Javelina Jundred 100K – 2020 race recap

After completing the Aravaipa Strong virtual race in April, it wasn’t my intention to take 8 months off before writing again.  But I didn’t make it a priority. However, if there was anything I wanted to accomplish before this year ended it was to get one last post in.   

After Aravaipa Strong, I completed the Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee (GVRAT) 1000K over the summer and now I’m in the midst of Region 3 (there are 12 regions) of the Circumpolar Race Around the World (CRAW) with some awesome ultra weirdo teammates. We should be starting Region 4 in a few short weeks.

Participating in these virtual races has allowed me to keep focused on running consistently since I wasn’t sure if I’d have an actual in-person race this year. 

The first race I was signed up for was initially postponed, and eventually canceled. My entry is rolled into 2021. The second race I was registered for was more of a mystery. 

After I finished the 2018 Javelina Jundred 100K, I knew I would return for the 100 miles. Once I heard the 2020 edition would land on Halloween AND with a Full Moon, I knew this was going to be the year! 

For two years this race was on my mind. Not every day and not even every week, but it was hovering. 

When January 1st, 2020 came around, I was so excited to register because THIS was going to be the year I do 100 miles! 

Pump the brakes.

Fast forward a couple of months into the year and the lockdown began. Stay at home orders were set and I stayed home. Streets were empty and the gyms and trails were closed. This was going to put a kink into training. The only real safe place I found myself running in was my building’s parking garage. Not the most ideal but it would have to do.

Once trails opened up again in May, they became crowded and not everyone wore masks. Even outside, being close to others made me nervous so I limited my time and stuck to the garage and quieter streets. 

But the questions remained.  Would Javelina happen his year? If so, would I still go?

The race organizers at Aravapia Running did their best to keep us informed and noted we should hear something in August. All I could do was keep trying to train as best I could. However, I decided this was not my year to attempt 100 miles and dropped down to the 100K.

When the race received approval in September, I asked myself, do I still want to go? Yes. But I was still slightly nervous.  

However, I felt safer running in the Arizona desert than I do running with someone who isn’t in my tiny bubble.  I haven’t run with friends since January and while I miss running with others, I don’t think that’s going to change for me anytime soon.  Everyone has their comfort level when it comes to running with others during these times, but for me, that’s a risk I’m not willing to take right now.  And I’m okay being a solo runner. 

Based on the Event Safe Guidelines, there was no doubt Javelina was going to look vastly different from other years. I arrived in Arizona armed with masks, face shields, gloves, and loads of hand sanitizer.  Items I’ve never needed to bring to a race before. 

We were allowed only one pacer or crew, but I wasn’t going to have a pacer and wasn’t planning on having one even if I was running 100 miles. I made that decision long before I registered for the race.

On Friday morning (the day before my race), I arrived at Javelina Jeadquarters to pick up my bib, souvenir goodies, and select my tent. Walking onto the grounds, the silence was noticeable. 

In past years. there would be loads of 10 x 10 canopy tents lining the track filled with friends and family of the participants and people walking around enjoying the loud atmosphere. With half the amount of runners allowable in the race, the area felt like a ghost town. 

This was the second day of the race and there were 100-mile races and 100K races in progress.

A change this year was having numerous waves limited to 10 people at a time; spread out over 3 days with morning and evening start times. This lessened the number of people in the area around you. 

People were socially distanced and masks were required to be worn in any area where you could have contact with others, meaning in aid stations and Jeadquarters. Although I would see runners not wear them in the aid stations and figured I read the Event Safe Guidelines incorrectly. You did not have to wear a mask while running. 

On race morning I arrived early to relax in my tent before changing into my costume and walking to the start area.  The temperature felt cool and there was some surprising cloud cover that I’ve never had at Javelina before. It was beautiful!

My wave started at 8:15 AM and just before I could enter the start area, my temperature was taken and I was allowed in. With 10 people starting, there were only two of us with costumes on me and the Incredible Hulk. 

Because it was Halloween, I figured people would be wearing costumes.  Due to the elimination of the “washing machine style,” (running clockwise on Loop 1 and counter-clockwise on Loop 2 and so on), it was difficult for me to see what the other costumes were because I wouldn’t be seeing anybody run towards me. We were all running clockwise on every loop.

Starting the race, I felt physically good, but I was undertrained. Miles were consistent, but I lacked seriously long mileage. The biggest training run was 32 miles for the virtual Marine Corps 50K that I completed three weeks prior.

I would need to tap into mental strength earlier than I expected because about a half-mile, or perhaps, a mile into the race, I realized I forgot my fuel! Aside from the packet of Sports Beans I had with me, I forgot my water bottle filled with CarboPro. Umm, this was going to be interesting.

My first hurdle was figuring out how I was going to tackle the first 21 miles without much of anything because I wasn’t about to trek back another half-mile (or mile) back to Jeadquarters. I had water so I was good there.  I should be good, right? As long I drank it and didn’t get dehydrated early, I’d just have to make some adjustments.  Races are about anticipating what could go wrong and adjust. I wasn’t anticipating forgetting my fuel, but here I am. 

Having a few runners in the 100-mile race pass by and comment on my costume kept me distracted. One runner was Camille Herron who, as she was about to run past me said something like “do you have the glasses?” And when I turned to my left to look at her, she smiled and said “oh my gosh that’s awesome!”  

I put a little more thought and effort into my costume this year because I wanted to honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg just right, and I hope I made her proud. 

Just before I reached the first aid station at Coyote Camp, I put my mask on and grabbed some Ginger Ale. Normally, I wouldn’t have taken anything and just kept moving, but I better this time. 

The section between the Coyote Camp and Jackass Junction aid stations is rocky with some uphill.  While there are some runnable areas for me, I knew I’d be walking most of this section. 

I came upon The Zen Zone which I’ve never noticed before. Perhaps it’s new, or perhaps it’s been there for the last 4 years and I never realized it.

One thing I do remember is “the bench” and I made sure to take a mental note of how far Jackass Junction is from it. About 3 miles. 

When I reached Jackass, I drank more Ginger Ale and refilled my water which is something I’m always concerned about because of my past water-tasting experience at Javelina. It wasn’t bad and I was hopeful for the rest of the race. 

I also ran into Hulk. “Hey, Ruth.” “Hey, Hulk.”

The section between Jackass and Rattlesnake Ranch is my favorite. In fact, I would bet most runners would agree to that. It’s a non-rocky, fairly flat with a slight downhill section and it’s the best and I LOVE it!

When I cruised into Rattlesnake Ranch the temperature was hot, but I’ve had hotter.

Because the Escondido Trail was coming up, I had a feeling my costume would be coming off for a bit because this section has always been the toughest for me. 

While at Rattlesnake, I decided to fill up with more water and took some potato chips. They had all pre-packaged foods but I ate a few and put the rest away because I and solid food aren’t best friends during races.

I also got some lovely reactions about my costume from the volunteers. Just as I was about to take a photo with one of them, I reached for my RBG glasses only to find out I didn’t have them! I somehow lost them in the last 5.2 miles! I looked for them on Loop 2 but couldn’t find them.

After I filled my arm sleeves and neck gaiter with ice, I embarked on the Escondido Trail and for the next 2 hours, it was just me and the rocks and the cloud cover.

But something was off and it was the water again. It tasted funky. Again.  What is it with the water?!

Just before reaching Jeadquarters, I dumped the remaining water from my pack and put my mask on.  I headed straight for my tent. 

I refilled my pack with the water that I bring. And guess what was waiting for me? Yes, my water bottle filled with CarboPro! 

I removed my hat, grabbed my headlamp, and set off for Loop 2 in the same direction I started Loop 1. I love this whole non-washing machine style!  Of course, one reason I didn’t care for it was runners coming from the opposite direction could alert you if they came across a snake and can warn you of where it was. Aside from a bunny, a teeny tiny mouse, and three lizards, I didn’t see any snakes. Yay! 

Before leaving, I stopped at the aid station and drank more Ginger Ale. This was my “go-to” beverage because I was holding off the caffeine for later. 

While I stood off to the side drinking my Ale, I realized something. I forgot my water bottle with the CarboPro! Again!! * Palm meet forehead * 

This time I walked back to my tent and grabbed it. Ugh! I’m out of race (and training) practice! 

I felt better starting Loop 2 knowing I had more fuel with me. Maybe that was more of a mental thing, but overall physically, I felt okay.  

After I left Coyote Camp the second time, here is when things really started to turn.

My left hip area started to feel some discomfort, which being 27 to 28 miles into a race was obviously expected, but this felt different and it started to intensify. 

The sun was setting and walking uphill was becoming problematic. On a 1 to 10 pain threshold, I was hovering around 7 or 8. 

When I reached The Zen Zone, I stopped to get my headlamp because by the time I got to “the bench” it was pitch black. I would’ve been more excited to see the full moon if that lovely cloud cover wasn’t still around so I couldn’t see a thing! * Cue the laugh track. * 

Moon, where are you?

At one point, I noticed a backpack and a phone on the side of the trail and the darkness brings out my imagination. 

What if there is some crazed lunatic hovering around using this backpack and phone to lure someone over? Or what if there was somebody there and some crazed lunatic took them??? 

I kept walking, and a few minutes later I came upon an older couple walking towards me. The woman looks at me and says “great job.” I said, “Thanks. Did you leave your backpack and phone?” Pointing to behind me.

“Yes! We took a walk to see people and got a little lost” 

“Oh no.”

“What are you doing standing here chatting? You need to keep going!” The man says to me as he moves over and gestures for me to keep going. 

While I couldn’t see the full moon, the full moon was in full strange effects mode. 

Aside from an occasional runner passing by, I had little very contact with anyone else. 

Before I got to Jackass the second time, this guy catches up with me and says, “Do you know how close we are to Jackass? I feel like I might have missed it.”

I found this funny because, at my first Javelina, I completely thought I had missed Jackass too! I mean, where was it?? How could I miss a whole aid station?

This is why I made sure I paid attention this time to how far “the bench” was from Jackass because I could tell him, or anyone else who may have asked me, “we’re about a quarter-mile away.” 

At Jackass I grabbed some veggie broth and finally drank some Coca-Cola as I sat and tried to stretch out my right hip area. Under normal circumstances, the dance floor would be busy, and I wondered if anyone danced this year. 

Knowing I had 10 miles to reach Jeadquarters again with another 20-mile loop to complete, I was trying to be cautious with my hip. I didn’t want to do anything that could potentially make it much worse.

I made the decision somewhere between Jackass and Jeadquarters that I would take a short break before going out for Loop 3, my final loop. In fact, more like my final FINAL loop at Javelina. 

The year has been stressful enough and while I love and enjoy running, I didn’t want to focus on training. Plus there are other races I want to look into. 

Going into the race, I knew this would be my last Javelina so I nearly bought out the whole souvenir shop and I’m still waiting for a few items to arrive (an even longer story so maybe I’ll share some other time). 

After Loop 2, I went straight to my tent and ate a couple of slices of cold pizza from the Freak Brothers that my sister brought me, and I took a nap. Or at least tried. 

The music was blaring and as wonderful as it sounded, I would’ve loved it if it was a pinch quieter. And I forgot earplugs. They don’t call it a party in the desert for nothing! 

As I’m lying down on my cot, I could overhear people talking. One voice came from this guy who talked about the bad water he received from Jackass, and right then I felt validated. Four years ago when my water tasted horrible and I couldn’t drink it which inevitably lead to me becoming dehydrated in the 100+ degree heat, I shared my experience with the race directors. Not sure if anyone else contacted them after I did, but it appeared I was the only one. Two years ago I had a similar experience but I got through it.  This year, the water got to more people, apparently. 

Not sure if I slept or not, but my hip got some rest which is what it needed.  Something was telling me that had I decided to continue and push through Loop 3 without stopping, there was a very strong possibility I would’ve DNF’d at Jackass. 

But before I knew it, my short break turned into a few hours and when I set out on my final Loop 3, it was going to be all mental from here on out, but at least when I started my pain level was down to a 3. 

It was so dark at 3 AM, but in a few hours the sun would be rising (something I haven’t had in a race before). I thought about this when deciding what time to head out again. I wanted to see the second sunrise that is notoriously known for many in 100 milers, but since I wasn’t in the 100 mile race, I still wanted to experience it because I’m not sure when I’ll run 100 miles, or if I even want to anymore. 

And it was beautiful. 

Arriving into Jackass Junction for the final time I wanted to soak it all in. In fact, I soaked in the entire race which is probably why the long recap. I wanted to remember it all. 

As I sat stretching my hip again because my pain was back up to a 7.

I walked slowly on my favorite section, and a few of the 100 mile runners passed by me.  One of them looked over to me and we recognized each other. 

“You had water poisoning in 2006, didn’t you?”

“Yeah I had some pretty bad tasting water, but in 2016.”

Turns out this person had some pretty bad water this year and it almost derailed their race as well. I won’t share their details because it’s not my story to share, but they managed to overcome the challenges and I won’t miss the water there that’s for sure. 

I noticed the heat but I had my costume on for 98% of the race.  I had it briefly off during the Escondido portion, but that was it. When I left Rattlesnake, the high heat was scorching. It’s as if someone suddenly turned on the oven and I was really starting to bake.  The robe had to come off. 

Because I left my hat and neck gaiter back at the tent, I didn’t have anything to shade the sun, nor put ice in. Initially, I thought the dissent collar was too wide but this is when the dissent collar came in handy.  It became my visor.

My hip was still in the 7 to 8 pain level area and I was making my way through the race slowly. I decided now is as good a time as any, to run.

Big mistake. 

A couple of steps in, the sharpest of pains I have ever felt radiated in my hip area. My pain level shot up to a 30.  I immediately stopped and the tears came rushing through. Nobody was around to hear or see me.

This is the reason I stopped and rested between Loops 2 and 3 because had I felt this pain at mile 30 with 32 miles remaining and not mile 60 with 2 miles remaining, there is no doubt I would’ve stopped at Jackass, walk the two miles to get transported back and receive the DNF. 

I kept moving slowly and repeated a mantra over and over. The pain is going away. The pain is going away. There is no pain. There is no pain. 

The pain didn’t go away. 

Not even after I could hear the music coming from the finish line. I was close. 

As I crossed under the HokaOneOne arch, I could feel my emotions rising because I had finished. 

When I reached the finish line, I could see race director Jubilee grab something as she made her way to greet me. I was ready to receive my 100K buckle. 

I wasn’t expecting the award she had in her hand. It took me a few seconds to register it said Best Costume First Place Female. WHAT?! Thank you Javelina and RBG!!

At that moment, the flood of tears were filled with happiness, relief, and a bit of sadness. I was in complete shock and never had imagined I would’ve won!  It was the perfect way to end my time at Javelina Jundred!

After the race, I saw Hulk and it turned out he found my RBG glasses during Loop 1 and held onto them for me. Thank you, Hulk! And he won the Best Costume First Place Male Award and it’s well deserved.

While the race looked different this year, the energy and excitement were still there and I’m so grateful I got to be a part of it.  Javelina Jundred will always remain in my heart and perhaps I’ll return to it again, but until then, happy jappy trails. 

Thank you to race director Jubilee and everyone at Aravaipa Running for organizing this race. Thank you to all the volunteers and everyone who was able to be there and cheer us all on. And thank you for reading! 

P.S. At the time I didn’t realize what was going on with my hip. Later, I discovered it was my hip flexors and this was a first for me. After intense stretching and strengthening (which I still do), I was back to running 2 weeks after the race with no further issues. I attributed the pain to being undertrained and most likely some outdated shoes. But except for a tiny blister that I didn’t even feel or know I had, I didn’t have any problems with my feet, other than soreness, which was another first.