“It doesn’t matter the place you might be, it doesn’t matter the place you go
If it’s 1,000,000 miles away or simply 10 miles up the highway
Take it in, take it with you once you go
Who says you’ll be able to’t go house?” – Bon Jovi
Final weekend on the 2024 Javelina 100 Mile, right here within the desert of Arizona, I went again house. After a three-plus-year hiatus from operating 100-mile races, I returned to the gap that I like in a spot that I like. It felt like a real homecoming.
The final 100-mile race I ran earlier than final Saturday was the 2021 Bighorn 100 Mile in Wyoming. It was an extended and difficult day. Since then, I’ve modified jobs twice, moved again to Arizona, and had two hip substitute surgical procedures. I started operating once more in late December 2023, which is the place my journey again to the 2024 Javelina 100 Mile started.
After being medically cleared by my surgeon, I started the gradual return to operating. Quick run/walks gave technique to longer efforts, ultimately resulting in my mid-March determination to join Javelina. By mid-April, I accomplished a 37-mile coaching run, and on June 1, I ran a 12-hour timed race, overlaying 54 miles within the course of. Whereas I used to be not as fleet of foot as I as soon as was, I felt like a runner once more. I dedicated myself to sustaining consistency by means of the new Arizona summer time, and on September 20 and 21, I accomplished a two-day, 70-mile coaching camp on the Javelina course. At that time, I had the boldness that I used to be prepared.
As race day approached, a lot consideration was paid to the climate forecast, as document sizzling temperatures have been predicted for race day. I thought of that as I laid out my remaining plans for the race. I set three objectives for myself, outlined a diet protocol, and established a pacing plan.
The writer on the 2024 Javelina 100 Mile. All photographs: CTS Ultrarunning
Targets
Whereas I actually had no concept if I might obtain it, I wished to shoot for a sub-24-hour end. Given my age and health, I knew it will be a stretch, however I used to be keen to offer it a shot. To be able to hit that aim, I knew I must make fast work of the help stations, so my second aim was to finish the complete occasion with out sitting down. Lastly, I knew the course properly and knew that the 5.2-mile part from Jackass Junction to Rattlesnake Ranch performed to my strengths, so I made a dedication to run each step of that part on every of the 5 laps.
Vitamin Protocol
Ultramarathon diet has advanced fairly a bit since I first got here into the game within the early Nineties, however there are specific tried and true points of race day diet that stay unchanged. With that in thoughts, I dedicated to the next protocol and schedule:
- Tailwind Speedy Hydration in each bottles for the primary three loops (45 energy, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 320 milligrams of sodium)
- Cola in 24-ounce bottles, midway by means of Loop 3, and on Loops 4 and 5 (140 energy, 45 grams of carbohydrates)
- Gu Roctane gels each half-hour (100 energy, 23 grams of carbohydrates, 125 milligrams of sodium)
- Rooster broth (1,200 mg sodium)
- Coconut water (50 mg sodium, 470 mg potassium)
- Yogurt and granola after Loop 1
- Turkey, cheese, avocado, All the things However the Bagel Seasoning, after Loop 2
- Broth with ramen noodles after Loop 3
- Salt and Vinegar Pringles after Loop 4
Targets: 250 to 300 energy/60 to 75 grams of carbohydrates per hour whereas operating, 400 to 500 energy at transitions (much less after loop 4), 1 to 1.5 liters of fluid per hour, 600 to 800mg of sodium per liter of water.
The writer operating the nighttime part of the 2024 Javelina 100 Mile.
Pacing
Given the expected temperatures and my information of the course, I knew I wanted to select my spots operating assertively through the cooler climate, and maintain again through the warmth of the day. With that in thoughts, I established these tempo objectives:
- Loop 1 — 4:45
- Loop 2 — 4:15
- Loop 3 — 4:30
- Loop 4 — 4:50
- Loop 5 — 5:20
The way it Went
When the mud settled on Javelina weekend, I used to be positively thrilled with my expertise. I managed a 22:42 end with out sitting down, and ran each step between Jackass Junction and Rattlesnake Ranch. I caught strictly to my diet plan, and suffered no low factors or nausea/vomiting. Lastly, I succeeded in pacing the race in a approach I knew I might maintain with these splits:
- Loop 1 — 4:35
- Loop 2 — 4:11
- Loop 3 — 4:29
- Loop 4 — 4:37
- Loop 5 — 4:40
Anyone who is aware of me is aware of how a lot I like path operating and ultramarathon operating, and I’d be a liar if I stated I didn’t miss being “within the area” over these final three years. At instances I had my doubts, and there have been definitely irritating moments. Nonetheless, in the long run, by sustaining a deal with my long-term objectives, remaining optimistic, and having fun with the method, I used to be in a position to come again house.
Bottoms up!
AJW proudly shows his Javelina 100 Mile belt buckle.
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Pinnacle Brewing Firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, not removed from the beginning/end of the Javelina 100 Mile. Astro 10° is a smoked lager that’s balanced and distinctive to the class. Frivolously hopped with a surprisingly easy aftertaste, Astro 10° is the right beer for Javelina weekend.
Name for Feedback
- Did you race Javelina? How did you get on?
- Have you ever additionally come again to ultrarunning or a specific distance after a hiatus?
