I am getting a distinct sense of deja vu! Twice this year my 'A' race for the year has been cancelled! First Twin Peaks 100k in January and now AC100. I am, to be perfectly honest full of mixed emotions; disappointment; obviously, frustration at potentially three months training and basically a summer away from my family; even my eldest has asked will I stop running after my race? Thankful; for the firefighters, literally risking their lives; two died yesterday, and to be honest a little relieved; how hot and punishing a race was it going to be really, a point only reinforced after blowing up on yesterday’s run in where the temperature was 110f and while I still had water I found myself dry heaving for the last 5 miles…isn’t this supposed to be fun?
Right now what’s next is unsure, some internet research some talking at home, some figuring stuff out, at the outset this was not meant to be my 100 mile debut year maybe that’s how it will finish?
The Station Fire stated Thursday, in four days it has consumed over 105,000 acres of Angeles National Forest, an acre is roughly the size of a soccer pitch or 168 square miles. It has a fire-line that is estimated to be somewhere around 20 miles long, much of it in inaccessible canyons which have not burnt for over four decades and are full of dry fuel. 3600 firefighters are on the line, over 20 aircraft are water dropping during daylight hours, 84 homes have been burnt and as I write this 5 people are trapped; they refused to heed the mandatory evacuation order Friday. Mt Wilson is under siege from three sides, it contains multiple TV and radio antenna for nearly all the stations that cover Los Angeles as well as for the CIA, FBI and Secret Service, additionally it is the site of the Mt Wilson Observatory. The smoke and water vapor is creating a mushroom cloud that is over 30,000’ high, it is so large it is generating its own weather pattern. The fire is currently 5% contained, best estimates are that it will take another week, it could reach 500,000 acres by then.
Fire is part of nature’s regeneration but like the smallest of flame it can cause a lot of pain.
Good overview of the fire situation. The whole situation overwhelms my mind. When you write it all out, it does make your race seem small in comparison, but you have devoted so much time to training for this. It must be hugely disappointing.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best in figuring out where to go from here. I'm sure it is going to take some time to consider all the alternatives and what is best. But you will make the right decision in the end.
Geez Stuart. That stinks about the race being cancelled...even though it's for some really good reasons. This weather has been just amazingly dry and hot...even by August standards. With as many fires as we've had in the last 10 years, it's hard to believe that there are still areas that haven't burnt in over 4 decades...
ReplyDeleteYou were running in this heat?
Bummer, dude. But, it probably would suck more if they didn't cancel it and you had to run through the smoke. Are you going to do Twin Peaks next year?
ReplyDeleteWhat a bummer about your race - I hope you can work out an alternative plan.
ReplyDeleteThat sucks that yet another race got cancelled on you!
ReplyDeleteBummer, but no surprise. Just like last year when WS got canceled. So much preparation goes into these races for you guys. Find something to do to burn off all of those stored carbs! ;)
ReplyDeleteVery, very bummed for you ... but it sounds like you have your perspective correct. That's seriously scary and deadly stuff, which make races like ours seem very trivial by comparison.
ReplyDeleteGood luck working out future directions with the family and your ultrarunning.
Yes, I can only imagine your frustration.
ReplyDeleteThe fires are a huge concern for everyone in SoCal, we heard on the news of the deaths of the two firefighters, how very sad and sad for their families...stay safe Stuart, we are thinking of you from Canada!!!
Stuart, I'm sad that you can't run the 100, but your cheery outlook even when things are stinkin' is really a testament to who you are as a person. I know something will work out to your favor. I will be thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteIt will all work out. Wishing you guys the best and stay safe....
ReplyDeleteI think they should create a underground irrigation system that will be high pressured and only set to turn on during a disaster such as this one with the wild fires spreading. According to the history of wildfires In LA it's always the same area and the same issues at this point we must move forward with something that will act fast during a crisis as this one, I believe if they spend over 1 billion on something that will save homes and save life's it will go on a good standing with others. Stop the fires save a life simple as that.
ReplyDeletethis fire is overwhelming!!! I'm so glad the firefighters are beginning to get a hand on this monster!!
ReplyDeleteI know you'll find another race!! I know you will. Does PCTR have any 100 milers coming up??
Hi Stuart,
ReplyDeleteIt is realy bad news but there is the French option if time and budget allow...
Since you missed the UTMB in Chamonix in the Alps what about The Templiers Endurance Trail 120k, October 23rd 2009.
If interested I can help you out.
Regis
This is too bad..It seems to be one of the factors we have to review and cross our fingers for any race in CA these days. Time to find a 100 replacement and see if the race director will let you in. Many race directors allowed WS runners in last year.
ReplyDeleteTony
Gosh, I can only imagine how devastating the news of the the race cancellation was.
ReplyDeleteYou have poured your heart and soul into your training and sacrificed many things in order to prepare yourself. I have followed your training and felt your determination.
I believe that the journey is the best part... it is the part that teaches us the most about ourselves and what we can accomplish. It is the sweat, blood and tears shed during training that shows our strength of character.
You have already won the race Stuart..... maybe next there will be a belt buckle at the finish.
My heart goes out to all the people affected by the fires.
A bad situation all around and the forest won't be the same after this is over. On the ultra list, not sure if you are a part of it, race directors from other races have stepped up and opened up slots dedicated just for AC runners; Javelina and Superior Sawtooth just to name a couple.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about the cancelation. When I lived in SD we had fires constantly and lots of my fav trails got burned. I hope you'll find a replacement race so all your training is going to be worth.
ReplyDeletestuart, what crappy news! :-/ sorry to hear about your race being canceled again, but like you said - there are much bigger things going on. it definitely sucks, but with the lives at risk already i can certainly see why they don't want to throw a bunch of runner's out in the general area too - the heat and air quality would be harmful enough. you've poured your heart into training so i know you are disappointed. i hope you are able to figure out an alternative and fully accept the situation! heck just hold your own race, let billy bike with you for water/food support. :)
ReplyDeleteLook at your race options as an opportunity. Seek out all the options (which it sounds like you are doing) and then cherry pick what will fit best for you....and then rock it!
ReplyDelete