Sunday, August 22, 2010

Leadville 100 result--brief report

Everything was going pretty well at the Leadville 100 until I got to the May Queen aid station (mile 86.5) and, having severely bonked, threw up non-stop and developed bad chills. A medical team in May Queen, which is a notorious aid station for runners in medical need (it is, after all, after the Powerline climb), wrapped me in a sleeping bag and placed warming pads all over me. I thought I was done but Anne gave me the nudge I needed. After about 45 minutes in May Queen I got up and they dressed me tons of clothes to stay warm. I took some salted potatoes and some saltines and we were off. I ran most of the final 13.5 miles to get the coveted El Plato Grande buckle, which you get for a sub-25-hour finish. Not easy.

Final result: 24:47
Place: 92nd

It hits me that only 5 months ago I was in Ohio breathing sea level air. Not sure how I pulled this race off. Lots of people struggle in their first Leadville and I did struggle, but I am very happy that I got the buckle with a sub-25 finish.

I will post a much longer report in a few days.

Update: Click here to begin my 4-part report.

4 comments:

Michael said...

That is so inspiring! Can't wait to read the whole race report. Congratulations!

Andy said...

Congrats!!! Great job!

GZ said...

Nice. Glad to hear you nailed the big buckle - even with that 45 minute recovery.

Andrew is getting fit said...

Awesome result. It sounds like it was a tough one!