Greetings from sunny Florida…… yeah right! If there’s anything I’ve learned from running ultras is that plans should be flexible and to expect the unexpected. We arrived here in Orlando on Monday along with Hurricane/T.S. Fay. It seems as though I brought the fowl weather with me from Leadville. The great thing is that I get to spend quality time with the family in the hotel room as Fay passes over.

Believe it or not as I heard the weather report for Leadville I was happy - happy because only the toughest survive in austere conditions usually separating the contenders from pretenders. 560 some odd signed up for Leadville this year but I heard numbers in the 300’s that showed up at the start line. Of that only 42% finished (186), one of the lowest finishing rate in Leadville history.

As I checked into the race I mingled with other runners and friends, several of which had asked me if I thought I could win since Tony Krupicka was not running. I realize I’ve been running strong but I never consider winning any race, I only think about running against my own ghost and beating down the demons that try to take me down. I’m never the most talented runner in a race (including Leadville) so I quickly pooh-poohed anyone who put me in that position. I told anyone who asked my expectation was only to get a PR on the course. My previous in 2006 was 21.27 so I would be happy with anything less, especially considering the conditions.

I recognized several names to include: Duncan Callahan, Zeke Teirnan, Andy Skruka, and Rick Hessek, who are all talented runners and would be tough to hang with over 100 myles. The only one of the four that had proved themselves at 100 myles was Rick Hessek and usually comes on strong late.

Before I begin my recollection of the race I want you all to know that I had a TREMENDOUS support crew in Leadville, no different than any other 100 but the conditions made for a miserable time for the crew. Aric Manning (friend and Pearl Izumi/Smith team manager) flew out from Utah to lead up my crew. His role included going on a training run with me around the lake on Thursday, putting up with my erratic state on Friday, waking up at 2 a.m. to get me to the start line, go to every possible aid station, pace me from Twin Lakes to Fish, meet me at the finish line, and then basically dress/undress me in my delusional state after the race . Next is my father in law, Rick Robinson -talk about solid as a rock! Rick called me on Friday and said he was driving out to help out in any way shape or form. I couldn’t believe it! Driving 8 hours, sleeping in his car, and driving around to all the aid stations with Aric to make sure that all my needs were taken care of. Rick has been to almost every race I have ever done in 5 years. He has seen me at my worst - he has seen at my best. He knows how to gage my state as I enter the aid stations. Needless to say I was well taken care of. In addition I’d like to give a big “thank you” to Brian Fisher for not only being a good friend but also for putting me, my crew, and my family up in his cabin! My wife, kids, and mom all came up late Saturday to show their support but because of the bad weather I only wanted them to spectate but their support is just as vital.

At 4 a.m. on Saturday it wasn’t raining all that hard but it didn’t matter because I knew at some point it would. I ran down the boulevard with about 20 runners and some of us were talking, trying to make everyone laugh but most people seemed to be in a bad mood. Joe Kulak was running right next to me and began to feel ill down the boulevard. Joe flew in from Philly the day before so from 0 ft to 10,000 ft altitude in 10 hours can have that effect on anyone but Joe is the only one that I know of that can endure that state for 20 + hours. As we rounded the lake my stomach was upset thus I had to bolt into the bathroom. Next I twisted my ankle (again) as we approached May Queen and then had to stop at the bathroom again. I made it to May Queen in 1.48, which is what I wanted. After that the only other split that I really wanted to hit was Winfield.

For the next 20 or so myles I was running with Zeke Tiernan and Duncan Callahan. A couple more stops in the bathroom which is not normal for me so something wasn’t right in the stomach. It rained off and on for the Colorado trail segment and I started to get a little wet underneath. I felt strong as I sat behind those two, hoping that they would battle and tire out. Turns out they both were strong all day and ran very smart.

As efficient as my crew was I only spent about 10 minutes in all aid stations. Having said that, I left Twin lakes in 1st place and that is something I didn’t want. I have a tendency to overdo it because I’m feeling good and don’t want to disappoint. I climbed Hope with Andy Skruka at a very rapid pace. Little did I know that Andy was an extraordinary fast hiker (great western loop). I got to Winfield in 8.40, which was about 5 minutes faster than I wanted to so I slowed up a bit and cruised down Winfield road. Then it all started to happen….

Last time I ran Leadville, the wheels literally came off on Hope inbound. And just like last time I slowed down but didn’t realize how slow I was going until 4 runners (and their pacers) passed me towards the top of Hope, all within 3 minutes. I had loaded up on potatoes and gels so I knew that I wouldn’t feel bad for long. By the time I got to Twin lakes I was starting to feel better but the legs felt dead and the stomach still wasn’t right.

Aric picked me up and really helped me keep the pace by having me run all the flats and downs and hike fast on the ups. I really needed that! By the time Aric dropped me off at Fish Hatchery I was feeling much better and was hoping to have some magic left in the legs…. didn’t happen. I realized that in order for me to go under 20 hours I would have to smoke the last 23 myles. By the time I got to the top of power line I knew that was out of reach so from this point on I cruised in. Although when I left May Queen I had thought I heard a runner coming in and so I gave it an all out effort to the boat ramp - 57 minutes.

In the end, 5th place with a time of 20.29. I’m extremely satisfied with the result! Those 4 out in front of me ran solid all the way in. I thought for sure someone would blow up but they ran very smart and I congratulate all of them! In fact, I congratulate all who finished! This race basically concludes my racing year for 2008. I’ve done some solid running and feel like I have evolved into a better Scott Jaime. Not only in the form of running but as a father, husband, son, and friend. I appreciate all those around me who have supported me in any way - you all help me become who I am. I will be there any time you call upon me

Three weeks ago I completed the race of my life at Hard Rock. I gave it everything I had and knew that the recovery process would be slow. Unfortunately I didn’t have time before my next race - Mtn RATS stage race in Steamboat Springs, CO. In fact, one week before the race I went out for a 16 mile run that ended very poorly and contemplated dropping out. I came to the conclusion that this race would be a great training week leading up to Leadville thus I would do it as “training” not racing. Besides Derek Griffiths from Colorado Runner Magazine sponsored Brian Fisher and myself so we felt obligated to give a good race report in return.

There was only one problem as using this race as a “training” week: Allen Belshaw! Allen and I battled it out at Desert RATS in June and I knew that he was going to be fast, not to mention he trains on this course everyday. I decided to let my body be the guide, if I didn’t have it then don’t compete. I still didn’t know even as the shuttle dropped us off at the start line; I never know how my run is gonna go until I start.

DAY 1 - 7.8 myles 2200 ft of climbing

The horn sounded and Allen sprinted off the line! SPRINTED! Some people laughed, some hooted, others groaned, I simply smiled not taking him serious.

At Desert RATS in June Allen and I had worked out a strategy to help each other up to a certain point and who ever had it in the end - had it. On one of the short stages we agreed to run together and not take it out on each other to preserve for the long day as not much time couldn’t be gained on this stage. At the beginning of that day I sprinted out and everyone laughed as I dropped back and ran with Allen.

Back to Mtn RATS: during the pre-race I had asked Allen how the first stage was, “all uphill on a dirt road”. And again, short enough that the extra effort was for minimal gain. So that is why I smiled and laughed as Allen sprinted…. the only problem was that he was serious and was not slowing down. He had felt the weight of my pack as I did his. His pack was extremely light and mine a ton, comparatively speaking. Allen is no dummy!

Having complete respect for Allen’s running ability even a 30 second lead could be insurmountable in the end. I decided to catch him and run with him as long as I could. I soon realized I was anaerobic and could not hold on - Allen was cookin‘ - I had no choice but to try and keep him in sight. In the end, Allen finished in 1.13:42 with me in tow 20 seconds behind. The only difference at this point is that I was trashed and Allen seemed fresh. This could turn into a training run after all.

DAY 2 - 24.4 myles 3900 ft climbing, 5300 ft downhill

From the beginning Allen and I took off with Brian Fisher in tow. We immediately climbed to 10,300 ft running along the CDT for 7 myles, we must of been clocking 7:30 min/mile. I was feeling much better this day and decided to hang on for as long as I could. This time Allen dropped me going down a steep 3 mile rocky decent and I really lost hope at that point. Somehow I caught Allen by the next aid station, in a hurry he left w/o filling up with water. I didn’t know it at the time but he was completely out of water and began to slow. I sped up descending to the next aid - looked behind - Allen was not in sight. At that point I realized I could make up 20 seconds and make it a race again. Little did I know it was uphill for the final 5 myles and I suffered. I limped in just under 3.33, Allen 2 minutes behind. Again I was trashed and didn’t think I could keep it up. The trick to these stage races is quick recovery and the only way to do that is fluids, recovery drink, calories, and rest. With us having to carry all of our food and equipment on our back - these things would be limited.

DAY 3 - 24.4 myles 5300 ft climbing, 3900 ft downhill

Back the way we came. That meant 5 myles of downhill right away and since Allen had taken off so quickly the two previous days I thought the same for this day. I had warmed up pretty good in anticipation. To my surprise (again), Allen started off much slower and even more of a surprise was my legs felt good. I took a huge risk and took the pace out pretty fast for the first 6 myles, at which point I had a one minute lead. I had no idea what was in store for me thus had many questions but I took that chance. Believe it or not, I only got stronger as the day went on. Maybe it was the simple fact that I was running scared knowing that Allen is much tougher than I am; he has proved it many times before in longer races. The adrenaline fed my legs and carried me to the finish in 3.39, 16 minutes before Allen.

DAY 4 - 17.5 myles 2600 ft climbing, 3800 ft downhill

Even with an 18 minute lead I was extremely nervous all night. Allen had said the night before in any event that he believes he can win, even if it’s virtually impossible to do so. I think that’s a great attitude to have, which makes me only respect him more. To top things off, the last day the leader is sent out like a rabbit and the rest to chase. Great! Anything can happen and all I need to do is take one wrong turn and all is washed away. Allen was great explaining all the turn offs to me, ensuring I didn’t get lost. In the end I finished the last day in 2.30 and didn’t take any wrong turns. Ryan Cooper, Brian Fisher, and Allen soon followed. It was close battle for 3rd place as well between Ryan and Brian - results here.

So this “training” week turned out to be a “racing” week and can only hope this will help me run better at Leadville in two weeks. I recommend this race to anyone who is looking for an adventure, an experiment, spectacular scenery, camaraderie, or anyone who just likes to camp and can handle a few myles.

TOTAL - 74.1 myles 14,000 ft climbing, 13,000 ft downhill

What an unbelievable place! What an unbelievable race! One that I will remember for the rest of my life!

This has to be the highlight of my ultrarunning career - even though I might be remembered as “that guy” that finished 2nd behind Kyle Skaggs by 6 and 1/2 hours!!! Kyle Skaggs has got to be one of the best (if not THE best) ultra runner in the world right now. What he did at Hard Rock will go down in history as one of the all time greatest performances. I told him after the race I was just happy to know him and to have raced with him. Everyone of us in the race knew he was gonna break the record but by how much… turns out by over 2 hours! Karl Meltzer (king of HR) was the previous owner of the CW record since 2001. Scott Jurek is the record holder for the CCW direction. I’m sure Kyle will come back just to get the record in the other direction.

Before the race I told no one of my race plan. My crew simply had time of day splits from 2004 and 2006 races and to make my arrival based on those. In my mind though, the goal was simple enough - finish under 30 hours! I feel it almost taboo to talk about going under 30 hours. In fact only 13 runners in 15 years have ever gotten under 30 hours. I knew my work was cut out for me. Here’s how it went down in my mind:

As the race started Kyle immediately took off. I was running with James Varner and a guy from Belgium. The guy from Belgium looked at Kyle then asked us “is he for real?!?!” James and I laughed and I finally said, “go stay with him and find out.” He didn’t think that was too funny because I think his plans for winning were just shot in the first few seconds. Anyways I ran with this guy from Belgium - Wouter I think his name was - Phil Kiddoo and Ricky Denesik up the first climb not much conversation just thought about what we were about to do. Going over the first climb we lost the trail and flags. Phil went left, I stayed on a high point with the Belgian when he said “you go that way and I stay on high ground” I laughed because he thought I was stupid. We finally found the trail no thanks to Wouter and continued to run through KT in the time that I wanted - 2.45.

Next sections were pretty uneventful climbing over Grant-Swamp, down into Chapman, and then over Oscar pass. As we crested Grant-Swamp I got little tingles in my head and that’s always a good sign of feeling good. I was climbing strong and coming down real easy. I ended up going down the scree field on Grant-Swamp, whereas Phil and Ricky took the much faster snow route. They were a good 800 meters ahead of me as they were at the bottom and I was only half way down. After Chapman aid station I caught a glimpse of Ricky (former HR winner) and really wanted to test his climbing. I soon caught him, he turned around and said “you’re climbing real strong” “thanks, you too”. This was the first of many encounters throughout the next 25 + hours.

At the top of Oscars pass starts a long descent into Telluride. Ricky let me pass at the top, indicating he as going to save his knees. I wanted to lose Ricky by Telluride because that’s his home town and he would get a charge out of running through there. Within minutes of me leaving Telluride I heard a tremendous roar - Uh Oh Ricky wasn’t far behind. It gave me more motivation to get up Bear Creek and to the top of Virginius. It took me a little less than 2 hours to get to the top with me passing Phil Kiddoo and keeping Jared Campbell in sight. Coming down Virginius was a blast - a lot funner than I imagined - basically glissading for a mile almost into Governor aid station.

I didn’t stop at Governor because I was feeling good and I wanted to get Bird Camp road outta the way. They say this direction is “easier” because of places like Bird Camp, Engineer, and Handies road are all down hill. Well I say it doesn’t matter because if you’re not feeling good then your gonna walk anyways. By the time I got to the bottom of Bird Camp I wanted to walk - which I did and James Varner flew past. As I got into Ouray, James Varner was leaving and I told him I didn’t want to see him again - no death march this year, he laughed. I stayed in Ouray for about 10 minutes, gathered myself, then left with my music on. The music only motivated me for about 15 minutes as I started the long climb to Engineer.

One of the two places that I felt terrible was right before Engineer aid station. In past races when I start to feel this way I don’t eat because I feel I will throw up. This time I forced down 2 packs of shot blocks, which almost came up. When I finally got to Engineer pass, the forceful eating finally paid off and had a good pace getting into Grouse just after 9 p.m. I had lost about 45 minutes but my crew felt I was doing a better job pacing. I stayed in Grouse for 10 minutes telling my crew and Dale I wanted to wait for Ricky and his pacer for lights on Handies…. bad idea. Ricky was running strong and soon left me in the dust. I think it made him mad when I told him I was waiting for him, like I was jabbing him. That probably motivated him to lose me but I sincerely wanted to use his lights as I didn’t have a pacer. I didn’t think I would see him again.

On the way up Handies, the wind started to blow and it was getting cold. I was in no mood to even walk at this point. Right at the top of American Basin I caught James Varner and we started laughing at the mere thought of us sitting side by side trading shot blocks for gel packs. We both were in the same state. Although the GU he gave me seemed to give me a jump start so I left and got over Handies about midnight. Going down the smooth Handies road should have been a piece of cake but the GU was wearing off and I hit my second bad spot. I walked most of the road and finally got into Sherman at 2:30 a.m. I sat there for 15 minutes when Diana Finkel came in with a sense of urgency. Something clicked inside my body, maybe it was the 3 cups of coke, breakfast burrito, bottle of HEED, and potato soup…. whatever it was it never left from that point on.

I got up Cataract gulch in a hurry! I didn’t want to see their lights behind me. Turns out the marking up at the top of Cataract was a mess. I had lights all around me, getting totally disoriented. I saw footprints on the trail and followed them… turns out the footprints were Jared Campbell and his pacer. He was in a bad spot but he and his pacer hitched on and I pulled them up to the top. Once there they tried to lose me but I ran every time they did. We reached Pole line aid station just before 6 am together. They informed us Kyle had just finished….. WHAT?!?! He was only a mere 20 myles ahead of us. Again, leaving the aid station Jared tried to detach me by running in spurts. I still felt OK and decided I would follow until Maggie Gulch.

Leaving Maggie Gulch is the second to last big climb. I followed Jared and his pacer seemed to slow. Jared pulled over, took his shirt off, then I was off. I took a chance this early to see what I had left. But as I was cresting that climb I looked back and saw Jared stopped about 10 minutes back. It was very motivating for me to see how far I could gap him by the next aid station. Turns out I had made 20 minutes on him.

As I got into Cunningham aid station (mile 91), I had lost all sense of breaking 30 hours and resided myself for 3rd place. That’s when my father in law said “You can catch Ricky! Go get him!” Seeing everybody there after a long night was enough for me to give it everything I had. I have NEVER, EVER been so focused on getting something done. 10 minutes out of the aid station I caught a glimpse or Ricky and went faster. I didn’t want to pass him too early because it’s a long steep climb but I knew I was faster going down from earlier in the day. When I caught him he said “Where the hell did YOU come from? I left you for dead on Handies.” I just told him I got my second wind and was on my way.

When I got to the top of Little Dives pass from Cunningham in 1.05 I now started to think about going under 30. I had run the trail leading into town with Brian Fisher two days before the race. We ran out 20 minutes and I knew exactly where that was. I needed to make it there by 29.40 in order to get to the rock. I made it there by 29.30 and that’s all I needed to see.

But before I get to the finish, way back on the road as I was coming off of Little Dives a jeep was parked in the middle of the road and a guy yelled out to me and said “turn around, have you ever seen anything like that before?” I turned around and there was a billy goat as white as snow. He was like a statue placed on a little mound of rocks. The first thing I thought was “I guess that’s the Master Speedgoat himself giving me his nod of approval”.

As I’m coming off the trail and into the ski area, here comes Dale Garland on his bike. (I think he was a little surprised to see me and not Ricky). I said to Dale, “I guess I won -huh?-” He said “what?” “Yeah, I won the “human” race” we both laughed.

Every time I finish an Ultra (especially with 100s), I am overcome with emotion. I think of the sacrifices I’ve made. I think of the sacrifices my family has made. I think of all the hard work I have done for more than a year for this one race. Hard Rock is my super bowl and to see my family, my parents, my in-laws, my friends - all cheering me on was a dream come true. My son met me in the road about 1/4 mile to the finish and I lost it. He hugged me, started to cry, and said “Dad I am so proud of you, I love you so much”.

29.50:53 was my final time as I kissed the infamous Hard Rock. 2nd place overall. But as I’ve said before, the place doesn’t really matter, it’s the time. I am no Kyle Skaggs or Tony Krupicka (nor will I never be), so I must race myself and beat the demons that try to take me down each and every time.

A sincere “Thank You” to everyone who helped me along the way. I could not do this without you!

Me and boy wonder the next morning