Subject: CCC100 Report (long)
From: DBURSLER@webtv.net (DAVID BURSLER)
Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 19:12:26 -0400 (EDT)

I made a last minute decision to run and thankfully Randy allowed me to
participate.  In my mind I was ready to run but I was not sure my body
would cooperate.  I have been fighting some chronic injuries for over a
year leaving me unable to train the way I used to. I
averaged over 70 miles per week since the beginning of May.  That is
down from the 120 I used to do.  Anyway, I was concerned at the start
because my hip, ankle, and knee were hurting before I even started
running. I figured my mind was just playing games with me and did some
stretches prior  to the start.  Once running I focused on my goal to
finish and put all thoughts of pain out of my mind.

My goal was to take my time and enjoy myself.  I was not concerned about
the amount of time it took me to finish. I only wanted to finish. As the
frontrunners took off I thought, for a split second, about keeping pace
with them. I know I have the ability to do this but then I remembered
what my goal was and slowed it down. It was not long as we made our way
to the 6 mile mark that I realized no one was going to sprint to far on
this course.  I was either going up or down there were virtually no
flats. I was in the company of Bruce Hoff for the first 10 miles or so.
Bruce and I placed third and fourth in Rocky Racoon a couple of years
ago so I knew I was going too fast at this point.  Coming down a
switchback off of the mountain Bruce kicked it into another gear and
left me behind. I am not a strong downhill runner because I constantly
hold back and can't let loose. A couple of other people blew by me at
the same time but I knew it was still early and I was doing the right
thing by not expending too much energy.

At the top of Goat Peak I stopped for a couple of minutes to enjoy the
spectacular view.  I took a couple of pictures of Mt. Ranier and the
surrounding mountains before taking off again.  The ups and downs
continued as the Pacific Crest Trail began at about mile 18 or so.  The
trail was very easy to follow and Randy did have some ribbons to guide
us at some places.  When I reached mile 35 an aid station volunteer
advised me that a storm was on the way and I should consider grabbing a
jacket from my drop bag.  I did not have a jacket but grabbed a
sweatshirt and tied it around my waist since it was still a little warm
at this point. I grabbed my headlamp that is required at mile 35 and
took off. As  I was running through some high grass I felt a burning
sensation on my leg.  I thought I had been bitten by a snake.  When I
brought my leg into view I found a bumblebee still attached to my leg
and stinging the #!*&?! out of me.  Relieved I was not bitten by a snake
I brushed the bee aside and continued.
I was now anticipating the tunnel.  I thought it was at mile 42 and was
disappointed to find it was not. There was a lot to keep me busy in the
miles leading up to the tunnel.  At about mile 49 the course takes a
steep drop.  There are ropes there to guide the runners down. If it was
still light out I may not have needed the ropes but in the darkness I
wanted to be sure I would get down safely. Once through this section I
came out on a gravel road that I ran for what seemed like a mile or two
before entering the tunnel.  The terrain was flat and I became bored.  I
employed a walk/run system to make it through. There are reflectors
every 30 yards or so and I would run 60 yards and walk 30 yards.  Once
through the tunnel I ran the mile or so to the next aid station at mile
55. The next 7 miles are straight up hill only to be followed by a
stretch of 7 miles downhill.  Nothing dramatic happened to me here I
just continued moving forward until I reached the most difficult section
of the course.  A 5 mile path that went on for eternity.  The first part
is not even on a trail.  I just followed the ribbons set out.  Finally a
trail does come into view.  It is a series of ups and downs that follows
a  lake.  At times the path becomes very narrow and more than once I
almost fell into the lake.  Halfway through the trail I met up with a
couple of other runners and we took turns taking the lead. There is a
river/stream at the end of the five mile trail that could be crossed
using stepping stones or a tree that blew over.  I chose the stones,
slipped off, and fell completely in the water.  Lucky for me I had a
drop bag at the next aid station with dry clothes and shoes.  Unlucky
for me the water caused my feet to blister.  I would have to endure the
pain from the blisters for the next 25 miles. I changed my clothes and
began an 8 mile uphill trek to No Name Ridge. A couple of people passed
me on the way up but it did not matter to me. Miles 82-89 were a series
of straight ups and downs that I kind of enjoyed.  I do not think a lot
of people liked this part of the race since it took a lot of energy.
Around mile 86 I had to climb Thorp Mountain to get a poker chip.  The
chip was supposed to be turned in at the finish with the possibility of
having your entry fee returned if you had the winning number.  I started
to feel very hungry just as I started to ascend the mountain. Just
before taking the ascent I looked to my left and found an aid station.
It was a Godsend.  I would have struggled up the mountain if not for the
aid I received.  I grabbed some food and went the 1/2 mile or so to the
top, grabbed my chip, came back down and headed for the next stop at
mile 90.  It is mostly downhill to the finish from here. I was a little
surprised at the switchbacks coming down from the mountains to reach
the mile 97 aid station.  I did not realize I was so high up at this
point.  The downward spiral continued for a long time.  I found the
energy to pull away from a group of about four people.  The run was over
at this point, I was going to finish so why not finish strong. I came in
at a very satisfying 27:26.  Certainly no course record or winning time.
I felt like a winner since I was able to come completely back from
serious injuries that debilitated me and complete a 100 mile run.
Everyone that competed that day whether they finished or not was a
winner.  The fact that they had the courage to attempt such a feat and
gave every effort to succeed makes them winners.  Thanks Randy for a
great experience you and your crew did an excellent job.

Dave Bursler 37
Bear, Delaware