ENDURE.
I ended up having to scrap my A and B goal around mile 62-65 because a course marking wasn't correct and sent my pacer and I past the aid station we were looking for.
Goal A was sub 24 and B was a PR.
With the missed turn, we were able to back-track and ask other runners where to go. We weren't the only ones who turned wrong, it was a confusing intersection.
At this point, I came close to getting hypothermia, so once we got to the aid station, I knew to just take care of myself and then allow the rest of the race to play out.
Even with winter layers and running as best as I could, I was freezing until the sun came up.
I had a big rally, passed people from around 70 to 95, didn't see anyone else.
At least I finished. It didn't go as planned (that's ultrarunning and life). Disappointed, but I got in 104 miles and time with friends, to see an absolutely gorgeous place, and experience a race that was literally perfect in every way except for the one sign.
Highly recommend Rim to River 100.
The trail was a combination of technical single track and long, rolling hills sections where you can flow. The technical hills... Wow, I didn't expect them to be that bad. Virtual rock climbing, up and down.
I tripped over a vine once and fell. Rolled an ankle slightly coming down one of those crazy descents. Butt slid down another hill with numb hands because it was cold, which might have been what caused a small chunk of my finger to get scraped off. It bled a good bit.
The Pit of Doom (my pacers and crew called it). There was a washed-out section of trail, where if you weren't being careful, you'd fall off the cliff. No real damage with those things.
My Mount to Coast T1s rubbed a little, but my crew and pacers took care of them and my feet looked great at the end. They did hurt, though.
I'm grateful for my crew, Sean, Jamie and Aria, and for my pacers, Stephen and Scooby. They really took care of me. Especially when the disappointment kicked in over having to resort to just finishing the race.
I saw several other friends, who I didn't expect to see. That's always a great surprise.
There were so many waterfalls, and of course, the New River Gorge Bridge. I tried to balance out taking in the scenery, while staying focused.
Like I said, it wasn't the race I wanted but I persevered with the setbacks and battled the emotions of disappointment and frustration. Everything else was on point and I had so much love and support thrown my way.
If I ever go back, I'll try again for the gold, sub 24 buckle.
104 miles
Chip Time
28:09:58.74
Gun Time
28:10:02.07
Pace
16:54
Overall
69 of 156
Gender
20
DNF
94
DNS
11
