Six weeks earlier than the beginning of the distinguished Tahoe 200-mile path race, Alberta’s Christopher Aubrey purpose race, Angeles Crest 100, was cancelled, and he selected a whim to sort out the 200-mile distance for the primary time. The instructor from Sherwood Park (close to Edmonton, “a spot with no hills to talk of” says Aubrey) and devoted dad to 2 little women, has a powerful race resume that features Hardrock 100 and Quebec Mega Path and is a three-time finisher of the epic Fats Canine 120.
Aubrey managed to complete fifteenth and was the highest Canadian, on a yr the place the warmth induced a really excessive drop charge. We caught as much as the completed athlete to get the filth on 200-mile racing.
You will have taken on some fairly prestigious races earlier than Tahoe–what was the inspiration in coaching for a 200-miler?
I’ve run just a few 100-mile races over the previous few years. My favourites have positively been Hardrock 100, Fats Canine 120 (I’ve achieved Fats Canine 3 occasions), Quebec Mega Path, and Teanaway Nation 100.
I’ve been interested in working 200s for some time now however by no means had the nerve to only enroll. Tahoe 200 needed to transfer their race due to snow to July, and it was just one week earlier than my supposed race of Angeles Crest (cancelled) was purported to be. After chatting with my household, we determined this was the yr I’d go for it.
How did you put together for a 200-miler?
I knew I’d principally be mountain climbing, so I switched my coaching to about 70 per cent mountain climbing and 30 per cent working. Possibly even somewhat extra mountain climbing than that. I didn’t have a to of time to modify it up, however I had a superb base from coaching for Angeles Crest and working a 100K and a 50K earlier within the season.
Greatest elements of the race? Hardest elements?
The toughest a part of Tahoe was the warmth and altitude. I did a superb quantity to sauna coaching earlier than the race, however the warmth plus the altitude kicked my butt. Sooner or later one, I puked ten or extra occasions the primary night time and was satisfied I used to be achieved. I spent an hour and a half at that help station attempting to sleep and eat and get my physique proper.
Due to the altitude at Tahoe 200, the solar is extraordinarily scorching and may burn your pores and skin quick should you’re not cautious. Additionally, sleep deprivation is actual! I had so many hallucinations and typically was mountain climbing with my eyes closed. I slept lower than 3 hours complete throughout all the race.
The perfect a part of Tahoe is the views. It’s amazingly stunning on the market! I do know it’s cliche, however images don’t do it justice.
How did you get via the actually robust issues that should crop up in such an extended occasion?
I actually profit from the encouragement of others. On the help station the place I used to be puking, a volunteer and a fellow runner informed me that I had time to beat this problem–that was sufficient for me to imagine I may ultimately cease puking and get shifting. My spouse Christa has been identified to shove meals in my mouth till I simply quit and resolve working is best than consuming (kidding… sort of).
Who’s your help?
I actually imagine I’ve one of the best crew at races. The thrill of seeing my spouse and youngsters at help stations at all times motivates me and helps me maintain going. My daughters, Elizabeth and Sophia, are so constructive and excited at races. It brings me pleasure.
For full outcomes of the 2023 Tahoe 200, head right here.
