It was said about Pre-Hardrock:
"Some have arrived just yesterday, even today, from low altitudes. Despite quite a few of them being very strong runners, it will be hard - very hard - for them to overcome the lack of acclimating. Not only have they been unable to adjust to the elevation, they likely have not seen any of the course, and will not until the race. For first timers here, the best way to stack the rocks in your favor is to arrive 2 weeks early and participate in the trail marking crews."
Well, I'd like to think I did okay showing up to Silverton the Wednesday before the race from Birmingham, AL. I finished in 37:50 having never seen the course, and probably carried too much gear as well. I've learned a great deal from my experience and will pack smarter next year. However I wouldn't suggest to everyone to just show up right before this event. If possible come early, see the course and "acclimitize." My point is altitude effects different people different ways, perhaps because I've got a V02 max up in the 70's may mean I can much more quickly adapt to altitude? I don't know, but I've never had trouble running at altitude, besides being slower ofcourse! The point is "acclimitization" has become steriotyped in our sport to mean you must show up early to finish well that is not necessarily true. I know I'm not alone, nor the only person to not have trouble coming from sea level and running well at altitude? You just need to hydrate really well, and take it easy. I felt like I was getting stronger as the run went on! As far as knowing the course? It is very well marked and getting to know the course may just make you more nervous! I actually enjoyed not knowing what was ahead! An extra challenge perhaps. Hardrock is like any other 100 miler in that it is adequetly marked if you are paying attention, and the better you know the course the better you'll do, but is not a pre-requiste to finish!
I was also told by a friend from Durango that he was amazed that I finished Hardrock on my first attempt with no acclimitization and having never gone over the course, when so many runner's from his area had tried and failed despite intensive training on the course and acclimitization. I think one problem with Hardrock is that people take it waaaaayyyy toooooo seriously!! So much so that you create undue pressure on oneself which leads to all kinds of trouble, including failure. I went in with no expectations (not even to finish!) and an open mind for what was to come. I didn't worry about pace or time or anything other than putting one foot in front of the other. I just tried to relax and enjoy, focused on deep breathing and hydration. Pushed the Succeed capsules and Hammer Gel. Remember, patience, patience, patience! This is a slow event, don't think about how far you've gone or have to go, think about staying vertical!
The bottom line is, know your limits, know your body before you come here. Let that dictate your own approach to this event. You may not have to go through the expense of arriving 2 weeks early!! Work commitment keep me from doing this. Try some other (easier) events at altitude, with various acclimitization and see how much time you need. Just don't take the "2 weeks before" to be a hard and fast rule is all I'm trying to say, and don't let "the altitude" prevent you from trying events at altitude.
Anyways, what an awesome event! There is no way to describe it. Much more than just a running/hiking event! Snow slides, river crossings, mud, rain wow! Will I go back? Hell ya! You're not a true Hardrocker until you've finished Hardrock in both directions!
Robert Youngren
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