After the Sugg Farm 50 miler, it was time to jump right into training for the Long Haul.

I watched an interview with Zach Bitter and adopted his strategy of using local races to run in place of self-supported long runs.

First up in October was Triple Lakes Trail Race 40 Miler. 40 relentless miles of single track. That race tore my feet up. I was not happy with my time there, it took me over 10 hours.

In November it was the Carolina Beach 16-Hour Lock-In. What a great race–we’ll back Punk Rock Ultras. I managed 60 miles and more importantly got a lot of nighttime running.

In December it was Shakori 40 Miler. This is as close as I ever came to dropping out of a race. The day started badly with car trouble and me barely making it to the start line. Add on a 15-degree start temperature and my stomach acting up from mile one. It was many trips to the porta-potty for me. Luckily I managed to duck into the TUFF Run Club’s tent for some much-needed nutrition and encouragement from Tony Mendez and Cameron Martz who both put my mind back in place. I managed to finish with a decent time. Thanks guys.

It was on to Florida. My wife Nicky and I arrived a few days earlier so I got to go to Colts Creek State Park and check out the course. I also got to meet race director Andy Croom, a super nice guy. Friday night I went to the pasta dinner/race brief/packet pickup. Then it was home to rest up for Saturday.

I arrived at about 6 am and got to meet up with some fellow TUFF runners. There was Wes Claytor, Emily Lyons, Kaleel Muhammed, Amy McDowell and of course Andy Barrett who was captain of Aid Station 2. A quick photo opt and it was go time.

Loop 1: The course was set up as a 16.7-mile loop course. I started where I like to always–way in the back. I like to give the faster and elite runners their space. No need for my slow ass to clog up the start, lol. Plus, I get to feel the course out. It was true to form that’s for sure. Fast, flat, and this year super dry. I had an interval strategy that I was using which I called progressive intervals. My first loop was to run a mile and walk a minute. The first loop went as planned with no issues. I loved the course and got to feel things out at a nice pace.

Loop 2: Pretty much like Loop 1 but I switched up my intervals I was now running a half mile and walking a minute. I got to meet up with Kaleel and we ran some miles together. Loop 2 ended and I felt good.

Loop 3: I started this loop still feeling good. I moved to different intervals this time–it was run a 10th of a mile and walk a 10th of a mile, which would be my strategy for the rest of the race moving forward. Midway through Loop 3 at about mile 40 I felt something on my big toe on my left foot. I stopped at the aid station where my drop bag was and sure enough it was a blister–a big one! A volunteer at the aid station had a rubber padding type thing that slipped over my toe and I was on my way back out. I met up with Kaleel again at mile 48 and it was getting dark fast. I had my waist lamp with me and we made it into headquarters for the halfway point of our race. 50 miles down in 11 hours and 33 mins. But the blister was throbbing.

Loop 4: After taking about 20 minutes too long working on this blister, it was time to head back out into the darkness for the rest of the race. Even though a sub-24 was still in play realistically, I knew it wasn’t gonna happen. With that in mind, I just needed to finish. Loop 4 was interesting because even though mentally I was in a good place I could feel my body starting to get tired. I continued on and at the end of the loop I had run 66 miles–further than I ever had previously. But I didn’t come for that. What I came for was still two loops away.

Loop 5: It would prove to be my toughest yet. I was really slowing down almost exclusively walking fast but not running at all. And with the night time dragging on and my toe throbbing with every step, I knew I had to mentally prepare for the finish being tough. I told myself with a mile to go on Loop 5, “don’t linger at headquarters–get in and get out.” A quick trip to the bathroom, a refill on my water bottle, and it was back out.

Loop 6: I started my final loop just like the other 5–a quick stop at Wes Claytor’s truck to see his wife Christa and check on his progress. This time the truck was gone and that brought a huge smile to my face because I knew he had crushed it in under 24 hours and was probably heading home. Honestly, I was struggling. It was tough to stay focused out there. It was dark and lonely. I found myself exhausted and moving sideways at times. But I kept moving forward. One step at a time. I knew dawn was approaching and I kept saying, “just get to sunlight and it will get better.” Just then my waist lamp went out. Luckily I had a spare battery with me and a headlamp to help me get it going again. It started showering around 6 am and it felt good to me. I welcomed the coolness of the rain. It brought a little life back into me. Finally, dawn was breaking. I could turn off the headlamp. I made it to Aid Station 2 and got to see Andy Barrett for one last time. And just like every other loop when I stopped to see him, he filled me with nutrition, and more importantly, words of encouragement. I said, “Andy and all you guys, thanks for all of your help. I would not have done this without you. But if you would excuse me, it’s time to head for home.” 2.5 miles stood between me and that buckle. Those miles were no match. I walked/hiked/stumbled/mumbled to the finish. With about 1/4 mile to go, I spotted my wife Nicky waiting at the finish. I started waving my arms frantically to get her attention. She finally saw me and I started running and I didn’t stop running until I crossed the finish line. 26 hours, 24 minutes, and 48 seconds…

I did it. 100 miles. And on top of that, a Western States Qualifier. Some hugs, a couple pictures, and then it was time to sit down.

A few days had passed when someone asked me what was the best and most fulfilling part of the race. Without hesitation I said the people. It wasn’t the buckle. It wasn’t the finish. It was the people. The miles I got to share with friends. The help from the aid stations. The people camping out and cheering, not just for me, but for every runner out there. People I’ve never met. Meeting runners on the trail deep into the night seeing them struggle, and getting to help them or give them the encouragement to keep moving forward like other runners were offering me. That’s why I run. It’s not for medals or buckles or PRs–it’s for moments like this when we all come together. We try and support everyone on their quest to finish. It was a great time and a great race with even greater people.

Up next for me is the Agapé 100k, where I’ll get to test my vertical skills and training.

A few quick side notes: congrats to Emily and Wes for their sub-24 finishes–you guys rock! Also, Kaleel for finishing (sorry I couldn’t wait for you but I started feeling really bad, lol). Thanks again to Andy for making a tough race bearable. And of course, my wife Nicky (she knows why, lol). Also, I got to meet a guy I follow on YouTube who ran the race and his videos have been very helpful in my training for ultras–shoutout to Simon Guerard (if you don’t follow him, please do).

Thanks for reading this.

Long Haul 100: January 18th-19th 2025

2025 Long Haul 100