In this episode of the On the Runs podcast, Knute, Erika, and guest Mikala discuss Mikala's experience running the Western States Endurance Run. They talk about the lottery system for entry, Mikala's training and preparation, and the logistics of the race. Mikala shares her strategy for drop bags and the items she included in them. They also discuss the supportive and inclusive atmosphere of the race and the camaraderie among runners. The vibe at the starting line of the Western States 100 mile trail race was emotional and filled with dedicated supporters. The race began with a challenging climb, and one runner even walked into a chairlift by accident. The river crossing was a highlight, with volunteers helping runners navigate the water. The race took place in hot weather, and some runners struggled with the heat. Despite the challenges, Mikala's why for running ultras is simply because she loves it. She enjoys the reward of running in the woods with like-minded people. In this part of the conversation, Mikala discusses her experience running the Western States 100-mile race and the challenges she faced. She talks about using headphones during the race and the songs she listened to, including 'It's Raining Tacos.' Mikala also shares her thoughts on the finish line and the post-race meal she had. The conversation then transitions to Erica's experience running the Washington Yeti 100-mile race, where she describes the beautiful scenery and the differences compared to her previous race in Virginia. They also discuss mental preparation and the importance of being relaxed before a race. In this final part of the conversation, Erika shares her overall experience of the race and the lessons she learned. She talks about how she prepared better for this race, including taping up her feet to prevent blisters and improving her fueling habits. She also discusses the lack of tracking in this race and the challenges she faced during the night lap. Erika mentions her upcoming race, the Notch, and her goals for it. The conversation ends with a discussion about the Code Brown commandments and the importance of being comfortable in outdoor bathroom situations.

Chapters

00:00 The Lottery System and Training Camp
17:33 Logistics and Panic Attacks
19:56 The Importance of a Support System
22:18 Preparations and Safety Pins
23:25 The Emotional Start of the Western States Race
24:25 Challenges and Strategies for River Crossings
29:26 Managing Heat and Hydration in the Western States Race
33:13 The Significance of Toenail Colors in Ultra Running
37:24 The Joy of Running Ultras: Nature and Camaraderie
45:41 Music and Finish Line Vibes at Western States 100
54:02 Average Pace and Buckle at Western States 100
01:08:08 The Beautiful Trail and Aid Stations at Washington Yeti 100
01:11:26 Challenges of Long Distances and Mental Preparation
01:12:48 Appreciating the Support and Camaraderie of the Ultra Running Community
01:12:54 Mental Preparation and Relaxation
01:14:55 Learning and Improving from Past Races
01:16:27 Fueling Strategies and Adaptation
01:19:03 The Importance of Support from Fellow Runners
01:21:50 The Challenges of Limited Tracking
01:25:13 Finding Motivation in the Beauty of the Scenery
01:27:02 The Excitement of Signing Up for Another Race
01:32:06 Code Brown Com

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