Recap of Desert R.A.T.S. 25-mile Trail Run

I ran the Desert RATS 25-mile trail run in Fruita on Saturday.

This was my first ‘race’ in a number of years. My focus has been on kids, Tae Kwon Do and miscellaneous recreational activities.

I could tell at registration, the night before, that I was ready (and eager) for more races going forward. I just love that competitive feeling.

The weather was perfect. Low of 39 and high of 69. Slight cloud cover, which makes running even better.

My nutrition plan was good, my mindset was strong, now just needed the body to comply

My buddy Scott and I headed out to exit 11 outside Fruita, arriving at 5:50 a.m.

We spent the night at La Quinta in Fruita, where registration took place, so it made getting to the start very easy, and quick.

Parking was already tight when we arrived, so we had to park 1/2 mile down the road. It doesn’t seem like much, but I knew after the race, that 1/2 mile would seem a lot longer.

The weather was so mild, that I elected to start in my short-sleeve, forgoing the slight chill. I knew it would warm up… and I would warm up within the first mile or two… little did I know how quickly.

I love this type of race. Your options are 25 or 50 miles. The participants are a different breed than what you find at a 10k. No smack-talking or crazy behavior at the start. These are serious athletes who have a tough course ahead.

The real smack-talking is your time… either you performed or didn’t.

As the announcer warned of the start in 5 minutes, the 200 participants (150 for 25 miles, 50 signed up for the 50 miler), people slowly moved toward the line.

It was the least intense start I have experienced. Everyone knows they have a long day (minimum 4 hours, up to 13) ahead of them, so what’s a few seconds at the start?

Contrast this to the Ironman’s I’ve done. 1500 people all jump in the water at the same time, rushing to get out in front… like swimming in a washing machine.

No, this start was TAME and quite social for the first 1.2 miles. And then it hit… the first of endless climbs. Moore Fun Trail could not be more ironic. Up and up and then up some more as we had to watch every step. This was technical and every footfall had to be placed deliberately.

Scott and I became separated right away. We had a game plan to run together for a while, but the crowd and my excitement and love of the uphill, caused us to separate. I thought we’d reconnect within 10-15 minutes. I thought wrong. We were both in for a long day.

I started out too fast in the first 30 minutes and backed off a bit. The terrain was rough and I had to be careful not to burn out. While I was hoping to go 50, I had no idea what to expect… from my body or the course. This was my first day ‘back’ after a long hiatus and I was taking it as it came.

After one hour of navigating treacherous terrain, I came to the intersection of the Kokopelli Trail and 1st aid station. I didn’t need much as my hydration pack had plenty of water and food, but I took the time to wait for my buddy… but after 5 minutes, no Scott and legs starting to cool down, I resumed my race.

Next was 3 miles of Mary’s Loop and Pizza Overlook. This was the beginning of an endless series of “Killer Views.” Killer, because if you looked up to enjoy the views, and weren’t paying attention to where you were placing your feet, you could do a face plant, or worse, go over the edge of the cliffs we were running alongside.

Thank You!

I came up to the intersection with Steve’s Loop and grateful the woman behind me pointed me in the right direction. I had taken a left when I should have taken a right at the Y. Otherwise, it would have been an even longer day.

I ran another mile or so and happened upon aid station at 9.2 – I happened upon it as I turned a corner, and boom, there it was, two cheerful women greeting us with drinks and food. This was, by far, the best stretch of run and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Little did I know that would be the only stretch of run I could really enjoy.

Unlike most runs where you can put your head down and get into a groove, this course only allowed it for 3 of 25 miles. There were so many rocks to climb over, around or avoid, that such a groove was not possible, and that in and of itself, proved exhausting.

Next, a gradual uphill, technical (heck, it’s all technical) to Crossroads aid station at mile 12.5… only 12.5 miles? It feels like a lot more!

Another climb out from that aid station and along the toughest stretch between aid stations. 7 miles from Crossroads, along Troy Built Loop, to the Troy Built aid station. I knew from the map it was going to be tough. It was rocky and technical (heard that before) and full of ups and downs… wasn’t there any flat ground on this course?

By mile 15 I knew something was not right. My quads were shutting down and my knee was acting up. I’ve never had knee problems. As a matter of fact, going into the race, I was worried about my calves. They prevented me from running for two years, if anything kept me from running today, it would be them.

But, I have done this before and as I told my wife before the race, you never know what shows up in your body until you’ve been running for a few hours. And I was right about 3 hours.

That should tell you how hard the course was. 3 hours of running and I’m at 15 miles. I’ve run 2 marathons in under 3 hours, so this is one tough course.

By this point, it feels like my IT band is pulling tighter across my knee and my quads are seizing up. Something is not right. It hurts more going downhill than up…

I look forward to uphill for a little break.

By now, I’m limping slowly along the trail, nursing some bum legs. I’m admiring the amazing views while I deal with the grueling trail.

I limp into the Troy Built aid station at 19 miles and relieved to see the start of Lion’s Loop, which start with a 1 mile uphill climb. You might dread it, but like I said, I love the uphills, and especially today.

About this time, the 1st place runner passes me going the other direction! He’s 12 miles ahead of me. I know I’m not setting any records today and picked one heck of a race to get back into it… and he didn’t even look tired… I can’t say the same.

I love the 1 mile uphill but know it’s followed by a 4 mile downhill and my knee is dreading that.

Unfortunately, it turns out worse, as I have to scoot down the steeper sections sideways because my knee has gone on strike.

By now, I’ve given up any chance of running a 2nd lap to do 50, I’m just doing my best to finish this race.

Heck, I’ve even walked for a while and still haven’t seen my buddy Scott… I’m guessing his day isn’t going too well either.

After what seems like eternity… and church service – since I was praying to the Almighty for some new legs, I get to the bottom of the long descent and 1.2 miles to go to the finish line.

It’s the 1 mile dirt road we started the race on, so it’s flat to the finish… with a new headwind that’s kicked up since the sun came up.

I look like an invalid hobbling down the road, but I’m determined. I hurt, my quads are spent, my knee is shot, but I’m determined. I can do anything for a mile and I find whatever reserves of energy I have to get to that darn finish as quickly as possible.

I’ve been asked why I run so fast. My response is always the same, to get off the course as soon as possible!

I’m ready to finish, take off my shoes and put my feet up.

Oh yeah, there’s this 6 hour 30 minute deadline. You see, if you want to run 50 (a 2nd lap) you need to come in under 6 hours 30 minutes to be allowed back out. And while I have NO DESIRE to go back out, I want to have the option.

As I climb up the slight hill for the final 100 feet to the finish, my name gets called and there’s a spattering of applause by the few supporters waiting for their loved ones. I appreciate the anonymous reception.

The race organizer is sitting in a comfortable chair (redundant at this point) and looks up from his clipboard to ask; “going back out?”

In the nicest way I could muster, I replied to the negative. No, I would not be going back out. I was already dreading the 1/2 mile walk back to the car.

Scott finished 11 minutes later. Together, we hobbled down the long dirt road to the car and the reward of sitting down!

If you have any interest in running this race next year Click here, I’ll be back to reclaim my pride and post a better performance.

Tags: trail running