Cuyamaca 100k race report

The last time I was in Cuyamaca was in 2018. I wasn't planning on being here again for 2022 but a calf strain and sciatica issues wiped out my hopes of going back to Miwok to avenge my 2019 DNF. So it was either Cuyamaca or Javelina Jundred for a Western qualifier...and JJ was full sooooo 😏

My training and confidence for this race was buoyed from using and being a Vespa ambassador. I was so successful using it for Waldo 100k last year that I doubled-down on the product and a strict optimized fat metabolism (OFM) running/racing strategy. It's ideal for summer heat training in Arizona and pairs well with the intermittent fasting I started nearly a year ago.

Cuyamaca is one of those races where it is either hot as balls or perfect running weather. Oh boo-hoo, right? Perfect running weather...why would that be a problem? Well, training in the Arizona summer means a very strict regiment of hydration and electrolytes. Altering that strategy on race day is not something I've been able to master yet (at least for this particular race).

Loop 1 (32.3 mi)

Cuyamaca is one of those sultry vixens that lulls you into a false sense of comfort during the first 8 miles. Once you break free of the starting conga line, it's largely smooth sailing on the California single-track as you make your way to Merrigan AS (8.4 mi). You would think I'd learned my lesson in 2018, but of course I took this first section WAY too fast. I felt great, but like I mentioned, this section lulls you in with its net downhill profile only to give you a sucker-punch as you head to Green Valley AS (14.2 mi) and eventually up to Cuyamaca Peak (23.2 mi)

Leaving Merrigan, the single-track gives way to forest service roads as you start the 15 mi trek up to Cuyamaca Peak. Much of this is still runnable but it gradually takes its toll on the legs as you plod your way up to 6,200'.

It was here that the inability to adjust that fueling and hydration strategy began to rear its ugly head. Whether it was a combination of altitude, hydration and/or electrolytes, it was obvious that something was not right. My pace up to Cuyamaca Peak was a slow agonizing crawl. I stopped nearly a dozen times in the last 1/2 mile up to the peak because (a) my heart felt like it would explode and (b) I couldn't tell if I was hungry, nauseous or dehydrated.

Once at the top, I curled up into a ball and tried to take in some solid calories (avocado and bacon) and more electrolytes/water. Turns out this is not what I needed at all. After 45 minutes of drowning is self-pity, I had already conceded that this unforced error was going to cost me the 17-hour cutoff to qualify for Western States. I pulled myself out of the chair knowing what gnarly 5-mile stretch of downhill awaited me on the way to Paso Picacho AS (28.2 mi). Not more than 500' away from the Cuyamaca Peak aid station I pulled over to the side of the road and empty the entire contents of my stomach 🤮 Multiple times. Violently. What felt like liters...

Now most folks see vomiting as the final nail in the coffin when it comes to a race. But if I've learned anything from all these years of ultra-running, it's that a good puke means a fresh start. My body clearly had something it didn't need or like and puking is just its way of clearing it out. I've also learned that even in a 'depleted' state (with the help of Vespa), I'm comfortable running on an empty stomach knowing that my body will leverage my fat as fuel rather than carbs.

I'll admit, heading down to Paso Picacho was still slow but I felt 100x better. The big question looming in my mind was whether I could muster enough energy (and fueling strategy) to finish under the 17-hour cutoff. After an 8 hour and 20 minute 50k back to the start/finish line, Adam would help me gather the necessary gear, fuel, headlamp and water to get me back out there for loop 2. I started loop 2 with a soft whisper in my ear that finishing under 17 was still possible if I could keep things together.

Important note: Leaving for loop 2, I was in 188th position out of 228 runners. Total time 8:20.

Loop 2 (12.8 mi)

This section of the race wastes no time kicking you in the balls. Immediately upon leaving the start/finish, you climb. It's not hands-on-knees climbing but it's enough to get your attention. It's also a great time to regroup mentally - especially when doubt still clings to your mind. It was in this 4-5 mile stretch that I found a fueling strategy that would take me to the finish line.

VFuel has been a solid gel for me to supplement with over the last couple of years. It's dextrose-based and is much easier to digest than other fructose or sucrose-based gels. It also had just the right amount of electrolytes for my pace and the weather that day. I would settle on a Vespa concentrate every 2 hours and a VFuel gel at the top of every hour.

Pro tip! Avoid gel burn out/gagging using this simple trick. Squeeze half the gel into your mouth. Take in a mouthful of water and swish for 5-10 seconds. Gel dissolves and can be swallowed without any issues!

One of the more challenging aspects of this race is the steep downhill sections. The backside of Cuyamaca Peak is the first, and the downhill of loop 2 makes you seriously question how the downhill of loop 3 is going to kick your ass (and your quads)!

Nevertheless, with the exception of the initial climb, I would run nearly all of this loop back to the start/finish line in just over 3 hours and 15 minutes. That whisper of doubt was soon replaced with a steady chant..."you got this"

Important note: Leaving for loop 3, I would improve to 142nd position. Total time 11:41.

Loop 3 (18.2 mi)

There's a cruel pattern that emerges at Cuyamaca (and with most WSER qualifying 100k's). Climb and descend. Climb and descend. Repeat until exhausted. Loop 3 does not break from this norm and once again, you find yourself climbing shortly after leaving the start/finish. Darkness had descended at this stage so the remainder of the climbing was hidden in the blackness of night. I love the unknown of climbing at night for some reason. Aside from a stream of headlamps, you often don't know where or how high you have to go...I naturally feel compelled to run as much as I can. Weird, right?

Turns out, that strange quirk of mine combined with the extremely runnable trails of this loop helped make quick work of the mileage. I felt as strong and agile as I had running that first 8 miles to Merrigan. Yes, my quads were sore but I never stopped moving this entire loop (ahem, except for that 1/4 mile wrong turn I took). I love how supplementing with Vespa (and burning fat) helps alleviate the buildup of lactic acid in the muscles and delay the onset of muscle soreness. Being on your feet for 12+ hours will make anyone tired but with Vespa, I feel powerful and strong when everyone else is clearly already on the struggle-bus.

I would leave the Pedro Fages AS (56 mi) knowing I had over 2 hours to complete 6ish miles to the finish. It was only then did I loosen the reigns a little bit and enjoy the final downhill section. Quads were a bit sore but I never stopped moving. Who would have thought I'd be running up the hills nearly 16 hours into the day and feeling alert, calm and confident about cracking the 17-hour cutoff?

I would surprise my crew as well coming into the finish line much earlier than expected. Adam just happened to show up in time to snag a video of me finishing 😁 

Important note: Finish time 16:15. 103rd position

Synopsis

I'm confident that my electrolyte intake (e.g., too much) is what sabotaged my first loop on the way up to Cuyamaca Peak. The dry California air along with the altitude and oversaturation of electrolytes was the recipe for my yack-attack. I love First Endurance Liquid Shots but they apparently have too many electrolytes for the cooler Cali temperatures.

I'll continue to preach from the mountain top to anyone that will listen - fueling with fat is a game changer. I intermittently fast each day but beyond that I eat and drink what I want. I'm not keto nor do I diet. But when it comes to running/racing, teaching your body to use fat as fuel (with the help of Vespa) unlocks so many benefits, I'm ashamed it's taken me so long to adopt this strategy. I'll hopefully write another blog expanding on these benefits and how I incorporate them into my training.

Race Gear

Pack ➡️ Ultraspire Zygos 5.0
Shoes ➡️ Altra Lone Peak 5

Socks ➡️ Injinji trail (mid-weight)
Nutrition
➡️ Vespa ultra-concentrate
➡️ VFuel gels
➡️ First Endurance Liquid Shots