The Angeles Crest 100 is summed up as the local ass kicker. With 20,000ft+ of vertical gain on some rough, hot, technical trails, it is a test of all-around fitness. I ran AC100 in 2015 on a slightly different course (Red Box out and back section was added to replace mileage lost on the Pacific Crest Trail) in a time of 22:49, good enough for a 5th place overall finish. Ever since 2015 I have wanted to come back and run it again, but the past few years the race has been riddled with course changes, political BS and just overall drama; so I kept away and waited for the smoke to clear out. Making promises this year that I would stay local in my race schedule, I signed up for San Diego 100 and the Angeles Crest 100 as two “local” primo races in Southern California.
Pre Race
My training leading up to San Diego was less than optimal, but I made the best out of what I had. Between work stress, taking care of three kids and Desirae finishing up her degree, I had a tough time fitting in the mileage I wanted in order to place on the podium for SD100. Going in to SD100 I was still optimistic about doing well as I thought it would be a course that would suite my running, but I found out quickly that was not the case. San Diego 100 went wrong from the very beginning, from not having Desirae there to crew me (although my brother Keith kick butt as a one man crew) to begging for a pacer (thank you Cris Fransisco for stepping up and doing a fantastic job), it seemed to quickly spiraled out of control. I made several errors running SD100 including going out too fast, not managing my nutrition properly and not managing the heat well. Although I have paced at San Diego before, I did not have a chance to preview the course and it ended up being a lot more technical than I anticipated. Instead of slowing down to adapt to the terrain, I pushed on at an unsustainable pace and got caught up in the battle for a podium spot. Well all this came down to a boil when I hit mile 65, on a steep (and runable) downhill I felt a sharp pain in my knee that reduced me to a slow walk into the aid station. After toughing it out for another 7 miles on a return uphill the pain only got worse. I ultimately decided to pull the plug as to not injure myself further and to concentrate on the Angeles Crest 100.
Not only was my first DNF at San Diego 100 a huge blow to my confidence and ego, it made me question my running all together. After a few weeks of licking my wounds, I realized a DNF at SD100 was a blessing in disguise as I needed to approach my training for Angeles Crest differently. I focused on recovery, going to a chiropractor for several weeks and a sport masseuse to work on my tight hamstrings and sore ITB. Instead of lamenting on my low mileage weeks I made the best out of what I had and did some quality workouts instead of “junk” miles. I paced Badwater for heat training, I ran parts of the AC100 course to familiarize myself with the terrain again, but most importantly I worked out my mental muscles. I spent more quality time with my family, and I did my best to find joy in my running again instead of turning running into a chore. I also reassessed my goals for AC100; I would go into AC with the mindset of just finishing and having fun while doing so, I threw out any goals of a podium finish or even a personal record. Because of all this, I showed up in Wrightwood happy, positive and ready to run!
Race
Its Saturday 4:50 A.M. I kissed the wife and kid before I lined up behind the starting arch, got my watch synched up adjusted my headlamp and before you know it 5,4,3,2,1! Running the first mile takes you through the streets of Wrightwood, fully expecting to burst out of the gate, I suddenly realize that its uphill all the way to the Acorn trail, so I tucked in at the front of the mid pack as the lead runners charged off way too fast for me. I alternated running and hiking all the way up the Acorn trail probably still pushing my pace too quick, I wanted to go out at a faster pace as to not be stuck behind slower runners, but it looked as though many others had the same idea. I had a runner right behind me uncomfortably on my heels as he keeps blowing snot rockets, all I could think of is one landing on my neck. Annoyed, I stepped to the side of the trail to let him by. At the top of Acorn we hit an amazing stretch of single-track on the PCT that winds its way above Mt. High ski resort, amazing views as the sun started to rise and the running was effortless. I really enjoyed this section running with my buddy Vishal all the way to Vincent Gap (mile 14), where the real work began. |
| PC: Paksitphotos |
After I took some time at the aid station cooling down, donning my hydration vest and getting in some calories, I started the long steep switchback ascent up Mt. Baden Powell. I went to take a sip of water and nothing came out I realize my H2O bladder was connected wrong, so I again stepped off the trail to fix my snafu. After getting this situated, I made a strong power hike up the mountain. I passed several hikers in the section up Baden Powell as many snickered, laughed or told me the loved my bib number, I don’t blame them as I was #69 (no I didn’t pick that number, I was randomly assigned). As I reached the top of the climb Monica Morant was there to cheer me on and point me down the right trail, good to see a smiling face! Breathing the thin air at the highest point on the course, I ran along some precarious ridge lines while my head was spinning. Just when I thought the climbing was done we made our way up a smaller ascent before a nice long descent all the way down into Islip Saddle (Mile 25).
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| PC: Ivan Buzik |
I was greeted with a huge crowd and
lots of cheers as I came into Islip Saddle aid station. At this point in the race, my 2 year old son Zach running with me in
through the aid station was a treat. I took some time to cool down and took off
my vest before heading out onto the road section of the course.
Just when I thought I would get some relief after the tough Baden Powell section, the road absolutely destroyed me. Don’t get me wrong I still made good time through here, but the road was almost all uphill and just hot as the sun, to add to the misery my ITB started acting up. Seriously overheated (and grouchy per the wife) I cooled down at Cloudburst Aid Station and headed off to finish the road and get back on the trail. After another 2 miles on road I was treated to a great trail section leading to 3 Points Aid Station, felt great to get off the road and onto the trail as I ran this section well. The Section from 3 Point to Chilao was uneventful as I had had some great and not so great sections, I was determined to get to where I could pick my pacer up at Chilao and just pushed on.
Just when I thought I would get some relief after the tough Baden Powell section, the road absolutely destroyed me. Don’t get me wrong I still made good time through here, but the road was almost all uphill and just hot as the sun, to add to the misery my ITB started acting up. Seriously overheated (and grouchy per the wife) I cooled down at Cloudburst Aid Station and headed off to finish the road and get back on the trail. After another 2 miles on road I was treated to a great trail section leading to 3 Points Aid Station, felt great to get off the road and onto the trail as I ran this section well. The Section from 3 Point to Chilao was uneventful as I had had some great and not so great sections, I was determined to get to where I could pick my pacer up at Chilao and just pushed on.
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| PC: Paksitphotos |
As with all 100-mile races curveballs will often be thrown into the mix, I noticed a lack of anticipated pacers present as I entered Chilao aid station. Crap, well no time to sulk around and wait, so off I went with Ben Adkins subbing in pacing duties for 2 miles out of the aid station before he had to return to take care of his own runner. I ran the next 2 miles on my own through the blazing hot canyon till low and behold Ryan (my pacer) comes running me down like a freight train, what a great surprise as I expected to run all the way to Shortcut aid on my own! The section to Shortcut was very hot and took its damage on me as I was overheating on the climb up to the aid station. I took ample time to cool off here as I knew the next section to Redbox was a long haul. I think taking my time at Shortcut must have worked wonders because I ran the section all the way to Redbox very well and really enjoyed it (save the last mile), surprising myself as I was forewarned that this section destroys a lot of runners with a high drop rate at Redbox! Continuing with a solid high I blazed a path down a much anticipated 3-mile downhill section out of Redbox clocking some of my fastest splits of the day.
But things started to get interesting on the way up to Newcomb Saddle, the steady grade fire road all the way up to Newcomb and my new found energy offered me a chance to make up some solid time as I climbed up really well, alternating a fast power hike and steady running all the way in. Well I think the fast downhill mixed with a solid uphill into Newcomb did my pacer Ryan in as I slowly started to pull away and never looked back. Ryan is a great runner and I have never “dropped” a pacer before so I was completely surprised and I wasn’t sure what to think of the situation but, had to get my butt into gear and into Chantry as quick as I could as the sun was starting to set. I made it about 3-4 miles down the technical Sturdevent trail before I needed to put on my headlamp, it turns out my headlamp was super dim and kept falling down my head, a bad section to have headlamp issues. I took the rest of the section into Chantry at a slower clip as to not destroy my race by twisting an ankle or falling on my face.
Coming into Chantry it was very apparent
to my crew that I was down a person and this confused everyone. After
explaining my situation I donned a new headlamp, got in some much needed calories/fluids
and picked up Brett before we headed out to the very tough last 25 miles of the
race. I took a steady approach all the way up to Mt. Wilson fire road and only
running flats or downhills (very little) and just steady hiked all the steep
ups (lots), as I knew I wanted to save some leg for good downhill sections
coming up. Running down Mt. Wilson fire road was electric as we ran a great
pace and stared off into the amazing sight of the lights of Los Angeles below
us! I was in and out of the Idlehour aid station fast as I looked forward to descending
into Idlehour campground.
Just one more big climb to tackle
and its downward the rest of the way home! But, just one more big uphill at mile
86 up Sam Merrill is no easy task and I had to earn the downhill running that
follows. Tucking in behind another runner I hiked up Sam Merrill at a slower
than I wanted to pace as I knew I wanted to hold back and save leg for a fast
finish. At the top of Sam Merrill I took my magic concoction (5 hour energy and Advil), let the heart
rate come down and set off on the most technical section of the entire race. The next 2-3 miles were a mental dance of concentration on a tired legs,
telling myself to just survive this section and it would be home free. My magic
concoction now kicking in, I ran a fast clip up the Mt. Lowe Railway catching
and passing a runner in front of me and giving myself a good head start down
the fun trail into the last aid station Millard Campground. Although I had
fun running downhill to Millard, I somehow got passed back up by the runner
I passed a few miles back, so I put on the burners and passed him right back before
the aid station. The race was on!
Great move, so I thought, but I stopped
to refill my bottle while Brett fixed his headlamp and the runner blew right on
through without stopping. After a final small uphill section, it was down El
Prieto. Although not my favorite section as it undulates and crosses a stream several
times, I still made solid time running through this section as I could smell the barn.
I passed two other runners in a 2 mile section as Brett took the lead and
pushed into the 7:30-8:00 min/mile pace at mile 98-99, I felt great as we
turn onto the street and I could see another runner in front of me two blocks
ahead, I briefly thought of running him down. I decided to take the last mile easy
as the emotions of the last 22 hours coursed through me and I let the runner go,
one last turn onto Palm and I could see/hear the finish line, such a great
feeling to run across the grass through the finish line.
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| PC: Ivan Buzik |
A 20-minute PR for me as I come
across in 22:29:52 good enough for 6th place overall, only 1 minute off
5th place. I am super happy with the results as I came into the race
only looking to finish with a huge maybe on a Silver Buckle, no way did I
expect a PR or a top 10 finish this year. I finish yet again with tons of
energy and my body still intact, no injuries (I didn’t fall or twist an ankle),
no blisters, no GI or stomach issues! I came away from AC100 this year with another
Silver Buckle and redemption from SD100. I must be doing something right with
these 100 mile races and I look forward to running another already, but until
then a beer to celebrate and another trail to run..
Thanks
20K feet of climbing, 22K feet descending on dusty technical trail and once again my feet come out unscathed thanks to Altra Lone Peak 4.0, its is really nice to not have to ever worry about foot issues and be able to run in comfort, I really cant thank Altra enough for their support!
The Angeles Crest 100 really is about managing the heat with 90-100F temps all day. In the dry and hot San Gabriels, my rabbit running FKT shorts, hulk and champ shirt did an amazing job keeping me cool by letting me breath while holding moisture all day in comfort without chafing and seriously looking good while doing so! What a winning combo.. Thank you rabbit for your endless support!
I would like to thank my not so secret weapon during 100 miles, my main support, my beautiful wife Desirae; I seriously couldn't do it without you! What a treat having our son Zachary there cheering me on and running through aid stations with me! Not only did Desirae take care of all my needs but she also took care of Zachary. Thank you to all the random crews that also helped entertain and watch my son while Desirae attended to me, what an amazing community we have trail running!
As always thank you to my pacers Ryan Hogan and Brett Goldsmith for keeping me entertained, sane and most importantly, keeping me alive! They sacrifice a lot to come out and chase me through the mountains all while dealing with their own set of issues.. Ryan you WILL conquer the AC100 demon on your shoulder one of these days (damn you RB and NS) and I will be there to help you do so. Brett your a great friend and pacer, can't wait to chase you around Tahoe!
Thank you to all the volunteers, ham radio, search and rescue and RDs, so much goes into putting on a race and I appreciate every single person out there helping! Huge thanks to everyone who followed along at home and sent encouraging words!
I definitely felt a presents out there, especially pulling me through the last 25 miles, and all I could do is smile because I know Dave Liston was there to guide my way. Gone but never forgotten you will always be in our hearts and in the mountains!
