Western States In Five Days

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With all these changes to the Western States course because of record snowfall (or lack of snowmelt) announced today – no Lyon Ridge, Red Star Ridge, Robinson Flat; no crew access until 55 miles at Michigan Bluff; only two crew members at each shuttle aid station after that – I can understand how runners and crew might be disappointed. I will admit that I was at first disappointed that the Placer County road crews couldn’t get the road to Robinson Flat plowed in time for us. Disappointed that we don’t get to run across the snow on Red Star Ridge. Disappointed that we don’t get to cross Duncan Creek. Disappointed that my crew is going to have to split up and not experience as much of my race as they could have. Easy to understand how others would feel the same. But, as I’ve had a few hours to absorb the changes and think about the implications to my own plans, I’m very excited. Why wouldn’t I? I am running my 8th Western States 100 in five days! I’ve always maintained that one of the best tools you can bring to Western States is problem solving. Well, this is our first test: use drop bags, wear a hydration pack early, split the crew up, etc.

I have been asked many times over the years why I care so much about this race. Why I am so obsessed with Western States. No denying there are many 100 milers in this country now and many are in incredible mountain locations. I cannot dispute the fact that I have not run every 100 miler in this country. Sure, many probably are awesome. That’s great for our sport since so many people want to run 100 milers now. But I have little desire to run any other 100 milers. Go ahead, call me narrow-minded, rutted, and all kinds of other names. I am obsessed with this race and really don’t care what anybody else thinks. I’ve told this story many times but now seems like as good a time as ever to tell it again. My family moved from the Bay Area to Auburn Lake Trails in 1978. The move from the city to the rural foothills of the Sierras was awesome for me and my brother. We got to play in the American River, hike in the canyons and all the trails nearby, camp, shoot guns, collect snakes, get poison oak, etc. It was a life-changing move for me and I will forever be grateful to my mom and step-father who decided this would be a great place for us to live.

It was in June of 1978 that my bro and step-bro found ourselves camping on Hoboken Creek (you know, the first of two creeks you cross between Green Gate and ALT aid stations) which flows into American Canyon creek. Before it was dark, a filthy-looking skinny dude (can’t remember if he had a pacer) comes running by and asks us where the aid station is; we had no answer. What the heck was he talking about? After a couple more came by we eventually figured out that they were running 100 miles (well, really only 89 miles but close enough at the time) from Squaw Valley to Auburn. That was not a very restful night of sleep and the obsession was born. I was about to be a middle school runner at Georgetown and knew that I would do this run someday. Little did I know it would take until 2001 to finally run it myself. While I only ran track and cross country in high school at Golden Sierra, and then moved onto college in Oregon, I was fortunate to get to help a local WS runner Bruce VonBorstel (who introduced me to pork and beans) a couple of years, and work at Dusty Corners for a good number of years with my mom and brother under the captainship of Judy and Luke Rinehimer. Those days were fun. We didn’t know much, but since my brother and I were “runners,” we were often called upon to help runners with things like cramps, etc.

My First WS in 2001. Laura Yasso

Yes, in five days I get to run Western States 100 for the 8th time. I am appreciative of race management, most of whom I know personally, who have worked very hard to make this race as great an experience for us as for those in 1978. I am appreciative of the 1500 volunteers who are willing to give up their weekend and more to help us experience the Western States trail like the 1000s before us. Appreciative of my wife who has endured this crazy obsession, including yearly Michigan Bluff vacations so we can train on the course. Appreciative of my crew who have helped me year after year. Appreciative of all my friends in Oregon who I get to train with day in and day out and share my passion with. Appreciative of all my California friends who I’ve learned so much from. Appreciative of all my friends who will be watching the race this weekend via the computer. Appreciative of all the readers of this blog, who, for some reason, find it enjoyable to read my drivel.

For those of you that will be there, I look forward to talking with you in Squaw Valley or on the course. For those that won’t be there, well, enjoy the webcast. It looks to be the best ever, thanks to many many volunteers.

Craig

28 Comments

  2. I’m on the same page: disappointment at first, but now…pretty awesome. Wasn’t sure if they could make WS more hard-core, but they just did! And…if nothing else, the crews and fans will be very well rested and ready to cheer (and party?) like hell at the end! 😀

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  5. Thanks for sharing how the idea was born and stuck like glue. Not having deep seeded roots in WS, the hype has sort maybe taken the lure of someday running it away from me. Instead I get to be a part of Anne’s crew to get her to the finish. She is one of the last two time losers who got in this year. I can’t imagine the extra burden of knowing for two years that you have an entry into States and having this day so close.
    Have a most excellent day!

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  7. That trail has a magical quality that I haven’t felt anyplace else, every foot step mirrors the legends and history like no place else. The first 31 or so this year are going to be … interesting. Best of luck and if you see #96 along the way don’t forget to say hello. See you in Auburn!

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  9. Well said Craig. Aidan and I were with Tim marking the Millers Defeat loop on Saturday and at the time I was a bit overwhelmed and concerned about the amount of snow. As race day approaches I’m again looking forward to the adventure we’re all about to have. I’ll see you in Squaw.

    mk

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  11. “Go ahead, call me narrow-minded, rutted, and all kinds of other names. I am obsessed with this race and really don’t care what anybody else thinks.”
    Since no one took the bait.. Craig, you are “narrow-minded”, “rutted” and ..let’s see.. how about a “V12 boulderer”.

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  12. Craig, I think I get it. Next week I am off to yet another attempt at a low-key 100k in Bulgaria, which was the first ultra I ran (in 1997) and will forever be the most special race for me. Sorry to have missed a golden chance to return to Waldo last summer. But may be I will run into you again one of these days. Good luck on Saturday!

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  13. I’ll be one of those following along and living vicariously via computer…
    I heard another change made this year was no cots at the aid stations…should make the course faster as well. Good luck Craig…hope you have a great run – on top of enjoying the experience as I know you will. See you at P2P, if not sooner.
    -Koz

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  14. Congrats on another finish. Love your blog. As a rider of Tevis, I know many of us have that obsession with it, yet no interest in other 100 mile rides. With the ride getting shifted to October this year, I have some trepidations about the different time of year, trail conditions, shorter daylight etc. But, it is Tevis, and I hope my horse and I will make the trek out from Texas, and be there at the start again. To ride over Emigrant Pass, and look at the mountains that fold out to the west, knowing our goal is somewhere over those mountains and canyons is worth it.

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