Javelina Jundred 2018: Post-Race Thoughts

Now that I am 3 weeks removed from the race, I can fully embrace the whole experience and share some post-race thoughts about it.

What do I like about Javelina Jundred?

The Course. I like the course. Maybe it didn’t come across in my recap, but I do. Ok maybe not that Escondido trail so much.

Some sections certainly push me to work harder and get out of any comfort zone I might be enjoying at that moment, but the course is great. Except for the Escondido trail.

Something I didn’t realize my first time there, but every section has its distinct personality. I don’t think I’ve ever done a race where the section between each aid station is so vastly different from all the others. It’s a mix of everything – sandy washes, rocky and rolling hills, smooth flat and downhill trails.

I like the loops. If you know people who are doing the race, it’s nice to see some familiar faces along the way. Even if you don’t know anyone, you can offer words of encouragement to those runners ahead of you.

And now other things that I liked…

Javelina Jeadquarters is amazing! Everything is centralized there and your crew and pacer(s) don’t need to drive around for miles to meet up with you somewhere. I love that because I don’t worry about them trying to find me. It’s easier and more convenient for them and that’s important to me. Nobody has to leave.

Of course, that also makes it harder for you as the runner because you can get quite comfortable there. Beware of the chair! So when you arrive at Jeadquarters, get in, and get out as quickly as possible.

The aid stations are fantastic! Whether it’s vegetarian, vegan, or neither of those, Javelina has something stocked for everyone. I appreciate the options. And the stories are true…Jackass Junction is indeed the liveliest aid station you will come across, especially at night.

This year I liked having the Jackass Night Trail races take place. Seeing people all lit up in creative costumes was a fun sight and made for more people out on the course during those dark hours. I hope they continue having this race.

But no race is ever perfect, and there were a few things I experienced this year I didn’t particularly care for.

What I didn’t like about Javelina Jundred?

The music at the expo was so loud that after a few minutes, I felt like I had a concert in my ears. The music itself was great, but I had to yell so much it was physically draining. I wanted to stay longer, and shop but the loudness of the music made me want to leave quickly, and unfortunately, it wasn’t just me who felt that way. I seriously needed to decompress afterward.

Also at the expo, I didn’t care for the tables in a square set-up for the merchandise. People are lined up along the tables, headed to the cashiers, blocking the merchandise. If you wanted to check an item out, you needed to cut in front of people in line. This is what happened to me. A man cut in front of me and stayed there because he thought I was just looking at the merchandise when I was in fact, in line to pay. I didn’t say anything, but I didn’t like how the tables were set up.

I’m not sure if we do a post-race questionnaire but if I may, I’d suggest having the bib, goodie bag (by the way, excellent choice on the goodie bag – loved it!), and T-shirt distribution in one area. And on the other side, have all the merchandise.

The only other thing I didn’t like, and if you’ve read both of my race recaps you can probably guess what that is, and it doesn’t have anything to do with the organization or execution of the race itself. But yes, it’s the water I received at Rattlesnake Ranch.

I don’t know what it is, and it’s probably just me this happens to. Both years I’ve done it.

I thought maybe it was my hydration pack bladder that was having the problem. Maybe it’s too old and makes the water taste like it’s been treated with chemicals when it gets warm.

What worked for me? What I did do right this time around?

I made sure to stay hydrated and iced down early on. By 10 AM I was placing ice in my bandana even if the weather was still on the cooler side. Soon after, the heat picked up, but I was prepared. And I made sure I added ice at every single aid station until the temperature started to drop.

I rode the waves.

There’s a saying, especially in ultras that goes something along the lines of this:

If you feel bad, don’t worry, because it won’t last. And if you feel good, don’t worry, because it won’t last.

What didn’t work? What would I do differently?

For the most part, my race went as well as I could’ve hoped for. I probably should’ve eaten more at Jackass and Coyote Camp during my second loop so my energy would’ve been better. Knowing how quiet I got and didn’t feel like chatting was perhaps a signal that I needed more calories and should’ve taken them in earlier.

I also should’ve stuck with my original gaiters but of course, I wanted to be all matchy-matchy with my costume.

Speaking of costume, I was seriously happy with it! I’m so glad I wore it and made some people smile along the way.

Do I plan on returning to Javelina Jundred?

Yes! But I’m not sure about next year.

If you’re toying with the idea of doing a 100K or 100 Mile race, just so you know in 2020, Javelina Jundred will land squarely on Halloween and with a Full Moon. While some people don’t care about any of that, to me, that sounds like a pretty epic year to be there!

Now, whether I do the race in costume again remains to be seen, but I have a couple of years to mull it over.

All I know is, even though a lot can happen between now and then, I’d like to be there in 2020 for the 100-mile distance, and if this sounds like a race you’d like to do, perhaps I’ll see you there.

Thanks for reading!