We knew headed into the race that we would have quite a challenge in accomplishing our task. Temperatures were forecast to reach the 100+ degree range, and neither of us had put in much training in the 4-5 weeks prior to the race (Greg because of injury, me because of personal reasons). Nevertheless, we were optimisitic that things would go our way.
At 6:00 AM we took off with 36 other 100-mile hopefuls. The temperatures in the morning were quite comfortable - in the low 60s - and we found the trail quite enjoyable over the first few miles. We arrived at the Twin Rocks aid station (4.2 miles) in 38:42, the Horseshoe Bar aid station (10.0 miles) in 1:47:08, and the Rattlesnake Bar aid station (11.9 miles) in 2:09:15. At the Rattlesnake Bar aid station we each grabbed a second water bottle out of our drop bag, as the next full aid station was 9.3 miles down the trail. This section of the trail became a little more rocky, and the last section was a long climb up Cardiac Hill to the top and the Maidu aid station (21.2 miles). We reached this aid station in 4:02:06.
