Dino Tracks

Dino Tracks 2024

Ultramarathon #120

It has felt like forever since my last Hundred even though in reality it has only been just shy of three short months. I guess my personal disappointment at the Big Tex Backyard Ultra probably contributed to that as well. Anyway, here were back in Glen Rose Texas for a familiar race out at Dinosaur Valley State Park.  This November was to be my fourth running of Dino Valley (my third time at the 100 Mile distance and once prior of the 100 km). As part of my #UltraRunningDad life I was not able to leave work early on Friday and so I had to make the 4-ish hour trip to Glen Rose late evening. Yet another dirt bag sleeping arrangement in my car provided a few hours of sleep that night. Saturday race morning was a brisk high 40s as I bundled up to keep warm. Driving into the race parking I got there just in time to make the first wave of parking shuttle buses. It was already getting busy with the parking area, as I loaded up on the shuttle even though there was still 1.5 hours until the start time. I arrived at the start area and found my way over to the HATR (Houston Area Trail Runners) group tent right by the starting arch. I chatted and caught up with some local running friends as I got my chair and gear set out in a corner of our large group area and bundled up to stay warm. Soon enough the sun began to peak above the horizon which meant the start of the run was near. 

Pre-race with the HATRs group. Photo: Carmen Law

The first 2 loops were hot out of the gate as I took off faster but controlled in order to stay warm in the chill of the morning. My effort felt easy but I knew that it was too fast and it would catch up to me. I was also chasing a lead pack and following my co-HATR friend Regina Massinggill. I don't blame her for the fast-ish pace - but I could in retrospect. Any who the time flew by on those first 20 Miles as I think we were on something stupid like 16.5 hour pace, which is clearly not sustainable for me. I consciously took off the gas the next couple laps as the sun came out and the heat of the day started turning up the heat (...in November??? really?). By the time I was done lap 4 I was digging out my rabbit ice RAD-dana cause yeah it was warm. I was downing multiple bottles of fluid now per hour and still felt like it was not enough.

Photo: Morgan Reed | Let's Wander Photography

Eventually the sun was setting and as I grinded myself to the half way point of my run. Now to head into the darkness and coolness of the night and chase down the last half of my run. Due to the nature of the course there was really no way of knowing where position wise I was in terms of chasing people down or maintain "said" position. My goal out there was simply to achieve a sub 24 hour 100 Miler and hopefully be able to place myself for a podium spot. However, I knew the latter goal was out of reach after my late afternoon struggles on the day. 

I tried to simply keep a 24 hour baseline pace (14:24 Mi/hr), but even that was seemingly difficult as the night hours continued on. My legs felt increasingly heavy and tired. It was a battle between my mind and my body to keep moving forward at the required pace. Sadly, my legs were slowly winning the battle on this run. My pace dwindled as the sun was now threatening to rise back up as the 24 hour mark came and gone! i still had my 10th loop left which was the shortened 5 Mile version of the loop to cap off the mileage of the course. I was renewed with a sense of chasing the finish line at this point and ran most of that last tenth loop. Plus it is always nice to see new trails after doing the same loop 9 times in a row. I ran in and crossed the finish line just after sunrise on Sunday just over 25 hours into my run. I managed to sneak in an top 10 overall placement although my other goals were not achieved. Most importantly I got the finish and achieved my 42nd overall 100 Mi(+) completion. 

Time for some rest!

Results

• 25:20:52 | 101.69 Mi (163.65 km) | 9,741 ft+ (2,969 m+)
• 9th overall (M6) | 1st in 40-49 age group.
• My 120th ultramarathon run and my 10th ultramarathon YTD in 2024.
• My 42nd 100Mi(+) completed
• 2026 WSER qualifier completed. (the first possible one in the calander for the cycle).
• STRAVA: Dinosaur Valley 100 Mi Endurance Run (9th overall), Glen Rose, TX | Run | Strava
• Results: 2024 Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run - Race Timer & Chip Timing Dallas-Austin-Houston
• UltraSignup Results: 2024 Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run 100 Miler - Results

2024 provided a brand new buckle design. Was cool to get a new one for my collection.

Gear Used

• Lighting setup - kogalla RA Adventure Light (waistlamp) & Nathan Sports Halo Fire (headlamp)
• Shirts - rabbit LS rabbitELITEtrail team kit, SS high country
• Shorts - rabbit 3" FKT 2.0
• Headwear - rabbit (rnnr) rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Eyewear - goodr (Sorry, Not Sorry (But Actually Sorry) version)
• Shoes - Altra Timp 1.5
• Socks - injinji
• Hydration - first couple loops: NATHAN soft flasks x2 18oz handhelds. last few loops: NATHAN 4L race pack with x2 20oz soft flasks.
• Watch - Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition
• Gear Bag - Victory Sportdesign (Grizzley backpack)

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Thanks for reading my race recap.

Next up: Loup Garou Trail Run 100 Mi (2024-Dec-07).