Javelina Jundred 100K: The RBG Edition

Pre-Race

I was as ready as I’d ever be. I put in my training time as best I could and I knew all of the races I finished this year were an accumulative effort to prepare me for the dance in the desert. Of course, this didn’t seem to curb the nervous and excited butterflies from stirring up. I began to have short bursts of flashbacks to my first experience at JJ; remembering how my body felt and how much I physically struggled, sent me a few tingling shivers down my spine. A few days before the race, everything I needed was packed, including the costume I was going to wear, and there was no doubt that this time around, things were going to be much different.

The Expo

Early Friday morning, after picking out my tent and helping set up the crew area with Ta’Mara, and coach Andy, it was time to hit up the expo to pick up some goodies.

First I stopped to see the ultra-amazing ultra runner Catra Corbett and got her book signed!

As I was getting my bib, the woman helping me said, ” I know you. I read your blog post! I hope your water is better this time. ”

“I packed some in my drop bag,” I replied.

We both laugh.

During my first go at Javelina, I knew that if I ever did this race again, I’d make sure I packed extra water with me. You will learn more from the races that don’t go well, than from the ones that do. I was ready this time around.

Race Days

Saturday morning I got to Jeadquarters early to see some friends take off for the 100-mile race and after seeing the start, not once did I regret my decision to do the 100K distance instead of the 100 miles. You either have the drive to do the 100-mile distance, or you don’t, and this year I didn’t. I’m so happy I listened to myself.

LOOP 1

Javelina Headquarters to Coyote Camp

At 7 AM the 100K runners were sent off.

The weather was cool and breezy and I tried not to get too comfortable with it because I knew it was going to warm up. I trained for the heat and was prepared for it.

My goal for these first 4 miles was merely to ease into the day and get the lay of the land. The texture of this section is interesting; a few rocky bits, but not much. It’s mostly sandy sections and dry wash-beds that if you’re not careful with your step, can take a quick dip down. I didn’t want to burn my legs out early on, so I took it easy and tried to get into the groove of things.

I knew I wasn’t planning on stopping for anything when I arrived at Coyote Camp so I kept on going and tried to prepare myself for the next section.

Coyote Camp to Jackass Junction

The terrain between Coyote and Jackass tends to be mostly rolling and rocky hills with a constant slight uphill. This is my second least favorite section simply because I can’t ever get a strong running groove here because, for me, I don’t run well on rocks.

I think spraining my ankles on rocky terrain a few years ago has played a part in preventing me from fully getting comfortable on these types of trails. All I can do is find the best place to land my feet so my ankles don’t go rolling out from under me. Maybe being 5 or 6 miles into the race wouldn’t be the best time to do that. Nowhere during a race is the best time to do that.

I spent this time taking in all the scenery and feeling so thankful for the cool temps and breezes. I knew they weren’t going to last, so I enjoyed them while they were there.

Just before I got to Jackass, a couple of the 100-mile front runners were approaching. I saw a tall lean fella run towards me swiftly, and as he passed me, he yelled out to me, “Ruth!!!”

“Yeah!!” I yelled back in complete elation!

When someone knew who I was supposed to be, it filled my heart with such delight. First of all, it was because I received some sort of confirmation that I pulled it off. And secondly, people knew who RBG was!

When I arrived at Jackass I had a list of things to do: use the restroom, fill my bandana with ice (the temps were still cool, but you got to get ahead of the heat), refill my hydration pack with water, and put some Gatorade into my handheld.

I took off my robe because my hydration pack was underneath it. I added water to my pack, tasted the water; it was good, and then put my robe back on. As I did, a female runner asked me, “How long are you planning on wearing that?”

“I don’t know. I’ll see how the day goes.”

“Well I’ve seen people get taken out of the race because of their costume,” she said.

I said, “Well I already planned on discarding it if it gets too hot.”

She was silent.

Jackass Junction to Rattlesnake Ranch

This is my favorite section. The trail is a smooth path of some flat and gradual downhill. For me, it’s the most runnable section.

It was here I got to see a few people I knew running the 100 miles who were on their second loop. First I saw Cody, and soon after Rob. The first time I was at Javelina I got to participate with his wife Melissa, and now it was Rob’s turn.

Rob: How are you doing?

Me: I’m doing the 100K. How are you doing?

Rob: No, I know you’re doing the 100K. I said, how are you doing? Not, what are you doing?

This honestly made me laugh! I may have had dirt in my ears.

Rob made a video about his Javelina Jundred and you can see much of what the course looks like. And if you don’t blink, you just might see a cameo made by me. Take a look at it HERE.

It was also in this area I saw Jimmy Dean Freeman who gave me a big ol’hug and then scolded me when I said I was going slow. Yes, I had to mention that JD.

Rattlesnake Ranch to Javelina Jeadquarters

(via Escondido Trail)

Arriving at Rattlesnake I had two major objectives: top off my pack with water and add ice to my bandana.

I was about to embark on the longest, hottest, and rockiest section and I needed to make sure I had plenty of hydration to last me.

I left the station and turned left onto the Escondido Trail. It was then I realized I forgot to taste my water before leaving. And then I did.

If there is anything I didn’t want to do here is rehash what happened to me at the 2016 race, but what is it with the water at the Rattlesnake Ranch aid station???

I’d love to say that I’ve developed a refined palate for delicious water, but whatever water they gave me at Rattlesnake tastes nasty.

This time around, it wasn’t as bad. It was still bad, but NOT as bad as I had it a couple of years ago and I attribute this to one thing: I still had water from Jackass so there wasn’t much of the nasty-tasting water and all it did was mix in.

Because I didn’t want a replay, I forced myself to drink it. Well, I forced myself to drink as much as possible and relied a lot on my ice-cold diluted Gatorade to help me stay hydrated.

At this point, it got hotter. I didn’t want RBG to overheat so I took off my robe. When I was deciding what to wear underneath, I honestly had no idea. I selected a white shirt that would blend in with the jabot but turns out the only white running shirt I have is from the 2009 LA Marathon, but hey, if it was going to keep me cool so be it.

The Escondido section completely trashed my feet. Earlier in the week the area received rain, which most likely attributed to the onslaught of extra rocks that washed down onto the trail. I remember it being fairly rocky the last time around, but this was much worse.

I found it so difficult to walk, not to mention even run, and any extra effort on my part would be the perfect recipe for me to roll some ankles. I decided to just simply get through this section one easy step at a time and save my energy for later.

When I got closer to Jeadquarters I dumped the remaining water I had in my pack, which was probably around 20-30 ounces, and put my costume back on. I ran around the track and crossed the timing mat.

“Jackie Kennedy” greeted me. She tells me, “Are you Ruth Bader Ginsburg?!! Oh my God, I love you!!! Please don’t ever leave!!!”

She was awesome and made me smile. Her volunteer award was well-deserved because she was the best part of that finish line.

Before heading to the crew tent, I was planning on using the porta-potty first, but was quickly stopped by race director Jubilee because it turns out, I could’ve technically cut the course here. It didn’t even dawn on me. Whoops.

So I went to the crew tent first where I refilled up with my delicious tasting water from Trader Joe’s. I told Coach Andy about the water at Rattlesnake and he said, “Of course it tastes bad. You’re drinking this.” As he pointed to my Trader Joe’s water. I would’ve liked to attribute it to my refined palate for water, but the water was fine at Jackass.

It was here I also decided to discard my RBG costume. While a part of me knows I would’ve been fine with it for Loop 2, I didn’t feel like carrying it for half of the way. This was the hottest part of the day and the fewer things I needed to carry, the better.

Before leaving I got ice in my bandana and grabbed my headlamp.

LOOP 2

Javelina Jeadquarters to Rattlesnake Ranch

(not via the Escondido Trail)

If there was anything I was seriously grateful for, it was the elimination of the Escondido trail for the remaining loops. Not to put this out there, but if we had to return the same way, it’d be torture, and I don’t think I’d do this race ever again. To be honest, I wish they would eliminate it, but that most likely won’t happen so I’ll settle for having to go through it only once during the entire race.

Somewhere during this time, the area above my left ankle started to hurt. At first, I thought maybe my shoe was on too tight, but it dawned on me the real culprit: the gaiters I was wearing were cutting into my leg.

Normally I’d wear my watermelon gaiters, but I wanted to be all matchy-matchy with my costume so I wore some black gaiters that my friend Fernanda gave me.

I’ve tested them out before and they felt fine, but this time they didn’t and they had to go. When I got to the aid station, I sat down to take them off.

“Aren’t you Ruth?” the runner sitting next to me asked.

“Yes I am,” I excitedly said.

“You’re not wearing it.”

“No. Ruth needed to sit out for loop 2, but she’ll be back for loop 3.”

“Well, it’s not a very smart costume to wear in the heat.”

Excuse me? Did this person just say this to me?

Yes, they did.

I wondered if they said this to the guy wearing the Captain America outfit, or the guy wearing the Red Devil costume being covered from head to toe.

Rattlesnake Ranch to Jackass Junction

When I left Rattlesnake I felt much better after taking off the gaiters, but I knew from here on out I’d be dealing with pebbles infiltrating my shoes. It was going to be a small price to pay. Side note: I did bring my watermelon gaiters with me, but forgot to include them in my drop bag. They stayed nestled in my other bag that was inside my tent.

Physically, I felt good.  My feet hurt more than I’d like at this point and were only going to feel worse. But I had no stomach issues or nausea and that makes all the difference.

What I like about Javelina is the opportunity to see people around the loops who are coming towards you. Once again, I saw Rob, followed by Cody, and wondered where the other folks were. I knew I’d be seeing them at some point.

Jackass Junction to Coyote Camp

When I wandered into Jackass I wanted to be in and out as fast as possible. I refilled my water and immediately tasted it. It was perfect. I got more Gatorade and snacked on some Pringles and peanut butter pretzels. I decided last minute to add a few pieces of ice to my bandana but knew I’d be discarding it fairly soon. The sun was starting to set and temps were about to drop.

Aside from the hottest section in Escondido, the weather was bearable.

Leaving Jackass I wasn’t exactly looking forward to it. I knew what was coming even though this was the “easiest” direction on this loop because of the rolling down hills. Unfortunately, those rolling down hills can be quite rocky and I’d be maneuvering them in the dark.

It was here I was able to see some familiar folks: D, Jennifer, Mitch, Stephanie, Ta’Mara, and coach Andy.

As I inched closer to Coyote Camp I had my first encounter with wildlife – a teeny tiny thin sliver of a snake slithering its way around, and over the rocks. Luckily I caught it just in time before I stepped on it, squishing it and flattening it like a pancake.

The only other wildlife I encountered was the pack of coyotes howling off in the distance a few times. And speaking of coyotes…

Coyote Camp to Javelina Jeadquarters

At Coyote Camp, I used the porta-potty and quickly left. I didn’t need anything. I didn’t want anything. I only wanted to keep going and be done with this loop.

I was fatigued here and while I kept moving I wanted nothing more than to be back at Jeadquarters and back in my costume because the temps were turning chilly and I wanted to be cozy in my robe.

This was a tough short section for me.

When you do enough of these long distances, especially in ultras, you learn things about yourself and this is what I know: When I’m tired during a race or long run, I don’t feel like talking. If someone is talking I don’t feel like engaging, and most of the time I simply want silence. Even if I have the energy to speak, I don’t feel like speaking.

Part of what made it more difficult was the dirt particles kicking up and inhaling it. I felt like I had a pound of dirt stuck in my throat. It was irritating and every time I coughed, my lower back hurt, and every single time, I imagined my kidneys were going to explode out of my body. These ultras are fun kids!

Through the dark, I saw a guy who appeared to be shirtless and as he moved closer to me, appeared to be wearing something that resembled nothing more than a square loincloth. Was he real, or was this my first hallucination? I don’t know. But it took every ounce of energy I had not to turn around because the light from my headlamp would shine brightly on his cheeks. But then again, he could’ve been a hallucination.

When I arrived at Jeadquarters, I wanted nothing more than to be done. I wanted my race to be over with. I didn’t want to go back out there, but I wasn’t going to quit either. Quitting here was not going to be an option. I wanted my buckle.

I crossed over the timing mat and received my final loop bracelet.

Under the crew tent, I sat for a few minutes drinking Coca-Cola and eating Pringles. I found out the current score for the Red Sox-Dodgers World Series game, or as I was told, “If you’re a Dodgers fan you won’t be happy.” I was happy.

I was also postponing the inevitable. If I honestly didn’t care about this race or how I did, I probably would’ve called it a day, but I had no excuse not to finish and after seeing the guy with one leg heading out on a loop as I was coming in from loop 2, I knew I didn’t have any excuses.

I wasn’t sick. Thank God. I wasn’t injured. Thank God. I wasn’t anything but tired and sore, with wrecked feet and a pound of dirt in my throat. So my game plan for Loop 3 became this: Caffeine. Nothing but caffeine. And some water that I refilled with my Trader Joe’s stash.

LOOP 3

Javelina Jeadquarters to Coyote Camp

The only thoughts that raged in my head were: This is my final loop. This is my final loop. This is my final loop! I was exhausted.

Mentally I knew this was going to be the most challenging of loops for me.

I knew it was the low blood sugar and lack of caffeine that played a role in that fatigue so I reminded myself, I am strong and I need to take it one step at a time.

After I drank the Coca-Cola, I went straight for the Run Gum, and it helped.

During this time there was an onslaught of headlamps coming and going from other 100K and 100 mile runners and because of that, I never truly felt entirely alone out there. There were spots where I didn’t have anyone around, but for the most part, I tried not to let that fear creep into my head of being completely alone or else I would’ve never left the tent.

A few people asked me if I was going to have a pacer and I didn’t. Part of me didn’t feel the need for one. I’ve done 50 miles alone, so what’s another 11 or 12 miles by myself in the dark? I wasn’t the only solo runner out there. Many 100-K and 100-mile runners didn’t have pacers. I think part of the lure of having one is a comfort in knowing someone is there with you to make decisions when you can’t, or helping you refill water and get your snacks. Your pacer becomes your second brain. I was going to have to rely on the one brain I had to get me to the finish line.

The first and second times I passed through Coyote Camp I wasn’t there for long. This time around I sat myself down. I took some pebbles out of my shoes and started to stretch out my left hip flexor.

A few weeks ago, it started to feel tight, or like the area needed to pop back into realignment. I missed a long run due to this and from that day I’ve managed to get through the rest of training without any discomfort. Not this time.

Somewhere on my way towards Coyote, my left hip started to act funky. It could be a hip flexor issue or tendonitis. I honestly don’t know. But it wasn’t happy here and it was bothersome to Jackass.

A kind volunteer got me some veggie broth and as I sat there drinking it she said to me, “You’re RBG!” And there goes my heart again, filling up with delight.

We chatted a bit about RBG and how amazing she is. The volunteer asked me if many people recognized her. I said most people did, but some didn’t, and she was surprised by this.

“How can people not know who she is?!” she says.

It’s true. Some people don’t know who Ruth Bader Ginsburg is.

Before the race, I played around with the idea of wearing a costume. I jotted down some possibilities, but one day an image flashed into my head of RBG and it was like a lightning spark of inspiration!

2018 marks the 25th Anniversary of her confirmation as a Supreme Court Justice and I knew this was who I needed to be. I’d like to think some of RBG’s strength carried me through the rest of the way.

Coyote Camp to Jackass Junction

And now came the seriously toughest section for me. I wasn’t looking forward to it. But the only way out, was through.

6.5 miles of rocky rolling hills with a gradual uphill in pitch-black darkness. Every single time I passed through this section the rocks trashed my feet even more and my hip flexor area didn’t let up.

Not my finest hours. Time seemed to speeding up while the miles seemed to be slowing down. I tried to look for markers that would indicate where I was or how much longer before I reached Jackass. Did I miss it? Did I completely miss the aid station? Where is the music? Shouldn’t I hear the music right about now? I should be there by now. I was still so far away.

They say never decide on doing that particular race again when you’re at your lowest. I was surely at my lowest and kept thinking, I’m never doing this race again. Also, I’m so happy I’m not doing the 100 miles. By the way, I’m already planning on when I’ll do this race again.

Maybe a couple of miles before reaching Jackass, I got a little bit of company and a mental break when Rob walked with me for a couple of minutes. He broke up the silence that was in the air. It was here I didn’t mind talking. I welcomed the brief chat, but I also didn’t want to hold him up because he was on his way to finishing the 100 miler. He took off and the silence returned.

But then I heard the music was thumping. The party was in full swing when I arrived at Jackass in the early hours of Sunday morning.

I immediately went to sit down to remove some pebbles. As I sat there I saw Elvis and no he wasn’t a hallucination. He was fighting off the sleep monsters as well and I realize I’ve been awake well over 24 hours at this point.

I got some veggie broth. As I sat there, I noticed Jim Walmsley and the rest of the Coconino Cowboys chatting and helping out, and then I saw Melody stroll through. We talked about how our feet were killing us. Focus on the positive, right?

Before leaving, I downed some Mountain Dew and filled up with some water.

As I was walking towards the trail, I saw a guy wearing a clown outfit. When I reached him, I said, “Hey no clowning around, this race is serious business.”

He laughs and says to me, “Nice costume.”

“What costume?” I replied.

He laughs. I laugh.

And then a couple of days later I found out the guy in the clown outfit was Patrick Reagan, who was the 1st male in the 100 mile! Yes, the guy won the 100-mile race in like 5 hours*, and then went to go hang out at Jackass Junction.

Jackass Junction to Rattlesnake Ranch

If you ever do this race, here is a little tidbit of truth about if you happen to run the portion from Jackass Junction to Rattlesnake Ranch at night. This only pertains to running this section when it’s complete darkness. Otherwise, you miss all the fun when it’s still light out.

There will come a point when you see the lights off in the distance for Rattlesnake Ranch and you think, “Wow, it’s right there! It’s so close!”

But it’s not close at all.

You think you’re half of a mile, maybe even a mile away from it, but it’s probably closer to 4 to 4.5 miles away. It’s enormously deceptive.

It looks like the closer you get to it, the further it moves away.

You know those movies that show a normal-sized hallway and then all of a sudden the camera pans out and the hallway stretches out and elongates? It feels exactly like this!

I was ready to be done and ran the entire way. All that energy I saved earlier was stored up and after letting my food settle for about 20 minutes from Jackass, I booked it.

Rattlesnake Ranch to Javelina Jeadquarters/The Finish

Guy 1: “3.9 miles remaining.”

Guy 2: “Actually 3.7 miles.”

Me, pointing to Guy 2: “I like him better.”

This was it. The home stretch. I quickly used the porta potty at Rattlesnake and was out of there. If there was a pebble in my shoe, I didn’t care. It was going with me.

I ran and ran, as hard and fast as I could. I think it was pure adrenaline at this point., or that Mountain Dew kicked in.

All the emotions flooded within me. As some 100-mile runners ran past me we offered each other some fist bumps and high fives congratulating our finishes.

And then I heard the music and saw the giant HOKA ONEONE inflatable arch.

Javelina Jeadquarters and The Finish

I ran underneath the arch and heard some folks yell out, “RBG!!!!” “Hey, it’s RBG!!” Hearing this being shouted out along the way as I took my final run around Jeadquarters again filled my heart.

I crossed the finish line and received a giant hug from Jackie Kennedy who handed me my hard-earned 100K finishers buckle. It was then, that my long beautiful day in the Arizona desert was officially done!!!

Thank you first and foremost to my family, who have been so supportive and encouraging throughout this year with all these races I did, and always with my running adventures.

Thank you to coach Andy Noise for his training, guidance, and wisdom to help me get through these last several months.

Thank you to Aravaipa Running for putting on a stellar race, and to all the volunteers for your support and encouragement!

Thank you to all the people I know and got to see along the way during this race.

Congratulations to everyone who toed the line!

And thank you for reading!

*13:42:59