Dec. 13, 2013 started like any other Friday. I got up and went to work. After getting off work, I prepared for a new adventure that I was excited about, crewing for Todd, Alexis and Kevin as they ran a 100k.
Time to start at the beginning now. Blake and I talked about doing this a couple months before because the race was on my birthday. I knew if we going to do it, then we would crew as a couple and we were not able to crew for Todd for Grindstone 100 mile because of the government.
Blake informed them of our decision and then the planning began. Blake made a table and winds screen to heat up food with a single propane burner before the race day. He even tested it out one night to see how everything would work.
So , Dec. 13th came. I prepared by wearing my running clothes as I was unsure of if I would go for a run of some sort on Saturday. Blake and I got food items together and any other items such as a book to read. We meet everyone at the Thomas' house before 4pm on Friday. Kevin arrived a minute or two after we did. Once he was there, Todd, Kevin, Blake and I talked in the kitchen/dining area for a bit before Alexis came down stairs. Once she came downstairs, it was time to load up the surburban with the gear and to head to Camp Bethel near Roanoke, VA.
We chit chatted on the way to the camp for the pre-race briefing and dinner. We made a stop at Wal-Mart to get some last minute items and then at a Subway to get some subs. Once at the camp, Kevin, Todd, and Alexis checked in and received their race numbers. Then we waited and picked up two people (another runner and another crew member, Jamie). We waited for the start of the race. At 10:50pm, it was time. Everyone at the camp loaded up the vehicles and traveled to the starting line. At this point, I had no idea where I was going. I am glad that Blake was driving. Then we waited again. This time, for the start of the race at 12:01am on Dec. 14th.
The race started on time in the cold. Only to get colder as the day went on. Everyone who was crewing left the start line to go to the second aid station. The car we followed went right instead of left so we arrived a minute or two behind some of the other crews. Blake, Jamie and myself tried to sleep some before Alexis, Todd, and Kevin came through aid station two. We got everything ready and set up with the table and burner to heat up ramen noodles for them as well as get their running packs for them. Kevin and Alexis left Todd behind at this point in the race as they did not to eat the noodles but just drink the broth.
We packed up the gear and then travel to the next aid station which was number 5. Jamie, Blake and I tried to sleep for a couple of hours as they were on their way. I was able to get a couple of hours of sleep. I think I was able to get 4-5 hours. Then it was back to setting up gear for the runners. Blake and I could not find Kevin's second running pack at aid station 5 before he came though. We had no idea were it went and thought it may have fallen out of the car at aid station 2. Todd came to aid station 5 before Kevin and Alexis, which was not what we expected. Todd looked like he was having fun and he was. Soon after Todd, Alexis and Kevin came. Kevin was not upset over not having switching his packs outs. This was a relief as Blake and I were freaking out over where it could be. Before leaving the fifth aid station, Jamie found Kevin's second running pack in the car.
Alexis wanted to stop and ride with us but the crew said no. She was doing great and we knew she could make it. Alexis was not too happy with us at this point in the day.
The sun started coming up as we left the fifth aid station. However, the weather became gloomy with rain, sleet, and snow. I really enjoyed the snow. We then traveled to the seventh aid station. This is where Blake was going to pace Kevin in to the finish. I was nervous because I would then be driving the surbuban. Todd came in before Alexis and Kevin again. This time, his lead was extended from roughly 30 minutes to roughly 45 minutes. Todd was enjoying the race and doing his thing. Kevin also looked like he was having fun and enjoyed himself until towards the end. Alexis had a pacer join her at this point as well. So leaving the seventh aid station, Alexis, Kathie, Kevin, and Blake.
Jamie and I then packed up the gear and some what organized the gear so we knew which items belonged to which runner. She and I left the seventh aid station followed by Kevin's wife and daughter and went to the eight aid station. Todd arrived at the eighth aid station an hour before Kevin and Alexis and the pacers (Blake and Kathie). He was doing great! Jamie and I decided not to set up the table and burner since the aid station had roman noodles and broth as well as other items. Jamie and I sat in the car for a bit in between the time Todd left and Kevin and Alexis arrived.
I am glad Jamie was with me. I enjoyed talking with her and getting to know another runner.
As Kevin, Alexis, Blake, and Kathie got food at the aid station, Jamie and I left to go to the finish line. We decided not stop at the ninth/last aid station because of the gap. We arrived to the finish line before Todd did. I was really proud of myself with driving the suburban. I was anxious about driving it just because of how big it is. Jamie and I both thought we would run at some point during the day but the weather made us changed our minds.
Jamie and I talked with other people at the finish line as we waited for everyone to come across the finish line. Todd was the first of the three runners to come in. He finished in 13 hours and 50 minutes. He did great and just chilled until everyone else came. Once Kevin's wife and daughter arrived at the finish line, I knew that Alexis and Kevin would not be that far behind. Kevin's daughter and I ran out to meet the group of four to run with them as they got closer to the finish line. They all were soaking wet from the rain/sleet.
Kevin and Alexis kept each other company through the whole race. They were able to encourage each other and kept each other going.
They all seemed happy to be done, get somewhat warm showers, and food. After awhile and several trips to the car, they sang Happy Birthday to me and we celebrated with cake. It was sweet that they got me a cake to help celebrate the day.
Now, I am at home relaxing and enjoying the warmth of my house. I know this is an unusual way to celebrate a birthday but I definitely enjoyed the day to see my friends and husband run through the mountains. I know that one day, I could be doing the same thing. I know that this type of race is not for me but I would like to complete one ultra at some point. Blake, Alexis, Todd, and Kevin are role models who have shown me running can be fun and difficult at the same time. I hope that one day, I can be able to run with them.
Now time to get some sleep!! :)
