Scenes from Crewing Ouray 100
The Ouray 100 ultramarathon probably ranks as one of the hardest races in the country, clocking in at over 100 miles, ~42000 feet of vertical gain, at an average elevation of 10200 feet.
This was my friend Haram’s second hundred miler, and the second time he’s run one with almost no training. I’m actually not joking nor exaggerating, and this probably deserves its own tribute or something. He didn’t do as well as he wanted due to getting sick mid-race, but credit where credit is due.
I have sooo many funny and fond moments that I captured throughout this event but mainly focusing on the beautiful scenery of the northern San Juan Mountains.
Morning reflection on Crystal Lake as Haram finishes his first night, 66 miles in.
Ouray - now that’s a real mountain town!
On top of Twin Peaks above town
The summit of Gold Hill in a staggering 3000 feet above the road.
It’s always crazy to think about how casually big mountains can be compared to manmade structures, with many of the most impressive skyscrapers in New York City being half as tall as this for example.
Just before it started nuking rain and thundering with a vengeance
Morning glow on the following morning en route to Cascade Mountain.
Quite dramatic mountains unlike anything else in this state.
Plateaus and deep valleys...
What is going on with the geology of this place?
A fusion of the imposing peaks of the Canadian Rockies with some resemblance to the desert formations in neighboring Utah.
Man is tired...
But still pushing through
Get off the damn phone!
At least it was one of the most beautiful places to be tired in a race
After a quick nap, we booked it down to the finish line!
Notes
- I collectively probably did a leisurely ~28 miles and ~11700 feet of vertical gain, only doing the easiest sections of the course over a 32 hour window with a lot of sleep in between.
- Ouray/Ridgway is a beautiful town, with emphasis on great roadside views - definitely somewhere I’d take my parents. The food was surprisingly good as well.
- Race beta for next time:
- Acclimating and training at elevation probably helped a lot.
- Somehow bring the cold tub in the living quarters to boost immunity (broscience).
- Dry shoes and socks are crucial so have backup pairs. We knew this on paper, but it wasn’t a factor in the dry Teanaway 100 race last year, so we never truly internalized the importance of this.
- Mash potatoes are still good, ramen slaps, and watermelon + banana works wonders.
- Some vets apparently said to only get really good at the downhill, and walk everything else (including the flats) - this was the winner’s strategy supposedly.
- In a race as strenous as this, we could probably afford to spend more time at the aid stations resting and getting everything right.
- Try not to roll any ankles. Ibuprofen and mylar blankets were useful.
- Ridgway was very close to the race, about 15 minutes from Ouray, with great cell reception in both towns, which made things smooth to coordinate.