My Experience at the San Diego 100 Mile Endurance Run (Jess Mullen)

It was a great race. The actual temperature wasn't too bad but the majority of the course is exposed, so it felt hot. Thankfully the aid stations had big buckets of ice water so I didn't get overheated Saturday but I guess alot of people did. Here's my race recap -

The course was 2 50 mile loops. And each loop consisted of 2 smaller loops (20 and 30 miles). I started out running with some women from southern California (the majority of runners were from California). I had a good time hearing about California races, advice on dealing with 100 milers, and how to deal with rattlesnakes. The views along the course were spectacular. It was very windy since there were no trees.

After the first aid station (about 6 miles) I started running alone. I put on my headphones and enjoyed good music and good scenery. I was so happy to be running what I hoped to be my first 100 mile finish. It wasn't too hot yet. My body wasn't feeling the best but I didn't care - the 3 things I noticed were: my tailbone was aching, my plantar fasciitis was bugging me and my left hip flexor was super tight.

I got back to the start/finish area at mile 20 and put some icy hot on my hip flexor, got my bandanna and meant to take my camera but left it on the aid station table (so absent-minded sometimes). My hip flexor almost immediately felt better and didn't bother me the rest of the race. Then it got hot. It all of a sudden hit me as I was climbing uphill in a narrow stretch between big bushes with no breeze. I decidedly to slow down, as my main focus was to take care of myself so I wouldn't blow this race. I came upon a stream and wet my hair and bandanna and that cooled me down enough and I was able to run better again.
Off and on throughout the rest of the 50 mile loop were sections full of loose rocks and branches. I didn't mind it during the first loop. I felt like I was able to run the majority of the course and the tailbone pain and the pain in my foot disappeared by mile 30. I took a salt tablet every 45 minutes and I would eat solid food at the aid stations and GU in between. All was well.

Then came the second 50. Seemed much longer! Linda met me after the first loop and I was so happy to see her. I had enjoyed the solitude and now was ready to have some company. We headed out and shortly thereafter I got my first round of nausea. The first 6 miles of the loop are mostly uphill - and going uphill never seems to help when I feel nauseous. I had some ginger candy and tried to eat a bit, took an extra salt tab and then the aid station had alka selzer and broth. I don't know what exactly was key but about 20 minutes later I was feeling better.

On we went into the night. I was surprised at how good my legs felt. I had no achiness and they didn't even feel tired at that point. Then I got nauseous again. And then there were those lovely rocky sections that weren't quite as easy to maneuver thru in the dark. My feet had felt fine but after kicking and stumbling over rocks for many miles they were quite sore. The rest of the night was about trying not to trip and fall and managing the level of nausea I felt. Thank goodness for Linda - I probably wouldn't have eaten anything and felt apart if she hadn't been there. Food and drinks were so revolting at that point. She made me carry some sort of food in my hand at all times so that I would slowly nibble. Even though every time I took a bite I would feel better, I still didn't want to do it. I would chew whatever I put in my mouth FOREVER, and contemplate spitting it out. Somehow we got through. I was able to shuffle thru much of the night with some walking when either the nausea or the stumbling over rocks was too much to bear!

Then came the ~7.6 mile death march to the finish. The sun had come up, I was tired, and it was warm. I just couldn't put anything really in my mouth and I swear every time I took a sip of water I felt like I had to pee. The last stretch is a slow climb and then a flat/rolling stretch with a final quick descent. And, of course, it was totally exposed. I got way over-heated and had started that section way too fast cause I was excited it was close to the finish. I took quite a nose-dive. I felt like I was walking at a snail's pace and the uphills seemed to go on FOREVER. Linda was quietly pleading with me to just eat something, anything. I tried to and was able to stomach a little bit but man, I thought I might collapse! Linda kept cheering me on - telling me I was doing good and holding strong (all lies but motivating nonetheless). After having a few bites of a Payday, I did start to regain coherence and was able to run/shuffle the last fews miles and then - the finish. Ahhh, so happy. Couldn't wait to sit down - hadn't sat down (except once for like 40 seconds) throughout the whole race cause I was afraid it might be too comfortable.
Got my buckle, found out I was 3rd woman and felt great. I am pretty tired and stiff today. Nothing hurts too bad. The only weird thing was I got blisters under both big toenails - yuck.

I loved every minute of it and can't wait to try again and learn more (hopefully) on how to eat better late in the race and not get so nauseous.
Hope to see you all soon! jess