About the Author
In 1999, Robert Boeder finally finished the Hardrock
100 Mile Endurance Run after three failures. In this first person
narrative he describes the challenge of completing this most difficult
of all 100 mile trail races. He also writes about the history of
the San Juan Mountains where the race takes place and the town of Silverton,
Colorado, Hardrock 100 race headquarters. The author of Beyond
the Marathon: The Grand Slam of Trail Ultrarunning, Boeder is an
avid runner and race organizer. He has a PhD in history and is employed
by the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Excerpts
It’s July 5, 1999, and I’ve journeyed to Silverton
on my annual pilgrimage to participate in the Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance
Run. This will be my fourth attempt to complete this wildest and toughest
of all the 100 mile trail races. After three failures, I have become obsessed
with Hardrock. Some necessity of my heart brings me back to the San Juans
each summer. I can’t say that I understand it. Perhaps it’s the raw power
of the San Juan landscape. All I know is that being here makes me happy.
A dozen switchbacks eventually bring me to
the top of Oscar’s Pass, the third of Hardrock’s climbs at 13,120 feet.
The sun is out and it’s a beautiful day as I pause to survey Bridal Veil
Basin spread out in a breathtaking panorama at my feet. Turning around,
I marvel at the long distance view of Swamp Canyon and the terrain I have
just crossed. Why do I keep entering this race? Just look around for the
answer. Of course, the moments of exaltation are followed by hours of punishing
toil.
Sitting down on the edge of the cliff I take the rope in my right
hand, raise my left hand, and push off. This is the real Jetman, shooting
like an express elevator down the nearly vertical slope, my feet raised
so I don’t snag something and start tumbling. The rope runs out. As I continue
free falling somehow the water bottle that was attached to my Sport Vest
comes loose and pops up into the air. I grab it so now I’m holding both
hands in the air and only come to a stop when the slope levels out at a
bench. What a rush.
Ultra Links
-
UltraRunning On Line: UltraRunning
is devoted to covering the sport of long distance running, also known as
ultramarathoning, or, as they prefer, ultrarunning. Find everything you
ever wanted to know about this incredible sport here.
-
2000 Hardrock 100 Mile
Run: Matt Mahoney's site covers the eighth annual Hardrock 100 mile
run held in Silverton, Colorado on July 7, 2000 with training tips.
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Ultramarathon World:
David Blaikie's site has everything you ever wanted to know about Ultras.
Great links and more!
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