It's been nearly two years since I ran a 100 miler, and October 2017 was the last time I raced competitively at this distance. This felt really good.
This year's Rocky Raccoon course in Huntsville State Park, Texas consisted of five, 20-mile loops on relatively flat, rooty terrain. Along with my one-man crew (Dad! + Mom!, who prepared pre-race meal and in-race nutrition, e.g. eggs and potatoes), who is the best in the business, we executed a great plan, minimized stops and time in aid stations, and I was able to maintain strength and climb from 11th to 6th place over the final 10 miles.
Approximately 418 runners started the 100-mile distance in waves, and a couple hundred more started the 100K (3 loops). COVID guidelines were in place, and although challenging to enforce with respect to all runners, I was very impressed with the race organizers and aid station volunteers, all of whom wore masks and gloves and took additional precautions in order to keep us as safe as possible.
In addition to my family and a couple of close friends, I had a ton of support and positive vibes coming my way from the Joe T. Robinson High School cross-country and track teams. My distance runners are awesome and even surprised me with homemade brownies at this morning's workout!
| 