• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Run
    • Point Mariah Trail Marathon
    • Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race
    • Castle Peak 100k
    • Group Runs
    • Snowshoe Loans
    • Code of Conduct
  • Join
    • Membership Cost & Benefits
    • Race Discounts
    • Join Us
  • Volunteer
    • Be a DPMR Volunt(HERO)!
    • Aid Station Volunteers Needed!
    • Trail Stewardship
  • About
    • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
  • Calendar
  • Store
    • Shopping Cart
  • Donate

Donner Party Mountain Runners

Inform Inspire Connect

  • Member Highlights
  • Race Reports
  • Newsletter
  • Webinar Videos

It has to start somewhere – Western States 100

June 30, 2017 by Julia Millon 1 Comment

1:30 a.m. somewhere outside of Cool, CA, I lay an army green down jacket in the dirt, lay my pack above it and lay down on them both. My feet are in a pile of leaves and the dirt coats my legs like flour on pizza dough.

Complete relief is all I feel—knowing that I’m exactly where I am supposed to be and that I have hours before I will be expected to act any certain kind of way.

Green Gate Aid station at mile 80 of the Western sates Endurance Run is where I decided to sit myself in case my runner, Jodie, needed tape, or new socks, or a solid pat on the back after she crossed the American River at Rucky Chucky.

I left Foresthill, which sits at mile 62 an hour earlier, and hiked down the mile-and-a-quarter to Green Gate right after parking to give myself the most time to sleep. It was the first time I’d rested all day, and usually when I get to that point and I’m in some sort of stressful life event, I don’t sleep.

I stay awake and I go over all the things that could have gone differently or what else I could have done, the things I had done, and what prices I might have to pay for them later.

I fade into the magic and optimism of cheery voices and Christmas lights of the aid station. My eyes flicker and my lashes make a crispy swishing sound against the jacket and everything goes blank, erasing anxiety to write sleep and dreams on the board.

FOUR HOURS EARLIER

Michigan Bluff is always full of energy on the last Saturday in June around 9:30 p.m.

The cutoff for runners to get all the way through town (a block) and out of the check point is 9:45 p.m. crowds of spectators and crews and volunteers scream eagerly at runners to push through to just get out of the aid station where they can regroup once they’re officially outside of the space specifically reserved for regrouping.

Jodie runs through with a few minutes to spare and after trying to release her cramping adductors and giving some moral support, she ran up the road and out of town with her pacer.

I was a little worried, and knew that Jodie was fighting hard; I know she expected to be faster, but nausea kept her pace down. We figured some alignment issues might be her bane, but I guess we were wrong—the day and the course were enough.

I often work with the medical aid taping blisters, joints and muscles at Michigan Bluff, and out of the last four years, the feet were the worst I’d seen (outside of Tahoe 200). The snowmelt caused a lot of mud and water on the course, macerating the runners’ feet. For most it was either that or nausea from temperature-confused bodies.

It’s incredible how each of them has enough to say that you try to keep their momentum going when eyes are zoned out and hands are shaking.

I picked up my kit, and drove to Foresthill to wait for a few hours to see my friend for another few seconds.

17 HOURS EARLIER

My legs are screaming, but everything else is quiet before 5 a.m. on the climb up to the escarpment at Squaw Valley.  I’m walking with Lesley and Hillary and we chat off and on about injuries and gear and other snacks of conversation.

It feels absurd but comfortable and good to casually chat in the shadow of monumental things: the mountains surrounding us and we pick through the snow, and the mountains of tasks ahead of all of the runners a couple hundred feet below.

Every year when I drive into Squaw on States morning, and even the year I ran there instead, I feel my heart get big and I look toward the course and feel small, and usually I tear up.

When we make it to the top we are surrounded by friends and trailed closely by the sun, which is almost up.

I cheer for my friends who are racing so loudly another spectator asks if I’m for hire, but you can’t put a price on that shit.

Jodie at mile 3, Western States 100

ONE DAY EARLIER

Sean, Kane, Tara, Jungle Jim, Kathy and I all pile into Sean’s car and head down Soda Springs Road toward the Lyon’s Ridge Aid Station, mile 10 on the course and hike water up a snowy fire road past the point where our cars can go.

The drive is long and the walk is long but neither is 100 miles. It’s a small price to support the journey.

I spend a second looking at the ridges around us at the high point of the aid station, which feels like being backstage at a concert looking at the band from a different angle. I’d only ever gotten a good look at the pacific crest here from the other side, which is easier to access. I think about how it would feel to run here and look behind me, and the exciting thing is that I have no idea.

11 YEARS EARLIER

Inside of a stuffy portable in late May, over a hundred sweaty track athletes stack themselves in seats, against the walls and overlapping each other like a failed Jenga tower with the remaining floor space.

I feel everything. I feel excited to run another race, excited to see my teammates PR, excited for the end of another season, terrified of the pain in my shins, terrified of eating too much food, terrified of not having run enough, terrified of not being enough all the time.

I am suspended in these things and they take over my brain so completely that it feels like work to see or hear anything else.

It’s just high school and it’s just running, but it’s the first thing I’ve ever paid attention to.

And then, in the hot, stuffy portable I hear something about running that feels somehow also way bigger than running.

Coach tells us a story about his dad who was running a race for 100 miles from Squaw to Auburn, and he talked about failure and what it was like to work for something and show up, and keep showing up even when it feels like the outcome you want is impossibly out of reach.

Because when you keep showing up, at some point you’ll see something you never considered to be possible.

And you automatically beat anyone who didn’t show up, including the version of yourself that could have tapped out.

I heard something drowning in pain and injury and illness that felt clear and magical that I now understand is pretty rare. I heard a story about dirt and mountains where a race becomes pure persistence and survival.

It sounded like a way to wash clean of scales and vomit and beating my shins into hard dirt left turns.

It sounded like absolution.

GREEN GATE

I wake up at 4:30 a.m. with bugs in my face and sticks in my hair and for a second I can’t remember where I am. There’s a sliver of pale yellow on the horizon and I get cell service that eluded last night.

I see Jodie had to drop and my heart sinks with empathy of broken dreams.

I text her, hoping she’s ok and sleeping.

I have some choices. With the next 6 hours before I have to go to work, I can go to the finish line, or leave and rest somewhere else.

I hike back to my car, load it up and drive past the track to 80, and home to Winters.

Watching the start is my favorite tradition every year, I’ll show up no matter how I feel, for open sky at the top of the race, when standing on the edge of future wins and losses feels infinite.

The finish line I’ll save for the moment I cross it. Absolution or not.

Filed Under: General, Races

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Zac says

    June 30, 2017 at 11:17 pm

    That’s because it is infinite. So are you.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Zac Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Become a Member Today »

Subscribe to our email newsletter & announcements!

2023 Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon

trail race logo
Join us on Aug 5, 2023!
See race details

Connect in Person

Sep
26
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Sep 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Sep
28
Thu
6:00 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Sep 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Location TBD. Keep an eye on[...]
Oct
3
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Oct
5
Thu
6:00 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Oct 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Location TBD. Keep an eye on[...]
Oct
10
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML

Connect Online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

See us on Instagram

dpmrunners

Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plen Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plenty of fun)!

📍 : @donnerskiranch 
⏰ : Saturday September 16th, 8am
🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ : Judah Loop and continue on the PCT.
Run the Judah loop for ~6 miles, continue to Anderson peak for ~13miles (or further on the PCT if you want to go longer)
🗺️ : https://www.strava.com/routes/3135724872218937730
🎉 : Rejoin at the Donner Ski Ranch Old 40 Bar & Grill after the run (and there may be some sweeeeet giveaways...).
🙋‍♀️ : The Judah Loop is a trail adopted and actively maintained by DPMR as part of @truckeetrails' Adopt a Trail program

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #lakesonoma #lakesonoma100k
Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOM Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOMORROW?!! DPMR is so excited to bring you this second edition of the race that promises to be bigger and better than last year! RD Chris Cloyd and team have been working so hard all week with final prep. The course is in great shape with some beautiful fun flowy singletrack. He said he'd love a few more volunteers so checkout the signup genius on our volunteer page, but otherwise wants everyone to please come hang out, cheer, and join the party! 
Unique to this race is the 5 segment course that utilizes a central aid station and can be done as a 2 person or 5 person relay, in addition to challenging yourself to run the whole thing solo!
Registration is still OPEN in person until 6pm tonight with bib pick-up at @tahoemountainsports with reg remaining open online til 1159pm. Race day bib pickup available in the morning 6-730am. No Race Day Reg. 

Thanks to our amazing sponsors this year, every participant will be eligible for a prize giveaway and get a pair of @darntoughvermont socks and @drinklmnt hydration.

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #trailmarathon #trailrace #pointmariah #pointmariahtrailmarathon
Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in th Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in the works.  We’ve been collaborating with Alibi Ale Works to release a co-branded beer (YES!).   Join us for a social run next Tuesday, where we'll have the pleasure of running alongside Alibi's head brewer, Matt Garcia! We'll hit the trails together, and afterward, we'll gather at Alibi to brainstorm the perfect brew that represents our club.  And since the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, we're adding some extra fun to the mix. We'll also be assembling course markings during the event. It's going to be an unforgettable night! Hope to see you there!
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Ent 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Enthusiasts! Join Us in Supporting the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️
The Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, and we need YOUR help to make it a roaring success! 🌟 This incredible event brings together the running community and showcases the determination and passion of athletes from all walks of life. Now, we are seeking volunteers to be an essential part of this memorable experience!
📅 Event Date: August 5th
⏰ Volunteer Dates: Several different shifts available from August 2nd - August 6th
🤝 We firmly believe that it takes a village to organize events like these, and YOU can be a crucial part of this vibrant community effort! No prior experience is required—just bring your enthusiastic spirit, and we'll guide you every step of the way.
📍 Positions Available:
1️⃣ Course Marking: Help ensure that the runners stay on track and have a smooth route to follow.
2️⃣ Finish Line Support: Cheer on our amazing athletes as they cross the finish line and celebrate their achievements.
3️⃣ Course Marshals: Guide and assist participants at key points along the trail, offering encouragement and direction.
4️⃣ Timing Assistance: Play a vital role in accurately recording race times and ensuring accurate results.
... and more! There are plenty of opportunities to contribute to the success of the marathon.
🌟 Not only will you have a fantastic time being part of this incredible event, but you'll also have the chance to bond with fellow running enthusiasts, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
💪 Together, let's show the world the power of community and support in making this marathon an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR!
Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! Link in bio.
Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at the Diamond Peak aid station this weekend at the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs.  Everyone out on the course really appreciated all of the support!!! Stay tuned, we will be posting the Volunt(hero) leaderboard soon!  In the meantime, we're seeking more incredible volunteers to join our team at the upcoming Pt. Mariah trail marathon, and we promise it'll be an experience you won't forget! 😄
Sign up today! No experience needed. Link in bio.
The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going strong with more than 60 volunteers out helping runners get through our various aid stations this year. What is the Volunt(hero) program? The top 10 DPMR volunteers with the most hours logged in 2023 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win free race entries for a year, up to $1000. We will be posting our leaderboard soon but only a few hours separate those at the top.  Adding a shift can catapult you in to one of the coveted top 10 spots to be included in the raffle.  So come and join us THIS WEEKEND out at TRT! There are still openings overnight, morning clean up Sunday, and sweeps for TRT (Double points for morning clean up).
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR! 🔥🔥🔥
Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻 Link in bio for more info!
Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane h Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane has been a DPMR member since the inaugural year (2014).  She has been a board member for 5 years with the last 3 at the helm. Diane loves a good joke and believes life is a whole lot better if you don’t take things too seriously.  She also believes that trail time is best shared with dogs and friends. And friends with dogs.  Diane is a recovering graphic designer but will come out of retirement for a good race logo opportunity (thank the cosmic forces for that!). Diane will be out on the course for the TRT100 next weekend - so if you see her out there, give her a big hello and high-five! Good luck Diane! #unafraid #dpmr #girlboss #100miler #paincave #yougotthis
Hey friends! DPMR is on the hunt for a trail-runni Hey friends! DPMR is on the hunt for a trail-running-obsessed artist extraordinaire to transform our boring old 3D foam sign for Pt. Mariah into a mind-blowing piece of art. Picture this: foam sculpture meets artistic genius equals immortalizing Pt. Mariah in your artistry.  The project consists of 30” letters, which are 4” thick, and spell Pt. Mariah.  The letters can be picked up in Truckee after Jul 3rd and need to be complete by August 3rd. This is a commissioned project with a budget of $500. 

Are you ready to unleash your creative beast? Then don't hesitate! Slide into our DMs faster than a trail runner chasing a PR. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create something truly legendary.
The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are almost here The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are almost here!!  Please consider volunteering with us.  We have many shifts available from Friday, July 14th through Sunday, July 16th! 
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR! 🔥🔥🔥

Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻
Link in bio for more information. 

P.S. If you are racing, let us know so we can cheer you on!!
What are you waiting for? Register today to take p What are you waiting for? Register today to take part in a unique, fun, multi-loop style course with five segments that tour different parts of the Royal Gorge land. Race solo, with a partner, or as a 5-person team!  There is something for everyone! Register today! Link in bio.
Congratulations to Courtney Dauwalter on absolutel Congratulations to Courtney Dauwalter on absolutely shattering the women’s course record at Western States 100 today! Such an inspiration to all. We know you are the GOAT but tell us the truth Courtney… is your secret weapon the DPMR pancakes?!?
Huge congrats to Tom Evans for his win at Western Huge congrats to Tom Evans for his win at Western States 100 just now. Incredible performance landing him the 4th fastest time in the history of the event!  Well done Tom!
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Footer

Run with Us

  • Group Runs
  • Code of Conduct

Race with Us

  • Point Mariah Trail Marathon
  • Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race
  • Castle Peak 100k
  • Discount Codes

Join Us

  • Membership Cost & Benefits
  • Join Us
  • DPMR Gear
  • Donate

About Us

  • About Us
  • Volunteer
  • Board
  • Contact Us

© 2023 · Donner Party Mountain Runners · Truckee, California · Website by Tahoe Web Works