Discussion: Congratulations!!!
in: Timato; Timato > 2017-12-02
Dec 7, 2017 7:54 PM
#
Congrats Timato!
I raced WS in 2013 and researched it a bunch before going. If I can answer questions, I'm happy to help.
You've done plenty of long and hard races before, so you know how the run a 100-miler. Here's a couple of additional tips from my research or experience:
Like most 100-milers, it's good to not go out hard, so that you can finish strong (and faster overall). This is more true in WS than most races. They say "the race begins at Foresthill", about 60 miles in. Prior to that, there will be downhill where you will be tempted to go fast and "make time". However, you can trash your quads on the downhills and not have good legs (or energy) for after mile 60, when the profile turns to a more gentle downhill with a smoother trail and you can really lay down some good speed. If you manage your quads and energy right, you get to be the one zipping past loads of runners who burned themselves up too early on the race course.
There are about 20 aid stations on the course. This can consume a lot of time if you aren't focused and strategic. I would run in, have my water refilled, grab the first couple of snacks that looked good (don't assess all your options, the tables are long with too many choices), and leave. No sitting, no resting, no chatting. Heck, the next aid is in just 5 more miles so you don't need much of a stop.
I carried more water than I originally planned and I was glad I did. It gets hot, and was especially hot (42oC) in 2013. I carried 1.5 litres in a Solomon skin pack, plus two 250 ml flasks for pouring on my head and arms. I had cooling sleeves and they were great but had to be soaked in order to give the most benefit.
I also had a double-layer bandana (zombie runner) that could be stuffed with ice, and it was a life saver. I had it filled at every aid station and it would be melted and no longer cool before I got to the next one.
Based on a tip from the pre-race briefing, I even hiked down to the rivers at the bottoms of the canyons to dunk my body completely and drop my body temperature. Other people who didn't were vomiting on the next climb out of the canyon.
The environment is electric! So many people cheering and supporting! You are a star! Do take the time to look around and soak that up, it's the best part of this race and is what it is about!
In the aid stations, a volunteer will assign themselves to you when you arrive, for whatever you need. Feel free to just list out all of your needs, they want to help get you in and out of there quickly if you want, so take advantage, tell them what you want.
At several of your aid stations, you will also have your own support crew available. Feel free to yell at them ;)
I raced WS in 2013 and researched it a bunch before going. If I can answer questions, I'm happy to help.
You've done plenty of long and hard races before, so you know how the run a 100-miler. Here's a couple of additional tips from my research or experience:
Like most 100-milers, it's good to not go out hard, so that you can finish strong (and faster overall). This is more true in WS than most races. They say "the race begins at Foresthill", about 60 miles in. Prior to that, there will be downhill where you will be tempted to go fast and "make time". However, you can trash your quads on the downhills and not have good legs (or energy) for after mile 60, when the profile turns to a more gentle downhill with a smoother trail and you can really lay down some good speed. If you manage your quads and energy right, you get to be the one zipping past loads of runners who burned themselves up too early on the race course.
There are about 20 aid stations on the course. This can consume a lot of time if you aren't focused and strategic. I would run in, have my water refilled, grab the first couple of snacks that looked good (don't assess all your options, the tables are long with too many choices), and leave. No sitting, no resting, no chatting. Heck, the next aid is in just 5 more miles so you don't need much of a stop.
I carried more water than I originally planned and I was glad I did. It gets hot, and was especially hot (42oC) in 2013. I carried 1.5 litres in a Solomon skin pack, plus two 250 ml flasks for pouring on my head and arms. I had cooling sleeves and they were great but had to be soaked in order to give the most benefit.
I also had a double-layer bandana (zombie runner) that could be stuffed with ice, and it was a life saver. I had it filled at every aid station and it would be melted and no longer cool before I got to the next one.
Based on a tip from the pre-race briefing, I even hiked down to the rivers at the bottoms of the canyons to dunk my body completely and drop my body temperature. Other people who didn't were vomiting on the next climb out of the canyon.
The environment is electric! So many people cheering and supporting! You are a star! Do take the time to look around and soak that up, it's the best part of this race and is what it is about!
In the aid stations, a volunteer will assign themselves to you when you arrive, for whatever you need. Feel free to just list out all of your needs, they want to help get you in and out of there quickly if you want, so take advantage, tell them what you want.
At several of your aid stations, you will also have your own support crew available. Feel free to yell at them ;)
Dec 7, 2017 10:47 PM
#
Bash:
Here's CO's AP log from WS week.
<https://www.attackpoint.org/viewlog.jsp/user_10785...>
<https://www.attackpoint.org/viewlog.jsp/user_10785...>
Dec 7, 2017 10:49 PM
#
Bash:
Ang, his pacer and member of his support crew, also reported and took photos.
<https://www.attackpoint.org/viewlog.jsp/user_8304/...>
<https://www.attackpoint.org/viewlog.jsp/user_8304/...>
This discussion thread is closed.