LOST SOULS 100 MILER REPORT - by Pat Hinds Location: Lethbridge, Alberta Date: September 28, 2001 @ 9:00 AM Preamble Not much preamble necessary. I was in decent shape and thought I had a shot at a sub 24- hour run. Wanted to run a 7-hour, 8-hour, and 9-hour loop knowing I would slow naturally and during the night. Flew from Vancouver into Calgary where I met Karin (my wife) and then drove the two hours to Lethbridge. Had dinner and tried to sleep, mostly unsuccessfully. But not like getting three hours sleep before a race due to nerves is anything new. Woke up around 6:15 am and quickly went to the hotel restaurant and had some fruit and a bagel (choice was limited because race meeting was at 7:00). Race meeting was pretty standard and I am not sure why it is so early when the race actually starts at 9:00 am. After going through the medical - weight, blood pressure, and pulse, Karin and I headed to McDonalds where I grabbed a hot chocolate. Course The course was pretty interesting. You did three loops and there were six legs per loop. Most of the course was on single-track trail but had some red shale trails, animal trails (or so they appeared) and even a little pavement thrown in. It was marked with flags and tape ? Leg 1 was 4.5 miles long and traversed coulees (fair bit of up and down) that went around a graveyard and skirted a gold course. You ended up back at the start (AS 1). ? Leg 2 was 10 miles long and probably had the most elevation gain/loss. Again you traversed the coulees going in a northern direction ending up at AS 2. ? Leg 3 was again in the coulees and had two steep climbs and one descent in 3.5 miles. It ended t AS 3. ? Leg 4 was 8.4 miles and did a large loop through a beautiful park by the river. Not much elevation but it had its unique challenges. Ended at AS 3. ? Leg 5 you traveled south mainly along the river with some coulee climbing added in. This leg was 3.1 miles long and ended in AS 2. ? Leg 6 was 3.8 miles along the river. Pretty flat section that took you back to the start (AS 1). Race Loop 1 – 7:04 If you still are reading this you must be bored but anyway on with the tale. The RD yelled go right around 9:00 so 29 of us started (22 100 milers and 7 100 kilometers). I probably started in 8'th spot or so. Within the first couple of minutes there is this steep down that has stairs carved into the hill. Unfortunately, the ground is so dry that the stairs will not hold you so you end up with a shoe full of dirt. First leg went by fairly quickly in around 50 minutes. I probably pushed up the hills a little bit too much but the adrenaline was pumping. One thing you noticed is the trail is fairly narrow in places. This caused me to bang my left foot against my right ankle repeatedly. Also, if you have not run through coulees you quickly realize that although there are no really long up or downs there are numerous ones. Just before the end of the leg took the time to empty my shoes of the sand I had picked up. After filling up the water bottles headed out for the second leg. The first couple of miles were fairly steep as you climb up and fly down the shale trails. Then you work back into the coulees. Ran with Gord Hobbins (Gord's Running Store in Calgary) through most of this leg. Around halfway through Ahmed caught us. It was nice to run with others and we chatted about running and life. Lost Gord on a fairly steep downhill as Ahmed and I pulled away. Trail markings were not a concern as both Gord and Ahmed (who had just moved o Calgary from Lethbridge) were familiar with the trail. There was also an official water stash just past the halfway point, which was needed. Finished this leg about 11:45 am so I was a little ahead of schedule. Karin was not there as she was meeting her folks who were driving down from Calgary. So I did the aid station routine fairly quickly and Ahmed and I started on the next leg. After you leave the A/S you have a couple of minutes of flat runnable trail. Then the first of two steep climbs appear. Ahmed and I were worked our way through and then started to run. I was a little ahead when I realized I could no longer see any flagging. [Through the coulees if you did not see flagging within a couple of minutes you probably had taken the wrong trail (and there are many options).] Ahmed actually found where we had missed a turn fairly quickly so we did not lose too much time. The rest of the leg was uneventful – another steep climb and more runnable trail. Then you see the next A/S. Karin and her folks were at the A/S. Think I arrived around 12:45 or so. Said hi/bye and started on the next leg. Ahmed wanted to do the first loop together as he believed this would put him in good stead in the 100k. I was enjoying the company so I had no complaints. This leg starts by heading up a paved road for about ˝ mile then turn on a horse trail. This brings you into a very nice park. Not long after we turned into the park we ran into Mark who was remarking the trails. I guess someone did not like the run and had removed a fair number of markers. Had a bit of a chat, as he knew Ahmed fairly well. After working through the park you run on private land, which was basically a gravel road that petered out into a trail. That eventually dumps you by the river. Then you head north along trails/jeep road past a gravel pit. You then follow markers that take you on animal trails. Pretty confusing…but made it back to the aid station around 2:30. After eating some watermelon and getting the bottles filled up, headed out on leg 5 with Ahmed. This was my favorite section of the course. Single-track trail led you back into the coulees where you had a couple of steep climbs and one nice down. You then work back along the river for another mile until you hit the aid station. I pulled away from Ahmed, as I was a stronger climber. Would see him later that night. Aid stations. When you feel good you are only there for a minute or so but when its goes bad you never want to leave. Anyway, I felt good so I did a quick turnaround and started the last leg. Pretty uneventful as you do some trails by the river, some pavement, and more trails. Went well but I was not as fast on this section as I should have been. Not sure if it was fatigue creeping up or what? Anyway finished the loop right around 7 hours or 4:00 pm. Took the time to clean my feet and then went for the weigh in. They took your pulse, blood pressure and weight and compared them to pre-race. I was down five pounds, which got me a warning. By then my stomach was acting up but I sat and had a pudding and other treats. Did not want to stay too long as I wanted to use the daylight as much as possible. Figured I had around three hours left before dusk hit. Loop 2 – 9:29 The first leg went pretty well. Noticed the course a little more as there was no one around me at this point. Ahmed was not far behind but the 100 k runners omitted this leg. Flagging was adequate but in a few sections I stopped to ensure I was on course. Hit the graveyard and started circling it. Someone had put a headstone and a pair of sneakers by it. I can't remember the exact wording but it mentioned this runner went out to fast and died. And here I thought that was a normal race strategy. Not long after that ran into Mark, who was remarking this section of the course. We ran together as he checked the course. Sure helps having someone to run with even for a few minutes. Eventually Mark turned around and I kept running and finished the leg. I think it was around 55 minutes, which made it 5:10 pm. At the A/S I quickly cleaned my feet. Karin mentioned that she and her parents were going to eat dinner and set up camp so they would miss me at the next aid station. I figured that I would not see them for at least three hours. Off I went. The first part on the shale trails went fairly well. My stomach was still bothering me but I forced myself to drink. Through the coulees the trail was harder to pick up as the sun started to get lower in the sky. I was not looking forward to this section in the dark. After going through a rough patch made it to the A/S. It was about 7:20 so that section had taken a little over 2 hours. Did the A/S routine and changed into a long sleeve shirt and my running vest for the night. Lingered for a few extra minutes longer then I should have. Just before I was leaving I asked if any other runners were around. Someone in the 100 k was about 20 minutes ahead. Started out trying to push, as it was not completely dark yet. Ten minutes later was forced to pull out my flashlight. Some of the flags had reflectors on them that if your light hit, would point the way. Unfortunately, my light was not too bright and I wasted a lot of time making sure I was on track. Halfway through I saw a flashlight behind me. It was the runner who had been 20 minutes ahead of me. He lost the trail and ended up at the river so had to waste time finding the trail again. I was happy for the second light. Mark was moving fairly well at this point so got a little ahead but no more than 30 seconds. It made it easier for me as I just followed. Eventually I caught Mark and we finished the leg together. Not sure of my time as but I think I arrived around 8:30. Met Karin and her folks who ensured I ate as my bottles were filled. Think it was here I told Karin that I would need here at night rather than the last part of the run. Since she was only planning to run 15 to 20 miles I wanted here to help spot the trail. Also, I was crashing a bit. Asked for my running coat but it was back at the start. Running out of excuses of I went. This loop was brutal….Was running alone. Followed the trail for the first three or four miles. Then I lost it. So I started to hunt around to find it without any luck. However, I remember from the race meeting they said if you were lost in this section find the river. So I went toward where I thought the river was. Eventually, I followed the river and found the trail. So off I went running fairly quickly (at least it felt fast at that point). Wanted to make up the lost time. Came upon Ahmed who had slowed down considerably and was walking. This was just where the trail gets tricky (animal trails) so we stuck together. Eventually, we picked it up and finished the leg. Mentioned that I had gotten lost to the aid station personnel but based on my time they figured I had done the distance. As if to confirm this Mark finished the leg within a minute. He had started the leg a few minutes after me. After drinking some hot chocolate to warm up I started the next leg with Ahmed. Not sure of the time but it was around 10:30 to 10:45. Felt decent and once again pulled away from Ahmed. Do not know why but I really liked this leg. Trail was fairly easy to follow. Was a little concerned that I would burn myself out for the last leg but when it feels good go with it. A/S - more hot chocolate. No I'll try the chicken soup. After warming up a bit I started out. Was running fairly well until my flashlight dies. Oh well, reach into my pack and pull out my backup. Run for another ten minutes. The backup flashlight dies. I am at least half an hour (running time) from the next aid station. It is pitch black on single track. So I slowly make my way forward. In a while Mark catches me. He is surprised to see me as I had put some distance between us. But as he is almost done he is really pushing it. I am not sure I can keep up. So he lends me a flashlight and off he goes. About fifteen minutes later I am done the second loop. It is about 1:15 am. Karin and her father greet me as I do the medical bit. No further weight loss. I probably spend close to 20 minutes here as I warm up and eat. The 24-hour goal is gone but I am running in third so am relatively pleased. Loop 3 – 10:20 Karin starts this loop with me. Glad to have the company and someone to help find the trail. I am running fairly slowly but still running except the hills. Lose some time ensuring we are on course as the flagging is somewhat hard to see. Happy once we climb out of the coulees to do circle the graveyard as it is easy to follow. Rest of the leg goes by without too much difficulty. Think we ran it in around 70 minutes. So we start the second leg around 2:40. Figure if I can make it through this leg I am home free, as I will only have 15 miles left. It is really 20 miles but my brain was not functioning too well. Good thing you do not need intelligence to run ultras. First part goes as well as expected but I am feeling tired and COLD. Walking more than running but I am moving forward, which is the key. Then we lose the trail. Karin backtracks as I lie down. I am frozen. Eventually we find the trail. Karin has given me her vest but I am still cold. We stop and Karin suggests rather strongly that I try and eat even if I am nauseous. So I have a gel. Next thing I know I am emptying my stomach. This was the low point of any of the ultras I have done. The course was hard to follow in the dark, I threw up, and I could not get warm. But we continue. After what seems like forever we make it to the aid station. It has taken around four hours but without Karin's help finding the trail I may have DNF'd. Could have been faster if the trail was marked better (glow- sticks?) but it is all part of the run. They wrap a blanket around me and I have a hot chocolate. Still not getting warm so might as well be moving. This leg it was still hard too find the trail but thankfully the sun made its appearance. Still COLD but making better time. Finish this leg just before 8:00. I think around 7:45 but am not really sure. Three legs left. I finally know I will make it. Ask the A/S personnel if any runners are around, as I am having my hot chocolate. They say they have not seen anyone for hours. Shortly after, the second place runner emerges. He forgot to check in but he is done this leg. So he (Randy) is at least two hours ahead. Do not know how far behind me anyone is. Time to move. Karin walks up the road a bit but I will do the next couple of legs alone and she will run me in the last one. This leg is much easier to run in the daylight. I start feeling good but am still cold. Before I know it I am back at the aid station. This leg took an hour and 40 minutes. The same time as the first loop. I am satisfied but worried about the last 7 miles. I really pushed it and am not sure how much is left. Try and not linger too long at the A/S. No runner has gone through so I have at least a two-hour lead on the fourth place runner. Have a bit of food and then I am off. Start by walking with Karin as I have some soup. Eventually start running as she goes back. Have grabbed a fleece top from Karin's dad so I have a long sleeve shirt, a vest, a running jacket, and a fleece jacket on. During this leg I am still pushing it. I start to sweat, which I take as a good sign. Once I am through the coulees and on the trail by the river I stop to hydrate. From here on I run/ walk to the A/S. Just want to be done. One of the aid personnel is really quite good. Tells me that they are here to make sure I am all right. Then tells me to wipe my nose. Wonder how long I have been running looking like that. Oh well, wipe my nose, eat a piece of watermelon, dump the fleece jacket and off I go. Karin joins me for the last section. Want to finish before 1:00 pm so I have an hour. Push when I can, walk when I must. It felt like I was motoring but it took 50 minutes to run the last 3.1 miles. Karin's mom tried to get a finish line picture but I crossed before she was ready. Felt good to be done. Total time: 26:50. Final Thoughts ? Still think 24 hours is possible on this course. ? Flagging is hard to follow at night, which makes the course more difficult than the terrain. ? Would definitely invest in better flashlights. Perhaps try my Petzel. ? Three loops were not bad. I did not feel like quitting after two, which I thought I might. ? Must find a way to take calories in despite the nausea. ? Make sure I pack warmer clothes.