2008 (March 21) Coyote2Moon 100 miles edit

I am on my way to Ojai, which is a 2.5 hour drive from home.

2009-01-10T02:01:40Z

jakob
I am on my way to Ojai, which is a 2.5 hour drive from home.

Around lunch time I arrived at the Rancho Grande which will be the starting/finishing area.

2009-01-10T02:02:36Z

jakob
Around lunch time I arrived at the Rancho Grande which will be the starting/finishing area.

Check in made fun. One of the volunteer asked me if she could nail me! I'm like "sure" so she gave me two nails which I can exchange for food LOL.

2009-01-10T02:00:24Z

jakob
Check in made fun. One of the volunteer asked me if she could nail me! I'm like "sure" so she gave me two nails which I can exchange for food LOL.

Race HQ and starting/finishing area. A very beautiful place to be.

2009-01-10T02:03:59Z

jakob
Race HQ and starting/finishing area. A very beautiful place to be.

Sure looks not too difficult on the map :) but boy were we all wrong hehe.

2009-01-10T02:04:22Z

jakob
Sure looks not too difficult on the map :) but boy were we all wrong hehe.

Race director Chris Scott explaining how things work on the race pre-meeting.

2009-01-10T02:02:04Z

jakob
Race director Chris Scott explaining how things work on the race pre-meeting.

Barbara Elia (100K will finish in 23:48:00) and Rod Dickson (100M will finish in 33:38:00)

2009-01-10T02:01:13Z

jakob
Barbara Elia (100K will finish in 23:48:00) and Rod Dickson (100M will finish in 33:38:00)

The starting area where we started at 4PM Friday and should be back within 36 and 40 hours.

2009-01-10T01:59:47Z

jakob
The starting area where we started at 4PM Friday and should be back within 36 and 40 hours.

45 minutes prior the start I got myself ready including taping my feets. I didn't tell them yet that they'll have to carry me for 100 miles and an elevation change of 56'000 feet.

2009-01-10T02:03:06Z

jakob
45 minutes prior the start I got myself ready including taping my feets. I didn't tell them yet that they'll have to carry me for 100 miles and an elevation change of 56'000 feet.

I'm all ready to do this thing.

2009-01-10T02:03:01Z

jakob
I'm all ready to do this thing.

Seven minutes to the start and the first group, which starts at 4PM gets ready including myself. The other stronger groups start at 6PM, 9PM, 2AM Sat, and 6AM Saturday still to be expected t ...

2009-01-10T01:58:34Z

jakob
Seven minutes to the start and the first group, which starts at 4PM gets ready including myself. The other stronger groups start at 6PM, 9PM, 2AM Sat, and 6AM Saturday still to be expected t ...

Sharp at 4PM we are off. The first section is a 1.5 feet climb to the top of the ridge.

2009-01-10T02:03:47Z

jakob
Sharp at 4PM we are off. The first section is a 1.5 feet climb to the top of the ridge.

We all took it very easy power-walking up the hill knowing that we all have a long way ahead of us.

2009-01-10T02:01:33Z

jakob
We all took it very easy power-walking up the hill knowing that we all have a long way ahead of us.

8 minutes into the race. It's still pretty hot despite the late afternoon. Mark Metcalfe, as shown here, is going to twist his ankle around mile 11 but keeps on going and finishing in an off ...

2009-01-10T02:01:49Z

jakob
8 minutes into the race. It's still pretty hot despite the late afternoon. Mark Metcalfe, as shown here, is going to twist his ankle around mile 11 but keeps on going and finishing in an off ...

15 minutes into the race we catch a glimpse of where we started our journey down at the little lake.

2009-01-10T01:58:17Z

jakob
15 minutes into the race we catch a glimpse of where we started our journey down at the little lake.

Mylinh Nguyen running onto the ridge. She'll be finishing in an official 36:53:00.

2009-01-10T01:58:36Z

jakob
Mylinh Nguyen running onto the ridge. She'll be finishing in an official 36:53:00.

Running along the ridge which has a lot of up and downs itself. At this point I'm talking to Chau (Joe) Pham who lives just 5 minutes from the Ohlone50K with is wife Mylinh.

2009-01-10T01:59:10Z

jakob
Running along the ridge which has a lot of up and downs itself. At this point I'm talking to Chau (Joe) Pham who lives just 5 minutes from the Ohlone50K with is wife Mylinh.

Almost an hour into the race we travel west towards the first aid station 9 miles away.

2009-01-10T02:00:26Z

jakob
Almost an hour into the race we travel west towards the first aid station 9 miles away.

The views were spetacular.

2009-01-10T01:57:44Z

jakob
The views were spetacular.

Up and down we go taking it easy on this first section.

2009-01-10T01:56:07Z

jakob
Up and down we go taking it easy on this first section.

Awesome views at every corner.

2009-01-10T01:54:36Z

jakob
Awesome views at every corner.

Certain sections still had snow along the way. After the race I learned that the volunteers actually came up to the ridge prior the race to clear some of the snow on the road.

2009-01-10T01:55:56Z

jakob
Certain sections still had snow along the way. After the race I learned that the volunteers actually came up to the ridge prior the race to clear some of the snow on the road.

A self-portrait on the top of the ridge. I have about one hour until the sun goes down.

2009-01-10T01:57:06Z

jakob
A self-portrait on the top of the ridge. I have about one hour until the sun goes down.

2 hours and 15 minutes I arrived at the first aid station at mile 9. I'm already 45 minutes ahead of my schedule.

2009-01-10T01:54:56Z

jakob
2 hours and 15 minutes I arrived at the first aid station at mile 9. I'm already 45 minutes ahead of my schedule.

Around 7PM the sun went down making room for the full moon to shine.

2009-01-10T01:55:12Z

jakob
Around 7PM the sun went down making room for the full moon to shine.

This would be my first night out there on the trail running/walking at this race. Last night I slept for 9 hours and I am confident that I'll hold up well.

2009-01-10T01:57:23Z

jakob
This would be my first night out there on the trail running/walking at this race. Last night I slept for 9 hours and I am confident that I'll hold up well.

Chrissy Weiss carefully making her way through a stream trying to keep her shoes dry. We all had to pass several streams along the way.

2009-01-10T01:56:43Z

jakob
Chrissy Weiss carefully making her way through a stream trying to keep her shoes dry. We all had to pass several streams along the way.

7:50PM I arrived at the 2nd aid station at mile 17.2; a full 2 hours ahead of my schedule. I now was getting affraid that I push it too hard.

2009-01-10T01:57:12Z

jakob
7:50PM I arrived at the 2nd aid station at mile 17.2; a full 2 hours ahead of my schedule. I now was getting affraid that I push it too hard.

Many miles during this night I was traveling alone but the full moon always stood by me looking at me. I know he was grinning and thinking "why are you doing this?" :) I caught myself many t ...

2009-01-10T01:54:14Z

jakob
Many miles during this night I was traveling alone but the full moon always stood by me looking at me. I know he was grinning and thinking "why are you doing this?" :) I caught myself many t ...

I'm on my way through some snow to the highest point of this course; the Topa Peak about 6,100 feet above sea level.

2009-01-10T01:55:21Z

jakob
I'm on my way through some snow to the highest point of this course; the Topa Peak about 6,100 feet above sea level.

It's now 11:12 PM and I've conquered one of the hardest part of this course traveling almost 8 miles and over 4,000 feet elevation gain to the top of Topa Peak at 6'100'. It was windy and co ...

2009-01-10T01:55:19Z

jakob
It's now 11:12 PM and I've conquered one of the hardest part of this course traveling almost 8 miles and over 4,000 feet elevation gain to the top of Topa Peak at 6'100'. It was windy and co ...

The deal was that we had to climb on top of the peak and take one of the playing cards down with us to prove that we've been on top.

2009-01-10T01:54:06Z

jakob
The deal was that we had to climb on top of the peak and take one of the playing cards down with us to prove that we've been on top.

Couldn't resist and pressed that little button to make the ghost of Topa say something :)

2009-01-10T01:54:33Z

jakob
Couldn't resist and pressed that little button to make the ghost of Topa say something :)

Once back from Topa Peak I gave the Lyon Canyon aid station volunteers my card and refueled myself. I now was 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of my schedule.

2009-01-10T01:56:40Z

jakob
Once back from Topa Peak I gave the Lyon Canyon aid station volunteers my card and refueled myself. I now was 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of my schedule.

On my way down to the Rose Valley aid station (6,100 feet to 3,400 feet) I encountered a few minor obstacles like those sharp bushes almost blocking my way. Bring it on Coyote2Moon, bring it ...

2009-01-10T01:54:18Z

jakob
On my way down to the Rose Valley aid station (6,100 feet to 3,400 feet) I encountered a few minor obstacles like those sharp bushes almost blocking my way. Bring it on Coyote2Moon, bring it ...

It was super cold at the Rose Valley aid station and they reported it being as low as 22 degrees Fahrenheit. When I was there I recognized that I labeled my drop bag wrong and had no warm cl ...

2009-01-10T01:54:27Z

jakob
It was super cold at the Rose Valley aid station and they reported it being as low as 22 degrees Fahrenheit. When I was there I recognized that I labeled my drop bag wrong and had no warm cl ...

Welcome to the Land of Idiots! LOL. At this time I've now run/walked for 12 hours and 22 minutes and covered 38.7 miles.

2009-01-10T01:57:46Z

jakob
Welcome to the Land of Idiots! LOL. At this time I've now run/walked for 12 hours and 22 minutes and covered 38.7 miles.

The full moon is still high in the sky but within the hour daylight will warm up this place again.

2009-01-10T01:56:21Z

jakob
The full moon is still high in the sky but within the hour daylight will warm up this place again.

It's now 7:17AM and I'm on my way down to the Thacher School aid station which will also mark the half-way point of this race.

2009-01-10T01:55:10Z

jakob
It's now 7:17AM and I'm on my way down to the Thacher School aid station which will also mark the half-way point of this race.

Exactly at 8:04 AM I arrive at the 50.7 mile aid station and I am now 2 hours and 45 minutes ahead of my schedule. I feel great have no real issues.

2009-01-10T01:55:45Z

jakob
Exactly at 8:04 AM I arrive at the 50.7 mile aid station and I am now 2 hours and 45 minutes ahead of my schedule. I feel great have no real issues.

At 8:43AM the first sun rays hit me and they give me new energy for the day ahead. I'm now on my way back up from the Thacher School aid station to Ridge Canyon climbing 3,300 feet within 4. ...

2009-01-10T01:54:12Z

jakob
At 8:43AM the first sun rays hit me and they give me new energy for the day ahead. I'm now on my way back up from the Thacher School aid station to Ridge Canyon climbing 3,300 feet within 4. ...

The Horn Canyon, which leads me to the Ridge Canyon aid station, was rather difficult on certain places. I had to be careful not to twist my ankle or hurt myself in any other way.

2009-01-10T01:55:55Z

jakob
The Horn Canyon, which leads me to the Ridge Canyon aid station, was rather difficult on certain places. I had to be careful not to twist my ankle or hurt myself in any other way.

Running on top of the ridge I often kneel onto the cold snow which felt awesome on my legs.

2009-01-10T01:56:47Z

jakob
Running on top of the ridge I often kneel onto the cold snow which felt awesome on my legs.

From the ridge I was able to see the way down to Rose Valley aid station which I ran down about 10 hours ago (it's the trail you see on the pic doing down the mountain).

2009-01-10T01:55:45Z

jakob
From the ridge I was able to see the way down to Rose Valley aid station which I ran down about 10 hours ago (it's the trail you see on the pic doing down the mountain).

It's almost lunch time and I'm on my way to the Rose Valley aid station again but this time ran from the other side.

2009-01-10T01:54:56Z

jakob
It's almost lunch time and I'm on my way to the Rose Valley aid station again but this time ran from the other side.

jakob's photo

2009-01-10T01:56:08Z

jakob

On my way down to Rose Valley aid station I was able to see to the start and finish area; however, it will take me still over 16 hours to get there.

2009-01-10T01:57:05Z

jakob
On my way down to Rose Valley aid station I was able to see to the start and finish area; however, it will take me still over 16 hours to get there.

This time it was very nice and warm at the Rose Valley aid station. I was still 2 hours and 45 minutes ahead my schedule and I was afraid that I'll crash at any time now. This was mile 62.7 ...

2009-01-10T01:57:24Z

jakob
This time it was very nice and warm at the Rose Valley aid station. I was still 2 hours and 45 minutes ahead my schedule and I was afraid that I'll crash at any time now. This was mile 62.7 ...

Nick Ham flew over from the UK to participate on this race. During the training run he slipped and fell and you can see his injury on his right arm; yes, right underneath that Jack Daniels b ...

2009-01-10T01:55:05Z

jakob
Nick Ham flew over from the UK to participate on this race. During the training run he slipped and fell and you can see his injury on his right arm; yes, right underneath that Jack Daniels b ...

4.9 miles later, at the Gridley Top aid station, I got a cheese quesadilla which was totally yummy.

2009-01-10T01:56:34Z

jakob
4.9 miles later, at the Gridley Top aid station, I got a cheese quesadilla which was totally yummy.

SURPRISE! At the Gridley Bottom aid station my wife Linda and my 2 months old girl Sophie were waiting for me. That was totally awesome after running/walking for over 73 miles.

2009-01-10T01:54:12Z

jakob
SURPRISE! At the Gridley Bottom aid station my wife Linda and my 2 months old girl Sophie were waiting for me. That was totally awesome after running/walking for over 73 miles.

OK, I look a bit confused and tired but I have not slept since 24 hours and 30 minutes. I also covered over 17,000 feet of uphills so far. And the longest I have sit down was about 15 minute ...

2009-01-10T01:54:25Z

jakob
OK, I look a bit confused and tired but I have not slept since 24 hours and 30 minutes. I also covered over 17,000 feet of uphills so far. And the longest I have sit down was about 15 minute ...

This aid station was really nice with lots of food and many runners taking a bit of a break.

2009-01-10T01:56:53Z

jakob
This aid station was really nice with lots of food and many runners taking a bit of a break.

My wife Linda is so awesome driving up here to support me at the last 27 miles of this race.

2009-01-10T01:53:57Z

jakob
My wife Linda is so awesome driving up here to support me at the last 27 miles of this race.

Three minutes before 6PM, as I make my way up almost 3,000 feet uphill and 5.8 miles to the Gridley Top aid station, I see the sun for the last time. Soon enough I would be running in the da ...

2009-01-10T01:49:56Z

jakob
Three minutes before 6PM, as I make my way up almost 3,000 feet uphill and 5.8 miles to the Gridley Top aid station, I see the sun for the last time. Soon enough I would be running in the da ...

It took me 3 hours and 20 minutes to get to the top of the ridge again. I am getting tired and am now 1 hour and 10 minutes ahead of my schedule but still very safe. Chris, a very funny guy, ...

2009-01-10T01:56:27Z

jakob
It took me 3 hours and 20 minutes to get to the top of the ridge again. I am getting tired and am now 1 hour and 10 minutes ahead of my schedule but still very safe. Chris, a very funny guy, ...

I also felt that I had a blister problem on my right foot so Rick Miller did an awesome job fixing it. It sure was a life-saver! Thanks Rick!! He also finished Badwater, Angeles Crest, Weste ...

2009-01-10T01:54:15Z

jakob
I also felt that I had a blister problem on my right foot so Rick Miller did an awesome job fixing it. It sure was a life-saver! Thanks Rick!! He also finished Badwater, Angeles Crest, Weste ...

For the 2nd time now the full moon is looking down on us.

2009-01-10T01:56:39Z

jakob
For the 2nd time now the full moon is looking down on us.

Around midnight I arrive at the Cozy Dell aid station; 86.9 miles into the race. During the last 2 miles on this downhill into the aid station I wildly hallucinated seeing faces on the trees ...

2009-01-10T01:54:41Z

jakob
Around midnight I arrive at the Cozy Dell aid station; 86.9 miles into the race. During the last 2 miles on this downhill into the aid station I wildly hallucinated seeing faces on the trees ...

It was extremely cold at this aid station and I made the mistake to sit inside the warm car with Linda for a few minutes. When I got out my whole body shake so badly I was not able to put ba ...

2009-01-10T01:56:47Z

jakob
It was extremely cold at this aid station and I made the mistake to sit inside the warm car with Linda for a few minutes. When I got out my whole body shake so badly I was not able to put ba ...

This last uphill from the Cozy Dell to the Gridley Top aid station was 7.7 miles long. During this uphill and for the first time I found myself inside a low running on empty. It took me 3 ho ...

2009-01-09T18:09:37Z

jakob
This last uphill from the Cozy Dell to the Gridley Top aid station was 7.7 miles long. During this uphill and for the first time I found myself inside a low running on empty. It took me 3 ho ...

I finished in 36 hours and 24 minutes (37:43:48 Raw Time), and placed 38 out of 44 finisher (95 were registered). The last section, which was 3.8 miles and mostly downhill, took me 1 hour an ...

2009-01-10T01:53:44Z

jakob
I finished in 36 hours and 24 minutes (37:43:48 Raw Time), and placed 38 out of 44 finisher (95 were registered). The last section, which was 3.8 miles and mostly downhill, took me 1 hour an ...

I was indeed able to nap for about 2 hours and felt better. We got a king breakfast and enjoyed the sun after spending a cold night out running.

2009-01-10T01:57:33Z

jakob
I was indeed able to nap for about 2 hours and felt better. We got a king breakfast and enjoyed the sun after spending a cold night out running.

I was still tired but felt good. I still was trying to comprehend what I just went through the past 40 hours and felt great. It was super awesome having Linda and baby Sophie there sharing t ...

2009-01-10T01:52:34Z

jakob
I was still tired but felt good. I still was trying to comprehend what I just went through the past 40 hours and felt great. It was super awesome having Linda and baby Sophie there sharing t ...

Champagne Mimosa anybody? Now that's what I call a breakfast with a kick.

2009-01-10T01:52:46Z

jakob
Champagne Mimosa anybody? Now that's what I call a breakfast with a kick.

Award ceremony with race director Chris and overall winner Karl Metzler, which ran the whole course in 19:24:16!! Unbelievable...

2009-01-10T01:53:45Z

jakob
Award ceremony with race director Chris and overall winner Karl Metzler, which ran the whole course in 19:24:16!! Unbelievable...

All finishers got called by name and we got up congratulating each other.

2009-01-10T01:55:33Z

jakob
All finishers got called by name and we got up congratulating each other.

Out of 21 registered starter in our Friday 4PM start group 7 finished the whole course shown on this picture.

2009-01-10T01:54:24Z

jakob
Out of 21 registered starter in our Friday 4PM start group 7 finished the whole course shown on this picture.

My first belt buckle! Finally. I've been working hard for this one. I did finish Rio del Lago 100 in 2006 but they didn't give out buckles. I also ran the San Diego 100 in 2007 but DNFed at ...

2009-01-10T01:52:25Z

jakob
My first belt buckle! Finally. I've been working hard for this one. I did finish Rio del Lago 100 in 2006 but they didn't give out buckles. I also ran the San Diego 100 in 2007 but DNFed at ...

jakob's photo

2009-01-09T06:18:51Z

jakob