Black Canyon 100k, 2016 – DNF/Choices

Well, I sure didn’t take my own advice about tips for finishing Black Canyon given the subject of this post. While there are a variety of reasons why I decided to DNF, I can’t say that I regret it. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t bother me. None of these excuses are good and none of them truly prevented me from finishing, although I can’t recommend taking your shin for a ride on an above ground cattle guard. Doesn’t feel great. As you may have heard already, you learn the most from your failures than successes. I don’t think it’s truly balanced though, I have failed more in the past and learned a lot less than this particular time. I’ll call myself lucky because learning new things in such a simple yet complicated sport such as ultraunning is priceless.

I think putting this sport in perspective is really interesting. I enjoy reading about mountaineering and alpinism. (Also watching – Meru is an exceptional documentary that I highly recommend). There are countless times where climbers will turn around 100 meters shy of a summit. Can you imagine spending several weeks or months freezing your ass off risking frostbitten limbs, pulmonary edema or simply dying? And make the choice to turn around literally 100 meters from the summit? Most people who make it back down will obsess about that choice and assess every single possible thing they can do next time. While failing at anything sucks, DNFing at an ultra might not seem so bad. It also probably won’t cost you your life if you make a mistake and that’s great news.

Meru Expedition, Garwhal, India

Tips for finishing the Black Canyon Ultras

Now that you’ve got some reasons to run Black Canyon I thought I’d put together a list of tips for first-timers. 100k or 60k, it should hopefully help runners get to that finish line – whether it be Black Canyon City or that nifty 100k finishers buckle.

• Beware the elevation profile

Yes, look at all that nice downhill in the beginning. You’re quads are fresh, you just started so you’re feeling great, it’s incredibly easy to breeze through the first 20 miles. The worst (or best)thing is that the first 20 miles are smooth, twisty and a whole lot of fun. You’ve got expansive desert scenery that’s easy to get sucked into (not that you shouldn’t). The climbs don’t look that bad, and realistically they’re not at all bad but know that the miles will add up, it will get warmer and the trail gets considerably more rocky as the race goes on.

• Pace yourself

Do the best you can to pace yourself. If you’re doing the 100k it’s likely the first time you’ve raced this length. You might think that it’s only 12 mile miles longer than a 50-miler and of course, that’s true. That doesn’t mean it feels that way.

Prepare yourself mentally at mile 51 (Table Mesa Road) that you have still 11 miles left and a few more climbs. At this point it might be getting dark (or already is) so know that you will be doing this with a headlamp. The trail is more technical and feels generally harder to manage.

Photo credit: Bret Sarnquist

 

• Exposure

There is absolutely no shade on the course. Zero. It will be in the 80’s by afternoon. I’m fairly certain most people have not been running in these temperatures. Not even people living in Phoenix. Take care of yourself at aid stations, make sure you soak yourself, use ice – whatever works for you. Additionally, there are several creek crossings along the course, which are conveniently placed later on in the race (how nice!). Use these to your advantage! I unfortunately made the mistake of not taking off my iPod shuffle through a creek crossing and ruined it the first year I ran. Yes, boohoo sad story for me but it stinks because I really wish I had some music.

• Managing the combo

In a nutshell, you will start out at a higher elevation – ~4100 ft. at a cooler temperature then descending through smooth trail. As you lose elevation it will gradually become warmer (think total exposure) while the trail becomes more rocky but yet 100% runnable – just to rub it in when you’re feeling it. The climbs are not severe but will feel harder than they should given this combination of these elements. Also, the creek crossings can be a blessing or curse – depending on the state of your feet.

Photo credit: Ron Ceton

 

*I hope some of these points/tips will help prepare you for a great race out there. Black Canyon has some of the most fun trail that Phoenix offers. Enjoy it!

Are you going nuts with nothing to do while you taper? Check some of these cool things to do in the mean time!

• Aravaipa Running’s 2015 Video
• Dominic Grossman’s 2015 Video
• Official Website
• Pictures – 2015 & SweetMImages

11 Reasons why you should run the Black Canyon Ultra

1) It’s Beautiful

Starting at a higher altitude you’re spoiled with expansive desert views and as you progress through the course you’re treated with towering saguaros. The Black Canyon Trail is, in my opinion, some of the best trail that the greater Phoenix area has to offer.

Photo credit: Bret Sarnquist

2) Miles of Single track

Just about the entire course is full of exciting rolling and twisting trail that can be just a little too much fun!

Photo credit: Ron Ceton

3) Point-to-Point

Starting in Mayer, AZ and traveling south to New River you travel through high and low altitude deserts among the experience of being on land that has been used years ago as a livestock and stagecoach route.

4) Western States Qualifier or “Golden Ticket” race

A great reason if you’re looking a qualifier for Western States or if you’re fast enough to earn your entry.

5) Top-notch race organization

Aravaipa Running doesn’t disappoint and always has the amenities you’re looking for in an ultra.

6) Great weather

A great reason to escape the snow & cold. Highs can be in the 80’s in February!

7) 100k or 60k

You can’t go wrong wither either distance. The 60k is a really solid choice as it encompasses the most beautiful sections of the trail. Also, the finish line has the advantage of reason #11.

8) Location

The Black Canyon Trail is nestled alongside a major highway, I-17 but you would never know this trail exists otherwise. This also makes it quite easy for crew access.

9) Challenging

While it has a net downhill, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun. The early miles fly by but as you travel south the trail becomes rockier, the day becomes warmer, and the miles pile on.

10) Belt Buckle

Yep! You get a nifty belt buckle if you finish the 100k.

11) Pie!

Yes, pie! Rock Springs Café has some of the best pie around. While this oasis in the desert begins a little early at mile 37 if you’re in the 100k, it’s tempting place to drop! 60k runners are in luck as this will be your finish line!