Dinosaur Valley 100M (Race Recap)

Glen Rose, TX

Saturday, November 23

100 Mile attempt #24

Weather - Chilly at the start, HOT during the day

Dinosaur Valley is the Active Joe's only 100 mile trail race. It used to be called Big Cedar 100, a race I DNF'd the inaugural year in 2014. That course was completely different, and I vowed I wouldn't run another trail race in Texas again. (We all know that I have amnesia, because I've run quite a few events in Texas). ANYWAY, I am kinda sorta maybe wanting to run Western States one day, so I had signed up for Dinosaur Valley on opening day because the 100k is a qualifier - this way I could get it out of the way for the qualifying window and I would not have to find something to run later. PLUS, I wanted redemption for the DNF all those years ago.

Race Day

When we had looked at the map, we estimated it would take a little over a half hour to get to the start line from our hotel. Having raced quite a bit recently, no matter how much I prep, it seems like it takes me much longer to get out the door than I think it will. We planned to leave at 5:30 and arrive just after 6. I suggested getting up at 4:45 and Steph looked at me like I was crazy. I had compromised and set my alarm for 4:54, but I think I woke up a few minutes before it went off. I had actually slept pretty decent, not waking up or needing to pee in the night, so that was good.

Steph wasn't up yet so I quietly went into the bathroom to apply excess levels of lube (trying Salty Britches as the primary lube for my lady bits, although I used some Chamois Buttr for good measure as well) and got dressed. After my recent bouts of horrible chafing, I was NOT going to wear my beloved CVG shorts. I made the risky decision to wear an INKnBURN skirt, something I haven't worn for a race in at least 18 months, and have only worn 1-2 times in training since I am at my highest weight... ever. I had packed INKnBURN 6" shorts in my drop bag in case things went south.

I heated up my breakfast burrito, packed the rest of my gear and we were out the door by probably 5:35. Unfortunately, as soon as we got into the car and turned on the directions, our drive was already longer than we had planned, now over 45 minutes. The drive was on a two lane road with insanely high speed limits (70???), which made me nervous since it was still dark and I know how much wildlife is in rural Texas.

We got within a mile or so of where the parking area was when we encountered the backup. Apparently the road is very narrow, and the shuttle bus to the start couldn't just turn around to drop people off. It had to back up, we had to wait for people to get off, etc. Not to mention, the vehicle that we were behind was arguing with the parking coordinator and wouldn't drive so we missed our chance to bypass the bus. The start was at 7, with a trail briefing at 6:45. By now it is now after 6:30!!! We finally got around the bus and then had to drive into the field to park. Getting there a bit later meant we were basically as far away as possible, so we had about a minute to grab all our stuff and then rush back to catch the bus to the starting area.

I think we got off the bus at 6:50?? I put my drop bag down and then went to get my bib, which was self service in envelopes. Pinned my bib onto my skirt, then had to go back to the drop back to put my race shirt in there and use the bathroom. I was lining up with three minutes to go when I realized I still had the keys for the rental in my pocket, so I had to go BACK to my drop bag to put the keys in. Not happy about being rushed, but at least there was no "waiting around" at the start.

The Race

So I'll admit that I did print the race manual and intended to read it all, but really what I wanted to know was elevation gain and terrain and that was minimal in the guide. I thought the course was 9 big loops of roughly 10.5 miles and then finishing with a 5 mile smaller loop.

We started right on time at 7:00, and it was light enough that we didn't need a light. It was actually pretty chilly. Steph started in long sleeves, but I knew I would warm up as soon as I started moving. I did start with my gloves though, as my hands were definitely cold. 

We got about 30 seconds down the trail before we hit a huge bottleneck. I'm not sure what the initial number of runners was, but the 100M and 100k started at the same time and being towards the middle we were definitely at a standstill multiple times while we got onto the loop. We had a narrow downhill section and crossed over a cement bridge. First hill was pretty quick into the loop. Steph did a great job of documenting the trail, so I'm stealing her pictures for my recap.

The trail did begin to get a bid wider, but it was still slow-going. One, because it was a climb, but also because there were a lot of people AND this first section had a lot of loose rocks.

Now you would think that I would remember more about this "loop" since I ran it NINE times, but I don't. Other than the two "hills," it was a gradual climb for maybe a mile. Double track, but not as rocky. My hands finally warmed up and I think I took off the gloves by maybe 20 minutes in.

We were in a conga line of runners, power hiking the climbs and running anywhere it wasn't super technical or a flat/downhill. The first aid station was a little over 2.5 miles in, and on the outbound it seemed like a downhill going in. I was happy to see that there were port-o-potties there (I would use them multiple times during the race). From here we left the aid station and seemingly had a nice section of runnable/flattish trail. 

This section was about 5 miles and the only true "loop" section was about a mile in, a 5K loop, then we would rejoin this same section.

When we approached this sign we were on our way to the loop and really the only section of the course that was somewhat shaded. 

We heard Jenny (the photographer) telling us that we had to run (she was further down the trail) - but we both stopped to get pictures from the overlook while we were there.

From the overlook on, we were on the unique loop and we would discover that it was also the most technical part of the trail. It was a loose and rocky descent, and then we passed where we would later turn off to do our five mile loop at the very end. For ME, there really wasn't that much that was runnable. It was either up/down or technical/narrow. For reference, I kept Steph's advise from Cloudsplitter in my mind "run wherever you can, even if it's just a few feet."

We had ONE major obstacle on the course. And it wasn't that bad for me, since I've done a ton of races with lots of downed trees. The nice thing about this one is it was right at my butt level so I could just sit down and swing my legs over it. AND, there was nothing sharp or stabby on it, so I didn't have to worry about tearing up my skirt or legs.

Once we passed the tree, it seemed that there were more roots on the trail. Nothing that was too crazy, but there were some step-ups that were a bit tough for me because I'm so short.

Since Steph's pictures are merged with mine, I'm not entirely sure that these are actually in the order of where things were on course, but pretty sure all the pictures are from the first loop. The picture below really captures how gross some of the rocky sections were!

I also seemingly don't have a picture of it, but somewhere near the end of the loop there was maybe the steepest climb, also rocky. We then had to climb up this almost slickrock wall, before getting back to more level and less technical. Now all the above pictures from the loop were in like A MILE. It seemed soooo much longer on every loop. At some point we were leap frogging with Jesse, a fellow RAD rabbit and UltrAspire athlete. We got a selfie together shortly after going through the Fenceline aid station our way back to the start/finish.

Initially, Steph had a goal of doing loops in 2:20, which I knew was going to be too ambitious for me. I had hoped for 2:30, and we did our first loop in 2:35, which would also be the only time we got one done under three hours. I don't remember what, if anything, we did at the start finish, but I think we tried to get in/out pretty quick. It was already getting really warm. I don't know where this picture was taken on course, but it memorialized Steph actually using one of the zillion gels she brought with her.

About halfway through the second loop, I could tell my shoes were going to be a problem. Initially, I brought two pairs with me, because they were both at end of life, and I figured I would leave at least one pair in Texas, maybe both. Well, I have worn these Topo Mtn Racers plenty, but I guess usually  more in a "hiking" or mountain race situation, so not as much running? The heels seemed to be running and I was pretty concerned about blisters. I definitely planned on changing shoes when we got back to my drop bag.

When we got back to the Overlook, a nice guy took a picture of us. I don't know what face I'm making here.

Technical loop, things happened. My feet didn't feel great. Hot. Jokingly asked Steph "are we stopping this loop?"

I assume I changed my shoes and then not sure what else at the start/finish. Loop three was Steph dealing with some back spasming and pain, which we spent time trying to diagnose and problem-solve. Prior to starting we thought we could get through 4 loops without needing a headlamp. Oh, how blissfully ignorant we were.... We grabbed headlamps and cables before starting loop 4. Got to the Overlook again right as the sun was starting to set.

I was able to get by without a light until about halfway through the loop. I ended up losing Steph when she stopped to get out her headlamp. I actually had a really good back half of the 4th loop. Loop 5 came and went and I felt pretty good on that one. Originally I had been using a buff under my headlamp but it was giving me a headache, so I switched to my beanie - which was WAY too warm for the weather.

No idea what happened on loop 6. None. I think I ran with Vincent and his pacer, Justin, for a bit (? - not sure what loop that was). I was doing my caffeine doses every 3-4 hours, but with 13.5 hours between sunset and sunrise, I got REALLY tired during my 7th loop. Somehow there was no one at my pace and there were oddly no people coming toward me on the multi-directional sections. My stomach was hurting a bit and I put on my long sleeve because I was getting a little chilly moving so slow. At some point I sat on a flat rock in the middle of the trail trying to get a tiny catnap and reset my brain that was starting to convince me I wasn't going to be getting this done. Justin and Vincent happened upon me right before the sun was coming up and convinced me to try and chase them into the finish. Thankfully, it worked. By the time I got there it was light and I could drop my headlamp. I headed out with Justin and Vincent for loop 8. So close, yet so far away!

Loop 8 was very little running, but lots of good conversation. We were joined for a few miles by a guy from Huntsville (AL, not TX) that had also been at Red Dirt. I came into the aid station heading to the start/finish and had to use the bathroom. I somehow lost Vincent. I was talking to some other runners and suddenly realized I was much closer to the cutoffs than I thought. I had a VERY quick turnaround at the start finish. Did LOTS of running to try to make up some time. Passed a decent number of people in this loop. The sun came out and it was HOT. It was also windy. Somehow I didn't catch up to Vincent until halfway through the loop! No idea how that happened. I came into the start/finish and all I needed to do was go out and do my small loop. Topped off my flask and off I went. The start of the small loop was the same, but once we got maybe 4 miles in we turned off. There was some single track, like 30 giant stone steps we had to go down, and then a flat and tree lined, non-technical trail back to the finish. I had enough left to run it in. Woo!! So glad to finish this one.

Official Time - 33:08:58

Overall Place - 51/65

Gender Place - 17/23

Garmin Time - 33:09:02

Garmin Distance - 103.47 miles

Elevation Gain - 9,623'

Miles 1-10 - 15:05, 13:47, 14:23, 12:33, 17:56, 15:22, 13:37, 13:19, 14:40, 14:42

Miles 11-20 - 19:15, 14:51, 15:12, 15:27. 13:59, 19:38, 16:50, 14:51, 14:39, 17:19

Miles 21-30 - 15:31, 25:52, 16:58, 17:18, 19:57, 15:41, 20:48, 17:18, 16:01, 16:13

Miles 31-40 - 21:15, 17:01, 27:26, 18:10, 16:34, 18:52, 17:07, 23:59, 16:55, 15:16

Miles 41-50 - 16:27, 15:56, 15:35, 24:01, 18:27, 16:45, 18:05, 17:35, 20:44, 17:40

Miles 51-60 - 16:18, 18:20, 17:45, 18:04, 31:01, 20:44, 20:41, 21:10, 21:11, 23:39

Miles 61-70 - 17:30, 17:58, 21:15, 19:33, 17:51, 28:30, 19:53, 20:37, 23:23, 24:31

Miles 71-80 - 26:59, 20:45, 26:33, 26:49, 26:04, 23:22, 33:12, 20:16, 19:14, 21:53

Miles 81-90 - 21:05, 21:46, 20:27, 19:47, 23:17, 21:08, 21:40, 21:23, 17:41, 18:27

Miles 91-100 - 18:08, 20:53, 21:02, 16:17, 16:50, 19:42, 18:00, 17:37, 19:32, 21:32

Miles 101-end - 20:20, 18:21, 19:13, 14:35 (finish line sprint was fastest pace of the race)

Thoughts:

• Plenty of parking at the start. I planned to arrive an hour early, but because of the number of people going in at the same time it took nearly double what I thought. I was truly shocked at the number of people that had TONS of crew members, kids, dogs, etc. Not to mention the HUGE amount of gear!! People had wagons of gear, giant plastic tubs, etc. PLAN EXTRA TIME TO GET TO THE START.
• The course is definitely longer than 100 miles, so plan for it. My watch regularly had me about 1/3 of a mile every loop. Doesn't sound like a lot, but it really adds up over the race.
• Aid stations are spaced very well. You hit the on course aid station twice, and the start finish, never more than 5 miles apart (although with how warm it got, I did drain bottles more than once).
• Not a huge variety of food, but it was fine to get through. The Fenceline aid station got creative towards the end and made silly recipes, like peanut butter sandwiches with banana and bacon. Kept things interesting. There was always plenty of ice!!!
• Course marking gets an A+. There was never anywhere that was confusing or too long without a marker. The route uses pink flagging, pin flags, and other additional signage.
• Lots of photographers in multiple places on the course.
• Race shirt is a cute long sleeve hooded top - no picture, but I wore it to work yesterday and got numerous compliments from non-runners. Multiple, nice-looking buckle options, including buckle for the 100k.
• Start/finish had a foot care station with plenty of help for foot & blister issues. I never used it but I heard other people did. 
• INEXPENSIVE!! If you get in early it is easily one of the least expensive (yet well-supported) ultras out there. 
• The Texas running community is awesome and I continue to make friends every time I visit.
• As for the course itself... it was VERY rocky and more technical than I expected. At around 1000' of gain per loop, I was a bit worried that I was going to struggle later in the race as I am not a strong climber. The hills are spaced very well throughout the loop and I did not find one single hill unmanageable. I think the fatigue of all my racing the last few months caught up to me and I was just too tired to really perform well and I just gutted out a finish. With that said... There was lower than a 50% finisher rate for the 100. I wonder if a lot of that is because you were able to drop down to the 100k for an official finish. If that option was removed, I wonder if more people would have kept going. The two-way traffic for 2/3 of the course was nice on one hand because you constantly were seeing the same people and it was as boost to see others. However, it was frustrating in some of the more narrow areas.
• LOTS of distance options - 5 mile, 25k, 50k, 100k and 100M
• While the weather to me was pretty hot during the day, I would 100% take that over the cold wind or rain/mud that I experienced at Big Cedar. All in all, we couldn't have asked for better conditions.
• Gear - UltrAspire Alpha 4.0 vest, which I haven't used in a while, and the bottles were too long for the pockets, so that got irritating for me. The zipper on the back pocket actually ripped off when I still had 2-3 laps to go, so I wasn't able to use the big pocket for anything after that, so it was a good thing I didn't need to carry any excess gear. 20ish miles I wore the Mtn Racers, Last 80ish miles my Ultraventure 2's (sadly I don't have many miles left before these have to be retired). Two pairs of socks, Zensah mini crew with the first pair of shoes and then Smartwool with the second. INKnBURN skirt for 70 (?) miles, then INKnBURN 6" shorts for the end. Rabbit EZ tee with the skirt and then my rabbit team shirt for the end. Zensah high neck sports bra. Tahoe hat, Petzl headlamp, LMNT, Salty Britches, Smartwool gloves, Patagonia Airshed Pullover, Goodr sunglasses, Garmin Fenix 7s that I charged after about 60 miles in.

*May add things if I remember anything else.