Arrowhead Ultra 135

Saturday, January 29th, after 5 hours of driving, we finally reached International Falls, one of the most remote cities in Minnesota bordering Canada.  After we checked out where the hotel and the start-up line were (they were basically 2.5 blocks apart), we drove to the gear check-in place.  When the check-in was done, we went back to the hotel to finally rest.

Saturday, January 30th, I spent most of my morning organizing and preparing all my gear and whatnot, taking all the right precautions I will need for the race.  Afterwards I took some time to get to know the city and take pictures.  Then we found a pretty authentic Mexican restaurant and had some delicious home-style cooking like shrimp nachos and enchilidas for lunch.  Around 4 pm we met up with the Arrowhead team for a pre-race meeting and dinner.  It was primarily going over the logistics of the race like rules, trail signage and layout, and all necessary preventions that we should know prior to and during the race.  Following this, we had a raffle drawing for goodies from other supporters and sponsors.  The dinner was a big disappointment, so we headed back to the hotel to order some food.

Monday, January 31st, around 5:30 am, I got up to take my Gatorade and Perpeteum drinks and put on my runner's outfit.  And then I gradually put everything in my sled and headed out to the start line.  The flashing lights were well-lit, as I made my way to the line.  I could see everyone all pumped up, as they checked in one by one.  After the check-in, I had a nice warm cup of coffee and my harness all ready for takeoff.  The race consisted of 3 categories: bike, ski, or run.  So, the bikers started the race first at 7am, runners at 7:05 am, and lastly the skiers.  The temperature was -15 F (-26 C) with the morning still dark, not too cold thought. After awhile I found myself running with another guy (I don't remember his name), and we arrived together at the first check point.  Here, I rested a bit, reloaded my stuff, and took off again without wasting any time. 

By midnight the temperature had already reached -34 F (-36 C).  The good thing was that I kept in motion and did not feel the cold.  But when I had to stop to eat or drink, I felt the cold, especially trying to get back into motion was the worst part.  11:30 am came around, and I finally made it to the second check point (70 miles).  And I was more tired and sleepy than ever, yet excited because I knew that if I kept going, the race would end so smoothly.  At the check point, I refilled water and ate delicious soup and a cheese sandwich. 
Someone told me that in the cabin were 20 bikers, skiers, and runners already sitting comfortably in the chairs, so after I was done eating, it was my opportunity tor review my things and change my socks.  Here I also met up with Chris, who previously ran in the Tuscobia with me.  We ran together again like we did before under such sunny day with temperature of -10 F (-23 C).  We had on our sunglasses, and I removed the midlayer off me, just the baselayer and shell on.

At 77 mile, I saw Alicia, one of the runners.  She took a couple photos of me, but with the bad lighting (it was getting dark fast), it was hard to see my face.  At this point, Chris had already been ahead of me.  I wanted to keep up the pace, but I was getting tired, so I decided to give my feet a break.  I lied down on my sled and pretty soon the temperature started to drop; I felt cold again.  However, it was a beautiful night with the stars twinkling above me, so I stayed for about an hour and a half.  A runner passed by and asked if I was ok.  Along the way, a very friendly driver (on the sled) asked if I was ok to continue to run or not, and I told him that I was fine and will take a rest on the trail.  He reminded me that this would be the last time that I would see him for a while.  After talking to him, I ran for a bit and met Brian ( we were basically the two slowest ones left on the trail).  There were so many ups and downs that I was able to do about 2 miles per hour, above all I was exhausted.  Again, I stopped to rest and tried to get some food, but my stove never started, so I just had peanuts and some water.  Afterwards, I grabbed my sleeping bag and fell asleep.  Then some time later I woke up by the sound of the friendly sled drvier.  He asked me if I planned to continue the race or not because there's about 3 hours or 12 niles left to the next check point.  Aware of my speed and condition of the trail, I closed my eyes and told myself that it was over.  Sadly, I packed up my things and got on the sled with him and headed to Crescent check point, where I would get a ride to the finish line (Fortune Bay Resort).

On the way back, we met Brian and another skier; we chatted a bit, and at the end of it, the sled driver said, "Look this is the last hill from here to the finish line, and the rest is prerty flat.  So, are you coming back next year to finish this off?"  I said, "Yes, I will come back.  I know I will no matter what I will do it.  I have to bring home the trophy no matter how many times it'll take me."  At Crescent, I took notes of my drop.  I saw Chris, and he was both happy and sad to see me because together we went through Tuscobia 150,  and we made it through with support and encouragement from one another.  The bottom line, I learned many things -  about other riders, the trail, and my own weaknesses.  For sure, I will need to train harder and lose some weights with the sled I had.  But, I had a good time, and I wanted to thank everyone who took part in this race: the race directors, the runners, bikers, skiers, volunteers (especially to Chris's dad who gave me a ride back to Fortune Bay and, of course, those who took the time to follow my blog.  Thanks!

To see more pictures click here.