Fat Dog 120 miler 2023 " Suck it up Winey Baby " .

Fat Dog 120 miler 2023

Victoria Fat Dog 120 crew 2023 . photo credit: Matt Cecil.

I have a bit of a history with the Fat Dog race held in Manning Park, B.C.

2018 - I was registered for the 40 miler, the race was cancelled due to a wildfire in the Skaggit river valley. I volunteered with David Marlor, Lisa Fehr and Kent Ainscough and we covered 90 km in 3 days, volunteering to take flagging down on the course in the Smokey conditions.

2019- competed in the 70 miler finishing 3rd in my age group. 2020- race canceled due to Covid 19.

2021 - registered for the Fat Dog 120 miler. Race was canceled due to Covid and couldn’t get permits in time.

2022- hiked in and volunteered at Nicomen Aid station. Got a race deferral for 2023, after having completed Cascade Crest 100 miler ( 2020 race deferral ] two weeks prior.

2023- goal - prepare for Fat Dog 120 miler - FINISH!

One of the many amazing views . photo credit Arianna Rumenovich

Fat Dog takes place in Cathedral Provincial Park and E.C. Manning Provincial Park, B.C. It’s a point to point course travelling from valley bottoms, through forests and up to high sub-alpine terrain. The course offers stunning alpine views including mountain vistas, wildflower meadows and sub alpine forests. It’s a mostly runnable course with a mix of technical and non-technical trails. Most of the course is in very remote areas, with no cell phone coverage, no towns visible or anywhere near, and no road access. The cumulative elevation gain is just over 26, 240 feet or 8000 meters. Fat Dog is considered one of the top toughest ultras by Outside Magazine.

The day before the race I was on the 8 am ferry from Victoria and drove up to Manning Park with one of my pacers, David Marlor. David successfully finished the Fat Dog 120 in 2019 in 45 hours, and 45 minutes; different course that year. David has years of ultra running experience and knows me well and had offered to pace me from Bonnevier to Hope Pass, a distance of about 60 km.

Pre- race shake put run with some “ Bad Ass chicks “ . photo credit Sarah Thornber.

My Black Diamond fast pack, with all the mandatory gear including two litres of water and two 200 ml flasks of Tailwind, felt like it weighed 15 lbs. I would be carrying this

along the 200 km course with me. I was second guessing everything I was bringing, but since it’s mandatory you never know if you’re going to need it in the remote alpine mountains.

Race morning

Boarding the bus with Tanya Seal- Jones.

I was awake at 5:30 am before the 10 am start. I made my espresso coffee and oatmeal with blueberries and banana, did a bit of foam rolling and had a quick cold shower to wake up. I felt excited to finally get to the start line! I brought some Biosteel electrolytes drink and a Superhero muffin for the two hour bus ride to the start line at Lakeview Trailhead in Cathedral Provincial Park. Tanya Seal-Jones and I loaded onto the bus with Katie Quast, Kevin Jickling, Jason Oliver, Elliot Brady and Geoff Pye. The other Victoria group Markus Pirker and Doris Leong must have been on the other bus or had a private ride to the start line.

On our way to the start with the Victoria crew. . photo credit : Jason Oliver

Driving up to the start line, a two hour bus ride full runners with nervous energy, the calm before the storm, to Cathedral Provincial Park outside of Keremeos. There was an eerie haze in the sky and the smell of a wildfire in the distance. Fortunately the fires, whil eon both sides of the Ashnola Forest Service Road were visible on the mountains, they were not close enough to affect the air quality or interfere with the start of the race; we were so fortunate as one week later Cathedral Provincial Park was under evacuation order.

After months of preparation and training, planning meetings, organizing drop bags, I felt prepared as I could be to start the 120 mile journey.

Race start ! 120 miles to go. Photo credit : Avery Gottfried .

Race start, satellite tracker on, watch on, navigation course activated on my Fenix 7, trekking poles ready. After a quick group photo from coach Matt Cecil who has the course record for this event from 2014 of 25:45:50, we were off! Only 120 miles to go!

https://youtu.be/0TG3ome-r7U

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Lakeview - Cathedral 12.7 km 1,435 m elevation gain

Start of the race 120 miles to go. photo credit Matt Cecil.

The race began with a three hour, 14 km climb. I started off with my hiking poles off the start to save my legs for what was coming. It’s a long climb and Matt Cecil and

Lori Herron, both legend ultra runners, suggested to relax and settle into a pace of 6/10 effort. Katie Quast who raced Fat Dog 120 miler the previous year and out for her second attempt, warned me that going too hard here could blow your whole race. The pace felt comfortable . I could see Tanya Seal-Jones power hiking strongly ahead.

Markus Pirker said hello as he passed me and power hiked off into the distance . I kept to my conservative pace.

My nutrition plan I had worked out with Naturopath Dr. Kim McQueen was 30-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour, 200 mg salt tabs and one litre of fluid - water.

I used Tailwind hydration, 45 grams carbohydrates per serving. I had the new Courtney Dauwalter “mind of steel “ salted watermelon flavour. I mean if the fastest female ultra runner in the world uses Tailwind, it must work right? Courtney says “it’s an easy way to take in necessary calories and a no brainer to use.”. Tailwind was provided on the race course, which was a bonus for me.

Wise Words from Courtney “the mind is so powerful and can help us achieve so much or it can be our downfall. It’s pretty cool to see what things we can overcome by using our brain and not allowing ourselves to quit” The key is to “find your fuel and to keep pushing.” Tailwind was my fuel. I also planned to eat real food at aid stations, in addition to fruit gummies, black liquorice, gluten free pretzels, chocolate covered espresso beans and a snickers bar in case I needed it. Nikki Jomba gave me some Base salts. Just put a little on your thumb and lick it.

I had my Ironman Timex watch to beep every 30 minutes to keep me consistent on my nutrition intake. Getting behind on calories can blow your whole race.

It was hot, climb, drink, hike and repeat. Stay steady and strong.

Cathedral - Ashnola 27.1 km 1259 m decent

Arriving into Ashnola aid station 27 km into the race . David Marlor assisting .

A quick stop at the Cathedral Aid Station near the summit of Red Mountain to

refill my Tailwind flasks, mandarin flavour and refill my hydration bladder. It was hot and exposed here.

Katie Quast snuck up behind me and said “ Hiiiii” scaring the daylights out of me. Katie dropped me like a hot potato on the descent. I challenged myself to stay with her and shortly after I rolled my left ankle on a loose off camber section. Ouch! I’m okay I told myself. I just walked it off and slowed down. It’s okay I can assess if there is damage at Ashnola Aid Station at the bottom of the descent. I kept running and all was good. Heading into the Ashnola Aid Station I saw David and refilled my water and Tailwind again. I was feeling relieved that my ankle seemed okay but now I was a bit cautious. Run your own race - maybe it was just a warning.

Ashnola -Trapper : 34.1 km 637m ascent

This section was scenic with burnt out forests, rocky terrain and purple wild flowers. I’ve not take photos during a race, but if I could go back in time I would have done so here. I saw Katie power hiking stealthily ahead. She had her iPods in and couldn’t hear me. I found some comfort run/hiking behind her on this lonely stretch. A few other runners passed us and I was feeling comfortable at this pace. I was enjoying the scenery, this section of the course was unfamiliar territory, with breathtaking scenery.

Purple wildlowers photo credit Twyla MacDonald

Trapper - Calcite

Avery Gottfried was at Trapper Aid Station. It was nice to see a familiar face. He had on a t-shirt “team Doris“ …loved it! I wondered where Doris was. I ate a piece of vegan quesadilla with some guacamole, which tasted so good, and drank ginger-ale. A volunteer helped me refill my Tailwind and topped up my water bladder here since it was a long stretch to the next aid station.

The next section was a long gradual climb. The landscape was moon like. Shortly after another woman from Idaho stealthily power hiked by me. Eventually I caught up to her and stayed with her for a while and we chatted and as we started the single track descent. About here Katie flew by both of us, I then passed the Idaho lady to try to stay with Katie, but she just flew down the trail. It was very flowing and fun single track here; a good place to make up time. It was getting dusky here and I decided at the next aid station, Calcite, that I would put on my waist light.

Leaving Ashnola aid station . photo credit : David Marlor

Calcite - Pasayten:

Into Calcite Aid Station. I recognized one of the volunteers and winner of last year’s Fat Dog race, Ihor Veys. I put on my waist light and Ihor helped me stow my poles in my Ultrapack, since they were more of a hinderance on the descents and I wouldn’t need them for the river crossing at Pasayten. After refilling water and Tailwind, I took a piece of watermelon and ate it on the go. Ihor said “wow fast transition.”. Get what you need and get out of the aid station.

Again some nice flowing fun downhill single track section. I could hear the sound of water and people as I was approaching the Pasayten River . Down a steep technical loose rocky section to the river where I held onto the rope to cross over safely. The water was only ankle deep, but moving fast. I felt like I was close to losing my balance. I saw Matt Cecil taking pictures on the other side. I said “I feel like I’m drunk, but I’m not“ as I was laughing and staggering through the rocky cold water clinging onto the rope for dear life.

Paysayten River crossing . photo credit Matt Cecil.

I was then greeted by Elaine Galbraith and her husband Andrew. I was handed a mandatory safety vest for the three kilometre highway section. I felt like I was cruising along, excited to get to Bonnevier where I would change my shoes, see my crew for the first time and pick up my first pacer, David, for the next 60 km.

With David Marlor pacing me Bonnevier to Hope Pass section. photo credit Erin Dopko

Bonnevier Aid Station : 63 km

Upon entry into the aid station I saw Kevin Jickling and pacer Sara Li, Geoff Pye, Markus Pirker and Katie. My Badass crew Alison Greaves, Sarah Thornber and Erin Dopko had my drop bag laid out and helped me change into dry socks and shoes after lubing up my feet with body glide. This year I used short socks and compression sleeves. As I learned at Cascade Crest Classic 100 in 2022 putting long compression socks on sore and swollen feet takes too much time. Allison massaged my achy feet back to life. I changed into a dry Merino wool shirt, arm warmers and sports bra and instantly felt refreshed. David brought me a selection of hot broth, perogies and peanut better sandwich squares, a late dinner at 12:30 am. After refilling water and Tailwind, it was time to hit the trail. David, my pacer, leading the way.

I brought out my poles for the long hike ahead. It wasn’t technical, mostly fire road for the first several kilometres. Hike the hills, run the flats and downhills. I felt like I’d eaten a lot so my tummy felt a bit uncomfortable to run. Hike, run and repeat.

Along the Heather Trail . Photo credit David Marlor .

Night running is magical, intense and full of vivid experiences. I had my Ultraspire waist belt on low beam, which provided enough lumens (600) to light up the trail in front of me. I enjoy night running because it allows me to focus on the section of trail just ahead of me. I was following David’s lead as he is a strong power hiker, good with pacing and knows these trails. It’s easy to slow down at night because your body wants to sleep and you need to keep pushing. I was feeling okay and keeping a steady rhythm of power walking and running where I could.

I heard someone come up behind me and asked if they wanted to pass. It was Markus Pirker. I was surprised to see him here. We marched along focused on the task at hand.

I ate a few chocolate covered espresso beans to keep me alert through the night. When your body wants to sleep the caffeine and sugar was a nice hit!

Heather Aid Station : 81 km

Arriving here I noticed Sara Li, Kevin’s pacer. Kevin, covered by an emergency blanket, was having a dirt nap on the side of a trail. I hoped he was doing okay.

Paul greeted David and I into the aid station. It was cold and exposed here so I stopped to put on my Merino wool vest, gloves and toque. The warm broth made me instantly feel warm. Paul helped me refill Tailwind. I put my AirPods in with a Fatdog 120 playlist that I had made. I felt like I was starting to slow down and figured the music would lift my spirits and make me move faster till sunrise.

I knew this section of trail well from Heather to Nicomen lake. I was looking forward to seeing Nikki and Twyla and Dennis, Norma and sons Dylon and Mason whom I volunteered with last year.

Nicomen lake . Photo credit Nikki Jomha.

Nicomen Lake Aid Station - 98 km

At the crack of dawn the sun peeked out from behind mountain tops. We could see the first rays of the sun grace the earth. Before my eyes the clouds became lit with a fabulous warm light as the rising sun announced the coming of a new day.

Sunrise . photo credit Arianna Rumenovich .

Yeah we made it through the first night. Heading down to Nicomen Lake and towards the cabin I was feeling excited. David and I got a warm welcome into the aid station. Dylon and Mason filled up my flasks with water and tailwind. I ate a couple of Oreo

cookies, which tasted so good, then we headed back onto the trail. It was starting to get warm so I took off my vest and arm warmers here.

Nicomen Aid station first time through . Photo credit Nikki Jomha.

Nicomen to Hope Pass Aid Station

The next section of trail was familiar as David and I hiked out from Nicomen last year with some other volunteers along this trail. Nice flowing gentle single track. David spotted a wasp nest on the side of the trail, so we took a wide birth around it . Luckily we didn’t get stung. I’m not allergic, but why take a chance.

Into Granger Creek Aid Station. I had some delicious instant coffee and pop tarts for breakfast and refilled my tailwind for the next stretch to Hope Pass. .At this point I was getting tired of drinking Tailwind but I knew I had to keep calories in somehow. My teeth felt hairy from all the sugar and carbohydrates I was consuming. A toothbrush would have been a good idea.

My legs were feeling the fatigue and power hiking was my speed. The 100k runners were now on course with fresh legs. I pulled off to the side for them. Some were nice and moved around me. I felt envious of their fresh legs as mine were feeling the heaviness at this point in the race.

We began the long slog of a climb to Hope Pass. This section was new to me and it seemed all uphill. I repeated my Fat Dog mantra over and over in my mind F- fierce , A- amazing, T - tenacious, D- determined, O- optimistic, G- grateful, stay positive! A mantra I repeated to myself over and over. Thanks to Dr. Bruce Pinel, Sports psychologist. Repeating a mantra can be an effective mental tool to help to regain motivation and help to push through physical discomfort.

David could see I was fading and stopped me and told me to take a three minute power nap. We were good for time so I took his advice and laid down on the side of the trail and closed eyes as he watched the clock. I drifted off but I couldn’t get comfortable. The act of closing my eyes was enough recharge that it gave me a boost of energy.

Now David was starting to get tired on the relentless steep climb. He told me to go ahead without him and he would catch up before the aid station. The rule was the runner has to stay with the pacer. I was worried about him. I yelled back to see if he

was okay. David eventually caught up to me before we hit the aid station.

On the endless decent into Hope Pass I saw Tanya and her pacer, then Kevin and pacer Sara, Geoff Pye and his pacer, and then Markus and pacer Ed. At this point I was feeling a bit low. Everyone was leaving the aid station and I hadn’t even gotten there. I reminded myself that they are all faster and I’m still in the game. There was still 80 km to go so anything can happen.

Finally we arrived at Hope Pass Aid Station. Alison and Erin had my drop bag laid out and offered food. I didn’t feel hungry but I forced myself to eat two small pancakes, a hash brown and a pickle with some coke. It was lunchtime. I had a nice blister on the second toe on my left foot to take care of. Ali helped drain it and bandage it up for

me while Greg Carson supervised. Let’s assess the carnage. My feet were sore and hot. The change of socks and shoes was a nice reset. I could feel my lower legs were swollen so I decided to leave my compression sleeves on. Alison put a bag of ice on my tired feet and massaged them back to life. My shoulders were feeling sore from the weight of my pack. Alison applied K-tape to my shoulders, which really helped to reduce the pain and tension in my upper traps. I changed into a fresh Merino wool shirt and sports bra, new buffs and sun gloves. I recharged my Fenix 7 here although the battery was still going but just to top it up. I spent a bit more time here than I’d liked but it was necessary. I said good bye to David and was on my way out with my second pacer Arianna who would pace me the 80 km remaining of the course.

With Arianna second time through Nicomen lake aid station. photo credit : Nikki Jomha

Arianna Rumenovich was chomping at the bit to get going. She’s young and had so much energy and enthusiasm that I wished I could have. I told her “I don’t know if I can run any more, this is turning into a power hike and if I’m not very talkative don’t be offended.“ She replied “just stay with me.” Arianna is a power house and strong hiker ,and fairly new to the ultra running scene. I stayed a few metres back from her in my own little world. This was good training for her Finlayson double in September and in preparation for her first 100 miler, the Orcas Island 100 in February. She picked a good one!

Arianna was very encouraging and reminded me to drink my Tailwind, sip water because even though my watch was still beeping at me every 30 mins, I was ignoring it! Drink, hike, eat and repeat. Arianna was encouraging me to pick up the pace , but I felt this was it. I knew I had to force myself to get running, a few steps at a time, run the downhills, hike the uphills. Erik Bird’s words replayed in my head “Fat Dog is a running race, not a hiking race.” I needed to ignore the pain and get running. I kept telling

Still smiling ! Photo credit Arianna Rumenovich

myself “come on legs we need to get going.“

Nicomen Lake Aid Station (second pass through) - 134 km

Finally we got into back into Nicomen lake Aid Station. The food sources here were slim pickings now. I ate a few soggy saltines and arrowroot cookies. I was debating whether or not to take a nap. Nikki persuaded me not to. She asked, “Do you want some Firebal? I responded, ”Uh no thank you”, I already felt drunk lol. I was starting to feel hot and exhausted and we still had a long climb back up to Heather Aid Station. One step at a time. There were a couple of guys ahead struggling too. Arianna kept encouraging me to “let’s get them.“ We did eventually only for them to slowly pull away. By this point I had a dry cough and then a nose bleed from all the dry air and trail dust. My white sun gloves and the buff around my wrist served as a good handkerchief.

Return on the Heather trail . photo credit Arianna Rumenovich

The stretch to Heather Aid Station was mostly all uphill. My legs were aching to stop, but I just had to embrace the discomfort ”Make the pain cave bigger“ as Courtney Dewalter would say .”You need to convince yourself it’s okay to feel bad, your body is ready for this.” I remember David saying “you have to want this.“ It’s almost like an out of body experience. I don’t know how my body was still moving. My body and mind were on autopilot. “Keep moving forward” I told myself.

Heather Aid Station (second pass through) - 150 km.

Paul helped me refill my Tailwind here as I put on another layer and my waist light for the second night. Arianna was encouraging me to keep eating and drinking. Nothing seemed appealing but knew I had to keep fuelling. Just get to Blackwall Aid Station, that’s 100 miles, then it’s only 20 more to the finish. We’ve got this!

We turned off our headlights for a moment and gazed at stars. The perseids meteor shower lit up the sky. I saw a streak of light in the sky, it could have been a shooting or falling star. I made a wish.

Blackwall Peak Aid Station - 100 miles :160 km

Heading into the aid station I saw David, Ali and Erin. They offered my warm broth and quesadilla slices. I had a drop bag here with extra shoes but decided not to change.

Blackwell Peak aid station . 100 miles in . “ Please don’t make me drink anymore Tailwind “

My feet were swollen and shoes were feeling snug. I was afraid to take them off. David refilled my Tailwind and Ali mixed one of my flasks with coke and water for a change. David told me Markus had been here an hour before. We still were on good pace to make it to Windy Joe well ahead of 5 am cut off.

Melissa commented “I can’t believe you’re doing this!“ Me neither. After a quick photo we had our high visibility vest on and headed up to a technical bit of trail before hitting the road decent. David suggested power hiking this and alternating a few metres of running.

Arianna and I leaving Blackwell peak aid station . Only 20 miles to go ! photo credit : Erin Dopko

Arianna power walked ahead of me. I stayed behind alternating fast walking and running a few metres . Trying to ignore my aching feet and ankles. I was focused on my feet and the road ahead. “Just keep moving” I told myself. I walked backwards a few times to change up the muscle groups. Arianna suggested I change my stride, push out my hips, it helped a bit just to loosen up my sore hips. I felt like I was race walking down the mountain. Coming from the trails, the long stretch of 11 km on pavement felt so unforgiving. Suddenly out of nowhere a guy came flying down the hill as if I’m standing still. Holy crap! I was starting to hallucinate, I was seeing things. I could see a vest in the distance. It looked like a dancing jellyfish. Then my shadow freaked me out. I could see my arms swinging my poles. Oh it’s just me. I knew what was happening. Brain was getting tired and trying to shut neurons down for rest. The road seemed endless. We finally got down into the Windy Joe Aid Station at last.

Windy Joe Aid Station

I stopped to use the porta pottie here. It was surprisingly clean. I couldn’t sit down but it was nice to use toilet paper. After half a grilled cheese sandwich and some coke we had eight kilometres to Strawberry Flats Aid Station. The last aid station before the finish line.

Strawberry flats was my least favourite section of the entire course. Hallucinations were becoming strong. Trees looked like porta potties, logs looked like cars, then I thought “Why was Arianna petting that cow on the side of the trail?“ It was the way the light was shining on the leaves. My mind was playing tricks on me. I was starting to get cold and shivering as we were walking alongside a creek. Arianna stopped to help me put my rain jacket on , but I was still cold and now worried about hypothermia. Ok keep moving, pick up the pace you

Strawberry Flats Aid Station to the Finish

Run by our local Coastline Endurance Victoria team. I stood by the heater to warm up and luckily David had my unused drop bag from Blackwell Peak in his van. I changed into dry layers here, changed into dry socks and changed my shoes. I felt recharged instantly and the change of footwear was a relief for my tired feet.

Sun coming up on skyline . photo credit Arianna Rumenovich

David insisted we get on our way. Skyline was at least another four hours. Iit was 4:30 am. How am I going to do this I thought? You don’t have a choice. You’re doing it . Suck it up whinny baby.

I’ve been up Skyline before. I knew there were five false peaks. Arianna started the power hike up along the switch back trails that gradually climbed. This wasn’t so bad, the climbs were gentle and the sun was coming up.

Skyline at sunrise. photo credit Matt Cecil

Being up at the top of Skyline at sunrise was the highlight of the race for me. As the sun peeked behind the mountains, the rising sun cast a rosy hue across the morning sky. The warmth of the sun felt good on my body. I could see the false peaks ahead, my legs and feet were throbbing and I used my poles to pull myself up the climbs.

The Skyline ridge. Almost home. photo credit Arianna Rumenovich

On the home stretch now . Arianna said to me “we need to pick up the pace, stay with me.“ She powered ahead. I stayed a few feet behind. My alarm in my bag went off and had to stop and I noticed it was 8 am. Okay shoot we need to go. I was feeling stressed and sleep deprived. Arianna coaxed me to start running down the steep, technical loose skyline trail. I managed to get down without falling and finally we hit the runnable switchbacks.

The Rainbow Bridge . photo credit: Arianna Rumenovich

I was running as fast as my legs would go without losing control. Ignoring the pain. “I’m sorry legs.“. Descending down the switchback trails that seemed familiar. Finally we crossed the Rainbow Bridge. My legs slowed to a power hike/run. I saw JJ on his paddle board approaching us on the lake yelling words of encouragement. David yelled from the finish line across the lake “Is that you Charlene?“. As we approached the final stretch to the finish I said to Arianna “let’s sprint.”. My legs suddenly rebelled and I gasped but pushed through to the finish line fuelled by adrenaline. Matt Cecil was taking photos. Erik gave me a hug and handed me my belt buckle., This was real. Mission accomplished. Finishing in 47 hrs 13 mins. Eleventh of 14 females that finished Oldest female finisher. Second in my age group.

Finishing Fat Dog 120 miles felt surreal. I felt exhausted and elated. My personal goal

was to finish within 46 hours but truthfully I’m just happy I finished with time to spare. It’s hard to put this type of event into words, but I think the biggest take home is putting into perspective what getting through hard things does for you as a person.

Feeling grateful to have finished . photo credit Matt Cecil.

You can’t do hard things on your own and hard is only in your mind. If it doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger.“.

Celebrating the finish with Arianna . photo credit Matt Cecil.

Big thank you to my coach Matt Cecil and for capturing the emotions of the day in his amazing photography; coach Holly Dickinson-ACCEL strength and conditioning, for her creative strength programs keeping me strong and mobile; Dr. Bruce Pinel - for giving me the tools to keep mentally focused and strong; my pacers David Marlor and Arianna R - I couldn’t have done this without your help; the Badass Chicks Run Trails team and amazing crew Allison Greaves and Erin Dopko; Tri- body training group and November Project Victoria -for the awesome group training , Ma Yoga - for all the amazing instructors and yoga classes keeping my body strong and flexible, physio Jaymie McGowan and acupuncturist Alain Schmitz for keeping my body maintenance to do these crazy adventures. Erik Bird and all the amazing crew and volunteers out there on the course all day and night - that make these races happen.