Javalina Jundred 100k #5 rundown 😁
So where to begin..? It started when I heard conversations about the Javalina Jundred and how spirited it was (especially the Halloween related theme and festivities). After hearing all the accolades, I found out more about the event asking around and gathering more information like getting registered right when it opens up, which was new years (like 12am). This meant I’d need to sign up while I was participating in the Coastal New Years One Day (24 hour event and 100k distance #4 completion/achieved). While I was getting loopy on the one mile course, I forgot to get on it at midnight and remembered after I was done. When I got to the sign up point later on New Yeas day, I went to register and got on the wait-list. Fortunately it wasn’t long before I got in. I think the reminder was when I got in the chat group that was created for the event New Years day afternoon.
Leading up to the event all pieces were in place. Lots of great running events (see my fun tracker for details) though July. In August had a family situation that seriously impacted the ongoing training (mostly hiking) the heavy hit was missing the run-de-vus and Tahoe Triple combo which would have been a great final pieces to the equation and put me in prime training condition. But I was able to get in some events which included the Portland Marathon. Also leading up to the event, coordination was being done by members of the Bay Area Run Crew on getting a large group spot on the main path area of the event. Also I had an epicly excited moment when I confirmed my bib number was the same as my Brazen streaker number 🤩. Another bonus that got me majorly stoked was that that I was going to be there with Jason, Kari, Pat (and Bryan), Michelle, and Michael. Also super happy to know that Simmy and Joyce were going to be there too 🎉
The last few days before the event were a extremely stressful as to being uncertain if I had enough support from the family to keep the home care situation going so I could make the event, but thankfully all worked out and it was off to the desert 🏜️. Then touchdown Phoenix! Meet up with travel companions at the luggage and then a tram and shuttle ride to get the vehicle, the USS Chevy Trailblazer 😁. We had a spokesperson for the OnAndOn and OnAndOn speedtalkers toastmaster group as our van driver to the rental car building (which also looked as if it could be used as a nightclub) While waiting for the transportation rental to be finalized I was informed by an interesting entrepreneur individual that he was in the bizniss of stem cell therapy and wanted to know if I was interested in acquiring any of the product that he had available 🤔 .. Unfortunately 😉 , we were all set with our vessel and ready to sail on with our land yacht piloted by captain Jason. Oh yeah, I also mentioned I heard some rumor about Fountain Hills.
First stop was for food at restaurant named First watch. After breakfast then head to check in to the Sonesta (Sonata, Santana or something like that <– Inside joke and reference to an absolutely hilarious SNL skit on Alexa Silver, Note that the location ) after we are setup at home base, we head off to to the event site. Once we arrive I begin to realize that I’m going to be part of a trail run event on that is at a size scale which I would have no comparable experience that would even come close. Prior to what was unfolding, the closest would be Dirty Dozen, and Jackpot, which by size and numbers were a fraction of what was already on this site. Just the size of the circus tent for bib pickup told me to expect something big. Upon arriving at the event site, the BARC crew coordinates the logistics of the gear to, and setup of the BARC group site (2 10×10 sidewalled popups on the main start/finish loop). During setup we get a few fellow team/event runners giving a shout out how cool the setup was. During setup (and kinda since arrival) I’m noticing the change in climate, especially low humidity/dry conditions, plus these gnat type buts are kinda relentless. Things are also warming up but tolerable. Also note to self that it is definitely going to be a sunblock sort of deal in the day and I’m being more diligent on hydration overall.
Event BARC site 2025 is looking good! Next up was a supply run to Walmart, then prep for the shakeout run and festivities at the event site Friday. After the supply run and prep (part one), it’s time to check out the Javelina Happy Hour at Batchelor’s Pad BBQ! The BBQ was great! I had a hot link, serving of turkey and potato salad. The event was standing room only when we got there but we were lucky enough to time it with grabbing a table that opened up right after we ordered. After the BBQ headed back to the Sorrono hotel 😉 and pretty much called it a day.
Friday morning we meet in the lobby around 7am and head off to the event site with gear that was prep’d on the previous day. We get over to the BARC HQ site and drop off gear and get set for for the shakeout. Once the items are dropped off and arranged, next item up is going to join the shakeout run scheduled for 9am. At some point I located a strava route for the shakeout which I downloaded but never sent to my Garmin. Head over to the start/finish where there is another circus tent with Hoka and Rabbit handing out free swag (ice bandannas). If I didn’t know any better I would have thought this was another actual official run event since there must have been around 100 (or more) folks there for the shakeout run 😯. My plan for the shakeout is to take it slow and get a feel for the terrain, so put myself in the back. Even before the shake out run there is major hype and energy. Kinda gotta remind myself that it’s a shakeout. When the shakeout starts, it’s still kinda feeling like actual running event because the shakeout runners are getting a full cheer energy from the folks there for the event that are still setting up along the sides of the course. (for the shakeout! Are you kidding me!?? How freaking awesome is that!) again gotta remind myself.. shakeout run. Not because I want to go faster, it’s just got that feel of an actual bonafide run event. So while I’m on the trail, I’m still musing at the scale of all of the group areas and overall size of what I’m participating in, along with taking in just a short segment of the stunning scenery and endless views that I’m sure will reveal more unforgettable unique beauty in the miles to come. Along the way I find myself at a junction which reveals itself as a critical course turn. I’m doing this one with no GPS, I also know that at some point the shakeout direction turns off the actual course route to make a short loop. Since I’m the master of bonus miles I decide to stay on the course route. About 1/4 mile ahead there is a road crossing where there are porta-facilities. Feels right but no other runners in sight (except a runner behind me in a witches costume that I managed to pass before the critical turn junction). Seeing no one in front of me wasn’t a great confidence booster that I was still on the shakeout route but, if I’m incorrect I can just out and back the route (which I did see other runners going reverse course prior to the road point). So not moments after I collect those thoughts while stationary, the person I passed caught up to me and asked if this was the right way 😏. So I said.. Of course! lol j/k… I actually said I wasn’t sure but since the shake out run was about five miles and since I wasn’t sure I was going to go 2.5 miles out and turn back if I didn’t see anything obvious that identifies something as the shakeout route. So we went about a half mile more to mile 2.5ish and turned around. One highlight of going past the official shakeout run route turn was that when we crossed over the road we were high enough up to see part of the fountain arch from the Fountain Hills Park fountain. On the way back my fellow off course runner Angela and I got a bit acquainted. I found out that we were both members of long term sobriety (15+ years) and also how her start in the running and ultra running community began. When we got back I wished her the best of luck at the event and mentioned that I’m always ecstatic to meet someone in the running community who is also in sobriety/recovery.
Post shakeout run activities now commencing, it’s time to get the bib. Find a line that leads to the main circus tent (Javalina HQ) and then add myself to the back. While I’m hanging the BARC USS Tahoe captain sees me and swings by to chat. I’m asked if I’m getting a picture with my bib. I respond that it sounds like a great idea one I get my bib. At this point I’m informed that I’m in the line that is for getting my picture with my bib, and bib pickup is at the back of the tent 😂. So I extract myself from the line I’m in to head on over and actually get my bib. On my way over I’m checking out all the cool merch knowing that I’ll be back to pick of some of the items I’ve been glimpsing on. I find the location to get the bib and get a rush of excitement when I see my streaker number printed on it. But wait, theres more… I get JJ branded back duffel with a logo which seems to match the theme of each of the aid points on the course. Time to rejoin the crew at BARC base and checkout the goody bag. Once back at the site I find a really nice red rabbit/hoka JJ running shirt, super cool ice bandanna, and a small packet of Squirrel Nut Butter. I figured since the S.N.B. came in a packet like a gel I should put it aside somewhere so I don’t get confused and get an unexpected surprise when I’m less coherent. At this point we are pretty mush setup and ready for the main event, so the next step is to swing by home base then head out to dinner (Sophie’s Italian Restaurant) and then do a final “pickup whatever else was forgotten trip” to target (for me sunscreen, and last minute snacks and perishable items). Then head back to the Soprano hotel and call it a night 😉 Next up main event!!
Rise and shine! It’s gameday! I don’t remember how early o’clock. But I think the game plan is to meet in the lobby at 5am. Once we get aboard the USS Chevy Trailblazer, we are underway with First Officer Bryan at the helm. We sail on out to the event site, even remembering to take heed to some rumor about traffic laws. I’m feeling pretty confident that this is going to be a great event 💪. We get in range of the event where the event parking is located and eventually find a place for the ship. We disembark and walk about a mile to get to the BARC HQ and do the final prep. It’s gear check time, got my hydration, snacks, sunscreen, and my trusty cownpanion trainer Herdly. Head over to the start/finish line where the full on pre race entertainment production was underway. At this point I’m in final gear/mental status inventory and all lights are green. I still have this recurring thought going on that has been with me the entire duration since I arrived at the event site which was my sheer amazement on how freaking BIG this event was (and yes, I am actually doing this!). Not long before go time, we find Simmy and crew, take a few pics and chit chat. Before you know it final count down..
Final countdown is at GO! It’s GameTime! 100k #5 underway, gotta start the tracker… Now if I just find the Ultra Run option I’m good, Ooops! that’s right, new watch, forgot to add the option to the list of available selections, hmm gotta be quick on this one, the clock is already ticking (<— pun intended) , so as I’m slowly inching my way to the start line mostly focused the gap is starting to form between me and the back if the packers but getting it figured out lol. Ok at the start line got the setting for adding the Ultra Run options up just need to add it an start it (as I’m crossing the start line).. Ok got it added and all of a sudden I have some one right by me saying something to the effect of “come on! get going already!!! You got this!!” I look up and it’s Joyce! Now I’m thinking my dilly dally at the start was all worth it! Best ultra send off ever! 🤗 I press start and now it’s official (for my watch anyway 😂).
In the process of the first loop, I knew there was going to be a bottleneck about 1.5m into the course where it’s a bit narrow and a bit rockier terrain. Once through that, all green lights for me up to Coyote Junction, feeling good so going light on the hydration. I grab some quick snacks (I always get the watermelon and orange options, also some potato chips), I’m all good to go for segment two , grab a PB&J to munch on for the start out. I try eating the PB&J but since there’s a lack of humidity it’s really hard to chew and swallow so it took almost a mile to eat it, well going to pass on those from now on. I’m making my way through segment two along with Jason (mostly in from of me 🙂 ) Get to Jackass Junction which felt like more than the advertised 6.5 or so miles, and noted that the uphill, although not extreme, was a bit of an effort. Along the way on this segment I notice what would become very important landmark locations. The first was the Javalina Jundred bench on the right of the trail, the second was a covered picnic table, and third was an viewing bench on the left side. When coming into Jackass Junction I’m again awe struck by the size of the aid station. I see the dance floor and wonder if I’ll see any dancing later on another pass. Coming in to the aid stations there a loads of volunteers helping with any hydration/food/fun/support I could ever possibly imagine. The best part of both aid stations for me at this point was the level of energy! Also love that there is an abundance of options for food and hydration and soda. The lounge chairs were also an interesting sight since I have not seen many (if any) of them at other trail or road events. My hydration pack is still mostly intact so no refill needed. Grab watermelon (which is going to happen at every pass of an aid station) and some other light snacks, and it’s off on segment three. Segment three was the fun segment for me since it went mostly down and also mostly smooth trails, for a terrain comparison from the first two segments I would say that it’s like the difference between riding a wooden roller-coaster vs a rails roller-coaster. Things are starting to warm up at this point as well. Still feeling good and cruse through segment three to Rattlesnake Ranch. All good, do a quick hydration pack fill (although still have a fair amount in the reservoir) and some light snacks. Then onto segment four(extended loop). Temp went up another 5 or so degrees, not really sure how warm it is but enough to notice and adjust pace not to overheat. The extended segment had some moderate climbing and terrain was a bit rocky in places (nothing treacherous if you were paying attention). So trot down and power hike up, at this point there is a new development. A slight twinge in my left calf muscle starts up every now and then. Nothing serious but something to be aware of. About a mile after the new development on my right leg, I get one or two on the right calf. Hmm, not frequent enough to be serious but noted. Get through the fourth segment back to Javilina Jeadquaters and got a bit confused on the right way to go to get back to the BARC landing so kinda cut though the middle on the loop to find home base. Once there take care of a hydration pack refill, a bit of food to eat and tire change (apply cream to feet, new socks) along with that switch long sleeve shirt (actually just want to wear it since I just bought it).
Time to head out on lap two. Mark down my out time on the super cool tracking board that Kari put together and off I go). After a No traffic jam on the second pass of the first segment but definitely going to moderate my effort since those pesky muscle twinges seem to be getting more frequent and while I have that in mind better step it up on the hydration intake. I’m getting close to Coyote Junction and the muscle twinges are developing into what feels like a possible full on cramp issue, so going to take a time out at Coyote Junction. One clear warning indicator was that my ears stared plugging up (like when you are on a plane or car going up), and this only happens when I’m extremely fatigued or dehydrated (or both). I hang out at the aid station about 45 and then head off to see how things are doing. About 1/4 mile out of the aid station (about mile 26) 💥⚡🆘 the wheels fell off the bus! Calves went into full cramp mode. Started on the right calf and while contortioning to try to break it free the left one locks up. I’m on my tippy toes like a ballerina but probably look nothing of the sort. I get it worked out and make my way a bit down the trail at… like…. a…… super……… slllllllloooooooowwww…….. pace. Well turns out that was too fast ’cause round two just fired up, so I’m back on the tippy toes (agony) while another participant is going by and gets a bit freaked out by all my commotion. I’m trying not to be dramatic but yeah it’s kinda painful enough where I’m making strange noises. Sufficiently freaked out by my antics, the fellow runner trying to offer any help possible says in kinda of a panic “I don’t know what to do! How can I help???”. I assure the very concerned fellow running person that I’ll be ok and just need a couple minutes to work out the muscle cramps and thanked her for the concern and checking to help. At this point by muscle cramps are playing tic-tac-toe across my legs from the calves to the inner thighs. In trying to maneuver out of the calves cramping the thigh muscles would fire up and then from side to side and random variations of fun. Once I was able to get forward motion (very cautiously) it was slow going to Jackass Junction, since moving the wrong way to work around any rocky(ish) terrain would start another round of T3 and I was all about no-mo-tic-tack-toe at that point. I was also concerned that it the camps kept up at this intensity, if I could complete the event. The three locations that I had spotted as potential break points on the second segment (mentioned in the first loop) were spots that I made sure not to miss on this loop. Then when I did make it to Jackass Junction it was time for a time-out. The good news on the second segment was that since I was moving at such a cautious pace the temps were starting to go down since we were getting in to the late afternoon/early evening time frame. I noticed that once things started cooling down my legs were behaving a bit better. I’m at Jackass for a while, when I’m there looking for salty stuff to eat and reload the hydration pack. To get additional short term fuel I add Mtn Dew to the hydration mix. Once break was over it’s time to head back out and I had almost forgot to keep it slow at the start, however my legs had absolutely no problem of reminding me about that. So temps are getting better and the slower pace prior has gotten me to a point to where I can get up to ~90% power hike pace. About half way through segment three there is another fellow run participant who appears to be watering a cactus a bit off the trail. Once the watering was completed his return path to the trail merged a bit in front of me. I was able to catch up to him not too far from the merge point. Since the pace felt pretty good I started chatting with him and found out that it was Josh’s first 100k event and also talked about favorite running events. Since we were on the “rails section” of the course I was able to get back up to almost full power hike speed and was making some tracks. I knew Josh wouldn’t be far behind be when I got to Rattlesnake so I paced strong to the next stop. Once at Rattlesnake I intended to take another long break and find salty stuff to consume. Which I did, and Josh came in not too far behind me. After the recharge stop, I was onto section four (the shorter one). I didn’t know what it was going to be like but was really hoping it didn’t have the inclines like the extended section included. Fortunately it did not and was able to complete the fourth section and even stay on track to the turn/start/finish point. After I completed lap two it was time for another pit stop/tire change. I did my lap 2 tire change and refuel with a 20oz bottle of protein drink (which I absolutely demolished), a fruit cup and a cliff bar. Since the temps were continuing to go down, I decided to make a wardrobe change (switched to some long pants and and a thicker long sleeve shirt). After letting my body recharge enough to start back up I headed out on lap three, It was about 9pm and since the leg cramps had pretty much subsided and there was still more than 15 hours to complete the last lap, my thoughts were that I was no longer concerned about completing the final lap and it was just a matter of when. Since I had 15 hours I decided that pace moderation was the best course of action (<—- pun intended!).