Start Of The 100 Mile Stage Race

November 3rd
Day 1
24 Miles
Total Elevation Gain 10,00 Feet, I guess there was some downhill but you couldn't tell by me
Climb from 6,500 to 12,000

We started out late today, by over 1 1/2 hours. That meant that I might still be out there when it got dark. I did not pack my flashlight in my drop bag so I hoped that wouldn't be the case. A band played. When they finished there was a ceremony where the little children gave us scarves and wished us luck on our journey ahead. I took the scarf from around my neck and wrapped it around my stomach. I hoped that it would give me luck.

Today was a very long day. The road climbed steeply for the first 10 miles. I'd say we climbed 2,000 feet. The road was clear of rocks making this part much easier than the other areas. You couldn't run. There wasn't anything you could do besides walk. It was so steep at times that I thought I would topple over. You could never get into a rhythm but I tried.

After that first 8 miles, things seemed to be runnable. I was happy to finally be running. Now started what they called cobblestones. This was no cobblestones if you ask me. The road was filled with jagged rocks of all different shapes and sizes making it almost impossible to run or walk. I couldn't figure out how to maneuver.

Footing was almost impossible. I wished I knew what to do. I was lucky as one of the guys, Gavin, I met last night from South Africa was there and he gave me pointers on how to get up with these rocks. "Take long steps and push off," he said. With that, it finally clicked and I was moving a lot quicker. It seemed that I was going to get up this thing!

I started singing, You gonna build a mountain, you going to build a hill. That was some mountain if you ask me but more of that later. Every time you went up, you went down a little. They call this thing switch backs. I don't know what it is, but it made it a long day!

I somehow missed the aid station with my warm clothes and still had to climb 1,000 feet. I was upset and getting cold, but there wasn't anything I could do. The aid stations weren't numbered even though in our drop bags we put the # aid station. I didn't realize it until the last aid station where I must have had 7 miles to go climb those 1,000 feet making it 12,000 feet.

As I went up the mountain, it got cooler and cooler. That was hard with the sleeveless shirt I had on and the sun was soon to set. My goal was to reach the top by the time the sun set.

Now started my troubles. Ever so often I had to stop climbing and get my breathing under control. I didn't realize it at the time, but the altitude was really effecting me. All I wanted to do is get to the top.

That last 7 miles was the toughest, but I made it to the top! It took 9:01 hours. Too bad I didn't break 9 hours, but I did get there before the sun set. When I arrived, the other South African friend, Troy congratulated me and asked about Gavin. I didn't think we was going to make it. I was sure they wouldn't let anyone do this in the dark....but I was wrong.

It must have been in the 40ies and I was very cold. Our accommodations SUCKED. There was no heat. We were in a 4 room housing. There was a coal fire that didn't do anything but blow in smoke. Fortunately for us, the bathrooms were inside. Not a sit down, as swat. Well, I was going to do that anyway. No running water. No shower. I was really camping.

Finally, I changed out of my clothes, and was shivering and you could see my breath. It must have been 30 degrees in there, but I needed food. After changing, I had to walk up a small hill to get dinner. I was out of breath. I barely ate and came back to the room shivering.

The sleeping bag that was given to me didn't do the trick. Somehow, I didn't get the zero degree one. I was screwed for the night so I slept in a fleece jacket and gloves. I coughed all night and only had about 4 hours of sleep.

One of the girls in the other room, gave me hand warmers and chest rub, but nothing could help. I only hoped not to keep everyone up all night.