See the full race report (with photos) or podcast here.
Short story: I dropped out of the Cascade Crest 100-miler after 60 miles, due to "mental fatigue." It was the safe thing to do, before I climbed anymore mountains and negotiated anymore cliffs. I had slid twenty feet down a cliff just 20 miles prior to quitting. It had been raining heavily, and "stuff" happens on slick rocks and mud after dark, you know.
Part of the reason for my fatigue, (besides the tough course): The 10 a.m. start for this race is a real pain for non-west-coasters; (that's noon, our time).
My legs and body were fine during the race, though. If I could have screwed a new head on it, I could have made it just fine. Today, I'm just a little stiff, tired, bruised, and scratched-up. No foot blisters or problems, though. No regrets about my decision to DNF, either. It was appropriate for the circumstances.
By the way, Patrick Perry from Lee's Summit did the Trail Nerds proud! He finished in 29:37. He agrees: this race makes the Western States 100-miler look like a cakewalk. My NW buddy, Olga Varlamova had to drop out of the race. Eric Barnes (NW runner) finished his first 100-miler in style!!! It was nice seeing that Jamie Gifford (male from Seattle) won the race. He had to DNF, last year. Darcy Africa was right on his heels for a first place female win, and 2nd place over-all spot, right at 21:15. Most of the field takes more than 28 hours to complete this beast.
Results: http://www.cascadecrest100.com/2007_results.htm
Website: http://www.cascadecrest100.com/
Some fun points during my run:
Climbing and bushwhacking down the "roped section" of cliff over huge, wet logs and rocks, right at mile 50.
Running into a black bear right before the rope section. (I said "hi," and he scuttled out of there).
Drying out and warming back up, while running through the 2.2-mile long abandoned railroad tunnel under Snoqualmie Pass.
Being held up for 2 minutes by a skunk on the trail.
Having to bushwhack around an insane female hiker who was flailing her hiking poles and walking fast, in an attempt to keep me from passing her.
Picking and eating wild Huckleberries and Thimbleberries during the run.
Drinking an O'douls (non-alcoholic beer) at mile 35, and thinking it tasted good.
Eating two hot pierogies at the mile 48 aid station.
My wonderful crew and the great people I met during the event. The volunteers were top-notch!
I'll write-up a proper report later, and include photos.
Happy trails,
Bad Ben
7 comments:
Good to hear you made it back safe,.,I was checking the for results all day Sunday and Monday. Tell Patrick Congrats on the finish. See ya on the trails soon.
That wasn't a cliff Ben, I think that was part of the trail. Sorry you were unable to complete the run but sounds like you made the proper decision.
I'm working on my report too. Should have it complete sometime tonight or tomorrow.
Cheers!
Sorry not to see you at Kachess Lake. I had your grilled cheese sandwich and raviolli ready to go. With any luck, I will be back running and can give CCC a go again next year. Need to get two more finishes so I can get a different color buckle. You should try the rope section without any rope. My first experience on the course was as sweep. We untied the rope and carried it down with us, along with glow sticks and flagging. Many, many, vegetable belays. In any case, it was good to see you again. Kendall
Ben,
It was great chatting with you and Vicki at Silver Creek. Sounds like you had an exciting night out there! Hope your trip home was good. See you next year!
Good to see you back bloggin'. I figured you were running somewhere in the U.S. though.
Can't wait to see pics. Any chance someone snapped you sliding down the hill?
J
Ben, it was wonderful to see you and Vicki again! thanks so much to her for a lovely scarf! Sorry you didn't make it this year, but as you said - there is always 2008 and that revenge plan:) Nice fun points!
Good times as always. We can both get our revenge next year. Good to see you out there!
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