Redemption Run
Finding joy again at the Caspers 50k
No one is keeping score. Ok, well, maybe no one except for the fine folks at UltraSignup.
But truly, none of this stuff matters. So, why do we do it? Why do we train for hundreds of hours and thousands of miles just for the opportunity to suffer for a few hours in nature?
Because it's fun. Or, at least it should be.
That’s where I found myself this summer at Angeles Crest 100, as I was boring deeper into a canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains, on my way to Newcomb Saddle (mile 63). The deeper into I went, the more unfun it became. Though beautiful, it got hot. Stifling. Impossibly long. It became a burden. Something I had to do. An obligation.
Yuck!
Having already puked my way around the course from mile 43, I had had enough and decided to pull the plug at Red Box (mile 72). While I was initially at peace with it, that decision later nagged at me.
You’re a failure. You’re weak. An imposter!
So, what’s an ultrarunner to do? You fix it. You get back on that horse, and you saddle up for redemption.
Giddy Up
That brings us to this past weekend’s Caspers 50k, a palate cleanser of an ultra. With 5,100 feet of vert and 30 miles in the dirt, it’s a challenging race, but also reasonable – and mostly runnable. It’s inviting for both experienced and novice athletes alike.
Set in the Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, just east of San Juan Capistrano, CA, in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, Caspers Trail Races offers multiple distances, including a 10K, half marathon, 30K, marathon, and 50k. After volunteering there last year, I knew that the low-key, home-grown, and low-stakes atmosphere would be the perfect antidote for this summer’s nagging DNF.
My main goal for Caspers 50k was to have fun again in an ultra, and maybe not to take things so seriously. That didn’t mean not trying, of course. Rather, just throw caution to the wind a bit and go for it. Or, as our friends at SWAP would say, FAAFO.
As we toed the line, temps were a brisk 40F, and I had plans to turn up the heat. At first, I mentally prepared for a sub-5:30. That time would be respectable, and it wouldn’t kill me. But, as I got going, I thought why not shoot for top 10, maybe top 5? How about going sub-5?
So, I made that adjustment, and turned things up.
I’d describe this course as death by a hundred rollers, buoyed by two big climbs. The race starts off with a 300-foot climb, and then you ride a set of rollers on an out-and-back to mile 8.
From there, runners drop into the bottom of the park and then make their way up an over the first of two major climbs (also featuring rollers and false summits). In all, my Coros logged 5,115 feet of vert across 29.6 miles.
At the turnaround at mile 18, I was in 5th. But, as I spent a minute downing cold pickle juice and watermelon (trust me on this), one guy passed me for good, and a few others closed in.
Halfway up big climb #2, Matt from Santa Barbara glided past me (so effortless!). There was a brief period, especially as I made my way up the 2-mile, 1000-foot climb to the top of Oso Trail, where I wasn’t having fun. But that was the point.
I stayed patient and gradually picked up the pace – enough so that I caught up to Matt at the next aid station. But, Matt had better legs than I did, and he ultimately beat to the finish by 47 seconds.
Of course, these things really aren’t about the play-by-play, or even how you place (at least for regular runners like me). They’re about the people, the adventure, the connections.
Case in point: I was extra stoked to see my colleague and friend Lorena, who ran Caspers last year, but just came out to the event to support runners and take pics.
I was also excited to chat with my friend and running coach Steve Epifano at the start, and gave him a fist bump as he flew by on his way take the W in the 10k (congrats Steve!).
Finally, I also met a few other runners along the way — and even reconnected with two of them, including Matt, after the race (which is a big deal, as I typically keep to myself).
That’s just what makes this community so special — and it’s why I keep coming back for more. The people are among the best. So welcoming, so supportive. And not afraid to send it on a cool Saturday.
Spark Reignited
It was just one race, just five hours of work, but that session was cathartic. Yes, things didn’t go perfectly. But, they went pretty dang well. So much so that it got my wheels turning for the next thing. A spring 50? Another Western States qualifier? Maybe a re-run of San Diego 100?
Who knows. It just felt good to surround myself with like-minded people for a good day’s work on the trails. And it sparked my imagination for the opportunities that are still out there – and the unfinished business. Like more 100-milers. My UltraSignup would sure like to see it.
Caspers 50k: 29.61 mi; 5,115 ft gain @ 10:02/mi
Total time: 4:56:57. 7th place overall,🥉3rd place AG
Good job! I’ve had such palate-cleansing races, it’s the best feeling and always leaves you wanting more.