Time To Give Support

It started out with seeing a friend post that he had registered to run his first 100 mile run. He signed up for Santa Barbara 100. This race was my first introduction to ultra running in 2011 when I volunteered to take vitals for the runners prior to the race because a friend was running.

I offered to give Wesley crew support. 2 months ago he said he wanted to collect on my offer and I made sure my work schedule wouldn't interfere.

Friday I left work to drive to Santa Barbara and coincidentally my car hit its first 100,000 miles.

I arrived at the start/finish line and began helping with runner check in as best I could until Wesley arrived followed by our friend Dave who would also be crewing and pacing.

Runners had their briefing and shortly after at 6:00 pm my friend Jadd last year's race winner sounded the starting horn.

Dave and I drove up the road to the first aid station where Wesley would see us at mile 10. Shortly after Kris arrived with sweet potato fries for me and dinner for he and Dave. Wesley arrived and we switched out his hydration and he continued on. He would see us again in a short 7 miles. After that brief transition Kris, Dave and I drove back to the start finish to leave Kris's car and made our way to the next aid station which is only 14 miles away but takes an hour to navigate the long winding road.

Wesley looked great at the 30 mile mark and we wished him well and sent him down the short section of road to intersect the trail.

We continued down the winding road to the aid station at mile 42. We parked and got some rest. Wesley got there a few hours later so I handed Kris my headlamp and he joined Wesley as a pacer. They had 14 miles to run before they would see us again.

I decided to help at the aid station. I enjoyed working with Errol aka Rocket. He was a runner I drove back to the starting line last year as he chose not to continue after mile 30. He was on his own as the volunteers had fallen through at the last minute. The first and second place runners arrived and I helped Mike who had kept the lead the entire race. Kelly the second place runner's wife was helping him and first place said wifes are the best. I admired his respect and admiration for his wife who I'm certain he'd have loved to have there. I jokingly said I didn't want a ring. Maybe someday that will change if I meet a great runner. Wesley's sweet wife Jane was also not able to be there. I know she would be so proud! 

The third place runner liked his gels emptied into his sport drink in his water bottles. Andy took a photo of me and I'm not sure what I'm asking Ray.

Wesley and Kris arrived. Dave helped me get the hydration switched out and they set out to the next section as we drove behind them. There was time for a break here before they would see us at mile 70 so Dave helped me navigate down to Starbucks. Now I know Dave likes a quad shot vanilla latte to stay awake. I wanted to see if I could navigate where we'd come from in reverse and I only made one wrong turn. 

We got to mile 70 and Kris said he wanted to continue pacing. We drove back on the long road to the second to last aid station. I got to hear a great story about Dave's experience with a really big rock and Vermont mud aka black quick sand.

The second place runner needed a blister drained and foot care so I helped where I could and Dave let us use his new unopened box of trail toes tape. 

Wesley arrived and followed in needing foot care. I drained and taped blisters, handed him vaseline for anti chaffing and sent him off with Dave now pacing him. Kris and I drove to what would be the final aid station. 

One of the runners had missed a turn this short cutting and being asked to go back on course or accept a disqualification. This now put Wesley in 4th place and what I knew was 1st in his age group. He had a goal to win and even though he was off target on his time goal he was getting great results for the difficulty and heat involved in this course. Wesley and Dave arrived and Kris was ready to see Wesley to the finish line.

Wesley and Kris arrived a couple hours later earning Wesley 4th place overall and first in his age division in 25 hours 52 minutes.

I took Wesley to meet my favorite family with me. Patty was the only one home. She offered her home and beds to rest in to us. Wesley was grateful for a shower and place to rest his head. We got up the next day and drove back to his car. I'm fairly certain that was his happiest drive home to get his wife from the airport and get home to put his feet up.

I needed my own adventure and run so I took a detour on my way home and hiked up Gaviota Peak and learned I could run down a technical single track instead of going back down the access road I traversed up. It was warm and so fun.

I had a great time being inspired, supporting friends and outdoor therapy. There is always enough time to give back! Focus on giving rather than getting and you will receive far more than you ever gave! The thank you's have been abundant and I truly value those.