(pictured above is the view of Bear Lake, near the end of the Bear 100)
This weekend I drove to the Cache National Forest in Northern Utah to crew and pace my friend Craig, who was running the Bear 100. You may recall that Craig paced me to my 100 mile finish at the Headlands 100. I figured it would be good to repay my karmic debt and that it would be fun to be a part of the event without having to run 100 miles. Indeed it was a much less painful way to partake in the excitement.
(pictured above is an example of the beautiful fall colors that were typical of the course)
I left Kalispell Friday morning at about 3:00 and drove straight to the "Cowley Canyon" aid station where I awaited the arrival of what is known among crew as "my runner." I quickly met some fun and cool folks whom I would see on and off for the next 24 hours. I was really nervous at first because I wasn't sure what Craig would want in terms of help, but I quickly realized he's pretty easy to crew since he can live off Sprite, ginger cookies, water and hot soup. I was pleased that he enjoyed the plain cheese tortellini I am now so fond of while running.
(pictured above is the part of the race where you cross into Idaho from Utah - me being a dork)
At mile 75 I got to take off my crewing hat and put on my pacing hat (or bandana as the case may be). Pacing is the best way I think to enjoy these events -- you get to run a substantial part of the course while enjoying it fully on fresh legs. Above all, you get to enjoy aid station food without being sick from having 75 miles under your belt. Or at least I felt that way. The course is beautiful with gazillions of aspens changing colors. The 25 miles was mostly very easy (weary runner = nice easy pace ;)) but near the end Craig just started bombing this long downhill and we ran fast to the finish. Craig finished strong in 30:47.
Crewing and pacing gave me a much better idea of what's involved and leaves me with some ideas for how to best use my peeps at Western States. For one thing, I know Cheryl gets sleepy without sleep and so I will make sure she gets sleep at some point.
Pictured above is the descent to the finish -- I have never run so fast downhill before. I felt like I learned to just fly and hope for the best. Had I run down Danni-style Craig would have been a mile ahead of me in the blink of an eye. My quads and ankles are very sore -- but at least my knees aren't sore which I consider to be a good sign.
Above is the proud finisher!!!In other running news, I'm signed up for Le Grizz -- a 50 mile road race basically -- and will probably show up on race day. I'm in better shape than I was last year and am a bit thinner -- so I'd better PR if I run it. I hope so at least.
10 comments:
I was pacing this weekend too and Craig had actually come up in a conversation with a fellow pacer who ran with Craig at Coyote Two Moon - Leslie. He's done some really big races this year, grown up stuff.
Bear 100 looks like a beautiful course. I found caffeine options also helps with pacers and crew on top of sleep; Starbucks Frappuccino's, Cokes, etc.
Hi Rick! It is a beautiful course. Are you referring to Leslie Antonis? I know her!!! She is one super awesome chica.
Caffeine is a brilliant idea. I made coffee in a microwave at one point but it was pretty awful.
OK I'm officially jealous .. Waterfall Glen at it's best can't touch the stuff you have posted on your blog...
Miss You :)
Love the fall colors in the state of Utah. I agree with all you said about pacing and crewing and I love to do it. It definately gives a different look at the last part of an event and lots of useful information. Fun times!
jen you guys should come visit! we have room for all of you AND Behr!
Ronda, yeah it was amazingly beautiful. Congrats to your friend Stacey on an amazing performance at Spartathlon!!!
Yup Leslie Antonis, she's awesome. I was hanging out with her and her friends. She made brownies and shared it with all of us while we were waiting for our runners. We ran together for a bit at Headlands Hundred last year. Here's a great shot of her.
What great colors, and I have such fond memories of Bear! Will need to come again and do a new course one day. Awesome job!
those pics are amazing, danni! I can't get over how you've taken to the great northwest like a chicago girl who *really* needed to be in the great northwest. or a duck to water. you are exactly where you need to be--no doubt at all.
Oooo, I'm envious. This is one race that I have been ogling for awhile. It looks like it was a perfect weekend! No "Snow Bear" this year, fortunately!
Olga, I bet Oregon is gorgeous this time of year too.
Thanks Dana -- that's nice of you to say.
Leslie, I bet you would have an advantage if it were a snow year given where you are used to running!
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