“It doesn’t matter where you are, it doesn’t matter where you go
If it’s a million miles away or just 10 miles up the road
Take it in, take it with you when you go
Who says you can’t go home?” – Bon Jovi
Last weekend at the 2024 Javelina 100 Mile, here in the desert of Arizona, I went back home. After a three-plus-year hiatus from running 100-mile races, I returned to the distance that I love in a place that I love. It felt like a true homecoming.
The last 100-mile race I ran before last Saturday was the 2021 Bighorn 100 Mile in Wyoming. It was a long and challenging day. Since then, I have changed jobs twice, moved back to Arizona, and had two hip replacement surgeries. I began running again in late December 2023, which is where my journey back to the 2024 Javelina 100 Mile began.
After being medically cleared by my surgeon, I began the slow return to running. Short run/walks gave way to longer efforts, eventually leading to my mid-March decision to sign up for Javelina. By mid-April, I completed a 37-mile training run, and on June 1, I ran a 12-hour timed race, covering 54 miles in the process. While I was not as fleet of foot as I once was, I felt like a runner again. I committed myself to maintaining consistency through the hot Arizona summer, and on September 20 and 21, I completed a two-day, 70-mile training camp on the Javelina course. At that point, I had the confidence that I was ready.
As race day approached, much attention was paid to the weather forecast, as record hot temperatures were predicted for race day. I considered that as I laid out my final plans for the race. I set three goals for myself, outlined a nutrition protocol, and established a pacing plan.
The author at the 2024 Javelina 100 Mile. All photos: CTS Ultrarunning
Goals
While I really had no idea if I could achieve it, I wanted to shoot for a sub-24-hour finish. Given my age and fitness, I knew it would be a stretch, but I was willing to give it a shot. In order to hit that goal, I knew I would have to make quick work of the aid stations, so my second goal was to complete the entire event without sitting down. Finally, I knew the course well and knew that the 5.2-mile section from Jackass Junction to Rattlesnake Ranch played to my strengths, so I made a commitment to run every step of that section on each of the five laps.
Nutrition Protocol
Ultramarathon nutrition has evolved quite a bit since I first came into the sport in the early 1990s, but there are certain tried and true aspects of race day nutrition that remain unchanged. With that in mind, I committed to the following protocol and schedule:
- Tailwind Rapid Hydration in both bottles for the first three loops (45 calories, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 320 milligrams of sodium)
- Cola in 24-ounce bottles, halfway through Loop 3, and on Loops 4 and 5 (140 calories, 45 grams of carbohydrates)
- Gu Roctane gels every 30 minutes (100 calories, 23 grams of carbohydrates, 125 milligrams of sodium)
- Chicken broth (1,200 mg sodium)
- Coconut water (50 mg sodium, 470 mg potassium)
- Yogurt and granola after Loop 1
- Turkey, cheese, avocado, Everything But the Bagel Seasoning, after Loop 2
- Broth with ramen noodles after Loop 3
- Salt and Vinegar Pringles after Loop 4
Targets: 250 to 300 calories/60 to 75 grams of carbohydrates per hour while running, 400 to 500 calories at transitions (less after loop 4), 1 to 1.5 liters of fluid per hour, 600 to 800mg of sodium per liter of water.
The author running the nighttime section of the 2024 Javelina 100 Mile.
Pacing
Given the predicted temperatures and my knowledge of the course, I knew I needed to pick my spots running assertively during the cooler weather, and hold back during the heat of the day. With that in mind, I established these pace goals:
- Loop 1 — 4:45
- Loop 2 — 4:15
- Loop 3 — 4:30
- Loop 4 — 4:50
- Loop 5 — 5:20
How it Went
When the dust settled on Javelina weekend, I was positively thrilled with my experience. I managed a 22:42 finish without sitting down, and ran every step between Jackass Junction and Rattlesnake Ranch. I stuck strictly to my nutrition plan, and suffered no low points or nausea/vomiting. Finally, I succeeded in pacing the race in a way I knew I could sustain with these splits:
- Loop 1 — 4:35
- Loop 2 — 4:11
- Loop 3 — 4:29
- Loop 4 — 4:37
- Loop 5 — 4:40
Anybody who knows me knows how much I love trail running and ultramarathon running, and I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t miss being “in the arena” over these last three years. At times I had my doubts, and there were certainly frustrating moments. However, in the end, by maintaining a focus on my long-term goals, remaining optimistic, and enjoying the process, I was able to come back home.
Bottoms up!
AJW proudly displays his Javelina 100 Mile belt buckle.
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Pinnacle Brewing Company in Scottsdale, Arizona, not far from the start/finish of the Javelina 100 Mile. Astro 10° is a smoked lager that is balanced and unique to the category. Lightly hopped with a surprisingly smooth aftertaste, Astro 10° is the perfect beer for Javelina weekend.
Call for Comments
- Did you race Javelina? How did you get on?
- Have you also come back to ultrarunning or a particular distance after a hiatus?
