For the previous a number of years I’ve been staring at from a distance the gradual and stable build up in hobby and participation in 200+ mile path races. Those lengthy, epic races — ceaselessly lasting so long as 5 or 6 days — have captured the creativeness of an ever an increasing number of huge nook of the path and ultrarunning global so I figured it used to be about time I realized what the entire fuss used to be about. And so, the day gone by morning I drove as much as the far flung previous mining the city of Crown King, Arizona, to volunteer at an help station at the Cocodona 250 Mile.
Crown King is “handiest” at Mile 37.4, so I anticipated many of the runners to appear recent. Then again, the 37.4 miles from the begin to Crown King is arguably essentially the most tricky phase of the race, and I used to be stunned to look how labored over one of the crucial runners seemed. It used to be a really perfect glance underneath the hood at this distinctive extremely subculture.
Robert Pardy operating the 2021 Cocodona 250 Mile, elderly 61. Picture courtesy of Robert Pardy.
The very first thing that struck me used to be how heavy the runners’ packs have been. Between the necessary tools for the hastily converting temperatures and the huge hydration bladders vital for traversing lengthy stretches between help stations, many runners’ packs I carried have been no less than 15 kilos. I’m guessing that coaching with a heavy pack is a must-do in preparation for a large race just like the Cocodona 250.
Subsequent, essentially the most vital illness impacting the runners, even not up to 40 miles into the race, used to be foot problems. By the point the mid-pack converged on Crown King at about 6 p.m., 13 hours into the race, the scientific team of workers used to be treating a apparently nonstop waft of blisters and macerated ft. The combo of rainy ft and heat temperatures appeared to take an early toll.
In fact, in an match that may ultimate so long as 125 hours for some folks, I used to be now not all that stunned at how lengthy maximum runners spent within the help station. It used to be a a long way cry from the pit-stop-style tools adjustments at rapid races like Western States 100. Right here at Cocodona, with such a lot time at the clock, the loss of urgency used to be refreshing and made for a pleasing social revel in for runners, crews, and volunteers. It used to be merely a laugh!
And, talking of a laugh, those 200-mile runners can consume! The Crown King help station, arrange within the backyard of the historical Crown King Saloon, gives made-to-order black bean burgers and pulled beef sandwiches, entire with the entire trimmings and aspects of macaroni salad and potato salad. Now and then I felt extra like a server at a sports activities bar than a volunteer at an help station.
In spite of everything, throughout the day it was transparent to me how necessary drop luggage are in those multi-day races. In truth, some runners spared no expense in packing their drop luggage with sufficient stuff to provide a small military. Along with the standard such things as sneakers, socks, layers, headlamps, batteries, and so forth., runners packed a few of their very own meals like pizza and tater children of their drop luggage. In addition they stashed converting units for his or her telephones and watches, and a couple of just right success charms like small teddy bears to be pinned onto their packs.
As I drove house and mirrored at the revel in, one idea saved going thru my thoughts. Whilst most of these 200+ runners have been suffering mightily, even simply 37.4 miles into the race, they have been all 100% dedicated to the revel in and discovering pleasure within the procedure. Certain, this occurs at shorter distances too, however at Cocodona there simply appeared to be extra pleasure and optimism than I’ve noticed in lots of different ultras and that’s one thing the sector in reality wishes.
Bottoms up!
Sedona trails, close to the direction of the Cocodona 250 Mile. Picture: Bryon Powell/iRunFar
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Prescott, Arizona, which is situated at in regards to the 100-mile mark of the Cocodona 250. The LazyG Brewhouse is an implausible brewery in historical Prescott, recognized for historical beer recipes. Their Kentucky Not unusual ale, which has similarities to what we now name a cream ale, is a wealthy, powerful and clean consuming ale with a slightly of smoky malt and hops. In case you’re on the town for Cocodona, you’ll want to quit via the LazyG!
Name for Feedback
Have you ever run a 200+ mile race? If that is so, how did the revel in range from operating a regular extremely? And the similar questions when you attended one!
