This past weekend, I spent it following the Western States 100 trail race, the forefather of modern US ultra trail running. This epic race runs from the snow capped slopes of Squaw Valley through the wilderness of the Tahoe National Forest and follows the original trails used by the gold and silver miners of the 1850’s with runners climbing another 18,000 feet and descending 23,000 feet before reaching the small town of Auburn in the heart of California’s historic gold country.
Elevation chart (right to left, east to west)
As I watched, a couple of things really stood out about this race and the trail running community involved in the race. So many of these things reflected the aspects I see within the November Project community.
Inclusiveness: Regardless of age, background and athleticism, people could get involved in this race as racers, crew members, volunteers and supporters. It was amazing to see so many people with an emotional and involved interest in this epic foot race. We saw every age compete, from the 20 year old eventual winner, Andrew Miller, to the 72 year old, Wally Hazeltine, who heartbreakingly crossed the line seconds after the 30 hour cutoff in 30:01:50. An amazing and inspiring performance nonetheless.
Sportsmanship: Throughout the day, we watched runners buzzing as they passed through the aid stations to the cheers of the crews and supporters, but also saw competitors (some friends included) hit drastic lows. Dehydration problems, stomach issues, cramps, falls, injuries. But seeing the volunteers, crew members and fellow competitors come in around the individual and help them however they could, this was amazing to see.
Support in community: Many of the racers from the Bay Area trail running community and beyond took to the line in Squaw Valley. Many of which were gunning to finish their first 100 miler, or to take the fabled top 10 spot which earns you a ticket for the 2017 event. Many of these runners were from rival clubs in the area, but still each crew, pacer and supporter jumped in to cheer every runner that passed. From the lead runners finishing in 15 hours to the 30 hour cutoff, the finish line at Auburn had fans lining the track cheering people in. We even had Kyle Pietari, a member of NP Boston, take 9th place overall. Kyle was crewed by former NP Boston member and WS100 finisher, Loren Newman, and recent NPSF visitor and “Running on Om” creator, Julia Hanlon.
This was a bit of a typical Paddy rant. But in summary, keep being you, Tribe! Community. Support. Fairness. Inclusiveness. Inspiration. Positivity.
Keep reading below for important info…
This Friday, we have a theme for Friday Hills. It’s bring your friend to work(out) Friday. So we’re encouraging you to bring a friend to the workout. Also wear some items of your work clothing. Break out that shirt and tie, financial people. Myself and Mark will be wearing our lab coats. Also to celebrate this great theme, we’re also going to our most epic location, Corona Heights. Hurray!!
Next Wednesday (July 6th), we will hold the NPSF ‘Show and Tell’ night. It will be held at the North Face store on Post Street, and will kick off around 7PM. More details to come on a Facebook event near you soon.
Corona Heights two years ago this week, where we celebrated JMB’s birthday and wished Laura safe travels on her summer holiday in Ireland
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