The 2024 Gorge Waterfalls 100k : Qualifying For Western States Surrounded By Beautiful Waterfalls

Thumbnail Photo Taken By: @jamesholk @runfreetrail ‪@daybreakracing‬
The 2024 Gorge Waterfalls 100k began at 5 am on Saturday morning, and I felt cool and calm, echoing Karl Meltzer's sentiment that '100 miles just isn't that far.' After completing the Fat Dog 120 last year to cap off my season, I shared similar feelings about the 100k distance-I wasn't worried about finishing; I was just excited to embark on this long journey.
The race unfolded as expected until around mile 30 when I began to feel ready to be done, although I knew that wasn't an option. Thus, my race turned into a grind, but this time, I was better at maintaining my pace and keeping a positive mindset than in past ultras.
The journey through miles 0-10 was mostly in the dark, navigating wet and slippery switchbacks amidst a conga line of runners. I found my rhythm, passing where I could and conserving energy where necessary. Remarkably, my total time spent at aid stations was under 10 minutes for the entire 62 miles-a significant improvement.
From miles 11-20, I ran alongside Sarah, relishing in the beauty of the waterfalls and single track that lined the gorge. As the terrain grew more challenging, we eventually separated, only reuniting briefly at the Wyeth aid station.
Miles 21-30 saw me maintaining a strong pace, but I knew it wouldn't last. Heading back the way we came, the trails felt unfamiliar, perhaps influenced by the mushrooms I had taken at the start. Despite the fatigue setting in, I pressed on, refueling at aid stations and pushing through the mental barriers.
By miles 31-40, the Inner Bitch began to rear its head, urging me to stop and drop from the race. However, drawing on past experiences, I silenced the negative thoughts and kept moving forward.
The hardest physical challenge came during miles 41-50, where I walked most of the relatively easy trail, battling exhaustion and discomfort. Ditching unnecessary gear at Wyeth aid station, I found renewed energy, spurred on by the proximity to the finish line.
The final push from miles 51-62 was invigorating as I tackled a 3-mile uphill stretch, fueled by the anticipation of seeing my wife and daughter at the finish line. Running across the finish line with Tove in my arms was the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey, reminding me of the joy and fulfillment that come from pushing past my limits.
Thank you for joining me on this incredible adventure. If you enjoyed this video, please hit the like and subscribe buttons, and stay tuned for more exciting races and adventures ahead

[@matthewwells5026]

Those trails look amazing!

[@MKHoadley]

Running in the Gorge is magical.

[@psillyrunner8650]

Truly!!

[@Sanko1960]

I always enjoy your videography, but I also enjoyed your verbal account of how the race went for you. I caught you in Freetrail's Gorge Waterfalls//2024 Short Film the other day, and got a kick out of that also!

[@psillyrunner8650]

They got me holding my daughter at the finish line! I loved that I snuck in the video 😂 Now that I have a space to film stuff at home I’ll try and do a review at the end of race videos!

[@wetwoodchuck]

Nice work Alex, love that artwork. Keeping me inspired while injured.

[@psillyrunner8650]

Hope you’re getting over the injury soon!

[@SeeChadRun]

Beautiful trails!!! Awesome editing too ;-) Well done finishing all those miles with over 11k vert.

[@psillyrunner8650]

Thank you! Those trails were seriously out of this world 🌎 I wanna go back and explore more

[@aceintheplace8053]

Great video man! It was fun to relive it. Spotted myself a minute or so in and ended up finishing ten minutes after you

[@psillyrunner8650]

Thank you 🙏🏻 and great work out there!

[@carry_boats]

that course is beautiful

[@psillyrunner8650]

One of the best! They should work out a 100 mile 👌🏻

[@carry_boats]

@@psillyrunner8650 true, they should... cause that's all I run

[@UntalLaurencio]

Way to go brother! Love the videography and all the views. Also enjoyed all the tips on this one. I’ll be using some of those myself. Adorable baby, great job!

[@psillyrunner8650]

Thank you brother 🙏🏻🙏🏻 what tips are you planning to use?

[@UntalLaurencio]

@@psillyrunner8650saying the right things and putting things on the shelves and deal with it late. I’ll address them as soon as you get a chance. I been lucky to be on the right mindset, but I know the time will come when I need to dig deeper.

[@psillyrunner8650]

@@UntalLaurencio It will definitely come! haha, but it's always something I look back on fondly!

[@jg5555]

Epic course! Congrats on that finish and thanks for a really good recap - I find those to be pretty educational. I've been thinking about that maple syrup thing ever since you mentioned it several videos back, might have to give it a try. I do think there are unanswered questions about Sarah & the poo stop..........

[@psillyrunner8650]

Maple syrup is seriously the most unknown trick in ultra running. Just make sure you get the real stuff, preferably from Maine haha. And Sarah did stop for said activities and must have been on my tail literally all day!

[@jg5555]

@@psillyrunner8650 I might sign up for a 100-miler just for an excuse to drink maple syrup 😂 Glad everything came out okay for Sarah.

[@psillyrunner8650]

@@jg5555 Any reason is a good reason to sign up for a good ol' hundo!

[@Sonatafade]

That doesn't sound like horse shit to me! I think it's valuable advice for getting shit done, but not ignoring problems forever. Doesn't have to just be for ultras.

[@psillyrunner8650]

You’re not wrong! 💪🏻💪🏻