In this Cascade Crest 100 Race Report, runner Vivian shares her experience of the endurance run. Read for her tips on how to make the most of the race!
The Cascade Crest 100 Race Report
Race: Cascade Crest 100
Runner: Vivian D
Date: 8/27/2016 & 8/28/2016
Location: Easton, WA
Results: 33:59:13 (I know, cut a little too close)
3 Bests – what aspects of the Cascade Crest 100 did you like the most?
The view, the climb, the people
Not so much – What aspects of the race didn’t work for you?
None
Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about the Cascade Crest 100?
The rope and tunnel (maybe weird but special)
Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
There is always lows during the 100. This time was my darkest with longest time (came in waves, but close to 14 hours total), mostly because I could not eat solid food, (threw up after m43 A/S). After a while, I could drink tiny bit of liquid calories (I guess maybe 200 during 6h, 500 during 12h? And 30+ miles?). I never really felt completely empty, got pretty low for sure. And the experience of seeing the dark(er) side, going there and finding the light again, came back to life, all alone by myself. It may sound funny, I felt I got the upgrade.
Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
When I threw up at the first time, I should have just stopped, taken my pepto bismol out and eaten it right away. It may have cut down some of my low time.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I will take medicine right away after I throw up next time.
Trust my body can handle it when I could not eat.
It’s a continuous damage control, and problem solving process.
Silver lining of middle low section: save my legs. I made m80 with 10 min to spare. When I was able to eat some, I had enough energy to shuffle through the needle section in okay time.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race?
Go to the training run weekend. And train on the course as much as possible, specially the first climb.
Aesthetics – is it a pretty course?
Not the most scenic I have run. But yes.
Difficulty – is it a tough course?
yes
Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well run.
Competition – is there a strong field?
I guess so. I just do my own race.
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.
Lottery opens in early Feb. New start time at 9a, Tom was in Teton, so I camped with a friend at Easton lake state park the night before, like 5 min drive. And shared a hotel room with 3 other people in Cle Elum after the run. First time has this arrangement (usually Tom drove me home), need more time off, but I liked it. More relaxing.
How are the Aid Stations?
Good
Weather and typical race conditions
Mountain has its own weather. Always want to be prepared.
Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Not really. Cant think of any.
Spectators – is the Cascade Crest 100 a friendly course for your friends?
I never have a crew. They can see runners in few places.
How are the awards?
Finisher buckle, hoodie this year. I also got the finisher towel few years ago.
The Overall Score – how many stars do you give the Cascade Crest 100 and do you recommend that others run it
Before maybe 9. After adding the new 3.5m section, now it’s 10. Makes the whole flow better and even better view at early part. It’s hard but I highly recommend.