Step 1 - Sulphur Springs 100 Miler

Race Date: May 29, 2010

Course Overview

The Sulphur Spring 100 Miler is is comprised of 8 (20K) loops...97% trail and 3% road.
The first 5-7k is relatively flat...enjoy this section because the next 7k is very undulating...during this section you will encounter a hill every 5 hundred meters or so.

The hills from 7k through 15k will require you to walk unless you are are seasoned pro...

The last 5k is downhill with the exception of one hill I call the wedge...2 minutes steep climbing just before the end of the loop.

Aid stations are positioned perfectly for the runner to stay hydrated and fueled.

This was my first 100miler... wow was I naive...ignorant of what it takes to complete a Ultramarathon 100 miles in length.

Rookie Mistakes

1. Went out too fast. First 50 miles in 10hours...last 50 miles in 17 hours.
2. Tried to run all the hills.
3. Didn't use enough body gulide to prevent chafing.
4. Got lost in darkness added and extra 2 hours of running.
5. Hit the wall at 120k almost quit.

Completed 100 miler in 27 hours and 15 minutes.

Post Race - Body Damage.

• 6 of 10 toe nails went black.
• tore a muscel in upper groin area caused a hematoma the size of my head.
• Blisters on feet were so deep I couldn't pop them without cutting the skin.
• Balls of feet are numb, pin and needles.
• Could not stand without assistance for 24 hours.

Post Race Race Recovery

• Day 1 - movement impossible, had to crawl to go to bathroom.
• Day 2 - I could stand with extreme pain throught entire body
• Day 3 - I could walk very slowly looking like I just crapped my pants.
• Day 4 - Tried to run without success.
• Day 10 - recovered enought to run 1 hour 42 minutes on the trails.

Positive health Benefits

• A great feeling of personal accomplishment 10 days after the race.
• Putting yourself through this kind of torcher is an emotional experience that hits you in waves.
• Completing something so difficult gives you an understanding of the bodies limits and the side benefit is confidence.

I feel like a different person somehow...I have stopped rushing around in everything I do...the race has given me a sense of inner calm...I feel great from a overall wellbeing perspective...5 years of lower back pain has subsided...20 days after the race the balls of my feet are still numb...I hope they are not damaged for life.