Black Canyon 100K Recap

[Listen to an audio version of this blog here.]

I like doing races I’ve never done before, so when I got an email that I’d made it off the wait list for Black Canyon, I instantly signed up. I’ve heard a lot about Black Canyon: the technical terrain, the fast start, the possibility of inclement weather. It’s a point-to-point course with stunning views and it’s 95% single track. If you ever have the chance to do this race, jump on it.

Like everyone said, the race started fast. A downhill start and cool temps made it impossible to not start quick. I felt good, and the first ~20 miles slid by easily. At the 20 mile aid station, I felt what I thought was my toenail falling off, but it was actually just a blister. I popped it and an onlooker said, “that’s just going to get worse, it’s getting hot.” I didn’t answer. Easy for him to say.

When I run far, I usually don’t listen to music or wear headphones, preferring to let my mind wander. Sometimes my brain settles on some song lyrics, playing them over and over again. Sometimes, like last weekend, I think about a poem I’ve written and committed to memory. The one that I couldn’t stop thinking about is titled, How to Talk About The Weather in a Gas Station in Nevada.

say it’s warm, but not too warm