The Game Backyard Ultra

Another Backyard Rumble!

Short Version, (#TJM style) race report Haiku:

The Game Backyard Ultra

Round and Round We Go.

One Hundred Twenty Five Miles. Shit!

Cocodona in Two Weeks.

*This was read on Ten Junk Miles Podcast | 2021-06-04 | Episode: Gang Show 154 - Alex Bleiweiss

https://tenjunkmiles.libsyn.com/website/gang-show-154-alex-bleiweiss

Long Version, more details:

I have been lucky enough to have done this format a couple times before:

• 2018 The Game - Last Runner Standing | 48.91 mi,  6th "DNF" (not official "Backyard Rules")
• 2019 The Game Backyard Ultra - Race Report | 23 yards, 95.87 mi, 1st overall
• 2020 Quarantine Backyard Ultra (Virtual) - Race Report | 26 yards, 109.39 mi, top41 "DNF"

I have been anticipating coming back to join Spectrum Trail Racing and give this another go. This time it was different. This year Spectrum had an extra carrot for us silly enough to sign up - a Golden Coin - which is the ticket/invite to the infamous World Championship of Backyard Ultras put on at Laz's farm every October: Big's Backyard Ultra. Not going to lie, this was a big goal of mine heading into this one to get myself an invite to Big's by attempting to be the last person standing.

Saturday morning we got up pretty early from our house in Sugar Land. We packed up the entire family and all my gear and off we went. A short mix up at the local Starbucks attempting to get our coffee caused a little extra time getting on the road, but that's life. In the end both myself and my wife Katie were able to get our caffeine for the 1h 20m drive out to Columbus, Texas. I had been out to the ranch the evening before after work in order to secure a spot for our tent (aka base camp) for the race. As we parked I started unloading and hauling the remainder of my gear and cooler full of food over to our claimed area right near the start finish arch. Katie was getting the kids fully dressed and into some warmer clothes as the air was crisp and the wind kept the air temperature cool.

Sitting in my nice comfy chair I was just chilin' and hanging out with the kids keeping myself relaxed. The race nerves were present but also not really because I knew the race wouldn't really start until about 24 hours later. Around 07:45 the Race Directors (Mallory & Jason Brooks) gathered the crowd of runners and started the race brief which also included a brief history lesson of the Ranch 88 from the owner himself.

Pre-race brief. Photo: Katie Meding

Our kids were getting ancy just sitting there trying to stay warm in the cool Texas morning. Typical kids as we had only been outside for like 20 minutes at most and they were already complaining wanting to go warm up in the van before seeing me off to start. The countdown was on, the runners were called into starting corral, as the final minute was now here. I kissed all five of my girls one at a time, and then ducked under the rope and into the starting area. 08:00 and the cow bell was run nice and loud. Off we went!

The course was a lollipop with about a 200 m chute straight down from the start/finish where it opened up to the left down into the trees and to the right were it started off into the pasture. The loop was pretty nice and it was a complete circle where we'd go around the loop and then back up the chute to the finish line. There was a nice mix of open pasture field (true Texas ranch style), trails through the canopy of tress, and couple small dried up creek bed crossings, and animal carved paths throughout the ranch. The trail was quite rough and very crude, which made for footing placement to be precise as to not twist or jack your ankle.

The Game loop at Ranch 88. Photo: STRAVA

As I went around the first loop I was stuck in the middle of a conga line on this ranch animal made singletrack. This kept my pace under control and allowed me to absorb the sights and sounds of the loop. I tried to notice everything I could about the loop as I went around the first time. I was mentally noting the mid point of the loop and a couple of the major points. The group I was running with this first loop settled into decent pace that ended up popping us out into the last portion of the pasture within sight of the start/finish in the distance around 41 minutes into the hour. Another 4 minutes later and I was there coming back up the chute to the finish arch. I thought it was a slow pace, but in fact it was the perfect pace! I was aiming for 45 minute loops, which would give me that 15 minute interloop time. My crew of girls were all there to greet me as I kicked my feet up and just relaxed in my chair and sipped some water.

The 3 minute warning was called out and the runners slowly gathered in the corral. I waited in my chair sitting there a mere 10 feet away, but once the 1 minute warning came I got up and got myself in position. The unique aspect of The Game here is that either Mallory or Jason, whomever was exactly at the start at the time, would flip the coin to see which direction we would be running. So it was left to chance each loop whether it was clockwise or counter-clockwise. This added a slight nice element of chance into the loop later on. In the beginning it did not seem to matter much I thought. At one point it did seem like we ran a clockwise direction for like 6 times in a row - not sure the statistical probability on that, but it is certainly low.

Start of a loop. Photo: Spectrum Trail Racing.

Very quickly after the first couple loops the groups and paces were evenly divided among the large group of nearly 90 runners out there who had started. By the forth or fifth loop I was running closer to the upper portion of the pace groups, but not overreaching myself. I had found myself a comfortable pace that allowed me to come in each time around 41-43 minutes with some consistency. It was working nicely. As the loop direction changed sometimes it would take a bit for me to keep on the target pace I had, but sooner or later I got it back. 

My 2nd daughter Lily, running with my up the final
chute into the finish of the loop. Photo: Kaite Meding.

Each time I would get back in sight of the finish area, which was a nice large open area of the pasture that the start/finish chute lead up, my daughters were there running around looking for me amongst the other runners. Often I could here them yelling "there he is....Daddy!" - it was my favorite part of the loop every time. Around 14:00 or so my family was headed out on the short drive back home. I said goodbye and informed them I would see them tomorrow morning, which would be at the 24 hour mark or more. But admittedly I was a little bummed they were leaving for the day as they truly did give me a boost coming in from each loop. On the flip side I was committed to running long as they were my ride home too and wouldn't be back till at least Sunday morning.

The days loops kept ticking by and the number of runners was very slowly dropping off, but honestly not as fast as I thought it might be. Coming into the 12th yard, which would signify the 50 mile mark, there was nearly 50 runners still standing, I think 49 to be exact if I recall, a very good showing for the race. At this point I knew The Game would be going to 24+ for sure, just based on the amount of people left. I was still up near the front in terms of pace, but there was a decent group of 5-7 people who'd still be running in front of me at this point, doing faster loops.

The sunset came at around 19:49 I believe so it was almost exactly when I was finishing off my first 50 miles into the event. for the next loop I took only my headlamp as I thought I wouldn't need a lot of light just yet. I've been using NATHAN headlamps for years now so I am used to them. Running in the open areas and pastures I didn't even turn on my headtorch at first, but as soon as we ducked under the canopy of the tree cover it was super dark and a light was required. Arriving back at my base camp completing loop 13 I knew I wanted more light out there in the darkness of the corners of the ranch. I got out my newly purchased kogalla RA adventure light. I put it around my waist and lined up for the next loop. I've done a couple test runs with this light prior (I purchased it for my upcoming Cocodona 250), but utilizing it during a race to test it out further was a great opportunity. The moment I got out and running I turned on my light and bam....the span of 120 degrees of brightness shined in front of me. I literally ran this loop 4 minutes faster with the new light guiding me through the night. I felt so much more confident with the amount of lighting in front of me. The next few laps I received a few comments and inquires about my light as some of the other runners seemed to enjoy it as well. Every once in awhile I'd find one or two runner right behind me for majority of the loop, most likely enjoying the addition light in front.

I have done a lot of night running in my relatively short ultra running career. My usual low during overnight ultras happens around 03:00-06:00 right when those natural circadian rhythms kick in from the build up of natural melatonin rises to tell the body to sleep. I am quite aware of it coming, and often try to stave it off with caffeine and by simply just continuing to move forward. The extra light from the kogalla RA seemed to really help and may have aided me in not getting as drowsy as I usually due in the wee hours of the morning. Coming around to the sunrise at our last loop with lights was yard 23, and there was still 5 runners standing in The Game. It was just beginning...

Finishing the 24th yard - 100 miles.

I texted my wife and asked when they were coming back on one of my breaks. I asked for some hashbrowns from McDonald's when they did - I love me some potatoes late into ultras. After the 24th yard and completing 100 miles we lined up for the next loop and only 4 were now on the line. The other runner had just completed his first 100 mile and called it a day. I can't recall exactly when the 4th place runner dropped out but I think it was after 26(?) cause if I recall correctly my family had just arrived, which was just before the 10:00 loop - which would have been yard 27. Either way there about I got my beloved hashbrowns from my amazing crew, family, and supporters. I gobbled them down and was ready for more miles. I was feeling good and still ticking by at a good pace so I thought now down to the final 3 runners.

Loop 28 something happened suddenly where I lost a couple minutes on my overall loop time, nothing super significant, but it felt harder. Then all of a sudden loop 29 it got slightly slower again (and was my slowest yard yet overall). I discussed my difficulties with my wife when I returned again and to put my feet. She reassured me and simply told me to rest. I heeded that advice and attempted to close my eyes. Too soon I was back on my feet as the 1 minute warning was called out. As usual I awaited for about 30 seconds before getting out of my chair and stumbling over to the corral and fist bumping my 2 competitors. Yard 30 had begun, and I was off with the thoughts in my head and y dwindling pace. I felt so slow and even took 3 walk breaks during the loop. I had only taken one significant walk break on each of the prior 29 loops, so I felt the slow drip of my body not wanting to keep the pace anymore. I let it get in my head.

Finishing a loop, pressing the lap on my Garmin. Photo: Jason Brooks, Spectrum Trail Racing.

I arrived back at base camp and kicked up my feet and starting chatting again with Katie, telling her, I think that it was over. I had come in in 0:48:43 so in reality I still had a full 11 minutes of rest time interloop, which in all honestly is a lot in these type of events, but I felt slow and could feel my pace slowing dropping 3 loops in a row now. I have to hand if to my wife, she said all the right things, and was being the best crew chief and supporter possible. I sat there being all pessimistic and told her I had thought it through. I got up for yard 31, lined up with Nick and Vincent gave our pre-loop fist bumps and then I sprinted off the line ahead of them. About 50 yards down the chute I stopped turned around and gave them each high fives as they went by informing them I was done and surrendering my effort in The Game. I was done after 30 yards complete and 125 miles officially run. I slowly returned to start/finish arch to a small crowd of applause from the few spectators still remaining, and of course both Mallory and Jason. I thanked everyone and went over to hug my wife and kids.

I have given up. My body had not failed me yet...and in the backyard if you are not willing to go until your body gives out on you, you will never find out how far you can go. I finished yard 30 with 11 minutes to spare for rest and still convinced myself I was done. Physically I know there was more there...how much...well we will have to wait to find out next time I line up in a backyard because on this day, my mind told me I was done, and I caved to that thought. There is no room for weakness in the backyard, especially in the mind of the runners. All weaknesses will eventually get exposed. That is why this format is such and intriguing and fun event.

Until the next time....

Cause there will be a next time.

My Tips for some success at your next Backyard Ultra  

*NOTE: results may vary, no guarantees*

 1.   Maximize the time OFF your feet.

• This is crucial if you want to maximize what you want to get out of yourself and test your limits at the backyard ultra format. This is tricky as it depends on pace and how you split your running time versus your interloop time. Either way, as soon as you arrive back to your base camp - get off your feet!

  

  Photo: Mallory Brooks, Spectrum Trail Racing.

   2.   Get a your base camp set up AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE to the starting corral. 

• Also keep in mind vicinity to other amenities such as the porta-potties and/or the aid station table (if one if provided).
• Note that during the first 24 hours or so this is a crazy area of the race with my people and spectators potentially, so it will likely be loud and ruckus. However later on in these races people are very respectful and allow the then tired racers to get whatever minimal rest they can interloop.

  3.   Ensure you have a GOOD CHAIR with your own preferred snacks/drinks located directly within reaching distance when sitting down. 

• I suggest a cooler right next the chair acting as a table as well.
• This year I bought a anti-gravity incline chair (Magellan Outdoors) which was amazing! I recommend something like this to kick the feet up as high as possible between running loops.
• most ultras you may have been warned of "beware of the chair" but here in the backyard you must embrace the chair!

 4.   Get as much SLEEP as you can.

• Easier said than done, especially if you have not experienced long endurance events. Having run a few 200+ events now and a few other backyard formats I have learned to almost get myself to sleep as needed (not always the case).
• Part of my strategy of running 45 minute loops was to be able to have 15 minutes interloop: 10 minutes for sleep (or at least closed-eye resting), and 5 minutes to eat and whatever else as needed. During the night loops I got about 10 minutes of sleep for the majority from midnight till 5a.m.

5.   Have your watch settings dialed in ahead of time.

• Have all the settings worked out on your watch prior to the event. This sounds like a no-brainer but for an event like this you don't want to think about extra details like changing settings or worrying about your data.
• I use a Garmin fēnix 6X Pro Solar and I have my settings ready to go. I use the "Ultra Run" activity widget and here are a few tips for any other Garmin users. This type of activity automatically tracks rest time when you hit the lap button. The screen displays current rest duration as well as the total elapsed time since starting. Second tip is I have a "drink alarm" set for every 20 minutes. This is extremely useful for this 1 hour looped event because as the loop unfolds every 20 minutes the alarm would beep and I knew exactly where I was at 20 minutes and again at 40 minutes. It helped me gauge where I was in terms of my pacing on the course every lap as the event went on. I didn't even have to look down, the alarm would go off, and I just knew where I was based on the spot on the loop comparatively. 
• I am sure other brands have similar function, but Garmin is my brand of choice! (do your own research for your particular device….ahead of time).

My Garmin "Ultra Run" activity. Display showing the rest period. This photo is cropped from one clearly after my 29th yard, but shows how simple the data is for viewing.

6.   Have a great support crew.

• A Great support crew can be pivotal in any ultra. But one in the backyard where you have a set amount of time to get up out of our chair and back in the starting corral at the top of every hour is especially important. The longer the race goes the more crucial your crew becomes.
• Having your favorite foods, snacks, and drinks set out for you on returning from the loop saves time and makes it easy on the runner. 
• I recommend fellow ultra running friends, or even better a awesome supportive family such as mine. Some of them may not be the best at crew logistics (yet), but they are cute and provide all the inspiration I need.

My crew chief, my biggest supporter, my best friend, my wife.

My 2 oldest daughters giving me a big hug after completing a loop. Photo: Katie Meding.

Results and Statistics

• Flow of the race:
• 1st yard- The Game begins: 86 runners start
• 2nd yard- 86 runners start
• 3rd yard- 80 runners start
• 12th yard (the 50 mi yard)- 49 runners start
• 14th yard - 30 runners start
• 17th yard (100 km done)- 20 runner start
• 24th yard (the 100 mi yard)- 5 runners start
• 25th yard (100 mi done)- 4 runners start
• 31st yard (125 mi done)- 3 runners start (I dropped after seeing the final 2 off the start)
• 34th yard- winner determined!
• Vincent Barrientos (@vincentbarrientos) won The Game by completing the 34th yard.
• Nick Nelson (@blackflagrunning) completed 33 yards, started the 34th but turned around.

• STRAVA stats: 126.87 mi | 2,274 ft+ | 14:11/mi overall average pace
• Overall Time: 30:00:19 elapsed time
• 21:20:29 running time (71.14%)
• 08:39:31 interloop rest time (28.86%)
• STRAVA activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/5152057093
• Results: 3rd overall, but still technically a "DNF"
• Achieved my backyard Personal Best of 30 yards (previous was 26)
• This was my 75th ultramarathon & my 21st completion of 100 miles or more

My personal spreadsheet data analysis of the race numbers.

Gear Used

• kit (top): rabbit - all sorts of various shirts used
• kit (bottom): rabbit 5" FKT shorts
• jackets: rabbit Elements light wind jacket
• hats: rabbit (BOCO gear)
• Gear bags: Victory Sportdesign
• Lights: kogalla RA adventure light wore around waist & a NATHAN Halo Fire headlamp (as backup)
• Flasks: NATHAN 20oz handheld
• Socks: Drymax
• Shoes: Altra TIMP 1.5
• Anti-Friction Body Lube: Trail Toes
• Watch: Garmin fēnix 6X Pro Solar (finished with 43% battery life still)
• Eyewear: goodr (Sorry, Not Sorry (But Actually Sorry) edition)
• Chair: Magellan Outdoors Oversize Anti-Gravity Lounger
• Cooler(s): x1 YETI & x1 Coleman

Thank You

Huge shoutout to the Race Directors of Spectrum Trail Racing, Mallory & Jason Brooks, whom put on a great event. The race was a pretty decent size and they kept up a great upbeat atmosphere throughout the event with music, pizza for the runners, and a well stoked aid station at the start area. Thank you for putting on The Game and encouraging us to run far and push our limits.

Thanks to my sponsors and supporters: 

• Trail Racing Over Texas
• rabbit
• Victory Sportdesign
• Trail Toes
• Athletic Brewing Company
• Garmin

Last and certainly not least thank you to my 5 ladies in my life (Katie, Addison, Lillian, Paisley, Hazel) whom without their support I would not be able to do what I do. Not only do they allow me the time to train for these crazy endeavors, they came out this weekend and supported me and cheered me on. I am truly grateful for their support.

That's my amazing support team in the background...all 5 of them.

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Next Up: Cocodona 250 (2021-May-03)

Southwest 100 Endurance Run

Southwest 100

Fort Davis, TX | My 74th ultramarathon

I've had my eye on this race for a bit now as it is another mountain race right here in Texas put on by Ultra Expeditions. If anyone knows me and my love of the mountain races it would make sense. I have never actually been down to this part of Texas, although I have driven by the turnover on I-10 many times when travelling to El Paso a few different times now. In fact I didn't even realize this was a relatively new race. This year was only the second edition, as it started originally in 2019, and was subsequently cancelled in 2020 due to COVID as most races were. None the less I signed up for the race only a couple weeks in advance, as per my usual last minute protocol on race planning. Luckily my wife gave the blessing as I had hinted at the idea (but I had already entered when I approached her upon this).

Race Weekend

I had taken off the Friday from work so I could travel to West Texas and get there for the early packet pickup so I would not be super rushed on race morning. Plus this would give m the bonus of sleeping close to the race and hopefully getting a good night sleep nearby the start. 02:00 on Friday I was awoken by my preset alarm and out of the house by 02:30. My wife was so amazing to have set the coffee machine onto a timer so I was able to have a fresh cup of hot coffee on the road (a true must for any road trip, no matter the distance). As it was about a 10 hour commute to Fort Davis from Sugar Land the miles chugged along. Eventually I got there and was now back in the mountain playground. Naturally once I got there I took the opportunity to get in my daily run. I went into the Fort Davis State Park and ventured around the Indian Lodge area. This was a portion of the course I would be on tomorrow. I basically took it super chill and just hiked with a little jogging, I was playing it smart for once. The views were gorgeous as it was a nice clear warm afternoon.

The road view coming into Fort Davis, TX area.

Pre race shakeout hike/jog. Pictured below is Indian Lodge located within Fort Davis State Park.

After wandering around for a few miles I waddled back to my car and then headed over to the packet pickup to get my bib number. After that I headed back into town for some pizza and much needed per race fueling. I found myself a nice parking spot next to a local hotel and adjacent bar patio type area. I perched my sleeping arrangements here, as I was full dirt bag style this trip and sleeping in my car....again. A decent sleep was had for staying in my backseat set up. I woke up every couple hours, but honestly it was one of the better rests I've had in my car (I've had quite a few before races, even 100 milers like this).

03:45 am wake up and I sprung out of my backseat as nimbly as I could. I headed down the road for the 3 minute drive to the Fort Davis National Historic Site as it was open to us racers as of 04:00 for last minute check-in and to get ready for the 05:00 start. I set out my one and only Victory Sportdesign drop bag positioned at the start finish area as this is a looped course, which makes it very easy for self crewing. I lined up in the 39 starters of the 52 mi & 104 mi event. Paired up 6 feet apart were we stated in those pairs every 5 seconds to help space everyone out as per the protocols. As per the norm these days everyone also had to have their masks on until we were away from the start area. Off we went into the crisp morning Texas mountain air.

The loop was listed at 13 miles which started in Fort Davis National Historical Site climbed up and out of that area and traversed over to Fort Davis State Park where did a larger figure 8 type loop and doubled back into the Historical Site for a small nasty little loop in the rock formation behind and overlooking Fort Davis itself. Overall it ended up being 13.35 miles with about 2,375 ft of gain per loop.

STRAVA segment of the Southwest 100 loop. The elevation profile shows just how steep the climbs were even if they were not super long, they beat you up after a while.

The route consisted of 4 main climbs. Overall there short (~0.5mi), but very steep and technical (pointy). It made it slow going up & down those every loop. Overall we were at same basic elevation of El Paso too at ~5,200ft so there is that big difference from the Houston area, but never got above 5,600ft. It was a tough mountain course though!

As the race started off I stayed relaxed and did not initially head to the front of the pack. during the first climb a little ways into the race I was still behind a bunch of people and just reminded myself to stay patient, as I often have issues with this even in the longer races. Eventually a lot of people moved over or slowed down and just naturally let me by. I was following the leader for the majority of the first full loop and was just settled into a nice relaxed 100 mile pace for me. Coming through the first loop it was just past sunrise now so I took very little time and basically dropped my headlamp and changed into a slightly lighter feeling long sleeve rabbit shirt.

The second loop went by quite quickly as well and I found myself falling back from the leader, although I did not feel it was because my pace was slowing. About two thirds the way around the loop I caught back up again on one of the longer climbs. I just stayed behind him and maintained a comfortable pace for the remainder of the loop. Another quick change over in between loops and I trimmed down to short sleeves this time, and brought out my sunglasses as the sun was getting up there. I kept my stop under 5 minutes and kept on truckin'.

I am not entirely sure where I passed the race leader and took over, but it about half way around loop 3. I tried to kept my pace constant and maintain my even perceived 100mi effort. The sun was out and there was literally zero clouds in the sky. It was still comfortable running temperatures at this point, but I knew that would be coming to and end soon. Loop 4 is where the sun and the heat of the day really showed its force. I had my NATHAN ice bandana out and was putting ice around my neck from the aid stations trying to keep the back of my neck cool. I was sucking back the fluid too and doing my best to stay hydrated, but at these elevations and heat it is hard for a flat lander. My pace slowed a lot in these warm late afternoon hours but I knew I just had to slog through. I completed my 4th loop, the halfway point, just after 12 hours elapsed. I knew this was a decent pace but that I probably would not be able to hold the same effort for the second half. I have run a lot of 100s now and I know how my pace eventually slows. But I tried not to think of this and quickly shed the thought from my mind. I took a longer break this time, around 20 minutes, and downed some of my left over pizza from the night before and a nice cold Coca-Cola, along with a few other snacks. I did change socks too at this point which was a great refreshing feeling for my beat up feet.

Heading out for loop 5 I did bring a headlamp in case I need it for the last few miles in case I could not beat sunset. I was still in front at this point and noticed the second place person was slowly falling back as we passed each other on the 2-way section of the course. I used this as a mental note more than anything at this point in time, as it was too early to worry about overall positioning quite yet. The latter half of this loop the sun was slowly falling down behind me in the West as I was headed back eastbound at the time. With this the temperature was finally falling and added some relief to the body. I was nearly back to the start/finish before the sun's light had left us for the night time hours. I utilized my headlamp briefly to navigate the remaining technical climb and decent before getting back and finishing loop 5. only 3 to go.

With the darkness upon me I did something I rarely do...I put in my headphones and listened to some podcasts to help keep me company. The course was much less populated and I was seeing less and less people out there at all, except at the aid stations long the way. The night hours went by consistently although there was a about 2 hour period where the wind picked up and it was pretty brutal out. Luckily it was not a super cold wind, even when at the top of the hills. Finishing loop 7 I came in just over 25 hours, so it was around 06:00 on Sunday now. I dropped off my light jacket I was carrying for the night and headed back out for one last lap. The RD informed me there was only 3 people left on course, which made complete sense as to why I was never seeing anyone anymore. She told me I had about 1.5 hour lead at last check.

On the night loops. That is my headtorch in the hills there as viewed from the start/finish area.
Photo: Ultra Expeditions (from their Facebook page).

Off I went for a measly half marathon to go. It seemed to take forever now that I was actively looking forward to that finish line. Eventually I made it around and saw the finish area with my small little 3 mile loop left around the Historical Site. It was at this point I knew I would manage to break the 30 hour barrier. I came around the last stretch to a few people out and about cheering me in and the race even had up a Facebook live going for the  last couple of minutes (this was awesome as I would later find out my wife and kids managed to see me finish this way). I was not really near my goal of 24 hours for this race, but I managed to run a good race and be the first ever finisher of the Southwest 100 Endurance Run in 29:26:25.

Finishing kick coming through fort Davis National Historical Site.

Finish line with 2 of the 4 Ultra Expedition Race Directors

My stats on my Garmin fēnix 6X and the nice shiny buckle earned!

Gear Used

• Gear Bags: Victory Sportdesign Grizzly backpack (Main Start/Finish aid station)
• Jackets: rabbit elements vest
• Shirts: rabbit long sleeve rabbitELITEtrail team jersey, a couple other rabbit shirts
• Shorts: rabbit 5" FKT
• Shoes: HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat (test pair)
• Socks: DrymaxSocks (2 pairs)
• Headwear: rabbit (BOCO) rabbitELITEtrail cap, Trail Racing Over Texas endurance cap
• Sunglasses: goodr (TransRockies Run 2019 edition)
• Watch: Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition
• Headlamp: Nathan Sports Halo Fire
• Hydration: Nathan Sports VaporKrar 12L Race Pack with x2 20oz Nathan soft flasks
• Other: rabbit (BOCO) gloves
• Anti Friction lube: Trail Toes

Results & Data

Official Results: 1st overall. Only 3 finishers out of 25 started for the 104 miler (12% finisher rate | 88% DNF rate). In 2019 during the first edition of the race no one finished the 100, and thus by default I got the Course Record as well by being the first finisher of the race.

• Congratulations to the other 2 finishers of the race Tom Elliot & Miles Benevich.

STRAVA activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/5027953623

Love my post race data.

• my 74th ultramarathon run
• my 22nd event of 100 miles or more
• my 20th completion of 100 miles or more
• my 11th ultramarathon victory

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If you want to know more about this race I highly recommend it. They have a great little teaser video on their website and on YouTube highlighting some of the course and scenery. If you like a challenge I would say come take on the Southwest 100 ... 104mi ... err 107.5 mile Endurance Run! It is a very scenic area and a race that will challenge even the seasoned ultra runner.

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My updated 100mi+ buckle collection with my latest edition of the Southwest 100 in place. I have now completed 20 100 mile (or greater) events. This one of a kind buckle display was handcrafted for me by my dad, as he is very handy.

Next up: The Game Backyard Ultra (Spectrum Trail Racing), 17-Apr-2021

Cocodona 250 (Aravaipa Running), 03-May-2021