Did you know that my husband Sam is an ultra marathoner? Before we really discuss Sam, do you know what the definition of an ultra marathoner is? Let me help: According to Active.com, “Ultra running is any distance OVER the distance of a marathon (which is 26.2 miles)”. Most ultra marathons take place on trails but some also incorporate roads. They typically start at a distance of 50K (which is 31.06 miles). Sam has always been a runner and distance has been his jam for the past fifteen years (he competed in his first marathon back in late 2003). He gradually grew tired of the typical road marathons and started toying with the idea of ultra marathons. Honestly, I was worried because it seemed so much harder than a marathon (because IT IS) but he was clearly so happy running trails and tacking on longer distances so I warmed up to it. It turned out to be something he was both good at and enjoyed so WIN WIN! At this point, we have lost count with the number of 50K races Sam has done. There was an extraordinary 50 miler (in near 100 degree heat I might add) about two years ago, an amazing 100K race called the Miwok 100 here in the Bay Area back in 2015 and NOW…the Broken Arrow Skyrace, a 52K ultra difficult trail race all around Squaw Valley up in Tahoe.

This was by far my favorite race experience with Sam from staying in Squaw Village to the scenery of the mountains in Tahoe to the race expo (best I’ve ever been to) to the overall organization of the race and accompanying aid stations. Just…WOW. It was awesome. But the best part was seeing how hard these elevation climbs are and that Sam did it!

Sam showed me this movie (scroll down on the website until you hit the movie player – trust me, you will want to see it) a few months ago about Skyrace (which is truly insane) and while I could tell he was excited about it, I had my concerns (ie: hard elevation in the mountains, snow steps, ladders and ropes all while running 52K). But I told him I would support him and be there for crew support and BOOM, he signed up.

The starting line with expo and overall staging area took place in Olympic Village. I had not been here since 2007 so it was nice to come and visit again. It is such a pretty village with anything you could want to eat or buy. Super convenient and attractive. We went to a pre-race briefing which seemed pretty intense. Afterwards we knew that elite ultra marathoner Scott Jurek was going to be around and wanted to meet him and then we suddenly bumped into him! This guy is legit a running legend. It was great; here is Sam with him:

We met up with our friends who were also racing and had a pasta carb load dinner. As a special bonus, the restaurant had plenty of gluten free options which was awesome for me! Even a flourless chocolate torte for dessert – hello, that is awesome. We got back to our room and laid out everything Sam would need for the next day as well as everything either in the swag bag or that we purchased. Again, so much awesomeness.

The alarm clock for race day came early but we were ready. We headed out and thankfully I had packed my down winter coat because it was like 47 degrees and luckily I felt toasty. There was lots of nervous, excited energy among all of the runners and their support people so we filled the time before the takeoff with stretching for Sam and photos for me.

Once everyone took off at 7:00 am I had several hours to myself to get some breakfast and a little more rest before heading up to the aid station at High Camp. I found myself the best avocado toast of ALLLLLLL TIME (drizzled in olive oil with sprouts, seeds, salt and pepper AND cucumbers on the side. Please. I was in heaven) and strolled leisurely back to my hotel, trying not to be worried about the terrain Sam was traversing.

After a couple hours of chilling out it was time to head up to High Camp with my friend Andrew (his girlfriend Sandra was racing with Sam). OK, I need to talk about this 10 minute tram ride STRAIGHT  up the mountains to High Camp. In general I would not say that I am afraid of heights. I would say they are not my favorite but I can handle myself fine. But this tram had me a little shaken up. Like, my heart was pounding in my chest until the ride was over. The weird thing is that I was completely fine going back down, it was just going up that was the problem.

We waited at the aid station for a few minutes and then our runners came in. At this point, they had gone approximately 13 miles out of a 32.3 mile race but Sam looked fantastic. He didn’t look troubled or overtired or anything other than “I’m having a good time!” which I was really happy to see. We rang our cowbells and made sure he and Sandra got the fluids and fuel they needed to keep going. Sandra needed a ponytail holder STAT so I pulled mine out of my hair and off they went!

High Camp was actually really cool. There is a pool up there and several restaurants and shops. I can see how this would be a fun destination…if I did NOT have to take the tram up there.

We caught Sam and Sandra as they came down the mountain and started their second loop. Remember, they had do to the whole course AGAIN since it is a 52K. At that point we took a little time and relaxed. I had more avocado toast (best stuff ever) and did some shopping. Meanwhile Sam was climbing/running this stuff:

Around 3:30 Andrew and I set up camp at the bottom of Squaw near the finish line waiting for them to come through. And then Sam came through!

The race “medal” is actually hand carved wood and is now the most unique medal Sam has. He looked great, he felt great and his recovery from all of those miles went really smoothly. We checked out of our hotel after he had a dip in the hot tub, shower and a nap and headed back to the Bay Area. Within hours of finishing the race, Sam declared that he would probably do Skyrace again; by the next morning he said he would definitely race it again. That is a first! Sam doesn’t normally like to repeat races but he loved this one. I would be up for it again too; it is a fantastic location and felt like a very well organized, safe (ish) race.

Great job, babe. I’m so proud of you; let’s do it again!