The Final Countdown (2022)

I ran The Final Countdown this year, and it was an awesome challenge. The Ultra Running Guys have created something special here, and I’m glad I got to experience it for myself.

The format of this race is similar to a Last Man Standing/Backyard Ultra in that everyone had to start together for each loop and make it back before the time cut-offs. But, The Final Countdown is unique because the cut-offs get 20 seconds shorter with each successive lap until no one is left running. Basically, it’s slow until it’s not, and then it gets real—real quick.

I’m going to write this race report up a little differently this time around since this was a different type of race altogether. I’m going to break it out into three separate parts—patience, grit, and speed—as the race requires all three in that order.

Patience

68 of us started out at 8:00 am on Saturday, September 17th, each of us with our own goals and agendas. Some of us wanted to set a distance PR, some of us wanted to run our first ultra, and some of us wanted to win. But, almost all of us needed to begin with some serious patience, as the cut-off was very slow to start, giving us a lot of time to contemplate our pace and strategy. Going out too fast too early could wreak havoc in the later miles when the cut-offs would inevitably speed up. But, on the other hand, if you go out too slow, you give up some time to recoup and refuel at the start/finish aid station. So, most of us settled into very comfortable paces, choosing to have conversations with other fellow runners and finding things to connect on and laugh about while remaining patient. The hours went by, just as the miles did, and eventually, the sun started to warm us up.

Grit

After about 4.5 hours of running and 20+ miles covered, you could sense a change in the field. Conversations were becoming less frequent, people were dropping out at a greater rate, and more people were crowding the aid station as we wrapped up each lap. At this point, I felt great, but the increasing pressure to make it back with enough time to spare each loop was certainly noticeable. Many runners began announcing their intentions and goals for the day. “I’m just looking to crack 30 miles!” “If I can make it to a marathon today, I’ll be happy.” “This is the furthest I’ve ever gone, and I think I’m done when we get back from this lap.” Seeing so many people challenging themselves and reaching new personal records was awesome. However, the pack at the front continued to increase their pace, and they looked all too comfortable doing so. It was around 28 miles when I realized that the challenge had just begun and I’d need to dig deep if I wanted to achieve my goal.

Speed

As we surpassed 30 miles, running a 9:30 pace was feeling incredibly difficult. It was as if my legs were trying to work through quicksand. I kept pushing and did my best to ignore the negative internal chatter. I made it back to the start/finish, but this time with only a minute to spare before the next lap. I tried to cool myself off with cold water on my head and chugged as much water as I could. We went out for our next lap, and I felt like I had a weighted blanket wrapped around my chest. I struggled to control my breathing, and my legs were getting heavier. Push! I didn’t want to quit, but I recognized that the walls were closing in on me. I would go on to complete 2 more laps, trying to stave off these feelings before the wheels came off and I found myself walk-running my way back to the start/finish. A little more than a quarter of a mile from completing the lap, I heard the 2-minute warning horn sound off through the forest. I tried to pick up my pace, but it was futile. By the time I emerged from the trail, my race was over, and I walked it to the finish with a big ass smile on my face. I went out on my shield and left it all out there. 

Ultimately, I completed 26 laps, 34.6 miles, and finished 7th overall. 

I can’t stress how interesting, challenging, and fun this specific race was. The experience was one that I’m grateful to have been a part of. I saw some old friends, made some new ones in the process, and cherished the time spent with a community where I truly feel welcomed.

Having a great time just a few laps in

Struggling just before my final lap (with an untied shoe)

Post-race photo with Jeremy & Jeff of The Ultra Running Guys, and my #1 supporter (Callie)