Team Hector bibs courtesy of Kerri |
Along with four other
Sole Runners, the Green Girl helped pace fellow Sole Runner, Hector, at the
Headlands Hundred ultramarathon this past weekend.
This was my first pacing experience and I wasn't sure what to expect. After studying the course description and reading online race reports, I struggled with
my packing list.
The Headlands Hundred course consisted of a 25 mile trail loop and alternated in a 'washing machine' manner so the runners would switch directions each time they reached the Start/Finish.
There were a total of four aid stations throughout the course:
Rodeo Beach (Start/Finish),
Muir Beach,
Tennessee Valley, and the
Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point.
The runners had to complete the first 50 miles solo and then at the halfway point, their pacers could join them.
Struggling to set up the tent at the windy Tennessee Valley aid station |
While we waited for Hector, we set up a tent at the Tennessee Valley aid station and then went and grabbed some dinner at the local
Dipsea Cafe.
Barb was in charge of logistics so she scrutinized the course map and constructed the Team Hector game plan.
After we ate, we went to the hotel to start getting our stuff together for our respective legs before we headed back out to Rodeo Beach.
Hector and his Team at Mile 50 |
When Hector arrived at the halfway point, we were all impressed by how good he looked.
He stopped briefly to sip some warm soup from a paper cup, change his socks, and re-apply petroleum jelly to his feet before the first pacer, Natalie, headed out with him into the darkness.
Barb, Michelle, and I headed back to the hotel to try and get some shut eye while Kerri waited for Hector and Natalie at Muir Beach.
The Green Girl's view as she waited for Hector at Vista Point |
Once Natalie returned to the hotel from her leg, I headed out to Vista Point.
I ultimately decided to go with capri leggings, a thermal top,
Zensah Arm Sleeves (for additional warmth), my Sole Runners t-shirt, a lightweight hoodie, and a windbreaker. I taped my right arch for extra support and slipped on my
Dirty Girl Gaiters.
Pacers are not supposed to eat or drink from the aid stations so I knew I had to have everything on me to sustain me. I had 2 liters of water in my
Nathan Intensity and 8 ounces of sports drink in my
Nathan Sprint. I had 2
Soyjoys, 2
Honey Stinger Organic Waffles, 2 packs of orange caffeinated
Clif Shot Bloks, and a
Trader Joe's squeezable apple sauce.
I tried my best to stay warm in the car while I waited for Hector and Kerri. I napped and got out of the car to stretch my legs from time to time.
Running behind Hector in the heavy fog |
When they arrived, Hector quickly drank some soda and then we headed out. The fog was damp and heavy but we knew the sun would be coming up soon.
I was immediately impressed by how well he was doing. He was in good spirits and looked strong.
We ran through a section that Hector had nicknamed 'the rainforest'. The ground was sopping wet and we had to really watch our footing to avoid slipping. Running through puddles was unavoidable.
Hector giving a thumbs-up |
It was comforting to see some light coming through the fog.
We really picked up the pace through a flat, grassy field.
We
just made the 24 hour cut-off back at Rodeo Beach.
Instead of Kerri taking the next leg, a friend of Hector's, Elva, arrived and she offered to run with him back to Vista Point. Another pacer, Janet, also joined them.
The Green Girl trying to keep warm in the tent at Tennessee Valley |
I was dropped off at Tennessee Valley where I did my best to stay warm for the next few hours. Every once in awhile, I'd get out of the tent and jog around the parking lot.
Eventually, Barb, Kerri, Michelle, and Natalie joined me and we all waited for Hector.
Team Hector cheered loudly as Hector, Elva, and Janet arrived. Hector made a quick pit stop before I joined him on the next leg.
Hector, Janet, and Elva |
The fog finally began to clear and it warmed up considerably.
I tucked my compression sleeves in the hydration vest pouch, tied the hoodie around my waist, and slipped my windbreaker into the elastic bands across the back of my pack.
The breathtaking view from the course |
Significant portions of the course were really challenging - I'd never run on such technical terrain before.
I mentioned I would probably not be able to keep up on the downhills so I let them know they could go ahead and I'd catch up with them. I've always been a strong uphill runner but really weak downhill.
Hector commented that I needed to engage my core and Elva worked with me as I went down some fairly steep hills.
Hector and Janet |
Before I knew it, I was
flying down hills! I was absolutely giddy with excitement. I kept telling them I was a whole new runner - all thanks to Hector's Headlands Hundred.
I can honestly say this was the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life.
I have a tremendous amount of much respect for Hector not only as a runner but as a human being. He is truly an inspiration to me.
It was a team effort and I am proud to say that Team Hector got our man to the Finish Line of the Headlands Hundred!
The Green Girl is starting her packing list for Tour DaVita.
