Fraser Valley XC Ramble

Capilano / Beth!

IMTUF 100 mile 🥇

Fat Dog 100 2025

To the lake

With 3km to go I hear the sound of several large things crashing in the bushes around a corner.  I thought what now?! 

A bugle call started the 2025 IMTUF at around 6am and we were off in the dark.  Climbing up to Jughandle and a nice sunrise.  All the YouTube videos and write ups of previous racers experiences started to become familiar.  I’m a stickler for researching courses so reading blogs and watching videos helped to get an idea of what was to come.    

I was in a group of 6 cresting Jug then descending the very technical downhill.  Sky running in a 100 miler!  The first aid station came and went quickly and I made up a few places.  The first few hours were just eating and finding a rythym.  Get to know your fellow racer and where they’re at on course.  It started to heat up on the climb then fast dusty ATV downhill to S. Crestline aid .  As I got to aid I saw the leader JT leaving.  Ok game on.  Feeling good I started the climb to the exposed Crestline trail.  

The heat started to batter me but eat drink and move forward was my mantra.  Hat dips and face washes helped too.  JT was wearing a pink shirt so I looked out for him on every corner.  Wasn’t really till just before the 45th Parallel goat aid station that I caught him and we arrived together.  I knew I was in trouble with low hydration so I had to bounce back.  JT left the aid quickly while I stammered about eating gummies and getting several bottles filled .  The aid station volunteers asked if I wanted a photo with the goats .  I turned around and saw two goats watching me with yearning eyes and I politely declined as my low point dictated my mood and I had to go! 

Moving along crestline just keep moving and drinking hoping things will get better.  
I passed a couple fisherman walking and asked if they caught anything.  One replied “We got trout for lunch! “.  Even when I’m a shell of a human being I still enjoy banter.  

Eventually got to N. Crestline aid in a world of low but ate and drank more.  Fountains of Wayne “Stacy’s mom” was playing on the aid station speaker .  I was vibing in a death stuper.  That song is honestly a banger.  Zachary ran into the aid station as I was leaving and quickly passed me remarking “THAT was hot”

I took several more km to recover from dehydration and a bad stomach.  I was moving ok to the upper Payette lake aid where the RD Jeremy met me and gave me some words of support.  I left with many salted potatoes and continued on.  I was faffing around on the climb trying to adjust my pack and filter water.  Getting a bit frustrated with myself I thought it’s ok to take some slow time as you’re gonna be more fresh in the finale.  I finally started to get into a groove heading into duck lake aid. Quickly in and out of duck then onto the gravel I was feeling good hoping to see JT and Zachary around every corner.  Got into Snowslide just about dark.  Sat for a few minutes (my only sit) and scarfed down mashed potatoes and broth.  I had my poles in the drop bag here but left them relying on my free hands to get the calories in.  As I left snowslide 5 mins later I heard cheering back at aid .  Shit !  I’m getting chased.  But maybe they’ll hang at the aid for a long time.  Who knows but I’m now being hunted.  

It was steep loose climbing just following the reflectors and hoping to see headlamps up ahead .  Then there were two headlamps up ahead.  It was JT and his pacer, he said he was having a low moment .  I passed him wishing him good luck.  As I continued climbing I saw another headlamp .  Could it really be Zachary?!  It’s coming down the hill towards me !  Oh no could Zachary be coming down to DNF? It was just a hiker coming down.  He mentioned that the leader was just cresting.  I continued up and finally crested heading down the steep rocky descent eventually finding runnable terrain.  

I found my groove and motored down the descent only to be stopped by a badly rolled ankle.  I walked for a couple minutes while I sussed out the pain then started to run and forgot about it.  (It didn’t end up being an injury).  Finally I saw the signs of the aid station coming up (It’s an out and back 2nd time) so I thought it’s a good time to see where Zachary is.  Moving along I figured I would see his headlamp coming out of aid toward me or maybe he’s so far ahead I won’t see him on the out and back.  Got to the lights of aid and Zachary was there.  I gave him a pat on the shoulder as I loaded up on pizza.  I had to get in and out fast.  Leaving I nearly threw up my pizza dinner 10 feet out of the aid station .  Classic ultra moment ?  I kept it down and ran .  So I’m leading but now who’s chasing.? The further I get from aid the more gap I have but saw Mac and his pacers headlamps soon after leaving.  I figured I have 10 mins to him .  Time for the last climb up to Boulder summit.  I kept it steady looking at my watch altimeter wondering when it’ll peak out.  Eventually I could see the silhouette of the crest and the reflectors down below, as well as the lights of town .  A good feeling but I’m not in the clear by any means so descend fast is the norm.  Finally got to the last aid met with Jeremy who showed me the way across the river.  Keeping me feet dry till now I sent it in calf deep water knowing it’s less than 10km to go.  Just get calories in and drink and repeat.  And don’t miss a turn ! 

With 3km to go I hear the sound of several large things crashing in the bushes around a corner.  I thought what now?! I illuminated the big black backside of one of them across the trail.  Black Bears really ?! Maybe cubs too .  I heard a loud snort and white eyes staring back.  They were cows!  I stopped as I couldn’t get past this immovable object for a minute.  Eventually it moved to the side but keeping an eye on me. Almost there.  

Jeremy met me with a few 100m to go and ran me in to the finish .  Congrats to Mac and Zachary for their strong 2nd and 3rd place finishes.

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Mike Sidic

IMTUF 100 mile 🥇

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Fraser Valley XC Ramble

Capilano / Beth!

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Fat Dog 100 2025

To the lake

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