Angeles Crest 100 Miler - 2014

Tiffany and I spent this past weekend crewing and pacing Michael at the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run.  The race starts at 5am in Wrightwood, and then winds its way through the San Gabriel Mountains to Pasadena.  It is a tough course, climbing up to nearly 10,000 at Mt. Baden-Powell.  

Michael at about Mile 40

Michael had run the Western States 100 seven weeks earlier, then hiked 19 days across Iceland, so he was tired coming into the race. Yet, he hung on, overcame some particularly unpleasant stomach issues, and made it to the finish line.  Thank you, Michael, for letting me tag along for part of your big run.

Michael's gear

How to fold an ice bandanna -- I think

AC is, in effect, the home meet for the SoCal Coyotes, as well as other local ultra running clubs.  Almost all the local runners are there, either racing, pacing, crewing or spectating.  

Power hiking is key to ultras, and no one is better at power hiking than Keira

David on his way to a great performance, finishing 7th overall

Andy and his pacer

Steven and Brian at Chantry Flats Aid Station, Mile 75

The course turns into moving party, with everyone following their runners from aid station to aid station.  It is a long day, and a long night -- and yet another morning after that -- but it is a heck of a lot of fun.  

Tiffany and Jeff

Kim and Gwen

Newlyweds Annie and George

Tiffany, me and Craig

Pedro and Erin, spectating at AC after their big performances at Tahoe Rim Trail

It was particularly heartwarming to see parents who came out to support the race:

Katie, with her mom and dad

Kelley, with her dad

Next up: I'm not quite sure yet!