Tim
Since you mentioned how busy you are during retail season, might want to factor in the availability to get in your long runs leading up to the race.
“Paralysis-to-50k” training plan is underway!
Are we there, yet?
The weather would be more a factor if we get an early, hard winter. I'm semi-retired so work only 20-25 hours per week. It's just a bad time of year to take time off because we need the experienced staff along with all the seasonal help, and I usually work the weekends when we're busiest and when it's hardest to find someone to cover vacations and absences.
2024 Races:
03/09 - Livingston Oval Ultra 6-Hour, 22.88 miles
05/11 - D3 50K 05/25 - What the Duck 12-Hour
06/17 - 6 Days in the Dome 12-Hour.
George, I did the 3 Days at the Fair event last May, it was outstanding. This year's races should be quite the show, apparently there are some big runners that are going to attempt a new 48 hour record.
Take Charge. Train Harder. Suck Less. No Excuses.
I've nothing planned that weekend. If my work schedule allows, I may drive up and offer to crew, volunteer, or pace a slower runner. I'm not ready, at least mentally, to attempt a 100 this year. I'm working my way up. They don't include 100 Miles as one of their races, but I could consider entering the 48 hour race and stop at 100M - or go on if I'm crazy enough.
George, I know Jen (Toyger) and Groove are doing that race this year. They did it last year too.
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. Between this, some suggestions from FB friends, and my own research, I've compiled the following list of possibilities. Dates are approximate but they at least give me a general timeframe for planning. I'm sure my perspective and criteria or preferences will change as I get more experience with ultras and trails, but then I have at least 6 months before I need to make any decisions. (I think Umstead registration opens in September.)
01/31-2/1/15 Rocky Raccoon (TX), 30 hours (start last of 5 loops by 24 hours)
02/14-15/15 Jackpot Ultra (NV), 30 hours
03/07-08/15 Razorback (CA), 35 hours
03/07-08/15 Graveyard (NC), 30 hours
03/28-29/15 BLU (CA), 31 hours
04/04-05/15 Umstead (NC), 30 hours
04/25-26/15 C&O Canal (MD), 30 hours
05/23-24/15 Pigtails Challenge (WA), 32 hours
06/07-08/15 Kettle Moraine (WI), 30 hours
08/01-02/15 Burning River (OH), 30 hours
08/08-09/15 Beast of Burden (Summer),(NY), 30 hours
08/15-16/15 Run de Vous (CA), 32 hours
09/05-06 /15 Pine Creek Challenge (PA), 30 hours
might want to add Javalina to the list, I've heard good things about it and the RDs are great guys
Javalina kinda scared me when I saw completions rate of about 50%. Any idea why it's that low, or is that typical of finish rates for 100s?
I think last year might have been an exception, it was a bit hotter than usual. You do need to have some heat training under your belt. I heard a lot of people dropped down to shorter distances, so maybe not quite as bad as it looks. I've only run mountain 100's so 50% is not that unusual to me.
Le professeur de trail
Well no one else has said it so I will - "Just forget it!" It's a ludicrous idea, you will never be able to complete it. You are crazy for even thinking this let alone trying to run a 100 miler. Ok that is out. Once you get past that, you are fine.
My non 100 mile running 2-cents is make a judement call on flat 100 vs. semi rugged trail 100 vs. very rugged trail 100. It soulds like the last is not an option for you so that keeps it a bit more simple.
Just to touch base on the Pine Creek and Oil Creek stuff - I am sue you have figured out by now they are flat vs. semi rugged. Pine Creek is flat as can be and in a beautiful place. Oil Creek is not flat but also not terribly difficult (in comparison) and also in a beautiful area. Both (from what I have heard) are first time friendly races.
edit: If you look at 2013 Oil Creek finising percentages, don't! It was unusually hot n humid during the day and created some havoc. It is usually cooler that time of year.
Good luck in your decision.
My favorite day of the week is RUNday
I know Javelina is one of the few that will let you drop down from the 100 mile to 100K during the race (and get a buckle).
I wonder if that contributes to the low completion rate?
I've also read somewhere that a lot of the "easy" hundreds have low completion rates because a lot of first timers try them out, without being fully prepared. For example, look at Western States or Hardrocks completion rates (both over 70%) and realize that they require pretty stout qualifying runs to even get in.
Trail and Ultra Running User Group
Refurbished Hip
I know Javelina is one of the few that will let you drop down from the 100 mile to 100K during the race (and get a buckle). I wonder if that contributes to the low completion rate?
You can also bail at Kettle Moraine at the 100K point too. (Not that I would let you do that, George. )
Another race with a good amount of time is Zumbro 100 (34 hours.) April in Minnesota can mean iffy weather though. I don't think the 100 has sold out yet though. I was considering that for my first one. I believe it is 6 loops.
Running is dumb.
DAMMIT MANDY!!!! DON'T JINX THE WEATHER!!! This is my first 100 and I need it to be 70's during the day and 50's during the night with no mud!!!................and yes, 6 loops
On On
It will be great to see you even if it is as a crew or volunteer. Pacing is not allowed though but cheering on all runners is encouraged.
I am sure you are mentally ready to do 100 miles. All it takes is time and forward progress. If you give yourself 48 hours I am sure you will surprise yourself with how well you do. There is a coin for finishing 100 miles and it is on a certified course so you know you went at least 100 miles in the time it shows on the clock. Not many other races are certified 100 miles no matter what the cutoff.
Let me know if you have any questions, either here or direct message.
Hasher Rick
co RD for 3 Days at the Fair
NJ Trail Series NJ Trail Series on Facebook NY NJ Runners Group @rickmcnulty
I highly recommend Prairie Spirit 100-miler in Kansas the last weekend in March (same weekend as BLU). It's about as flat as you can get, and is nearly entirely crushed gravel (some asphalt in the major towns along the route). Cutoff is 30 hours