I do that. More than likely, she’ll be on her own during that “easy” stretch. Another reason I’m not running that section is that she’ll still be relatively fresh and would probably be able to run it faster without me. We’ll see how it goes.
I have a friend who used to run these. Brutal! Best of luck to both of you.
Wow! That course looks extremely intimidating! Better you than me! Best of luck!!
That is really cool that you are worried about whether you can make the grade or not. But After reading how you feel about it I am sure you will make the ultimate passer.
I must admitt I am jeaslous of you trail running through the Californian Mountains
I will have to make do with Irelands cold an dark forests as I have entered a winter trail race series, Headlamps at the ready! 