The Background
After DNFing at the Arkansas Traveller 100, I wanted to get back on the horse and run some races. However, I soon received a knee injury, which took several weeks to heal.
My friend Jamie had signed up for the Brazos Bend 100 Miler, and I was scheduled to pace him. I moved into a new house in Tomball, which luckily was close to the Kleb Nature Preserve. I healed and ran several trail runs in preparation to pace Jamie 33 miles. I had a virtual race I had not used lying around, so I figured I would use it there.
That morning, as soon as I got off a work meeting, I caught the end of the Western States 100 Lottery. Jamie and I were not selected.
The Race
The weather at Brazos Bend State Park was cold and rainy. However, it was not super cold and rain or mud were not significant factors in my 2 loops.
I met up with Jamie after he had completed 3 loops at 50 miles. We set out powerhiking, maintaining 15 or 16-minute miles for the fourth 16.7 mile loop.
The next loop we slowed a bit, with Jamie valiantly fighting blisters and sore legs. But we still clocked off miles at sub 18-minute pace. Right before the final aid station, I got dizzy. I drank a cup of coffee at the aid, and I felt better.
Having taken Jamie to mile 84, it was time for our friend Luke to pace. It rained more on their loop, but they said the rain didn't bother them too much.
Meanwhile, I headed to my tent to sleep, and discovered by air mattress had a hole in it. I slept for 3 hours on the ground.
Jamie's wife Kari arrived in the morning, and we cheered for Jamie and Luke as they crossed the finish line in 27:45.
Reflections
This was my first time pacing, and I had a blast. I was super proud of Jamie for completing his 2nd 100 miler and Luke for finishing his longest run ever.
Now that I am back from injury, it is time to prepare for the 2025 season, starting with the Texas Marathon-Kingwood New Years Day...
