In this Javelina Jundred runner review, Barbara R. shares her experience of the 2019 100 mile race. Read on for what she loved, what challenged her, and what she recommends for you!
“This was my best executed race I’ve ever run! I went out super slow on lap 1 and did not get caught up in runners passing me or letting my adrenaline take me away. I stayed super chill and I think that helped every lap after that. I’m also pretty sure I may have negative splitted by running the last lap the fastest! I ran almost the entire course – I only hiked a very tiny amount. The looped style is so much easier mentally. I could really just focus on my running and nutrition and not have to think about big climbs or water crossings or super technical parts. I’m just really proud of this entire race.”
What is a runner review of a race?
At Team RunRun, we know that working towards a race is a great motivation for running. However, not all running events are created equal. Our athletes report back on their experiences so that you can figure out which race is right for you. Read on for an honest runner review of the Javelina Jundred!
Barbara R’s Full Runner Review of the Javelina Jundred (2019)
Race: Javelina Jundred 100 Mile
Runner: Barbara R
Race Date: 10/26/2019
Location: Fountain Hills, AZ
Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=63015
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2821488956/overview
Review the 3 Bests – What aspects of the Javelina Jundred did you like the most?
1. The Course: It’s looped and beautiful and super runnable!
2. The Weather: Holy crap did we luck out with amazing weather! It only got in the 80’s and I never felt overheated!
3. The Volunteers: Super helpful and wonderful!
Was there anything about the Javelina Jundred that didn’t work for you?
Honestly, there’s nothing I can really say here. This race was perfect in my books!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The epic dance floor at Jackass Junction! And all the people who were brave/ballsy enough to run the entire race in costumes.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
This was my best executed race I’ve ever run! I went out super slow on lap 1 and did not get caught up in runners passing me or letting my adrenaline take me away. I stayed super chill and I think that helped every lap after that. I’m also pretty sure I may have negative splitted by running the last lap the fastest! I ran almost the entire course – I only hiked a very tiny amount. The looped style is so much easier mentally. I could really just focus on my running and nutrition and not have to think about big climbs or water crossings or super technical parts. I’m just really proud of this entire race.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the Javelina 100 mile to help the next runner
GO SLOW ON LAP 1! I promise it will save you! When I went out for lap 2, people were already hiking! And so many people DNF’ed because they killed themselves on lap 1. Go slow, take it easy, and don’t let your adrenaline take over. I was amazed at how many runners were struggling on lap 2.
Also, USE ALL THE ICE! Once I started on lap 2, I iced my body for the next 40 miles. I used UV arm sleeves, white calf sleeves, a bandana, a bucket hat, and pocket shorts (from Oiselle) and shoved ice everywhere. And used the ice bucket sponges to soak my sleeves and body. Keeping my body cool kept my mentality cool and I never worried about overheating ever.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I learned that I can run a lot of miles! And I will push myself on future races! Because I know I can do it.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the Javelina 100 mile
It’s looped and each loop starts with a climb for about 9ish miles and then a downhill for the rest of the way. The downhill isn’t just downhill though, there is still little ups and downs and flats on the way down. The climbing is nothing steep but definitely wears you down in the later laps. Lap 1 will get you if you go too fast.
And it will get toasty so use ice!
Aesthetics – Is the Javelina Jundred a pretty course?
Oh my gosh yes! I’m a desert runner so I’m used to this scenery and it’s still so beautiful. I loved every minute of it.
Difficulty – Is the Javelina Jundred a tough course?
Doing 100 miles will always be tough. That being said, this course is very runnable. There’s not big climbs or super technical parts. But you need to run this course intelligently if you don’t want that DNF.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Aravaipa Running does an incredible job with this race! I can’t say enough about how well run this race is; they rock it!
Review the competition – Is it a strong field?
This year most definitely! This race usually attracts some elite runners. It was super cool seeing Patrick Reagan and Kaci Lickteig crushing the race! Along with Camelia Mayfield, Sally McRae, and Mallory Richard, just to name a few! For the women’s field, 8 runners went faster than 19:40! That’s flying! I was able to get 10th overall female so I think that’s pretty cool.
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.
Don’t wait on registering for this race, it will sell out. If you want to set up a canopy and/or tent, get to the headquarters as early as possible to grab a good spot. We didn’t use our tent, but we did use the pop up. I stayed at my mom’s which was about an hour away. I think it would be easier to get a hotel or airbnb closer to the race so we wouldn’t have to wake up so early and spend an hour in the car before and after the race.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Aid stations were incredible! They had everything and anything you could think of. And my favorite part: so many vegan options! Vegan quesadillas, bean roll ups, sandwiches (like legit full on sammies, not just pb&j), broth, and ramen just to name a few! I have never had so many food options to choose from at an aid station. They also had sunscreen areas and icing areas…and dancing areas.
Weather and typical race conditions
Sunny and toasty with temps dropping when the sun goes down. I don’t think it got too hot this year but I’m also used to running in the desert, so I preemptively used ice and cold water to keep my core temperature down. I didn’t have to add extra layers when the sun went down, but once I finished the race I felt the cold. As long as I was moving, the drop in temp didn’t bother me.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
UV arm sleeves
White calf sleeves
Bucket hat
Pocketed short
Basically, wear anything you can shove ice into.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
The one area that family and friends can see their runner and help with aid is the main aid station, Javelina Jeadquarters. It’s a huge party and tons of fun, so you’ll never get bored even though it’ll take 4+ hours for your runner to return.
How’s the Swag?
Amazing! Super soft rabbit shirt? Um, yes please. And a sweet Hoka backpack? Stop it.
The Overall Review – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend it to other runners?
All the stars!! Yes I highly recommend this race if you don’t mind getting loopy in the desert. 🙂
