Race: Bigfoot 20 miler
Runner: Korey K
Race Date: 08/10/2018
Location: Mt. St Helens
Results: 1st place OA
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1763292724
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- I LOVED THE ROCK FIELDS! So much fun.
- I also loved the gradual climbs and mix of runnable terrain.
- The volunteers were A+ too! Just a fun event.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
I loved this event. It was well marked, a great route, great support. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
That some people were running a 200 MILER! It felt weird for a man to ask me in passing “What distance are you running ” “20 miler! You?” “200.” Wowsa.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I ran within my capability which proved to be enough. I did the yo yo with a gentleman for most of the race, but made sure not to run myself into the ground. I trusted myself, my training, and my coach (Keith Laverty). When we reached the climb at mile 13 (which happened to be exactly like the climb from my back porch to my favorite trails) I pulled away easily and was able to put 16 minutes on second place in the last 6 miles. This is the opposite of what I did at White River before dropping out a couple weeks earlier. No matter how many years I compete or how many times I tell it to my own athletes, it’s easy to forget from time to time, but: RUN YOUR OWN RACE, enjoy the experience, and good things will happen.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Pay attention in the washes. The flags are there, but it’s an open wash, not so much a trail. Also, save some energy for that big climb at mile 13 AND for the boulder fields immediately following that climb. In training, work on some technical foot work for the boulder fields. You could lose a good amount of time there.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Next time around I’m running the 40 miler! TWICE THE FUN!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Be prepared and carry enough water. I never ever EVER run with bladder. I think the last time I ran with a bladder was when I lived in Arizona over 4 years ago, but this time I listened to the RD and carried a 2 Liter bladder plus a 16 oz collapsible flask. And I’m glad I did! I didn’t need to refill at the aid station, but I was completely out of water by the end. And that’s only for the 20 miler. Trust the RD when she says you need to be self sufficient and overly prepared for this race, especially if you choose the longer distances.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
So gorgeous! Mt. St. Helens is something to behold. You get to run through the desolation zone, and did I mention the awesome BOULDER FIELDS!?
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Very difficult, specifically towards the end. The big foot races aren’t beginners courses.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Super organized, super well run. Destination Trail always puts on amazing events.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
No
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
There’s some great camping up there and it’s FREE. Best to get there early to secure a spot though. We showed up at midnight the night before and found a pretty nice spot on a turn out, but I would have liked to have gotten there early and got more rest. It was a 6 hour drive for us from Ashland. Great race location if you live in Portland or Seattle.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard fare. Well stocked. Friendly volunteers.
Weather and typical race conditions
Hot and exposed. Bring extra water, but also be prepared with a shell and emergency blanket as the weather can change rapidly on the mountain.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Be self sufficient! This was a 20 mile race and I carried: a 2L bladder, 16oz flask, a shell, a lifestraw, and emergency blanket, back up calories.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
It’s very remote and as far as I know there aren’t many places to spectate.
How’s the Swag?
Pretty sweet! Awesome handmade wooden finishers medals.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
11/10 would run it again and LONGER!