It was 25 summers in the past that I completed my first Western States 100. It was solely my second 100 miler, and like many first-timers, I made numerous errors. I completed the race that day, however walked away feeling like I had lots to be taught.
After speaking with a number of pals and mentors, I made a decision that earlier than I tried one other run at Western States, I wanted to determine tips on how to run 100 miles in races that have been rather less pressure-packed. On the time, there have been solely a couple of dozen 100-mile races within the nation, so I selected to concentrate on the Angeles Crest 100 Mile in Southern California and the Vermont 100 Mile in New England. Over the summers of 2002 and 2003, I ran each races and felt like I realized sufficient to finally toe the road again at Western States in 2004. The remainder of that story is historical past.
AJW working in the course of the 2026 Vermont 100k. Picture courtesy of Andy Jones-Wilkins.
A Return to Vermont
Whereas I had a profitable profession at Western States, the Vermont 100 Mile retained a particular place in my coronary heart. In 2007, I returned to the Inexperienced Mountains to run my third Vermont 100 Mile, and it turned out to be my first-ever win in a 100-mile race. After ending in second place seven occasions in 100 milers, even incomes the well-earned nickname of “The Bridesmaid,” I lastly completed atop the rostrum in 2007. I used to be so enthusiastic about it that I began a weblog and wrote my first-ever weblog put up about my expertise on the race. I’d go on to win the race two extra occasions in 2008 and 2010, and that weblog would finally flip into this weekly column on iRunFar.
Untill earlier this month, I had not been again to the Vermont 100 Mile since 2010. This 12 months, I had the chance to hitch the Mount to Coast group, who have been sponsors of the occasion. On a whim, I made a decision to simply accept the provide of a bib for the Vermont 100k, and earlier than I knew it, I used to be on the beginning line with 200 different keen runners, working on the occasion for the primary time in 16 years.
Robin Wilkins and AJW on the 2008 Vermont 100 Race. Picture courtesy of Andy Jones-Wilkins.
In recent times, I’ve written a few articles in regards to the Vermont 100 Mile right here on iRunFar, first in my Basic U.S. Ultras sequence in 2020, after which once more in my Legendary Support Stations sequence in 2025. I used to be desperate to be taught, being again on the race for the primary time in over 15 years, how a lot had modified and the way a lot had remained the identical.
The 100k course basically follows the final 60 miles of the 100-mile course. Because of this, I used to be happy to be taught as I made my approach by way of the Inexperienced Mountains that although occasions have modified within the sport and on this planet, the occasion has remained true to its roots. Lots of the assist stations are nonetheless staffed with lots of the individuals who did so 20 years in the past, and the course, whereas experiencing very slight deviations, has remained largely true to the way it was envisioned 35 years in the past.
The Camp 10 Bear assist station on the Vermont 100 Mile featured in AJW’s Legendary Support Stations sequence. Picture: Bruno Hamann
As I used to be nearing the top of my 100k journey, I glanced at my watch and thought again to that fateful day in 2007. That day, my 15:53 end time for 100 miles was ok to win the race. At this time, all these years later, my 15:44 ending time for 100 kilometers was ok for 74th place. And you understand what? I’m simply high-quality with that.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Fiddlehead Brewing Firm in Shelburne, Vermont. Fiddlehead White is a refreshingly crisp wheat ale brewed within the traditional Belgian fashion. Fruity and a contact zesty, Fiddlehead White is an approachable beer that’s excellent on a scorching, sultry night time within the Inexperienced Mountains.
Name for Feedback
Do you may have a race that holds a particular place in your coronary heart?
How have you ever seen your favourite races change over time?
