Buffalo Run 100 race report

Taking on an early year 100 required a lot of cold weather training and dedication.  I felt like I had put in the time necessary to take this challenge on.  Training started in November and involved boot camp/sports conditioning classes, core strength work, spin classes, yoga and weekly running which built up and topped out at 78 miles per week.

One Mile In

Photo courtesy K. Agnew

...This is how I felt early in the race

The first 19 miles of this race were fairly uneventful and involved my training grounds.  I spent a lot of time running the White Rock, Elephant Head and Split Rock Trails over the course of the winter and was pretty much in cruise control.

My fuel strategy was simple, 405 calorie pre-made flasks of Perpetuem placed in drop bags.  I would always have a flask with me and made sure to consume one flask every 2-3 hours.  For the most part I stuck to this strategy and it allowed me to spend minimal time in aid stations.  S-Caps and plain water were also utilized.

Actually the race was very uneventful until around mile 28 when I was chased by an enraged bison not once but on TWO occasions.

I have spent a lot of time around bison and felt that I have always kept a respectful distance from these majestic creatures.  Today, however one surly bull did not want me or several other runners on or near his trail.  I ran away from the charge on both occasions safely.

...My reaction to getting chased by an ornery, territorial bison

I made my way to the ranch to refill my water, grabbed a flask and my headlamp and was on my way.  Upon arrival at Lower Frary aid station for the second time, I met up with my friend Misty.  She was rattled by a bison that had tried to take her out.  We decided to head out in the darkness toward the mile 50 aid station together.   Unfortunately, Misty tweaked her leg and could not continue after the 50 mile mark.

...Things like this were witnessed on the trek back to the 50 mile mark and start/finish

One of the most difficult things about this race is trying to convince yourself to head out for lap 2 of the 50 mile course.  Luckily, my first pacer, Camaraan was raring to go.  A quick change into a warmer coat and beanie and we were off to Elephant Head aid station.  Just before the ascent to Elephant head a wave of nausea came over me which was follow by hurling on the trail side.

Following, the bout of nausea I was able to ebb and flow between feeling good and bad.  Camaraan and I worked our way running/walking the second loop through Split Rock eventually ending up at mile 78 (Lower Frary Aid station).

I couldn't wait for the sun to come back up

After running through the dark and cold for several hours, I was looking forward to meeting my final pacer (Dan) and shedding my headlamp.  Dan and I walked/ran our way to the ranch and fatigue was beginning to set in.  Finally the sun came up and it was great to see many of the 50 milers coming through as I made my way to finish in 24 hours 54 minutes.  The last 3 miles were especially difficult due to fatigue and just wanting to be done.

Finish

It was a huge lift to be greeted by friends and family on my way to the finish line.

So, I guess that about wraps it up.  Buffalo run was well organized and the aid stations were plentiful.  It was great seeing so many friends take on new challenges, you all inspire me.  A special thanks goes out the helpful and friendly volunteer staff, we couldn't do it without you.  I would also like to thank the Happy Utah Mountain Runners (HUMR's), Smith Optics, Squeaky Cheeks and Pearl Izumi.

What I did do:

•  Realized at mile 50 that my shoes were the same I had wore at Wasatch 100 and were shot, time for some new PI N2's.
• Stuck to my fuel strategy with minor exceptions such as a warm egg burrito my pacer Dan brought me at mile 78.
• Puked my guts out at mile 57 (also known as hitting the reset button)
• Used Squeaky Cheeks exclusively to fend off chafing, it works!

What I didn't do:

• Change my socks, shoes or shirt the entire race (if it's not broke don't fix it)
• Sit down at an aid station (I prefer to keep moving) 
• Continue running through fatigue (I need to work on that)