No Turning Back: The Tahoe 200 Begins

One week of recovery and reflection went by quick, and I knew the Tahoe 200 was only 6 weeks away. Now, for the next several weeks, it was time to put everything together and focus on Vertical gain, trails, and building strength. Within the next three weeks, my mileage and vertical elevation started to rise. The number of hours spent on training grew until they dominated my life. My life became finding the balance between training, Run Tri Bike, and studying to become a tax associate. Naturally, balance did not exist. There was no turning back. 

Last Two Big Training Weeks 

As I came into the last two big training weeks, my body felt tired and fatigued. Client meetings and studying were worked around big runs consisting of massive vertical gain to prepare for Tahoe 200’s quad-crushing climbs. Weekend days were spent in the mountains, including locations in the San Gabriels and near Mt. Laguna. Breaks at work brought strength training sessions centered around a stronger core and legs, as well as an upper body that could carry a large race park. Both of these training weeks went over 10,000 vertical gain and 15+ hours on my feet. 

A 25 Miler 

On May 19th, I did my last and longest training run, a 25 miler on the Pacific Crest Trail. Although the day was hot, I felt strong and ready. Then it hit me. The majority of the training block was over. For me, this was one more step towards the finish line. Now, it was time for the taper crazies and preparing for the race. 

The Tahoe 200 Arrived

The three and a half weeks after, I focused on maintaining intensity, lowering mileage, optimizing recovery, and dialing the switch up in other aspects of life. When you run a small business, it’s about dials, not balance. Any chance I have for lower mileage means more work time and study time. During this time, I tried to make more time for my supportive family, friends, and partner. These endeavors take discipline from you but also the understanding of your people. Then, the Tahoe 200 arrived.

No Turning Back 

Days before the race, I put together the last items in my drop bag and loaded everything up for a flight to Reno. Landing two days before the race, I found myself at check in at Heavenly Stagecoach Lodge the day before the race. Once I took my pre-race photo, I knew there was no turning back. In reality, there was no turning back three years ago, but now it was real. 

ADVERTISEMENT

The Conga Line Out 

On Friday, June 14th, I stood at the start line with my friends. The night before, I got several hours of sleep, which was more than I could ask for. As I picked up my SPOT GPS device, the hour turned into minutes. As the national anthem was bellowed and Candice Burt made her famous speech, one minute remained. Then, the race began and the conga line out of Heavenly herded all 234 runners out. 

I Felt Sick 

At first, breathing was difficult. Tahoe started at 7000+ feet of altitude and topped out at nearly 10,000 ft. Despite having done the Everest Ultra, I had only been up to altitude several times since 2023. Psychologically, I knew I could take it, but physically the altitude would crush me early. In fact, as I approached the first aid station at mile 14, I took the first gut punch. Already, I wasn’t feeling well. Despite reaching the first aid station an hour early, I felt sick from the altitude. At mile 17, I stumbled behind a rock and puked my guts out. 

Stay Steady

Once I wiped the puke off my face, I carried on, trying to stay steady and replenish electrolytes. In a 200-mile race, one must start slow and settle in. Going out too fast meant risking blowing out early. My goal on this out and back – arguably the toughest 62 miles of the entire race – was to feel relatively good coming back to the start line. The first 40 miles brought great conversations with fellow athletes Andrew Marvin and Casey Sanders, with whom I spent the majority of that stretch. A bear was even spotted in an open meadow.

On My Own 

The night came and brought with it the toughest climbing section of the entire race. 16 miles and 4000 ft of gain felt like it never ended. Stumbling into the mile 49 aid station, we all felt sick, but I carried on. Sadly, I had to leave Casey and Andrew behind. I wouldn’t see them again until much later. Now, I was on my own until I picked up my pacer. Now, there truly was no turning back.

Find out what happens next in the July 27th installment of my journey series!

ADVERTISEMENT