The timed format Beyond Limits Ultra (72-hour) is held in the mountainous area of southern California, not far from Los Angeles. At 4000’ elevation, the air is crisp and clear, mountain greenery abounds, and the stars shine brightly at night.
Ken and Stephanie Rubeli co-direct this event, which is held at Pathfinder Ranch, a school science camp facility. With many cabins, a dining hall, plentiful trails and varying scenery, it’s ideal for a loop course event.
This year 72, 48 and 24-hour events were held concurrently with 50kms, 50mi and 100mi races. Our group of twenty-two 72hr runners started on Thursday morning (5 April) whilst the following day, the 48hr event started, and lastly on the Saturday morning, the remainder of the field joined us.
The course is a two-mile loop, which meanders through the cabins along the North 40, through the forest on a sandy trail, then a short loop past chickens, llamas, goats and pig pens on another sandy stretch, back onto packed gravel, then onto a paved road to the South 40, past horses, donkey and mules. Returning, we then circled a large ornamental lake before crossing the timing mat.
The variety of surfaces and scenery were a perfect combination, making the loop continually interesting. One aid station provided all the necessary food and drinks 24-hours a day, and a professional timing company provided up to date distances for all runners. Breakfasts and dinners were available in the dining hall each day.
My day started well, with my planned pace of run/walk 2 to 3 minutes, and the miles slowly added. By 20 miles at 6hrs in, I was ready for a short break.
Having a comfortable bed in a cabin shared with Ann Trason and Catra Corbett added to the fun. I kept to my plan with hourly Hammer supplements, and regularly scheduled snacks. My legs felt great, and as the evening progressed I started thinking about my 3hr break after about 12hrs of steady progress. Alas, my muscles couldn’t stop quivering, my knees and hips hurt, and noisy runners coming and going from the other rooms meant that I rested, but didn’t sleep.
I rose at 6am, and cranked out another 6 miles – 56 miles in total for the day. All good.
Day 2 was much the same.
A large group of 48hr runners joined in, looking fresh, fast and determined. By this stage, us veterans had assumed the slow but steady pace of the multi-day runner, and enjoyed seeing the faster runners zoom by, knowing that by this time tomorrow, they too would have that resigned look!
By now though, the weather patterns for the course became unique – storm clouds moved overhead so some sections were cold and windy, while others were warm and humid in the trees. Then it turned to hot on the paved road, followed by a head wind towards the timing mat.
There was no ‘just right’ outfit!
Once again, I enjoyed an hour’s break in the afternoon, and after about 12hrs, another 3hr break. This time I was so tired that I knew I would fall asleep immediately.
But not so. It was still noisy and our roommate Catra was leading the women’s 72hr event, so we didn’t rest. We all know that feeling of trying to be quiet, finding our things by the light of a headlamp, and not disturbing fellow roomies!
Once again, I was up by 6am and enjoyed the final laps of the day in the early morning light. At 105mi for the day, I was pleased. My knee and hip actually felt better with no pain at all. Still able to kick into a run for selected portions of the loop, and with no blisters, chafing or sore toenails, I felt happy with my steady progress.
On day 3 I was joined by the next cadre of fresh, fast and clean runners, but us veterans mentally started the final 24hr countdown. The weather promised more storms, and the approaching clouds appeared threatening with heavy rain in the forecast. Oddly enough, high winds blew the storm right overhead, but not without our wondering what to wear!
Hot, cold, humid and windy in varying combinations, no clear pattern emerged.
Fatigue set in, as with all runners, and the pace slowed considerably. Fast starters also fell victim to the pounding on the trails, and it was time to enjoy conversations with everyone. The beauty of the loop course became clear as new friendships emerged, old timers gave advice to the newbies, and old acquaintances enjoyed spending time together on the interminable loop.
Feeling the inevitable slowing, I decided I would take an hour’s break every five loops (10mi). Massage therapists were available, and a 30-minute session at $1 per minute, and a 30-minute break in the early evening was just what I needed.
Another 10mi, another hour’s rest, then another 10mi brought me to 140mi at 1am. Calculating about a 3.30 hours for the last 10mi, I realised I could have a 3hr break! This time, I slept well.
Up at 4.45am and moving well, my 150mi came up at 70.55hrs. My legs took me as far as I could go, and I just couldn’t go out there for another loop. Sitting by the fire, a mug of fresh coffee in hand, 100mi belt buckle and finisher’s medallion close by, I realised that my planning and pacing paid off. The 72hrs rolled up, and all runners were in. Joyfully, we stood and sat around the fire.
To my surprise, I earned the women’s 3rd place award, and was 8th overall. What a wonderful event! So many stories, so many wonderful runners and walkers, some, like Ann Trason, now struggling with health issues, but still coming out and sharing their knowledge with the newer runners.
Already I miss the family atmosphere of Pathfinder Ranch, and hope to return next year.
