How To Finish The Hardrock Hundred

Good advice from Ulrich Kamm. Submitted 1/31/96.

Ulli Kamm has finished Hardrock three times as a hiker. Here are his tips:

- Start with the right attitude and motivation (do it as fast as possible - but the main goal is to finish within 48 hours).
- Don't fight against the mountains and the forces of nature. The more I succeed at being in harmony with them, the more strength I get from them.
- Look around; enjoy the nature (swamps, creeks, snow, rain, moon, plants, animals, ...)
- Downhill as fast as possible, uphill slowly but steady.
- Listen to the body and give him what he wants (food, plaster, clothing, ...)
- Eat when you are hungry, not only at the aid stations.
- I feel good, because everything I will possibly need is in my little backpack (food, clothing, technical and emergency equipment, ...), and in my drop-bags.
- Talk to others whenever it is possible.
- Because there is so much climb (sweating), drink more than usually at ultras (I'd rather drink water from the creeks than become dehydrated).
- I take no Ibuprofen, No-Doz, ...
- Use the map and the course description - even if it's necessary 1/2 mile before the finish line.
- Have available several strong flashlights with a lot of reserves (I carry a small one from the starting line - you never know what may happen to your drop bag).
- Stay no longer at the aid stations than absolutely necessary.
- Start with a time schedule (47:30 hours finishing time - then it's not so easy to be disappointed).
- Go over the course in your thoughts again and again for months before the race with a map and the course description and, if possible, remembering last year's race.
- Be happy all the time!
- Never forget these rules!