Cascade Crest 100 2022- Twice rolled over, my first 100

Cascade Crest 100 – July 22-23 2022 . Twice Rolled over first 100 miler

Cascade Crest is a challenging 100 mile trail run through the Central Cascades of Washington State. The course currently runs as a clockwise loop from the Easton Fire Station. This year the race started at 9:00 am Friday morning (10 am in previous years ) and there is an overall time limit of 34 hours.

Entrants must complete an organized trail 50-miler or longer (with at least 6,500' of climb) between January 1st and June 15th, of the current year OR have completed an organized trail 100-miler ever. Cascade Crest 100 is not easy... prepare accordingly. I did Sun Mountain 50 miler in May as my qualifying race, again entry was twice rolled over. I remember crossing the finish line at Sun Mountain, James Verner Rain Shadow race director remarked “ Cascade Crest is a great easy course for your first 100”. Now I know the truth..he was joking lol. Everything from single track, crazy technical descents, roped sections, tunnels, cliffs and peaks.. this course has it all!

Entrants must also complete 8 hours of trail work. This trail work must be completed between January 1st and June 15th to count for that year's race, and should also be done with an organized work party such as the PCTA, WTA, or other trail work organization. David and I volunteered with the Nature Trails Society and did some trail maintenance on the FUMB trail approved by Myke LaBelle

David Marlor and I entered Cascade Crest 100 in 2019 for 2020. I thought a great bucket -list race for 2020. With the help of Randy Duncan local ultra runner legend, we got in through the lottery. Unfortunately the race was cancelled in 2020 due to obvious reasons and in 2021 the race director Rich White granted a roll-over for 2022 since we were unable to cross the USA border. Finally here we are – get to do this thing!

I am grateful to have Matt Cecil as my coach these past couple of years. I could not ever imagine doing this without his guidance and experience. Matt's training methodology provided just the right amount of training, without ever feeling “over- trained“. Believe me there were days I felt exhausted, but the goal of finishing 100 miler kept me motivated. David and I also hiked the SCT- Sunshine Coast Trail, 180 km in 8 days with 15 kilogram back packs 2 weeks prior as part of our preparation.

I also hired strength coach Holly Dickinson owner of ACCEL strength and conditioning who created a fun and dynamic run specific program to keep me strong and help to prevent injuries.

6;30 am Wednesday morning November Project Victoria community workouts – the perfect strength training for runners combo of running hills and body weight exercises led by Jason Ball, Shannon Kane and Rumon Carter who have run this for 7 years. Such an inspiring group of people!

My daily yoga practice at home with Doyogawithme.com or a class at Ma Wellness was also part of my recovery from training both mentally and physically. I confided in a few of the my teachers about my goal. They think I'm crazy, but where in awe!

I don't own a car so my transportation is by bike or walk. So I get in lots of “recovery mileage“. I couldn't afford a car and gas these days and I love bike commuting.

Working 5 days a week for 10 years now as a Registered Massage therapist is a rewarding career, but can also taxing on my body physically and emotionally. There are days when my work day feels like an ultra marathon.

I read over the Cascade Crest Runners manual multiple times, noting aid stations and time cut offs. It was “highly emphasized“ to be conservative on the first half as the second half is harder. Another thing I did was upload the route onto my watch, which provided reassurance I was on course. I don't know why I haven't done this in the past.

Thursday July 21

David and I caught the 8am ferry along with our pacers and crew Andrew Barclay pacing David and Hicham El Amiri pacing me. Andrew and Hicham were in car line up ahead of us at the Peace Arch border crossing. When David and I arrived at the wicket – “I've been waiting for you! You're the runners right? I hear you have a big bag of dope in the back seat. Nah, I can't do it with a straight face. Your friends asked me to pull you over”. Andrew is always a joker lol . The USA border control officer was the coolest!

After a stop at Trader Joe's and REI, where I picked up a pair of sun sleeves that kept my arms cool in the heat, we arrived in Easton at the fire hall, race start. The volunteers were setting up the race start line. We were greeted by Rob Smith from Victoria. He has completed Cascade Crest 11 times and I understand saved the life of a runner from hypothermia one year at White River. A real Canadian hero! He volunteers for the race every year and represents the Canadians. I had butterflies in my stomach and all the feelings. We headed to our hotel- travelers Inn, which had a luxurious massage chair for customer use, felt so good! I finished packing my 3 drop bags with extra shoes, socks, nutrition, extra layers, headlight for Stampede Pass (60 km mark), Hyak ( about 90 km ) and Mineral Creek (approx 120 km ). Andrew lent me his InReach tracker so they could see where I was on course.

Pre race dinner with crew and pacers Andrew and Hicham .

We went for dinner at Beaus, where they were playing 80's love songs, for vegetarian pizza; this was the perfect pre-race meal! Back to the hotel. I tossed and turned all night long, woken up by a dream that I was still in Victoria race morning “I'm running 100 miles tomorrow“.

Katie Quest gave me a card to “open before the race”. I was feeling emotional and inspired by her words. ( inset pic of card here ) Thank you Katie.. just what I needed :)

Race Morning Friday July 22

Up at 6:00am after a restless night sleep. We stopped to pick up coffee at Pioneer Coffee Roasting Company and I forced myself to eat a Super Hero muffin. I had butterflies in my tummy. We arrived at the Firehall 7:45am to pick up our race bibs, David #110, me #183, and to leave our take our drop boxes to be taken to the designated aid stations. We had lots of time to hang around before the 9am race start. The weather was HOT. I was staying hydrated drinking Nuun and visiting the porta potty every 5 minutes. All 166 registered runners here looked super fit and experienced! Then I was star struck as I saw the famous Ginger Runner – Ethan Newberry - and his wife Kimberley Teshima. “Amongst the Evergreens“ is one of my favorite videos and I watched it many times. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyBdA-7dSvs. I shyly went up to Ethan and thanked him for his videos – especially the one he did on the “Trail from Hell “ at about mile 69 on the course. He wasn't racing this year, but I'm sure has a big fan club!

Moments before the race David still eating breakfast .

Rob Smith representing the Canadians and Rich White - the Americans .

After the race briefing, they played the American and Canadian National Anthems, mumbling along feeling choked up and emotional, proud to be Canadian. Then we were off! People were cheering – we're doing this ! Only 100 miles to go!

Start – Stampede Pass – 36. 2 miles ; 3200 meters elevation

David and I started off together. The first few miles were a fun fire road leading to single track into the forest that switchbacks up to the top of Goat Peak, with a water only aid station at 4.5 miles, which we just checked in but kept going. David and I hadn't planned to stay together and respected each other to run our own race. We were climbing slow and steady, power hiking passing people in the conga line.

I was feeling strong and had my poles on from the beginning of the climb. David mentioned he had a small stone in his shoe. He was dropping back and then said he was stopping to fix a hot spot. He told me to go ahead, I continued on and kept looking back. As I was hiking up the switchback, I knew he was wearing a blue shirt, but blue was a popular color today. The trail descended on some nice runnable single track. I was running in a small group single file, pace was comfortable. I was running & chatting with people, a woman Amy from Colorado who was looking strong and had 100 milers before. She said to me “you picked a good one“. As I arrived into the Cole–Blowout Saddle Aid Station, mile 12.5, I heard a volunteer say “How are you doing #183“? I had a nose bleed – happens to me a lot at altitude and dry air and probably all the dust. “I'm good thanks“! Buffs make a great Kleenex. I refilled up my 2 flasks of Tailwind hydration and topped up my water bladder carrying 1 litre at all times. Amy was in and out of the aid station like a rocket while I fumbled with my new Hydrapack flasks. I grabbed a piece of watermelon and a small cup of cold vegan smoothie I had read about. Oh so good! I mostly stick to liquids as it was so hot and aiming for 200-300 calories per hour. In hot temperatures less is more. I had no GI issues the entire race.

On top of Blow Out mountain . Early in the race .

Continuing up the fire road section, I hiked and ran with Jose from Panama. We chatted a bit, he has done a few hundreds before but first Cascade Crest. He mentioned he was struggling with the heat. Later on I offered him some activated charcoal, which can help with digestive issues, I had in my first aid kit. We reached some downhill single track very runnable and flowing. I had to run the downhills and flat stretches, but allowed myself to hike the hills in order to save my legs for what was to come. I was back and forth with another guy from Seattle. He would pass me on the downhills, but I'd catch him on the climbs. Turns out we both had done Ironman Coeur d'Alene in 2014- super hot year!

We were comparing Ironmans to ultrarunning and we agreed both were hard but Ultrarunning more scenic and fun and we get to go all night long! The scenery was breathtaking and many runners stopped to take pictures. I saw the sign for the optional 400 meter Manatash Ridge but opted out. The next 32 miles was on the PCT, which I was excited about. Mostly runnable trails. Saw a few thru hikers and felt envious of them as they cheered me on!

Tripping into Tacoma pass aid station 24.5 miles . photo credit Taryn Graham

I tripped and fell as I was approaching Tacoma Pass AS ( 40 km mark ). I was embarrassed. A long section of downhill on this stretch and again I found myself running behind “Iron guy“. My quads were starting to feel fatigued so I took a few salt tabs. Salt tabs help with maintaining electrolyte balance and hydration especially when running long distance in hot temperatures.

Filling up Tailwind at Tacoma pass aid station . photo credit Taryn Graham

Rolled into Snow Shoe Butt Aid Station run by the Ellensburg Cross Country team, who had hiked everything in. One of the young volunteers helped me refill water and added ice to my flasks, which was so refreshing and cold. I put some ice down my jog bra and under the buff on my head to keep cool. I also stopped at a few creeks a log the way to soak my buff in cold streams. Felt so refreshing and gave me a bit of a lift!

Into Stampede Pass Aid station: 57 km , Friday time ? Still light outside.

David at stampede pass . photo credit Andrew Barclay .

The cutoff was 8:30pm here and had lots of time to spare. David had kindly lent me his older version Ultraspire waist belt light. I had noticed a small wire defect in my new Ultraspire light 2 days before the race. Still under warranty I'll get a new light soon, but not in time for the race.

Entering the aid station I was so happy to see Hicham and Andrew. Andrew had done this race before in 2017. I asked “how is David doing”? They told me he was 40 minutes back. Andrew said to me “Don't worry about him, we will pull him if he's not looking well. Health first“. I knew they would take care of him. I felt a sense of relief. I put on my waist belt and had extra batteries. Put my headlight and battery in my pack as a backup, grabbed some extra Tailwind and some peanut butter pretzels I put in a zip lock in case I needed a snack. Andrew helped refill my flasks with water and Tailwind. Hicham topped off my water bladder. I grabbed some watermelon and coke and ate on the go! As I exited and said “#183 out” a woman volunteer asked “Do you have your light“? “Yup, I'm carrying a spare battery too!

A mile after Stampede pass, a couple of guys with a cooler of beers, offering the runners a beer. I said “No thank you ..I'll save that for after the race“. I can't imagine!

Running Through the Night - 1400 meters elevation

It stayed light till about 8:30pm. It was dark in the trees, but still light on the open fire road sections. I was power hiking with a guy from DC, Chris, who had done a few of these races. He was telling me about his struggle with training with 2 young children and FT work. I don't have kids, so I can't relate, but I'm sure its a juggle. He relied on his base fitness and travelled alone to these crazy races . He said “yeah tomorrow I'll go for a hike and then catch a plane back to DC to work on Monday. I don't recommend doing that“.

He power-hiked away into the distance. I was alone through most of the dark on the PCT. Passing by Mirror Lake and the beautiful campsites along the PCT, wishing I had a tent set up close by. The PCT hikers put out some signs “keep running, keep hiking , smile“. It was inspirational. I noticed a thru hiker on the side of the trail reading a book, ignoring me as if I wasn't there. Must be a good read!

As it got darker I put my waist light on low beam. The PCT in this section turned into slow, frustrating rocky and rooty sections of trail. There were a few snow banks that were slippery and thick mud puddles. A couple of women passed me here hiking fast. I tried to keep their pace but saw their lights fading into the distance . I looked behind me it was totally dark and I felt very alone. My Garmin started to go crazy like the battery was going low, or was I off course? I was panicking inside as I hadn't seen a confidence ribbon in a long while. I was debating if I had missed a turn, although I could see PCT markers. I think I was getting tired at this point. Finally I see a ribbon and could hear voices in the distance into the Olallie Meadow Aid Station, the 77 km mark.

I needed to recharge my watch, so I asked if I could use the volunteer table that had a light. I was fumbling with my charger, trying to use buffs to secure the wires running down my arm. It looked like a big mess. The woman volunteer said “let me help you“. I was so tired and feeling flustered by this point, and the easiest tasks seemed overwhelming. I kept my cool, refilled my Tailwind and water and exited the aid station with a big mess of wires on my arm lol, but the watch was charging.

To Hyak Aid station (86 km )

Back onto the PCT for a short while, then turn off onto a steep treacherous downhill section. At this point Jose was just ahead of me and I could see his dust as he descended down the rocky section that had ropes to assist us. I grabbed the rope with my left hand, poles in my right and fumbled down into darkness. This section was loose and treacherous and crazy! Just as I was near the bottom I lost my balance landing on my right elbow on a big rock. OUCH that hurt ! Don't stop, assess the damage at Hyak. I could feel my elbow swelling up. SHIT ! My hand was okay. I had no pain weight bearing on my poles so I continued along the John Wayne trail catching up to Jose before the Snoqualmie tunnel.

Into the infamous 2.5 mile tunnel. I walked -ran this section. Another racer passed me as he had a nice efficient shuffle. It was a bit of a false flat here. I chuckled seeing the skeleton with “pacer“ sign warning: no pacers allowed in here. It was silent. I could hear water dripping and eventually the sound of traffic over the tunnel. Finally I could see the Christmas lights of the Hyak aid station!

Happy to see Andrew and Hicham. I told them about my elbow. I didn't want to look but it was swollen and felt soft and swishy. My working elbow! I had a tensor bandage in my bag and asked Andrew to grab some ice as he helped me secure the ice around my elbow. The compression and cold felt relieving! I changed my socks and shoes as I planned to and Hicham helped me refill water and tailwind. I also put my headlight on for extra insurance. I ate some veggie broth and a small burrito and coke and exited the aid station. Its okay I don't need my elbow to run. I was informed David was about an hour behind me..still in the game!

Amazing views ! photo credit Hicham El Amiri

Coming out of Hyak onto a flat road section, a lot of runners had their pacers. I'd wished I did too! I caught up to a couple – Lindsay pacing her runner Tyler, from Belingham. She said to me “What's your name”. She replied “Charlene from Canada what's your story lol. Lindsay had so much energy! I wanted some of that so I paced behind her and Tyler on the road section. Were coming to a long switchback climb 8 miles to Keechelus Ridge Aid Station. Lindsay was making a YouTube video of Tyler. I'm thinking this woman is cool! I power-hiked up most of this section. I couldn't keep up to Lindsay and Tyler as I saw their headlights disappear into the distance. I looked back and saw some headlights back a ways. I was starting to feel sleepy, mesmerized by my headlights. I felt like I was drunk wavering across the road, sleep hiking. I was thinking I could just curl up on the side of the trail in my emergency blanket for a quick nap, but what if i didn't wake up? I needed someone to slap my face! I ate a few sour fruit gummies that woke me up, scolding myself for forgetting to grab the chocolate covered espresso beans still sitting in my drop bag. The crescent moon looked captivating.

Finally nearing the top, I saw Lindsay and Tyler in the aid station. “Hows it going Charlene“? I was happy to see them. I looked at the cozy fire pit with a few runners wrapped up in emergency blankets sleeping in chairs. Thinking to myself “ DO NOT GO NEAR THE FIREPIT“! My hands felt cold but I was too lazy to put on my extra layer. I grabbed some warm chicken broth, shot of pickle juice, coke and a hot pierogi – excellent combo of salt , sugar and carbs and exited the aid station with Lindsay and Tyler.

Wildflowers everywhere ! photo credit Hicham El Amiri

To Lake Kachess AS (111 km )

We started the decent, walk running, my quads felt stiff and achy. It felt nice to walk. My quads hurt too much to run a lot downhil . My goal was to stay with Lindsay and Tyler as they were good company. Finally I had to stop and put my Smartwool vest on as my hands were freezing now. Lindsay stopped to help me get my vest out of my bag, my hands were numb. I felt like I was steeling Tyler's pacer. As we caught back up to Tyler I passed him, he said “nice work ..what's your name“? I said “It's me Charlene”. Lol he didn't recognize me with my vest on . Glad I'm not the only one tired and out of it ha ha.

Lindsay was telling me she ran Cascade Crest last year with a 50 lb backpack in preparation for the Moab 240 mile race. Wow! And people think I'm crazy! Finally it was getting light out at about 4:30 am. We could hear the owls hooting as we descended down the road. I was admiring the campsites remembering to keep our voices down as people were sleeping. Lucky for them! I was looking forward to seeing Hicham where he would pace me the remainder of the race. David made up some time during the night and was 30 minutes behind me.

Keep moving ! photo credit Hicham El Amiri

“Trail from Hell“ to Mineral Creek ( 119 km )

I was looking forward to this section all day! I had watched the Ginger Runner YouTube video in preparation. Lindsay and Tyler passed me like I was standing still. It was slow going, and technical was not my strength even on fresh legs. Hicham was ahead of me. I was power hiking as fast as my legs would go. Having to get over a few big logs shows you're lack of agility at this point. There were a few creek crossings. Hicham confidently walked across the logs. I didn't trust my balance at this point and preferred to walk through the creek getting my feet wet.

We passed Lindsay who was waiting for Tyler who was taking a bathroom break in the bushes, and we didn't see them again. I kept expecting Andrew and David to catch us here. )They were close behind. Hicham said “You need to try to run even if it's only 100 metres“. My legs didn't want to or was it my brain that didn't want to. I was thinking we had lots of time, no pressure but in these long races time can be lost and gained .

A knee deep ice cold river crossing and fast flowing, hard to keep my balance, felt refreshing on my tired feet and was the last section on “Trail from Hell''. I was happy I had a fresh pair of shoes and socks to change into at Mineral Creek. My plan was to change into my Canadian flag compression socks for the finish, but my feet were sore and swollen and putting them on was too much of a challenge. Hicham said “You need to wear different socks next time“. I struggled to get my other compression socks and fresher pair of Brooks Cascadias on. As we were exiting the aid station Andrew and David arrived. Hicham ran back into the aid station to say Hi and I didn't want to hang around. I went back in and said to David “Nice to see you! We got to get going Hicham”! David still had to change his shoes and socks. David take your time! It wasn't like I was trying to race David but I wanted to keep ahead of Andrew and David. I think the race volunteers looked at us like we were crazy! “#183 and pacer out for real this time”.

Checking out the view . photo credit Hicham El Amiri

Cardiac Needles to the finish – 2000 meters of elevation gain to finish line!

Nothing could prepare me for what lay ahead. I knew David knew this section since he paced Andrew in 2018 the last 50 km. On paper it didn't sound bad and I was curious to know what these Cardiac Needles were all about. It was a long 10 km climb up No Name Ridge forest road. It was hot and exposed and I wished I had my sun glasses here. There were some amazing views along the way.

Hicham- my pacer - leading the way up Thorpe Mtn.

Hicham was ahead taking pictures and taking video. I was feeling tired and sleepy. I said to Hicham “Do you think it would be okay to take a quick nap?”. He said “NO time got to keep going”. The heat and the sun on the climb was making me sleepy again. I had some Grynd endurance butter with peanut butter and chocolate, recommended by Natropath Kim McQueen. I thought a nice change of calories because I was getting tired of drinking Tailwind. I was out of salt tabs and now had to rely on the aid station E caps.

Relieved to get into the shade of the trees, the first cardiac needle wasn't too bad, the second a bit steeper. I was thinking “is this it ..not so bad“. I spoke too soon as the third was a steep, chin scraping, long relentless climb. I looked up “Hicham where are you”? Had my pacer just dropped me? I stopped a few times to catch my breath. My Achilles were so tight and felt like they could rupture. I hiked up slowly using my poles thinking this would be a tough hike on its own let alone with 130km in your legs. I tried not to look up, just focus on one step at a time. This was insane!!! Finally crested the top. I said to Hicham” how much further“. He was messaging his wife, my physio Jaymie McGowan. “Jaymie says you got this“. Lisa Fehr says “Only a half marathon and a 5 km shake out run to go“. Really?

At this point I was seriously wondering if I was going to finish. How? My quads were running on empty from fatigue and my legs did not want to run. I forced myself to run a few steps and noticed it was less painful if i just keep it to shuffling. Hicham said “Just take small steps like the Ironman shuffle. keep going Charlene. My job is to get you to the finish line if I have to drag you there“!

Top of Thorpe mountain highest point on the course 86.4 miles . photo credit Andrew Barclay

Where is my friend Thorpe? I'm wondering who is this Throrpe? Oh you mean Thorpe Mountain. The highest peak on the course was yet to come. I looked up to the mountain peak where we had yet to climb. You're kidding right? Okay we can do this! Heading up Thorpe Mountain an 800 metre exposed rocky and loose switch back trail to the top. I noticed a photographer – smile ALMOST THERE. Almost at the top, I was feeling emotional. We were on the top of the world. It was surreal!

Hicham grabbed the card from the volunteer to take down to the aid station. On our decent I saw Andrew then David hiking up the trail. Andrew took a picture as David and I stopped briefly. On the descent into the Thorpe Mt Aid Station. Greeted by a volunteer who said “You look fresh“. Really? Another volunteer asked “What can we get you“? I replied “Do you have a pair of fresh legs“? Everyone burst out laughing! I was like “am I the first one to have said that or have you heard that all day long”? The volunteer said “Sorry we don't have any spare body parts, but how about a warm Quesadilla”? I took a small piece from the volunteer and ate it.

Leaving the aid station we now had 16 km of trail and 6 km of flattish road the finish line. We still had 3 big cardiac needles, almost as high as Thorp Mountain over a brutal 3 miles section to French Cabin Aid Station. A young woman and her pacer who I had passed earlier was now crushing it on the descent. Tyler passed me “Charlene we're going to finish this”.

Jose made a comeback over his earlier nausea! Hicham said to me “We need to pick up the pace. You've worked too hard not to make it to the finish line in time to get your buckle“ The thought of not making the cutoff made me panic! OMG we're not going to make it? I had no awareness of time. I was assuming Van Phan finished long ago, probably drinking a beer at the finish line by now . I forced myself to run, running scared at this point. We were catching people. I didn't feel my legs any more. My brain turned off to pain. I promised my legs I will give them a good rest just get me to the finish line in time.

Then my big toe caught a rock, tripped and fell down. Ok one more mile to last aid station I think. I was feeling overheated. We stopped to top up water here. I was feeling a bit dizzy and light headed. I had a volunteer put some ice cubes in my buff around my neck and felt instantly better. I could see Andrew and David right behind us.

David taking a break . photo credit Andrew Barclay

Last 6 km to the finish. Lets just all run together. We power hiked and ran. I had to jog to keep up with their power hiking. I could see a group of three girls ahead. Andrew shouted out “We can get them“! I'm sure they heard us. I honestly did not have any energy in my legs to chase anything at this point. Coasting on fumes. “Are you kidding Andrew“!

We finally made it home thanks to our pacers ! photo credit : Ron Nicholl

The last stretch was run–walk. Ok lets run to that flag, to that sign ect then walk a bit. David and Andrew were a little ways back, but caught us before the finish line. Hicham, Andrew, David and I crossed the finish line together holding hands – 32 hrs 43 minutes. We made it! Everyone was cheering!

Finishing phot with belt buckles and hoodies photo credit : Ron Nicholl

It was such a welcoming home party! The new race director Jess Mullen, taking it over from Rich White, congratulated me on finishing my first 100 miler. The finish line volunteers handed us our belt buckles and finisher hoodies and took our picture. I was offered a chair, knowing if i sat down I would not be getting back up. David and I were offered a cold bucket of water with a wash cloth – the signature race finish. The cold water felt refreshing on my poor tired feet and I could see my left big toe was a huge blood blister. One of the volunteers brought David a burger, my stomach was not ready for food.

Tired and in need of a shower ! photo credit : Ron Nicholl

I asked Rob Smith if there was medical as I needed to check out my elbow. I went over Susan, the medic, to assess the situation. After taking off the tensor, I was surprised at how good my elbow looked! I had no pain or numbness in my hand so very lucky and relieved. Susan secured an ice pack with a tensor bandage around it. She warned me the bruising will come out in the next couple of days. She was right. I immediately felt chilled even though it was 30 degrees outside.

I was finally able to eat real food and ate a veggie burger with a delicious huckleberry milkshake.

I finished third in my AG . Many racers , 1 /4 DNF'd ( Did Not finish ). So much can happen in a race this distance, so much to learn. That last 50 km was more tough than I could ever imagine. If you think running 100 miles is crazy! The winner of the race, I was told this by a finish line volunteer, as Jesse Lang from Richland , WA winning in a time of 19:07 :58. He rode his bike to the race from Portland, and after the race hopped on his bike to ride back to Portland 400 km away. Sounded like he had a touring bike so hopefully he stopped to camp along the way. Still – CRAZY!!!

Cascade Crest 100 miler is the hardest race I've ever completed to date, next to Finlayson Arm Double. This race has a low-key friendly family feel to it and the aid stations and volunteers were exceptional. I met some very cool and inspiring people along the way. Thank you to those runners and pacer, Lindsay, Tyler, Jose, Chris and others who' s names I don't remember that pulled me along. Thank you to all the amazing volunteers, to Rich White on taking on a new race director, Rob Smith for taking care of us Canadians. Big thank you to Hicham for pacing me the last 50 km and for encouraging me to the finish line, and to Andrew for crewing and pacing David and keeping him safe. Matt Cecil for coaching and mentoring me to the finish line. Holly Dickinson for keeping me strong and injury free. Jaymie McGowan – talented physio who can “fix” anything. Alain Schmitz RAC - “for releasing trigger points – painful but effective, all the massage trades I've received from my co-workers at Absolute Therapy Inc, all my yoga teaches who inspire me at MA Wellness – running is my meditation. And to the November Project Community – for being #victorious every Wednesday!

This post race massage chair is awesome!

I'm so happy for David Marlor. I admire his mental toughness. David paced this race to perfection and made up so much time on the hardest section of the course through the night. Crossing the finish line together was the icing on the cake ! Thank you !!!

Next weekend I will be giving back by volunteering at Fat Dog race course at a remote aid station. I'm really looking forward to helping the runners finish their races. We will see the 120 mile racers twice and also the 70, 50 and 40 milers. I am registered for Fat Dog 120 miler 2023 and excited for the journey to come . Best of luck to all the 120 mile racers next weekend ! Katie Quest, Karen Laberee and Dave Scott, Looking forward to seeing you soon!