Searching for the perfect race isn’t usually fun, but it comes together like a symphony when the particular criteria are seemingly met. I’d prefer mountainous terrain with trails similar to Colorado while climbing at least 10,000 feet. Timing is also a consideration for interference with the Leadville trail marathon on June 29th. 

I was unsuccessful finding anything interesting on the worldly circuit within my Spring, two-month window. I narrowed the hunt to just Colorado and was met with only one event; a 5-hour drive to the “Desert Rats” race near the state line. I felt more creativity was required. With several choices on a national level search, I was immediately drawn to the beach and waterfall events in Oregon.

My first choice was the Gorge Waterfalls race, but it has over 800 participants and over a hundred on the waiting list. The Secret Beach event currently has only seven entrants. Could this unpopular event be a hidden gem?! It’s an out and back course with “unparalleled coastal scenery”, visiting three aid stations twice with drop bags at each. The route includes 12,400 feet of elevation climbing and has an 18-hour cutoff. Additionally, the Redwood forest is a short drive away. It’ll perfectly serve as my Mozart; with expectations of Slayer and chaos before its’s over.

I’ve also been considering long distant nutrition strategies. As the runs get longer this year, I want to experiment with heavier calorie and carb choices. I already enjoy items like warm ramen, salty potatoes, and various fruits, but I’d like to get familiar with fuel outside gels and protein bars. I usually did well with MREs in the military field and training environments. Those pouches are loaded with nutrients and convenient for the trail. Figured I’d start there.

Next up, Secret Beach 100K. May 11, 2024.

https://www.allterrainadventures.net/secretbeach
https://www.daybreakracing.com/gorge-waterfalls