River of No Return 108K, June 2024.

If you are ever in the market for a mountain race that gives you plenty of climb, amazing views, top notch aid stations, the coolest swag and an experience you will never forget... it's the River of No Return (RONR). Choose 32k, 55k or 108k and you won't regret it (when it's over). Good chance you will have some regrets mid-race about your decision to run this race, but if you do the work to get there... you will be glad you did.

I opted in for the full 108k RONR experience. One of my goals for 2025 is to complete the "Idaho 208" which includes completing the 108K RONR and then 4 weeks later doing the Beaverhead 100K. This year I wanted to experience the first half of this challenge.

Leading up to race day

In addition to my own training, I had the opportunity to coach two athletes who were looking to complete their first 55K's at the RONR. This opportunity brought additional excitement for me as we led up to race day.

Knowing the race course is crucial for training. As the race approaches, we focus on adding specific elements like vertical gain in our long runs, aiming for more elevation for better preparation.

The race director did a great job of keeping us all informed on their Facebook site with information around expectations for the weather and course conditions (snow melt, creek levels etc.).

Learning from your mistakes is a significant aspect of participating in ultramarathons, just as it is in life in general! With that in mind, I took the time to understand the race course for both myself and the athletes I train. As part of race day planning, I put together a plan that provides three scenarios to help keep an athlete on track. It's meant to be used on race day to guide efforts especially early on in the race. It's also meant to help the runner quickly answer questions such as: am I going too fast, to slow, how much time will it take to the next aid station so I know how much fuel and water I need, what's next? Here is what mine looked like:

Last few Weeks!

Here are the bullet points:

• In the weeks leading up, I did my best taper! That meant doing more of less running. Don't underestimate the important of reducing your volume to allow your body to be ready for race day.

• Eating! In the days leading up, I prioritized carbs into my diet. I also decided to make something to eat for the day prior instead of risking a local restaurant.

• Sleeping! I never sleep well the night before a race. So in the week before - I do my best to get as much sleep as I possibly can.

• Mind prep: With reduced volume of running, it can give you more time to overthink and have self doubt. Any brain energy I have, I redirect to how can I set myself up for success on race day? Any negative thoughts, I accept them and then remind my brain that there is also what is possible to consider!

Aside from that it was all about getting to Challis, Pre-race shake out, Bib pick up and getting excited for both myself and my friends who were about to take on the 55K!

The Big Day - 108K - Let's do it!

The race is a big loop with 4 major climbs that take you from 5k at the lowest and up to 10k at the highest point.

Starting the day before dawn at 5:00 am, a brief jog along Highway 93 is followed by transitioning to the trails. The darkness doesn't last long as you witness the breathtaking sunrise while heading towards the initial aid station at Birch Creek. Amidst the racers speeding ahead, I consciously steer clear of the initial rush. I keep in mind to focus on my own race, establish my pace, and find a comfortable rhythm of hiking uphill and running on flatter and downhill sections.

Aiming to be quick at each aid station, I breezed through Keystone (mile 11) and was ready for the enjoyable descent to Bayhorse. This was extra fun, because you got to see lots of other runners from all the different race distances as you came into the Aid Station which had a party atmosphere. Much of the race is on ATV tracks, which makes you think it will be easy trail running, but there are sections like this one that are full of rocks. Despite the rocks, I focused on a swift descent with a high cadence to avoid letting my feet linger too long on any moving rocks and enjoyed the thrill of gravity! The aid station was amazing and was access to my first drop bag.

When leaving Bayhorse, it's important to make sure you have enough supplies for the next stretch, as the next food aid-station is 15 miles away. You'll need to backtrack the 2k climb you just completed, then descend 500 feet before continuing on to the peak of Ramshorn at 10K feet, where only water is available. This involves a total climb of 4.8K over 10 miles. Following the peak, there's a pleasant 3k descent into Juliette. Understanding this, I filled up my water and ensured I had sufficient food to last me for a worst-case scenario of 4.5 hours. With my Aid Station pancakes and bacon, I set off.

This section was tough and required that I just kept my focus on moving. One foot in front of the other, then repeat. And while tough, I was able to move fairly swiftly compared to the people I started to pass. Every time I pass someone, I smile to myself and reflect, "This is exactly why it's important to run at your own pace in the beginning!" Upon reaching the summit of Ramshorn, I encountered fierce winds. I found myself pondering for a while whether it was more bearable to be hit sideways or straight on in the face. Ultimately, it didn't make much of a difference, as the winds never propelled me forward. The views made it all worth it!

After Ramshorn, I had ventured back down 3k to head into Juliette Aid Station. I was a little behind on my fueling and didn't enjoy this section as much as I originally planned. A little bit of problem solving goes a long way! The answer was simple: eat! And so I ate my way back to feeling better and before I knew it I was at Juliette where I was greeted by yet another amazing aid station that grabbed by bag, stocked me up and sent me on my way.

As you leave Juliette you are about to tackle a section that has you traversing back and forth over a creek. Your feet get wet for sure which is refreshing as the day heats up! A few sections of mud and finding your way to you next drop bag at Bayhorse Lake (mile 38.7)!

I arrived at Bayhorse Lake just shy of 11.5 hours which was closer to my slowest time goal. It felt warm out, I was tired, I was hungry, I was sick of eating, I was thirsty, and yet sick of drinking. I looked around and reminded myself so what... It's beautiful out here! Just get through this next little hiccup climb of 600 feet and then time to cruise before ONE last up and then the home stretch! And so that's what I did... I gathered myself up and continued on!

8.8 miles to the next aid station of Squaw Creek - this section was very runnable downhill and I ran when my brain and legs both agreed. And when I wasn't running I just walked with purpose until I argued with myself that running will make this end faster and since both walking and running hurt - we should just run. My nutrition was falling behind again and once I arrived at Squaw Creek I was greeted by yet another amazing aid station. My mind was struggling and when the aid station asked me "what do you need?"... I remember thinking.. I have no idea maybe a bed? My stomach felt bloated and the thought of another gel made me want to puke. However, I needed fuel and nothing sounded good. They seemed to understand the look in my eyes and did the thinking for me. They replaced my drinks, stocked me on food and sent me on my way. As I headed out I remembered I had some Maple Syrup in my pocket along with one of those 5-hour energy drinks and so I shoved those down. It was a welcome taste change and it was the kick I needed to tackle the last climb.

The last climb is about 3k over about 8.5 miles and then you drop down to Buster Lake where you have access to your last drop bag. At this point I was sick of holding my poles and felt like I need to get to Buster before dark, so that's what I did. I stashed my poles and dug deep to power up that last climb. I found myself passing several people as i used my hands to press down on my quads with each churn. And my mood changed yet again as I powered through. When I reached Buster Lake I was 16.5 hours in and chipping my way back to my middle goal time.

Upon arriving at Buster Lake (mile 56), I was warmly welcomed by yet another fantastic aid station that provided invaluable assistance. They had a cozy fire going and served homemade pizza, along with more quesadillas, with cheerful and helpful volunteers on hand. Once again, I found myself indecisive as I rummaged through my drop bag until a volunteer approached to assist me. She advised me to "Yes.. change your shoes and socks", "Yes.. I won't let you stay long", "Yes.. you will take some food to go." This woman truly deserves recognition for aiding me and especially with changing my shoes! Despite my fingers struggling to cooperate, I eventually managed to swap my toe socks (which proved to be quite exhausting!) with her help in putting on my shoes. Leaving Buster Lake it was dusk and I could taste the the finish line which was only 13 miles away! "It's all downhill from here!"

The last 13 miles were a mix of dirt, gravel and road; and I was incredibly thankful for the shoe change. My mantra to finish this race was.. "It's just running." And that's what I aimed to do. I only thing I remember about those last 13 miles was the ridiculous amounts of dust and telling my legs "good job, finish strong!." I crossed the finish line in 19:22 vs my main goal of 19:20. As you cross, the Race Director gives you a hug and they put your Finisher's jacket on you and tell you to pick out a rock. My friend Elissa was there who was kind enough to pick out my rock for me since it was 3 miles away (only 20 feet - but it looked like 3-miles).

I successfully completed the 108K race with 16,500 feet of climb! Additionally, my friends finished their first 55K races as well. The event was challenging yet fulfilling, and the organizers and participants were truly remarkable. The day after the race, you can go to the local hot-springs (highly recommended) and also partake in a leasurly float down the salmon river (also recommended).

If you want to Do Epic St...uff - Challis is a great place to do it.