I just got an email from a guy named Charles. I met him at the California International Marathon when we was the pacegroup leader for the five hour pace group. A couple weeks ago, Charles ran the entire Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. On it’s face, this is an amazing feat. It becomes even more amazing when you consider that the day of this years race the thermometer skyrocketed. It was the hottest day of the year so far. Consequently, only 52% of the people who started this year’s Western States actually finished. I think it was the lowest percentage of finishers ever. His thoughts are relevant to our discussion:
Begin forwarded message:
Overall it was a amazing day. In 20 years they will still remember the fact it was the highest drop rate (ever), the hottest day of the year (so far), and the recent course change with Duncan canyon being added back into the mix made it a grueling day!
Chris, sincerely, no words can describe how tough it was too finish. It was so hot, people were falling all the time, puking along the trail, so many folks were just wiped out when you went past them. I started about 5th from the last. The plan was to go slow through the elevation and then deal with the heat as it came. Well, nobody could have predicted how much duncan canyon messed everybody all up. The snow was bad but not as bad as last years, but we were exposed to the the direct sun for the first 7 hours of the run then it became a bit more covered in places but obviously not all the way. When I got to Duncan I was 20 min from getting pulled from the race because I was way behind, but there was a ton of people behind me and I thought oh no.. not me not here not today, it took a lot of effort to get to this journey and I was not about to let it fall from me.
So I got up and ran better and faster than I ever had in my life. It was an experience that I will never forget. It reveals the weaknesses within yourself. It finds your strengths. In the end I made up well over 3 hours. I walked from no hands to the finish. I have blisters so bad the doctors have to consult other specialists to find out how to fix them. But the finish is mine, no one can have it. It was a very humbling experience.
We are in maui, for the kids and the wife and I we took them here to thank them for all the times they put up with me during all the training. I will have several beers for you while lying on the beach!!
Cheers,
Charles
