A Badger of Honor — The Badger Mountain 50 Mile Challenge Run
Eastern Washington’s Badger Mountain 50 Mile Challenge Run was never a race I planned on doing! The course is tough and the weather can be a doozy! But, I heard great things about the race director Jason Reathaford and his tireless volunteers. I knew that this race raised money for the Friends of Badger Mountain, the Washington Trails Association, and the Girls on the Run program. And I knew a lot of my ultra-runner colleagues would be participating in it. And because it ideally fit into my training calendar as a chance to get another 50 mile training run in for my upcoming 100 Mile Run in July, the unexpected happened—I signed up for it! It turned out to be my hardest and slowest 50 mile run to date. But I did it! And considering the conditions, I’m proud of my accomplishment—and wear it as a badger of honor!
Heading up Badger at race start
As race day neared, the weather looked like it was going to be downright nasty. Exactly why I chose to do my last 50 mile run in San Diego. Hard to beat a sunny day in the 60s when you’re out pounding the dirt. But I was committed now, and part of my training regimen is to prepare for all kinds of conditions. I’ve run my fair share of races in heat and humidity and have adapted just fine to persevering in it. So now it was time to confront cold rain and wind in a fully exposed environment. I’ve said repeatedly that half the success to ultra-running is mental conditioning. I accepted that it was going to be a tough day on the course—made the necessary adjustments—and psyched myself out to take it on!
One of the earliest lessons I learned in my ultra-running journey, and one that transcends into life is this; stuff happens and you have to adjust, often rapidly or you’re on your way to failure. Where runners get into trouble is not adjusting their strategy when faced with a sudden obstacle or unforeseen change—like a nasty weather race day. I consulted numerous weather sources and all were saying the same thing, heavy rain with 30 mph wind with stronger gusts possible. There’s not a tree or much shelter on the 50 mile course, so I would be exposed to this weather for hours—weather that can bring on hypothermia and a dreaded DNF (did not finish) for your race results. So without hesitation I stuffed my drop bag which I would be able to access at mile 19 and mile 31 with as much as I could. Extra socks, shirts, jackets, layers, even an extra pair of shoes. It saved me and my race.
About 200 of us lined up to run the 50 and 100 mile (which was two times out on this grueling course) race on a fairly calm overcast morning. At 7 am what resembled a pilgrimage, a long procession of runners began ascending Badger Mountain. As the grade lessened and the crowding thinned, the paces picked up. The first 13 miles of this race was pleasurable. The trails up Badger and Candy Mountains are well-built and well maintained. After coming off of Candy Mountain the course took to some roads and a long service road through a sprawling vineyard. I was able to run at a decent pace tagging along with other runners, some I knew and others new acquaintances—partaking in good conversation which helped propel me along the course.
Approaching Badger’s summit
Surprisingly the sun began to shine and I shed my jacket and sleeves. Could the forecasts be wrong? At this time the course became increasingly difficult following a series of steep up and down jeep trails I dubbed the tank traps. All part of the fun! I was feeling good as I came to Mile 19, a major aid station. I peered through my sunglasses at a weather app on my phone hoping the forecast changed. Nope, rain would begin within an hour it displayed. I still held hope. I began the grueling ascent of the Horse Heaven Hills–1400 feet of elevation gain in 1.7 miles. As I progressed higher, I could see a dark shroud of clouds moving eastward. And once I crested the ridge I was met with the full blast of a 30 mph wind. I quickly put my sleeves and wind jacket back on and then began the long ridge crest traverse to the course’s highpoint and turnaround spot, Chandler Butte.
The run along the crest of these open grassy hills high above the Yakima River is stunning. On a clear day you can see all the way to snowy sentinels Mounts Adams and Rainier. You could also see into the heart of one of Washington’s three main potato growing areas, the South Columbia River Basin. Here in Yakima. Klickitat, Benton, and Franklin and Adams Counties are some of the most productive potato farms (nearly all of them family owned) in the country. It’s also Washington’s most diverse potato growing region producing; Russets, Reds, Whites, Yellow/golds, Purples/blues, and Fingerlings. The plantings had just begun to take place and will continue until May. Come August and lasting into November harvesting will be in full swing. It was great to be representing Team Potato in Washington Potato Country!
The “Tank Traps”
Unfortunately I wasn’t taking in the views much with horizontal rain bombarding me and my hood pulled half down my head for protection. I had to keep my focus on the ground too as much of the way was rocky. Along this out and back stretch however I got to see many of my fellow runners, but it was tough to see who they were with heads and faces covered up Reaching the aid station at Chandler Butte was a psychological boost. It was now time to return. Along the ridge the weather was so challenging that it preoccupied me causing me to go into a liquid and calorie deficit. I just wanted to keep going and get off of the ridge. I couldn’t get to the descent any sooner and upon finally getting off of the ridge got a reprieve from the strong winds!
I was hungry, thirsty and soaked when I arrived at the mile 31 aid station. I got under the canopy and changed into dry clothes—and I was able to get some much needed calories and liquids—chicken noodle soup, coffee, cheese sandwich and quesadilla square and potatoes. All foods that my stomach could handle. I ended up spending way too much time at that aid station and knew it was going to hurt my finish time. But this was a training run and I needed to warm up and refuel. Now with a puffy vest on under a rain jacket I headed back through the tank traps that were now sluiceways of mud. It definitely slowed me down lest I take a nasty fall or pull a muscle.
Cresting the Horse Heaven Hills before the nasty weather
New friend and new 50 miler Katie
Despite the nasty weather and the challenging course, I was feeling pretty good. At Mile 40 I was fully recharged (the coffee didn’t hurt) and keeping a positive attitude. By this point it had stopped raining! But the wind would still be a factor especially on the last few miles up and over Candy and Badger Mountains. I ran this stretch with new friend Katie, who provided great company. And this was her first 50 miler!
The early evening lighting was pretty as we headed over Candy Mountain in early evening. My ascent and descent of Badger would be in the dark (but I was prepared with my waist light). The Tri-cities sparkled below. This area is booming and much of the surroundings have been transformed into some of the finest agricultural lands in the state. But there are pockets of important habitat for wildlife and stretches of open space for recreation remaining that needs to be protected—and the Friends of badger Mountain which receives some of the race’s proceeds are helping do just that!
At 8:42 pm I crossed the finish line and as always felt an incredible sense of relief and accomplishment. This was a tough run under tough conditions. But I’m glad I did it, preparing me further for the big one coming up in July. A long hot shower, hearty meal, and good night’s sleep couldn’t sound any better!
Big Thanks to the Washington State Potato Commission for sponsoring me. I am proud to be a member of Team Potato and to showcase the nutritional value and performance enhancement of potatoes as I attempt to run a marathon or ultra-marathon in all 50 states—and train for my first 100 mile run! I’ve got many miles left to go—and lots of potatoes to consume to power me along the way.
