Bryce 100 start I was down in Bryce Canyon over the weekend to run the inaugural Bryce 100 with many other locals. I can say honestly I went into this 100 mile race better prepared than at any other time of my short running career. I felt good and was ready to go. At go I happened to be one of the runners near the start of the trail (it was an awkward start by the R.D.) and began at a quick but comfortable pace. For the first 10 miles I ran at the front with Joe from Florida. We chatted a little as the miles went by quickly. When we arrived at the first aid station at 10 miles, about 5 guys, including me, showed up at once. I continued up the trail without stopping, then ran at the front entirely by myself for the next ten miles. I was the first to arrive at the 2nd aid at 20 miles. Then Joe came in a few minutes later. It was a long aid stop. I had no crew so I filled my bottles, searched for my drop bag, re-supplied, left my two shirts, got some sunscreen spray down from a volunteer, and then Joe and I left at the same time. We got back into a quick run and the trail descended. I got about 30 seconds behind the leader after doing some adjusting and a urine break. Then I took a critical wrong turn and ran down a mile off-course. When I realized my mistake I began hiking back up, determined to regain my place no matter the cost. I had lost nearly 25 minutes from my lead. Several other runners had come down the same wrong turn, and I directed them back up. Back on the trail again it seemed to be mostly climbing until the next aid at 26 miles. Same story with that stop - searching for my bag, getting re-filled. I asked for TUMS and that seemed to help. It was getting warm. My plan was to pick off as many runners as I could before 50 miles, and I had already passed a handful. As I got to the 33 mile aid my left ankle began to feel pain. I left there feeling well and ready to continue the chase. Then the ankle stopped working. There was a sharp pain on the outside of the ankle. I began to limp. There was a rocky ATV trail that began to descend and at that point even hiking downhill began to seriously hurt. There is no way I could have grinded out a 100 mile finish in that condition. No way. I was going to have a very tough time going the next 5 miles. I was hoping to see runners behind me so I could tell them to find my wife at the next aid at mile 39. I was hoping to see my friends run up from Kanab aid where I had come from. Nobody came. I continued limping slowly, then met a couple on ATVs. I asked for a ride and that was it. They took me to Straight Canyon aid where I left the race. I had a very good start, got to see what it was like to lead the first 20 miles. Even with the wrong turn I was still in it, and even had plans to catch up as best I could to the front. I wanted very much to begin racing at mile 70. But with a very painful ankle I had to stop. I am looking forward to what is ahead and a chance to race again.
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