This year has been a year for going long, early year ambitions had me trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon, as well as run my first 50 miler. Boston was thrown out the window after the unfortunate happenings at the Santa Rosa Marathon (getting lost with about 200 others and missing the BQ by a few minutes). My friend Eric Acuna and I were lucky enough to get entry into the 100 mile relay for this race, but because of some logistics with our crew and family we had to drop down to the 55k. Dang it, 0 for 2 on my ambitions for the year!! I have learned to be patient as these distances can really wear you down if you are not ready. I want to do this the right way, I want to enjoy it and be as injury free as possible.
Being an early morning start, my wife and I decided to head to Flagstaff the night before to save us on a super early morning drive. We ended up staying in an awesome cabin surrounded by pines at the Flagstaff Nordic Center only about 10 minutes away from the start of the race. The race had a home grown feel with a ton of Flagstaff locals as well as many other great runners from the Tucson and Phoenix area. The race start was north of Flagstaff at the Flagstaff Hotshots Ranch . The start area was in a nice open field surrounded by hills on every side. We knew we would be in for a climb from the get-go. The 55k and 100 milers started at the same time with the relays following shortly after. The starting elevation was around 7,400’ and got to a high point of around 9,000’.
As the race started, Jim Walmsley and Catlow Shipek took off toward the first climb. I never saw them again the rest of the way. This wasn’t because I ran a bad race, only because they are amazing runners. The rest of the pack followed shortly after. I always start with a burst of adrenaline and this had me running in third place leading the group through the first climbs. The first section had some off trail areas with a couple logs to jump and few people seemed to get off course rather easily. After about a mile we were on a well groomed trail that would lead us to the finish. I was pushing harder on the climbs then I had intended and started feeling a burning sensation in my lungs and quads around mile 5. This was far too early to be feeling this way especially in only my second ultra ever. I backed off the pace for a little and made it over this section remaining in 3rd place. From here we descended from the ponderosa pines into a beautiful aspen grove with many shades of yellows and oranges, where there were photographers waiting (well played). We continued on very runnable single track until the first aid station at mile 21 where I could see my crew for the first time. I pulled into the aid station at Kelly Tank greeted by the many outstanding volunteers. I filled up my water bottle and grabbed a few GU gels, but where was my crew?? I had planned on refilling with tailwind and gels provided by my crew and had a bit of a blister issue from a previous race that I wanted to get checked out, but I had to press on. About 200 yards away from the aid station I see my crew walking down the hill. They had a look of shock and were trying to see if I needed anything. I was too far from the aid station and still moving well so I decided to keep moving forward.
I knew that there were no more aid stations beside one water only stop until the finish. Only 13 miles to go! I had been passed by one other runner and was now sitting in 4th place. The next miles were on the double track stagecoach line. There were parts that were extremely runnable and other that were rocky and slanted that made footing difficult. I stared having some muscle soreness in my hips and was getting a little tired. Tripping over rocks was commonplace now and I had to pay more attention to prevent any falls, which luckily I did!! About 2 miles from the finish I got caught by the eventual 100 mile winner Sion Lupowitz and another 55k runner who was running with him. I pushed on to the finish at Cedar Ranch where my crew was waiting for me! Ended up as 4th place male and 5th place overall with a time of 5:19:03! The 100 milers would continue on and all the way to the city of Tusayan at the entrance to the Grand Canyon. I was glad to be finished for the day as the temperatures were now starting to warm up.
Now on to the Scores:
Race Location: First 20 miles were super scenic through the aspens and pines. Ran along the shoulder of the highest mountain in AZ, Mt. Humphreys. Next 13 were double track stagecoach route, not as scenic, but I was concentrating more on my footing at that point. The race ends within minutes of the Grand Canyon and would definitely make for a destination race for those who have never visited the Canyon. 8/10
Swag: Race T-shirts had an awesome design and super soft material. Nalgene bottle at finish line for 55kers. Many samples from: Squirrels nut butter, Nathan, CarboPro, and a pretty sweet Arizona Trail waterbottle holder. Good swag for a smaller race, but would’ve loved a medal or something with the logo on It to show off. 7/10
Experience: Aid stations had everything I needed. I stuck mainly with gels at this race but they had the usual aid station food (Potatoes, pretzels, pb&j,etc.) But also had bacon and quesadillas. Volunteers were great, able to get me stocked up and ready to go when my crew was missing in action! I love smaller scale races! 7/10
Post Race: Didn’t have time to hang around for any post race festivities, but got a great view of the Grand Canyon and the sunset amber ale from Grand Canyon Brewery. I always gotta try the local beer from every race I go to!! Unable to score.
Overall: Great race put on by race director Ian Torrence. Race supports the AZ trail foundation which is awesome. Visit their site here: http://www.aztrail.org I have ran many of the lower sections of the AZT and it was sweet to add some more segments! Would definitely do this race again, maybe in the relay format for next year! 7.5/10
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