Chasing Buckles Q1

 12-in-12 Q1 Update

Well here we are 3 months already gone into my year long personal project: #12-in-12. This is a quick summary of where I stand and what is to come. As you can see I still have not finalized a lot of my schedule, but my ideas list has changed slightly narrowing it down to what I hope to aim for. As I confirm registrations, I will add them on my CV page under "upcoming races".

Ring the Springs 100

• went as well as I could hope. Travelling to Colorado for the weekend and performing well at altitude is always nice. Getting to the play in the Rockies is a true gift, and I can not wait till next time. A solid 4th place overall there was a great result as well.
• Race Report: Ring the Springs 100Mi

Tahoe 200

• A blessing in disguise as getting into this event late due to the 2023 date change combined with my unfortunate cancellation/delay of AC100 led me to get into Tahoe. This has been on my bucket list for a while and was worth it for sure. Running in the high Sierra alpines and terrain was spectacular.  My only wish is that the course was still the full loop. I was still modified due to closure of wilderness area and was not the full loop around the lake - perhaps reason to go back one year.
• Race Report: Holy Shit That Is A Big Lake
• Podcast: Texas Outlaw Running Talk Show, EP #34 | YouTube version: Tahoe 200 Mile Finisher - Trevor Meding - YouTube

Habanero Hundred

• I was humbled here with only my 4th Did Not Finish (D.N.F.) in my time of ultrarunning. I knew this one would be tough with the dryness and extreme summer heat Texas has been having. Sandwiching this event between two 200s might not have been the best choice but it was so coinvent being only an hour from our house. On hindsight I wish I had chosen another mountain one in Colorado instead, but scheduling did not allow.
• Race Report: What A Dumb Idea

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With my DNF am I done with my 12-in-12? Should I just quit? Absolutely not. I will continue on and finish what I started. Just becausee I "failed" at one race does not define me nor my ultrarunning at all. We have all been in this sport long enough and well a DNF is just part of the game when you are in these long distances. Thus far I have been fortunate to have very few and so it does feel weird and disappointing when they do occur. My ultimate goal is to be a member of the 100 x 100 club and so chasing buckles is what I am going to continue to do. Onward and upward I go....

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What A Dumb Idea

I got Lit 🔥

Habanero Hundred - third time was NOT a charm

Ultramarathon #106 | D.N.F. #004

I awoke painfully from my very light nap and started screaming immediately. My left calf was seized and contracted fully causing immense pain. I yelled out to my wife to come help me out of bed and help me force my body weight to counter the muscle action in order to relax the calf. What seemed like a full minute (which was in reality was only probably 15 seconds or so) what excruciating. As Katie came over to assist me [...eventually...], I had already got most of my weight onto my leg to start to relieve the contraction of my calf. How did this happen? Why was my leg seizing when I was just lying here? Why on Earth did I attempt to run Habanero Hundred again and put myself into this situation? As I muttered to myself and my self-proclaimed worst pain in the world. Katie was super humbling and reminded she had given birth to our five children [without any pain medication].

Okay back up - why was Iaying in my bed resting on Sunday morning when I was still supposed to be out on course completing my 100 Miles. This was not ideal. Obviously, my race plan had not been executed. Here I was cramping hours after my run had come to an end, but my recovery and rehydration was still just beginning. These are the no so glamourous insights into attempting Texas' Hottest Race and the reality of my stupidity of taking on Habanero for a third year in a row. 

11:00 a,m. on Saturday August 12, 2023 (*my birthday) I was standing there in line to get my bib number at the pickup. The line was congested and wrapped around the red barn at 7IL ranch due to hundreds of other runners, whether it be the shorter distances or the many numbers of relay runners there to participate and attempt this event. The ambient temperature outside was already in the low 90s and creeping up. Feel-like temperatures were 100f+ for sure inside where the crowd was gathered and outside who knows how stupid hot it actually was. I finally got my bib with about 25 minutes before the start and got my final gear on and put my chair in place neat the loop start finish arch. I was lucky enough to meet up with some new friends. I met Kelly Swanson and her friend/crew/pacer Victoria whom were kind enough to tell me to pull my chair under their popup tent. Also my former TROT teammate Casey Timmie and her husband placed their chairs in the tent by invitation as well. A few exchanges of words and stories and soon we were lined up in the chute under the beating Texas sun and the feel-like temperatures of ~110f to start off.

lined up at the start line at high noon on 7IL Ranch in Cat Spring, TX. Feel-like temperatures were around 110f at this point of the day. They eventually creeped up to around 115-116f at the high point in the afternoon. My gear in picture: rabbit bucket hat, Oakley sunglasses, rabbit ICE RAD-ana, rabbit UPF deflector 2.0 trail, Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition

The record setting stretches of 100f+ days in a row for the Houston area gave me the clue it was going to be particularly challenging going into Habanero Hundred this year. I did not pretend to hide this fact, nor was I taking this race for granted even having prior finished 33 other 100 Mi(+) events. There is a real reason Habanero has a finish rate of less than 30% over 7 years up until this point. 

Starting off as slow as possible, but still jogging I made my way around the first loop finding myself running beside my new tent friend Kelly Swanson. She made some good conversation as we chatted and I filled her in on my thoughts of this race and strategy since I had run and finished it the prior 2 years. I also recall telling her we were going to fast for this first loop even though it did not feel like it. I was aiming for a 80-minute first loop which would be hopefully mostly slow jogging.

A sign that Habanero is no joke was flashed in front of my eyes at mile 5, less than an hour into the run. Recall this course is a 6.1 Mi (10 km) loop. Anyway, we were most of the way back and nearing the main ranch road crossing and we came around one corner to the EMS medic ATV light flashing. A [relay] runner passed out on the side of the trail, apparently from heat exhaustion. Jerrimiah the TROT assistant race director/race photographer was there first on the scene with the medic crew. As Kelly and I came up on them I asked if they needed help loaded the downed runner onto the ATV as it appeared they could use the extra hands. They took us up on the request and we got the runner, who was lightly going in and out of conscious, onto the back of the ATV using a portable outdoor backboard carrier. Once he was loaded up I took off my rabbit ICE RAD-ana which had a little ice left over in it and provided it to the medics to help cool off the downed runner. I sacrificed my new piece of rabbit gear in order to help out someone else in more need of it than me at that instant (I have a second one back in my bag so I could grab it between loops).

Kelly and I continued on as the realization of the heat of the day now smacking us directly in the face with this situation that had presented itself. I recall commenting to her that this would not be the only one today, but it was early to see that type of situation. The first loop finished up in just under my target of 80 minutes. I took my time getting my new ICE RAD-dana filling it with ice, getting ice water into my 2 handhelds, and downing a little bit of coke the aid station had set out for us. I don't recall if I had a shot of Pickle Juice this first time, but that is also a staple for me in these hot races as it is known to help alleviate the perception of muscle cramping. 

Loop 2 and 3 the was the crux of the heat on day 1 and thus as noted before reaching feel like temperatures around 115f or so. I did a lot more walking/hiking keeping my pace slower than I probably would have preferred. I thought it was enough. Flash forward spoiler - it was not, I could have gone slower and it probably may have helped! The third loop all of a sudden I could feel my back and my legs getting tight - but why? I was drinking 20oz of water & 20oz of Gatorade mix between every aid station, so every 3 Mi. I did not fully understand this as I did not "feel" like I was dehydrated, nor did I have any other signs of dehydration yet. I knew this meant my pace and my overall race was in jeopardy. I drank all i could at the "Hot Talamas" aid station before topping everything off on my way out. I slowed to a normal paced walk in order to give my legs (calf muscles) a needed break. I was hoping for a reset by the time I finished up my third loop by simply slowing down. Things got worse. I slowed down, I got thirsty and drank all my fluids before even reaching the water only drop at the road crossing, which signaled 0.75MI back to finish up. I filled up again and trudged slowly through the remaining scorching sand and uneven ranch grassland back to the arch. 

3 loops done and I was spent. My body was already giving out. I got some new ice and then just slumped down in my chair. I was wrecked and simply was sitting there trying to formulate a game plan to make it through until sunset, but this was even proving a small feat. I sipped my fluids and then closed my eyes opting for a short nap as I gave my body time. Never in all my prior 100s have I purposefully taken a nap before in a 100 Mi event, so this was a new tactic on-the-fly. I was now starting to reach and grasp at anything that would help me and here we are only like 6 hours into a 30-hr 100 Mi event. Habanero is truly a soul-sucking event due to this nature of the Texas heat combined with the feet shredding sand. There are no easy miles out there on the ranch and I was feeling the full effect of that this day.

I continued onto loop 4 after my short nap and braved the heat with the "hope" of renewed confidence in my ability to get through 100 Mi races. I just needed to get to sunset when the night would ideally provide a big relief to my body and its core temperature being able to function properly. I took 2 gels with me for the loop now, consuming more than just liquid calories. My goal was to eat and drink my way back into this. Onward I trudged but my muscles still would not allow me to run, I was still forced to a walk. Almost instantly back on my feet I could feel my body temperature rise and remain back where it was before I surcome to the chair in the first place - this is not good - I thought to myself. I walked the entire loop 4. just begging for that sunset Time was not on my side this loop. It was slow. My body was even more tired, but the sun was down now. The chair called my name again. I got more ice placing my RAD-ana around my neck and slumped back into my chair for a 30-minute nap, a last-ditch effort to reset my body and get my core temperature down while I could. 

"Shit".......... nothing was working. I got some food and tried consuming more calories before heading out for my 5th loop. Potatoes were magic and felt great on my stomach. I also add some ramen noodles as well (those were good too, but proved not to be later on down the trail). My legs did not feel great, my mind (usually resilient) was not starting to put doubt into my own thoughts. This was spiraling out of control fairly  quickly. I knew things needed to change. I willed myself out onto the trail and starting my 6th loop. Surely the "cooler" night temperatures (only feel-like of 90s or so) should help....right?.... right? I death marched the entire loop again attempting but failing to run over and over. Time was now not only not on my side it was literally punching me in the face. My mind was now full on turned against me. I was fighting. At the midpoint aid station I stopped and sat down there getting in some more potatoes and drank a bunch of coke. Still nothing was working. I finally got up and made it my mission to get back the loop done. Of course it was my slowest loop yet and the spiral continued down. I had been fighting thoughts in my head then entire way back into the start/finish and ultimately I walked across the line and pressed my lap button on my Garmin, and told the volunteers I needed time.

I opted for a cot this time in the medical area of the TROT setup. It was past midnight now, and very few people were around except the awesome volunteers and the few hardy crew supporters and the relay runners still awaiting their respective turns. I laid down with the quiet white noise of the generators contrasted with the music from the stereo at the arch. I managed to find a somewhat comfortable position where my legs did not cramp and seize on me. I closed my eyes and just lay there. It was restless and very light sleep but I did not set an alaram, I was just seeing what my body needed and how I would feel when I awoke. Sadly, not much changed and I felt horrible. My legs felt heavy and still twinging with pain upon any slight movement. How the hell was I going to continue? I had only finished 6 loops (60 km) and still had 10 (100 km) to go. I was just over 14 hours into the 30 hour cutoff. Technically there is no cutoff until the final loop, but I was behind.

I sat there on that cot and saw the infamous Victor Valenzuela (another former TROT teammate) come in from one of his loops. He came over and chatted with me for a bit. This man is awesome running this event every year since the inception and now has completed it 6 times in the 8 editions (hats off to Vic - LEGEND!). After sitting there awkwardly for a few minutes I had decided to call it quits and my D.N.F. (Did Not Finish). I stumbled over to the start/finish and let them know I was not continuing on.

I slowly gathered all my crap and got into my car and managed not to cramp as I got in my car and made the hour-ish drive home. I walked in the door like at 04:00 on Sunday morning now and got into the bath with some salts and oils to try and help my muscles. The entire time I have been downing fluids trying to get my body to process water still and be able to pee. I had just come to think of it I don't think I had peed the entire event or at least near the start. After getting clean and scrubbing the remaining sand out between my toes I finally got into bed with my legs propped up and attempted to sleep. Here is where we found ourselves at the beginning of the story. I slept for 30 minutes or so at a time and then as I was dosing off my muscles would twitch and I would cramp in agony. IT was a vicious cycle that repeated a few time before I actually got an hour or two of sound sleep.

So what did I learn? Not much apparently because I came back this year for a third year of torture in the heat, humidity, and sand knowing full well what I was getting into to. Add on top of that it was sandwiched between two 200 milers I was just asking for trouble. Pure grit can only get you so far, and with Habanero you need everything to fall in line in order to get a finish. Any bad fortune out there and it compounds very quickly. I was a little disappointed to have to give in, especially since this was in my #12-in-12 project, but ultimately, I needed to take care of myself and just face the fact that yes I do D.N.F. once in a while too. My 106th ultramarathon left me with only my 4th D.N.F. but that does not mean it does not sting. I still take pride in the fact my completion rate is up there at 96.23%. Onwards I go.

Congrats to all the 22 brave soul whom were able to finish Habanero Hundred this year in the immense heat conditions. It truly was a tough year and once again we are all reminded why a simple 100 miler on flat ranch in Texas is by no means an easy race to complete.

Never again....Habanero....never again!

Habanero theme I picture in my head coupled with "Let The Bodies Hit the Floor" by Drowning Pool playing loudly.

2023 Habanero stats:

• UltraSignUp Results
• 78 starters | 22 finishers = 28.21% finish rate (*6 runners were sub-24) | 56 D.N.F. = 71.79% DNF rate
• My STRAVA activity

My Gear Used:

• rabbit bucket hat
• rabbit ICE RAD-ana
• sunglasses: Oakly
• rabbit UPF deflector 2.0 LS (x2)
• shorts: rabbit 3" FKT 2.0
• shoes: lululemon trail runners
• socks: injinji socks (x2)
• lighting: kogalla RA Adventure Light (waistlamp) & Nathan Sports Halo Fire (headlamp)
• hydration: NATHAN insolated 18oz handhelds (x2)
• Anti-Friction lube: Trail Toes
• gear bags: Victory Sportdesign
• watch: Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition

My prior HH100 race reports (in case you need more alpha):

• 2022: Twice As Spicy
• 2021: Habanero Sucks!

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Thanks for following along.

Next Up: The Divide 200 (2023-Sep-11)

Holy Shit That Is A Big Lake

Tahoe 200

Ultramarathon #105 | My 6th 200 Miler

Getting to Lake Tahoe

My journey to Tahoe was not like most. I signed up on July 3rd, a mere 18 days prior to the start of the run, probably being one of the last registered runners. This is not totally unusual for me as I am known to sign up last minute for many of my ultramarathons. This summer was different as I was originally slated to run Angeles Crest 100 (AC100) this year on the last weekend in July. Due to unfortunate weather/road circumstances the race was cancelled for 2023, and I have now been rolled over to 2024 AC100. With the last-minute cancellation, the Race Director was able to reach out and provide the AC100 runners a special discount code for a couple various other Hardrock Qualifying races, which included Tahoe. This is how the race came into my radar for this summer. Tahoe has always been on my bucket list. With the race dates shifting due to excess snow in the Tahoe area this winter combined with the cancellation of AC100 it left a few open sports open for the normally sold-out Tahoe 200 event, the hook was set to take the discounted price and no lottery to sign up and go for it! (NOTE: I had floated the idea of jumping into Tahoe to my wife before actually signing up for it, so she was not super surprised - this is my usual tactic).

Tahoe 200 was now leg 2 in my 12-in-12 personal project. If you are not familiar with that see my prior blog post, but it is a simple personal endurance project of running at least x1 100Mi (or more) event each month for an entire calander year. Ultimately, my love for the 100Mi+ distances continue to draw me to these grand adventures.

Packing for Tahoe 200 with My Victory Sportdesign bags.

Since this Tahoe 200 was the weekend before what AC100 was supposed to be, my family was unable to join me due to some other family obligations. However, my amazing wife as mentioned encouraged me to go take on this run. I got myself a rental car late Wednesday night after finishing up my work (remotely). Thursday morning was a super early wake up for me in Southern California (at my in-laws) from where I set off solo to head North to the Tahoe area. Armed with podcasts, snacks, and coffee I managed to get to Lake Tahoe prior to my slated packet pickup, medical check, and pre-race photos. Success for the first portion of my journey!

Pre-race check-in.

A nice parking spot only a few hundred feet from the start line at Heavenly Lodge in Stateline, NV was my sleeping spot for my pre-race rest. Having done this many times before I have been accustomed to sleeping in [my] car prior to races. The rest is not ideal and definitely not recommended as a first choice, but the price is about right for a budget conscious person. (NOTE: I need to get myself a van, still...).

Pre-race portrait. Photo: Anastasia Wilde (@_anastasiawilde).

Race Day (Start)

I awoke to some of the early morning 100k runners getting ready in the parking lot, as more and more vehicles were now rolling into the lodge parking area. The 100k runners were setting off 2 hours early and so they were more in the "scurry mode" than the 200 Mi runners, who did not start till a casual 09:00 time. I tried to stay off my feet best I could but ended up wandering around the start area just hanging out with the other runners and chatting casually. I ate my breakfast, which consisted of a couple protein bars and some trail mix I had left over. I got my assigned SPOT tracker, and had it attached to my NATHAN hydration vest, so now I was ready to go. The runners gathered around the start chute as Candice Burt belted out the pre-race briefing and last-minute instructions. A recite of the runner's pledge and the 2-minute countdown was on. I glanced down to my Garmin to ensure it was on and ready to go on navigation mode....check! I tap my right should to ensure my SPOT tracker was there....check! Finally, I looked down to ensure my bid was on & that my shoes were tied up....check, check! It was go time.

Pre-race gathering. Sun was already out in force and warming up before the 09:00 start.

First Third of the Race - Out & Back#1 (S.W. from start/finish) 
[Heavenly > Armstrong Pass > Housewife Hill > Armstong Pass > Heavenly]

Heavenly > Armstong Pass (14.85 Mi, source: STRAVA)

The race kicked off with 199 runners starting out going straight into singletrack right off the parking lot and thus a narrowed conga line formed causing me to not go out to hard. This was probably a good thing with the adrenaline of wanting to get going, but many multiple hours ahead of me. The first 0.6 Mi was a climb straight out of the lodge and up a portion of the ski hill before joining up to the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT), which a majority of the race course would eventually follow. The course slowly got wider once we were on the TRT and runners started to jostle for position as everyone tried to settle into their various paces. I stayed where I was at this point (behind Sally McRae initially) in the top 30 or so runners. I was not in a hurry just yet, besides the pace was pretty descent considering. After a very short while the Tahoe Rim Trail hugged the hillside and wound around the mountain providing a spectacular view to our left off into the distance of Nevada landscape below us. The trail pressed onward heading up, gaining elevation as we went towards Armstrong Pass. It was not long into this direction before we crossed the state line into California.

The trail was very scenic and rugged but certainly was well worth it. I kept a steady pace (my own) as I continued to move forward. By now the field of runners had spread out quite a bit. I managed to tag behind 2 fellow runners for about a 6 Mi section or so but after that I was running by myself. For the majority of all my hours out there at Tahoe I ran solo nearly the entire time. As the altitude slowly gained towards the high point on the course of nearly 9,600' the air felt thinner, but it was early enough in the race that it did not affect me too much. The initial 32 Mi out & back section contained a few patches of snow drifts that still existed in the shaded areas, especially up higher. The snow was hard crusted and yet soft on the very top layer from the beating sun. I heard afterwards a few people had issues traversing theses snow patches. Honestly, I just took my time and had no issues at all since the patches were sparse and not super big sections. It was still neat to see snow up high during the month of July. There was a race photographer up near top of Armstrong Pass that gave us some encouraging words as they snapped some photos as I went by. Arriving at Armstrong Pass aid station after just over 3 hours and covering 15 Mi of running I did a quick refill of my bottles grabbed a few snacks. The first day of adrenaline was still keeping me going and I kept going shortly after a quick 5-minute stop. 

Captured near Armstrong Pass at ~9,600'. Photo: Jason Peters (@jdpetersdotcom).

Armstrong Pass > Housewife Hill (17.10 Mi, source: STRAVA)

The next section all the way to Housewife Hill aid station was a 17 Mi segment, which we gradually got back down to 6,500' altitude. The sun was out in full force now with temps nearing 90f, and at altitude the rays felt very intense. The Tahoe Rim Trail curled back around closer to the aid station providing stunning views back North towards the entire Lake Tahoe (such a cool sight!). My stop at this aid station was slightly longer duration of about 15 minutes. The volunteers were great and cheering s runners on at this remote aid stop. There were a few film crews and many support crews there awaiting their various runners to come in. Seeing all the people here was another great boost after about 8 hours of moving through the California sections of the course. Since the last portion was mostly a net downhill I now turned around and headed back to Armstrong Pass this time as a net uphill.  I had seen a few runners at this point who were ahead of me and already on their journey back towards Armstong/Heavenly, most of them being the 100 km runners whom started 2 hours ahead of us and of course all the leaders of the 200 Mi race in front of me. After I had turned around at left the aid station, I started passing many runners now as everyone was making their own way to the turnaround. Always nice to greet other runners, especially in long ultras, even with a quick wave or smile. Traversing back up the mountains I was now using my extra Katadyn BeFree™ Water Filteration System™ (1.0L soft flask) I had gotten just prior to this race. Each time I'd come across a nice flowing stream I would take out this flask and fill it up. Firstly, it was so dang hot that any extra fluids was beneficial and important. Secondly, having the luxury of cold water (mid run) was nice since the stretches between aid stations were such long hauls. This was my first ever experience using a filter and found it to be very easy and great. I purchased this flask knowing that it would be useful for this race (as well as my upcoming 200 in September in the Canadian Rockies). The only downside is that I could only find a 1.0L version so I had to carry it, but that helped me drink it quicker reminding me to hydrate. I used this strategy for the first half of the race where most of the flowing streams were. I may look to get the 0.6L bottles as well since they can fit into the hydration vests.

Nearing sunset on day 1, Lake Tahoe in background. This was section from Housewife Hill back towards Armstong Pass aid.

I was chasing the sunlight as I went approaching Armstong Pass on the return trip. I had made a game of it trying not to turn on my headlamp until I got there. It was a silly little thing but this is how my mind works in longer ultras. I managed to get to the aid station right as the darkness was now fully engulfing the mountainous terrain. I took a good 2o minutes here at the aid station to take off my shoes and socks, shaking out any loose impediments that were in there. Ensuring my kogalla waistlamp was ready to go I headed back towards Heavenley climbing out of the aid station to rejoin the TRT; let the night running begin. I don't recall much about heading back to the start/finish of Heavenly Lodge, but the night running went real smooth that first night. Arriving into Heavenly it was the middle of the night just after 01:20. I dropped my hydration vest at the aid station and took off down the stairs for a quick bathroom stop, and then a quick trip to my car to retrieve my spar battery and socks (I intentionally left my bags in my car opposed to utilizing the drop bag area here since the parking lot was a mere few hundred feet away). I came back to the actual aid station and changed out my socks and took a few minutes off my feet as the volunteers got me some warm broth and quesadillas. The first "100 km" was done at this point which represented an arbitrary milestone of about a third way done. Refilling all my fluids and taking a few last swigs of Coca-Cola I was headed off from Heavenley again around 02:30 - this time North.

Last Two Thirds of the Race - Out & Back#2 (N.E. from start/finish)

[Heavenly > Spooner Summit > Village Green > Brockway Summit > Tahoe City > turnaround > Tahoe City > Brockway Summit > Village Green > Spooner Summit > Heavenly]

Heavenly Lodge to Spooner Summit (18.80 Mi, source: STRAVA)

My next mini goal I was playing in my mind was try and get to Spooner Summit before the sun was fully up over head. I did not estimate how long of an uphill section this portion had, as we climbed more or less 2/3 thirds of the way it seemed. This was a longer segment of nearly 19 Mi before the Spooner Summit aid. The views were specular though as I was parallel to Lake Tahoe the entire time. Each time there was an opening or as I crested the various climbs it was amazing to soak in the views. Right around the actual sunrise there was a photographer a top one of the plateau who had just setup to grab some cool shots. It was the first time I had seen another person in a few hours, so it was nice to say hi and a quick thanks as I continued onward. Eventually I arrived at the Spooner Summit aid station around 07:30 (about 83.33 Mi & 22.75 hrs elapsed). I took my time here and got a bunch of calories in to help rejuvenate me for the day ahead as I had not decided to sleep yet after making through the early morning timeframe.

Taken early morning day2 on the way to Spooner Summit. Photo: Jason Peters (@jdpetersdotcom).

The next section was very cool as the TRT took us up high along the ridgeline with some more spectacular views of Lake Tahoe off to my left side the entire way. Glancing over the lake provided some great distractions through the heat of the day. I recall a light breeze as well so it did not feel quite as warm, but it was definitely still hot out there. I think this section might have provided some of the better views I can remember. We passed Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park where Marlette Lake was below us, and then continued on towards Twin Lakes which was tucked up further in the mountains but was a neat place that was clearly used by many offroad enthusiasts such as hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and even some ATVs (even with sign prohibiting them on certain trails). The heat of the day was creeping up as I noted and it was around this section I passed a campground that was supposed to have water access (a pump) I think but the sign had it taped over, indicating that it was not available currently. since it was slightly off course to go investigate, I continued on. To my luck only a little while down the trail there was a stream running off from the last snow melt above, providing a great opportunity to filter some more cold fresh water. It was a great surprise. I noted the spot of the stream for my return trip as this was the only spot on the entire 19 Mi to filter water it turned out. I dunked my hat and buff in before taking off back on the trail. With about ~6 Mi to go before the aid station the course route took us off the TRT and now followed the road down towards the Lake Tahoe itself and the Incline Village where the aid station was. A long descent of about 4 Mi down a jeep road, followed by ~2 Mi travelling through the town I arrived at Village Green aid station. It was 13:47 on day 2, about 29 hours cumulative time.

Tahoe Rim Trail above Marlette Lake (to my left not in picture), Lake Tahoe in background. Photo: Anastasia Wilde (@_anastasiawilde).

I used the bathrooms here since it presented the opportunity of full-service bathrooms, with running water to wash off my hands and face. Next, I ordered some hot food from the awesome volunteers: hot dogs and cold coke. My feet had started to bug me on the last descent particularly and so I took off my socks and shoes to inspect my feet. There was a nice hot spot on the pad of my left foot that I proactively had the medic help me tape it up. She was very nice and chatted with me as I got my food, as she began to clean and inspect my foot to help solve the issue. In no time I was ready to go. A quick change of my gear was also in order since this was 1 of my 2 spots I had elected to place a drop bag. I try to keep my stuff to a minimum but always have stuff "just in case". I used the opportunity to get into fresh clothing and of course fresh socks - which is probably the best feeling in the world during a long ultramarathon.

The Powerlines (STRAVA segment: "Tahoe 200 Hill").
Yes it is as long as it looks, including a false summit of course.

Leaving Incline Village there was a relieving flat section of road through the town. It was literally 3 Mi along the paved path on the main road, before turning up into the hills. A couple of turns at the top of the town and bam what starred me down now was a very intense climb underneath some powerlines. I had not studied the map/route intensely beforehand so this was truly a surprise that lie in front of me. I had left the Village Green aid not super far behind another runner out of town accompanied by his pacer, and I just caught him here at the base of powerlines. I saw them ascending up above me, so I knew this was time to climb as I looked up and saw nothing but endless spotty trail ahead. I started grinding my way upwards and passed the runner and his pacer not too far up as I kept my pace steady, yet slow, but steady. The segment proved to be a worthy adversary. Only 1.15 Mi but gaining over 1,356 ft worked out to an average 22% grade, which took me 0:47:39 to complete before reaching the top. A short dive down the trail on the other side of this powerline climb followed by another climb upwards on a jeep road for what seemed like forever, before rejoining the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) again. My next mini goal I decided to play with myself was to see if I could get to the next aid before nightfall. I arrived just before sunset after 34 hours elapsed race time. 

The volunteers here were top notch and excited to see runners apparently. It was here I was informed I was only the third runner ... (third!) ... but how I thought there was a bunch more than that in front of me. It was not crucial information but nice to know as there was still a very long way ahead of me, almost 100 Mi in fact still. I ordered some hot food - this time a nice big burger with the works while I took of my shoes and socks to give my feet a break. After getting in all the calories I could I resided over to one of the cots/tents for my first sleep break of the race. I set my alarm for 80 minutes and quickly lied down putting my buff over my eyes to help provide darkness. Sleep quickly came over me. It was a very dreamlike REM type sleep, not the deep sleep that is truly reinvigorating. I awoke before my phone timer after about 60 minutes. My intended strategy of sleeping as the sunset and waking up into nighttime was hopefully going to get me through the second night strong, with this short rest.

Tahoe City > turnaround out & back
(8.41 Mi, source: STRAVA)

Brockway > Tahoe City (19.48 Mi, source: STRAVA)

It worked! I awoke and got ready right away invigorated by my rest. The volunteers greeted me once more as I emerged from the tent - they were so great making sure I had more snacks and fruit with me to go. After adjusting my lights and ensuring everything was set I took off with a final thank you to the wonderful volunteers there at Brockway aid, towards Tahoe City I went. The next section was a long windy twisty segment that was actual a net downhill towards Tahoe City which resided right on the Lake itself. The draw of the lights slowly drew me as a trudged closer. Since this was my second full night of running the pace has slowed, but I still was moving quite well considering. A near 6 hours later I arrived at Tahoe City and followed the flagging into the aid station there. I did not doddle to long as the very remainder out and back was the very shortest segment on the whole course. After some warm soup I took off from Tahoe City aiming to get to the turnaround and then ultimately make my way all the way back around Lake Tahoe. The trip to the turnaround went by fairly quickly and I returned back to Tahoe City after about 2.5 hours. Another quick fill of soup and potatoes and I was back off again headed back South. My journey to the far end of the course was now complete, and the task ahead of me was to get back to Heavenly Lodge where it all began. As I headed back towards Tahoe City, I had passed a few other runners headed out so I knew that I had people chasing me. This kept my motivation up to simply keep moving. Another long trek back towards Brockway took me just over 6 hours in this direction under the morning sun.

Village Green > Brockway Summit (13.75 Mi, source: STRAVA)

Back at Brockway aid station again I ordered myself a loaded burger to fuel up....so good! The volunteer cooked it up and puts some chips and fruit on the plate along with the burger without asking and brought it all over, what service. I spent longer than I should here, but it was a function of how long it took me to eat, as I could not chew and swallow as efficiently, but I was able to eat and get the calories in, therefore I took my time and ate the entire plate of food. Additionally, the "lunch" break provided a little relief from the mid-day sun that was now pounding us for the third straight day. I chatted with Jason Peters (race photographer) there for a while as well as I ate. Once I was finally ready to go it dawned on me that I only had two more checkpoints (aid stations) to get through before the ultimate finish. This thought spurred on my drive forward. I was still moving descent given the sun was still beating down. I took the daytime miles slow but maintained my steady momentum. After about 6 Mi back towards Incline Village, I decided to take a quick break and get some sleep for only the second time. On the Tahoe Rim Trail just before I had to turn down towards the Incline Village with multiple miles of downhill ahead, I found a nice shady spot at the junction. I laid down with my feet uphill, thus above me to help relieve the pain slightly, placed my hydration pack under my head to serve as a pillow. About 11 minutes later I awoke to a couple of mountain bikers passing by me on the TRT. I arose refreshed and ready to tackle the downhill section, including powerlines, all the way down to Lake Tahoe. 

Spooner Summit > Village Green (18.88 Mi, source: STRAVA)

At the top of the Powerlines I was moving a lot more gingerly now that I had ~173 MI on my legs. I did not want to fall and was not sure the proper way to tackle this super steep downhill so I improvised and grabbed a large broken stick. Using my buff I had with me I fashioned a knob type handle on top of this stick and made myself a single pole to assist me down the steepest sections (NOTE: I did not use poles. I do not even own any poles, never have). Safely down I transversed the flat few miles of the bike path in town all the way to Village Green aid station. The volunteers cheered me in as I came into this small park area and promptly sat down. The same medic who helped taped my feet on the outbound journey was still there. She came over and we decided to redo the taping job of my feet to get me through the rest of the race. I ate a bunch of food, drank what seemed like a gallon of coke, and then washed off my feet in the nearby stream before getting them tended to. More food was to be had, and then a quick 15-minute power nap in the shade beside the stream where the aid station cots were setup. In total I spent 1 hour 15 minutes here at Village Green, but it seemed worth it since the next portion of the route was a long climb back out of town. Taking my rest and time here in the aid station provided a relief from the midafternoon sun which was a conscious choice. I set off making my way back out of Incline Village as the sun started to slowly set for a third time in my race. We took a road called Tunnel Creek that went perpendicular to Lake Tahoe at the edge of town and up into the mountains above for literally about 4 Mi or maybe slightly more of relentless climbing (it seemed so much less come down on the way through). Finally reaching to top of the climb I felt exhausted but kept pushing on. Another mile or so down the trail I came to the one running stream that was present in this section. I recall that it was my only opportunity to filter water and so I took a couple minutes here to use my spare filter flask and drink, fill up, and get my fill of cold water before continuing on. About half way though this segment my mind started to wander and my feet felt heavy, I knew I probably needed a bit more rest, so I attempted another nap (my forth sleep). I spent just over 16 minutes resting on the edge of the trail before the wind and chill of the night air stirred me. With this extra little rest I pushed onwards all the way back to Spooner Summit enjoying the ridge running even in the dark as the clear sky provided great views over Lake Tahoe presiding to my right side this time. Sleep deprivation was chasing me trying to close in, but I was eager to get this run done.

Spooner Summit aid station was only about 15-minute stop as I got some warm calories in and decided that with just under 19 Mi to go I should be able to push on through the night. Seeing the volunteers there was a nice boost as well. I believe I was in 4th overall at this point not too far behind 3rd, so that also gave me some motivation to keep pressing. This confidence in my ability to get through a third night of running with minimal sleep proved to be incorrect. I made it only like 2 Mi out of the aid station before my visual hallucinations started and I knew I needed a reset. I took a 20-minute dirt nap on the trail on this attempt. I got up and pushed on through the night hours hoping the finish line would draw me in. My mind kept playing tricks on me as I was seeing "tree people" (tree shaped like people), many animals - that were actually rocks as I got closer, and even some statues of my family off in the distance. My mind was "seeing" all of these, but I was lucid enough I knew it was not real. It was like I was dreaming on my feet. I kept moving forward best I could but eventually laid down again after a couple more hours. I pulled out my phone and set my timer for 15-minutes. After only 8 minutes I got up, gathered my things (minus my phone - more on that later) and took off towards Heavenly. I had less than 10 Mi to go now, most of it being downhill, except a very final short climb at the end. The sun started to creep up over the horizon and pear through the forest trees which meant my personal low period of 03::00-05:00 had now surpassed. This was my chance to get the race done without any more sleep. My mind was still wandering and not fully there. I tripped and fell running downhill at one point super Maning forward landing on my forearms before rolling to a stop. You think this would of fully woken me up, but it took a second fall like this not too much further down the trail before I finally felt awake and alive again. Luckily, I only had a couple scraps on my arm and some dirt rubbed all over, nothing major as I managed to fall where no rocks were awaiting me (could have been much worse). I ca't remember exactly where, but I was passed by a few people in this final segment and was in 7th position overall. With the very short final 1.2 Mi climb ahead of me I glanced back to see 2 more runners chasing me down. I had a decent lead on them since I was already part way up. This gave me the last bit of adrenaline I needed and actually ran most of that uphill where I could keep my position as my completive mindset took over. I did not want to give up another spot so close to the finish line. As the trail junction appeared in front of me I followed the marked signs down into Heavenly Lodge. A quickened pace for the last 0.5 MI downhill chasing the sounds of cowbells, and the sight of the finish arch drew me in. I crossed the finish line in 71 hours 20 minutes.

Crossing the finish line 7th overall (M6) in 71:20:03. Photo: taken from Destination Trail Races YouTube livestream.

I crossed this line and was come over with the sense of accomplishment and relief of completing such a large journey. I walked over thanked Candice Burt and her team who were there as I choose my custom buckle out from the various choices. Next, I got my traditional post-race portrait done and then headed over to the chairs they had set up. 

Post-race fuel on my travels back.

Upon finishing I searched my bag for my phone in order to send my family a message -- "shit! "-- my phone was not there. I started panicking a little, but then had a moment of clarity once i emptied out my entire vest. I had taken out my phone on my dirt naps and placed it beside my head as a timer so I would not oversleep. However, in the haste of trying to finish the run I must have left my phone at the last point I slept, about 9.5 Mi back on the side of the TRT where I had laid down. I informed the race team just in case someone turned it in, but I was really bummed. I borrow a volunteer's phone just to send a message to my wife letting her know i was done and ok. Hours later a pacer of one of the runners did in fact return my phone in the baggie it was in with my charging cables. Booya! It was my lucky day. I spent the day eating homemade pizza from the volunteers, cheering in other finishers, and getting in long naps in order to gear up for my 9 hours trek back to Southern California. This trip to Tahoe was well worth it and I was soaking in the post-ultra pain and simply appreciating that feeling of being alive and being able to choose to do this crazy sport. I can't wait to do this again.

Results

Tahoe 200 was 105th ultramarathon, my 33rd finish of 100 Mi (or more), & my 6th race/finish in a event of 300 km or more.

My Tahoe 200 stats - 215.78 Mi (347.26 km) | 37,333 ft+ (11,379 m+) | 71:20:03 | 7th overall (M6)

My STRAVA - https://www.strava.com/activities/9514737623/overview

SPOT tracker history - https://trackleaders.com/tahoe200-23i.php?name=Trevor_Meding

UltraSignUp results - https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=95494

Data Analysis, Sleep, & Course Details

Mileage split: Nevada = 96.28 Mi (44.62%) | California = 119.50 Mi (55.38%)

Sleep details: 2h 12m total (approximate)

• 1h - at Brockway Summit aid station (116.2 Mi)
• 11m - dirt nap on side of TRT, Brockway Summit > Village Green (169.5 Mi)
• 15m - at Village Green aid station (177.5 Mi)
• 16m - dirt nap on side of TRT, Village Green > Spooner Summit (185.6 Mi)
• 20m - dirt nap on side of TRT, Spooner Summit > Heavenley Lodge (198.0 M)
• 8m - dirt nap on side of TRT, Spooner Summit > Heavenley Lodge (206.3 Mi)

Tahoe 200 Route

Tahoe 200 (2023 edition). double out & back from Heavenly Lodge in Stateline, NV

Tahoe 200 Elevation profile. The race is mid-high altitude taking place between 6,500 - 9,600 ft+.

My Gear Used

There was a requirement for some mandatory gear along with the usual recommended gear as might be expected for mountain races.

Mandatory gear (to be carried at all times):

• Jacket with a hood - rabbit Treeline rain jacket
• Gloves - rabbit (BOCO)
• Hat (can be replaced by a buff) - rabbit (BOCO)
• Pants (has to cover your legs) - rabbit Low Light Pocket Tightz
• Insulating layer long sleeve shirt - rabbit LS rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• SPOT tracker - provided by Destination Trail Races
• Device with GPX track of course - Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition
• Cell Phone - apple iPhone 8+ (also with Gaia GPS app)
• Emergency Bivy - SOL emergency bivy
• Headlamp or waist light and extra batteries - kogalla RA Adventure Light (waistlamp) & Nathan Sports Halo Fire (headlamp)
• Whistle - built into my hydration vest

The Remainder of the gear I used:

• Shirts - rabbit SS rabbitELITEtrail team kit, rabbit UPF Deflector 2.0
• Shorts - rabbit 5" shredders 2-in-1 trail
• Headwear - rabbit (rnnr) rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Arm Sleeves - rabbit 
• Eyewear - goodr (Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild edition)
• Shoes - Altra Olympus 4.0 (paired with Altra/Trail Racing Over Texas gaiters)
• Socks - rnnr (x2), Drymax (x1)
• Hydration - NATHAN Pinnacle 12L race vest with x2 20oz soft flasks and 1.6L bladder, & Katadyn BeFree™ Water Filteration System™ (1.0L soft flask)
• Anti-Friction Lube - Trail Toes
• Gear/Drop Bags - Victory Sportdesign (utilized x2 drop bags: Coyote II)

----- ----- ----- ----- -----

This was next day post-race. All was well once I got some movement in (#ActiveRecovery).

I did a podcast episode with Texas Outlaw Running Talk Show just recently which focused on Tahoe 200. check it out:

Podcast download: Texas Outlaw Running Talk Show: EP #34 | Tahoe 200 Mile Finisher - Trevor Meding on Apple Podcasts

YouTube video version: Tahoe 200 Mile Finisher - Trevor Meding - YouTube

Thank you for following along!

12-in-12 Update

This was the 2nd leg of my #12in12 personal challenge. I am only just beginning this yearlong journey but excited to knock this one out. Probably the next race in August might be my hardest. Upcoming is Habanero Hundred - the torture fest of heat, humidity, and sand in the middle of Texas summer heat.

I also very excited for September when I get to run my 3rd 200 for the year up in the Canadian Rockies. This will be my own make-shift triple crown for the year (with HK4TUC, Tahoe 200, & The Divide 200). I will get a good visit in with my parents and enjoy the adventure of the inaugural year of The Divide. Stay tuned for that one...

I am still finalizing the rest of my schedule for this #12in12 but have some good ideas. More to come as I get closer to the fall.