An American Tail, Nathan Goes West. Wasatch 100 – A pacers
perspective
I have known Nathan (N8) since we were about 14. Playing
soccer year round was our thing then. I actually knew his wife before becoming
friends with him. Like many, many others, I have been following his progress
through the Grand Slam series, praying and nail biting the whole way. Fast
forward many moons and both our families are in Park City, UT letting our kids
run around like the wind. It was a little stressful for my wife, Candice and I
because we have a 7 month old daughter, Erin, and 3 year old son, Jude. We
managed to survive, minus a 24 hour stomach that thankfully only plagued Jude.
The day before the race flew by with a little site seeing
then pre-race meeting / playground for the kids. Candice was super mom while
she watched 3 toddlers and an infant so N8, Katy, and I could attend the
meeting. How lucky I am to have a spouse that supports my crazy adventures and
still tells me she loves me at the end of the day! After the meeting, we all
went back to our room and picked up another Grand Slammer, Joshua Holmes.
Candice promptly started making her famous homemade fried chicken and Katy got the sides together: mashed
potatoes, green beans, corn, and some tasty rolls. What a nice southern meal
before the expedition began. After supper, there was about an hour left to let the
kids get their shenanigans out before the 8 pm bedtime.
Race day: Seeing that the 5am start was ~1 hour away, I
decided to sleep in since Katy and Dennis were going to the start. I ate a big
breakfast and enjoyed a nice cup of coffee. Dennis, Mary, Katy, Candice, and I
all chatted while the kids were keeping themselves entertained. Before we knew
it, it was time to see Nathan at Big Mountain aid station (AS), mile 39. I was
nervous and excited all at the same time. I had run my first 50 mile race almost
10 months prior in December 2014, then another 50 miler 3 weeks after that.
Chattanooga Mountains Stage race in June that ran 60 miles over 3 days, and
multiple 20ish mile runs over the next couple of months. I felt somewhat
confident that I could “run” the last 60 miles with him, at least in theory.
After I drank my hospital approved strawberry Ensure and ate
a banana, Katy, Dennis, and I drove over to Little Dell Reservoir to wait until
we got the ok (due to limited parking) to head up to Big Mtn AS. There was not
one cloud in the sky and it was super windy, so that made it hard to know exactly how
hot it was. While we waited on N8, Katy talked to me about what to look and
listen for when he isn't feeling good. I started getting very nervous then; what
did I get myself into? 60 miles, ~15,000' of gain and loss... was I ready for
that? Maybe if he was feeling good, I could stop at mile 75 (36 miles for me).
I had also been suffering from plantar fasciitis (mainly on my left foot) on/off
since the 2nd 50 miler. I rolled my feet with a golf ball all week and put some
super oil my wife made on my feet.
We saw N8 coming down the hill to the AS, I ran over to him
and asked how he was doing, “Threw up at mile 33.” And he looked very tired.
Fittle sticks... I walked him through the aid station over to Dennis and Katy. He
excused himself to talk to the port-a-king... Katy talked to him and he said he
wanted to change his pack so he can carry more water. Katy got him a blue
popsicle, rubbed some zofran on his arms, we donned some sleeves and jimbo
bandanas, stuffed them with ice, and off we go.
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| Providing shade when there wasn't any |
Big Mtn AS to Alexander Ridge AS (46.8 mi): My goal was to
get him to recover and not just survive like he did in the previous three 100
milers. I had complete confidence we could do it. Take it slow. “I just want
him to have a good race, enjoy himself, and smile,” Katy told me multiple
times. I could help make that happen...! Thick brush and some rolling hills
covered most of the terrain as we made our way to Bald Mtn. What a view! It had
been about 30 minutes since we left the aid station, no throwing up for N8, he
was sipping water and coke, even some jogging. Looking good! 45 minutes with no
throwing up, awesome! We had a steady thing going, then he had to make a pit stop...
made it 1 hour with no throwing up... Tried to give him some silence for a bit
because I know he gets mad at himself for not being able to keep stuff down. I
took that time to make sure I was keeping up with my nutrition (mainly Perpetum
and Honey Stinger chews at this point).
Making our way down Bald Mtn was what I expected to see in
big mountain running. Big, rolling ridges and very open. It was pretty cool to
see other runners a few miles up and down the ridges. Then, another pit stop...
dang it! All our ice had melted, it was hot being totally exposed even in the
wind! N8 wanted to sit down for a minute... not a good idea, pit stop. Back to
making our way down the ridge and still no shade. “About 2 miles to the next
aid, and more ice!” I told him, trying to lift his spirits. Praying for him to
keep food or liquid down. I felt bad for eating my chews because it made noise
when I got them out of the package...
Finally, the AS! I told him I would get his pack and refill
it with water and coke. He said he was getting a blue popsicle and sitting
down. I ate some glorious, cold watermelon and almost everything else they had
(pretzels, grapes, M&M's). Got our packs filled and stuffed the bandanas
with more ice then head over to N8, he looks exhausted! ...pit stop in the
chair, dang it! I was failing at helping him recover. I put the icy bandana
around his neck and off we went.
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| View from Bald Mtn |
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| Coming down Bald Mtn |
Alexander Ridge to Lambs Canyon (52.48 mi): After a slight
down hill, we had around a mile of running through a grassy field. It felt very
nice with a slight breeze and ice cold water running down our back. I continued
to try to stick to my nutrition of Perpetum and chews.
The valley gave way to a thick forest and quick/steep
climb. We started our descent to Lambs Canyon AS. We were moving now, probably a
solid 10min/mile pace. Felt good to stretch the legs. ...pit stop... Guess the
increase in speed was too taxing on his gut. I have to give it to him, after
every time he threw up, he immediately started drinking water. I would only
have to remind him every 10 minutes or so to drink, but he did really awesome
trying to get rehydrated with the quickness. The sun started to disappear as
we continued our descent. He told me when he got to the aid station he wanted to
change his shoes, socks, shirt and lay down for a quick nap. I talked him into
taking a zofran, hoping that it would start to kick in by the time he got
there.
We were about a mile out when I told him I would run ahead
to tell Katy and Dennis his plan. I found Katy and informed her what he wanted.
She told me where they had parked the car so I could go tell Dennis. Dennis was
already walking towards the AS so I talked to him for a minute and told him how
N8 was feeling. Then N8 popped out of nowhere... without Katy; guess they
missed each other. Dennis took him to the car while I searched around for Katy.
We hurried back to the car... another pit stop, shoot! Katy helped him change
and get warm in the car so he could “nap.” The three of us started getting
everything ready for some night running. Dennis made sure to put an extra head
lamp and the Nao backup battery in our packs; he thinks of everything!
I ran to the aid station to satisfy my inner goat and
proceeded to eat almost everything they had (watermelon! Oreos, chicken broth and
noodles, chips... I'm never like this during a run, I will enjoy it while it
lasts). I took a warm cup of chicken broth back for N8 when he woke up. About
45 minutes after he laid down, he started getting cold. Another pit stop
or two... “I just need to get going, I'll warm up when I get to moving,” I
believe I heard him tell Katy. He seemed very dizzy and TIRED! Dennis gave him
a stern “pep” talk and I could tell Katy was upset with how he looked. “I won't
let anything happen to him,” I told her as I gave her a hug.
Lambs Canyon to Upper Big Water AS (60.95): Katy walked with
us for about 20 yards. We had about 2000' of climbing over ~3.5 miles. Around 2
miles of that was on a paved road. We used that time to let N8 get down some
mountain dew. “It's going down easy,” he told me. Awesome! Haven't heard those
words about any nutrition in about 6 hours. We started hearing someone yelling,
I turn to see a couple of head lamps about 50 yards behind us. That runner and
pacer must be having a good conversation, I thought to myself. Then I heard
someone yelling “Jason.” We stop and turn around. “Josh, Nathan!” It was Katy.
We had gone maybe around a mile or more so I didn't expect to see her. I felt so
bad, because she was running. She told Nathan that she was very worried about
him and if he wasn't feeling better in 30 minutes, then I was to turn him around and he would be dropping. Nathan
lead a prayer asking that he or I would know if he needed to quit, the strength
to carry on, and for all the other runners. Such an emotional time! With
another long embrace and kiss, Katy sent N8 off to run through the night.
After a LONG and steep climb, we crested another mountain.
No pit stops going on another hour or so. Things were looking good. The climb warmed us up quite a bit and the breeze was nowhere to be found in the trees. I
shed my sleeves and we slowed down for N8 to take off his jacket and put it in
his pack. He still had tights on over his shorts and wanted to take them off.
That meant taking his shoes off, which meant sitting down, that meant risking
puking... We tired the make a it a quick process... not quick enough... pit stop.
We could see some city lights during the long and steep
descent. I continued to drink my Perpetuem and snacked on some beef jerky. We
reached the bottom of the ridge and immediately started a 1000' climb. “Aid
station in couple miles, slow and steady. Focus on just sipping that water and
coke.”
This was the first time I've run all through the night, I cannot
recall much in between these sections. I do remember filling my 7 oz flask
MULTIPLE times for N8 with cold river water for him to douse his face. It was
quite chilly already and that was keeping him awake. I remember turning off our
head lamps and looking up at the millions of stars! We worked our way up a
paved service road and started to see lights to the aid station! He was just
going to grab some mountain dew, ice, and head up the trail. I had to work
quick. I fumbled around the aid station with semi-frozen hands trying to get
his pack refilled. Now, to get mine refilled... “What do you have hot to eat?”
I asked. “Grilled cheese,” “Um, no... any noodles/broth?” “Yes!” “Bring it on!”
With both our packs filled, and warm broth in my hands, off I went. Runners had
to check in and out of each aid station, so as I was leaving, I told them I was
with runner 167. “You're about 10 minutes behind.” Dang it!
Upper Big Water to Desolation AS (66.02): I settle into a
nice jog since I was trying to scarf down some broth and noodles while holding
his pack and trekking poles... trekking poles, where are the trekking poles...
Crap, back at the aid station. I had made it a couple hundred yards up a big
climb and had to turn around... At least the guys checking runners out got a
good laugh at me for that... I had to laugh a little too, what else could I do.
Back on track, I see a puke pile next to a tree, hope that's not his.
I finally catch up to him. “Did you throw up?” “Yeah,
mountain dew didn't sit good.” Well Richard... Another big climb... We chatted
about lots of past events in high school, our kids, job stuff, listened to
other's conversations. I bet this forest would be beautiful during the day. We
pop out into a field containing a small aid station. They had a nice fire, but
we had no time to enjoy it. I quickly scarfed down half a banana and peanut
M&M's. No coke, very limited supplies; we were in some back country.
Desolation AS to Scotts Peak AS (69.94): “Just over 3 miles
to the next aid, we got that easy.” A short climb and we were atop a ridge with
some fantastic views over Park City, Brighton, and Salt Lake City. We settled into a nice run/jog down a gravel
service road. We start to see a bright light in the distance, “That's the aid.”
Time seems to go by a little faster and “running” seems a little easier
when there is more human interaction. This AS had more selection of nutrition.
I ask N8 what he wants, “I don't know, I'll look.” I gorge myself on most
everything; most of the time in between AS, I was drinking water, Perpetum,
chews, and beef jerky here and there. I ate a couple slices of oranges. “Feel
like some oranges?” I ask N8, “I'll try some.” Back in the saddle again.
Scotts Peak to Brighton AS (74.63): N8 told me the oranges
were quite delightful and went down easy. Awesome, maybe things are looking up.
I stop for a pee break, then catch back up with him. “Have you peed in a
while?” He told me no, so I start hounding him a bit more about water even
though I feel like he has been doing really good. “You have to pee by the next
aid.”
This section went by a little quicker too. We saw many
military personnel, maybe reserve, doing middle of the night/early morning hikes. We said hello to
all of them. From the gravel service road, we popped out onto a paved road that
goes up/down the mountain. As we are crossing through the gate, a man asks us,
“Which way does the race go?” I'm thinking to myself, sir, its 5am in the
morning, we're doing good to keep our feet in front of us, don't ask us
questions like that... I believe he was talking about the Big Cottonwood road
marathon. We passed MANY school buses with loads of runner going up to the start.
This road was seriously hurting my feet, they felt like
pimples ready to explode! N8 stopped to pee, didn't look very concentrated
either, God sure has his hand on him! He has been throwing up on/off for over
12 hours and ~35 miles, how is he even remotely hydrated. God is good all the
time! I start asking him what he wants at the next aid. He rattles off: pack
change, plain water to mix perpetrum, coke... maybe he told me a shirt too...
He had also told me a slushy earlier, which I sent Katy a text, hoping she may
have gotten it. Off I go, “running” like the wind. My feet hurt, I want to
quit. I know I can push myself.
I get to the AS and start searching for Katy. Can't find her
anywhere, crap. I run back out side, they were running up the steps! We go back
inside and I start rattling off what all N8 wants. Candice woke up early so she
could see us, what an awesome wife! I steal a glorious kiss then down a
strawberry Ensure, that sure hit the spot! I try to hurry and change my socks because
my feet are throbbing! I drench my feet in some of Candice's magic oil and put
on some new socks, what a wonderful feeling! I look over to see N8 throwing up
the slushy they got him... he said it was too sweet. BUT I am happy to say,
that was the last time he threw up! He did drink some sweat tea that seemed to
agree with him though. Another embrace from the wives and pep talk from Dennis,
then off we went again.
Brighton to Ant Knolls AS (79.14): This section would bring
us the sun rise and the highest peak in the race. The sunrise hitting the rocks
was quite spectacular!
This may have been my favorite section. I am a morning
person and love seeing the array of colors that manifest during the sunrise. I
remember telling N8, “God's timing has been perfect for this race, we made it
to Lambs Canyon and our headlamps just before sun down. Now, we get to see the
sun rise on the highest peak.” What an inspiration. The decent was very steep
and lots of loose rocks. N8 must be starting to feel good, he's pushing the
pace. Wish my feet didn't hurt so much... wait they don't hurt right now! I
love my wife's magic oil! We arrived to a nicely stocked AS. I helped myself to
some watermelon and other fixens. They were awesome at this AS. Music playing,
very lively and helpful! N8 was killing some OJ. Off we went.
Ant Knolls to Pole Line Pass AS (82.31): Right out of the
bag we had a serious 600' climb called the grunt... No fun, but I made jokes
about grunting which I think helped pass the time. We held a steady climb, no
lolly-gagging. N8 was feeling good... or ready to be finished! This section was
only 3 miles; these shorter sections made it much less daunting. It was
starting to smell like a Waffle House, was I getting that delusional... We
arrived at the AS to find them making breakfast burritos! Wow... too bad I
couldn't stomach that right now; we had a mission, get finished! N8 was getting
his bandana filled with ice, so I spotted a sausage link that looked enticing,
YUM! Stuffed my mouth with some cantaloupe and filled my bandana with ice. N8
was asking for more OJ, they didn't have any... More water, ice, and coke then.
Pole Line Pass to Station North AS (87.28): A gradual decent
gave way to more of a wash out trail with steep sides, very awkward running. We
made our way to another service road and the sun beating down on us. We had a
gradual climb to a more frequented service road. We heard some hoodlums in the
distance racing up and down the road. We stuck to the side for fear they would
top a hill and clip us. Rounding a corner,
we spotted the aid station, and a climb right after... “Are we going to climb
that?” N8 asked. “It's suppose to be all down hill from here.” He looked at the
tattooed map (given out a packet pick up) on his arm. “Looks like all down
hill...”
All the aid stations up until this point were great... The
two guys “working” seemed uninterested in carrying on a conversation or
acknowledging our questions... Although they did fill up N8's water bottles and
bandana with ice. Maybe they were just tired. Ate a handful of grapes,
pretzels, refilled with water, ice, and mountain dew and bid our farewells.
Station North to Decker Canyon AS (93.89): We climbed the
small, daunting hill, and worked our way around the totally exposed service
road; it was starting to warm up! We settled into running the flats and
descents to what felt like forever! We saw an aid station down the ridge to our
left... we kept running away from it. “Are we going the right way?” We kept
seeing markers... We were both ready for some shade and more ice, ours was melting
fast! Running further and further away from the last AS before the finish, we
started to die a little on the inside.
Finally a switch back
down to a road with about 4-5 cars parked. “Maybe this is just a water
station.” Nope, it was the last 'pacer exhange point' at mile 91.7. I thought
to myself, “I wonder if Dennis and Katy are there, I could get a ride back to
the finish. My feet were starting to hurt again, my legs were thrashed and N8
was running better; he could finish the last 9 miles, no problem. ...No, I'm
his pacer and am going to finish with him!” A nice man gave N8 some ice cold
water and ice from his cooler. I told him I was fine until the next AS. Behold,
another steep climb... steep decent... steep climb... relentless. I remember
telling N8 that they should rename the race, the Wastach Hill Monster!
Now we were running a steady downhill... every single step
hurt my feet. Just kept telling myself, one step at a time. Push the pain
below. We ran through a gate and were now dodging cow patties left and right. I
told N8, “One more aid station then its homeward bound!” We arrived at the AS
and were greeted with warm smiles, it was so lovely to see. There was a nice
lady who rubbed sun block on my reddened face from 4 hours of direct sun. N8
wanted only water and lots of ice. He had been eating ice since the night/early
morning. We stuffed a couple pieces of oranges into our bellies and off we
went.
Decker Canyon to Finish (99.66): “One last push, we got
this!” Little did I know, N8 would be pushing me more to the finish. We saw a
huge reservoir, hoping to be able to run close enough to it so we could
submerge ourselves and get away from the heat. N8 said he would kill for
another iced tea like he had had at Brighton AS. I told him he should take an iced tea
bath, what a glorious post race celebration. We had been running for about 30
minutes on a big rolling gravel trail. Every time we crested a hill or rounded
a corner, we were hopeful of seeing the finish. I learned A LOT about him this
last section. I told him he wins races because he can push himself so hard,
especially at the finish! All I wanted to do was lay down or walk, here we were
running about a 10/min pace, crazy kid! He pulled me to the finish when I was
supposed to be pushing him.
We saw a man and asked how much further, “about 0.75 mile to
the road and then 0.5 mile to finish.” What were we waiting on! Even though N8
was able to push me even harder, I left my lungs about 5 miles back. How was I
even breathing right now? We made it to the road. “I can see it, we run to
those flags” he told me. My head was throbbing, heart pounding, legs crying,
how was I running right now? I would be lying if I didn't get a little
emotional and had a tear in my eye for N8. I thought about the past couple of
months, how much he struggled and grew closer to God and learned to trust Him.
What a privilege it was to run the past 60 miles and finish of the Grand Slam
with my best friend! I was holding back a waterfall... we had made it!
Post run: I hobbled over to my wife, gave her a sweaty kiss,
apologized for my stench and face planted on the grass. It felt so good. After
a shower, Candice “made” me get a massage. It was painfully delightful. I think because of this was actually able to “walk” the next day. Immediately after the race,
I had another ice cold ensure and a hamburger. I felt a little nauseous after
but it was worth it, I didn't throw up. I am thankful that my wife and family
came with me so I could kiss her and hold them at the finish!
