Crown King Scramble 2014

After the disaster that was Crown King 2013 I was anxious and excited about this years race.  Last year I was not trained well for the race and ended up having a major pity party.  I won in 2013, but just barely and with a time that left me apologizing to my coach and crying.  This year I went into the race feeling better than I have felt in a long time about my running.  I ran for about the first 12 miles with some boys I know and it was nice to have the company. Ultra running is perfect for me because it takes about 10 to 12 miles before I feel good and at 12 I started pushing the pace thinking the boys would follow, but I ended up going alone.  I really want to break the record on that course (4:34:13 set by Ann Trason in 2002).  At mile 15 I knew I still had a chance but I needed to really go on the runnable parts coming after mile 19.  Unfortunately I took a nasty fall at the first water crossing.  Not a bad injury, but a lot of pain and it felt like I pulled something in my inner thigh.  I struggled to get under 9 min pace.  Once it was clear the record was out of reach I shifted my focus on getting in under 5 hours.  I was still feeling good approaching the hardest section.  It was a relief to get to mile 26 because I knew I would be walking soon and I was looking forward to it!  I checked my Garmin and realized I was walking as fast I was running, but walking was easier.  I put a smile on my face and power walked from the aid station at 27 until 29.5.  Once the downhill into town arrived I pushed the pace down to 6:20 and tried to stay out of the way of the ATV's.  A few stopped to yell encouraging words.  With a  half mile left, I threw down my water bottle and powered into the finish feeling ridiculously happy.  I crossed the line in 4:58:39 and jumped into the arms of my coach James Bonnet.  I even kissed his face a few times!   It's always an awesome feeling when you have the race you want want to have.  

Go check out the blog of Bret Sarnquist to read a great account of running Crown King for the first time.  He passed me at me some point, but I still like him!