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Picking the Right 100 Miler, Mountain Lakes 100 Race Report

September 28, 2016 by Kyle Shade

After getting into running a few years ago I’ve slowly progressed with further and further distances.  My first race was a short 10 miles in the fall of 2014.  I then did what any logical runner would do and jumped right into a 50 miler the next spring.  Immediately after the race I stated I would never do another 50 miler.  I was green with nausea and could barely walk.  A week after the race I was online looking for a few races to progress up to the 100 mile mark.  I was bit by the running bug and excited to try and figure out how to perform and feel a little better for the next race.  I researched a few that would work out well with regards to location, elevation gain, and distance.  I entered lotteries, paid my entry fees, and hoped for the best.

My first two races of the year were the Tahoe Rim Trail 50 Miler and the Castle Peak 100k.  I feel that I performed really well in the first half of these two, with nausea setting in around the 30 mile mark on both.  This seemed to be a common theme.  After Castle Peak I had a conversation with a friend about food timing and started to string together a different plan than I had for the first two.  I really hoped this was going to be the solution to my finicky gut.

Step forward four weeks and I’m driving up to Oregon from Reno for the Mountain Lakes 100 Miler starting at Olallie Lake Resort.  If you haven’t heard of the location that’s because there isn’t much more than a few camp spots and small cabins for rent.  The rough, rutted out dirt road to get there was hard to navigate at 5AM in the dark but when we arrived the sun started to peek out and unveil beautiful Mt. Jefferson towering over Olallie Lake.  The water was like a pane of glass reflecting the snow capped peak, and a subtle layer of fog could be seen hovering above the shoreline.

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Olallie Lake with Mt. Jefferson in the background

The race was touted as one of the most beautiful 100 milers out there.  I figured if I’m going to spend a long time running, I might as well enjoy the views.  The elevation through the course was around 10k feet of gain/loss which seemed pretty mild compared to the first two races of my season.  The timing seemed to be great for weather, so this race was shaping up to be pretty plush in my head.

The race started unusually late, 8AM, but I actually enjoyed starting in daylight.  We began by heading south of the lake on a bit of fire road and eventually ended up in some rocky, beautiful single track that had more views of Mt. Jefferson.

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Rocky single track with view of Mt. Jefferson.  Photo Credit: Sandra James

The trail took a long drop into a dense forest where tall trees gave way to soft dirt that was gentle on the feet.  A constant mist lingered beneath the tree cover making the air moist and cool.

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Plush trail under tree cover.  Photo Credit: Sandra James

But all that drop meant that we had to gain it back.  We climbed what seemed like a creek bed for about 3k feet over several miles.  As the climb may have seemed rocky and arduous, it was overshadowed greatly by the wondrous lakes that would seemingly pop out of nowhere.  Their water was clear and smooth like that of Olallie Lake where we began.  Colors of red clashed with the evergreens and against the blue sky, making it hard to keep my eyes looking down at the trail to avoid tripping or jamming my toes.

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Fall colors beginning to show. Photo Credit: Sandra James

After 26 miles the course looped back to the starting line where we could meet our crew.  I was already an hour ahead of my goal time, and I knew my wife and pacer were going to be concerned that I was too fast out of the gate like a few of my races earlier this year.  After grabbing some solid food and a secret blend of coconut water, Skratch Labs electrolyte mix, and magic spells I set back out for the long haul north on the Pacific Crest trail towards Timothy Lake.  With advice from my crew I slowed my pace down significantly to save some energy for the long hours of the night.

The way north on the PCT was generous with regards to incline and ground texture.  I chatted with a few guys running my same pace along the way to keep me from thinking too much about being ahead of schedule.  After some long sections of downhill cruising and quick aid station roll-throughs, I finally made it to mile 54 just after dark.  Surprisingly, my stomach was solid, and I even felt really hungry!  I also had a bit of mental relief to find my pacer and share some miles with a friend.

From mile 54 the course made a big loop around Timothy Lake, just south of Mt. Hood, and met back at the same aid station where we picked up our pacers.

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Mt. Hood overlooking Timothy Lake. Photo Credit: Deb Brown

At this point we had cruised from 6k feet to just over 3k and had a 16 mile section of flat, easy running.  In the past 30 miles quite a few people ended up passing me which I was OK with.  I knew if I could save my main effort for the return trip back I would have a better race.  During the loop around Timothy Lake I began to start making a dent back in the number of racers that passed me earlier.  So much so that I arrived back at my crewing station before the time we set for my wife to get up and be ready for us!  Unfortunately my pacer was picking up some type of stomach illness from the day prior and lost all her food and water from vomiting.  We decided it to be best if she didn’t make the trip deep into the woods were there wasn’t much access to medical attention.  After waking my wife and doing a quick change of gear for the night temperatures I was back on my way towards the finish line.  This time, I was heading south on the PCT and back uphill with 30 miles to go, solo.

Temperatures dropped into the 40’s and I was glad I decided to put my tights on (thanks to my wife for tricking me into it).  I was running most of the mild hills, but some were too steep to run at 70+ miles in.  I began picking off more runners as it seemed they were running out of steam.  My food plan of stuffing my face with as much food as possible at each aid station seemed to be working.  Some of the highlights were pinto bean and avocado quesadillas, bacon, soup broth with rice, and warm mashed potatoes.  As I passed more runners, my spirits began to brighten.  I started to check the time and mileage and try to do some quick math in my head.  If I maintained my pace, I would make it back to the finish before my goal time.

I’m now at 90 miles in, and my mind is beginning to show signs of mental fatigue.  I start to see some things in the woods that I know aren’t there which makes me worry.  Checking my watch I know that I’m starting to slow down, but well on my way to a sub 24 hour finish.  I make quick time at the last two aid stations and do my best to keep my legs moving.  Daylight starts to break, so I know I’m getting close.

As I rounded the final turn on single track and can see the fire road that leads me 100 yards or so to the finish line I hear foot steps behind me.  Another runner has caught up to my sloth like pace.  I look forward and see my wife and pacer who have just jumped up from their chairs to finish with me.  In an effort to maintain my position, I sprinted the last bit and held the runner behind me off.  In the process of doing so, I outran my wife and pacer as well.  I knew that if I held the guy behind me off for almost 100 miles, I could do it for another 100 yards.

I managed to hold off the runner behind me and after finishing I was greeted with warm coffee, a change of clothes, and a leg massage.  Daylight was once again showing off Mt. Jefferson above Olallie Lake, and I couldn’t believe I actually finished in less than a day.  My final time was 23 hours, 27 minutes, and 17 seconds which earned me 26th overall.  I couldn’t be more proud of my race.

Reflecting on the course during the long drive back several things stood out about this race.  It was exceptionally well marked.  There was no point at which I felt confused on where to go.  Even at night, all the course markers had bright reflectors glaring back at you.  I don’t think there was a stretch longer than a quarter of a mile without seeing a marker, and when you’re delirious at 3AM second guessing yourself, that ensures a huge level of comfort.

The aid stations were very well equipped and very friendly.  I know most races have this, but most of these volunteers seemed to be runners themselves and really helped keep people from lingering, in a nice way.

The amount of beautiful scenery was amazing.  I honestly think I jammed my toes 50 times from looking up instead of at the trail.  I wish I had more pictures to justify my claim but I didn’t carry my phone with me as I ran.

This was, for me, the right 100 miler.  It wasn’t a test of how much elevation change I could handle, or how extreme of an environment I could run through.  It was a beautiful, fun run through the woods and mountains of Oregon.  I talked to some really inspiring people along the way, and had a lot of time to think to myself.  It tested my perseverance and grit, but also made the miles so easy because of the views.  If I were to pick a first 100 miler for anyone, I don’t see how I could pass up recommending the Mountain Lakes 100.

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Finisher’s Buckle

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May
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6:30 am Morning Speed & Hill Work with P... @ Johnson Canyon Trailhead
Morning Speed & Hill Work with P... @ Johnson Canyon Trailhead
May 25 @ 6:30 am – 8:00 am
Morning Speed & Hill Work with Peter Fain @ Johnson Canyon Trailhead
Join us Wednesdays at 6:30am sharp for a “no-host unofficial” morning speed & hill work session at various dirt trail  locations. This week’s run will start at the Johnson Canyon trail head in Truckee for[...]
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5:45 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
May 31 @ 5:45 pm – 7:00 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
We are excited to create even more opportunity for connections for Tahoe/Truckee mountain runners by kicking off a weekly social run on Tuesday evenings starting on May 17th to go through our 2022 running season until[...]
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6:30 am Morning Speed & Hill Work with P... @ Carpenter Valley
Morning Speed & Hill Work with P... @ Carpenter Valley
Jun 1 @ 6:30 am – 8:00 am
Morning Speed & Hill Work with Peter Fain @ Carpenter Valley
Join Coach Peter Fain Wednesdays at 6:30am sharp for a “no-host unofficial” morning speed & hill work session at various dirt trail  locations. This week’s run will be at Carpenter Valley. Meet at Alder Creek[...]
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8:00 am The Donner Party Mountain Runner... @ West End Beach Pavilion, Truckee CA
The Donner Party Mountain Runner... @ West End Beach Pavilion, Truckee CA
Jun 5 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Donner Party Mountain Runners Summer Picnic, presented by Tahoe Mountain Sports @ West End Beach Pavilion, Truckee CA
Calling all running friends to our FREE Summer Picnic, Kids Race, and Group Runs!! All members are invited to join us for our Summer Picnic on June 5, 2022 from 11am – 2pm at the[...]
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5:45 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Jun 7 @ 5:45 pm – 7:00 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
We are excited to create even more opportunity for connections for Tahoe/Truckee mountain runners by kicking off a weekly social run on Tuesday evenings starting on May 17th to go through our 2022 running season until[...]
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April Newsletter is out! Listen to board members R April Newsletter is out!
Listen to board members Renee, @ycamjack and @aude_hofleitner talk about the club and the great plans for 2022 thanks to the awesome folks from @themile99interview !

Talking about plans for 2022, join us for the Summer Picnic on June 5 and the Newbies on Tuesday, lead by @_buelna_ and co-hosted by @tahoemountainsports 
(also don't forget track on Wednesday mornings!)
And as we're all getting excited about race seasons and the upcoming party at @canyonsenduranceruns , meet our member @armstrong81.denver who will be running the 100k.

We also have the #bookofthemonth featuring A Beautiful Work in Progress from @themirnavator and opportunities to give back to the community by signing up for the @brokenarrowskyrace Elite Housing program.

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #raceseason #trailrace #canyons100k
The Donner Party Mountain Runners is excited to pr The Donner Party Mountain Runners is excited to present the inaugural Pt Mariah Trail Marathon.

Join us on Saturday, August 6th in Truckee / Soda Springs, CA for the Point Mariah Trail Marathon! There is a full marathon option as well as a 2-person "partner" marathon option.

With immense gratitude to @truckeedonnerlandtrust, the course will primarily run through the protected Royal Gorge land near Soda Springs, CA. Special thanks to our other land use partners at @skisodasprings and @tahoenationalforest.

Point Mariah offers expansive views of the Granite Chief Wilderness, the Pacific Crest Trail between Sugar Bowl and Squaw Valley, and the breathtaking Royal Gorge of the North Fork of the American River (one of the deepest canyons in the western US).

All the details for this fun, unique, and challenging trail race can be found on our website: https://donnerpartymountainrunners.com/point-mariah-trail-marathon/

Sign up on UltraSignup: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=93003

We hope to see you in August -- as a racer or volunteer!

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #trailrace #trailmarathon #sodasprings #royalgorge
The March Newsletter is out with the most amazing The March Newsletter is out with the most amazing content. You don't want to miss it! https://tinyurl.com/dpmrmarch

The New Point Mariah Trail Marathon organized by DPMR. 
Newbies runs and Track workouts returning in the spring. 
Volunteer Opportunities. 
Tips for backpacking with kids. 
The Book of The Month presenting Mental Training for Ultrarunning by Addie Bracy.
A highlight of Angela Stark who recently joined the board. 
Discussion about the best traction devices. 
A race report of Racing Gnome '22

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #bookofthemonth #racereport #pointmariah #trailrace #trailmarathon
Racing Gnome was back this weekend. Congrats to al Racing Gnome was back this weekend. Congrats to all the runners and thanks to the volunteers who made this possible. And who knows, maybe a snow race also called for a short break in the dry streak...?

📸: @travelwoo @ispyfred 

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #snowshoe #racing #flurries
The DPMR February newsletter is out (link in bio)! The DPMR February newsletter is out (link in bio)! Dive into some great info on our snowshoe race, ultra crewing advice, 2022 goals talk, weather musings, the book of the month, a COVID 2022 Q&A with Dr. Andy Pasternak @tubadrew, and get to know @kimyamauchi!
Add your name to our email newsletter list on the website to make sure you receive it. Enjoy!

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #runninggoals #snowshoe #newsletter #bookofthemonth #runningbook #covid_19 #weather #racecrew #racinggnome
The Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race is Back! Always a The Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race is Back! 

Always a fun and challenging event– join us for the return of the Racing Gnome Snowshoe on February 13th! There will be two events- a 5K and a 10K distance race. All experience levels are encouraged to race!

As a benefit of membership- this event is FREE for DPMR members and just $10 for non-members.

Thanks to a generous donation by Alpenglow Sports, as another benefit of membership we have a limited number of snowshoes that are available for use. These will be available on a first-come-first-served basis and we cannot guarantee they will be available for your race. Several local Truckee-Tahoe shops also rent snowshoes if you don’t already own a pair.

Check out details 
https://donnerpartymountainrunners.com/snowshoe-races/

📸: Helen Pelster

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #snowshoe #snowshoerunning #snoeshoeracing #racing #racinggnome
The snow is here... Time to get out the snowshoes The snow is here... Time to get out the snowshoes and enjoy winter Wonderland! Perfect day on the Donner lake rim trail and humans and our furry friend had a blast! Join us for our next snowshoe group run (or hike depending on conditions !). And thanks to @alpenglowsports members can borrow a pair of @atlassnowshoes for free!!

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #snowshoe #winterwonderland
Our member appréciation picnic was a blast : beau Our member appréciation picnic was a blast : beautiful trails, great company and tasty tacos from Golden Rotisserie... What else should we ask for? Even the dogs enjoyed the party!!

Thanks to board member Kathy @justimaginemktg for putting the event together and everyone who volunteered and helped. 
Thanks to Helen Pelster for capturing the moment 📸. 
We also got to celebrate one special member : our president and #unafraid leader Diane @ispyfred 
Thanks @keeptruckeegreen for the reusable plates. 

#trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #picnic #runningparty #memberappreciation #legacytrail #truckeeriver
**End of Year Member Picnic & Run This Sunday!** **End of Year Member Picnic & Run This Sunday!**

Yeah, it's last minute but that's how we roll (and run) these days! The weather forecast looks great and we'd love to see you this Sunday for some good old-fashioned DPMR socializing.

We'll meet for a group run of up to 10 miles: out and back from Truckee Regional Park - along the Legacy Trail and onto the dirt road along South River Street or maybe the Sawtooth Trail.

Catered picnic starts at noon. Look for us along the river at the Lower River BBQ site. Special thanks to Keep Truckee Green for providing the reusable dishware for this event!

**Date: Sunday, Nov 21st
Time: Group run at 10am, Picnic 12pm-3pm
Location: Lower River BBQ/Picnic Area, Truckee River Regional Park**

This event is FREE for members and their families! No one goes hungry ... so please RSVP to help us get a count for food and drink.

RSVP Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dpmr-end-of-season-picnic-extravaganza-tickets-34187454597

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #picnic #party
October News Letter is out. Check out the new arti October News Letter is out. Check out the new articles on the website. 
Hear from DPMR Board Member Steve about the Strategic Planning session he lead to determine our strategy and goals for the next 2-3 years, and to identify the underlying values and principles that will guide us in our decisions and activities
Meet Mike Turner (@ canyonbagger) through his Member highlight
If you are looking for treats, the Cowboy Cookies recipe is here for your, courtesy of Renee.
We also have an inspiring race report of the Castle Peak 100K showing that Meggie is #unafraid
And for our book of the month, see the notes from @aude_hofleitner about Chasing Twilight @bestrunningjournal with a special interview of one of the author, who you likely already know… our own @adamkimble818 

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #bookofthemonth #castlepeak100k #cookies #fueling #trailrace #racereport
Happy snow day... Hilloween is upon us!! Join DPMR Happy snow day... Hilloween is upon us!! Join DPMR for its Halloween hill climb Sunday October 31st!! 

See website and Facebook event for details. 

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #hilloween #halloween #hillrunning #vert
Run, friends, 🍁🍂 and 🍻! It's time for the Run, friends, 🍁🍂 and 🍻! It's time for the 2021 DPMR Pub to pub run. See you at the brewery and barrel house of @alibialeworks in incline Sunday October 17th at 8am. 
Check out the post on Facebook or on the website. 

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #runandbrunch #runandbeer #alibialeworks #inclinevillage #pubrun
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